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Welcome to The Thirsty Turtle Cranford

Welcome to The Thirsty Turtle Cranford, a vibrant eatery located at 1-7 S Ave E, Cranford, NJ. This welcoming spot offers a fantastic atmosphere with attentive service, making it perfect for casual dining or enjoying drinks with friends. Guests rave about the standout dishes, like their addictive Philly eggrolls and exceptional tuna tacos, which showcase fresh, bold flavors. The menu caters to various tastes, featuring popular items such as blackened chicken salad and crispy fish and chips. With a keen emphasis on customer experience, The Thirsty Turtle Cranford has transformed into a must-visit destination that invites you to return time and again.

The Thirsty Turtle Cranford: Reviews & Ratings

Kelly Blewitt
Kelly Blewitt

Years ago, I swore I’d never step foot in The Thirsty Turtle again after a pretty rough experience—poor service, food that didn’t live up to the hype, and an atmosphere that just felt off. It was one of those “once and done” kind of visits. Fast forward to now: a good friend of mine practically begged me to give it another shot, promising it had completely turned around. I went in cautiously optimistic... and I’m so glad I did. From the second I walked in, the vibe was different. Warm, inviting, and full of energy. We sat at the bar where Katy was holding it down like an absolute pro. She was knowledgeable, friendly, and made us feel like regulars, even though it had been years since I’d been there. Her drink recommendations were spot on and her personality alone made the experience worth it. And then came the food. Wow. The Philly eggrolls were crispy, cheesy perfection, packed with flavor and seriously addictive. But the real star? The tuna tacos. Fresh, flavorful, and beautifully presented—honestly, they were some of the best I’ve had anywhere. To top it off, the manager Ryan came over to check in on us, which showed a level of care you don’t always get these days. He made it clear they value every guest’s experience and that this “new” Thirsty Turtle is here to impress. Safe to say, I’m a believer now. I went in skeptical and left planning my next visit. If you haven’t been in a while—or even if you had a bad experience like I once did—do yourself a favor and give it another shot. You won’t regret it

Lauren Stroz
Lauren Stroz

Great local place. The blackened chicken salad is popular, and we crave it often. All of their salads are very good. We've also gotten the veggie burger here which is good though a little strange on the thin bun, but can be swapped with a regular bun too. We recently ate in and enjoyed the onion rings. They were perfectly crispy, not too oily, and the onion didn't slide out of it. The fish and chips, crispy chicken tacos and the pork dish were all good. It's a casual place but one we gravitate back to.

Tyler Klutkowski
Tyler Klutkowski

Amazing Experience at The Thirsty Turtle! February 25th 2025 around 3:30 PM I can’t say enough great things about The Thirsty Turtle in Cranford! From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The decor is beautifully done, creating a cozy yet lively vibe with just the right background music to set the mood. The service was absolutely incredible, and we were lucky enough to have Stephanie as our waitress. She was phenomenal—professional, attentive, and had such a fun, outgoing personality that made our experience even better! If you get Stephanie as your server, consider yourself very lucky! As your time at Thirsty Turtle will be a blast! (Sorry if your name was misspelled) Ordering was a breeze, and the food came out quickly, fresh, and absolutely delicious. We had the Tuna Tacos, which somehow got better with every bite, the French Onion Soup, which was rich and full of flavor, and the Cajun Chicken Sandwich, which was perfectly seasoned and hit the spot with every bite. To top it off, the drink selection was fantastic. I had the Mango Cart, which was crisp and refreshing with just the right notes of mango, and the Asbury Park Sea Dragon IPA, an amazing IPA that delivered on bold, hoppy flavor. This place is a must-visit, whether you’re looking for a great meal, top-notch service, or just a fantastic atmosphere to unwind. We’ll definitely be back!

Sammy Thomas
Sammy Thomas

If you plan on visiting Cranford dont just stick to the food on the town square head a little south and find this place. The food is unforgettable and the drinks are made to perfection. It’s a warm and welcoming place with great staff. The drinks are nicely mixed and you would probably only need 2. The prices are not that bad at all. I couldnt recommend this place more.

Chris Reistle
Chris Reistle

Very quick service on a busy night. There are lots of TVs to watch a game.

Jordan Marchfeld
Jordan Marchfeld

Just had to give the staff a shoutout after tonight. My wife (14 weeks pregnant) and I came in for drinks and dinner tonight and sat at the bar while we waited for our table. My wife began to feel faint, as she often does when she hasn’t eaten in a bit, but this time it escalated and she started to fall out of her chair, momentarily passing out. The bartenders jumped right into action with water and then ran to bring her some cookies to eat right away. Thankfully she came to and started feeling better soon after and we went to sit at our table once it was ready. After ordering our meals, she started feeling off again so we asked our waitress if we could take our meal to go instead, which they accommodated and even put in a rush to have it ready quicker. Throughout this scary moment for us, we were given extra care and attention which we couldn’t appreciate more. On top of it all, the manager took the beer that I had ordered off the tab and brought it for me to drink while we waited anyway. Every time we come here the service is fantastic, but tonight they went above and beyond to help us in a moment of need. Can’t thank them enough for their kindness and patience for us even on a busy Saturday night at the restaurant.

Marvin Johnson
Marvin Johnson

Excellent food servings with superb service. A must stop if you're looking for a chat and chew atmosphere that will satisfy you every time.

Yves Saad
Yves Saad

Never been there before. Just stopped in. Music was not blaring, so was able to carry on a conversation with my friend who had her 5 year old with her. Waitress was pleasant and the food was impressive for being bar food. Garlic parmesan mozzarella sticks, Alaskan cod and even though I dint eat fries generally, their steak fries were good. I am a garlic lover, so would have preferred a lot more garlic. Definitely worth a visit, especially if you want to go chill somewhere.

Location

Welcome to The Thirsty Turtle Cranford, a hidden gem located at 1-7 S Ave E, Cranford, NJ. This vibrant establishment has undergone a remarkable transformation, shedding its past reputation and emerging as a local favorite. With a reputation for excellent service, flavorful dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere, The Thirsty Turtle is ready to impress both newcomers and those reconsidering their past experiences.

The moment you step inside, you’re greeted by a warm, lively decor that sets the perfect backdrop for a delightful dining adventure. The atmosphere is buzzing with energy, making it an inviting spot to unwind. Patrons rave about the service, highlighting the attentive and friendly staff who ensure a memorable visit. From knowledgeable bartenders who craft stellar drinks to managers who genuinely care about your experience, the staff consistently receives high praise.

Let’s dive into the culinary highlights. Popular among regulars is the blackened chicken salad, known for its robust flavor profile that keeps guests coming back for more. But that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Get ready to indulge in crisp and addictive Philly eggrolls and some sensational tuna tacos that are touted as some of the best around—fresh, flavorful, and artfully presented. If you’re a fan of hearty comfort food, the French onion soup will elevate your meal, while the Cajun chicken sandwich and fish and chips deliver on both taste and satisfaction.

Beyond the food, the drink selection is equally impressive. Whether you’re in the mood for something refreshing like the Mango Cart or a bold Asbury Park Sea Dragon IPA, the bar has something for everyone. It’s clear that The Thirsty Turtle values not just the meal but the overall experience they create for their guests.

This casual yet vibrant spot stands out in Cranford for its commitment to quality and hospitality. As many satisfied customers have shared, if you haven't visited in a while, it's time to give The Thirsty Turtle Cranford a chance. With fantastic food, an inviting atmosphere, and extraordinary service, it’s an experience you won’t want to miss.