After a couple disappointing bar stops, we were very pleasantly surprised to randomly find a hidden gem during 2021. We were immediately smitten after our first stop by our friendly and knowledgeable bartender (sorry, bro! Will get your name again next time), vibe and, of course, drinks. Karen took care of us on our recent 2nd trip and things have not changed. We're trying to be regulars but will assume they change up their drink menu every month. We went with a few intriguing menu choices which were great, but will tap into more bartenders' choice next trip. I enjoy the extensive use of rums and mezcals in their drinks - do I like tiki drinks now?? - and will probably dig into their asian influenced southern eats on our return. After just learning they almost closed during the peak of the pandemic, I'm very happy they made it to #66 of best bars in the world. Well deserved. read more

Thunderbolt is a really chill lounge that features really trendy and modern decor, great Asian inspired drinks and southern inspired food, and excellent music. I visited with two of my girlfriends for a GNO and was pleasantly surprised at the interior! Loved the decor and color palette (my favorite color is green) and can see myself coming back during the day for some daytime drinking. We got chicken wings and potato wedges to share. Both came out piping hot and crisp - very satisfying to eat. I'd come back to try the smoked trout dip, mac n cheese, buttermilk biscuits, and fried chicken. Their cocktails were amazing. I got the strawbanger three times because it was that good. They feature a highball of the month - $2 goes towards charity! They also offer ready to drink cans of cocktails but you're better off going with a fresh made one. They were playing old school R&B all night - AKA our jam. We will 100% be back. Thank you Thunderbolt! read more

I have to admit - I didn't know about this place opening. My sister in law mentioned a new bar her company was attached to and I realized that it was the old spot that used to house a very seedy after-hours I may have visited in my younger days. I really like the overall vibe of this place. It's a very relaxed but still hip spot that plays excellent hip hop and has a bar, hightop and lounge area, and has the coolest staff in the area (cutest too). The drinks were so great. I had the tropipop - which is a carbonated ode to the pina colada. The homie had two others - both were stellar. The food menu is intriguing. I look forward to trying a few of the items upon my return. We ordered the ham plate as we had just come from dinner, and it was really nice. Biscuit, spicy jam, ham and persimmons. Made me excited to try their other offerings. This place is really cool and it's located where parking isn't as stressful or expensive as DTLA (though you may have to walk a block to get there). Definitely worth checking out, and if I'm being honest, this would totally be my new spot if I didn't live so far and have a kid. read more

Thunderbolt - The ham plate. Comes with buscuit, spicy jam, and persimmons. Yum. - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Such interesting and unique drinks, we had a hard time picking just a few options! Definitely want to come back and try other drinks. Great music and friendly staff too. Love their values too! read more

A cute little pizza place with tons of great options for lunch or dinner. The pizza was delicious and the service was great.

An unassuming setting for the high level of cocktails. Thought I knew all the best LA bars until two bartenders in NYC (separate bars) said Thunderbolt was their favorite LA bar. Yes, amazing unique drinks. May be better situated in a speakeasy setting. But refreshing that it's a more open and airy atmosphere with speakeasy quality drinks. And prices are on point (they could get away with charging +$5) but I'm glad they are keeping it accessible. Parking is the only downside. Uber if possible. read more

What a cool spot!! Very much a hidden gem in the Echo Park neighborhood. All of their food is gluten free. I had the Mac n Cheese & it was delicious!! Couldn't even tell it was gluten free. Also ordered a skinny margarita which was good, but I'd love to try something from their actual menu which was very creatively designed as a magazine. Very unique. I'll definitely be back. read more

