Is there a nice bar in Long Beach?

[Lisa Lou]

Hi All, I'm looking for a nice, casual bar in Long Beach. I live in the Belmont Shore area, but so many of the bars are pretty "divey." Does anyone know of a decent place to meet a date, relax, chat, and enjoy good atmosphere? Thanks!!!

[MoonpieLover]

320 Main in Seal Beach. Finally a serious mixologist in the area. Fine cocktails, well prepared (and regular old drinks too), and still casual and friendly. Full restaurant as well. (I've only had apps, which were quite tasty).

Around 2nd St there's a hideous dearth of decent, adult bars. Besides those already mentioned, both Bono's and Nico's have small full bars; Kelly's in Naples serves mammoth Martinis to a mature crowd. Up by the pier there's Belmont Brewing Company (which might not qualify as divey, but doesn't qualify for much better. Gets a college-y crowd); and La Palapa which books the worst music ever but has a decent beachfront atmosphere. I'm still looking for the one that fits me perfectly, so far 320 comes closest. But one of these might work for you. Let us know.

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Belmont Brewing
25 39th Place, Long Beach, CA 90803

Bono's
4901 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803

La Palapa Restaurant
2222 E 7th St, Long Beach, CA 90804

[mlgb]

Are you not willing to go to a restaurant? I like the atmosphere at Cafe Piccolo for date nights.

Tantalum has a nice atmosphere but really you don't want to eat there, just drinks.

What about the Yardhouse?

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Cafe Piccolo
3222 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803

[loreeLB]

I second Michael's on Naples FANTASTIC! And the staff are great too! L'Opera is always good too.... Or go to Seal Beach to Kobe's or Spag?!?

[samtron608]

isnt there a nice one near the airport? called davinci's or something like that? overlooks a runway and its a restuarant/bar thing?

[Lisa Lou]

Thanks for the help!

[BShoemaker]

Slim pickings in Long Beach. I realize this is a chain, but the Claim Jumper has a casual bar with good seating (booths) for more privacy to chat.

[bohemianbailie]

If you are willing I would try to maybe head more towards Seal and Sunset Beach as they are less inundated with CSULB kids and might have a better atmosphere.

[sarrae]

Hi Lisa,
You are right about the bars--you will probably have to go to a restaurant with a good bar area. The Madison in downtown LB has a great bar area that feels pretty separate from the main restaurant, meaning you don't feel like you are supposed to be waiting for a table. The Observation Bar at the Queen Mary is pretty cool, too (although I haven't been there for a few years, admittedly). Michael's in Naples has great appetizers but I wouldn't call the bar "relaxing" as I didn't think the furniture was very comfortable :) Tantalum has a pretty good bar as well.

Cheers!

[yinyangdi]

I've read that Michaels On Naples has a rooftop patio lounge with a fireplace and live music; is the rooftop different from its bar?

[sarrae]

Yes, the bar is right inside the entrance of the restaurant. When I went, we were specifically going for wine and appetizers so we didn't even bother sitting on the rooftop patio (which is great, by the way).