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El Barrio Cantina

4.2 (485 reviews)
Open 3:00 pm - 10:00 PM

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Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Trendy

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La Penelope
Alek H.

We love this place and their entertainment. The food is always good and the service is on point. The tacos I ordered were fresh and delicious. The drinks are a little expensive but still wonderful. We were here on a quiet Saturday morning and enjoyed a peaceful brunch.

Birria Potato Balls
Laurel T.

Maria can do it all!!! I've been wanting to come here for so long (I know, this place has been here for almost 4 years Maria said. Yet I just now came here) At first, I thought it was just street parking. So I came as soon as it opened so I could get a spot. Turns out they have private parking across the street in a lot for free. My bad lol) She also explained that they are technically connected to the very popular speakeasy - Tokyo Noir I loved the atmosphere and color scheme they used. (A beautiful pink and green) the green booths worked so well with the nice pink color. It was very Florida, but in a great way And then they get crazy on the weekends. On Friday and Saturday they have a DJ. We were immediately greeted by the one and only, Maria. Who blew me out of the water!! She sat us down, asked if we have been here before, explained the menu ANDDD asked if we had allergies! She handed us the menus and explained the happy hour menu. Or shall I say their - Recession menu lol hours are - Tuesday - Thursday - 3 to 10 pm Saturday is 12-12 am Sunday 12-9 pm We came on a Tuesday which was happy hour all day long! It was our lucky day We put in our drink orders and no joke I ordered 4 of the same cocktail. It was THAT delicious!!! The drink you ask? The Horchata colada 1800 COCONUT TEQUILA, HORCHATA, CHOCO LATE ABUELA DUST. MR. BLACK. 10/10!!!!!!! I asked who the bartender was because all the drinks were amazing. And that's when Maria said she does it all. She was making the drinks, taking orders and waiting on people. And yet she was still on point! She also explained it's a great place to share little plates Besides the best drink ever. We got Passion fruit sangria (One other cocktail that was too Smokey for me) Now for food. -Chips and salsa. (They are not complimentary here) -Brirra potato balls with black beans, avocado salsa, crema and Queso Fresco -loaded fries with the works!!! And asada! -Birria street tacos added cheese and minus the onions and cilantro -TAQUITOS DE PAPA Fried Potato Tacos, Avocado Salsa, Creama, Queso Fresco -RIBEYE FAJITAS Ribeye Sliced,Rice, Beans, Flour Tortillas, Guacamole Everything was absolutely amazing Maria asked if we wanted it all brought out at once or whenever it was ready. We told her we aren't picky. Whatever is best. And I asked her to keep the drinks coming!!!! We finished it off with a churro donut sundae Other great things is the place is pretty clean Happy hour is great Maria works here lol and is AMAZING! They also have a cute Photo Booth by the bathroom to take pics I can't wait to come back!!! This place can be on the casual side or dressed up for drinks with the girls or date night PS they have tequila flights

Ken C.

El Barrio Cantina is a really good Mexican spot on 4th street in Long Beach. I came for their "Recession Menu". It's their happy hour menu that is daily from 3-5:30. They have a pretty hefty chunk of their regular menu at very reasonable prices. Today, from their happy hour, we got their Ribeye Fajitas, their Yuzu Aguachile, chips/salsa, and a passionfruit sangria. The ribeye fajitas, priced at $22, gave a generous portion of steak, rice, beans, and tortillas that was very filling. I really recommend their aguachile over tostada as it was spicy, lime-forward, and refreshing. I've been here previously for their tacos and I really enjoyed them. For the "recession menu", you can get it for $2.50 each; however, they're good at any time of day. I definitely would come back to this spot to try more of their fun menu and strong drinks. I also want to check out their popular speakeasy, Tokyo Noir, located in the alley of this restaurant; however, they would highly recommend reservations on OpenTable for that spot.

Alley leading to Tokyo Noir
Sam S.

