The 1970s-inspired lounge, the High Low raises the appeal of Atwater village bars

The team behind Thunderbird, Blind Donkey and Verdugo Bar spent the last year gutting the old Moon Room/Griffin space in Atwater Village. They are now days away from introducing their latest bar, the High Low, a casual and cozy addition to the walkable bar options on this stretch of Los Feliz Boulevard starting February 9.

The High Low is opposite Tam O’Shanter and a short walk from Morrison, Bigfoot Lodge and the Roost, while a second row of noteworthy bars is a three-minute carpool ride or 15-minute walk from the Club Tee of Glendale Blvd. Gee, Link N’ Hops or the Oeno Vino Wine Shop & Bar. Glendale Tap is also just a mile away.

With the success of Thunderbird, the partners brought these successful elements into High Low. Some things are left over from previous tenants, such as the enclosed wrought iron front patio, the stunning central fireplace and the winding brick ceiling. There’s something to appeal to the mood to suit you, from the pool table to the unassuming TVs, or the enclosed lounge for those who prefer to hear a DJ or live band. There’s even room for movie nights or sing-along karaoke. For now, live events will take place weekly.

Partners John Bower (Blind Donkey, Thunderbird), Justin Farmer (Thunderbird), Brandon Bradford (Verdugo Bar and Surly Goat), Joe Curran and John Condo acquired the building a year ago. With the help of Bower’s wife, Jessica, they rehabbed it into a 1970s-inspired den with big leather banquettes, orange pendant lights, and a big room, plus a handful of TVs, Tex-Mex food, rotating local beers and of course, cocktails.

When it comes to food, High Low’s is similar to its sister Crosstown bar, Thunderbird. Arizona-born Farmer will bring his Tex-Mex-style tacos, nachos, queso and puffy burgers. Cocktails are simple with an emphasis on fresh juices. Try King Pine with Sazerac Rye, Lemon, Simple Syrup, Pineapple Gum Syrup, and Aquafaba. And in a fitting invention, the disco inferno cocktail includes Verde Momento mezcal, lemon, agave, aquafaba, and a floating sprinkle of chilli and sea salt. Well, the drinks will be $8, with $12 house cocktails and $5-$10 draft beers. The daily happy hour will feature $6 wells and discounts on select house and draft cocktails.

Starting next Wednesday, High Low’s hours are 5 p.m. to 2 a.m., with brunch hours on weekends as staff get their sea legs.