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Observation Bar - Queen Mary
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- Yes
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Thu, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- Yes
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Romantic, Classy
- Has TV:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
79 reviews for Observation Bar - Queen Mary
Review Highlights
"But, one surefire winner every time: art deco decor."
(in 29 reviews)
"i love the classic art, and how well maintained the ship is."
(in 30 reviews)
"Occasionally catching live music has been a bonus."
(in 5 reviews)
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79 reviews in English
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Review from Rusty S.
12/11/2011 1 Check-in Here
Wow, what a bar! Five stars for this unique and historic art deco lounge located at the forward end of the Queen Mary's main deck!
When we visited on a recent Sunday evening the place was fairly busy but far from full-- perfect for relaxing with a cocktail and enjoying the ambiance of the place. Our server informed us that happy hour was going on until 19:00 and all appetizers were half price (no discount on drinks except for drafts and wells). We thought the house band was karaoke at first, but their sound improved in proportion to alcohol consumption. By the time we left there several people out on the dance floor, even!
Based on the food, drinks, service, and music I probably would have rated this place three stars at the most if it were anywhere else. The Observation Bar's setting aboard a historic steam liner, however, put it in a class of its own. Going to the bar also give you the benefit of being able to tour the ship without paying for a tour or renting a hotel room, plus they'll validate parking (still costs $5, though).
Looking forward to returning here! -
Review from Tea R.
Whittier, CA
11/15/2011
It was my first time stepping foot on the Queen Mary. There was a live band to enjoy and the people watching made for even better entertainment. Especially when the roller derby girls arrived!
I would definitely like to come back and try the Sunday Brunch or the fine dining restaurant. -
Review from Michelle C.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA
11/1/2011 1 Check-in Here
!1st time here after finishing Dark Harbor. When I enetered this bar, some people were in costume. Now I felt like I was in cougar town. Either older men with younger women or vice versa. While having my Mai Tai(which was good) I couldnt help notice the couple in front of me. The man (50's)was rubbing his woman or (misress)(late 40's)in a sexual matter.
There was a live band playing 40's music. A few couples dancing. What really got to me are these woman who maybe think they are freakin size 0 blocking the stairways going up or down leading to the outside seating area. If you are wide fram, big bone, please be courteous to others and stand away..
Over all drinks were good:-) Too stuffy inside to enjoy your drink and outside area i will pass because of smokers? I dont want 2nd hand smoker. You can take your drink on the deck away from the bar and just chill taking the scenery in;-) -
Review from Rachel R.
Pomona, CA
1/11/2012
The atmosphere is awesome! Any age group will feel comfortable here & the drinks are pretty stiff. I'll definitely be back!
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Review from Donna S.
9/13/2011
Well, I am biased since I ADORE my beloved Queen Mary. I have loved her since I was a child. She can do no wrong in my book.
So it stands to reason that I love the Observation Bar. It takes me back in time. I kinda lose myself when I am here and sitting at the art deco bar, or in a cozy little table. I like to get a martini and imagine all the women who lounged here before me. Of the whispered conversations from the past, or the lingering energy of boisterous laughter from eras gone by.
I wouldn't recommend the food here. I can't say the drinks are super strong (unless you get friendly with your 'tender). I can't say there is a trendy, young, hip crowd. But you get an intersting mix of vacationers from other continents who offer a friendly chat. They do have a happy hour. And there is a magnificent view and breeze out on the deck. And you get the honor of immersing yourself history.
Wander around after a few cocktails and let the Queen embrace you with her mystery and secrets and faded glamour. -
Review from Kate R.
Los Angeles, CA
7/25/2011 5 photos
I totally love coming here. My preferred adventure involves a martini (or mojito), listening to the house band until I feel adequately silly, then running around the ship with my evening companion, pretending we're on the Titanic..
It may or may not be about to sink, maybe we're running away from that man servant with the gun. Or my angry ex-fiance & my crazy mother. Maybe we're Irish 3rd class passengers sneaking our way up to the 1st class deck.. oOoo, scandalous. Or sneaking into the ballroom to play the piano & or ghost hunting by the pool room...
