Veteran Bar Team Builds a New Neighborhood Hangout in Brentwood

When Bar Food’s eight year run ended in February, the Brentwood neighborhood found itself without a solid local bar. The replacement is Thunderbird, with a founding group of veterans from well-established bar and restaurants, including West Hollywood’s The Phoenix, and the Blind Donkey in Pasadena. Thunderbird plans to open in September.

Thunderbird straddles both high-end and casual, with a choice collection of tequila, bourbon, and mezcal, while serving boiler makers, slushees, classic cocktails, and beers that range from local craft to Miller Highlife. It’s Southwestern snacks all-day with chile con queso, puffy tacos, nachos, and chimichangas. There’s seating for 120, eight TVs, Skee-Ball, a photo booth, and weekly karaoke.

Thunderbird’s brain trust comes from all over, including Blind Donkey co-owner of John Bower, along with Justin Farmer from Catskills, New York The Deer Mountain Inn in the Catskills, and Crackin’ Kitchen’s parent company Toridoll Corporation. Joe Curran was bar manager at SF’s Thirsty Bear Brewing Co., Brandon Bradford co-owns Verdugo Bar and Surly Goat, and Pete Figiulio heads up the rear with popular West Hollywood bar, The Phoenix.

The team completely gutted the interior, added eye-catching tile, neutral woods, and new leather booths. When it opens, hours will run from 5 p.m. until 2 a.m. daily.

Thunderbird. 12217 Wilshire Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA

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