Thunderbird

Really nice place.
The décor chosen is simple exposed brick and beam work in an restored store front.
The service was good and friendly.
A little on the hipster side which is the norm for the fountain square area.
The biscuits were probably the best part of my entire meal.
Ordered a side order of the Mac and cheese. I think they used so much white cheddar in the mix which added a nice level to the richness to the max and cheese.
The hot chicken however was quite terrible. Sadly recreating hot chicken is a difficult task. And if your looking to try it from here I highly recommend you go else where. Now I have had authentic hot chicken from Nashville and this is like having oil spiced slight chicken flavored salt. I literally forced myself to eat it. After pealing apart the chicken and adding some apple butter to it I was able to actually stomach the meal.
If it were up to me I would have it pulled from the menu.
Even though the hot chicken was god awful there were other dishes being served to neighboring tables that looked tasty.
I will most likely go back but it will probably be just for a drink.

We were traveling home to Ohio from a conference in Illinois and found your restaurant on Unilocal.After reading some of the reviews we decided to make a stop for an early dinner. I fell in love walking in the front door seeing the back of a piano in the wall. The exposed brick, the wooden beams, and the beautifully repurposed wood makes a great backdrop for the wonderful southern-​style funky cuisine.
We started our meal off with the cheddar cheese grit fries and pork shoulder poutine. The fries were wonderfully crispy on the outside and warm and cheesy on the inside. Served with a bourbon maple aioli it was a perfect combination of sweet and savory. The braised pork shoulder topping the poutine had a hint of Caribbean Jerk type flavors and gave an unexpected, but welcome, bright twist to this dish. I ordered the shrimp and grits for my main course. The old fashioned style bacon and the chorizo in this entrée played wonderfully against the creamy cheesy grits. I would personally like to have tasted a bit more jalapeño and a less salt. Overall this dish was wonderfully presented and had an amazing combination of fresh lively flavore as did the appetizers. I would highly recommend Thunderbird for a bright flavorful meal, fantastic drinks, in a comfortable welcoming atmosphere.

The 4 star rating and delicious looking appetizer menu is what brought me in here in a day trip to Indy. It wasn’t busy at all when we went in as we were well before the dinner crowd. Initially excited by the appetizer menu, my sister and I ordered the Poutine to share; this was my favorite part of the meal. Great flavors of everything in it. The other appetizers as well look really good. There was a decent selection of beers and drinks. The dinner menu was much smaller than it originally seemed and also more expensive than we thought the $$ indicated, so my sister and I made a make shift meal to share. Tacos (shrimp for her and pork for me), coleslaw, and mac and cheese to share. I was unimpressed by the tacos, but the mac and cheese was pretty good.

This is our all-​time favorite bar in Indy. Joshua is a great manager and always takes good care of us. Their menu is quirky and excellent. Hands down the best Manhattan and old fashioned in town. Simply the best of Indy. We will always be back.

I don’t come to Thunderbird as often as I’d like, when I have it’s been great every time. I need to try more of the food! I’ve only had the Cheddar Grit Fries, Mac & Cheese, and Hot Pimento Crock. All were super good except for the Crock, dunno about that one… You be the judge! My favorite drink is by far You Rotten Son of a Bitch (vodka, turmeric, ginger, lime). So good, refreshing, and I hate to sound cliché but. unique. Very nice flavor. The Dusty Bottoms (rum!) was also delicious if you like something a bit sweeter.

Calling all fried chicken lovers! Stop what you’re doing immediately and head down to Thunderbird. Thunderbird is everything that’s awesome with Fountain Square — cool, unique vibe, good food, fair prices!
We immediately went for the Fried Chicken Bucket (serves 3 to 4, but we were a party of 2). The chicken comes out and it’s greasy, salty, crunchy, freshly fried and hot. The thigh was the winning piece while the wing didn’t have too much meat. The coating does come off the chicken relatively easily but it just made it easier to shovel into my mouth.
As for sides, we got the mac and cheese, greens and biscuits. I could have done without all 3. None were bad, but as with most places, it didn’t compare to the main show. I would probably just order the chicken next time and something off the starter menu.
I didn’t have a drink so can’t speak to it but they were flying out of the bar so clearly people like them. It’s always hard for me to rationalize $ 12 for a «craft cocktail» when in college I got a $ 2 rum and coke. I recognize there is a difference, but the price disparity is too much for me.

Thunderbird has become one of my favorite places to go.
They have really become a very unique place in Indianapolis.
The food is southern comfort on steroids and the drinks are one of a kind.
They have a drink for all here and will come up with something if you tell them what you are looking for.
The service is great especially if you go during actual dinner time. They do not get too crowded until around 8pm or later.
I recommend this place for the true foodie.