Ok, I'm stopping now...Listed in: Long Beach 2400
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Review from Soleil D.
7/17/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Since I'm on summer vacation I've decided that I'll hit up as many happy hour spots as my wallet can handle. (Unfortunately my wallet is crying right about now.) Anywho, since I was on a mission to utilize my vacation time I also decided that I'd bike here from Belmont Heights.
FYI: There's a bike path that leads up to the Queen Mary! Yay! However, there's really no bicycle parking at the Queen Mary, only an old-school rack underneath the member stairs near the outdoor restrooms. Boo.
After biking the rough terrain and dodging all the foot traffic, I made it! What can I say that hasn't already been said?
One: It's definitely not filled with younger folks. Well, I went on Sunday...so maybe it is on other days? However, I did enjoy seeing the elderly couples dance the evening away. Aww.
Two: I ordered the BBQ Chicken sliders and they were alright. Nothing specials, just filling. My friend ordered the Artichoke Dip + Chips...whoa greasy galore!
Three: There's always someone around to wait on you, yay!
Four: LIVE MUSIC! The duo that played while we were there rocked it. From pop music to oldies, they knew it all.
Will I come here again? Yes! Well, when my wallet stops crying.
Info for Happy Hour:
Happy Hour Drink Specials specials are available from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday
$3.00 Domestic Bottled Beer
$4.00 Imported Bottled Beer
$4.00 Glasses of House Wine
$5.00 Well Drinks
Happy Hour Appetizer Specials
All appetizers are 1/2 off from 4:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Sunday thru Thursday -
Review from June Y.
7/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
Oh. So you're 21+ and you've been to a few bars, have you?
Your best bar you've ever been to does not compare with the Observation Bar.
Did you just turn 21 and you're looking for a wild bar to pick up guys/girls and have a drunken good time? This is not it.
The Observation Bar is for the calm and cool cats. Chill, relaxed, and classy are the three words that come to mind. This is a place where you want to bring your closest friends, sit around a small table, and enjoy each others' company while being enveloped by beautiful art deco interior.
When I go here, which is usually late hours, the crowd is gone and I really get sucked into the surrounding beauty. Outside the windows is the beautifully lit Long Beach harbor and Shoreline. Inside the bar is endless art deco style in every direction. I can almost imagine myself aboard the ship, enjoying a cocktail as I traverse the Atlantic.
This bar is a true time machine. It's beautiful. I strongly, strongly encourage a visit. You'll see what I mean.Listed in: Date Night Ideas!
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Review from Lynn J.
7/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a great place to watch the sunset! A great view of Long Beach too.
Plenty of old time ambiance in this bar including the band that plays on Friday and Saturday Night. They sounded great and even got a few in our group out on the floor. The crowd was mainly couples out for a romantic evening out, but we brought the rowdy group and still fit right in. The crowd is so diverse here. We met a Kiwi, and Aussie and Tasmanian (I always thought was just a character from Bugs Bunny!). I know I heard a bunch of other accents, but just couldn't place them.
Don't come here looking for a full food menu. They only serve appetizers and snacks. The hubby and I ordered the BBQ Chicken sliders and they were just meh, tasted reminiscent of boiled chicken tossed in some basic BBQ sauce put on a dinner roll. We shared the Spinach Artichoke dip and it was just ok, maybe a 5 outta 10. It was not melding together very well and seemed to want to be more of a soupy-chowder-ish consistency. The highlight was the tortilla chips served with the dip. Almost tasted like a flour tortilla chip instead of a corn tortilla chip.
We'll be back for another sunset and cocktail, but only after we have stuffed our belly's somewhere else. -
Review from Jason G.
Orange County, CA
10/31/2011
My wife and I went to the Queen Mary for our 10 year wedding anniversary. We decided to have dinner at The Chelsea Chowder House, and while we waited, we stopped at The Observation Bar for drinks.