The food is awesome. Some of the best food that I have had outside Mexico. They have a small parking lot across the street. The area is close to Retro Row. The decor is nice, light and airy. The seats are comfortable. Service is friendly but very slow. The food takes forever to come out, which is okay and means that they are really cooking fresh. We started with the Ceviche (with black sauce) which was outstanding. One of the best that I have ever had. I would go back just for this. I had the shrimp and smoked Marlin tacos. Both were excellent. We then headed to Tokyo Noir which is right behind in the alley.

Happy hour margarita and michelada
Steph H.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Great happy hour deals and awesome service. Came here for a weekend afternoon bday gathering with my crew and we had such a great time! We got here in time to take advantage of their "recession menu" and we were impressed! Great selection of food and drinks at reasonable prices. We got a big variety of items from that menu (can't remember them all; check out my photos). We also got a margarita pitcher for the table which came in a fancy dispenser--ooh la la! The staff couldn't be friendlier, even bringing out plates and forks for the cake we'd brought with us. We are definitely coming back for more of that recession menu!

Margarita, Sangria, and Tacos de Papa - okay
Lynn O.

Can't believe I haven't written a review for El Barrio yet. Been here several times and have enjoyed the food, drinks and fun vibe this Cantina has to offer! I also like coming for the free Secret Service house parties when the kitchen closes Saturday nights! They make some fantastic margaritas! My recent favorite is the 400 Coñejos Mezcal Joven Margarita. Not too sweet and love the smokiness. If you've never tried Tlayuda, "Mexican pizza," I highly recommend it! A thin, crispy blue corn tostada is topped with black bean spread, queso, cilantro crema, cabbage and choice of protein. I like it with chicken tinga and the salsa gives it a nice kick! Taquitos de Papa (potato tacos) are delicious with avocado saldo, cream and queso fresco on top. They have many types of tacos to choose from as well and you'll get more bang for your buck by getting the plate with rice and beans for $16. I was a little disappointed with the size of the Pulpo con Papas (grilled octopus with garlic fingerling potatoes). It was cooked just right though. In addition to traditional Mexican dishes, they have some unique fusion creations like the Mexican Hot Fried Chicken, Birria Lasagna and Chicken Curry Mole. What I truly appreciate about El Barrio is how they partner with community organizations and serve for a cause. I came last night to support a fundraiser for Órale LB, an organization working to end criminalization of immigrants and secure protections and opportunities that allow for immigrant communities to thrive. For $13, you can get 2 taquitos de papa and a margarita and 100% of the proceeds go to Órale. The offer ends 6/15/25. The DJ plays various Mexican genres and gets people on the dance floor. The servers and bartenders are nice, though they can get busy. The busers are super on top of things! Street parking and a small free parking lot is available across the street.

Ezequiel V.

This place it's in Long Beach 4th street known because it has many good restaurants open along that street I love their food, specially that vegan ceviche that it's totally different and delicious, the campechana it amazing and it brings memories from my rancho Service it's great and the ambience perfect for the family

Shrimp marinero ceviche and aguachile verde camarones ceviche along with guacamole and pomegranate margarita

Maria was our waitress and she was very friendly and offered great suggestions! My husband and I had the shrimp marinero ceviche and the aguachile verde camarones ceviche both great but the aguachile, wow!!!!! Then we got the birria beef tacos and what a little slice of heaven those were! They griddle the cheese inside the tortilla!!!!! I had the suggested pomegranate margarita which was very good. Service = 10 & Food = 10 Please check it out!!!

The Saladito
Cedric J.

Most recently swung by for a drink (the Saladito is so refreshing) but I order from here online quite frequently and have been in with friends many times. The service has always been great and folks have been friendly and engaging. All of their tacos are delicious, but I love the taquitos de papa (potato tacos), carnitas and gobernador tacos. Both are so flavorful. Aesthetically, the place is very chill with a neutral color scheme and pops of sage and salmon. It's a great setting for brunch! I'll continue to be a frequent patron

Tlayuda
Derek F.

