ALL. THE. UNIQUE. VIBES.

You can make a good drink in your own kitchen, but if you want a change of scenery, check out these establishments with unique vibes.

By Gina Valencia | Photos by Alexiz Gomez

Photo Courtesy of The Bungalow

THE BUNGALOW

6400 E. Pacific Coast Hwy Ste 200, 90803

thebungalow.com/long-beach

@thebungalowlb

Stepping into The Bungalow is like visiting the beautifully chic craftsman home of very trendy friends. With ‘wood-plank ceilings, large fireplaces, unique art and furnishings,’ The Bungalow strives to ‘conjure the feeling of hanging at a musician’s home.’

Hanging out with friends on the beautiful, covered patio overlooking the marina is where locals Tawnya Seaver and Megan Harding were enjoying Jewels & Her Gems, a sweet and refreshing drink for a warm afternoon. Try The Bungalow’s Long Beach-inspired cocktails: the Fuzzy Naples made with mezcal and prickle pear, or the bourbon Bixby Berry. They will have you California Dreamin’ on any given day.

SALTWATER DECK

2630 E. Ocean Blvd, 90803

saltwaterdeck.com | @saltwaterdeck

Location, location, location. Opened in 2021, Saltwater Deck is the only restaurant right on the sand in Long Beach. So if you’ve got no shoes, no shirt… no problem! Step your sandy feet right up to the window and order from their varied menu of beach-inspired fare including vegan options.

Check out their small but mighty drink menu. Order their Saltwater Sunset made with vodka infused soju and an organic guava nectar float, or their Saltwater Margarita, because nothing says summer in the LBC like a margarita on the beach.

Owners Amy Kolb and Marvin Youssef revamped the restaurant with a spacious outdoor eating area, table Jenga, and even buckets for the littles to build sandcastles while you sip on a Pink Lemon Mimosa.

The Pacific Ocean in front of you, the jingling bells from the paletero vendors around you, the

palm tree fronds swaying lazily in the cool breeze backdropped by a bright blue sky… this is the ultimate drink with a view.

SECRET ISLAND RESTAURANT AND LOUNGE - TIKI SPEAKEASY

209 Pine Ave, 90802 (Below Shannon’s Irish Pub)

secretisland.shannonscorner.com

@secretislandtiki

“A good tiki bar has no windows,” according to manager Shawn Campo. “It’s vacation vibes, an escape.” Ready for that escape in DTLB? Slip on your flip-flops (grass skirt optional) and head to Shannon’s Irish Pub. Before going inside, look to your right, walk downstairs, round the corner to the darkened hallway (trust me) and when lightning strikes (just kidding), you’ve come to the right place.

Secret Island Restaurant and Lounge is a tiki-themed speakeasy that has a loyal following via word of mouth and social media. “We’ve had visitors from Texas, Washington, even New York,” said lead bartender Brian Schwartz. “[Coming here] is a bit of a treat.”

Secret Island plays up those vacation vibes with all-things tiki: dark room, lava-lamp-style lighting, large wooden totem poles. Patrons imbibe on classic tiki cocktails like Mai Tais and Puka Punch, as well as, Secret Island Originals: The Island Fishbowl, and Pele’s Fire, a ‘spicy blend of fresh fruits and rum’ that is as much a tasty drink as it is a show. When a Pele’s Fire is ordered, the room darkens, thunder roars and lightning flashes across the lounge as your talented bartender sets the drink ablaze. Ke aloha!