Long Beach Restaurants for Celebrations

Long Beach restaurants make excellent venues for celebrations; weddings, retirements, birthdays, graduations, reunions, or any excuse to get together for a great time. If you’re looking to party large, Long Beach has a wide array of restaurants uniquely capable of welcoming big parties with Big Fun.

PARKERS' LIGHTHOUSE

For nearly 40 years, this eye-catching destination has been a popular spot for special occasions. Known for its mesquite-grilled seafood, creative sushi and sashimi, Parkers' Lighthouse (435 Shoreline Village Dr.) has plenty of delicious non-seafood options – word to the wise, accompany any order with their other-worldly garlic cheese bread. The restaurant can accommodate numerous people in its two-story space that includes a double-decker wine cellar and a large outdoor area. The 2nd Floor Gallery and Lantern Room can accommodate 40 and 60 people, respectively, while the Queensview Room can take up to 100. Parker’s outdoor patio coves harbor as many as 72 guests.

BO-BEAU KITCHEN + ROOFTAP

Able to accommodate large parties in its spacious dining room – 30 for a seated meal, 60 for a non-private reception–Bo-beau’s (144 Pine Ave.) lavish, eye-catching decor radiates a salon-meets-loungey vibe. Its equally spacious second story deck – 30 and 160 non-private – the “rooftap,” allows patrons to take in the surrounding skyline and street scene below while enjoying a drink from a bar that features 50 taps, 50-plus vodkas as well as hand crafted cocktails and an eclectic wine selection. In keeping with the spectacularly appointed restaurant and view, the California-French menu is delicious and comforting – Beef Tartare meets Vegan Mushroom Scallops – with its “Famous Brussel Sprouts” being a veritable must.

TANTALUM

For a space that is so large – behold the magnificence of its 75-foot mahogany bar – Tantalum somehow qualifies as one of the city’s hidden gems, tucked away as it is in the corner of the Marina Pacifica retail center. But, once inside, you are not only presented with a space large enough for big groups, but a spectacular, near-panoramic view of Alamitos Bay–and it’s not unusual for patrons to arrive via boat. Tantalum (6272 Pacific Coast Hwy.) features three private rooms able to accommodate 35 people for a sit down meal and 40 for a mixer. Two of the rooms can be combined to hold 95 people. Tantalum has a relaxed, thoughtful vibe reflected by a menu featuring a fusion of New California and Asian cuisines.

FICKLEWOOD CIDERWORKS

Ficklewood Ciderworks has an inviting vibe that is all at once urban and chic. The cidery regularly hosts comedy, magic and drag shows as well as karaoke nights and open mics. The place, which can accommodate up to 98 in its main room, another 20 on its patio, has a den-like feel with velvet armchairs and conversation spots offset against stylish wood barrels and shiny metal cidering machines. Ficklewood’s (720 E. Broadway) fruity brews are delicious without being sweet, and though they don’t make food, they offer select snacks from local vendors – and they have no problem with you bringing some in. By the way, because Ficklewood is designated as a winery, people of all ages are permitted.

Credit: Ficklewood Ciderworks

GLADSTONE'S

Few restaurants are better suited for big occasions, whether they be family, friendly, work-related or corporate events. Gladstone’s (330 S. Pine Ave.) offers an assortment of private spaces, along with a large dining room and a popular patio, complete with a fire pit. Its private Catalina Room can accommodate up to 200 people as can its outdoor, Sunset Deck. Amid all that space and variety, Gladstone’s still manages a warm and welcoming vibe complemented by a menu of such variety and range – Boston Clam Chowder, to Hawaiian Mahi Mahi to Thai Calamari – to appeal to just about every palate. It also has some of the best views of the harbor, as well as Long Beach’s iconic lighthouse and the Queen Mary.

L’OPERA

If you’re looking for a reaction when announcing the location of your party/celebration/event, you’d have a hard time finding a place that’ll get a wider-eyed reaction than L’Opera (101 Pine Ave.) The iconic eatery, established in 1990, is a Downtown landmark and has won numerous awards including being named one of North America’s top Italian restaurants by both Zagat and Epicurean magazine, and taking home the Golden Bachus Award for its wine selection. Parties of all kinds – from retirement to wedding receptions – are regularly held there, many in the semi-private Wine Cellar, which seats 60, and the private La Scala space which accommodates 90 people.

ACAPULCO RESTAURANT Y CANTINA

Create a fiesta for your celebration in one of Acapulco Long Beach’s (6270 Pacific Coast Hwy) three private rooms. The Marina Room with white stucco walls, exposed wooden beams and candelabra-style chandeliers can seat up to 150 guests. This banquet room features a full bar, sound system with microphone, and a projector and screen. The Cantina Room can seat 50 to 100 guests and features a full bar, colorful mural, and flatscreen TV. If you’re looking for a more intimate space, Rosie’s Room at Acapulco can seat up to 40 guests and has a loft area as well as a TV and a fireplace, making it perfect for family gatherings.

DISTRICT WINE

District Wine (144 Linden Ave) is a cozy wine bar and lounge in the historic Lafayette Building in the East Village Arts District. Its dark interior with a mix of tables, booths, and upholstered leather armchairs makes for an intimate space where people can comfortably mingle and enjoy boutique wines and tapas. District Wine can comfortably host 120 guests, 75 indoors and 45 outdoors, and their lounge space is ideal for small groups of 10 to 15. They provide custom menus for private wine tasting dinners or happy hours up to a large cocktail party with tray service and buffet style dining options.

CREDIT: District Wine

SOLITA TACOS & MARGARITAS

Solita Tacos & Margaritas (1 Pine Ave) in Downtown Long Beach offers both indoor and outdoor spaces for groups. The private dining room can accommodate up to 70 seated guests–85 standing–and includes a sound system and projector for guest use. The room’s slate gray walls with modern murals of agave plants provide a stylish backdrop. Solita’s large patio area has a capacity of 50 seated to 65 standing guests, with a combination of low top and high-top tables. The smaller patio overlooking the corner of Pine Avenue and Ocean Boulevard can accommodate 25 to 30 guests seated at low top tables. For parties of 25 guests or less, Solita can section off a portion of the main dining area.

About the 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.