Went here today for lunch and really enjoyed it. The menu was quite extensive. The server was very pleasant but did end up disappearing towards the end of our visit; probably a shift change. The feel is definitely trendy, I loved the wall mural of a luchador wrestling an octopus. It was legit!! I'm interested in coming back for a happy hour!

Collar
Melissa D.

I love the vibe in here. The music was my kind of music. We got sat right away. The drink menu had so many choices to choose from. But the food was really amazing especially the fusion. I would recommend this place 100% for girls night out.

Carne en su jugo on the bottom, two tortas one on the left and one on the right, octopus at the top, and a shrimp taco on the bottom right.
Jesse H.

Went on a Thursday evening with a group of friends for a small Birthday dinner. We started off with some Aguachiles and Ceviche for the table and then ordered two tortad ahogadas, the octopus plate, and the carne en su jugo. All very delicious and good portions! The ambiance was great and our server was very attentive, constantly checking in on us and how we were doing. Definitely want to come back and check out the rest of the dishes!

Flowers for Benny, Mangoneada
Chelsea M.

I've been to this restaraunt 2-3 times already and it's amazing!! I've always had amazing service, everyone is very attentive and kind. Firstly, the taquitos de papas are FIRE!!!! I have to get them every time. I will say, try to make it during their happy hour for a better price :) Overall, the food and drinks are amazing and the overall ambiance, decor, and lighting makes it such a great place to catch up with friends and take cute photos. I know certain nights they have a DJ and the vibe completely changes, it's super fun and feels almost like a club (?) but I've only seen this once on a friday night so not too sure but it's so cool that they implement this!!

Website inaccurate happy hours

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4 days ago

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Joe L.

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Thanks for the love Alek!

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Thank you Leslie! We are glad you enjoyed it!!! See you again soon!

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Thank you Elicia for making us a go to spot! We appreciate you!

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Thank you so much MJ! We hope to see you again soon!

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Excellent food and service. The tacos de papa are delicious. Cool spot for any celebration.

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El Barrio Cantina Reviews in Other Languages

Ask the Community - El Barrio Cantina

Is this place vegetarian or vegan friendly?

Yes.

Can you fit a reservation for 10-12 people?

Yes

Does El Barrio have an area to bring your dogs?

This place is indoor only. There is no area for pets.

Hi will you guys be open today regular hours?

Hi! Yes. We actively manage and post the hours here on YELP.

What is happy hour?

Hi! Please refer to our website. Our menu is subject to change:… Read more

Do your DJs play hip hop? If so, which days usually?

2nd and 4th Saturdays are EDM. 1st and 3rd is mixed. We have DJs on Sunday brunches that play hip hop occasionally.

Is there gluten free items on the menu?

Yes we have gluten free items available.

Is there outdoor seating?

We are still working on that at the moment.

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Baby Gee - boilermakers

Baby Gee

4.5(187 reviews)
0.3 mi
$$

This has become my home bar. It's a great spot for locals to hang and make friends, but also I've…read moremet lots of people who drove from LA to have a Long Beach day, which is fun. Definitely worth it! The vibes are unmatched. It's a unique blend of "top notch cocktail crafting" and "beer and a hot pretzel after work." You can dress up, you can dress down, it's very 'just be yourself' which I love. I've literally had caviar AND hot dogs there in the same night at an event. They know how to blend high/low. Incredible knowledge and ingredients but not snooty patootie. Super inclusive and fun, with cool popups and events happening all the time. It's a full bar so you can get any cocktail you would normally order if you're keeping it simple, or beer, wine, boilermakers, etc. There's a span of offerings and price points, so something for everyone. (Also really good N/A cocktails!) The menu is super inventive and creative! And the cocktail menu changes out every so often so there are new things to try. This area is vintage vibes and Baby Gee speaks it fluently. Really cool decor, curated by the owners who design everything from the playlist to the cocktails to the invention of never-before-seen flavors and shapes of jello shots. Try the Baby Gee appletini while you're there. Mezcal, tequila, sake appletini you ask?? Yes. Trust. And get a hot dog. Do it.

