The 49rs Tavern: Beer and Burgers, Back in a Big Way

We started LB Food Review just over two years ago to highlight local neighborhood restaurants and hangouts that make Long Beach unique. What, then, could be more deserving of the spotlight than my one true local, neighborhood hangout? The 49rs Tavern is back after a 6-month hiatus, and while some very evident alterations have been made, the core of the ‘Niner is still in place: big beefy burgers and bubbly yellow beer, just a short walk from home (or school, for those of you feverishly cramming for finals at Long Beach State).

The legend that is the ‘Niner goes back further than I can remember, but change is just about the only thing we can rely on these days, and the 49rs Tavern is not immune to it. The place has always tied its identity to CSULB (Prospector Pete still adorns the signage outside the bar) but in the process of a thorny ownership change and subsequent revamp, they laid to rest perhaps the single greatest artistic commemoration to Long Beach State athletics: the old mural featuring 49er greats such as Misty May and Jason Giambi.

Despite the loss of that showpiece, the re-done interior is functional and inviting. New booths provide more seating facing the bar and the televisions (a godsend for those of us who rely on someone else’s cable to watch the game). I won’t spend much more time talking about what’s on the walls; instead I’ll focus on what’s inside them. The 49rs Tavern is a beer and wine establishment, and their draft beer selection is more than adequate without being overwhelming. During happy hour, from 3-7PM on weekdays, domestic rules the day as pints are $2 and pitchers go for a paltry $6. I recommend America’s Finest, 1893, if you wish to maximize your cash in hand (which you will need, as they currently do not take cards).

Cheap beer is awesome, but what makes the ‘Niner great is the way they do burgers. You can get a sufficient bar burger at lots of places, but the 49rs Tavern answers to a higher calling when they serve you the God’s Own Cheeseburger, an Angus burger with minced garlic, onions, lettuce, tomato, and melted Swiss cheese. The Triple Bypass, of YouTube lore, is gone but not forgotten, but other variations on the Angus burger readily await, as you can order it adorned with bacon, barbecue sauce, or blue cheese crumbles.

The 49rs Tavern also serves up Nathan’s hot dogs dressed many different ways, from marinara and provolone to jalapeños and jack to Buffalo sauce. Additionally, they serve up a different special sandwich most nights of the week, but you’ll most likely find me there on Wednesdays, when the G.O. is priced to mooove.

The pool tables and peanuts are still here for your entertainment, and an internet jukebox will crank out just about any tune you can think of (use discretion, please). While the ‘Niner may have been re-skinned, its soul remains the same, and that’s enough for me to welcome it back with open arms. Head in for happy hour, a game, or just a Saturday burger, and enjoy the neighborhood.