Thunderbird Cafe

Truthfully, Thunderbird is mostly a music venue. There are shows most nights of the week. So, if you're just looking for a place to grab a drink, it's worth checking their calendar first. But if you're looking to catch a band, it's a nice small venue for a show.

The space is broken up into four segments: front bar, pool table, stage,  and balcony. The front bar is long, narrow and metal. That is metal the material, not the music. There is a metal motif at Thunderbird's front bar. The stools have diamond patterned sheet metal backs, the ceiling is tin and all parts of the bar are metal...it's very rock n roll. The back wall is left as exposed brick, but maybe that's why it still feels like a warm and comfortable space, despite all of the metal. They've got a really good beer selection in front, specializing in micros. The prices are a little on the high end, but not outrageous. It's just getting harder and harder to find a good beer under $5 anywhere, not just here.

The second segment houses the pool table and sits in between the front bar and the stairs up to the performance space. It is a small area, but good for a random game of pool on a Tuesday night. The third segment is the performance space. It's small and not ideal for crowded shows because the stage is so low that it can be hard to see. However, if you get there early and you make your way up to the fourth and final segment of this now seemingly endless bar, there is a loft overlooking the stage with its own smaller bar.  This is a great place to watch your favorite semi-local act. (RIP Uncle Scratch's Gospel Revival.)

All in all, it is a nicely done space. They have a good drink selection and a variety of local and touring bands playing there. What's not to like?

Address:	4023 Butler St, 15201  http://www.thunderbirdcafe.net/	Games:	Pool, Video Poker, Pinball
Façade:	Not Scary	Scene:	Rock n Roll
Parking:	Decent	Patio/Outdoor:	No
Kitchen:	Bar food	Cleanliness:	Nice
Smoking:	Some	Jukebox:	Internet Crap
Hours:	-2am	Cig Machine:	No
Drink Prices:	Average	# taps:	20
Bathrooms:	Sit	Specials:	Nothing
Live music:	5 nights a week	Riley Factor:	$9.25
ATM:	Yes	Cash Only	No
TVs:	2	Size:	Friggin' Huge