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Alex's Bar
Categories: Arts & Entertainment Music Venues Nightlife Music Venues Nightlife Karaoke Nightlife Bars Dive Bars Music Venues, Karaoke, Dive Bars [Edit]
2913 E Anaheim StLong Beach, CA 90804
(562) 434-8292
- Hours:
Mon-Sat 5 pm - 2 am
Sun 3 pm - 2 am
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Street, Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Hipster, Dive-y, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
Cocktails, daily drink specials, happy hours
376 reviews for Alex's Bar
Review Highlights
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"The photo booth is always fun as well." In 48 reviews -
"Mister Miyagi are what makes this place so much fun." In 32 reviews -
"Come when Phil Shane plays- it is brilliant." In 24 reviews
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376 reviews in English
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Review from maureen c.
Anaheim, CA
Wow I live far but if I was closer this would be a definite place I would frequent often.
First of all I came by here cause I read so many great reviews on yelp and because it's the place where True Blood films its bar scenes for Fangtasia. So why the hell not would I not check out this place?
Came with a coworker of mine and loved the interior. The bouncer and bartender was friendly and we sat ourselves down on the barstool and ordered.... True Blood and whatever concoction the bartender put in it.
The decor was awesome, from the crushed red velvet on the stage to the gigantic devil hanging over the bar, to the cute little baby vampire monsters painted in the girls bathroom.
I honestly don't remember if there was a cover charge because we went on a weekday and we stayed quite awhile drinking. I just remember going home a little bit more paranoid and cautious and remembering the "Welcome to Hell" sign. -
Review from Donald G.
3/30/2012
This place is big and has a decent set up for shows. I also like that they have an enclosed smoking area so you don't need to wait in line to get back in all the time. The pool table is alright as well placed away from the crowds. It has it's own little seating area and always has chalk.
My problem with this place is drink prices. I showed up after 11pm and I ordered the same drink all night and paid a different price every time. I even got shorted on my change once. I think I waited about another 15 minutes just to get my missing change back. I don't know if the price of a draft beer changes prices several times between 11pm and 1:30am every night but it did for me.
I don't think the bartenders were intending on charging me differently, I just think they all believe the prices are different or were just too busy. -
Review from Dannelle A.
Long Beach, CA
3/10/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Trivia night on Weds!! Come get your ass kicked! We have been checking out trivia nights for awhile and wanted something challenging. Well, we found it!!! Not only are the questions good but there are cheap drink specials and free peanuts! Plus you can donate a few dollars and get a few slices of pizza.
The place wasn't super crowded so getting drinks and a table were super easy. Parking was good too since it was a Wednesday night.
This is our go-to place for trivia and drinks! They don't have a kitchen though, so if you are hungry bring your own grub...Doesn't really matter on a Wed anyways! -
Review from Emily S.
3/6/2012 1 photo
I came here recently for a free concert that was put on by Alex's Bar. The concert was set to start at 9pm so our group gets here on time. (*Not my choice). When we arrived, the bar was empty. :P The band actually didn't start playing until around 11pm. Once they got started though, it was good.
The crowd here that night was a little different but everyone was friendly. There is minimal seating at this bar but we managed to find one of the few tables that were there. It was a little hard to find at first, and you will NOT be able to see it driving on Anaheim Street. So it'd be better if you parked your car, and looked for it on foot! The entrance is in the back!
Great bar, tons of different kinds of beer. IT got a little chilly in here event with all the people inside. I'd come back. -
Review from Alba M.
Norwalk, CA
5/7/2012
Say what? They really do serve True Blood here?? Hot damn! Too bad there is always a cover charge to get in here :'( usually its only 5 bucks to get into Mr. Mister but for some reason it was 7 bucks this past weekend. No offense, but I feel like any bar that charges to get in is a little too full of themselves. Sure, the decor is bad ass, photobooth is always a win, and the crowd is usually pretty good but I just personally feel that cover charges are so unnecessary. Fuck it, call me cheap.