The bar was really nice, with awesome art deco style architecture, and when we sat down at a table, we were enjoying it for a little while. But there was just way too much going on which eventually we just grew tired of.
There was a group of fat slobby middle aged drunk women screaming continuously in the corner of the room, right next to the stage. Not only would they not shut up, they were so blitzed that when they got up to go to the restroom, they could barely walk. They were so wasted that one of them actually fell backwards, right out of her chair, in front of everyone, right in front of the crappy house band, which from what I've read, plays there every Sunday. The band kept playing and nobody helped her up or went to see if she was alright because everyone was sick of them. Even with all that, the waitresses and bartenders never even closed out their tab or made them leave. They were annoying as hell and nobody did anything about them, and eventually they left on their own. It's almost like there's nobody on the staff there concerned at all with these types of idiots who disrupt the evening for everyone else.
This place allows kids, which I don't like at all. There were kids crawling around on the floor, under the chairs and tables and even running around. This is not a family restaurant, it's a bar. And the parents getting drunk in front of their kids... That's awesome parenting.
I ordered a rum and Coke and it was way too strong to even enjoy. I sipped on it for about 20 minutes before the waitress came back. I asked her if she could add a little bit of Coke to it and she said yes. Another 20 minutes later she came back with a tall glass of Coke, and she actually charged me for it. It would have been nice if she had remade it for me or something, not charge me for a soda on top of the already expensive and way strong drink.
We had reservations at the Chelsea Chowder House at 7pm. At about 6:45 we told her our waitress we were ready to get our check and she said she'd be right back, but she never came back. A few minutes to 7, I decided to leave so I could check in while my wife paid our bill. As I left I told the waitress we had a 7pm reservation and I needed to go, but my wife was still waiting, and she said she would be right there.
30 minutes later my wife finally showed up at the restaurant. That's right, it took the waitress from 7 to 7:30 to bring my wife the check. 30 minutes from the time I left to check in to the time my wife finally got the check, and then she ran to the restaurant where I was waiting.
We have no interest in ever going back to The Observation Bar. -
Review from julia a.
Los Angeles, CA
11/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Queen Mary.... scary! This place is full of older OLDER people. It make this place more scary. Just drink and everything will be OKAY~ BTW the drinks are pretty cheap. I think its because this place is haunted...
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Review from Ted G.
Long Beach, CA
7/21/2011
Went on a Wednesday night and it was completely dead - which was a good thing. The place is so amazing to look at you could be there for hours finding new details to enjoy.
It would have been 5 starts, but the view at night sucks from the observation desk. The plexiglass that surrounds the observation deck is so scratched that it looks like the fog has rolled in. The potential view of the skyline is nothing short of amazing, management should realize that potential and spring for some new plexiglass or just remove it altogether. -
Review from Robin Z.
2/28/2011 8 photos
Another Guinness, my friend!
Aye, we'll have another Guinness and share one of those delicious chicken quesedillas, jalapenos on the side, por favor. What a grand view...who could ask for more? Like sitting in a time capsule frozen in the late forties, high style on the high seas. Good bar grub, cold beer, warm friends, I wish it'd never end.
(I'm a native and therefore my gratuitous use of multiple languages is justified) -
Review from nikki l.
Long Beach, CA
4/17/2011
The atmosphere of this place is very historic. i love the classic art, and how well maintained the ship is. I'm not gonna lie - i felt in some parts that i was stepping into a piece of history. An added bonus to the place is the "feel" of just being on such an old ship, and you kind of feel like you've escaped the 21st century, even just for a little while.
I went there with my family and friends to check the place for the evening. Here are a few pointers:
1) if you go at night and you decide to explore the deck and other parts of the ship, bring a jacket. There's just some places on the ship that feel more chilly than others.