See all

New bar from next door's The Park's Finest and new partners. It's still in its soft opening phase, but so far so good! Some really great bartenders here, some formerly with Normandie Club/The Walker Inn, Here's Looking at You, Bavel, Guerrilla Tacos and more. The drinks are really good, my favorites so far are Liquid Picnic with London dry gin, citron, clarified tomato, rosemary and black pepper, and the Peach Thunderbolt with Jamaican and Agricole rums, peaches and mint. There's a brief but good beer list as well -- last night I paid $6 for a 12 oz can of Golden Road Mango Cart, which is a much better deal than the 25 oz can for $17.75 at nearby Dodger Stadium. For now there's six food items available. Mama Leah's lollipop drumettes is my fave so far, and the kennebec potato wedges and the white cheddar pimento cheese are also good. I'll be back for the pickled shrimp and geechie boy grits, the buttermilk biscuits and the 18 hour brisket with collard greens. (You gotta figure the guy from next door can smoke meat right, right?) The brief menu has both Filipino and Southern influences. For you barflies out there, this used to be Dinner House M, the old jazz club/after hours spot. Thunderbolt's hour's are generally 5pm to 12/1am on weekdays, 1/2 am on weekends -- and definitely closed by 2am! It's still in its early stages, but definitely give this place a shot! read more

Thunderbolt - The Peach Thunderbolt in its own cup. - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

What a fun place. It has a vibe of its on which is great, in a way the atmosphere here doesn't feel like you are in LA. The place has a uniqueness to it from the decor, to the staff, to the menu. It's a perfect place for drinks and some small nibbles. The menu is a cool take on "bar plates". I must say the pimento cheese is one of the best I had. read more

Thunderbolt - Bourbon in chilled glass, hell yeah! - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I've been coming here for a while! I hadn't come for a few months and when returning the menu was entirely different. I came for the biscuits and prosciutto plate and the tamarindo drink and it's was GONE. It could be I was so disappointed because it was my birthday and I came solely for those 2 items. The biscuits and fried chicken plate were subpar, lacked flavor, have lots of inedible fat, and was a very dry. The drink I had was also average. The fries were seasoned well maybe too well but felt a little over cooked. On the bright side our waiter was super apologetic and very kind about explaining the menu changes. Hence the 3 stars instead of 2. He mentioned the hopeful news of possible returns of foods in time, so that's great. I probably won't be back until they return, nothing else there draws me in. read more

Thunderbolt - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Fantastic service, great food and drinks, and an inviting atmosphere. I look forward to my next visit.

The bartenders are amazing. The drinks are innovative and delicious. The vibe and atmosphere is fun and laid back. read more

Thunderbolt - Echo Park Trash Can - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Located right outside of Downtown LA on Temple, you'll find that Thunderbolt is a cool bar with some of the best whiskey and cocktail options in all of Los Angeles. Parking is a bit tricky here with there being only street options in the nearby neighborhoods or along the street. Be prepared to walk a bit in the evenings or take some extra 20 minutes before your prepared arrival to search around the few blocks. Note that if you go across the bridge over the 101, you'll need to circle back the same way you came to get to Thunderbolt. I came here for a whiskey tasting and they were able to seat me outside right away. The spacing was ample. I do recommend you bring a jacket, however, as cars can go by and the air can brush you with a draft of cold air. They also brought nice snacks and potato wedges that were absolutely warm, seasoned well and ample for two hungry folks. I certainly had to stop myself from asking for more. Despite being a cocktail bar, they are known for their biscuits. They are hefty and delicious. I tried their fried chicken biscuit, which turned out to be a hefty item to enjoy alongside a cocktail for those at the event. I would definitely get this item if you like a slather of a large chicken breast on a well done biscuit with honey and peppers. I will certainly look to come back and explore much more of their menu. In the meantime, folks can get their cocktails, bottles and food items to go as well. read more

The bartenders are artists at this nondescript neighborhood bar. There's a reason this bar regularly appears on top 10 bars in America lists. The cocktails are inventive, the bartenders friendly and the prices reasonable. So grateful my friends helped me find this diamond in the rough. read more

Thunderbolt - Barcelonette - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Amazing creative drinks. Everything on the menu is GF. Some bartenders are friendlier than others but they are all nice and accommodating. read more

