Photos courtesy of Austin Wondolowski.
For many, there was an absurdly large amount of hype surrounding Bravo’s queen-bee makeover artist Tabatha Coffey coming down to Long Beach to renovate one of the city’s longest-standing queer establishments, Club Ripples. And it ultimately left a sour taste of disappointment in both the mouths of patrons and operators alike.
“It was a minimal change that did fall short of our expectations and our patron’s expectations,” admitted owner John Garcia along with his business partner Larry Hebert.
Though falling short, they didn’t necessarily fall down. Ripples promoter Joe Pizano suggested the pair meet up with Joshua Yeagley to discuss the proposal of a complete—rather than haphazard—renovation in an attempt to not only offer something exclusive, but also a solid try at, in the words of Hebert, “give the area a much needed injection of style and class.”
Following the concept of a hookah lounge to help promote their “Wine Down Wednesdays,” the designers and owners opted to turn the previously bright outdoor patio into a Moroccan-influenced space that not only blends dark and light colors in the various lounges, but offers guests an escape from the frenetic dance floor as well as an ultimately chill place to day drink.
The remodel—whose recent relaunch party garnered ecstatic reviews from patrons and visitors—is not something they plan on taking lightly.
“We are ready to once again reach the pinnacle of popularity in the Long Beach nightlife,” said Garcia. “It’s very refreshing and exciting to have an entirely new venue. The locals in Long Beach always appreciate it when a nightclub that’s been around for a while has a major renovation.”
And even if you’re not from Long Beach or just haven’t had the chance to ever make it to the Belmont Shore staple, the owners encourage nothing short of you swinging by—no matter who you are.
“Our goal is to cater to a mixed crowd,” continued Hebert, “and make it a safe bet to bring all your straight friends without anyone feeling uncomfortable.”
Club Ripples is located at 5101 East Ocean Boulevard.
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