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Ambitious Ales is a great beer hall in Bixby Knolls, Long Beach. They have plenty of seating, they have a solid rotation of food vendors (including Thunderbolt Pizza next door), and they have creative beers with unique flavors. On the day that I went, they had a mariscos vendor that sold delicious ceviches. Note that during peak dinner hours, the wait times for pizza from Thunderbolt can be close to 30 minutes. I went with Ambitious Ale's Central Perk, which was a blonde ale with madagascar vanilla and guatemalan coffee notes, and these flavors were surprisingly present and not subtle. They had tons of unique flavor options here and I definitely would love to come back to try some cold ones with some pizza. Their fruity options were pretty popular with my work group. Their Jollibeer (inspired by the Peach and Mango pies at Jollibee) was a lager with mango and peach puree. The beers I had were crisp, full flavored, and ice cold. Perfect at the end of a work week! It's really nice that they have a nice space in the back to host a group of two or a group of twenty. This is a great pillar in the Bixby Knolls neighborhood.
Stopped by after pizza next door for another cold & refreshing pint of good beer. Still the same since I was here last time over a year ago...so glad I stopped by. Still a great place, with plenty of great choices and with great staff & great service. The only thing is not cool is the place is WARM, too warm since it's over 90s outside but glad that cold beer make up for it. Til next time.
Came back again on a Sunday to try the 3 other beers that I couldn't last time. This time paired it with the great pizza from Thunderbolt next door. Got 3 smalls to make a flight (Calamansi Corner [fruited gose for $4.50], Positano Pils [Italian Pilsner for $4.50], and a Bohemian Spaceman [Czech Dark Lager for $4.50 which I really liked]), along with a Full of Gandalf the Crisp [New Zealand Pilsner for $7 which I didn't like as much]). The Calamansi Corner we had before, and is the one my wife likes a lot. I saw my mother-in-law sip that same beer TWICE in one sitting, which I've never seen her do before for any beer. Like daughter like mother? My favorite last time was the Baktuns Imperial Stout which I was really looking forward trying with fresh pizza. Alas, they were out and it wasn't available to take home either...need to remember that: if I really like a special edition beer from Ambitious, need to enjoy it as much as possible. Did get 3 four packs of their Grandpapa Kolsch as gifts ($16 each) to spread the word. A good a reason as any to force me to check some bags on our next trip.
Visited this brewery with some friends. It was my first time and it was very enjoyable. Kind of like a backyard bbq family function vibe. Pets allowed. I tried their berry and it was amazing! I couldn't remember the names of my friends drinks. I'm sorry! Lol.
This was my second time here with friends and let me say, it was quite the night to be here. The place was packed with people out and about. Also they had the baseball game showing, another big factor to it. There's parking in the lot next to it but it's very small and share it with a few other businesses. Probably easier to find street parking along the front or the neighborhood. There's patio seating along the front, the main bar area with some seating and then there's the massive backyard area which everyone was. I don't know how often but they have food vendor on hand but tonight they were serving BBQ. Beside that, you could also order from the pizza shop next door with the QR code on the table and they'll deliver it to you. We ordered a couple of beers to start which you could also sample some to see which one you like. Pricewise is decent. Pretty much similar to other breweries nearby. There was also loads of family with kids enjoying their night. The back patio was packed but we got lucky with someone leaving the table. I did want a snack but trying to get the menu from the QR code wasn't quite cooperating so I had to go next door to the pizza place to order. That was an ordeal as it packed and it took forever to get the food. Anyways, we also ordered some of the bbq from the vendor which was quite tasty. The platter came with two sides which they ran out of everything besides the mac and cheese. Double that and with brisket, chicken and rib, toast, chimichurri sauce and pickled veggies. By the time we received the plate, we were quite full so only had a bite of the brisket and chicken. I'm not sure how often they have food vendors on site or if it's only a weekend thing. The place was quite fun. It's a big family friendly place so everyone is out and about. Their beer on tap choices are quite nice as well as bottled beer in the fridge. Staff are all friendly and sweet. Majority of the people were outside as it's a bigger spot. A fun place for a gathering over beer and food.
Look at this combination right here in this picture. It is perfect. The beer, the vibe, the community this place brings, the partnership with Thunderbolt Pizza and how they just deliver the perfect pizza in Long Beach right to your table-- perfection. Bring your friends. Or not. Go alone. Bring your laptop and do some work. It's that kind of place.