Thunderbolt - Falsetto - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

This spot came highly recommended by a bartender friend of mine who insisted this was THE best place for a date, one night when I was racking my brain for a new spot when I was charged with the selection for the evening. As soon as we arrived, we could definitely see the potential of the space itself, and everyone who works this is incredibly nice and accommodating. However, there are slight coffee shop vibes there...if only they could turn down the lights a scooch...I think it would be golden. (I had a friend visiting from NYC recently who stopped by on our own and said the same thing.) Cocktails were decent but not particularly memorable. Neither was the food which I see they're trying to do a Southern angle. But in my particular case (this was a 3rd or 4th date) it served its purpose as being a chill spot where we were able opt for a choice of either high top or lower seating and have a decent conversation, given the ambiance lends to that. read more

Friendly bartenders and great vibes. Came by with a friend on a weekday and found seats easily despite a decent crowd. The drinks were really good and appetizers were better than those at most bars we've been to. read more

Thunderbolt - a man standing in front of a bar - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I'm a simple lass. I see a sign for made from scratch biscuits, I'm going to turn my little batootie for your establishment and hit you up asap. Hence the fine sunny Sunday Thunderbolt was discovered, the 'biscuits' emblazoned upon their signage like a siren song. And oh, biscuit. BISCUITS WERE HAD. Got myself a Lil bby biscuit with some bombastic fresh jam, and then the grandaddy of biscuits slathered in honey, stacked with fried chicken, immaculately fried, the biscuit the size of a cougar paw and just as dangerous because you will NOT be able to stop eating. Oh and then this hash potato hockey puck that ~crisps~ open with a curl of steam and reveals perfectly packed potato, and how wonderful it is to see someone respecting potato for the frontrunner it deserves to be here. I haven't even gotten to the grits or collard greens, both upright outstanding sides in their own right. The grits with their perfect texture, rich thick cheesy creaminess, the collard greens smoky and a twist of acidity that perfectly complements everything else, resetting the palate and leaving you hungry for more. And summon your dandy Victorian gentleman with a Liquid Picnic, a classy gin cocktail that will take you back to some past life where you sipped gin martinis along an English riverbank, picnicking upon a linen blanket before a leisurely afternoon of boating, how marvelous how wonderful, how all so perfectly leaving you thunderstruck. read more

Thunderbolt - Grits, collard green, liquid picnic, biscuit and jam - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Thunderbolt, Best Bar in LA. Easy call. Been to a ton of bars in LA/OC area, but none holds a candle to these folks. It's no wonder why bar publications have it listed in the Top 50 bars in North America. The typical overpriced bar in LA, with their "waiting to be discovered" arrogant bartenders, who pretend not to hear you even when they are right in front of you, still end up making sh*t drinks acting as if they're doing you a favor. You know which bars I'm talking about. But not here. The bartenders are top shelf, not only the quality of cocktails, but they actually are... nice. Gasp! What a novel idea. Great (like really tasty) cocktails and great customer service. So yes, this unassuming hidden gem in a quiet area in Filipino Town is the Best Bar in town. Parking is tough, so be patient or better yet, Uber/Lyft in. I came with a group of 7, had to leave but made calls to 5 others I know, and they took over my table. Good times. read more

As someone who often checks the Top 50 Bars list on travels, I was glad to see one of the top bars in NA in my hometown. Location wise, it was great that it was a bit out of the chaos of inner downtown. Street parking a short walk away in the residentials was easy to find. The decor and seating arrangements inside and out were plentiful. It's ideal for a more intimate settings (date night, 4 friends) but with the couch setups can easily accomodate a group of 6 comfortably. Food: Only ordered the cheese dip and fries - both were great snacks to reach for while sipping on a drink. Drinks: Tried a varierty of them including candy paint, p-town boxing, koji killer. My favorite however that I kept coming back to was the Tropipop. A true soda-like cocktail creation that fills out a collins glass when poured out from the can. I could enjoy a whole pack of these which could get dangerous quickly given how clean, fruity, and tasty the drink is. Overall I enjoyed my visit here, service was on point as well with staff checking in to make sure everyone is taken care of in a timely fashion. Highly recommend for your next outing! read more

