Spend an Evening on The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach

The Promenade in Downtown Long Beach is a pedestrian-only stretch made for memorable evenings out. Between Broadway and Third Street, it’s lined with lively taverns, award-winning breweries and distilleries, plus plenty of great food; small plates to entrees and late-night bites. With the Terrace Theater, Pine Avenue and Arts District just steps away, it’s easy to piece together a great evening. Check out these itinerary suggestions, though, with everything so close, you can mix and match all you like!

THE ORDINARIE

The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N) is an American tavern, perfect for hanging with friends–or friends you’ve just met–features delicious fare from burgers to vegan patty melts, its utterly divine pot pie bites and, most nights, live music. Pair this with a great evening at the Long Beach Terrace Theater (300 E Ocean Blvd)–just four blocks away–enjoying great comedy, drama, dance or a performance by the Long Beach Symphony. You can continue the fun after the performance since The Ordinarie features great late night eats and music.

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ISM BREWING & KITCHEN

ISM Brewing & Kitchen (230 Pine Ave) is known for its great beer, but don’t sleep on its Kitchen. Alongside more than a dozen house-brewed beers, including some gold medal winners, are craveable wings, stacked sandwiches and hearty plates to be enjoyed in a relaxed atmosphere. It’s the perfect vibe to tap before or after creating at Clay on First (401 E 1st St). Located less than a 10-minute walk away in the East Village Arts District, it’s a full-service ceramics studio for beginners and experienced makers alike, offering regular classes and community events.

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BROKEN SPIRITS DISTILLERY

Kick things off at Bad Axe Throwing (245 Pine Ave), where seven throwing lanes, personal coaches and games like Cricket and 21 make for an energetic, hands-on experience. After working up an appetite, head a block over to Broken Spirits Distillery (300 The Promenade N), a cozy, vintage-lit spot perfect for unwinding and recapping your best throws over small-batch whiskey, gin, or vodka. Pair your drinks with elevated Texas-style barbecue, including slow-braised short ribs and rich mac & cheese, for a relaxed and satisfying downtown follow-up.

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BUEN PROVECHO

For an evening that feels celebratory, Buen Provecho (301 The Promenade N) is happy to bring the party. The restaurant delivers rich flavors with an expansive menu spanning yellowfin tostadas to tomahawk steaks, smoked beef cheek burritos, tempura fish tacos and lamb birria. Perfect for a date night, family dinner or anytime you’re in the mood for something festive. And, if the mood is for moving, walk a block over to nightclub Sevilla (140 Pine Ave), to continue the night with DJs, dancing as well as salsa and bachata lessons on Wednesdays.

EL VIEJON MARISCOS & SUSHI

Known for its inventive mix fusion menu, El Viejon Mariscos & Sushi (201 E Broadway) brings its own kind of flavor and energy to Downtown Long Beach. The menu features fresh mariscos, and shareable plates. Favorites include grilled octopus, fish tacos and campechana offered with colorful cocktails in a fun atmosphere. The fun continues literally a few steps from the restaurant as you walk downstairs to Harvelle’s (201 E Broadway), the one-of-a-kind night performance space for music, drag, burlesque, karaoke, comedy and anything else cool.

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.