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Review from Philip B.
Los Angeles, CA
3/5/2012 1 Check-in Here
Went here for a friends going away party...she absolutely loves this place and raves about it..
I will say the 80's band and karaoke were good but overall I dont think I would go back...Beers are cheap, service is ok the bartenders are definitely overwhelmed good group of guys and gals who work their butts off..but it is kind of a wait to get a drink..parking is a little sketchy in an area thats a little sketchy, but we never felt unsafe..
Sorry I did not love it as much as my friend, but too each their own.. -
Review from Jaime N.
Long Beach, CA
5/2/2012
I love this place.. Been coming here for 10 years now.You made my collage days! The drinks are cheap and the entertainment is priceless.
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Review from Niya D.
Long Beach, CA
3/17/2012
Alex's Bar is pretty cool bar, I like the cover bands that play here. The staff is nice. The bar is stocked. There's good parking. The girl's rest room is clean.
I don't like that there's isn't enough sitting area. After I'm done dancing I want to sit down for a bit but there aren't many tables to do so. -
Review from Brenda D.
Updated - 3/5/2012
Went back to Alex's Bar for karaoke literally a year after my first visit.
It's still a dive.
Music is still great.
Still can't park at Autozone.
Photo Booth is still there ($3)
And drinks are still cheap.
However, this time the drinks were hit or miss (bartenders were swamped) and the cover charge went up from 5 bucks to 6 even though their website still advertises a $5 cover (door guy claimed "inflation").
Also, they have signs posted everywhere that say "No Dancing-No Moshing- No In's and Out's." Excuse me, but, No Dancing?!?! How do you not dance?! You're standing in a place, very similar to a warehouse I might add, listening to live 80's music! I found that just plain ridiculous. I'm okay with the no moshing, but no dancing?! I know I didn't drive all the way out to Long Beach for that....
Would I return? With the right people and an extra dollar in my pocket. But it may be another long while...1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/15/2011
Straight up hole in the wall!
Practically a dive...
Such a "Brenda" place
(I'm Brenda by the way)...
… Read more »
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Review from Cinnamon J.
Los Alamitos, CA
3/3/2012
This place is FUN! Where else can you Karaoke to a live band???? Awesome.
I can say the restrooms are a bit gross by the end of the night....But I keep hoping they will handle that issue soon. (only reason its not 5 stars)
They have cool bartenders and fun atmosphere if you like dive bars this is your place. :)
******I have always had a GOOD time at this place when my good friend Tom suggests we go there...Im not even a dive bar type person either. So thats saying a lot. Fun times by all. -
Review from Jeff I.
2/12/2012 1 Check-in Here
really cool little place! I loved going here, the drinks were made right, and strong. The staff was friendly and didn't seem to want to push a drink and move to the next person.
I'd love to go back here -
Review from Beth H.
12/21/2011 1 Check-in Here
Alex, you seem like a cool dude. You buss your own bar tables. You do it with a smile. I like that.
Alex, I like your bar. It's black. It's red. It has skullz. I like that too. Really. Truly.
Alex, your bar is smaller in that "cozy" way. I like the layout. I like the actual bar itself, too. I love the stage. Did I say I like it?
I had a good time. I'll come back again. Thanks for the hospitality. -
Review from Odaliz R.
Los Angeles, CA
2/12/2012
Now how did I not know that this was 'Fangtasia' !!
Parking will be a challenge if you arrive later in the evening. DO NOT park in the Auto Zone lot because you will be towed. Please also note that if you park on 'Glady's' they will refuse service to you. Really?! Cause I parked on Glady's...haha!
The place is a total dive but had to make the commute to see Sweet and Tender Holligans! Didn't have anything to drink but cranberry juice on ice so I am unable to critique the bartender skills.
Even with the drunk asshole who spilled his beer all over my ass, my feet and kept yanking my hair, a good time was had!
Ps. Loved the artwork on the walls and in the ladies restroom! -
Review from Robin B.