This is definitely a place with a very Long Beach vibe (so it really depends on what you think…read moreabout Long Beach in general). The seating is a little funky, but the drinks are solid. The food is definitely bar food that's ideal for late night eats while buzzed, and the service is fast! Food: 3.5/5 Drinks: 4.5/5 Service: 4/5 Ambiance: 4/5 Value: 3.5/5 Overall: 4/5

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Baby Gee - Pretzel with mustard and pickled veggies

Pretzel with mustard and pickled veggies

Baby Gee - Current cocktail menu (as of April 2026; it changes completely every few months)

Current cocktail menu (as of April 2026; it changes completely every few months)

Baby Gee - Bar scene

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Bar scene

The Wicked Wolf

The Wicked Wolf

4.6(242 reviews)
2.3 mi

The Wicked Wolf is a kind of place that offers the opportunity for whimsical mischief. For…read moreinstance, they have a rooftop area. And this one time I was there alone with another, no other patrons just staff members walking around from time to time. We stole the moment to dance under the Long Beach sky, just the two of us as a famous Christina Perrio song gently wafted in the night breeze. At another separate time, I was at the Los Angeles County Fair with another. We rode the ferris wheel at such a time where our gondola stopped at the top just as the sun set. The moment was nothing but beautiful and life affirming because the sinking of the sun's light was like a real life video of nature happening in front of us, unburdened by static or data stall. We witnessed nature resting, and I feel, that it was a kin to a beauty falling into a gentle sleep. These two instances have a common factor: momentary bliss arrived to bless an experience because the environment supported discovery of unplanned joy. That is what I associate with the Wicked Wolf, and this time the joy arrived eventually because when my Mom and I arrived to their high tea on Mother's Day the experienced seem like it would land nowhere good. Truth be told, my mom and I arrived 15 minutes early and there was no host in the stand and the place was empty except for a foursome. The energy felt lacked luster. One or two minutes after, the bartender informed us that we were early and the host would come soon. We sat in an available sofa for two, a loveseat persay. This gave us an opportunity to admire the decor that transported us to a storybook forest where good fairies reside, not like swamp creatures and trolls with malevolent fangs and dragon green eyes. I especially loved the large roses in the ceiling. To set the stage, the black ceiling had vines hanging from it, and the few roses were pops of crimson red displayed above.These were wonderful accents to the central mural of the joint that invited the viewer within deeper into the fairy forest where a light shone on an unseen meadow. The place had the decorations and general environment to be a lavender fairy's lounge, but, it did not fully work as a team room. For instance, my mom and I were sat in another lover's couch. Initially, I did not want to sit here because we were given circular tray sets. So imagine being told to sit in a couch, and each of us would get a tv tray. So I was left to wonder if we were going to be served tea in Belle's living room or if were going to watch a flick as we ate pollo loco bowl? But then as I settled into the tranquility of the moment, saw more people come and find their seat or couch, and as the serviced picked-up I realized that this was high tea in a place that had taken disjointed beauty and tackied it together for a patched tea experience that worked well. It was like the experienced was blessed and allowed by the same spirit that brought forth Raggedy Ann. For instance, the pictures show these pretty violet petaled tea cups and matching plates. This pairing was dainty and perfect for a tea party happening under pink veils. But then the sugar cubes came in a hedgehog shaped holder which was just as precious as seeing a piglet in a carriage built for one. Then the cream carrier was in the shape of a milk carton. I wondered where the missing child portrait was? The pastry plate was in the shape of a tropical flower like the ones scattered all over Hawaii. It belonged in a beautiful lei. Each of these elements was cute in its own delicate and whimsical way but together they made an eclectic hodgepodge, not a coherent tea set. And in this asymmetry laid the glitter of their error. The host also brought these clip on dainty hats that were perfect touches for make believe tea party. He carried them around in their original packing, including the box they came in. Not exactly the tailor of the queen, offering hats to the villagers as a gift from her to them, but still the effort magnified the moment. The tea food was the worst stumble that Red took as she was being chased by the Wicked Wolf. To begin with the end analysis, the tea offerings in general were standard, and not bites fit for a princess and her wedding court. For instance, the cream cheese and cucumber sandwich was just that---- a cucumber and cream cheese sandwich. I detected no effort to make it more than that. The blueberry scone was solid, nothing to skip through a meadow about. But once you added the jam of the table to the scone it was much easier to enjoy. I also had a madeline that was fluffy in the center but could have been purchased maybe at Costco. I had a Macaron and same thing, delicious but I have had something similar before and I suspected that it did not come from a place afloat with Parisian affairs. The best part of the tiers was this puff like thing that had like a Concha texture and design at the top. It was a sweet filled bite that was fit for a man made of muffin.