2) the drinks here are pretty strong if you dont have a high tolerance for drinks. Drinks can range from 6$ beer, to $10-14 dollar mixed drinks. if you get something at the bar, the validation will discount your parking fee from $15 to $5.
the friday i went there was jazz music playing, and people (including the band) were dressed like the era. It was awesome :) you dont have to dress that way, but it does add feel to the environment. There's a little area you can some swingin' dance moves as well...if you have the courage to (i dont lol)
Like i mentioned above, you can explore the rest of the ship. I'm not gonna say that we saw ghosts, but you can't get to the decks and to 4 levels down the ship without feeling at least one little shiver. i could also be a scaredy cat or whatever, but seeing the ballroom totally empty and dark, it does make one jumpy lol. The ship creaks, so you can expect some unexpected noises.
anyway, i totally recommend! just to let you know, this may not be a "club" scene, but it is an experience that does leave a pleasant memory :) -
Review from Sean W.
Sacramento, CA
6/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
We came on a Sunday afternoon to enjoy the ambiance of sitting aboard a beautiful ship while having a few drinks and were met with everything we wanted. Our waitress had a wonderful personality and even excused herself for being new there and not 100% up to speed on all the drinks and food served.
The band that was playing was fun. They played music from all sorts of eras and enjoyed it all. I couldn't see the guy very much from my seat but the lady had a great personality. My girlfriend's daughter had a great time watching them perform on stage. It was quite entertaining to watch!
When we needed a breath of fresh air, the bow of the ship was easily accessible from the bar making for an even more pleasant experience. -
Review from Netochka N.
Kingston, NY
11/3/2011 7 Check-ins Here
Nice scene, lovely place to end the night. Staff are patient, efficient & cheerful. Excellent music. My only wish would be for more historic, classic cocktails and less trendy martinis.
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Review from j b.
Santa Monica, CA
1/8/2011
I kid you not when I say this is the best place in California to take a date or a guest. Easily the most romantic, swinging place I've been. The 80 year old Latino gentleman in front of us kept the dance floor going, replete with wood cane, blue suit, and waxed mustache, not to mention a glass of cognac in one hand and his belle in another. He might actually have been the most interesting man in the world.
This place is spectacular. The jazz band they have playing on Friday and Saturday nights is outright phenomenal, and there's no cover. Beyond everything, this is easily the coolest decor I've ever seen in a bar, right down to the wood tables and view of the harbor. Pricewise, it's basically what you'd pay for a drink downtown ($8-$9 a pop), but you get an aura and atmosphere that is truly unrivaled, not to mention authentic jazz standards in a place where they were meant to be played. Just make sure you get your parking ticket validated at the bar; after that, it's five bucks, instead of twelve.
If there's one recommendation I can confidently make on Yelp, this is it, although I should preface that by saying Friday and Saturdays are when the jazz is thumping; I can't speak to the other days.Listed in: Where to chill in Long Beach.…
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Review from Tracy L.
Glendale, CA
9/18/2011
I went to the bar for the first time yesterday. I am not a big bar person. I don't generally like to go to places that have people in their 20's getting wasted while having to listen to Lady GaGa and Britney Spears.
But, luckily the Observation Bar was not at all like this. It was more like an old lounge bar from the 40's. I went with 4 friends after an exhibit opening and we had a great time. It was nice just to relax, have good conversations and listen to the great Jazz/Swing band. We stayed until almost 1am and the place was still busy with people and more people were still coming into the bar.
The food and drinks were also pretty good. They don't have the biggest selection of food items, but what they did have was good and the prices were decent for what you got. The drinks were great and also at good prices.
I would recommend going here if you want a entertaining fun night out with your friends. -
Review from Sara Y.
11/25/2010
Right after attending a wedding on board the QM, a few of us wanted to keep the party going, so we hit up the only bar that stays open until 2:00 a.m. on the ship.
It was a Saturday night, a jazz band was playing and the place was littered with Marines celebrating the Marine Corps. Ball. We found a spot out on the patio area, which was lovely and offered nice views of Long Beach. I only had beers for the rest of the night, but the prices were decent considering there was no where else to go.
