JOE JOST’S NOW OFFERS CATERING AND PRIVATE EVENTS

By John Grossi

Photos by Brian Addison

Nothing ever changes inside the walls at Joe Jost’s, and nothing ever will. The iconic bar has become one of the oldest and most famous establishments west of the Mississippi, and a big reason for that notoriety is a strict adherence to the concept that times change, but not Joe Jost’s.

“Inside these walls is sacred to so many people,” says owner/operator and former employee Jon Sweeney. “You come here and know you’re sitting on the same desk chair or stool as your father and grandfather, and you’re ordering from the same menu.” Sweeney also points out the many people who are literally memorialized on the bar’s walls in photos that hang throughout the restaurant showing folks sporting the iconic Joe Jost’s shirt all over the world.

“People love coming in here and knowing that a family member who may have passed away still has their photo up right where it’s always been. I guess that’s the one thing about inside these walls that will continue to change, we’ll keep putting up photos from customers like we always have,” Sweeney adds.

But something else is starting to change this year, and that something is how Joe Jost’s connects with its customers beyond the bar’s four walls and after regular business hours.

Bringing Joe Jost’s To You: Catering

There isn’t a small business around with a more recognizable menu than Joe Jost’s. It’s incredibly simple; yet unique, authentic, and delicious. The “special” sandwich, pickled eggs, pretzels, and fresh roasted peanuts conjure memories of the timeless bar itself. 

“A question we’ve gotten for years is, how can I have Joe Jost’s at my private party?” says longtime general manager Chris Liebeck.

While the backroom at Joe Jost’s is one of the most popular places in Long Beach for semi-private parties, the space itself does not allow for a fully private party unless you rent it out after hours (more on that later). But with recent investments in catering supplies, and the motivation to become a bigger part of the LB community, the Joe Jost’s staff can now offer full on-site catering for any party, meeting, or event; serving the same classic, authentic, affordable, and iconic menu wherever you want it. Sweeney is quick to add that their catering team also serves hot dogs as a more kid-friendly option.

“Our first private party was a longtime customer’s 80th birthday party. They wanted Joe Jost’s but the ease of being in their own backyard just made more sense,” says Sweeney.

The team is willing to cater to massive events and festivals, as well as small private gatherings with friends and family. Wherever you want the most iconic menu in Long Beach to be served, they want to be there! Call for a flat rate price depending on the number of guests!

After Hours Private Parties

Every once in a while, Joe Jost’s will close its doors early to accommodate a private event. But the price to shut down the oldest bar in Long Beach early is pretty high, and usually something only corporations or movie productions can afford.

But what about the average Joe? After all, that’s who Joe Jost’s was truly made for. Well, the rest of us now have unprecedented access to host something special and truly iconic within the four walls, after everyone else is gone.  You can now rent out Joe Jost’s at nighttime just for you, your family and friends. All for a low flat rate per person, and the booking comes with a dedicated employee serving up “all you can eat and drink.”

From birthday parties to after wedding events, any time you want to keep-the-party-going in a private timeless setting, consider hosting your late-night party at Joe Jost’s!

The Joe Jost’s General Store

This summer of 2026, the vacant shop directly next to Joe Jost’s will transform into the Joe Jost’s General Store. While its classic tees and current merch selections will still be sold from behind the bar, the entire “online” store will be run from next door with an expanded selection, and also open for public shopping.

“Most people don’t realize that our online merch has always been handled by a third-party company in Carlsbad,” explains Sweeney. 

The main advantage of bringing the merch operation next door to Joe Jost’s is that they will now have full operational control and can introduce new merch items, in addition to the classics.

“This is just another opportunity to provide something that customers have been asking about for a long time,” says GM Chris Liebeck. With merch now being designed, sourced, and fulfilled in-house, the most famous bar brand in SoCal will be able to provide new items to fit more people. “We’re starting with the things our regulars have been requesting for years… more women’s styles, simpler designs, and golf shirts,” says Liebeck.

As with everything at Joe Jost’s, history, loyalty, and tradition are steeped into every decision. More pictures will be going up on the walls at the General Store including a section dedicated to the many past and present employees who have built and maintained the culture of Joe Jost’s.  

And as for a little full-circle history tidbit, you can be sure the original Joe Jost would have approved of the General Store idea. That’s because, as his very first business—before he moved to Long Beach and started a barbershop, which would eventually turn into the beer joint we know and love—a young Joe Jost ran a General Store on the barely developed “Balboa Island.”  

At the time, it didn’t make enough money to sustain his growing family, hence the move. But that was over 100 years ago, and his store name, “Joe Jost’s” was just like any other store name. These days, that name means more to the residents of Long Beach than he could have ever imagined. Nothing reps Long Beach quite like a Joe Jost’s shirt. Now in 2026, more people of all shapes and sizes will be able to rep the institution they love, in a style that fits them best.

(562) 439-5446  |  2803 E. Anaheim St, 90804 | https://joejosts.com/