Heard about Thunderbird several times before finally making it out, and I wasn’t disappointed. The bar is the center of the room (as it should be), and there was plenty of room for everyone to navigate. It wasn’t that crowded, but I actually prefer to have a chill place to sit down and get a good drink. The staff seemed on top of their game, and although I only had straight drinks (whiskey, rye), just by watching and talking to our bartender (Bryan), I could tell that he was solid, despite the fact that he didn’t look old enough to drinks the cocktails he was so expertly preparing.
We had just had dinner, otherwise I would have ordered several entrees from the extensive food menu. We settled for the beignets, but when they turned out to be undercooked and doughy, they were promptly taken off our bill.
Everything about this place made me think that I’d make it part of my regular rotation. I would even bring out-​of-​town guests here to show them the best that Indianapolis has to offer.
PROS
— Efficient and professional staff. Every few moments, someone was checking in on us and making sure we had everything we needed.
— Drool-​inducing food menu.
CONS
— Went on a Friday around 8pm and the place was dead. Maybe that’s what you want, or maybe it was because there was a Pacers playoff game, but this could be considered a con or a pro. I put it under «Con» just because I didn’t have anything else to put down here.

I was talking with a bartender hundreds of miles and several states away and remarked that I was going to be doing some work in Indianapolis. His response: Go to Thunderbird.
He was right.
I enjoyed amiable service, a decent old fashioned, and cheddar grit fries with a nice bourbon maple aioli. The mac & cheese didn’t particularly do it for me, but I think that may just be my personal preference. Not a bad night.
Looking forward to coming back and trying more of the menu.

Came in today for the fountain square music fest. Staff is very friendly & fun & knowledgable about the menu. Ordered a amaretto sour & it has to be the best one I’ve ever he in my entire life. The fried okra is very delicious as well.

I have always loved a great cocktail and this place delivers plenty of them! I have been here several times for drinks and they are always tasty. They know what they are doing behind the bar and use quality ingredients which I believe makes a difference. The cocktails menu change seasonally so it’s never boring.
Recently I enjoyed dinner here with friends. I am happy to say that the food did not disappoint either. We devoured an order of pouting in mere minutes. We also continued to order a sandwich or such. I enjoyed their take on a Hot Brown. It was delicious! I also managed to grab a bite of the shrimp po boy that was being enjoyed by my dinner date. It was made me wish I could order that next. So good!
My only tip is to get to this place when you are craving a killer cocktail and some tasty eats. Not your average bar — way above average here!

We have been here a number of times to enjoy their libations. This weekend was the first time we sampled their food menu.
The Nashville Hot chicken is HOT. I was expecting heat, but this was a bit much for me. Luckily, hubby loves hot food. The coleslaw was amazing. We swapped plates and I enjoyed his shrimp po’ boy. I also ordered the cornbread. Order it and enjoy the flavored butter and apple butter.
My best advice for visiting Thunderbird is to talk to the bartender, tell them your favorite spirit, and be open for recommendations.
It’s a great spot we don’t get to enough.

Every time I go to Thunderbird, the vibe changes. Some nights it’s a sports bar (they have a huge screen that rolls down from the ceiling), some nights it’s a southern rockabilly bar, and some nights it’s a quiet cocktail place. I respect a bar that’s so versatile.
Their cocktails are great, but not cheap. You’ll pay about $ 11 – 13 per drink, but you won’t be disappointed. I’ve never had food from Thunderbird, but I’ve seen some impressive chicken wings come out of the kitchen. The people are friendly, and I think it’s a great addition to the Fountain Square scene. You do you, Thunderbird… whatever mood you’re feeling that night.

Thunderbird is awesome. The vibe is so cool. (One day I walked in and Warren G. was playing. Wait, what?) It’s just so cool to go in a place and hear good music, sip unique drinks, manger good meals ahhhh j’adoreeeeee
*The service is on point, even when they’re busy and a bit slower– I never feel forgotten, or neglected.
and through all the menu changes, I’ve never been disappointed. love this place, it’s my favorite bar in Indy.
I love the deviled eggs to eat and air mail to drink
(You could bring back the greens, cornbread, shrimp&grits, bourbon redemption, and Blanche Devereaux…)

I went on a late night Friday and their cocktails are crazy expensive! The drinks are definitely worth the $ 10 and the vibe is very nice, but I didn’t get to try any food (the reason for the 3-​star rating).
The staff is very nice and friendly, the restaurant is clean and you can definitely bring a big group here.
Hopefully I’ll be back to eat some food!

Holy cool bar! Again– if you want to do something cool in Indy — get to Fountain Square. Old town vibe with new cross walks and completed road repairs. It is so easy to get around, NOT overcrowded and even though the servers have that «edge» to them, it’s a nice change from what has become a yuppie Mass Ave and dangerous Broadripple. Oh wait… maybe you should stay away — more for me.
Thunderbird is trendy and stylish inside. Love the bar area and lots of different kinds of seating that accommodate groups. It wasn’t too busy around 9 PM on a Saturday but it filled up while we were there. I wish we would have eaten but we just drank and let’s just say LOVE their drink list!
We tried a few of the concoctions and they were all fabulous — and fancy fun! They come out really with some personality but somehow NOT cheesy (which is hard to accomplish). I love their no bullshit vibe and our server was consistent but friendly.
I was also cool enough to have run into some 24 year old clients who officially thought I was even more awesome than when they met me… which…only happens b/​c I was out on ONE of the many nights they peruse this area. SCORE!
Definitely check this out. Great for a progressive end to a fabulous night!

