There is a quiet culinary renaissance unfolding in Western Pennsylvania, and its vibrant epicenter can be found right on Lawrence Avenue. Nestled in the heart of Downtown Ellwood City, 2nd Ward Sanctuary has fast become a beloved local destination for food enthusiasts, craft beer connoisseurs, and cocktail lovers alike. This vibrant, women-owned establishment seamlessly blends a cozy, trendsetting aesthetic with a deeply welcoming, neighborhood-focused atmosphere. Step through the front doors, and the outside world immediately fades away. The dining room features unique, historical decor lined with vintage local newspaper headlines, transitioning beautifully into a lively onsite bar and an intimate outdoor beer garden perfect for warm summer evenings. Known for its exceptional premium entrees, high-density comfort favorites, and an incredibly creative draft and cocktail selection, it stands out as a true culinary gem perfect for lively group dinners, milestone family gatherings, or a relaxing evening out with friends.
Essential Information
| Feature | Detail |
| Address | 510 Lawrence Ave, Ellwood City, PA 16117, United States |
| Phone | +1 724-201-0110 |
| Ownership | Proudly Women-owned & Operated |
| Profile Link | Google Maps Listing |
Operating Hours
| Day | Operating Hours |
| Wednesday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday | 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Saturday | 4:00 PM – 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | Closed |
| Monday | Closed |
| Tuesday | Closed |
Service, Accessibility, and Amenities
| Category | Available Features & Character |
| Service Options | Dine-in, Takeout, Convenient Delivery, Relaxing Outdoor Seating, Full Table Service |
| Accessibility | Wheelchair accessible entrance, Wheelchair accessible parking lot, Wheelchair accessible seating |
| Atmosphere & Crowd | Casual, Cozy, Trendy, Family-friendly, Great for Groups, LGBTQ+ friendly, Welcoming to Tourists |
| Offerings & Highlights | Fast service, Great beer selection, Great cocktails, Live music events, Sports viewing, Comfort food, Late-night food |
| Amenities | Full Bar onsite, Clean Restrooms, High chairs available for families |
| Planning | Accepts reservations (Highly recommended due to high weekend popularity) |
| Parking | Free dedicated parking lot, Free street parking (Usually plenty of parking available) |
| Payment Methods | Credit cards, Debit cards, Personal/Business Checks, NFC mobile payments |
Why Visit? Key Highlights
- Legendary Wing & Theme Nights: Highly celebrated for its Wednesday Wing Night specials featuring an extensive variety of unique signature sauces and dry rubs, as well as popular all-you-can-eat snow crab leg events that draw crowds from across Lawrence County.
- Masterfully Crafted Cocktails: Acclaimed for its vibrant, imaginative beverage programs, including seasonal artisan drink flights, the visually stunning, color-changing Butterfly Margarita, and the ultra-refreshing Coconut Mojito.
- Premium Steaks and Fresh Seafood: Guests rave about high-end dinner entrees like the brown sugar bourbon-rubbed Sanctuary Steak, fresh hand-made Crab Cakes, and flawlessly seared Fall Scallops served over a rich root vegetable mash.
- Immersive Historical Vibe: The trendy, warm layout is highlighted by compelling historical newspaper headlines lining the walls, providing a fantastic conversational backdrop that honors the regional history.
- Attentive Neighborhood Service: Guests consistently praise the friendly, accommodating hospitality from dedicated team members who ensure an upbeat, celebratory experience from the moment you are seated.
