Lowdown: Thirsty Turtle in White Plains

(Credit: Maureen Fleming)

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If you live in Westchester, chances are you've either heard of or been to The Thirsty Turtle in White Plains. For years, it's been one of the county's biggest nightlife destinations.

But what is it about the East Post Road bar that makes it arguably the epicenter of Westchester's party bar scene? Factor in location, size, plenty of party people and a steady stream of entertainment, and you've got your answer.

It's within a reasonable walking distance of the White Plains train station, and with easy access from just about every regional highway, it's almost impossible to have a transportation-related excuse for not showing up to the Turtle.

Vibe: In The Thirsty Turtle alone, there are three bars — the main one in the middle of the floor by the front entrance, another near the entrance to the back deck and a third one outside, part of the 3,600 square-foot Turtle Cove. Size-wise, the Turtle also benefits from inside access to Kelly's, which adds a bar, plenty of space and a little Irish pub charm to the mix.

By day, you can get your standard pub grub: burgers, salads, adult beverages and the like. The main room seats about 50 people with the Turtle Cove fitting up to another 150 peeps.

The place prides itself on its lack of attitude. Head somewhere else if you're looking for a dive bar and/or indie scene. For better and for worse, most of the Friday and Saturday night partiers look like they've been working out and using their share of hair care products.

Attire: The Turtle's Web site suggests "casual but neat." Like most places that bump in the night, bouncers get pickier about attire choices on busy nights, so it might be just as important to impress the giant guy looking at your ID than it is to wow the young ladies at the end of the bar.

Pick me up: It's pretty much a meat market. So many people at the Turtle are flirting nonstop that it might not be the best place to go for a first or second date. That's good news for singles who are mingling and writhing on the dance floor, but could be a bit frustrating for those who are just starting a relationship.

Entertainment: Known for its Friday and Saturday DJ dance parties, the Turtle does better than most Hudson Valley bars in staging familiar musical acts. Usually the dance floor is packed with partiers grinding to the Top 40 beats of a guy at two turntables, but every now and then, the Turtle will book a cover band or name-brand dance acts like Cascada, Nina Sky or Kim Sozzi to perform their biggest hits live on the venue's small but capable stage.

Theme nights are also huge at the Turtle. The first Friday of every month is the Hoedown, where the mechanical bull makes more than a few memorable appearances. Holiday-related parties are also big. And let's not forget Metromix's Rockin' The Game Tour, which made everyone feel like a rock star thanks to a popular video game with a strikingly similar title.

If you can take your eyes off the pumped-up and well-manicured party people long enough, you'll see plenty of big-screen TVs at the bars at on the walls. On most nights, sports are almost always on the tubes.

Want a look inside? Check out All Access: The Thirsty Turtle in White Plains

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