11/14/2011 1 Check-in Here
As much as I'd like to think I am, I am not cool. I am not hip, nor trendy, I don't sport rockabilly hair and I don't have any tattoos. Plus hanging out in bars isn't really fun for me. I can drink Bombay Sapphire at home for free. I have always been this way, even in my younger days. In fact, I probably would have never met my husband if my friend didn't drag me kicking and screaming to Yankee Doodles in Long Beach some 13 years ago. For the most part, if you wanna get me to a bar, there better be cheese fries involved.
With that said, I can tolerate Alex's on an occasional basis. I am willing to put up with hipsters who were born when I was in 8th grade and the worst gin and tonics of my life (in plastic cups no less) in order to see live music and enjoy illegal bacon wrapped hot dogs after. Mr. Mister Miyagi is always a treat, and who doesn't love that little love muffin Phil Shane.
Two weeks ago I had the ultimate pleasure of seeing one of my favorite bands from high school here, SHONEN KNIFE!!!
AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH so excited! "Riding on the rocket, I wanna go to Pluto!" "I am a cat!" "It was a devil house, I saw it once on tv!" The last time I saw these totemo kawaii lil' rockers was at The Roxy circa 1997, and they are still on top of their game. I did have a mild case of tinnitus from being next to the huge speaker, but if you wanna be in front, you gotta make sacrifices. Of course, to get up there I had to do some serious elbow work on drunk macking couples, but it was worth it.
You are A-OK Alex's. Even if my usual ample cleavage and twenty dollar bill in hand routine can't get any of your bartenders attention. And next time, it wouldn't kill you to turn on the air conditioning. Some people might enjoy being a giant drippy sweat monster at the end of the night, but I am not one of them.Listed in: The Hill, The Beach & The Wood, Lush Life
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Review from Jolene L.
Costa Mesa, CA
1/17/2012 3 Check-ins Here
Dear Alex's
I love you.
Great punk rock shows, good drinks, and fun times!
Love,
Jolene -
Review from Omo A.
Los Angeles, CA
1/5/2012
So here's what happened.
I purchased tickets for a show about a month ago. Online they say the show starts at 8pm. On the night of the show, I call Alex's Bar to see if they have set times. Whoever I spoke to tells me the band starts at 10pm. So I make the trek from LA to Long Beach, and when I get to the venue, the band is nowhere close to starting.
It was clear the expectation was that I was supposed to stand around for two hours waiting and drinking. I don't get that luxury, so I had to leave before the band even started.
When I called the next day to speak to the manager, Vivian, she was entirely unsympathetic, unhelpful and extremely rude. Her main argument was that since they're not "Gibson Amphitheater" they can't be held responsible for when the band starts playing. Well that's fine and good, why couldn't I have been told any of this over the phone? Then she accuses me of lying about the phone call I made the night before - if there's no way that somebody could have told me that the band starts at 10, then WHY DID SOMEBODY TELL ME THE BAND STARTED AT 10PM?!
This could have all been solved with an apology, but instead, these people choose to be bar dicks. Well, once again, that's fine and good, because I don't really like bars. Especially bars that desperately want to be a venue.
I'll never come to this place to drink, and I'll NEVER come here for a show. Good job Alex's. I may not be from Long Beach, but a lot of my friends are, and they'll be doing the same. -
Review from Miguel R.
12/2/2011
For Long Beach this is OK. The stage area looks really cool but I have only heard rumors of good bands playing here and that is long long ago.
Nowadays whenever I look for places that play good bands they are all in Echo Park, Silverlake or Hollywood. Long ago Long Beach had a really really ridiculously awesome music scene and there were a couple of great venues. Way back in the hardcore punk and the mid 90's eras. If any good bands play here now they are really so unknown that it is hard to get an idea of what they sound like. It's dangerous to go watch a band simply because it has a cool name. You could end up listening to some really bad stuff. Never judge a book by its cover especially if it going to cost you a cover charge haha!
