Key Takeaways
- The article explores restaurants open on Christmas Day in Long Beach, offering great food and drinks without the holiday stress.
- Options include Thai District for comforting Thai food, Open Sesame for sharing plates, and Gaucho Beach for steak with beach vibes.
- EA Seafood serves big flavors and a communal dining feel, while Alex’s Bar provides a casual atmosphere with loud music.
- The Hawk Bar offers a low-key option for quiet toasting, and The Bamboo Club brings a fun, tiki twist to the holiday.
- Don’t forget that non-traditional holiday experiences can still feel meaningful and that Long Beach welcomes everyone.
For anyone who’s skipping the ham, the drama, or both.
I have a very specific core memory of Christmas in Long Beach.
It involved 2nd Street, bar stools that were way too tall for kids, Shirley Temples, and my dad doing his absolute best during his holiday year after the divorce. My sister and I bounced between restaurants and bars like it was totally normal. And honestly? It kind of was.
Anyone remember The Chart Room? Yeah. That era.
So if this is your year.
Or you don’t celebrate Christmas at all.
Or you’re new to Long Beach and your family is somewhere very far away.
Or you simply do not want to cook a massive dinner and wash dishes until January…
You’re not alone. And you have options.
Sure, there are some very fancy, fixed-price, jacket-required situations in town (hi, Queen Mary and Fairmont Breakers). Love that for them.
But sometimes what you really want is:
- good food
- a seat at the bar
- and a stiff cocktail that doesn’t come with a tasting note monologue
Let’s keep it real.
Here are bars and restaurants open on Christmas Day in Long Beach where you can actually relax.
Thai District
149 Linden Ave ste e, Long Beach, CA 90802
Let’s be honest: Thai food on Christmas just works. Warm, comforting, full of flavor, and way better than dry turkey leftovers. Thai District is a favorite for a reason, and yes — spice level is still a personal choice, even on Christmas.
Open Sesame
5215 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
If your Christmas craving involves garlic sauce, warm pita, and plates meant for sharing, Open Sesame is the move. Cozy, familiar, and perfect for lingering over food while the rest of the world rushes around.
Gaucho Beach
780 E Shoreline Dr Suite B, Long Beach, CA 90802
Steak. Wine. Beachy vibes. Enough said. Gaucho Beach feels celebratory without trying too hard — which is exactly the energy we’re going for.
EA Seafood
1607 E Wardlow Rd, Long Beach, CA 90807
Chinese food on Christmas is basically a tradition at this point, even if you didn’t grow up that way. EA Seafood is a solid choice for big flavors, shared plates, and that comforting “everyone else is here too” feeling.
Alex’s Bar
2913 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804
If Christmas for you includes loud music, a drink in your hand, and zero forced cheer — Alex’s Bar understands the assignment. A Long Beach institution and a reminder that not all holiday gatherings involve matching pajamas.
The Hawk Bar
468 W Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90813
Dark, moody, and perfect for a no-frills Christmas cocktail. If you want to toast the day quietly (or not so quietly), The Hawk is a dependable favorite.
The Bamboo Club
3522 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804
Food and holiday cocktails. Tiki Christmas is elite Christmas. The Bamboo Club is ideal if you want Christmas to feel a little tropical, a little escapist, and a lot more fun.
Final Thoughts from a Long Beach Kid
Some of my favorite holiday memories didn’t happen around a dining room table — they happened in booths, at bar counters, and walking down Second Street in Belmont Shore with my Dad smoking a Winston Gold cigarette while adults got boozy, the yellow streetlights reflected off of chrome bumpers, and the holidays didn’t demand perfection, just presence.
So if this year looks a little different for you, that’s okay. Long Beach has always had room for the misfits, the locals, the transplants, and the people doing Christmas their own way.
Grab a meal. Have a drink. Tip your bartender and your server very well. And know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.
FAQs
Yes. Long Beach has always been a little different in the best way. Many restaurants and bars stay open on Christmas Day, especially in areas like Belmont Shore, Downtown, and along Anaheim Street. Hours may be limited, but you’ll definitely find places serving food and drinks.
It depends. Fancy, fixed-price holiday dinners usually require reservations (The Queen Mary, Fairmont Breakers). More casual spots and bars often don’t — but it’s still smart to call ahead, especially if you’re going with a group or aiming for dinner hours.
You’re in good company. Long Beach is wonderfully diverse, and Christmas Day here isn’t just for traditional celebrations. Many people go out simply because they want good food, a cocktail, or a place to be — no explanation required.
Many of them are. Restaurants are generally welcoming to families, and kids aren’t uncommon at lunch or early dinner. Bars tend to skew more adult in the evening, so timing matters.
Most bars open later than usual on Christmas Day — typically mid-afternoon or early evening. Some may have special hours, themed drinks, or low-key holiday vibes rather than full parties.
Not at all. In fact, it’s kind of perfect. Christmas Day at a bar or restaurant can feel surprisingly communal, even if you’re by yourself. You won’t be the only one.
Yes. Always for the restaurants. Holiday hours can change year to year, and a quick call saves you from wandering around hungry — though even wandering has its charm on 2nd Street.