5/5 Came here recently and wow -- everything hit perfectly. The pizza was next-level -- crispy crust, the right amount of chew, and that fig jam and feta was superb. It added this sweet-savory balance that tied everything together, especially with the salty cheese and bacon bits. You can tell the ingredients are fresh and thought-out. We also ordered the fried zucchini sticks, which came out hot, crispy, and seasoned just right with a little parmesan on top. The dipping sauce was refreshing and paired perfectly with a cold beer. The outdoor setup made it even better -- chill vibe, good music, friendly staff, and overall just a great spot to unwind and eat quality food. Highly recommend this place if you want something flavorful and a bit different from your usual pizza joint.
It seems I'm doing more reminiscing these days, now that I don't live in Long Beach. I still frequent this brewery with coworkers after work whenever we have time and this brewery makes some great beer. My wife and I used to come here a lot during the summers when the sun would set because it's a great spot to people watch. They have a great front patio facing Atlantic avenue so there's tons of cars driving by and people walking. It's very clean inside and usually a good amount of beers to choose from. They used to sell pizza from a pizza shop next door called thunderbolt and it was tasty as well. Nearby this brewery there's a lot of bars and restaurants you can walk to if you want a stiffer drink or a proper meal but if you're in the area I would check it out. Parking is hit or miss, but there's plenty of residential parking around the corner or by the temple If the lot is full. Cheers!
Well, this review is late but I'm now just getting around to it. What a great little brewery. I'm a sour beer type of guy and they have a delicious sour on tap as of 2/1/26. I had 4 or 5 of them in the course of 4 hours. It has very reasonable prices. If you're hungry, at least every time I've gone they have a food guy in the back patio but if you don't fancy that they do allow outside food. If you're in the area and looking for a fun little spot to hangout and have a cold brew this place is a must try. Truly one of my fav in LB
Love everything about this spot! They have great beer and sours, the staff are very down to earth and the vibe is laid back. You can sit outside (front or back) they also have inside seating available. We come here often for game nights with friends.
Excellent and innovative brews! This place has been on my radar for a while and finally got to check them out a few months ago. Great space with a spacious backyard patio, lively crowd during the weekend, and helpful and friendly staff to guide you through their brews.
BEVERAGE- cant go wrong with any of my choices or yours. However, my favorite is the Baktun. Nice, dark and delicious. Only need one or two and I'm in heaven. Be warned, ABV is high. This dark, gorgeous and delightful nectar will sneak up on you when you least expect it. However, this time i was drawn by a tall and mysterious purple slush that I couldn't resist from a far. Sweet on the lips and made my tongue thirst for more. Service- excellent yet to be disappointed Cleanliness- goo parking - street parking. Parking lot next door.is not for.the brewery.
This is one of my favorite breweries in Long Beach! The beer is so good, and I love that you can order food from Thunderbolt Pizza for delivery to your seat at Ambitious Ales. Also, it's dog friendly which I'm always thankful for! Two huge screens to watch the game(s).
Reviews are largely positive. People highlight the creative beer selection, inviting atmosphere, and dog- and kid-friendly space, with many enjoying the Thunderbolt Pizza partnership.
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6 months ago
1 year ago
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2 years ago
Great place for families and the little ones. Great beer and atmosphere. Loved the experience. read more
1 year ago
1 year ago
Ambitious Ales in Bixby Knolls is one of the best local breweries around. Every beer I've tried has been creative, balanced, and packed with flavor. The atmosphere is laid-back and welcoming, with a great community vibe and plenty of space to hang out. Staff are super friendly and always happy to share recommendations. Perfect spot to relax with friends and enjoy some top-notch craft brews! read more
Amazing service and great beers! The guy who helped us was so nice. I didn't get his name, but he let me sample a bunch of the beers and he was so friendly about it. He even recommended the Jawn Saison after I told him I typically stick to Hefeweizens. It was perfect for me. I also really enjoyed the Ube Bay. My husband got the tiki taka, one of their sours. He doesn't typically like sours, but he enjoyed this one because it was on the mild side. I love the convenience of this place. When you sit at your table, there's a QR code to place an order with Thunderbolt Pizza. They bring your food right to your table when it's ready; so easy! Bonus points for their compost bin. I will definitely be a returning customer. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
