Federal Bar Tops the Entertainment Venues in Long Beach as Bands, Menu Make Splash at the Ocean

Radio Moscow - Photo © 2015 Donna Balancia
Radio Moscow at The Federal Bar – Photo © 2015 Donna Balancia

By DONNA BALANCIA — Long Beach is springing up as a new hotbed for entertainment, its beachside location and regentrificated downtown area make a perfect getaway place to see a cool band. Here are a few great places leading the pack of top venues in Long Beach.

The Federal Bar

The Federal Bar — which besides Long Beach —  also has sister clubs in North Hollywood and Brooklyn, N.Y.  is hot.

The Federal Bar
The Federal Bar in Long Beach

It hosts a variety of musical acts in its Federal Underground concert space and the upstairs dining area is home to one of the best casual menus in Southern California.

The Federal, aptly enough, used to be a bank. But nowadays, the digs are classic and cozy. In addition to great music and booking top acts, the food is to die for.

The Federal Bar is one place that stands out as Long Beach continues its renaissance — as music and the arts take center stage.

“Long Beach is a vibrant cultural city on the rise,” said Knitting Factory CEO Morgan Margolis. “We believe our years of expertise in music and food a fantastic match to a growing community looking to strengthen Long Beach pride.

The Federal doesn’t consider itself  ‘fine dining,’ but casual comfort food and the menu boasts one of the biggest, best burgers in Southern California.  The Federal also provides great entertainment to the local and visitor alike.

Mary Kay and Loren Molinare of The Dogs - © 2015 Heather Harris
Mary Kay and Loren Molinare of The Dogs at Alex’s Bar  – © 2015 Heather Harris

Alex’s Bar

This longtime establishment is a great place to see a show. Bring a carload of pals and get ready to party with reasonably priced drinks and a fun atmosphere.

Some of the upcoming shows include Slippers, on Sunday, Nov. 29th; Ryan Davidson, on Friday, Nov. 20; Madball, Strife, on Sunday, Nov. 22 and The Aggrolites on New Year’s Eve, Dec. 31.  Check out Alex’s Bar.

Great fun, great food at Shenanigans - Photo courtesy Shenanigans
Great fun, great food at Shenanigans – Photo courtesy Shenanigans

Shenanigans Irish Pub

This is more than your typical Irish pub boasting corned beef. In addition to Irish favorites, the menu is brimming with fabulous food, extra large burgers and cool entertainment. It’s a cozy place that hosts some good bands.  Check out Shenanigans Irish Pub.