My sister and I took my mom to Sunday tea for her birthday…read more Cute place and the food and tea were delicious. But sadly my mom could not hear us, due to the music being so loud, we did ask twice if they would turn it down a little to no avail. That is too much money to spend, to not be able to hear each other. We had to hurry out because she was getting frustrated.

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The Wicked Wolf
The Wicked Wolf
The Wicked Wolf - A Bloody Mary drink in a hurricane glass. Lots of garnishes on top. Out of focus woodland scene mural in the background.

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A Bloody Mary drink in a hurricane glass. Lots of garnishes on top. Out of focus woodland scene mural in the background.

Tokyo Noir

Tokyo Noir

4.3(171 reviews)
0.0 mi
Locally owned & operated
Free parking

Small speakeasy hidden in an alley. The food was actually very good and memorable…read more The Oysters were one of my fav Kumamotos, fresh and flavorful but they could've been rinsed a bit better. Pork Buns were a good tasty bite, and the sushi was surprisingly really really good. Cool place to check out for some small bites and cocktails!

I've heard so much about this place. A little hidden speakeasy with the entrance just off a little…read morealleyway. You could walk by it and not notice it. A little lantern above is the where the door is. Buzz the doorbell for entrance. We had a reservation for Friday for drinks and maybe food. When we walked in, the hostess was very sweet. Our seating area was right when you walk in. A seating area along the corner and some ottoman. I didn't expect the place to be quite small. There's a couple of tables along the side and the bar area with seating. That's mainly it. And it was quite dark which was fine. Did have to turn the phone flashlight on to check out the drink menu..lol... Showing our age...lol... They specialize in Japanese style handcrafted cocktails. Menu did offer some unique drinks, a twist of a lot of classic drinks. Some were quite pricey compared to others. Besides the drinks which is what this place is known for, they did have some small bites on the menu. We didn't have any besides the edamame which I say was delicious. As it's known for drinks that what we came for. There was good amount of us so a lot of the choices were made and tried. Drinks didn't take long to arrive but first impressions. They didn't looked like anything major. Honestly they looked like a glass of water. Some had the trimming with the salt, while others was basically a massive ball of ice that took over the glass. They're known for their drinks which I must say people love it here. They were strong which you get your moneys worth. The fun details and illustration of the cocktail menu was great. Each had their own different taste. Besides all the drinks we ordered, they were good and strong. But for the place, it was ok. A small intimate room with limited 90 minutes seating for each booking. Im not sure if walk in was available. The bar seating is quite tight. Food that came out did look quite tasty. Their small bites so a few dishes would be needed. Edamame was tasty which I do recommend. But when it comes to the drinks, some was good while some was just whatever. It's strong so that's a plus. They're pretty tight with staff. I think there was just the hostess and the two bartenders. It's a fun little spot for cocktails. I can say I've been now.