One note: They do accept credit/debit cards here, but they cannot leave a tab open for you. Cash out as you go.Listed in: Lush Lures, Tourist Traps
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Review from Mike H.
PORTER RANCH, CA
5/15/2011
Great place to go if you want to have the feeling of being on a cruise ship! I had myself a nice sangria! Good music and not so shabby crowd for a Sunday Afternoon
I give it 4 stars because it took a while to get a check -
Review from Timmy S.
9/26/2010
I love art deco and this bar has original art deco design from the days when the Queen Mary sailed the seas. Plus an incredible view. Beautiful no matter where you look both inside and out.
I had a couple of vodka & sevens which were proportionally mixed well. Great service. And they had some great live jazz playing the night I was there.
I'll definitely be back to enjoy the atmosphere of this place. -
Review from Melissa W.
Cerritos, CA
9/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Nice view. That is probably why the rating on this place is so high. Drink prices are what you would expect.. about $9 each. However, the food is a big let down. Dont come here if you are hungry. This place is more for the atmosphere.
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Review from Su-shien C.
Phoenix, AZ
8/17/2011
ohhh, how i love this period
always makes me think of glamour
ohhh, i love this bar
imagining beautiful ladies with smokey eyes
and handsome gentlemen in well tailored suits
it's easy to be transported back in time
in this bar full of original details
everywhere my eyes rest,
there are more treasures to admire
this place would be a great place for a night cap
then wander the decks
who knows what romance or frolick
you'll uncover? -
Review from Steph H.
4/26/2011 1 Check-in Here
My 600th review! Seems fitting that it should be about Long Beach's most famous landmark, the Queen Mary. I hadn't been on this boat in probably almost 30 years, and wasn't really missing it all that much, to tell you the truth. But the Observation Bar will have me coming back for more. We came here on a Friday night to meet up with some friends and we were very pleasantly surprised. This is a stylish art deco bar located on the top floor of the Queen Mary, with a small stage and dancefloor. On Fridays and Saturdays a jazz combo led by a female chanteuse all dolled 40s-style performs here, and they're worth a listen. Did I mention that this is free? The ambiance and music all serve to take you back to a more glamorous time, when flip flops and and shorts were not considered proper evening attire, although, alas, plenty were in evidence on the night we went and is sure to proliferate as the high summer season approaches. But whatever, just relax and enjoy the atmosphere, the strong cocktails, and the lovely view of Long Beach Harbor from the deck outside.
You can take your drinks out and about not just in the immediate deck area (which unfortunately has all this plexiglass all around it), but kind of all over that whole outside area, which was pretty awesome. On a warm summer night this place will be killer. The bf and I wandered about, enjoying our Ginger Pear Martini (mine--very good) and Bacardi Cocktail (his--not sure what else was in it besides Bacardi, but it was all right), and then we ambled back inside in time to do some slow dancing to music that our grandparents were into, but it was lovely. It's an especially great destination for us because we can take the local Passport bus (B to Pine St and trasnfer to C, which is free) and not have to deal with driving/parking. Damn right I'm a fan! -
Review from Kira B.
Updated - 12/27/2010
I still like the Observation Bar. It's probably one of the best maintained areas on the ship. There was a jazz combo last night, they were entertaining but it made conversation a challenge. Drinks are still $9ish. Our server was great.
Made it down to one of the lowest levels on the boat. As low as I've ever gained access. I think it was open for a wedding reception that had ended hours earlier. Saw the locked door to one of the swimming pools. Used the bathroom around the corner and got sufficiently freaked out about there being ghosts in there. I know the ghost tour is a rip off but I'm still going to do it. I want to see the pools!1 Previous Review: Show all »
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9/1/2008
I'm not really into the whole art deco thing but it's kind of fun to sip drinks on an old docked… Read more »
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Review from Art R.
Hermosa Beach, CA
12/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Have a drink aboard a floating art deco museum. The Observation Bar is one of my favorite places to grab a cocktail in Long Beach. They validate your parking at the bar which will reduce your parking cost from $12 to $5 (I think per hour). Passport shuttle will pick you up and run you over to Shoreline Village or Pine Ave (great shops and restaurants) for FREE!!
