Sports Bars in Long Beach
No matter what games or teams you follow, the experience is enhanced by the fun and increasingly delicious environs of a sports bar, and Long Beach has plenty: ones with great food, ones with great games to play and one that can actually lay claim to having invented the whole concept. Here's some of the city’s most popular places for congregating while spectating.
DAVE & BUSTERS
Recently opened at the Long Beach Towne Center (7575 Carson St.), this 41,000-square-foot space features all that you’ve come to expect from Dave & Busters, i.e. lots of fun. There are 180 games of all descriptions and tech levels, everything from old school skeeball to virtual reality versions of “Transformers” and “Top Gun.” There’s plenty to choose from when it comes to food and drink and plenty to choose from when it comes to what to watch since it features a 40-foot-wide, ultra-high-definition LED screen showing multiple channels, meaning you can sit in one place and pretty much see every game being played at the moment.
LEGENDS
Likely the first place that pops to mind when you hear the term “sports bar” and not just because it is, by reputation, the nation’s first dedicated sports bar. It’s also because Legends (5236 E. Second St.) sets the standard, whether it’s the 30 HD TVs as well as its two massive projection screens–240- and 326-inches wide. There’s also its, well, legendary wings that range in flavor from original buffalo to lemon pepper to Thai sweet chili, BBQ to habanero to Cajun. When there’s a big sporting event, it’s hard to think of a place more electric, more raucous, more Long Beach than Legends.
EJ’S PUB
For more than 20 years, this Bixby Knolls location has presented a relaxed atmosphere for diners and sports fans alike. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, it offers nearly 30 draft beers, as well as an extensive wine and cocktail list. Especially fun is its craft cocktail on Monday nights, making it the perfect accompaniment for Monday Night Footbal. EJ’s (4306 Atlantic Ave), has more than 20 TVs and is known for its fish and chips as well as wings, burgers and daily specials, especially during its happy hour which generously stretches from 3 to 7 p.m.
ROUNDIN’ 3RD
The definition of a neighborhood hangout, Roundin’ Third has quickly become a go-to destination for sports fans looking for a relaxed, kid-friendly atmosphere to watch sports on the more than 25 flat screen TVs. Roundin’ Third (4133 E Anaheim St.) features 12 beers on draft, including two custom drafts made especially for it by Belmont Brewing Company. The food is great; great tacos, great pulled pork sandwiches and burgers, while the beer and drinks, particularly the very popular, spicy Jalarita–a delicious margarita-jalapeno concoction.
RILEY’S ON 2ND STREET
A cozy spot that has built a loyal clientele by offering a comfortable atmosphere to watch the games, including a front patio that melds sports bar with sidewalk cafe vibes. The cafe vibes extend to Riley’s (5331 Second St.) inventive menu which includes the likes of strawberry and goat cheese salads, fig and pig pizzas as well as recent additions like a double smash burger with bacon jam and grilled onions and, just for the baseball playoffs, a bacon-wrapped Wagyu hotdog that’s pretty much a home run.