Rooftops for Dining and Drinks

There are days when you’re just tired of getting dragged down into the nitty gritty of life. It’s at those times when you might want to rise above it all, and if you can do it in the company of something nice to drink and/or delicious to eat, so much the better. Here’s some locations around Long Beach that offer an elevated experience of dining alfresco: rooftop patios.

BALLAST POINT

If you’re looking for a brew with a view, there are few places better suited than the sizable, elevated deck at Ballast Point (110 N. Marina Dr.). The energy that permeates from the area is a constant, in part because it serves a beverage line–ranging from “Crisp and Bright” to “Rich and Malty”--that helped launch the boutique beer era. It also serves a classic bar menu featuring fish and chips, wings, burgers, flatbreads and salads. Sitting high above Alamitos Bay, the outdoor space, sitting at Long Beach’s southernmost tip, gives you a one-of-a-kind view not only of the bay but Seal Beach and the Pacific Ocean.

BO-BEAU KITCHEN + ROOFTAP

MICHAEL’S ON NAPLES

A signature spot in Naples, Michael’s (5620 Second St.) rooftop dining area sacrifices nothing in the way of refinement while patrons eat and/or drink. Renowned for serving some of the consistently best dishes in the city, all of it made from scratch–pasta, sauces, mozzarella, gelato. The roof has been renovated from its original configuration to now include additional lounge seating as well as a dedicated bar. And, if you’re there while the sun is still out–ah, summer–there are canopies–stylish, of course, that which can be employed to block the rays.

MURPHY'S

OLA MEXICAN KITCHEN AND THE BUNGALOW KITCHEN

These two exceptional, though distinct restaurants sit next door to each other and share one of the more gorgeous views of the Alamitos Bay Marina. The fact that the two share space on the second floor of the 2nd & PCH retail center, says a lot about the city; it’s not very common for shopping centers to have jaw-dropping water views. The Bungalow melds a traditional California bungalow aesthetic with a punk-rock edge, serving the likes of oysters, dry-rubbed burger and Short Rib “Pop-Tart.” Ola’s Latin elegance is seen in its classic/progressive Mexican menu and in some of the best margaritas in town with which to toast the sunset.

SAINT & SECOND

MEZCALERO

This place is as if your very hip friend constructed a very hip backyard space–complete with cafe lights, palm trees, comfortable couches–except that it’s on a rooftop and has one of the city’s best bar programs. Located amidst the downtown hub-bub, Mezcalero (525 E. Broadway) is a cocktail lounge featuring an extensive selection of agave spirits and craft beers. There’s also DJ nights and, well, is there a better pairing than Taco Tuesdays, an expertly mixed cocktail and an exceptional view of the Long Beach skyline?

About the Author
Steve Lowery