Menu and Product Catalog
Nibblers & Small Plates
| Item Name | Description |
| Poutine | Crisp sanctuary fries topped with a generous mix of fresh and fried cheese curds, smothered in a rich, savory brown gravy. |
| Boomin’ Shrimp | Over half a pound of crispy, golden-fried shrimp tossed in a secret spicy boomin’ sauce, served atop a fresh bed of crunchy napa cabbage slaw. |
| Drunken Mussels | One full pound of tender, plump mussels simmered to perfection in a white wine and butter reduction with diced tomatoes, fresh garlic, and aromatic herbs; served with toasted crostini. |
| Buffalo Balls | Four house-made chicken and blue cheese meatballs rolled in seasoned bread crumbs, deep fried until golden, tossed in fiery house buffalo sauce, and served on a bed of cool blue cheese slaw. |
| Pub Pretzels | Soft, deep-fried pub pretzels salted and baked golden brown, served hot alongside a rich side of savory Fat Tire beer cheese sauce. |
| Perfect Pierogies | Seven deep-fried potato and cheese pierogies topped with sweet caramelized onions, beautifully laid over a premium, savory bacon boursin cheese spread. |
| Pretzel Fries | Crispy, thin-cut pretzel fries deep fried to a rich golden brown, served with sides of sweet honey mustard and warm Fat Tire beer cheese. |
Specialty Fries & Poutine
| Item Name | Description |
| Cheeseburger Poutine | A mountain of sanctuary fries topped with a chopped angus beef patty, crumbled smoky bacon, fresh and fried cheddar curds, warm cheese sauce, shredded lettuce, red onion, pickles, and a drizzle of ketchup. |
| Pierogi Poutine | Deep-fried potato and cheese pierogies stacked high on fries, topped with crumbled bacon, fresh and fried cheddar curds, house brown gravy, bright green onions, and shaved parmesan cheese. |
| Disco Fries | Signature sanctuary fries loaded with crispy fried chicken pieces, savory house-made bacon jam, fresh squeaky cheese curds, and finished with a classic buttermilk ranch drizzle. |
Graze (Salads)
| Item Name | Description |
| 2nd Ward Salad | Crisp mixed greens layered with fresh cheddar curds, rich avocado, grape tomatoes, grilled banana peppers, sweet onions, and grilled zucchini, all topped with sanctuary fries and a signature fried egg. |
| Blackened Chicken Salad | Perfectly seasoned blackened chicken breast set atop mixed greens, cheddar curds, juicy tomatoes, grilled banana peppers, onions, grilled zucchini, fries, a fried egg, and fresh avocado slices. |
| Grilled Steak Salad | A premium 6-8oz strip steak cooked to order, set atop mixed greens, cheddar curds, tomato, fried pepper rings, grilled onions, zucchini, fries, a fried egg, and rich avocado. |
| Chef Salad | A traditional tavern mix of greens, ripe tomatoes, classic pickled eggs, deli turkey, savory ham, swiss cheese, american cheese, and sliced red onions. |
Gourmet Handwiches & Burgers
| Item Name | Description |
| The Chicken Philly | Tender grilled chicken strips, sweet bell peppers, onions, and earthy crimini mushrooms seasoned to perfection and topped with melted provolone cheese on a fresh baguette. |
| The Philly | A fresh, crusty baguette loaded with grilled peppers, onions, and sliced crimini mushrooms, seasoned to perfection and finished with a heavy layer of melted provolone cheese. |
| Buffalo Chicken Sandwich | Juicy marinated chicken breast encrusted in seasoned panko breadcrumbs, deep fried, smothered in buffalo sauce, and topped with a refreshing blue cheese slaw on a fresh brioche bun. |
| Shrimp Po Boy | A crisp, toasted baguette generously stuffed with crispy boomin’ shrimp, crunchy napa cabbage slaw, and tangy sliced pickles. |
| The Big Dipper | Slow-roasted beef shaved thin and piled high into a crisp baguette, topped with melted provolone cheese; served with a side of deeply savory au jus for dipping. |
| The Dagwood | A towering triple-decker stack of turkey, ham, warm roast beef, crispy bacon, american cheese, lettuce, and tomato on marble rye bread with a signature garlic aioli. |
