I've been to Thunderbird Lounge probably half a dozen times, usually on a Friday or Saturday when they have 80s retro music or a DJ. They host different themed events on the weekends, and there's usually no cover unless it's a special event. The vibe is laid-back with a retro dive bar feel, and I've noticed a mix of different types of people there, all seeming to have a good time. The back patio often turns into a dance floor when there's a DJ or music playing. Inside, the space leans heavily into the retro theme. There are a few arcade games, a retro-style phone booth, and a living room area that looks like something straight out of the 70s, which adds to the nostalgic atmosphere. Ordering drinks can be a bit hit or miss. The bar inside can get a long line, and there isn't waitstaff walking around taking drink orders. There is a small window connected to the bar where you can place drink orders, almost like an ordering window, which sometimes works better than waiting at the main bar. Parking can also be a bit of a challenge. There is parking in front of the establishment and in the same shopping center, and you can also park across the street. Just be aware that towing can happen in some areas, so it's worth paying attention to the signs. read more

See all

I don't think Thunderbird Lounge is phenomenal and I'm pretty unimpressed by the inattentive staff behind the bar; however, I do appreciate their events lineup. I've been twice for Loteria on Thursday night and it's a blast! The hosts are raunchy, entertaining, and very engaging with the players. I will definitely return for Loteria! read more

See all

Finally made it over to Thunderbird Lounge, had been on my list to check out for a while. We went to check out a DJ set by Com Truise for Viva Fest and it was cool. This place has a large patio out back which felt great that night. Inside there's a retro looking bar area, booths, and seating up front by the video game machines. Drinks were basic but reasonably priced and we found parking on the street out front. I would definitely come back to this bar for music on the patio. read more

See all

My friends and I went to Thunderbird Lounge for trivia night a few months ago. The bar is in the Wagon Wheel shopping strip next to a few other businesses. Look for the A-Frame sign near the coin operated mechanical horse. This is definitely a dive bar and it has an old school nostalgia feel with old board games, a rotary dial phone, and a pay phone. The indoor area has a few small booths, a few bar seats, and a small lounge area. There's also free arcade games near the front of the bar. The outdoor area behind the bar is spacious. There's plenty of seating including benches for large groups as well as a stage and some outdoor games. They allow outside food so we brought in food for dinner. They apparently have food vendors, but I don't recall seeing any the night we went. Unfortunately, we arrived after HH ended. I had an Espresso Martini and it was really good! It didn't have the espresso bean garnish, but I won't hold it against them. I also had the Summer Breeze which is a vodka based cocktail. It was good, but sweet. In addition to trivia, they host an array of theme nights and events like Karaoke and live music. On the night we went, it happened to also be goth night which made for an interesting mix of clientele. We had a great time and our team won trivia! If I was a local, I would be a regular. read more

See all

I visited Thunderbird Lounge when they first opened years ago and hadn't been back since, but the Christmas pop-up gave me a great reason to return. The de cor is fantastic, tons of vintage and retro touches with lots of nostalgic details that really set the mood. Seating inside is limited but adequate (three large booths, a couch in the entry room, and bar seating), and the outdoor area is fairly spacious. You can reserve a booth in advance for the holiday pop-up, which is convenient since drinks, taxes, and gratuity are included in the reservation price. There is some parking available right in front of the building. Otherwise, there's always street parking around. My drink was good and had a solid pour, though my friend felt like his was missing the liquor altogether. Unfortunately, the service wasn't very friendly, which took away from the overall experience, especially when you're coming for some holiday cheer. If the service had been warmer, this would have been an easy five stars. Maybe we just caught the bartender on an off day. read more

See all

After having dinner in the area, we were looking for a bar within walking distance. Apparently Melrose is the LGBTQ part of town so a lot of the options around are gay bars. Thunderbird Lounge is not that. They have a good size parking lot. We stopped by on a Sunday evening. What's nice about Thunderbird Lounge is that the inside and the outside offer totally different experiences. Inside, think a hipster arcade bar. There's a couch as you walk in and some bar stool seating at the bar. There are free arcade games to play, including a lot of classics. We're talking Street Fighter, Mortal Kombat, NBA Jam, and more. 10-12 arcade games or so. Outside, they have a large patio with a bunch of games including Jenga, corn hole, bucket pong, and giant connect four. There's also seating outside. Even though the patio and the inside are different, you have activities in both. I had a cocktail, more specifically, their cocktail of the month as they were celebrating their six-year anniversary. What took the experience down a bit for me was the service. The one bartender working was the type that didn't want to be there. Their cocktail menu doesn't list prices and the total I was given was more than I expected. I don't know for a fact whether she overcharged me but there was a good chance. I should have asked for the prices first. Lesson learned. read more