I have heard that there is a really good lounge act here. Phil Shane. The guy looks like a sort of Elvis. He's supposed to be really good. Seeing his picture was enough for me to take it all in and chuckle. I'm not into lounge acts.
I would give this place two stars if it were not for the fact that this place brings back good memories. I came here with coworkers and friends a couple of times and had so much fun that the quality of the music and prices and quality of the drinks did not matter. Those times are gone now and I have little to no reason to come here in the present or the future.Listed in: LA's Best UNtop 40 Bars
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Review from ReBecki P.
Cerritos, CA
11/14/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I heard they finally have full blast air conditioning! But I was still sweating from dancing the other night.
I've been here for plenty of shows and some dance nights like Secret Affair. Great sound, wide open space venue, unique decor, full bar that even serves Framboise Lambic beer (the most delicious drink), photo booth, and they were nice enough to let me bring in cupcakes for my birthday and of course I shared with the staff. There's always plenty of street parking. -
Review from thomas g.
Los Angeles, CA
11/28/2011
been meaning to write this review for a while now but haven't gotten around to it!
I've been going to Alex's for ever now and I completely love the scene! if you like live music then you'll feel the same way i do for sure. It's a great venue with cheap drinks. It can get a little loud sometimes but if you're going to see a show then you have to expect that, right?
Also, they do live band karaoke once a month with Mr. Mister Myagi (spelling?!) these guys are great! so fun. I was also there a couple weeks ago and saw another live karaoke band, With the band karaoke, and they were really good too. I think that they're going to be doing a weekly thing there maybe? that would be sweet as there's really not enough good karaoke in LB.
I highly recommend going to check out some awesome local music... you won't be disappointed! -
Review from Carolina Z.
Long Beach, CA
8/8/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Alex's Bar is so ironic. A dive bar, that offers an obnoxiously wholesome sing-along environment.
I really don't get what the hype is with this bar. In theory it sounds fun. Karakoe, live band, full house etc.... But for some reason its never fun. Even after having tried it several times. Even after getting trashed once. Even in good company, it has never ever been fun.
Drinks are served in plastic to-go cups. It makes me feel like I'm at a house party back in high school...um no thanks, totally not the kind of night Im looking for. The bar-staff is painstakingly unorganized and they dont seem to really have the desire to hustle back there. The bathrooms are an STD party in other words, DISGUSTING. The smoking patio has all kinds of random trash sitting in the corner and get this, NO DRINKS allowed outside! (even though its enclosed.)
The crowd is a weird mix. You got your OC kids heavily dominating, next are the bachelor student types with their tall cans in hand, and lastly are the locals from around the neighborhood. The cover band proudly plays obnoxious and terribly played-out music, to which the kids sing along to. It's all very wholesome and contrived.
To me not worth the $5 cover charge. Get me to a dimly lit bar where I can have a grown up conversation and a drink in a real glass, from a bartender who's not totally worn down by the crazy crowd, please!
Also parking is a nightmare and cops like to cruise the neighboring streets. Have fun getting a DUI on the way home. -
Review from Sabrina B.
Torrance, CA
3/5/2012
Pros:
- cheap drinks
- live music
- good crowd
- photo booth (it was out of order the night I went)
Cons
- way too long to get a drink.
- not a lot of ethnic diversity going on.
- they closed the place down at 1:45. -
Review from Trina D.
As dive bars go, Alex's is at the top of my list. The decor is well, famous. It's red with chotsky yet dia de la muerta type decor. If it looks familiar then it's because the bar is a stand-in for vampire bar Fangtasia in HBO's True Blood. Pretty awesome if you ask me. While I was there, I was talking to Hazel and Mike Q. about True Blood.
Mike Q.: Hazel is in love with Eric Northman.
Me: Me too!!
Hazel Q.: Isn't he hot?!
Me: Yes!
