It’s hard to think we’re already halfway through the summer, but that doesn’t mean we can’t savor the time we have left.
And what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a rooftop or elevated patio bar or restaurant?
Here’s a list of options in Long Beach—it’s by no means exhaustive, nor is it a ranking, so feel free to let us know what your favorite spots are.
This late night craft cocktail lounge above Padre restaurant offers daily happy hour, is open until 2 a.m. and has an outdoor terrace. Some things to know: There are no reservations, seating is a first-come, first-served basis, and if you want food, you can get it from its sister restaurant downstairs. Mezcalero’s menu has classic and specialty cocktails and beer.
Mezcalero is located at 525 E. Broadway.
Saint & Second has a second floor with an outdoor patio so you can soak in Second Street while enjoying something from its seasonal menu or extensive bar book. This is generally a busy spot, so reservations are recommended, and snagging a coveted spot on the upper level patio may take some patience. The latest it stays open is on Fridays and Saturdays until 10:30 p.m.
Saint & Second is located at 4828 E. Second St.
This second floor pub has over 70 beers from around the world and is a popular spot for sports viewing. But if the multiple TV screens don’t interest you, there’s an outdoor patio with a view of Second Street and small menu for all your munching needs. It’s open until midnight daily.
Murphy’s Pub is located at 4918 E. Second St., above The Belmont Athletic Club.
If you’re from San Diego, this name may be familiar. This brewery started in 1996 by a group of home brewers and eventually expanded to have multiple tasting rooms in California, including in Long Beach. The waterfront view of the Long Beach harbor is pretty hard to beat, especially when you’re next to the fire pits on the outdoor patios. This location is two stories, has 60+ beers on tap and does not accept reservations for parties less than 25 guests, so it’s first-come, first-served. It’s open until 11 p.m., except on Sundays when it closes at 8 p.m.
Ballast Point is located at 110 N. Marina Drive.
Located in the center of Downtown and above the main dining room, BO-beau roof tap is an outdoor beer garden with views of Pine Street and about 50 beers on tap, a large wine list and, of course, cocktails. The menu has a mix of elevated American bar food (think wagyu beef sliders and buffalo chicken wings) and Korean- and French-inspired flavors like the bulgogi (thinly sliced ribeye with kimchi, a Korean spicy fermented cabbage, and gochujang, a Korean chili pepper paste) fries and steak frites. Their menu clearly denotes many gluten free, vegetarian and vegan options for those who may have dietary restrictions or preferences.
BO-beau kitchen + roof tap is located at 144 Pine Ave.
Located on the second story of 2ND & PCH, The Bungalow’s third location has a large outdoor patio with views of the marina. The Bungalow has four full bars, table service and a DJ five nights a week on the patio deck. The menu has classic bar snacks like a house pretzel and chicken tenders as well as larger items like burgers and tacos. It is closed Monday and Tuesdays, and open until 2 a.m. Wednesday through Saturday. On Sundays, it closes at 10 p.m.
The Bungalow is located at 6400 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 200.
Also at 2ND & PCH is Ola’s Mexican Kitchen, which has an outdoor patio with more of those marina views. Ola’s has a large spirit and beer list, and of course, craft cocktails to accompany their menu. You can find classic Mexican dishes like posole (soup) or chiles relleno (fried stuffed poblano peppers), but also seafood heavy dishes like Siete Mares (Mexican seafood stew) and lobster and shrimp enchiladas. Ola’s is open until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and until 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.
Ola’s Mexican Kitchen is located at 6420 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 230.
Risu is located on the second floor of The Crest Bridge. It has a daily happy hour from 4 to 6 p.m. and has a large, heated outdoor dining area that’s dog friendly. While the menu does have a large spirit list in general, you may want to check out their whisky selection, which has Japanese, Irish and Canadian whisky. On Saturdays and Sundays, there’s live entertainment. Risu is open until 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday. Sunday through Wednesday, it’s open until 9 p.m.
Risu is located at 207 E. Seaside Way, Suite A.
Honorable mentions:
A PCH is now open, and if being outdoors isn’t your thing, its 2,500-square-foot enclosed second-story patio might be. You can still enjoy the views without worrying about the weather. A PCH is located at 6460 E. Pacific Coast Highway, unit D200.
Parkers’ Lighthouse also has an enclosed patio with waterfront views in Shoreline Village. Parkers’ Lighthouse is located at 435 Shoreline Village Drive.