Also, you don't have to be staying at the Hotel Queen Mary to board the ship. Just walk on board, take the elevator to the 4th floor and walk towards the bow or follow the signs to the "Observation Bar" -
Review from Madeline G.
Long Beach, CA
8/7/2011 1 Check-in Here
Best view in Long Beach. Walking out on the deck at night or at sunset is the best. Classy art deco vibe and decor. Laid back atmosphere. Awesome place for an impressive date or special occasion. Parking sucks because you have to pay. Definitely a place to get an old-fashioned cocktail or relax with a glass of wine.
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Review from Melanie M.
Long Beach, CA
11/16/2011
Okay. I'm forever in search of great happy hours and decided to give this place a try. Love the view, but expected to eat on plates... go figure! Everything including the cheese sampler was served in a plastic fish fry type holder with tissue. I can understand this type of container if it's a Long John Silver, but not the Observation deck of the Queen Mary. Don't know if the dishwasher was down that day, but I expected a little more given the elegant surroundings. We did get real utensils which was a plus. Like the other reviewer said... food was kind of on the greasy side... maybe that's why no plates? Maybe they'd figure it would slide off? Come on, it's not like we are REALLY at sea. So much potential and so disappointing. Sorry to say, I won't be going back again.
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Review from Josh C.
Long Beach, CA
12/13/2010
The Observation Bar itself is nothing short of spectacular - the design, decor, and view are all great, and the fact that you walk down a long stretch of the ship to get there adds to the experience as well. I am sure that a lot of Long Beach natives think the Queen Mary is a silly and extremely lame tourist attraction, but since moving to LB, I have taken most guests who have come to visit to the Observation Bar and no one has been disappointed. Occasionally catching live music has been a bonus. After you have a few drinks, wander around the decks - the ship is fun to explore at night.
Despite that the drinks are a bit overpriced, the service staff is rarely at all friendly, and the fact that the parking validation that they give is only partial (you still end up paying $5, that is instead of $12, to park), the Observation Bar is still a unique experience very worth having. There are often mysterious events taking place on the Queen Mary at night, and even without those, there are always interesting if not outright bizarre characters (both locals and out-of-towners) dwelling here and there on the boat and in the bar, so you really never know what you are getting into, but you can be sure that it will at least be entertaining. -
Review from Kelly W.
7/15/2010
After our dinner at the Promende Cafe we wandered over here to have another drink before calling it a night. It was crowded for a small place but luckily we found a table right behind a pillar that blocked the band that was playing...but that's O.K.
I'm not even sure what type of music that they were playing but it was like big band, country...who knows but they were pretty good and the old folks hit the floor with a fury. There were all types of people here from young to old. There were even guys in their kilts!
I really enjoyed the hour or so that we spent here and I look forward to coming back in the future. I guess I really liked the historic feeling of being there and thinking that this used to be reserved for only the first class passengers and how many important people must have been here before me. And maybe some are even still here...haunting us :o) -
Review from Hazel Q.
12/5/2009 1 Check-in Here
Sure, there are a great many ways to break into the card, cold shell that surrounds my heart. But, one surefire winner every time: art deco decor. I get all warm and fuzzy just thinking about chevron patterns and sunburst motifs. It comes as no surprise that The Observation Bar tickles my fancy.
Not only do you get a spectacular view of the Long Beach Harbor, the view inside the bar ain't half-bad either. In fact, it's almost not bad at all. Actually, it's pretty spectacular itself.
With lots of comfy seating, and a patio that...well...it's not the best patio in the world, but - hey! It's a patio! (And it helps for those times when the Queen Mary AC is down...which seems to be....well...more often than not.) But, I'll leave you with this....they make a killer mojito. And sippin' a killer mojito at a snazzy art deco bar on an historic ship...well, that's a good time! -
Review from Tiffany N.
