The Midtown Tavern
It’s the last call for a popular Harrisburg restaurant and bar, but its doors may not be closed for long.
The Midtown Tavern announced on Friday that it would close after several decades in business, with plans to sell to a local restaurateur.
“I’ve been doing this all my life,” said owner Sotirios Ntzanis. “It’s time for a change.”
Ntzanis said that he originally put the tavern up for sale in January 2020 after deciding to move on from the restaurant industry. While the pandemic wasn’t the reason for the decision to close, it definitely confirmed it, he said.
The Midtown Tavern, located on the 1100-block of N. 2nd St., originally opened in 1981 and was purchased by Ntzanis’ father in 2000. Since 2004, Ntzanis has worked at the restaurant. Over the years they’ve become known for their wings and neighborhood bar feel.
“A lot of people felt like home in here for many years,” he said. “It was the neighborhood bar. I’m sure it’ll still continue to be.”
Ntzanis said that he plans to sell the tavern to restaurateur Adam Sturges, owner of The Sturges Speakeasy on Forster Street and McGrath’s Irish Pub on Locust Street in Harrisburg.
According to Sturges, he plans to purchase the building and the business and is waiting on the liquor license transfer from the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board (PLCB).
“I’ve spoken to staff, and I can’t wait to start working with them,” he said.
While Sturges wouldn’t share details about a potential new name or menu changes until the PLCB approval is granted, he did say that he would plan to extend the business’ hours to seven days a week and reopen for lunch.
“I feel confident that he can take the business to the next level,” Nztanis said.
This weekend will be The Midtown Tavern’s last weekend in business and they plan to post information about its final day of operation next week, he said.
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