Repurposing a longtime Deep Ellum service station, Thunderbird has a huge patio and a casual, friendly vibe. Retro foods are made with quality local ingredients, such as bologna from Rudolph’s Meat Market, and a full bar offers frosty beer, house-made sangria, and specialty cocktails. Order this to go: a Hot Rod (hot dog), made with Brian Luscher’s famous, skinny Red Hots and offered with grilled onion and jalapeño or chili, cheese, and Fritos; a sloppy joe heaped with Black Angus beef; an apple or peach fried pie (or a brownie that resembles a lava cake). Pro tip: If you can’t find street parking on Commerce, you might have better luck on S. 2nd Avenue.
Note: Review reflects COVID-19 protocols in place at the time of visit.