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ZipPicks Awards
Best Mexican in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Happy Hour in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Happy Hour Mexican in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Happy Hour Wings in Sawtelle Japantown
Best Happy Hour Tacos in Sawtelle Japantown
Master Critic Review
Thunderbird Bar
7.7
A Brentwood sports bar that takes its Tex-Mex kitchen seriously enough to stand on its own—carnitas tacos and nachos carry the menu while an extensive agave spirits program gives the drink side more depth than the usual tap-and-shot setup. Vintage skeeball and a loud, game-day energy make it a group-first destination where the food is a reason to stay, not an afterthought.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas Tacos, Carnitas Nachos, Thunder Burger
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 7.5
Consistency: 7.5
Food Quality: 7.8
Atmosphere: 8
Cultural Relevance: 7.5
What makes it special: Brentwood sports bar pairing a full Tex-Mex kitchen with an elaborate agave spirits collection and vintage skeeball
Who should go: Sports fans wanting real food with their game-day drinks
When to visit: Taco Tuesdays for $3 tacos or Wednesdays for trivia
What to order: Start with the carnitas nachos to share, then order two or three taco varieties per person — the sweet potato and short rib are the standouts
Insider tip: The happy hour runs Monday through Friday 4-7pm with $3 tacos and $5 beers all day
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking on Wilshire—can require circling the block on busy nights, easier on weekday visits
Dress code: Casual—tank tops and flip-flops are fine, no dress code enforced
Noise level: Loud—it's a sports bar with music cranked between games, expect to raise your voice
Weekend wait: Come early if you want a table—gets packed on game nights and weekend evenings
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Several options including bean and cheese tacos, broccoli tacos, sweet potato tacos, and a veggie salad with avocado
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Not ideal for a romantic first date — this is a lively sports bar with eight TVs, Skee-Ball machines, a pool table, and weekly karaoke nights. The energy is fun and social but geared more toward friends and game-day crowds than intimate conversation. That said, for a casual, low-pressure first date where you both want to grab margaritas, play some games, and keep things relaxed, it works well. The leather booths offer a slightly cozier option if you want to sit and talk.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — Thunderbird is walk-in friendly and you can generally grab a seat without a reservation, especially on weekdays or earlier in the evening. On weekends and during major sporting events, the bar fills up and wait times increase. Happy hour (weekdays 4–7pm) draws a steady crowd but turnover is quick. For groups or weekend nights, calling ahead is a smart move.
Is it kid-friendly? During the daytime, yes — babies and young kids are allowed, and the casual Tex-Mex menu (tacos, nachos, quesadillas) works for less picky eaters. However, this is primarily a bar, and the atmosphere shifts to a more adult crowd as the evening goes on. No dedicated kids menu has been confirmed. Best for families before 6–7pm; after that it's firmly bar territory.
Is it good for groups? Yes — this is one of Thunderbird's strengths. The space accommodates larger parties comfortably, and the games (Skee-Ball, pool) give groups built-in entertainment. They also offer private events with customizable food and beverage packages for cocktail receptions, business gatherings, or celebrations. For groups over 6, call ahead to secure space. Contact them directly at (424) 293-8830 for private event details and capacity.
Is there outdoor seating? Yes — outdoor seating is available and the patio is dog-friendly. Specific details on coverage, heating, and exact capacity are not confirmed online — call ahead if outdoor seating is important to your plans, especially during peak hours or for a larger party.
Best For
Better for: Groups catching a game with cheap beer buckets, Taco Tuesday crowds, or a rowdy happy hour with skee-ball and shuffleboard
Consider Alternatives If: You want a quiet dinner conversation—this is a sports-bar-volume room with music filling every gap between plays
Hours
Monday4pm - 12am
Tuesday12pm - 12am
Wednesday12pm - 12am
Thursday12pm - 2am
Friday12pm - 2am
Saturday12pm - 2am
Sunday12pm - 12am