Thunderbolt, Echo Park
15 people recommendvia r/AskLosAngeles, r/FoodLosAngeles, r/LosAngeles20 comments cited below
What people say, in short
Thunderbolt draws praise for cocktails, with one visitor admiring the inventive selection and another enjoying a shaded patio for reading. One commenter finds its Temple Street setting calmer than the Sunset strip. The dissent is substantial: patrons describe uneven drinks, disappointing atmosphere and an unusual room; one found no reason to return after a second visit. It is a more contested pick than its cocktail reputation alone suggests.
Address
Thunderbolt, 1263 W Temple St, Los Angeles, CA 90026
At a glance
- Best for
- Cocktails
- Opinions divided
- Yes
- Known for
- Cocktails, Patio
Nearby on this map
Other places on this map closest to Thunderbolt, Echo Park, as the crow flies.
The evidence
Every point below is paraphrased from a real public comment, ordered by how much the community engaged with it. Caveats and negatives are kept in — follow any link to read the original for yourself.
- Recommendsu/lashfield in r/AskLosAngeles · Apr 2026
Lists it among favorite east side bars.
- Recommendsu/JurgusRudkus in r/AskLosAngeles · Jul 2025ambience
Praises the small shaded patio and strong drinks and food; says it's fine to linger.
- Recommendsu/broke_lyfe in r/FoodLosAngeles · Jun 2026
Endorses it when asked for cocktail bar recommendations.
- Recommendsu/goPACK17 in r/FoodLosAngeles · Jun 2026variety
Recommends it for a broad, creative menu, noting some drinks are hit or miss.
- Mixedu/scadler in r/AskLosAngeles · Oct 2024
Disagrees with the top-ranking claim, calling it a fine cocktail spot but overrated.
- Recommendsu/sathvik87 in r/FoodLosAngeles · Dec 2024taste
Praises the cocktails as the main draw.
- Recommendsu/Zachcrius in r/AskLosAngeles · Oct 2024ambience
Calls it highly regarded and calmer than the bars on Sunset.
- Recommendsu/blurrytree in r/LosAngeles · Nov 2026taste
Lists this bar among LA spots with plenty good drinks, though its vibe may not suit such lists.
Show all 20 cited comments
- Recommendsu/afeigenb in r/AskLosAngeles · Jan 2024
Recommends it firmly.
- Recommendsu/Obvious_Ship_7225 in r/AskLosAngeles · Apr 2026
Lists it among Echo Park bars worth trying.
- Mixedu/Krakenmonstah in r/LosAngeles · Nov 2026
Rates it pretty good, yet has not felt drawn to go back after two visits.
- Recommendsu/xxfactory in r/FoodLosAngeles · Jun 2026
Ranks it highly on their own list.
- Mixedu/i_will_eat_your in r/AskLosAngeles · Oct 2024
Praises the cocktails but finds the atmosphere disappointing.
- Mixedu/shiwenbin in r/LosAngeles · Nov 2026ambience
Finds the space odd and doesn't see its appeal, though says the cocktails are good.
- Recommendsu/Small-Disaster939 in r/LosAngeles · Nov 2026
Says both of these bars are still great.
- Recommendsu/itsjustataste in r/FoodLosAngeles · Jun 2026
Adds it to the list, agreeing with others' picks.
- Mixedu/RedditFan3510 in r/FoodLosAngeles · Jun 2026taste
Finds it interesting but a bit overrated; many drinks feel premade.
- Recommendsu/jeffbezosburner69 in r/FoodLosAngeles · Jun 2026
Agrees it's worth going, in line with other suggestions.
- Recommendsu/DonJuanPawnShop53 in r/AskLosAngeles · Sep 2025taste
Calls Thunderbolt not upscale but praises its drinks.
- Recommendsu/aNewVersionofSelf in r/FoodLosAngeles · Dec 2024taste
Praises the craft cocktails there.
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Freshness
Details last checked 11 Nov 2026. Recommendations reflect what people said at the time; confirm current details before you go.