Off the Clock

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The Bamboo Club, a Tiki bar, is located in the Zafaria District in Long Beach. Photos courtesy of The Bamboo Club.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, which means that today is Drinksgiving. Look, I don’t make the rules, it’s simply and undeniably one of, if not the busiest night of the year for bars.

That’s because many people tend to head home for this gluttunous holiday. And Turkey’s Eve offers the perfect opportunity to visit your favorite hometown watering hole, where perhaps, everybody used to know your name. There, you’ll find your hometown friends (or foes) the night before you’re enevitably sequestered with your family to celebrate America’s carbiest day.

That’s what makes this particular newletter tricky. I’m not sure where you are as you’re reading this, but I thought I’d take some shots in the dark by listing my favorite bars to celebrate Turkey’s Eve in Long Beach.

Haven’t heard of Drinksgiving? Several websites indicate that the term was coined around 2007, although our faithful Merriam-Webster has not officially adopted Drinksgiving like it has Friendsgiving. The drinking holiday has also been dubbed Blackout Wednesday.

On that note: Be sure to call an Uber or a saintly friend to be your sober chauffeur. And remember — nothing, I repeat no-thing, good happens after 2 a.m.

For those who do not imbibe, sober drivers, or for those who prefer to not be hungover on Thanksgiving — check out this boozeless bar crawl itinerary, which offers a list of bars with the best mocktails in town. Plus, there’s always Shirley’s Temple, the city’s first and only mocktail bar.

Without further meandering, here are the best bars in Long Beach to celebrate Drinksgiving.

Vine2142 E. Fourth Street

Dustin Lovelis, his wife Emily and their 3-month-old son Dylan along with the family dog Eugene in the doorway of Vine, in Long Beach Friday, April 16, 2021. Photo by Thomas R. Cordova.

From its sunny backyard patio to the rotating cast of DJs and bands that reliably bring new and familiar sounds — this arty little wine and beer bar inspires cozy memories for me. Vine (formerly 4th Street Vine) is the first space I really felt a sense of belonging when I first moved to town. And each time I return, I know I’m bound to run into a friendly face. What’s great about this place is that you can always count on reasonably priced drinks (both alcoholic and non) and there’s never a cover charge to see the bands that play.

On Wednesday, Hans Amador — a multi-instrumentalist and singer-songwriter from Nicuragua who has made Long Beach his home — is hosting his single release show at Vine at 8 p.m.

Alex’s Bar – 2913 E. Anaheim St.

Vulture Feather plays at Alex’s Bar. Photo by Kat Schuster

Coming in second for me, in terms of feeling at home in a bar, is Alex’s. This vampy red-velvet watering hole is so much more than a punk rock dive. There’s some history behind this joint. For starters, it was the filming location for True Blood’s Fangtasia bar. It’s where The Jesus and Mary Chain once graced the stage and it’s the place I shook Brenton Wood’s hand after he performed at the city’s longest running dance night, The Good Foot.

On Wednesday, you can look forward to a night of dancing at ¡La Discoteca! with DJs Letchera, Chlo, Idiom and Little Son. They’ll be spinning disco, house and funk from 9 p.m. to 2 a.m. No cover.

Bamboo Club 3522 E. Anaheim St.

This immersive Tiki bar has said they are bracing for a “big party” on this night and why shouldn’t they? They have some of the best cocktails (and mocktails) in town and they have plenty of space inside and out to gather. This is another bar for me that I tend to either run into old friends from college and where I continue to make new friends.

This Wednesday is guaranteed to be a high-energy, funk dance party with Greats of Gratitude, featuring DJs Patrick and Ian Zunich. The action starts at 8 p.m. and there’s no cover charge.

The Hawk468 W. Anaheim St.

If you’ve read my newsletters before, there’s a chance you’ve read these words: “This wonderfully dark and cozy (and air-conditioned) establishment in the Willmore neighborhood has my heart for many reasons.” Today, this bar has my heart for what it has planned on Drinksgiving: The Hawk’s Liquid Thanksgiving.

On Wednesday, the bar is offering the “flavors of the holidays but alcohol. You know.” Their words. Anyway, here are a few of the cocktails they will be offering:

  • Cranberry Sauced – Gin, house cranberry puree, lemon and prosecco.
  • Baked Carrots – Vodca, carrot, honey, lemon ginger and cinnamon.
  • Whiskey Peaches – A frozen drink with whiskey, peach, apricot, citrus, and orange amaro.
  • Rum Soaked Ham (seriously) – Ham fat washed rum, mezcal, pineapple, honey and citrus.

I couldn’t make this up if I tried. Please enjoy your liquid feast responsibly.


So, those above are my top four, but here is an additional list of bars if you’re looking to go out on Turkey’s Eve:

  • ShannonsA divey but massively popular spot with locations in both Belmont Shore and in Downtown.
  • The Wrigely TavernThis low-lit Wrigley bar is celebrating its five-year anniversary on Nov. 25. Be sure to check out their digestif cocktail menu.
  • Black LBCQuality cocktails, lively crowds and always a raging time.
  • Joe JostsThe oldest bar in town.
  • Sweetwater SaloonVoted the best gay bar in Long Beach this year.
  • BuvonsA new-ish quaint French wine bar with less of a “party” vibe. Great for conversation over a bottle of wine and charcuterie.

Cheers to getting “cranberry sauced” this season before you celebrate Thanksgiving. Did I miss your favorite Drinksgiving joint? Email me.


Kat Schuster is the assistant editor for the Long Beach Post. You can reach her at [email protected].