My first visit for week two of Beers and Benders brought me and my buddy to the Long Beach Tap House . Located off of 5110 E 2nd St, Long Beach, the Long Beach Tap House is known for its oozing burgers that compliment the many beers on tap, including the options of cocktails to sip at the large bar as well.
Upon walking in, the atmosphere was very relaxing and welcoming. With not too many people in the bar on a Tuesday night, I was able to talk with the bar manager Tanner on his impressive local tap selection. Tanner said the bar stocks local favorites regularly including Red Trolley by Karl Strauss, Modern Times Hazy IPA and Four Sons Raspberry Sour. If beer isn’t your thing, no need to worry as the Tap House has got you covered.
My first drink to start off the night was a Boat Shoes Hazy IPA by Karl Strauss while my buddy settled on a Cali’ Creamin’ vanilla cream ale by Mothers Earth Brew Company. I went with a tried and true favorite of mine with the hazy IPA at 7.2 % ABV. Boat Shoes Hazy IPA has flavors of citrus and sweet fruit that linger through a juicy finish at 59 IBU. This unfiltered brew is intensely hopped and pairs perfectly with a burger or sandwich.
My buddy Mitchell’s drink had me almost regretting that I didn’t order the same thing.
Cali’ Creamin’ vanilla cream ale by Mothers Earth Brew Company is by far one of the tastiest brews I have ever tried to date. If you are a fan of cream soda or anything vanilla caramel related, this one’s for you. At 5.5 ABV, Cali’ Creamin’ vanilla cream ale by Mothers Earth Brew Company is golden to pale in color, with low bitterness, medium body, and a white head. It is brewed with Madagascar Vanilla Bean to give it that “Cream Soda” kick. This beer finishes dry despite a subtle perceived sweetness from the Vanilla. Yum.
Totally hit up Tap House as the first stop of the night on the town. You won’t be disappointed.
Our second stop of the night brought us to Quinn’s Pub. Located off 200 Nieto Ave suite a in Long Beach. Established in 1982, Quinn’s was the first rotating Craft Beer Bar in the Belmont Shore area.
A small, cozy pub, Quinn’s had a very homey set up and was very well put together. Their tap selection was a lot more pub like in comparison to Tap House. I settled for an Elysian Brewing Company “Space Fuzz” Blood Orange Pale Ale. Coming in at 6.4% ABV and 45 IBU, this beer is brewed with Cascade, Citra and Amarillo hops giving it a crisp, blood orange taste. I really enjoyed the taste of this beer and it had a very uplifting feeling after finishing rather than becoming drowsy.
Mitch switched it up and settled on a StrongBow Apple Cider.
With multiple TV’s mounted across the top of the bar, Quinn’s would be a cool comfortable place to catch a game with a buddy or a few co-workers. The food prices were very average as their menu offers burgers, tacos and fried foods. The bar looked like it could seat about 30 to 40 people.
The last stop of our bender led us to Saint & Second located off of 4828 E 2nd St, Long Beach. This hip, casual spot for American fare includes burgers & flatbreads, along with classic cocktails and two full bars.
This two story restaurant combines Long Beach ambience with high class dining. The service here was really good as the bartender working took the time to explain out their menu and let us try some samples of beers they had on tap. I was very impressed with the layout of the place as it was like being in a famous persons home in a sense.
Me and Mitch made our way upstairs to enjoy some fresh air and a nice view of 2nd street.
I settled for Modern Times Space Ways Hazy Nelson IPA that sat at 6.7% ABV and 40 IBU. A very very good tasting beer. Notes: This delectable hazy IPA is packed to the brim with mountains of Nelson, Motueka, and Simcoe hops and fermented with London III yeast, yielding a brilliant profile replete with mango, nectarine, and bright lime-zest character. Prepare your flavor receptacles for an astonishing thrill ride through a garden of tropical delights.
Saint and Second is a great place to enjoy a rooftop conversation over a beer with a friend or to just enjoy a well cooked meal in eloquent ambience. Till next week beer and bender enthusiasts, stay thirsty my friends.
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