Temple Bar’s Biggest and Boldest: Thunder Road Café Hits the Scene!

ThunderRoad Café opens!

When Thunder Road Café opened its doors in 1995, it didn't just make a mark—it made a massive impact! As the largest restaurant in Temple Bar, this biker-themed haven turned heads with its bold, custom motorcycle decor, roaring rock 'n' roll vibes, and a Harley Davidson fashion store attached for the true road warriors.

With a whopping £750,000 investment to create a 194-seater space spanning 8,000 square feet, Thunder Road Café was a game-changer. Co-founders Paddy Shovlin and Paddy Gallagher—who already had a reputation through their Blakes restaurants—created a venue that Dublin had never seen before. From our cow-fur walls to the iconic Harley at the entrance, it was clear this wasn’t just a restaurant; it was a destination.

As we celebrate 30 years of serving up great food, unforgettable nights, and a whole lot of rock 'n' roll, we’re throwing it back to where it all began. If you were there during those early days, let us know your memories in the comments below!

🏍️ Read the full original article below and take a ride through our history!

The Irish Times (Commercial Property) - Saturday July 1, 1995

The largest restaurant developed so far in Dublin’s Temple Bar Area, the ThunderRoad Cafe, Fleet Street, opened for business yesterday. More than £750,000 has been spent on fitting out the 194-seater restaurant, which is based on the custom motorcycle theme. A section of the restaurant is to be operated separately as a Harley Davidson fashion store. The 8, 000 attore car-park the restaurant i being run by Paddy Shovlin and Paddy Gallagher, who also operate the Blakes restaurants in Stillorgan and Santry. The Temple Bar premises are rented at around £150,000 per annum