Best Cocktail Bars in Long Beach
Updated June 16, 2026 · Ranked by combined rating and review volume
Where to find the best cocktail bars in Long Beach
Long Beach Unified Bar & Lounge
This highly-rated lounge offers a vibrant, upbeat yet chill environment perfect for adults seeking a lively night out. Patrons rave about the extensive drink selection and the amazing bartenders who craft signature drinks like the Tippi Hall. Beyond the excellent cocktails, the venue is known for its diverse events, including popular Karaoke Thursdays and new R&B and Hip Hop Friday night vibes, ensuring there's always something exciting happening.
The Wicked Wolf stands out with its cozy, eclectic atmosphere and a reputation for truly creative cocktails, with patrons praising unique concoctions like the Jack Albert and Into the Woods. Beyond the inventive drinks, this versatile spot also offers a delightful Afternoon Tea service featuring delicious sandwiches and amazing scones, all served in a welcoming environment that hosts engaging events like poetry night.
The Ordinarie Tavern is a warm, wood-clad establishment celebrated for its hearty American cuisine and an impressive selection of cocktails, beer, and wine. This charming spot truly shines during its festive seasonal pop-ups, transforming into an over-the-top, gaudy holiday wonderland that reviewers adore for its decorations and cheeky touches. With exceptional service and a welcoming patio perfect for people-watching, it's a fantastic choice for both a meal and great drinks.
Blind Donkey offers a cozy, low-lit space that's a favorite for its excellent selection of small-batch whiskeys, draft beer, and famously delicious whiskey sours. Beyond the impressive drink menu, the bar boasts a great atmosphere with diverse crowds and highly praised, kind bartenders. It's particularly known for its fun and engaging karaoke nights, drawing a sense of community even for non-locals.
Located on the historic Queen Mary, the Observation Bar transports guests to a 1930s-era vibe with its classy Art Deco interior and live music. This elegant cocktail lounge offers not only expertly crafted drinks at surprisingly reasonable prices but also provides stunning sunset views over the water, especially during its popular happy hour. It's a truly unique experience, blending rich history with a sophisticated atmosphere perfect for a memorable evening.
Contenders
Places submitted by the community. The top contender with more points than #5 gets promoted.
How we ranked the best cocktail bars in Long Beach
Every place on this list is scored by a Bayesian weighted formula combined with a volume bonus. It rewards consistent positive feedback at scale, not just a high average rating — a 4.9-star place with 12 reviews ranks below a 4.6-star place with 800.
score = (v / (v + m)) × R + (m / (v + m)) × C + γ × log₁₀(v)
The prior m adapts to each neighborhood: it's the median review count among local candidates. So 200 reviews counts as “small sample” in dense markets like the West Village, but “solid” in quieter neighborhoods. Places with extreme review volume that clearly dominate their peers are promoted to #1. No paid placements — every spot earns its position via the public data.
Frequently asked about Long Beach cocktail bars
What is the highest-rated cocktail bar in Long Beach?
Long Beach Unified Bar & Lounge has the highest Google rating in our list of the best cocktail bars in Long Beach, with 4.9 stars across 215 reviews.
Which cocktail bar in Long Beach has the most reviews?
The Ordinarie Tavern has the most reviews of any cocktail bar on this list — 917 ratings averaging 4.5 stars on Google.
How are the best cocktail bars in Long Beach ranked?
Each place is scored using a Bayesian weighted formula that combines its average Google rating with its review count. This pulls small-sample places toward the local mean — so a 4.9-star spot with 12 reviews is ranked below a 4.6-star spot with 800 reviews. Volume and consistency matter, not just an inflated average.
When was this ranking last updated?
This ranking of the best cocktail bars in Long Beach was last refreshed in June 2026 using the latest Google ratings and review counts. Restaurants and bars change constantly — always verify hours and current status before visiting.
Why isn't my favorite cocktail bar on the list of best cocktail bars in Long Beach?
To be considered, a place needs enough Google reviews for the rating to be statistically meaningful (at least 5 reviews, ideally 25+). Newer or hyper-local spots can be excellent but score lower until enough people review them. Boundaries also matter — a spot just outside the Long Beach area may show up on a neighboring ranking instead.