Long Beach’s showcase of tourist attractions is a part of what keeps this city thriving. Visitors come through and empty their wallets at the local hotspots, boosting the income of the many restaurants and bars – as well as the thousands of people employed in the industry. There are enough places to go out every day for a year and still not visit them all. However, as Long Beach residents, and students that so typically find themselves on a tight budget, every day can’t be lived like a vacation. Or can it? One of the perks of being local is knowing when and where to go out for a good time, grab a drink, maybe a bite to eat and still not break the bank. If you’re not sure when and where to get killer deals, allow me to help plan out your week.
Monday
Acapulco Mexican Restaurant Y Cantina
6270 E Pacific Coast Highway
11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Acapulco has a great solution for anyone who is suffering from a case of the Mondays: $2 Margaritas all day. Located off the water of the marina, the patio makes for a great place to unwind and breathe in some of that salty sea air with a salty margarita in your hand. And if that’s not enough to cheer you up, the Monday karaoke is sure to liven some spirits.
Tuesday
Reno Room
3400 E Broadway Ave.
6 a.m. – 2 a.m.
Broadway Avenue is home to some of the best dive bars in town, one of which is the Reno Room that offers a happy hour that virtually never ends. Any day of the week you can grab a $3 domestic beer or well drink between 6-11 a.m., or 3-7 p.m.. However, get there for super happy hour between 4-5 p.m. and they’ll only cost $2. The best time to be at the Reno Room, though, is 11am-11pm on Tuesday for some delicious tacos at only $1.50 a piece. While you enjoy your tacos, why not wash them down with a $3 margarita or Modelo offered during the same hours? Though it’s not the most lavish of local bars, the jukebox is always playing, the staff is friendly and it’s a good place for a game of pool.
Wednesday
Legends
5236 E 2nd St.
11 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Legends is one of the most popular sports bars in town. Located on the lively strip of Second Street in Belmont Shore, it’s been voted best place to watch a game in Long Beach Post’s “Best of Long Beach Winners.” They too offer a variety of affordable drinks during their 3-6 p.m. happy hour, as well as a nightly special each day of the week and lots of great food. Wednesday is the night to be there, though, for the “Craft Beer-BQ.” From 6-10 p.m. you can enjoy the chef’s barbecue special paired with the beer of the night [for how much?]. You don’t need to worry about nursing that beer, because after buying the first glass each refill is just $1 until 10 p.m..
Thursday
The Attic
3441 E Broadway Ave.
9 a.m. – 10 p.m.
To follow up The Attic’s popular Wednesday whiskey night, Thursday’s are their beer night. From 6-10 p.m. enjoy select beers for $3 a piece. The Attic is a place worth checking out if ambiance is an important factor for you. The building is really more of a house than a restaurant, but they offer a lot of outdoor seating. Though it has a homey atmosphere, the food leaves the impression of a fine dining restaurant– excluding their famous dish the “Mac n Cheetos,” that is. The popular plate is a three cheese macaroni pasta with crumbled Flaming Hot Cheetos as a crunchy topping.
Friday
Alex’s Bar
2913 E Anaheim St.
5 p.m. – 2 p.m.
This isn’t so much of a weekly deal as it is a recommendation for a fun Friday night. Alex’s bar is a venue that offers a concert almost every night of the week, when they’re not hosting trivia night on Tuesday or karaoke on Wednesday and Thursday. Shows typically cost $5 to $10. This Friday’s show has a full line up, featuring the bands Fartbarf, Kim & The Created, So Cal Tennis Pros and Thee Swank Bastards, so it’ll set up back the full $10. But, Alex’s Bar is worth supporting with your entry fee, because you’ll also be supporting local music. Unlike a lot of bars that have bands play just for publicity, or even charge artists to perform, they actually give artists a portion of that door money. Alex’s Bar is a cool place to hang out, it’s red walls, heavy drapes, chandeliers and velvet paintings create an appealing and intimate aesthetic.
Saturday
The Federal Bar
102 Pine Ave.
11:30 a.m. – 12 a.m.
Speaking of aesthetic, nothing will make you feel more lavish than walking through the double doors of the old bank building and into the rich stained wood and crystal chandeliers that greet you at this popular downtown hotspot. $39 maybe a pricey brunch for some, but it’s still money well spent. Saturday and Sunday, $39 will get you two brunch entrees and two bottomless mimosas. The covers two people so you’ll need to bring a date or maybe a friend with equal enthusiasm for mimosas and breakfast food, but the two of you can help yourself to a hearty meal and as many mimosas as you can drink while you relax and listen to some live Jazz.
Sunday
Gallagher’s Pub & Grill
2751 E Broadway Ave.
11:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Gallagher’s is a popular Irish pub, which might lead one to expect it to be a dimly lit dive bar, but the atmosphere is far from it. Nearly every inch of wall is decorated with vintage Irish liquor signs, sports memorabilia or TV screens usually airing Premiere League soccer games. The street level wall is all windows that let in plenty of natural light from their full service patio, making Gallagher’s a great place to have Sunday brunch. Buy any meal at the price of $7.95 or more and get bottomless mimosas for only $6 extra. Stay as long as you like, but drink your fill before 2 p.m. when the mimosa deal ends.