Denver, CO
11/3/2009
As a champagne aficionado I immediately fell in love with the lovely art deco glasses they serve the bubbly in here. The bar itself I was a little disappointed in. This is probably my own fault though as I romanticized the idea of cocktails in an art deco bar on a historically famous old boat. And, very often often, any time you build up your expectation like that you're bound to be a little disappointed.
It was just little things like the plastic windshield on the boat deck and potato skins as the highlight of the bar menu that really brought the classiness level down a notch for me here. But, it is quite nice to experience the old uneven wood floors polished to a high shine and the cool little shopping area that let you imagine what the ship was like in its heyday. Plus, those glasses are absolutely fabulous, especially filled with a Kir Royale.Listed in: A Bit of the Bubbly - SoCal…, Long Beach Bars
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Review from Éric T.
Long Beach, CA
7/16/2008
Sometimes Eric T. likes to have chic cocktails (Adios Motherfuckers, 3 Wise Men and Purple Hooter shots) aboard a rusting bucket with a serious ghost infestation.
..and you thought you knew me! I'm fancy, bitches. -
Review from Sarah T.
Long Beach, CA
9/5/2007
I got 2 words for ya: Ghost Hunting.
But first, I should actually review the bar. It's great! Total old decor, decent bartenders who are 'heavy handed', they serve food, ample seating and probably one of the best views of Long Beach around. Sit outside on the deck at night and you will seriously be amazed at the view--our little skyline is actually pretty awesome all lit up!
After you get yo'self all lubricated, grab a to-go cup (yes, you can walk around w/your drinks so long as they remain in a plastic cup) and take yo'self on a guided tour of this old ship. There's SO much history and if you know a lot of the stories (like I do) you can get really creeped out. **If you've found yourself caught by the rent-a-cops or employees checking for fires, just tell them you are staying in the hotel and are lost. They won't bother you much after that. =)
**Also, to avoid paying any fees to enter the ship just tell the guys at the front that you are going to the bar/restaurant. To avoid parking fees you must either go after 6pm (I think) or have your ticket validated by the restaurant. (which means you'll need to eat there) -
Review from Christina S.
Costa Mesa, CA
4/19/2008
I haven't been to the Queen Mary since I was 14 or so... We took the tour and I was less than thrilled I can recall. So, last night while in Long Beach we decided to stop by and now that I am of age to drink we wanted to have cocktails in the bar.... The boat itself is beautiful and I can now appreciate the beauty of it more so than when I was here last. So, we stroll into the bar where we are greeted by a super friendly bar tender.. The place was busy and the crowd was so diverse. People ranging from early 20's to what looked like 100 years old were in here getting their drink on. Oh, and there was a lounge singer doing Englebert Humperdinck covers to Johnny Cash covers to Elvis to The Shirelles.....Fun stuff... I would give them 5 stars but the wine list sucked and we had to pay with cash. Their credit card machine was down....
In all this place is fun...... I can't wait to come back with my girlfriends....Listed in: Cocktails, More things that I dig, When in Long Beach...
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Review from sheri s.
Long Beach, CA
1/25/2010
If you start writing a review knowing full well that it is going to be childish and immature, does that stop you from writing it?
Well, not me.
I take great pride in respecting my elders. I have tremendous respect for the Queen Mary, she is an old ship. She knows she's old and still manages to shine and stand tall each and every day.
My problem with this old lady is the fact that her Observation Bar serves Pepsi. I did it...I said it... and I feel much better now.
Tasting Pepsi on the rocks in a glass in an art deco bar on a beautiful old ship just made the whole experience authentic in that bad way that smelling moth balls reminds you of walking into your grandma's closet.
I love the ship, I love the bar, I cannot stand the fact that they have Pepsi...if I have helped one person with this review, I will feel like I have purpose in this life.Listed in: Badly carbonated
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Review from Benjamin M.
Palo Alto, CA
8/14/2006
Lounges and I understand each other.