Super little bar, kind of hidden off Scottsdale Road. We had the cheese curds, pork green chili, and corned beef sliders. I would have liked a bit more sauerkraut on the sliders, but loved the pretzel buns. Chili was very good flavor wise. Service was very good! read more

I did like the place and the drinks. I'd say finding the entrance was some of a nightmare. And finding parking was difficult. We had to go through the restaurant next door and go through their back area to get to the lounge. Service was good, and ambiance was great. We were a little frustrated that no one was answering when we called to let the know we were at the door and needed help finding the other entrance. Aside from that, good experience. read more

Great spot to go have a drink with friends. I'd heard about this place but never been. Easy to miss since it's a bit tucked away. You can only catch the thunderbird sign on the front window. This place is such a nostalgic place/ the retro walls, the wooden panels, the decorum and games, the lighting, everything. Bob Ross was playing on the television at the front, and the arcade games are classic. There are trophy's on the shelves and some cool "mature" trinkets sprinkled around. The guy behind the bar was swell. He was just chipper and jovial and it was great. I had a house marg (was on special for $7) and my friends had some Mantucky Cold Snacks. He said the crowd is usually such good vibes and that the place is well known for the patio in the back (I didn't get to peek outside before we left!) but I did see some warmers from the inside... seems like a nice wide open space to host groups. Made me happy to bee there with good friends. Will definitely be coming back. read more

See all

I usually have a pretty good time at Thunderbird Lounge but last night I was left disappointed. Their website and Ticketweb both advertised an event they did not follow through on. We arrived at 5pm (as the picture shows) for a RuPauls Drag Race watch party. The bartender seemed confused when we asked about it and tried to put the channel on for us but could not figure it out. She then later said "I think we put it on at 7". When another bartender came in later, he put the channel on but the new episode was already over...because it's airs at 5....We had one drink and left after we realized they really weren't going to have the watch party. If you're going to advertise an event and include it on a ticket purchasing website, follow through with the event or take it off the website. To top it off, the bathrooms had no toilet paper or paper towels, even after 3 bartenders arrived. Nobody was tending to the restroom. It was a sloppy mess. I'm still giving 3 stars because Thunderbird Lounge is usually better than this, I don't know what happened last night. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - They don't actually host this watch party. - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Such a cool lounge/arcade bar/venue! Came to see my fave artist Vincent Antone, and i appreciated that it was hosted at a smaller venue, making it a more intimate show. There were food trucks outside and plenty of outdoor seating. They even had a couple sets of corn hole. Inside is the bar and a couple nostalgic arcade games. Such a fun, casual spot to hang out. read more

See all

Always a good time here! If you don't love retro or chill... I'm happy to keep this place to myself... great back patio specials all week and good vibes. Need to say more? read more

Visited with friends on Friday night for Dirty Disney and we were all super excited for the night. We took a Lyft, and I am so glad we did because all the parking spots were taken. We made it towards the door, my friend went in first and I was right behind him. I quickly heard a ladies rudely voice say "ID's" without saying anything else. She then saw me trying to get my ID out of my wallet and she again repeats herself in a nasty tone.. like girl I heard you the first time.. chill. We made it past the rude lady, and we were in! The inside is super cute. It has retro vibes, cute photo ops, and the lighting is on point. We decided to come back inside for drinks as we had to go and find a spot for the show. The show started a little late and we stood at a table top towards the bathrooms. The view wasn't great but all the spots at the front were taken. There were no seats so we stood for the 1.5 hours we were there. Went back inside for some drinks and the girl bartending clearly did not want to be there. She was rude, scary, and non approachable. The bar wasn't even busy so not sure what she was so angry about. The first round of drinks we ordered included an Espresso Martini and it was very well made. We got some food from the food truck that was out back and it was also pretty good. In total we bought 4 drinks which were all good. Our favorite one though was the Espresso Martini. The show was entertaining and funny but we left early. The patio area is pretty spacious but the inside lounge area is small. Customer service is clearly not a priority as both workers we interacted with were rude. read more