Photos
Tokyo Noir - Hibiki Old Fashioned & Stay With Me

Hibiki Old Fashioned & Stay With Me

Tokyo Noir - Deviled eggs (3)

Deviled eggs (3)

Tokyo Noir - Monochrome - dry with a complex after taste. Very nice martini.

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Monochrome - dry with a complex after taste. Very nice martini.

Alter Ego - ALTER EGO, Long Beach, CA: I  Long Beach, California

Alter Ego

4.4(33 reviews)
1.2 mi

ALTER EGO wasn't even on my radar until tonight, and now I'm wondering how on earth did I miss this…read morelittle slice of date‑night gold? HELLOW! This hidden gem lives inside the newly renovated Fairmont Breakers in Long Beach, and for all my Fairmont regulars: relax, you're in good hands, their world-renowned elegance remains intact. PARKING Valet is only $10, which in Southern California basically qualifies as a love language. (Note to Fairmont Breakers Management: Listen up, my friends! Please keep it that way, gas is $5.97/gallon and my wallet is already in therapy.) I handed the valet a $5 tip before I even stepped out of my car, just so I could glide into the lobby feeling like a full‑blown princess making her grand entrance. Before you leave, you simply pay the valet in cash or card and they'll have your car right there before you can even blink. AMBIANCE Walk in and boom! A towering, beautifully decorated Christmas tree greets you like it's auditioning for a holiday movie. Check out my photos; the whole lobby whispers one word: sophisticated. Oooh, I love that tree! Hang a right, stroll to the end of the hall, and you'll find ALTER EGO, a dark, cozy lounge that feels like the perfect hideaway for a date where you actually want to hear each other talk. Live music starts at 7 PM, the bar closes at 10, and honestly... that's ideal for those of us over 50 who consider 10 PM the witching hour for pajamas. Rob Fontana was performing tonight, and his music was so good I found myself time‑traveling back to the good old days. Every song hit, Rob. Good job! SERVICE Our server, Nia, was a star. Attentive, sharp memory, and smooth service all the way through. Zero notes. FOOD The menu is small, so if you show up ravenous, pace yourself or plan to Uber home after a cocktail‑heavy evening. I'm allergic to cheese, so I had to double‑check ingredients, but the Mushroom Flatbread was outstanding, flavor was superb and the best part was they did not skimp on the mushrooms! A+ for that. I also tried the Prosciutto di Parma with melon, which is a strange combo for a California girl... but hey, I never said I wasn't a weirdo. Drinks are not my thing since I enjoy company without alcohol's help, so I can't help you with that. DATE‑WORTHY OR NOT? Absolutely. Alter Ego gets a double thumbs‑up from me and a strong recommendation for your next Silver Singles date. It's easy to find, the seating is comfortable (even for those of us with backs that like to complain), and they even offer tube pillows for extra support. Tell me that's not romance.

Went there for girlfriend time! Nice ambiance…read more I ordered the mushroom flatbread and thy used the nice mushrooms,not the white button mushrooms. Service was good, we had a great server. The only thing I wish is they have a little bigger menu.

Photos
Alter Ego - Corner seating, beautiful decor

Corner seating, beautiful decor

Alter Ego - ALTER EGO, Long Beach, CA: Cozy? Yes. Romantic? Oh yes!

ALTER EGO, Long Beach, CA: Cozy? Yes. Romantic? Oh yes!