Mike Q. {ROLLS EYES & looks away}
The bartenders are awesome and they serve Tecate 40s! They also make a delicious chocolate cake shot. It took me a while to find it but well worth the search. Look for the address since there aren't any visible signs on the street. Alex's Bar is a must visit if you're in the Long Beach area. -
Review from Christina E.
Buena Park, CA
9/27/2011
This bar is awesome...
i always come here.. especially for the Secret Affair.
and i danccccccce the night away! -
Review from Sam T.
Long Beach, CA
Updated - 3/1/2012
This place is as LBC as it get, so chk the attitude at the door or leave it in the car.
Listed in: My Neighborhood
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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8/11/2008
This bar is not only unique but hands down the best "Dive" / locals bar in Socal! Why go to the OC… Read more »
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Review from Vanessa H.
Aliso Viejo, CA
8/1/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Anytime a Jimmy Dean sausage sandwich, Top Ramen, and a raspy voice are part of my day before 9am, I know I've had a good time the night before.
Why is that I discover gems like Alex's Bar only AFTER I've moved out of Long Beach? This place is a rollicking good time and I it's on my list to come back and see Mr. Mister Miyagi. As it was, I happened to go on a Phil Shane night (hot damn!) and behold the glory that is his 80s & 90s adult contemporary set.
The bar itself feels surprisingly roomy, but that's probably because you're not expecting much from viewing this place from the street. Wait, you actually CAN'T view this place from the street, save for a blink-and-you'll-miss-it door. The entrance is in the back, but you'll want to park on the street because you have a slim-to-none chance of finding parking in Alex's small lot. And DON'T park at Autozone; they WILL tow you.
I discovered Framboise here thanks to Mike Q., and between that and the chocolate cake shots, my night was made. The music was loud, the crowd was pretty diverse and having a great time, and one of the bathroom stalls smelled like vomit. What more could you ask of a dive? -
Review from Bill W.
Long Beach, CA
8/8/2011
Eh, this place has been a let down for me. I really want to try and like Alex'e, but it simply has been a bust lately. As mentioned, drinks are served in freaking plastic cups like it's a frat party.
I don't want to pay a cover to listen to people sing karaoke, I don't care if there's a live band backing them up, I'd rather have a dj. Simply not worth a five dollar cover charge IMO. You guys are really milking it.
I don't like the fact that I can't bring my drank out to the smoking patio, which I might add is fenced off like a dog run...
Even with what seemed like 5 bartenders working one bar it still took like 15 minutes just to get a drink.
So, I'm probably not coming back here any time soon, if ever... This place is way overrated. Oh, and the parking lot is a death trap to any chick in heels... -
Review from Cyndi C.
San Francisco, CA
11/29/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Is it just me or are long beach dudes hotter?
Maybe it's the drinks and the glitter ceilings but I feel like i'm extra boy crazy here. -
Review from Tammy K.
San Diego, CA
9/26/2011
O had a great time when The Stitches were playing.
Woke up with lots of bruises on my butt from being inside the pit!
Great time :) Lots of folks, cheap drinks, if your into that :) -
Review from Virginia J.
Long Beach, CA
2/3/2012
Alex's looks awesome, puts together great shows, and has a great crowd and bar staff. I felt at home as soon as I set foot inside. Karaoke Mondays are super fun, and cute tattooed boys and girls abound. I'm lookin' to make it my main hang in LBC!
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Review from Jeanie C.
7/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Normally Alex's Bar isn't the kind of place I'd think to visit. BUT IT'S FANGTASIA! I got inspired to go here because a certain HBO show (True Blood!) that I am just a teensy bit obsessed with uses it as the filming location for the Fangtasia vampire bar scenes. It's a little out of the way for me - near my work in Long Beach but not close to home, which I prefer for bar-going. I made an exception to check this place out.
Once I got over my initial girly *squee* moment, I realized - hey, this is a pretty cool place! Nice atmosphere, they have Shiner on tap, the bartender was friendly to us.. and the beers were only $4, I can handle that. Casual with no snootiness, divey without being dirty and gross. I'm curious to check out trivia night! -
Review from Hazel Q.