See all

This is one of my favorite bars in Phoenix. The Thunderbird Lounge always has something up its leave, offering great drink specials and fun weekly events to socialize with friends or meet new people! I just went to their trivia night again this Tuesday and it's always so fun. They also offer Karaoke nights, lotería nights and other fun events and theme nights. I'm a big fan of their yearly New Year's celebration as well. They offer fun retro arcade games you can play for free and tbh have a variety of board games scattered around the inside seating area. Outside, they have a ton of benches/tables, Connect four, Jenna and cornhole. It's quite a large space and the vibes are fun. It's one of our go to spots for a chill night out. Some nights they also bring different vendors that sell food so I recommend following them on instagram to see what they're bringing next or what events are coming up. read more

Local, divey, eclectic, welcoming. The facade is misleading as you venture into a time warp of a video game lounge which turns into a local bar. Step outside and you find yourself in a local backyard complete with lawn furniture that's left out in the elements. We were lucky to catch Rocky Red MCing during karaoke night. The more you drink, the better they sound! Though Rocky Road is a tough act to follow! But they try... Great fun overall. Drinks were tasty and cold. Very memorable! read more

Thunderbird Lounge - Rocky Red brings down the house!! - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

See all

Idk man every time I come I feel less welcome. I live in the neighborhood and hit up Thunderbird last night and paid a ton for some Jell-O shots. Funny other bar had them for $1 and so I was all I'll have some here. Bought four. It was more than my dinner and drinks at another local establishment. I always want to have a good time here because it's walking distance and etc but every time I come it's so weird and like I'm not cool enough to hangout here. I'll probably try it again because it's close but ugh disappointed again. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - $5 Jell-O shot wtf - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The space is small but Thunderbird packs a punch with its retro aesthetic. The inside has retro games that you can play for free although some of the machines were not working. We particularly enjoyed taking pictures in the phone booth built into the wall! The outside seating is great for nice nights when the sun goes down. We went on a Friday for a drag show with a balloon artist! The outside space has plenty of tables and places to hang out. Street parking may be your best shot in this part of Melrose. However, there is also a small lot on the north side of the building that will fill up pretty fast on weekends. The lounge isn't very easy to spot from the street with no clear signage coming off 7th Ave. There are a few small neon signs that suggest there is a bar. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I'm so glad I gave Thunderbird Lounge another chance; the experience is now better than ever. I've always loved the retro vibe, cool decor, and fantastic outdoor patio space. This place holds a special memory for me--I was here toasting with the owners and a few other patrons as the clock counted down to the start of the COVID-19 shutdown. While the post-COVID staff initially had an off-putting, "too cool" attitude, my recent visit was a complete turnaround. The atmosphere is back to the warm, welcoming pre-COVID feel. Running into a familiar face and chatting for a minute confirmed the vibe has been restored. This walking-distance gem is firmly back on my list of regular hangouts. read more

Disappointing Experience - Rude Staff & Invasive Security Went to Thunderbird Lounge yesterday, and honestly, I won't be back. The girls at the drink window were beyond rude--full of attitude and completely inconsistent with how they treated people. If you're a young, fit guy, apparently you get the royal treatment. If not? Expect half-hearted service like you're an inconvenience. Then there's security. Twice--twice--they peeked into the stall while I was using the restroom. Totally unacceptable. When I called them out, I got threatened with being kicked out. What kind of place allows that? The vibe of the bar might be cool, but the way they treat people ruins it. Do better. read more

Such a fun spot my husband and I stumbled upon. We came in for date night and had a blast between the fun atmosphere, yummy cocktails, and arcade games. The patio looks huge, and will be back when the weather is cooler. You must visit Thunderbird Lounge! read more

Thunderbird Lounge - a cocktail with a rosemary sprig in a glass - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Cheap drinks and great service. I went for trivia night and the bartender lady was super freakin cute. She also gave me a drink on the house! read more

This was my first time checking this place out. They're committed to the decor throughout. Very retro from the wallpaper, to phone booth and free arcade games. I was here specifically for trivia on Thursday nights at 8pm. Wasn't my usual format of trivia, but me and my boyfriend had a good time. Limited drink menu with only bagged snacks as an option. Large heated patio was a plus. read more