Lordy Mercy I do love me some Thunderbird!
Feel like some good southern comfort food but… Well… Fancier? You need look no further than Fountain Square. This relatively new restaurant has brought the south right here to Indy. Grits, fried chicken, succotash, and greens… What more do you need?!
But in all seriousness… Let’s talk about that pickle brined chicken. Hot damn. The BEST fried chicken I’ve ever had. No… I’m not just saying that. It’s seriously like the most crunchiest, most tastiest, most did-​a-​pickle-​just-​sneak-​into-​my-​mouth-​with-​my-​fried chicken, most (dare I say the most hated word) MOIST chicken I’ve ever had. And if you’re wondering, yeah, I did use double superlatives to describe how good this chicken is in your mouth. Deal with it.
I could continue on my rampage of fried chicken love but I wanna talk drinks. EXCELLENT bar tenders who know their way around a shaker. Pleeeenty of local beer choices as well.
But, no trip to the Bird would be complete without beignets. Tasty little fried donuts and their crunchy outside and pillowy doughboy tummy insides. And dat apple butter… Mmmm. And for $ 4?! Hello bargain. As if I didn’t need another reason to rationalize getting them every single time I go, they had to go and make it affordable. Now I’m definitely defenseless against them. Thanks ThundyBird.
In conclusion, T-​bird is one of my favorite foodie joints and continues to please my inner southern belle.

This review is most accurately a 3.5. Tonight was my first time visiting. The hipster vibe was almost overwhelming, but I did really like the space and décor. While we didn’t have any alcohol, I’m sure this would be a great place to have drinks (especially since some are Libertine inspired).
We ordered several things to share. Our popcorn appetizer was pretty boring… literally just popcorn with some spicy seasoning (I detected none of the promised cheddar). The fried chicken was a highlight – great crunchy, salty batter, really juicy, a huge portion, and accompanied by delicious cornbread. We had a side of mac and cheese, which was pretty straightforward and average (I had had this leftover before and it previously had some peppers? Now it is pepper-​free). We finished with beignets which were excellent – great serving size, fresh, and served with apple butter. One little pet peeve of mine is that their soda is served by the can.
The service was solidly average. It took quite awhile to get our food, check, etc. for a weeknight. The price was very reasonable. I’m not sure that I’ll be back, but it’s mostly becuase those four things we ate were literally the only four things on the menu that appealed to me. That’s more my problem than Thunderbird’s. I think they stay true to their southern inspiration.

I have been dying to visit thunderbird as I kept hearing about their fried chicken and cocktails.
Our first visit did impress. Their grits actually made me like grits for once (and I have had my fair share as a Clemson grad). The friend chicken was all it was cracked up to be and more.
Their succotash I’d have liked to see a bit more veggie presence vs barley. The reason I’m giving them a 4 instead of a 5 is that I’d like to see a few more veggie heavy dishes. Yet as a southern restaurant I can see why they don’t as they are what they are. Their mixed greens were superb.
The beignets are fabulous as well. Their Crunchy outsides and soft pillowy scrumptious insides topped with apple butter is a win win.
Décor wise, I love the old light bulb, steampunk, recycled wood, and dark gray vibe. Kips art on the one walk was a refreshing change of pace in a restaurant as well. Being super picky, the photos on the wall don’t do much for me but c’st la vie.

Dear Thunderbird,
I think we got off on the wrong foot. Allow me to reintroduce myself. My name is Allison, and I love a kick-​ass meal that fuels my foodie passion. Recently you and I were reacquainted after I tasted a dynamite small plate from your newest executive chef, Andrew Whitmoyer, at Indianapolis Monthly’s «Best New Restaurants» event. After spending days with Andrew’s succulent duck chow mein on the brain, I knew that it was time to give you another shot.
I stopped in as part of my Sunday Funday, and I was welcomed with a pint of Brewery Vivant’s Contemplation and a seat on your patio. While I love my Michigan beer and also know you are THE place for a bangin’ cocktail, the true test would be what’s on my plate. Opening your menu, I was thrilled at seeing the updates on there since my visit last fall. My eyes immediately went to the Nashville Hot Chicken. I adore this dish and its rendition at Proof on Main in Louisville… how would yours compare?
Oh. My. Word.
That plate had four perfectly fried boneless thighs with just the right amount of cayenne to start me off with a heated crunch with end with a melt-​in-​your-​mouth poultry. Once I piled it on the white bread and pickles, I was geeking out. THIS is the Thunderbird I want to love. THIS is the Thunderbird I want to dine at. THIS is the type of food that should stand next to drinks made by a mixologist heading to the James Beard House in August. If I could have hugged Andrew right then and there, I would have.
THANK YOU for providing me with a the food experience I’ve been craving for a year now. You have a big, big fan in me, and I look forward to freaking out over another meal in the near future.
Cheers,
Allison