The Best of Long Beach—

Long Beach Hidden Gems

Beyond its well-known waterfront attractions and popular dining districts, Long Beach is home to hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. From speakeasies and underground tiki bars to urban farms and out-of-the-way seafood shacks, these spots surprise and delight even longtime locals. Whether you’re looking for a unique night out, an unexpected escape or a place with a story to tell, these jewels are worth seeking out.

THE EXHIBITION ROOM

Tucked behind Roxanne’s Bar (1115 E Wardlow Rd) in Long Beach’s historic California Heights neighborhood, guests enter The Exhibition Room through a retro phone booth using a password provided with their reservation. The intimate lounge serves expertly crafted classic and modern cocktails in a setting from another era with live musical performances provided by top-notch musicians. The whole thing feels more like a secret club than a neighborhood bar. If you know, you know.

N°3

One of Long Beach’s newest hidden gems may be the most hidden of them all. Tucked inside the former crew’s quarters the Queen Mary (1126 Queens Hwy), N°3 is a prohibition-inspired cocktail lounge that blends vintage glamour with maritime elegance. Rich wood finishes, intimate seating and expertly crafted drinks evoke ocean travel’s golden age. Hidden within the ship’s bow and inspired in part by Winston Churchill’s fondness for fine spirits, N°3 offers a sophisticated experience that feels comfortably separate from the outside world.

TOKYO NOIR

Hidden behind El Barrio Cantina, you enter Tokyo Noir (1731 E 4th St) through an unassuming alley entrance and find yourself in another world, one that blends a Japanese-style speakeasy with the dark mood of film noir. Creative cocktails that border on works of art combine with stylish décor to create an intimate vibe. That feels intentionally secretive. With its blend of Tokyo-inspired aesthetics and cocktail culture, Tokyo Noir offers one of Long Beach’s most distinctive nightlife experiences.

HERITAGE FARM

Heritage Farm (1336 Gladys Ave) is an urban oasis where rows of seasonal produce, rustic garden tables and intimate outdoor gatherings create a countryside feel in the heart of the city. Operated by the team behind Michelin-starred restaurant Heritage, the farm supplies fresh ingredients to the restaurant while hosting dinners, weddings, events and community experiences. Lush greenery and relaxed farm-to-table atmosphere make it one of Long Beach’s most unexpected escapes.

Secret Island

Part of Long Beach’s considerable tiki scene, Secret Island (209 Pine Ave) is located underground, beneath Shannon’s on Pine. Guests descend a staircase and pass through a Disney-like tropical storm—complete with thunder, lightning and sound effects—before entering this immersive underground hideaway. Inside, Polynesian-inspired décor, inventive rum cocktails, live music and a menu of island-inspired fare create an atmosphere that feels worlds, or perhaps oceans away from the city above.

THE LAGOON

Located inside Midnight Oil bar collective (255 Long Beach Blvd), The Lagoon blends Creature from the Black Lagoon vibes with a playful tropical atmosphere. The menu features inventive tiki cocktails alongside island-inspired comfort food like coconut shrimp, loco moco sliders, spam musubi and curry fries. Designed as an ever-evolving space, The Lagoon regularly transforms through new themes, artistic collaborations and creative concepts, ensuring every visit offers a fresh experience.

BERTH 55

Nestled beside the Port of Long Beach, Berth 55 (555 Pico Ave) is a waterfront seafood spot that visitors can easily overlook. Its colorful display case showcases an impressive array of fresh-caught fish, while the no-frills atmosphere and tucked-away location amid fishing boats and cargo ships lend an authentic charm. For those seeking a taste of Long Beach’s blue-collar waterfront heritage, as well as some of the freshest seafood in the area, Berth 55 is a delicious hidden gem.

Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.