Alex's is still one of my old LB standbys, whether it's just a random night drinking or Mr Mister Miyagi, but Alex's added a new night to it's repertoire earlier this year: trivia night. Sure, this place may seem be the last place on earth you'd expect a trivia night, but David hosts a damn fine one there on Wednesday nights now.
For just $5 per person, your team can win anything from a free round of beers to $150. Even if you don't win, $5 ain't too shabby - and they practically give drinks away Wednesday nights. $1 Olympia beers, $3 Tecate, $4 for most anything on tap, and mix drink specials too.
Ah, Alex's, you've long been my Saturday night and sometimes Monday night home, but now you're my new Wednesday night home too.Listed in: Long Beach Bars, Free Wifi Orange County, Long Beach Dive Bars, Dark Bar. Red Walls., Karaoke in OC and LB
2 Previous Reviews: Show all »
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11/9/2008
Still great. Still awesome. Still fabfreakingtasticulous. Yep. I rarely visit Alex's on non-band… Read more »
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Review from Marissa G.
Redondo Beach, CA
6/19/2011
Went to Alex's last night to see Hellogoodbye. It was awesome!
Concert tips: The lighting is great. It's just bright enough that you don't absolutely need to use the flash on your camera, although it certainly helped. BUY TICKETS ONLINE EARLY! Not because they'll sell out, but because you'll get in early. At about 7PM, they kicked everyone out and made us line up. My friend and I were the only ones with paper tickets and they let us back in immediately, while everyone else had to wait outside until doors opened at 8. Not sure if that's standard for all shows, but it wouldn't hurt to try. Also, they use a company called Brown Paper Tickets, which donates a portion of their tickets to charity, and you even get to pick from a list of charities!
From the street, it looks pretty terrible. I was a little scared. But once we got inside, I was at ease. VIntage beer signs, Sailor Jerry stuff EVERYWHERE and an overall vampire theme since they apparently shoot True Blood there.
The bartenders were very sweet and friendly. They didn't talk entirely too much or bug us every few minutes either. They're experienced enough to read their customers and know which ones want to be left alone. I tipped my bartender well for letting us sit at the bar for the whole show (even though I only bought 2 pints and a water) and he came over to thank me. That was pretty cool.
As a concert venue, it's AWESOME! The stage is pretty low to the ground so you can have your favorite band member all up in your business.
The ladies room was amazingly clean! It's baby pink with a mural of baby vampires, which I thought was clever.
No outside drinks are allowed, but you can bring your own food!
Pints of beer were $5, well drinks were $6 and non-alcoholics (including bottles of water) were only $1! They had tall cans of Tecate and PBR for sale, plus a good variety of draughts. They also have free wifi, but you need to ask for the password.Listed in: How To Be A Hip Hipster, Shop Local, Shop Small, Shop…
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Review from Russell D.
Long Beach, CA
8/8/2011 1 Check-in Here
Overpriced drinks & and unnecessary cover charge make this place a little low on my "places to go list".
However, when there is dancing this place can be fun
And the old school photobooth is a nice feature.
But overall this place takes the worst aspects of a dive bar, mixes it with a half assed club environment & sprinkles douchbags on top liberally.... its barely worth the cost of a taxi cab from 4th street & definitely not worth the walk or having to make 1 friend drive.
Not much of a fan -
Review from stephanie s.
Carson, CA
5/26/2011
My favorite bar!
The atmosphere is beyond awesome. Every time I come in here, I feel like I've walked into my closet and found my version of Narnia... a happy, fun & awesome times, low-light, alcohol-serving Narnia.
I don't come here often (as much as I would like to and as much as I know I should be) and there's a reason for it! I wouldn't want to spoil myself and become a brat. "Distance makes the heart grow fonder," they say and yes, I grow more fond of Alex's bar, every single time. Occasionally I'd come here with friends, or the boyfriend just to grab a drink and see what's going on. The bands are never a let down and Tuesday karaoke nights are the best nights ever! Great song selection, and as always, no matter what night it is, the bartenders and drinks are always delightful. -
Review from Marty R.
