Looking to impress your date without breaking the bank in Long Beach? Craving intimate ambiance but don't want to overspend on a pricey dinner?
Then you need an affordable romantic happy hour spot with just the right mood lighting, cozy seating, and tasty deals on drinks and apps to set the scene for amour.
We've uncovered the most romantic restaurant happy hour in Long Beach, with intimate nooks, stunning views, and budget-friendly bites and pours to relax with your sweetheart.
Read on to discover the perfect happy hour hideaway to wine, dine, and gaze into your special someone's eyes in Long Beach.
What Defines a Romantic Restaurant for Happy Hour in Long Beach?
There are a few key factors that make for a romantic happy hour restaurant in Long Beach, including:
Location - Restaurants situated along the downtown or Belmont Shore waterfronts offer gorgeous sunset views. Outdoor seating and fire pits also boost the romance factor.
Vibe - Low lighting, candlelit tables, flowers, and live music create an intimate, date-worthy ambiance.
Deals - Specials like half-priced tapas, cheap drinks, and complimentary bites allow you to indulge without spending a lot.
Menu - Shareable small plates, fresh oysters, and quality cocktails made for two are ideal happy hour fare.
With these criteria for the best romantic Long Beach happy hour spots in mind, the following restaurants offer memorable evenings out.
The Most Romantic Happy Hour Restaurants in Long Beach
Here are the top happy hour near me restaurants in Long Beach for a date night you can go here and enjoy tasty drinks and appetizers at discounted price points:
Michael's on Naples- Kicking off our list of the best Long Beach happy hour restaurants is the upscale yet relaxed Michael's on Naples. Situated on prestigious Naples Island with views overlooking Alamitos Bay, it offers a perfect romantic backdrop for wine, cocktails, and gourmet bites as the sun goes down.
Standout happy hour features include $7 martinis, $6 wine and beer options like lager and cider, plus discounted flatbreads and seafood dishes like poke and shrimp tacos circulating amongst tables. Sit on the glass-enclosed patio or front lounge area and share a cheese and charcuterie board as you gaze out over the glittering water and watch the sunset.
Saint & Second- Nestled along trendy 2nd Street in Belmont Shore, Saint & Second brings a hip, modern ambiance and Ocean Blvd views to its spacious heated patio. When the weather's nice, the retractable rooftop opens up to let the sunshine and ocean breeze in.
Along with stunning waterfront sights, happy offerings include $4 beers, $6 wells and wines, and $8 cocktails like mojitos and mules. Pair the cheap drinks with discounted menu items like short rib sliders, coconut curry mussels, and truffle fries for sharing.
Parkers' Lighthouse- For panoramic ocean vistas with your happy hour cocktails and plates, book an outdoor table at Parkers’ Lighthouse in Shoreline Village. Wraparound floor-to-ceiling windows ensure gorgeous harbor views from every table.
Happy hour runs daily from 3-6 pm and 9 pm to close, featuring $6 wines, beers, and wells. Nosh on tasty discounted bites like coconut shrimp, smash burgers, and ahi nachos to complement your cheap drinks. Pair all of that with romantic sunset views over Rainbow Harbor for the ultimate happy hour date spot.
Other Top Romantic Happy Hour Restaurants in Long Beach
Beyond these top three, other happy hours worth checking out for a romantic evening in Long Beach include:
George’s Greek Cafe - Belmont Shore mainstay with a Mediterranean-style patio for Greek small plates, cheese boards, and wines as the sun sets over the bay.
Shenanigan's - Intimate Irish pub on 2nd Street offering fish and chips, shepherd's pie, and Guinness beers by a cozy fireplace.
The Social List - Sophisticated downtown rooftop lounge with craft cocktails, shareable flatbreads, and Instagrammable city views.
BO-beau kitchen + bar - Charming rustic-chic restaurant with an enchanting garden patio strung with vine lighting for French fare and wines in Belmont Shore.
As some of Southern California’s top happy hour spots, these Long Beach restaurants offer superb drinking and dining with panoramic ocean vistas that set the mood for romance.
Tips For The Best Happy Hour Dates in Long Beach
To help your happy hour date night go smoothly in Long Beach, keep these pro tips in mind:
Arrive early to put your name on any waitlist and catch peak sunset views.
Choose a restaurant with heat lamps and comfy seating to stay cozy if sitting outside.
Dress nicely but casually - no need to go overly fancy but look sharp.
Split several small shareable plates to mix up the flavors and textures.
Pace drinks slowly and share an Uber, taxi, or designated driver for a safe ride.
With unmatched sunsets over the waterfront to set an intimate vibe paired with menu specials on drinks and bites, Long Beach offers tons of options for memorable happy hour dates.
For a romantic ambiance complete with gorgeous views, check out top spots like Michael's on Naples, Saint & Second, or Parkers' Lighthouse.