OMG ube ale! It's a limited flavor called Ube Bay that I've only seen Ambitious Ales offer twice. I missed out the first time because it was super popular, I procrastinated, and they sold out. So when I saw another post for Labor Day weekend that they'll be offering Ube Bay again, I showed up within the first hour on the first day. Though the line was short, everyone in front of us, and probably behind us, were grabbing those cans. It was that good! It's $20 for a 4-pack and we bought two packs as well as a glass to enjoy in the back patio. https://bit.ly/3BuG2Gt Ambitious Ales is an awesome spot to spend time with friends. This local brewery, located in Bixby Knolls, has ample amounts of tables on the front patio, back patio, and a few indoors. I've been here more than a handful of times now which is quite a lot for someone who doesn't drink beer often. Their menu rotates seasonally and I usually sip from whatever Hubby gets which is often a coffee-flavored ale. They have one called Central Perk. The back outdoor area is relaxing. On most evenings that we've gone, it was fairly easy to sit at one of the picnic tables. Friends and I have brought games and food to enjoy with our ales. There's also cornhole. The tables have QR codes to order Thunderbolt Pizza from next door which we have done more than once. There have only been two occasions when we've gone and it was super crowded. One of those occasions was for UbeFest and I was impressed that 5-6 vendors were able to fit in the back area and still have places for folks to sit. I often see IG posts about other pop-us that occur here. The taplist has a rotating menu with something that always piques my curiosity. I usually stick to the smaller, taster sizes until I find something that I like. Clean, helpful staff, relaxed vibe. Cheers! read more
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This place is fun and they have some really interesting beers including some infusions, for people who want to try something different. I think my favorite is called normal human being. But one reason you will find yourself back here again and again is that you can order from the legendary Thunderbolt Pizza right to your table. Dog friendly. read more
2 years ago
This place is amazing! One of the best I've been to! But honestly it's not 100% for the ales, but the atmosphere. Trigger warning: if you don't believe furry family deserves to dine with their human counterparts then woof off and meow you later (ok, that was cringe but I don't care). Beer: 9/10 There are some decent options here! And they admitted to not having what I liked as an option, but I was pleased none the less with the brilliant bar tender who gave me generous samples. She was so sweet and knowledgeable, I would come back again and again just to have her take care of me. I'm sorry I don't have her name! I do hope they add a little bit of everything one day, but honestly I am not that picky and I was able to enjoy my beer regardless. Service: 10/10 Just superb! Definitely the best part about this place is the friendly and welcoming atmosphere. I don't own a pooch but I believe dog owners are some of the best people out there! Some of you are still Karen's and Kevin's, but most of you are just so loving! So it's no wonder the place was so full of great energy. And not only is the facility dog friendly but it's family friendly too. They have a beer garden, which is just fancy for outside seating, but kids were back there running around and being their crazy selves. I am a single mom so I loved it! No one cares or rolled their eyes at the "unruly" kids and just minded their own business. I am in love with how the facility catered to the large bday party and made it a great evening for them and all the other patrons! Atmosphere: 10/10 I said it several times and I'll say it again, so warm and welcoming. Everything is clean, visually appealing, the night time ambiance with the stringed lights is all I ever wanted Food: 8/10 Not sure if the Korean taco spot is part of the company or it's own entity but it's there! The tacos were fire but the kimchi? Hard pass. $7/tiny jar and it's not that great. Not sure if it's their jarring practice or if it's their recipe but it was the worst kimchi I ever ate (I love that stuff), it was extremely acidic and had a flavor I couldn't put my finger on and definitely wasn't gonna use my tongue to find out but those tacos I will be back for. They had the best sweet and Smokey flavor, the beef and chicken were both cooked to perfection and the toppings were fresh. I mean.. it doesn't get better than tacos and beer! Overall I definitely recommend this place to any fellow hop lover who wants to drink around amazing energy and be provided with phenomenal service. read more
2 years ago
The beers we tried were the IPAs and the slushy drink which I believe was a lemonade, and they were all great! Service is good you walk up and order your drinks then sit anywhere you'd like. We sat outside in the front, but we later discovered theres a back patio lol. To get to the back patio go through the long hallway with the gallery wall till it ends. The only reason its a 4 and not a 5 is because you cant park in the little parking lot where its at because its for the other businesses. You will need to park on the street and it is limited depending on what time you go. read more
2 years ago
Sunday funday 2.19.23 - it was "easy like Sunday morning!" Kid friendly, large IPA & sour selection; Central Perk was my favorite of the 4 I consumed. Spacious. Parking is a little tough. I didn't go but they have a backyard patio/seating area, front/street side sitting area & spent most of my time inside with the large projection TV. Staff is friendly & helpful. read more
2 years ago
A fun, chill spot we found on accident while driving down Atlantic. Ordered the Gandalf and Corgi tail and enjoyed our beers in the beer garden at the back. There was a pop up in the beer garden called Smoked and Salted BBQ where we ordered our food. You could also order food from Thunderbolt pizza by scanning the QR code for convenience. 5 stars for great beer, friendly staff members, very clean establishment and bathrooms, chill atmosphere to hang with friends, kid and dog friendly. We will definitely return! read more
4 years ago