See all

The Thunderbird Lounge is that laidback, doesn't care, anti attention bar that you want to go to when you've had enough of the see and be seen crowds and places. Walking through the nondescript door almost makes you feel like you've stumbled into a speakeasy, but as you pass by the retro decor and arcade machines and then proceed to the back patio you sigh a breath of relief when you arrive into its bastion of relaxed atmosphere. Relaxed picnic tables, seating, casual lighting, and quirky order up window complete with a throwback little tv playing some old soap opera greet you and you feel like your in your old neighborhood where you instantly feel you can let your pretension dissipate. This is the place where you can drink and drink and enjoy yourself without the Instagram selfie crowd and hooray Henry's. They offer a small but nice selection of food items to accompany your drink of choice. I urge you to frequent this bar if you haven't already been and if you have, it's time to go again and again!! read more

See all

Chill spot. Good, reasonably priced drinks, great atmosphere. The staff was friendly and i loved the 90s throwback DJ. I'll be back.

Fun hip vibe Great fit with the surroundings community Good drinks nice setting If you hit the Melrose you should check it out read more

Such a fun bar to grab drinks. The service is always amazing, the green tea Jell-O shots are amazing. They had a band playing and it was such a great time with the weather cooling down it was most definitely a great time: read more

See all

If ya'll haven't been here on a Sunday afternoon, please go. They just acquired the amazing, Randy to mix some of the best drinks I've ever had. He's a sweetheart from Michigan and knows his way. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - Fan misters, pride and loveliness. - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

I have been wanting to go to Thunderbird Lounge for a long time, so when an artist was coming through Phoenix, I was excited to hear it the show was at this lounge. I gathered up a bunch of friends and was anticipating the venue and show for weeks. The venue itself is great. Cool vibe and a great patio for concerts. I'd probably give this place five stars except for a few big things, the largest being service. The three bartenders were probably the worst servers I have ever experienced. Let me say first that the place wasn't that busy. Maybe the patio had a lot of people for the music, but the bar area never had more than two people deep and often tables were empty. A few times I asked the different servers different questions and their responses were short and when they answered they seemed to be annoyed with everything. They were running around behind the bar acting like they were doing a lot but all it did was make the patrons act like they were in a rush, so I decided to just get a beer, not to take their time up. I asked them nicely what they had on tap because I couldn't read what was on the draft selection. The one male server simply stood to the side and pointed and groaned that I asked the question. I struggled with vision so the servers should be more patient and if some asks a question, respond kindly. After all they are in the service industry. The next time I went up, the bar was even more empty so I thought now was a good time to ask a question about specialty cocktails. All servers typically love this opportunity because it's a chance to upsell. I saw some gummies on the counter and wonder about drinks and simply asked "what kind of drinks do you have that could use these (shark and peach) gummies?" And a different male server barely answered and said "whatever you want." Didn't offer a cocktail or menu or anything. Again this made me feel like a huge burden. My last final time trying to order a drink was with the female. Again only one or two people standing at the bar and with their being two other servers, I thought I'd ask a question about the concerts that typically make their way through Thunderbird, as I like to see shows every couple of weeks. I asked a loaded question and said, "are shows typically free here, and what kind of music typically comes though?" and she only answered one part of my question, and said "yes" to the free concerts, but never answered my question on music, leaving me hanging. Again, I felt like a complete annoyance. Another downfall of the venue was that it was quite dirty. I wanted to play the video games, but a lot of the controllers look like that I've been cleaned in weeks. The lounge has great seating inside and outside for the guests, but then at different points I sat at different tables and there was no one going around to clean cans and cups, so when you would sit down, the table would be full of trash. A big reason why my group didn't get pizza. Who wants to eat at a table with 20 cans/cups that aren't yours? The place is everything set up to be awesome, it just so fell short of a lot of these things, which were so big for me that I will definitely share my opinions with others and take into consideration next time I go. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - Stage - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

The drinks are amazing the area is amazing with plenty of games to play and the staff are incredible kind and friendly!

Karaoke had the worst singers in the history of the world. Drinks were in plastic cups. I think drinks that are $10 should come in a glass.