Long Beach, CA
1/26/2012
I love my alex's bar.. You never know what your going to get.... Don't forget to take a trip to the photo booth!!!!! GREAT night even if its a little lite!!!!!!
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Review from Borracha J.
Granada Hills, Los Angeles, CA
12/12/2011
Pretty fun/well decor'd venue. I came here for a sailor jerry sponsored show so i didnt pay a cover, and drinks were cheap, so 5 stars for an awesome time!
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Review from Jeanette S.
La Puente, CA
3/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
After all these years, I finally had the chance to come check out a good ole fashioned punk show at Alex's Bar. I came out last month to see CH3 and Manic Hispanic, and had one hell of a great time.
Let me start off by saying, yes it's a total dump and far away, but then again what do you expect. We got totally lost and had a hard time finding it, but that's completely our fault. I ended up being the DD after the original driver got trashed before me, so I'm assuming the bar isn't too expensive. They have PBR tall cans, which keeps all these dirty punks and rockabillys, and of course my friends coming back for more.
The stage and sound are actually pretty decent, and all of the decor is pretty neat. There's lots of room for dancing and moshing, and the view isn't too bad at all. You know just be careful after all the booze starts making it's way to the ground in the pit area. I had a great time watching people eat shit in the pit time after time, haha. I also found the crowd here pretty diverse, lots of older and younger folks, but everyone was very friendly. I actually think there was no fighting, which is very surprising at a Manic Hispanic show.
Ladies, the restrooms are pretty fucking disgusting, but then again like I've been saying what can we really expect here in the good ole LBC. Oh, and there's only parking for like 10 cars, so street parking it is. Do not park at Auto Zone or you will be towed, and the hand stamp at the door makes sure to remind you of this, lol. I would definitely come back and check more shows, but they did charge a $12 cover which I thought was a bit much for this dump, boooo! -
Review from Renee W.
Glendale, CA
7/31/2011
Dude. I partied at Fangtasia!
After nerding out with my cell phone camera shooting photos and talking to my friends as they looked on in confused horror about the scene where the vampire splatters all over the floor, I had a blast watching my friend's band play here. Awesome little dive. Good crowd, cheap drinks, and a nice big space to get my dance on!
Then three hours and a beer, a vodka cran, a Long Island, another beer, and a kamikaze shot later, I drunkenly squealed in fangirlish delight because my friend gave me a bottle of Tru Blood to take home. Shouldn't every night end that way? I think so. -
Review from Scott D.
Lakewood, CA
8/3/2011
This place has been around for quite a while and it's still the best bar to see music and just hang. It's kind of like having a garage party in that everyone is cool and you always see people you like to see. They host great bands, DJ theme nights and tribute/karaoke nights. The staff rocks.
I always have a great time here and now it's air conditioned. -
Review from Andrea L.
3/31/2011
I don't come here as often as I should since I'm usually found on the westside, but I have to say this is one of the dopest dive bars in Long Beach. Not just saying that as a die hard True Blood fan- this is the sight used in the show for vamp bar "Fangtasia" after all. It's just super cool.
The vibe is gritty and fun. The crowd is a chill bunch of slightly inebriated peeps in their 20's and 30's, often tattooed with a sort of rockabilly style collectively. No judgment on the inebriated comment- I'm among these cats after all. Cold Pabst Blue Ribbon is served in the tall can. I stick to vodka as usual, but thought that Pabst was worth mentioning to give you an idea of the type of bar this is. Draw your own conclusions.
Live music on most nights, but between sets a DJ plays jams from the 90's... at least that's how I remember it. I'm usually not as coherent here. giggle.
Anyway, I LOVE this bar. Its one of the few places I visit where my black Chuck Taylor's are more appropriate than my black stilettos. So proud its in Long Beach...
$10 cover charge. parking sucks.