| Veggie Delight | House-marinated seasonal vegetables grilled to bring out their natural sweetness, wrapped in a warm pita filled with creamy hummus and fresh mixed greens. |
| Fish Sandwich | A massive 12-14oz Atlantic cod fillet lightly battered and deep fried to a flawless golden brown, served on a fresh baguette with fresh napa cabbage slaw. |
| The Yinzer Burger | A regional favorite featuring a half-pound angus patty topped with potato pierogies, sharp cheddar, grilled onions, tangy sauerkraut, and smoky bacon on a toasted pretzel bun. |
| Patsy Burger | A toasted brioche bun stacked with a half-pound angus patty, thin-sliced grilled pastrami, swiss cheese, and a sweet, boozy Jameson Irish Whiskey glaze. |
| Sanctuary Burger | A timeless classic featuring a half-pound angus patty, sliced american cheese, crisp lettuce, ripe tomato, and red onion on a soft brioche bun. |
| Home On The Range | A premium half-pound fresh bison patty seasoned and topped with rich smoked gouda, charred onions, crispy prosciutto, peppery rocket greens, and a bold rosemary horseradish mayo on grilled brioche. |
| Bourbon BBQ Burger | A half-pound angus burger slathered in house-made bourbon bbq sauce, topped with thick peppered bacon, chipotle havarti cheese, and crispy fried onions on a grilled brioche or pretzel bun. |
| Chicken Parm Sandwich | Panko-breaded and fried chicken breast smothered in a rich, slow-simmered red sauce and topped with melted provolone on an asiago ciabatta or freshly baked roll. |
Flavor Profile Matrix (Wings & Tacos)
| Flavor Customizations | Description & Options |
| I.M.B. Wings Options | One dozen jumbo bone-in or boneless wings deep fried to order. Sauces: BBQ chin sauce, classic Buffalo, Hot garlic, Creamy parmesan garlic, sweet and savory Gochujang Korean BBQ, Habanero spicy sweet chili sriracha, Honey bourbon, Stinging honey garlic, Vindaloo (extra hot), Ghost pepper, or Dave’s Insanity. Dry Rubs: House blend seasoning, Zesty ranch, Lemon pepper, Cajun spice, and Smokey BBQ dry rub. |
| Taco Variations | Three warm, soft flour tortillas per order. Choose between Boomin’ Tacos (boomin’ shrimp and napa slaw), Fish Tacos (lightly battered cod, fresh mango salsa, red cabbage, lime crema), or CBR Tacos (house-smoked chicken, crumbled bacon, pickled onions, ranch drizzle). |
The Supper Club (Main Entrees)
| Item Name | Description |
| Sanctuary Steak | A premium choice 12 oz USDA Choice NY strip steak cooked to your exact preference, rubbed with a sweet brown sugar bourbon blend, and topped with four succulent boomin’ shrimp; served with a side of your choice. |
| Pan Seared Steak | A 10 oz USDA Choice NY strip steak expertly pan seared and basted with clarified butter and fresh herbs, finished with sweet onions and crimini mushrooms in a rich red wine reduction. |
| Sanctuary Strip | Choice 10-12 oz USDA Choice NY strip steak prepared to your liking with specialized rub options including espresso rubbed, montreal seasoned, brown sugar bourbon, or classic herbed butter. |
| Surf & Turf | A salt and pepper rubbed choice 12 oz NY strip steak topped with your choice of royal red shrimp scampi or a signature house-made crab cake; served with a side of your choice. |
| Crab Cakes | Two 6oz house-made cakes crafted with premium lump crab meat and select seasonings, pan-seared and served with a flavorful side of zesty cajun mayo. |
| Chicken Parmigiana | Seasoned chicken breast hand-breaded and fried to a golden crunch, topped with melted provolone cheese, served over a bed of tender cavatappi pasta and smothered in house marinara. |
| Chicken Marsala | Double flour-dredged seasoned chicken breasts sauteed with rich crimini mushrooms and finished in a classic, sweet marsala wine reduction; served with a side of your choice. |
| Herb Crusted Baked Cod | A large Atlantic cod fillet crusted in a savory medley of fresh garden herbs, clarified butter, and premium breadcrumbs, baked until it flakes perfectly. |
