Looking for a more traditional European vibe in a happy hour setting? Located in the Palms/Culver City neighborhood, The Wilde Thistle offers an unconventionally cultural alternative to the typical bar atmosphere. Family-oriented and Celtic-based, The Wilde Thistle serves as an artsy hangout, a neighborhood cafe, and a beer/wine pub that features local artists and live musicians.
Run by Westside locals, The Wilde Thistle is owned by Santa Monica High School alum Caity Wallace, who has teamed up with her daughter Ciara and her son, Brennan, who serve as the kitchen manager and the general manager, respectively.
From traditional handmade Cornish Pasties to Irish beers on tap, the cafe/pub boasts British-inspired menu options that are uncommon at other bars.
Guests can enjoy sandwiches, salads, and even traditional Cornish pasties alongside their beers and pub snacks.
“My mom is very connected with her Celtic heritage,” Ciara Wallace explained. “I’d always see her making scones, and she sold some other Irish-inspired fare at the Farmers’ Market. When the opportunity arose to open up our own brick-and-mortar, we had to take advantage.”
The Wilde Thistle’s happy hour runs from 3 pm to 7 pm Tuesdays through Sundays with a selection of drinks at reasonable prices, including draft beers at $5 and a rotating selection of red and white wine at $5.
“We always have Guinness on tap, as well as our Twisted Thistle IPA, which is considered our house beer,” Wallace said. “The Twisted Thistle is probably our most popular: it’s lighter and not as hoppy as a California IPA, so it’s perfect for warmer weather.”
The Wilde Thistle carefully selects its beer and wine offerings, much of which come from local Westside breweries that span from Santa Monica and Culver City.
Although the happy hour includes only drinks for now, Wallace said that they were looking to expand their appetizer menu in the near future, as popular food items like the Cornish pasties (available both beef and vegetarian style with potatoes, leek, and cheddar) are loved by their guests.
“My personal favorite menu item is the Erin Go Bragh, which is basically a fusion of a baked potato and a grilled cheese sandwich,” Wallace said. “It comes with bacon and green onions, so you have all of the makings of a baked potato within the sandwich.”
The Wilde Thistle is the fruition of a long-held family heritage that the owners seek to preserve through a friendly and open local hangout.
“I grew up with this heritage,” Wallace said. “I really enjoy working with my family and being amongst amazing musicians and artists.”
The Wilde Thistle opened in January 2014 and is named after Irish author Oscar Wilde. The Celtic cafe and pub is located at 3456 Motor Ave. in the Palms/Culver City neighborhood.
For more information, call 310.730.6208 or visit thewildethistle.com.