Stumbled across Thunderbolt at the start of a weekend night out - and it totally made our evening! Perfect place to start an evening or go for chill drinks / food. TBD what it's like during the day. So many positive things going on at Thunderbolt: easy location off the 101, welcoming space with creative and fun designs - both inside and out, chill vibes, solid music. Those positives just set the stage for the main attractions: food and drinks. We ordered the chicken drumsticks, potatoe wedges, and biscuits. To drink we had the peach rum (blanking on the name) and the Echo Park Trash Cash. The drumsticks, potatoe wedges and Echo Park Trash can are worldclass. Biscuit is solid but I like mine a little saltier! Thunderbolt hit it out of the park. I loved it read more

I wish I would've came here sooner! I love the vibe here. The interior is a very retro but modern look to it that really brings me in. I had La Frutera which was very enjoyable drink. I did not order food but it looked good looking at other people's plate. Bartenders and staff were very attentive and made my day a good one. read more

Thunderbolt - La Frutera - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

My boyfriend and I came here on the recommendation of a bartender at High Tide (Nikki), who also happens to work here. I had been to Park's Finest next door and had no idea that this was here. Came here for some after dinner drinks and the cocktails did not disappoint. I love the vibe and ambience of this place. The crowd is pretty chill. Situated between Park's Finest and a motel, it is a true hole in the wall. The cocktails are about $15 and there are a few canned options too, which was interesting. The bartenders are true craftsman creating some interesting drinks. I would definitely come back! read more

Very interesting cocktails here, and located right by Park's Finest BBQ. I got the Koji Killer and The Bloody. The Bloody was disappointingly not spicy AT ALL. The ambience is chill and not pretentious at all. I didn't try the food except for a biscuit, so can't comment much on that. Parking was also easy on the street, which is always a plus. read more

Limited snack menu and nothing vegetarian/vegan. Nice folks though. It you want a little more to eat than fried chicken and a biscuit if make other plans. read more

I love Thunderbolt. When you walk in, it is so warm and inviting. The staff is so nice. It's just a great place. I love the cocktails on the menu. The one with bittermelon is my favorite so far. The Thunderbolt cherry one is amazing too. Clean restrooms, beautifully designed place. Comfy couches. Outside patio with heaters. I always find parking on Edgeware Rd around the corner. So glad this place exists. Will be visiting again soon. read more

Thunderbolt - Fu Gwaa Falsetto. Try it, you'll love it. This is a few sips into it. - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Affordable cocktails with unique flavors - top choices are the Falsetto and the Boxing Club. All crafted cocktails are $15. Great seating arrangements with tons of room. Comfortable couches make this a delightful bar. read more

Such great vibes in this place! The Espresso martini I ordered was delicious, and our excellent bartender gave us fine "milk juice" to sample and that was hella good too. The food was out of control delicious as well. The drumettes were tiny, but crispy and flavorful. The country ham made me feel all fancy. Biscuits were great- nice chew on the inside and crispy on the outside. The hanger steak. Oh man. What a flavor bomb. I loved the grape soda marinade. Cooked perfectly. The collared greens on their own were a bit intense but the note with everything together was perfect. My absolute FAVE thing on the table though, was the pimento cheese. I had been searching LA for a good one and Eureka, I've found it! It's got a little kick too which was welcome. Ambience was top notch. Even had a little celebrity sighting on the patio. Check this place out! read more

See all

I didn't take photos because I was too engrossed in devouring my food and downing my drink. I have Celiac and haven't had a biscuit in 20 years, and as my (non-Celiac-gluten-eating) husband can testify, the fried chicken biscuit was DELICIOUS. I don't know what magic the owner is conjuring to make that biscuit gluten-free, but I am IN. The fries and pimento cheese poppers and collard greens were also delicious, as was the mezcal cocktail. We'll be back to try the few items on the menu we didn't try (hello, GF mac & cheese). The servers were lovely and kind and informative and fun. read more

The pizza doesn't disappoint. You can expect a long wait time during busy hours, especially if it's first Friday.

