When Silver Lake locals look for a spot to wet their whistle, they look for the Best Whiskey Bar in Silver Lake, of course. The Thirst Crow Bar has naked ambition, a speakeasy vibe, and happens to be stunningly beautiful all at the same time. But don’t take our word for it. We caught up with the Thirsty Crow’s General Manager Rahad Coulter-Stevenson to help spill the beans on this little Silver Lake gem.
General Manager | Rahad Coulter-Stevenson
How long has the Thirsty Crow Bar been around?
Thirsty Crow opened in 2010 and we recently celebrated Thirsty Crow’s 6th birthday on Friday, April 29th.
Where did the name come from?
The name came from one of Aesop’s fables about a thirsty crow who saw water in the bottom of a jar, but could not reach it with her beak. With wisdom as her guide, the crafty crow quickly started collecting pebbles to drop into the jar, eventually raising the water to a level where she could drink it.
Silver Lake neighborhood speakeasy with a mysterious vibe
What’s the vibe like?
Besides the massive whiskey selection and the delicious hand crafted cocktails, the vibe is one of the main reasons there are so many regulars at Thirsty Crow. It’s like a present day, Cheers, if you will. It balances between fun, slightly sophisticated, yet a divey little neighborhood speakeasy where everyone, including the bartenders, feed off that mysterious, unspoken, tenacious vibe.
Tell us about the deals. Any drink specials?
Oh yes! Our happy hour is one of the best offerings in town! From 5-8pm weekdays and a whopping 2-8pm on weekends! During that time you pay $5 for Old Fashioneds, Moscow Mules, Dark and Stormys, or just a straight pour of WL Weller Special Reserve Bourbon.
We also offer nightly specials during the week, from our MofoMonday featuring a Late Night Happy Hour and $2 Schlitz Tall Boys, Two4Tuesday featuring 2-for-1 Old Fashioneds and Moscow Mules, Whiskey Wednesday featuring a $5 Premium Whiskey offering all night, or Thirsty Thursday that features a $7 shot of Reposado tequila and a $3 can of Olympia.
Tell me about any Special or weekly events?
Sunday evenings are all about live music, featuring Princess Frank, a one man rock n’ roll/blues tornado, followed by Kyle Crane Jazz Trio, and a rotating vinyl DJ set called Nightwalk. Drink specials ($5 Buffalo Trace) are available to set a playful mood. Twice a year, the bar hosts Crowchella event, which showcases four up-and-coming local bands/artists, gourmet food vendors, and happy hour drink specials.
What are the best nights to go?
We honestly try to create something fun for everyone, every night. The weekends can get crowded, but that’s typically part of the entertainment. During the week can be a more relaxed time to appreciate a fine single malt or catch up with old friends. Then there’s always happy hour, which is typically pretty chill (until the final rush hour), if you’re not into the hustle and bustle of a noisy nightlife crowd.
Who hangs out here?
I guess we get a little bit of everybody. Tourists, celebrities, and neighborhood folks alike. It’s a really great place to feel that special, unassuming magic that Silver Lake has to offer.
What are some favorite specialty drinks?
Our signature Thirsty Crow cocktail and our signature Old Fashioned are probably our most popular specialty drinks. However, we just launched our new spring/summer menu which features some outstanding seasonal selections…we might have outdone ourselves this time!
Thirsty Crow Cocktail | Best Whiskey Bar in Silver Lake
What makes The Thirsty Crow bar different from the rest of Silver Lake?
Honestly, I think it’s the opposite…I feel like this bar embodies Silver Lake in a very special way. I remember having the privilege of bartending during one of Daniel Lanois’ secret performances and he kept referring to the Crow as “The Jewel of Silver Lake.” That was when I realized I wasn’t the only one who felt that way 😉
The Thirsty Crow Bar
2939 Sunset Blvd
Los Angeles, CA 90026
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