If you are from Long Beach and you have not been to this place then you really need to get it together and start living. I remember my first impression of this place. I ventured here years ago after a year abroad in Germany and it was quite the welcome home. There is just something SO perfect about the blue hue that permeates through the whole joint. Not to mention the walls that are littered with Long Beach and California memorabilia (all collected by the owner). In between all that, you will find band posters and hints of fish culture emerging from the oceanic themed walls. It is like Californian and maritime culture barfed all over the walls and it is there to stay. I am okay with that.
Chris Reece of Social Distortion owns the place. So if you do not understand the employees attitudes then maybe that will clue you in a bit. They are rough around the edges, but they get the job done. Embrace the punk rock attitude. You will get a stiff drink and you will get your food…without the bullshit. You may have to ask a few times to get what you want, but it will be worth it. I have really learned to love this place. Not only can I walk from my apartment (or stumble home), but I die for their fish and chips. They have after all been declared #1 in Long Beach according to Tim Grobaty of the Press Telegram: beer-battered, golden fried sole with thick cut steak fries and fresh coleslaw, served with a lemon wedge and homemade tarter sauce (you will need more sauce, get more sauce). Ugh, the fries! How does this look?
Just trust me on this one. Head into this place and go for a strong drink and the fish and chips. Chances are you will catch a band without even trying because they are there daily. If you can’t make it to the one in Long Beach then check out the second location that just opened up in Los Alamitos. Cheers to Reece for taking a rundown 50’s diner in 2003 and believing in the vision of retro row back when it looked more like skid row. Now, I could really go for a whiskey pickle back and some fish and chips…
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Cheat Day Chophaus 