Cocktail bar
Unclaimed profileThunderbolt
Los Angeles, CA · $$$
Inebrious
Beverage Program Score
The editorial take
Thunderbolt is a cocktail bar with a serious beverage program. Its wine list leans natural and low-intervention, with a uniform $15 by-the-glass pour. The spirits list is deep, including rare and private barrel selections. Cocktails are described as inventive and science-driven, though specific menu details remain elusive. Beer and non-alcoholic options round out a well-curated list.
- What should I order?
- Start with a clarified milk punch or highball, per community praise. For wine, try the Domaine Taillandier 'Laguzelle' Cinsault blend or Joe Swick 'The Flood' skin contact. Spirits enthusiasts should consider Michter's Sour Mash or a rare pour like OFC 1995.
- Who will enjoy this place?
- Natural wine enthusiasts will appreciate the low-intervention focus and diverse producer list. Spirits collectors will find rare and private barrel selections. Cocktail lovers seeking inventive, science-driven drinks will feel at home, though menu specifics are unverified.
- When should I go?
- Evenings are lively with a cozy living-room vibe; patio seating is noted as vibey. Weekend slots may be crowded, so plan accordingly. The wine club releases suggest special timing for those interested in curated monthly selections.
- What should I expect to spend?
- By-the-glass wines are $15; draft beers $8-$10, cans $6-$9, ciders $9-$10. Spirit pours range from $15 to $279, with bottle wines from $13 to $173. Non-alcoholic options are $7-$15.
- What makes the beverage program distinctive?
- Thunderbolt stands out for its natural wine focus and extensive spirits list, including rare and private barrel selections. The wine club highlights queer and woman winemakers, adding a distinctive curatorial voice. Cocktails are praised for science-driven innovation, though menu details are not fully documented.
Beverage categories
We only score what a venue sets out to do. Categories a venue doesn't attempt are left unscored rather than penalized.
Cocktails
Community reviews describe inventive, science-driven cocktails like clarified milk punches and highballs, balancing precision with approachability. Menu details are not accessible, but the program is active and praised.
Menu strengths
- — Inventive, science-driven approach with clarified milk punches and highballs.
- — Balance of precision and approachability, praised by reviewers.
- — Active cocktail program confirmed by dine-in menu section.
Standout selections
- — Clarified milk punch (per community reviews); Highball (per community reviews)
Pricing: Specific cocktail prices not available; program exists per dine-in menu.
Wine
The wine program emphasizes natural, low-intervention producers, with a diverse by-the-glass list and an extensive bottle list. Wine club releases highlight queer and woman winemakers, adding curatorial distinction.
Menu strengths
- — Strong focus on natural, low-intervention wines with diverse producers.
- — Wine club releases feature queer and woman winemakers, showing commitment to diversity.
- — By-the-glass list includes multiple styles at a uniform price.
Standout selections
- — Domaine Taillandier 'Laguzelle' Cinsault, Grenache & Syrah 2024 ($15)
- — Joe Swick 'The Flood' White Blend 2023 ($15)
- — Mouzon-Leroux L'Incandescent Rosé de Saignée Extra Brut ($85/$105)
Pricing: By-the-glass wines uniformly $15; bottle prices range $13-$173.
Beer
The beer list includes local Los Angeles breweries and international options, with drafts and cans. Styles range from lager to IPA, and cider is also available. Solid but not the program's centerpiece.
Menu strengths
- — Local LA breweries featured, including Boomtown and Highland Park.
- — Variety of styles, including gluten-free and non-alcoholic options.
Standout selections
- — Highland Park Brewery 'Hello LA' West Coast IPA ($10)
Pricing: Draft $8-$10; cans $6-$9; ciders $9-$10.
Nonalcoholic
Non-alcoholic options span sparkling wine, beer, and cider, offering thoughtful alternatives. Pricing is comparable to their alcoholic counterparts, reflecting quality. A nice touch for designated drivers.
Menu strengths
- — Options from notable producers like Athletic Brewing and Eric Bordelet.
Standout selections
- — Woody's Sparkling Blanc de Blancs ($15); Athletic Brewing Upside Dawn Golden Non-Alcoholic ($7)
Pricing: Non-alcoholic sparkling wine $15; non-alcoholic beer $7; non-alcoholic cider $10.
Spirits
An extensive spirits list covers all major categories, with rare and private barrel selections. The depth and range, from everyday pours to ultra-premium, make it a standout program.
Menu strengths
- — Extensive coverage across amaro, bourbon, brandy, gin, mezcal, rum, rye, scotch, tequila, vodka, and more.
- — Includes rare and private barrel selections, appealing to collectors.
- — Pricing spans from accessible to ultra-premium, offering range.
Standout selections
- — Michter's Sour Mash ($15); Fortaleza Añejo Tequila ($24)
- — Chartreuse Cuvee 1605 ($32); OFC 1995 Bourbon ($279)
Pricing: Spirit pours range from $15 (Michter's Sour Mash) to $279 (OFC 1995).
How it sits with the food
The compact menu features Southern-inspired comfort bites like biscuits and pimento cheese snacks, which pair well with the approachable cocktails and natural wines. The by-the-glass wine selection offers versatile options for these savory snacks.
Inebrious does not score kitchens, food or the restaurant overall. We review the beverage program only.
Community reviews
Anyone with a free Inebrious account can rate the drinks here. Community ratings are kept entirely separate from the Inebrious editorial score above.
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