I am normally a stout person but their award winning Central Perk was light but flavorful. They have a great set up with some tables in the front, inside, as well as a back patio with corn. Kid friendly with room to play and run around. For food, they have partnered with the pizza joint next door and all you have to do is order the food on your phone and they'll deliver it to your table. Brining together two small business with a family feel hang out spot. read more
2 years ago
This is my local waterhole it is one of fav spot to come and get a beer. Enjoy nice views and good people. This place is always clean and never a ruckus here. They definitely pick up after themselves. Keep in mind you can always order from Thunderbolt Pizza and they will walk it over to your table. Some beers here are pretty seasonal which is good cause there is always a new one you can try. There IPA here is pretty good as well. If you are in the area will definitely recommend to come here and get a beer. They also have a cool back patio so come by and check it out. read more
In the old space of Tuttle's Camera in Bixby Knolls, I have to say Ambitious Ales made a great space out of this place. Upon walking by, you see a patio area and once inside, it's light and bright. Large communal table and a lower one as well. You'll find this place to be dog friendly (As is most LBC places), there are dog treats by the entrance. But enough about the space, let's talk about the beer shall we? I know the founders had gotten their love for beer from OBF (Oregon Brew Fest). Honestly tho, OBF is like a frat party on steroids, with beer of course. So they took their inspiration and brewed a bunch of great beers. I ordered: Dwane the Bock Johnson (Dopplebock) Central Perk Baktuns As you can see, I like the darker variety. I believe they all have coffee in these. I didn't think central perk was all that, a little thin for a coffee beer. But I do love the Dopplebock (which I tasted the coffee here) and of course the Baktuns was my favorite. The Baktuns was an imperial stout with coffee and chili. It's weird, I didn't really get the coffee note on the Baktuns either but it definitely tasted like an imperial stout. I do think the pours here were a tad expensive for $12 on tasters only because the Baktuns and the Central Perk tasted under-carbed. Not really any food served here, but the pizza place had a server that was running around inside the brewery taking orders. We do love playing games such as battleship here to enjoy the time here. They have a projector TV with the game on. LOVE it. I parked on the street (Atlantic) on a Sunday with no problems. We were only here for 30 minutes and it was free. Definitely make this place as part of your Long Beach beer crawl. read more
3 years ago
Great place for unique local beers. Loved the berry sour. Great seating so check out the beer garden. read more
A nice mid sized brewery with a relaxed feel to the environment. The outdoor patio in the front of the brewery is the best part of Ambition Ales aside from the beer. They had about 14 beers on tap when I visited, the 3 I picked for my flight were all solid with Nice Guy Eddie being my favorite. Inside they have board games to play, and a projector on the ceiling to show movies or sports on one of the walls inside the brewery. I like the location since it's near a few other local breweries as well as a few restaurants that you can order food or bring it inside. read more
2 years ago
3 years ago
Dog friendly: yes. Delicious beers: yes. Easy to get food from thunderbolt pizza: yes. Am I always happy when I'm here: YES! My favorite chill spot for a few beers and a pizza from next door. I've done paint and sips night here, Xmas eve, New Year's Eve, anniversary, Halloween week day hangout, dog hang out, and I've been pleased with the service every time. The staff is welcoming, the seating out front, indoors and in back is spacious. I almost don't want everyone to know about this place because I want it to be my secret but I can't keep anyone from knowing that this is the place to be and it needs to stay in business forever. read more
STEPH JUDGEMENT: Chill, friendly neighborhood tasting room with great beers. I've come here twice now, once with just the hubby and another time with a group of about 20 people and it was a great experience both times! Both times were weeknights so that may have been responsible for the nice non-crowded vibes, but will have to come back on a weekend sometime to gauge. All the staff I've encountered have been very friendly and helpful; for the large gathering they recommended that I email them a request to reserve some tables in their back patio and that worked out brilliantly (I love their back patio). But how's the beer, you ask? I've tried their Gandalf the Crisp (pilsner), Central Perk (a surprising coffee blonde), and a West Coast IPA (forget the name), and they were all great! They don't have a ton of variety, but what they do have--if you like the generally lighter styles--is great. They also have a relationship with Thunderbolt Pizza next door, where you can order stuff to be delivered directly to your table--very convenient. I'm a fan! read more
1 year ago
3 years ago
More info about Ambitious Ales
4019 Atlantic Ave
Long Beach, CA 90807
Directions
(562) 285-7199
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http://www.ambitiousales.com
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Ask the Community - Ambitious Ales
Any wine by the glass for non beer drinkers?
Unfortunately due to our license type we are not allowed to serve wine, but we do offer a few non-beer options such as Amaro and frozen slushies!
Any gluten free beers?
Are parents allowed to bring their babies to the brewery? Do you guys accept reservations?
Yes!
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