The atmosphere was great! very chill and relaxed: very 30's. They pipped in music from the era, making me want to get up and swing to the beat: unfortunately it was early on a Monday, so there were only a few people in there (later I saw a lot of others: I would say mostly in their mid-twenty's and a separate group in their 50's: chill and interacting).
I got myself a drink and sat down, waiting for my partner in crime: Jon, and roommate to show up. The bartenders were great: really classy in their get-ups from the era and really friendly to me. I enjoyed sitting back in the dimly lit lounge. The first thing out of Jon's mouth when he got there: "This is awesome!"
Great place to enjoy the era: fourth floor and all the way to the front of the ship (enter the elevator in the hotel entrance, and it's 2 lefts from the elevator (if anyone asks, you're going to the bar)). If you can, get on the dance floor and cut that rug! -
Review from Andrew C.
7/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
I have fond memories walking the decks of the Queen Mary late at night, enjoying the view and great company. It's creeped into the 'sentimental' for me, but beyond that I truly do enjoy the bar on this creepy boat.
Drink prices are fair, can be pricey but you get what you pay for so the alcohol ain't bad. Not bad for the scotch/whiskey choices, always my litmus test for a decent watering hole. My ultra picky roommate enjoyed his martini. Service has usually been great here, got the wrong drink a couple times but it was a small fix.
It's a great room with a lovely view, not only that but it still possesses that truly vintage vibe the rest of the old boat has. I enjoy perching at the bar or at a small table by the window. The bands I've heard have been really good, enjoyed the array of danceable tunes and the crowded dance floor. However my all-time favorite memory in the Observation Bar was when the 40's reenactment posse was in for some drinks- loved the WWII aviators and their ladies. Sipping my single malt I felt right at home. -
Review from Jason A.
9/27/2008
I've never seen so many British people in one place outside of Britain. I suppose it's because the Queen Mary was a British ship and the last of its kind/era. I can imagine the British tourists booking a hotel for their Southern California tour and saying, "Which hotel should we stay? Oh by Jove, The Queen's ship is nearby! Very well then, let's stay there and relive the old days of the British empire" or something to that effect.
While here last night, I noticed that most of the people in the lounge had an English accent. I thought this was interesting and I realized that even though I was a local, I kind of fit in, as I was wearing Burberry clothing. I can tell most of the Brits gave me more respect because of it.
The style of the bar is very 1930s Art Deco. Wood trimming and in-laid metals as well as a high bar which the bartenders have to jump and slide over (no door) like the old days. If you walk out to the deck, you'll see the front of the ship and a nice view of Downtown Long Beach. A good place to bring a date or escape a while.
The bartenders were very friendly and the live music was great. Evon Malcolm from Jamaica and Michael both served me and they were very prompt and made strong cocktails. They're used to the tourists and guessed correctly that I was a local.
The musical act was a three-piece band (drummer, guitarist and keyboardist) who specialized in funk, R&B and Motown. After listening to their repartee, I asked one of the bartenders for a pen and wrote down a request on a napkin and walked it up to the keyboardist. He nodded and I knew that it was going to be played next. I sat back at the bar and waited for them to get around to playing it. Sure enough, the guitarist announced that this was a special request: "September" by Earth, Wind and Fire.
The cute British ladies sitting next to me commented that it was a great song and they sang along as the song played. A few of the older couples actually danced on the dance floor to these funk songs. So here's my advice for the Yanks trying to impress our British friends: everyone likes Earth, Wind and Fire, but I found out, British women like their music more. Request a song of theirs and you just might get lucky.Listed in: Watering Holes
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Review from Raphael M.
Long Beach, CA
1/12/2009
I went here with my mom and enjoyed a beautiful sunset with spectacular views of downtown Long Beach and the snow-capped San Gabriels behind. The atmosphere here is great--perhaps the best think to see on the old boat.
I ordered what I thought was an irish coffee, but instead got something like a frappucino with whiskey in it. Not bad, but a bit frou-frou even for me. Service was a bit... pokey.
Still, I'd come back. What a rare treat we have here in Long Beach!