My number 1 place to escape. A safe space to enjoy conversation and genuine good time with your loved ones, amazing and quick service from the friendly bartenders, Nick is always amazing. video games, live music, dance parties, events. no drama and only good times at Tbird :) read more

Thunderbird Lounge - patio, cornhole, trees, plants, grass, music, menu, drinks - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Thank you Jeremiah for being an amazing host for our event. You made us feel so incredibly welcome. The place was clean and definitely customer service driven. I wish I knew about this venue sooner. Its so amazing for any event really. But it's your customer service that really sold us. Thank you!! read more

See all

I enjoyed this new gem! So far the arcade games are free, it doesn't compare to Cobra or Bonus Round but the games are fun. There is also a juke box. Inside has some booths. My favorite part was the patio outside with the Jenga and corn hole games. Thunderbird lounge is a very chill place, the bartender was attentive and 2 IPAs pints for $10 is a great deal. My least favorite which doesn't have to do with this place, but it happened when I was there is that there is a bathroom outside which is shared with other restaurants... Well an employee from the nextdoor restaurant did not wash his hands. I was washing my hands and I heard a toilet flush and he just passed by me. I was very grossed out. In the afternoon a restaurant does pizza outside in the patio. My friend and I were looking forward to eating some pizza, but after what I saw, we left to another bar. read more

See all

Came in for the first time today to meet up with friends. Such a cute environment and great music. Randy was our bartender. He is so friendly! GREAT service and cocktails. We will for sure make this our weekend day spot. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Been coming here for 3 years. Great neighborhood place with large patio space. Love the retro games and relaxed vibe. Staff are awesome and have some great interactions with the other patrons. Lots of events if that's what you need but I just like the bar. PS ask for Malort cause it's a Chicago bar and you'll never question your life decisions more than after that. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Came here for trivia night, first time here. Drinks are really good the only thing is the menu they had to as for a restaurant that is no longer In business. The patio area is spaced out so you don't feel like you are on top of people. The staff was all friendly and came around to clean up the table and made sure you didn't have lots of empty cups. The restrooms were pretty clean and I like that they have the sinks outside of both stalls. Will Definitely be back read more

My friend suggested we check this place up one night. It's a pretty solid bar on the whole, with some old arcade games in the main entrance area. They had a moderate selection of drinks available, but the real draw to the place is the patio in my opinion. It is a wide spacious area with heaters and Christmas lights that was nicely decorated for the season. There was a small pizza truck of sorts in the courtyard that I ordered a pretty decent pizza off of. Not a bad way to spend a weekend night. Biggest complaint against the place is that the patio could really use more seating options. My friend and I were forced to stand for a majority of our time there. Only towards the end were we able to find a seat. read more

Thunderbird Lounge - There was a tiny dino in the cactus outside! - Lounges Near Me - Phoenix, Arizona

Absolutely garbage establishment. Came here for the Double Burger popup. Was there for all of 2 mins and i had a security guard lay hands on me and rip my drink out of my hand after i was "trying to share my drink with my friend". Apparently my friend was told he was too drunk to come in prior to my arrival (it was 8pm and this was literally our first stop of the night so i have no idea how they made that determination). Now if i was aware of their interaction I could (somewhat) understand their reaction but their exchange happened a good 20 mins before i got there. I explained as much to the security and that maybe it would have been more appropriate to simply use his words prior to laying hands on a paying customer and he doubled down and exchanged insults, going as far as to threaten me. We left as soon as the burgers were done and wont be back. You aren't missing anything here read more

Definitely for the older crowd. I'm 24 and it felt like I was at a party for my 60 year old parents. I was recently there this weekend for a Lisa Frank themed party. It was supposed to be held at their sister location Thundercat, but it got closed down. It had all the things for Lisa Frank, like a photo booth area and face paint, but that was honestly it. Nobody went dressed up and the music was really trash. It even cut out halfway through. The servers weren't that friendly and gave me a weird look when I ordered a drink. Unless they remodel I'm definitely not coming back. read more

We stopped here to meet a friend, and we loved everything about it. It was a Tuesday night, so quiet vibes, they were hosting trivia on the patio, and there were plenty of great drinks to choose from. Lots of arcade games to keep you busy, or just chill on the sofa with your pals. The bartender was super friendly too! Can't wait to visit Phoenix again just so we can go back! read more