| Chori Camarónes | Plump royal red shrimp and flavorful Mexican chorizo sausage tossed in a spicy garlic cream sauce, laid atop a bed of cavatappi pasta; served with a fresh side salad. |
Accompaniments & Sides
| Column 1 | Column 2 |
| Smashed Yukon Potatoes / Redskins | Sour Cream Chive Redskins |
| Pan Seared Bacon Brussels Sprouts | Gourmet Creamy Mac & Cheese |
| Fluffy Rice Pilaf | Fresh Sautéed Seasonal Veggies |
| Crispy Sanctuary Fries | House-Made Fresh Potato Chips |
| House Side Salad | Cavatappi or Capellini Pasta |
| Crisp Napa Cabbage Coleslaw | Toasted Garlic Crostini |
Craft Cocktails & Draft Beers
| Beverage Name | Type & Flavor Profile |
| Kiss Of Death | Smirnoff kissed caramel vodka, Maggie’s Farm coffee liqueur, intense Cafe Bustelo espresso, house turbinado syrup, fresh cream, topped with salted caramel espresso beans. |
| Screaming Mimi | Candied pecan infused Rittenhouse rye whiskey, El Guapo chicory pecan bitters, spiced cherry bitters, house turbinado, finished with a bourbon-infused cocktail cherry. |
| Sweater Weather | Rich brown butter washed Absolut pears vodka, Ty Ku junmai ginjo sake, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, elderflower syrup, house pear cider, and fresh lemon juice. |
| It’s A Bonfire | Revel Stoke s’moregasm toasted s’mores whiskey, chocolate liqueur, house-made sweet cream, chocolate syrup drizzle, a crushed graham cracker rim, and a toasted marshmallow. |
| How Y’like Them Apples? | Captain Morgan sliced apple spiced rum, Laird’s blended apple jack brandy, mulled apple cider, cinnamon sticks, fresh sliced apples, topped with blackberry ginger ale. |
| Look Here, Pumpkin | Pinnacle whipped vodka, Fulton’s harvest pumpkin pie cream liqueur, RumChata pumpkin spice cream, house pumpkin cheesecake sweet cream, whipped cream, and pumpkin pie spices. |
| Breakfast Of Champions | Hornitos añejo black barrel tequila, maple and agave blended syrup, blood orange bitters, flamed orange essence, finished with candied bacon crumbles in a maple smoked glass. |
| It’s Those Who’ve Cracked | Captain Morgan cherry vanilla spiced rum, cracked coconut rum, cream of coconut, fresh coconut juice, pineapple juice, fee brothers foam, and a toasted coconut rim. |
| Light The Way Back To Me | Bluecoat elderflower gin, St. Germain elderflower liqueur, rosemary infused syrup, fresh lemon juice, finished with a flamed rosemary sprig. |
| H.A.Z.Y. IPA (6.2% ABV) | A juicy, double-dry-hopped India pale ale featuring prominent tropical notes of mango, stone fruit, lime, pine, and pear with a heavy addition of wheat and oats for a smooth mouthfeel. |
| Tangerine Wheat (5.2% ABV) | A crisp, refreshing wheat beer fruited and brewed with a perfect balance of premium wheat and crystal malts for a highly clean, citrusy finish. |
| Wolf King Nitro Stout (8.2% ABV) | A robust imperial double oatmeal stout brewed with rich, dark warrior blue coffee for an incredibly smooth, bold, and velvety profile. |
| Caramel Cookie Bar Stout (10% ABV) | A decadent imperial double stout layered with sweet milk chocolate and gooey caramel wrapped around rich cookie flavors, mimicking a liquid candy bar. |
Kiddo’s Menu (Ages 10 & Under)
| Item Name | Description |
| Chicken Tenders | Crispy, white-meat fried chicken strips served with a choice of dipping ranch, hot sanctuary fries or a fresh side salad, and a soft drink. |
| Burger Sliders | Two house angus beef burger sliders grilled to order, served with your choice of melted cheese, sanctuary fries or a side salad, and a soft drink. |
| Grilled Cheese | Thick-cut, buttered Texas toast stuffed with a blend of premium melted cheeses and grilled to a perfect golden brown; served with fries or a salad and a drink. |
| Mini Corn Dogs | Classic bite-sized mini corn dogs fried to a rich golden brown, served with a choice of sanctuary fries or a fresh side salad, and a soft drink |
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