Tinhorn Flats used to be known for its fried pickles and happy hour. But the pandemic has put the Burbank sports bar on the map for a more controversial reason. Despite public health orders, it refused to cease indoor operations. At every turn, it met the city’s rebukes with defiance.

After Burbank officials had the restaurant’s power supply cut off, the owner bought a generator. Then, the city padlocked Tinhorn’s saloon doors. But within hours, the restaurant had the locks removed.

“Tin Horn Flats created this situation by remaining open during the peak of the surge, while other restaurants followed State and County Health Orders and closed,” Vice Mayor Jess Talamantes said.

Through it all, Tinhorn has become a lighting rod in the community for people on all sides of the COVID compliance issue.

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