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    Thunder Road Cafe

    4.4 (30 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 7:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Thunder Road Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    THUNDER ROAD CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Happy hour specials
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

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    Recommended Reviews - Thunder Road Cafe

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    Robert C.

    Love the ambiance here. This is my new coffee spot when in search of something comfy and cozy. The leather couch is my favorite. It's like being in a public living room. The baristas are all super friendly and greet you with a warm smile. The cold brew is delicious. Just a little cream added makes it exceptional. The place does double as a wine bar but I admit, I haven't been here for vino yet.

    Ana R.

    Great service from the lady with pigtails and slight red hair. Just confused if this place is called thunder road cafe or petrol coffee. Either way their Apple pie chai tea is delicious. Ambiance is very motor and automobile themed so I suggest checking it out.

    Patio Thunder Road Cafe swooped
    Rocky B.

    I have to admit I was bummed when Blackwood closed but wow Thunder Road Cafe swooped in and managed to open up an even more amazing spot! First off the ambience...the way they transformed the inside seating area is top notch! It's cozy, welcoming and still manages to be hip and edgy. Major improvement! We actually went back to back days for this review. We stopped in on a Saturday afternoon just to check them out and I grabbed a glass of wine. Wine was perfect and what a setting to just relax in for a spell. Next morning we went for some lattes and sat outside. Definitely an upgrade to the seating outside but they did trim the branches on the trellis a bit so you're not as protected from the sun. Hopefully the leaves grow back in quickly. Lattes were so smooth I went and grabbed another to go. Will definitely be back! Oh and they have parking in the back now. Score!

    Lavender brew
    Spring G.

    Cool chill vibes ! Patio seating ! Lavender cold brew !! Yum ! Quiet ! Great for a morning coffee !

    Pumpkin Spice Latte
    CB C.

    Thunder Road Cafe has an exceptional pumpkin spiced latte (fresh pumpkin purée imported from OR), ample seating indoors and outdoors, and the barista who serviced me was wonderful (I believe her name was Izzy) with great hospitality.

    Amy C.

    Thunder Road Cafe is my new favorite spot on Santa Monica Blvd. It's got the perfect mix of grit and charm--part motorcycle garage, part cozy, design-forward café. Great coffee, great wine and beer selection, tasty food and pastry menu, and friendly staff who make you feel welcome right away. Whether you're here to write, catch up with a friend, or just hang out and sip a delicious Petrol coffee (the shop's own brand - a must try), the vibe is warm, relaxed, and easy to settle into. Great music selection as well. Austin Melrose has created something really special here.

    Outside
    Mr. C.

    AMAZING PLACE!!! The vibe, the furniture and the coffee is incredible! The barista was super cool, and made a great drink. Then grabbed a can of wine to drink there and a bottle for the road! I could stay here and work for hours.

    Jonathan F.

    This is the latest venture from the inimitable Umbrella Hospitality, a solo project by Austin Melrose. I've now dropped in a couple times and can say with certainty this is a next-level coffee shop. First, the coffee- debuting their own brand, Octane, you can essentially choose the roast based on popular gasoline strength. 89 as a medium roast is my favorite, silky and earthy notes- try it with a latte for sure. Roasting is perfect and baristas are friendly and prompt. Bags of Octane are available for purchase, which brings me to the next selling point- the atmosphere. This is layered with a delicate balance of two things that often would never go together- a chilled coffee shop vibe and vintage motorcylces built into the decor. Old helmets populate the shelving right next to retail items. The shop opens out to a brick-lined patio that looks more like a 1944 French Resistance alcove, quiet and enclosed by trees- good spot for work meetings actually. As it's a coffee shop, atmosphere is quiet, clientele seem chill, and speaking of chilling out, the retail section also sports a great fridge for alcoholic beverages available for purchase. I would make this cozy shop my second living room!

    Interior.
    Tery L.

    This is a new coffee shop that just opened on historic Route 66 in the West Hollywood area. Motorcycle enthusiasts--especially cafe racer fans--will love the vibe. The space has an outdoor patio, parking in the back, and they also serve food, beer, and wine. The owner is the same behind Melrose Umbrella Company, so you know it's a thoughtfully designed spot with plenty of cool details. It definitely shows in the decor. They serve Petrol Coffee, and it packs the perfect kick.

    Main area. Pretty sure the motorcycle is decor, you can't park your sleds indoors.

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    27 days ago

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    Austin M.

    Thank you for the note Philip! Our team appreciates the support.

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    1 year ago

    Great new spot in town! Awesome coffee and they offer a locals discount too All the staff have been super friendly every visit.

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    7 months ago

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    Ask the Community - Thunder Road Cafe

    Review Highlights - Thunder Road Cafe

    Just confused if this place is called thunder road cafe or petrol coffee.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

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    Thunder Road Cafe - coffee - Updated May 2026

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