Long Beach Happy Hour Guide: Best Waterfront Restaurants & Specials
The Ultimate Guide to Long Beach Happy Hour: Where Waterfront Views Meet Unbeatable Deals
Long Beach, California, has evolved into one of Southern California's premier destinations for happy hour enthusiasts. With its stunning waterfront locations, diverse culinary scene, and year-round perfect weather, finding the best happy hour in Long Beach has become a favorite pastime for locals and visitors alike. Whether you're seeking the perfect spot for after-work drinks, weekend gatherings, or a romantic sunset cocktail, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Long Beach's happy hour scene.
Why Long Beach is the Perfect Happy Hour Destination
Long Beach offers a unique combination of urban sophistication and coastal charm that makes it ideal for happy hour experiences. The city's diverse neighborhoods, from the bustling Downtown Long Beach to the serene Alamitos Bay, provide a variety of atmospheres to suit any mood. The waterfront locations add an extra layer of magic to your happy hour experience, with many venues offering spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean, Queen Mary, and the Long Beach skyline.
The Waterfront Advantage
What sets Long Beach happy hour venues apart is the abundance of waterfront dining options. There's something inherently relaxing about sipping a craft cocktail while watching boats sail by or catching a stunning California sunset. The sea breeze, the sound of water lapping against the docks, and the golden hour light create an ambiance that transforms an ordinary happy hour into an extraordinary experience.
Top Long Beach Happy Hour Destinations
Boathouse on the Bay: The Crown Jewel of Waterfront Happy Hour
Location: 190 Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
Happy Hour: Monday-Friday, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Why It's Special: Perched on the edge of Alamitos Bay, Boathouse on the Bay offers the quintessential Long Beach happy hour experience.
Boathouse on the Bay stands out as the premier waterfront happy hour destination in Long Beach. With its prime bayfront location, this iconic restaurant offers:
- Spectacular Views: Panoramic views of Alamitos Bay and the marina, perfect for sunset watching
- Fresh Seafood Specials: Daily oyster specials, discounted appetizers including their famous calamari and fish tacos
- Craft Cocktails: Signature drinks at happy hour prices, including their renowned Mai Tais and margaritas
- Outdoor Patio: Expansive waterfront patio with fire pits and comfortable seating
- Live Music: Regular live entertainment adds to the vibrant atmosphere
The combination of unbeatable location, quality food and drinks, and welcoming atmosphere makes Boathouse on the Bay the go-to spot for those seeking the best happy hour Long Beach CA has to offer.
Other Notable Waterfront Happy Hour Spots
Parker's Lighthouse
Known for its towering lighthouse structure and 360-degree views, Parker's offers upscale happy hour options with a focus on fresh seafood and craft cocktails. Their happy hour features discounted wines, beers, and specialty appetizers.
The Reef Restaurant
Located on the water's edge, The Reef combines casual dining with stunning marina views. Their happy hour includes discounted draft beers, house wines, and a selection of appetizers perfect for sharing.
Tantalum Restaurant
This beachfront gem offers a sophisticated happy hour experience with Asian-fusion cuisine and creative cocktails. The oceanfront patio provides breathtaking views during sunset happy hour.
Downtown Long Beach Happy Hour Scene
For those who prefer an urban setting, downtown Long Beach happy hour venues offer a different but equally appealing experience. The area's revitalized dining scene includes everything from craft breweries to upscale cocktail lounges.
Popular Downtown Spots
- The Blind Donkey: Known for whiskey and craft beer selection
- Shannon's on Pine: Irish pub atmosphere with generous happy hour portions
- The Attic: Unique comfort food and creative cocktails
- Congregation Ale House: Extensive beer selection and pub favorites
Weekend Happy Hour Options
Saturday Happy Hour Long Beach
While many establishments limit happy hour to weekdays, Long Beach offers several venues with Saturday happy hour specials. Boathouse on the Bay extends their happy hour to include early evening on Saturdays, making it perfect for weekend gatherings. Other venues offering Saturday specials include:
- Ballast Point Brewery (all-day Saturday specials)
- Belmont Brewing Company (afternoon specials)
- The Social List (extended weekend hours)
Sunday Happy Hour Long Beach
Sunday happy hours in Long Beach often feature brunch-style specials alongside traditional happy hour offerings. Many waterfront restaurants offer Sunday Funday specials that combine the best of brunch and happy hour.