Thunderbolt is a gem of a spot!!! loveee the vibes in this place, my friend and i ended up talking here for ours. and the drinks are delicious!! and pretty strong. the service is also very good and attentive. read more

ABSOLUTELY LOVE!!! Cute place, great staff, good drinks and amazing selection! I almost cried at the gluten free options! I ordered biscuits and even ordered some to go! They were amazing! Parking was a bit hard BUT not a reason to not check this place out! I am absolutely going again! read more

Thunderbolt - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

Been wanting to try mocktails for a while now, this strawberry #2 was a refreshing delight. The only qualm with this place is lack of parking. Atmosphere was low night chill vibes with right amount of people and music. Service was thoughtful and consistent. Would try more cocktails and gluten free foods if I'm ever back in the area. Solid. read more

Thunderbolt - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

I think the drinks here are unique in that they are canned, but I'm not a huge fan of sparkling/carbonated beverages, so it was hard to find one that I liked. 4 stars for the ambiance though! read more

Cocktail bar with super tasty bites. I am thrilled this stretch of Temple is finally getting some new businesses. Stopped by on a Dodgers game night and there was plenty of room. Luckily its too far the fans to come here. We had the fried chicken on biscuits and collared greens. Delicious. The servers are awesome. The ambience is great. The terrazzo counter is very memorable. read more

A+++ drinks. EVERYTHING is so good, including the canned drinks, which are canned in-house. You really can't go wrong with any of these. My favorite is the La Frutera #2. I love the cantaloupe flavor. But another popular one is the Tart Cherry Thunderbolt that comes in a super cute cup. The service is super friendly. The bartenders are awesome and will happily talk you through their incredible drinks and ingredients. And the vibes of this place are so great. There are comfy couches, tables and bar seating. It's high end drinks with a laid back environment. Highly highly highly recommend. The only thing is parking can be tricky on the street. Would be best to use a ride share if you can! read more

See all

Nice little bar tucked away on a quiet street next to a motel. Got street parking immediately across the street. Staff was friendly and attentive, got my first cocktail within a few mins of entering. The wings were incredible, might be the best I've had in town, meaty and flavorful. Tried a few of their signature cocktails, 1 mixed at the bar, two pre canned, all great. The fries were my only negative here, came out soggy. read more

Thunderbolt - Kennebec Potato Wedges and wings. - Bars Near Me - Los Angeles, California

See all

Great cocktails and best ice in town. I loved this place and a few months ago would give it 5-stars. BUT...they change their menu every year which is great, though this year they changed their menu into what appears to be a brochure. It has Applebees vibes and is full of pictures of anything but the cocktails you're about to order. ALSO - 'twas there the other night and ordered a cocktail that my partner did not like at all. We let the bartender know and asked if we could have something else. He denies saying, "I can't resell it.." Duh you can't, but it literally tastes like warm piss. It seemed pretty shortsighted not to make a new drink. I've never met a bartender who wouldn't swap for something more pleasing to the customer. It seems silly to send a patron out disappointed after they just got a spread of food and drinks. I used to bartend and it was my MO to make sure people were happy. Then when he asked how everything was...well...not good I guess but what are you gonna do about it? Make us a new drink? That ship has sailed. SO, three stars. Would give 2 1/2 if I could. Their food had slipped but they still have very nice cocktails for the most part. The bartender or manager or whoever is driving this policy needs to rethink things. I liked this place a lot but I'll go elsewhere. read more

lovely atmosphere and drinks. I love this place!

Amazing food and not just for being GF. Amazing variety of interesting cocktails I've never seen.