Horse Thief Duo Flying Into Highland Park With 160-Seat Neighborhood Bistro

After helping to transform Downtown’s Grand Central Market early on, it looks as though the guys behind Horse Thief BBQ are moving into the bistro world with a new space intended for Highland Park.

The Eastsider has details on the forthcoming project, tentatively titled Birdie, which is settling into a large multi-functional space on Figueroa Street. Wade McElroy and Russell Malixi’s newest project will house over 150 seats spread across a few different dining areas, including a courtyard out door space and separate back building which will operate as a back bar of sorts. Sally Breer, who previously worked on the Covell space, will be designing the new look.

Food comes by way of Joey Booterbaugh, who was previously chef de cuisine at Hollywood's The Hungry Cat, and before that Culver City's East Borough. Seafood will have a major presence, as well an on-site pasta program, and all with a Cal-Med farmers market sensibility.

Horse Thief has done well since moving into the outdoor-only seating space just outside the front of Grand Central Market, even expanding their square footage and adding room for beer and wine. They’ve been keeping extended hours too, and reformatted their patio to better serve the crowds. A move into Highland Park with something neighborhood friendly (and price-point conscious) fits their vibe well.

There’s no official opening date for Birdie as paperwork has only recently been put through to the city, but something around the end of spring 2016 is likely.

Birdie
5631 Figueroa St.
Los Angeles, CA