Types of Happy Hour Specials to Look For
Food Specials
Long Beach happy hour food specials typically include:
- Half-price appetizers
- $1-$2 oysters
- Discounted sushi rolls
- Happy hour exclusive small plates
- Taco specials
- Flatbread pizzas
Drink Specials
Common drink specials during happy hour include:
- $3-$5 draft beers
- $5-$7 house wines
- $6-$8 well cocktails
- Specialty cocktails at reduced prices
- Beer and shot combos
- Wine flights
Planning Your Perfect Happy Hour Experience
Best Times to Go
While happy hour times vary by venue, most Long Beach establishments offer specials between 3:00 PM and 6:00 PM on weekdays. For the best experience:
- Arrive Early: Popular spots like Boathouse on the Bay fill up quickly, especially on Fridays
- Sunset Timing: Plan to arrive 30-45 minutes before sunset for the best views
- Avoid Rush Hour: If possible, arrive before 5:00 PM to beat the after-work crowd
Group Gatherings
Long Beach happy hour venues are perfect for:
- Corporate happy hours and team building
- Birthday celebrations
- Date nights
- Reunion gatherings
- Networking events
Many venues, including Boathouse on the Bay, offer private event spaces that can be reserved for larger groups while still taking advantage of happy hour pricing.
Seasonal Considerations
Summer Happy Hours
Summer in Long Beach brings extended daylight hours and warm weather, making waterfront happy hours especially popular. Venues often extend their patio seating and may offer special summer cocktails and lighter fare.
Winter Happy Hours
Even in winter, Long Beach's mild climate allows for year-round outdoor dining. Many waterfront venues provide heat lamps and fire pits, creating a cozy atmosphere for cool evening happy hours.
Tips for the Best Happy Hour Experience
- Check Current Hours: Happy hour times can change seasonally, so verify current hours before visiting
- Join Loyalty Programs: Many venues offer additional discounts for members
- Follow Social Media: Restaurants often announce special happy hour events on social platforms
- Consider Transportation: Plan for safe transportation, especially if visiting multiple venues
- Make Reservations: Some upscale venues accept happy hour reservations
- Explore Different Neighborhoods: Each area of Long Beach offers unique happy hour experiences
The Future of Long Beach Happy Hour
As Long Beach continues to grow and evolve, the happy hour scene expands with it. New waterfront developments and restaurant openings ensure that there's always something new to discover. The city's commitment to maintaining its waterfront appeal while embracing culinary innovation means that Long Beach will remain a top destination for happy hour enthusiasts.
Conclusion: Your Next Happy Hour Awaits
Whether you're a Long Beach local or visiting the area, the city's happy hour scene offers something for everyone. From the unparalleled waterfront ambiance at Boathouse on the Bay to the trendy downtown spots, Long Beach has established itself as Southern California's premier happy hour destination. The combination of stunning views, diverse culinary options, and welcoming atmosphere creates the perfect setting for memorable gatherings.
The next time you're planning a happy hour outing, consider the waterfront options that make Long Beach special. There's no better way to unwind after a long day than with a craft cocktail in hand, watching the sunset paint the sky over the Pacific. Visit Boathouse on the Bay or explore one of the many other excellent venues mentioned in this guide, and discover why Long Beach happy hour has become a cherished tradition for so many.
Ready to experience the best waterfront happy hour Long Beach has to offer? Make your way to Boathouse on the Bay, where spectacular views, delicious food, and expertly crafted drinks await. Check their website for current happy hour times and specials, and prepare for an unforgettable waterfront dining experience.