Bands, burgers and booze is the mission at Thrashers Bar, which has both transformed and evolved the space formerly known as the Zodiac and the Rocket Room. And with over a decade of experience in the live music business, Connor O’Neal is aiming to rock out the right way.
Since its July launch, Thrashers is filling the quieter southeast corner of downtown by balancing its three cornerstones and adding its own flare.
Thrashers aims to be a “punk dive bar with a focus on affordable prices and affordable shows,” according to O’Neal. Live music shows are Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays with a usual $10 cover per show.
As the frontman for the local band the Tejon Street Corner Thieves, O’Neal has been touring for 15 years. He wants Thrashers to emulate the best places and venues he has played across the country via a combination of collected paraphernalia and punk skater vibes. That’s why the walls are lined with skateboard and snowboard decks.
Thrashers prides itself on a 21+ pull after 9 p.m., but it doesn’t stray away from a fun, playful side. There’s a fingerboard park where customers can use their fingers to “ride” mini-skateboards through tiny skateparks. And a Nintendo N64 game console lends a wholesome note to the bar, on top of Show-and-Tell Mondays, an open mic session that lets patrons share whatever is on their minds.
Thrashers also brings years of experience in business and bites. O’Neal’s wife, Dania, also manages The Triple Nickel Bar. O’Neal says he hopes to create collaboration with other places in downtown through events like their new music festival Thrashers Fest, launching this year on Nov. 14-15, and taking place at both The Triple Nickel and Thrashers.
The menu at Thrashers comes from the Green Line Grill next door., which has been serving its Oklahoma style burgers since 2013. Building and grill owner Bobby Couch recommends the Oinky Doink, an onion-fried Oklahoma-style burger complete with pulled pork.
Couch mentions how quickly O’Neil transformed the space, speaking to high hopes for what Thrashers holds for the future.
“That guy is an inspiration to me too,” Couch says.
Thrashers is open every day from 1 p.m. to 2 a.m.
230 Pueblo Ave.
Instagram: @thrashersbar
Facebook: @Thrashers-Bar
