Phoenix is about to get a blast from the past with a fresh spin, courtesy of the masterminds behind the Thunderbird Lounge. The city's historic district will soon play host to the Thundercat Lounge, an 'immersive' late '80s to early '90s themed dance club set to debut later this month. Located at 747 W. Van Buren St, the club promises to whisk patrons away to a retro vibe the moment they step through a "Star Wars light tunnel" and into the main space, which Jeremiah J. Gratza, co-owner of the new establishment, described to ABC15 as a throwback to the '90s mall food courts.
The attention to detail in the design reflects a year and a half of intense planning and a desire to create a social media-worthy experience. "We're going to be opening a late 80s-early 90s dance club in the heart of downtown Phoenix" Gratza told ABC15. The amenities are nothing short of what partygoers could ask for a glass block bar, LED video walls, and VIP bottle service booths that scream decadence of a gone era, but with all the modern frills.
The opening weekend is shaping up to be a powerhouse of nostalgia and beats, with a reggaeton party dubbed "Only Perreo" slated for Friday, January 12, followed by an array of themed parties including a Lisa Frank rave and house music extravaganzas. Doors to this retro wonderland are set to swing open to the public on January 12, inviting up to 200 guests to partake in the revival of glitzy '90s nightlife.
Gratza, a self-professed child of the '80s, has ensured that the music at Thundercat Lounge will span across decades, with an emphasis on modern tunes like EDM, techno, and house. The cocktails, though bearing names that nod to the past, promise to be "new modern cocktails" leaning into the 'fun party' vibe made with an array of spirits, according to an earlier interview with ABC15. In a nod to the building's history as a former armory for the City of Phoenix, the Thundercat Lounge isn't just about embracing the past—it's about preserving it, with the club's 1920s Art Deco architecture remaining untouched.
And it's not just the main dance area that offers a unique experience. Gratza shared with ABC15, "We also have a basement that is going to be a private Japanese-style karaoke room that's going to be done in the vein of Blade Runner." The lounge's varied offerings, from its retro-inspired interior design to its state-of-the-art sound system, are sure to make it a standout destination in Phoenix's nightlife scene.