Alter Ego - Alter Ego old fashioned

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Alter Ego old fashioned

The Apothecary at Midnight Oil - Shrimp Hargow, Cucumber Salad, Old Fashioned & beer

The Apothecary at Midnight Oil

4.0(158 reviews)
1.1 mi
$$

I discovered Midnight Oil on Instagram and made last minute plans to meet here with my brother who…read morewas visiting from out of town. Overall, I'm so glad this is the place we chose to meet at! On a Wednesday night we were able to walk in and had no trouble getting a table for 4. The aesthetic is the standout feature of the place. The main bar is beautifully decorated and there are spacious booths to eat at as well. My favorite part was the two additional "secret" bar areas! While sitting in the main bar area you would have no idea there are additional rooms. Exploring the other rooms was a fun, unique part of the visit. The drinks were photo worthy as well as tasted great. The bar tender was attentive and adjusted my drink based on how much sweetness I like. The lychee margarita was my favorite because they light it up table side for a fun presentation! The food tasted great and was very affordable priced! Our group ordered multiple items and shared them family style, which seems to be a common approach here. The shrimp fried rice was delicious and my favorite food item. One order was plenty to share between 4 people. Per our server's request, we also tried the cucumber salad which was really refreshing and a great side. I tried the popcorn chicken but honestly they packed a kick and were too spicy for me, so be warned. In sum, the service, food, drinks, and ambiance were great and I will definitely be back!

Absolutely delicious food at reasonable prices. Probably the best fried rice and edamame I've ever…read morehad. Service was decent, didn't get quite as much attention as I would have ordered more food had someone stopped by faster. It's a really small location so it's a little bizarre that service is a bit on the slow side. That said, everything else was fantastic so it's a small sin as such things go. Overwhelmingly recommend this place, just maybe order a lot up-front so you don't end up waiting around for more. It also has 2 speakeasys attached to the "main" restaraunt, but book early as those spots are even harder to get into.

Photos
The Apothecary at Midnight Oil - View of the bar

View of the bar

The Apothecary at Midnight Oil
The Apothecary at Midnight Oil - Macau Mule

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Macau Mule

The Exhibition Room - Fried zucchini

The Exhibition Room

4.1(492 reviews)
3.3 mi
$$$

False Advertising and Total Failure of a "Speakeasy"…read more This place should not call itself a speakeasy. According to their website, they are strict about dress code, reservations, and no large parties. None of that was enforced. People arrived wearing sports clothes, tennis shoes, and flip-flops, and a group of more than 10 people was allowed in. That group was loud, drunk, and screaming, completely destroying any speakeasy ambiance. We had a reservation booked one week in advance for 2 tables of six, yet by 8:30 pm, we were told no food was available, despite the bar being almost empty. The water was already on the table when we arrived and tasted strongly of chlorine, with no ice. The waitress was clearly new, untrained, and unprepared. She did not know the menu, didn't know how to take an order properly, and provided no guidance whatsoever. There was one bartender Ricardo, who took over an hour to prepare cocktails and showed no sense of urgency or care. The dramatic cocktail descriptions sounded impressive, but the drinks did not match the descriptions at all. Because of the delays, we were never even able to properly toast or celebrate our friend. The charcuterie board took forever and arrived with an absurd amount of cheese and only six pieces of bread. To make things worse, part of the food we ordered never arrived at all. The live jazz band advertised and promised never showed up. When asked, the staff responded with: "I don't know, they were supposed to be here. I don't have their phone number." That level of disorganization is unacceptable. At the end of the night, we were shocked to receive a check close to $600 for two tables, despite each person only having one cocktail and shared food. The bartender, Ricardo, approached us and said: "Well, sorry, we really tried tonight! It wasn't the best, but we tried." Honestly, that comment made the experience even more frustrating. I can't imagine how bad it would have been if they hadn't "tried."That statement perfectly summarizes the problem -- trying is not enough when everything fails. I would not recommend this place for a speakeasy experience. This is not a speakeasy. It's a poorly run bar hiding behind a concept it does not deliver. Do not recommend.

I give it a 1 because 0 was not an option. Absolute disaster. Avoid this place at all costs. What…read morewas supposed to be a classy night celebrating a 50th birthday turned into a complete nightmare. This is not a speakeasy, it's a tiny, rundown bar pretending to be something it's not. The staff was inexperienced, dismissive, and unprofessional. Drinks were outrageously overpriced and took forever to arrive. The food was a joke, a $60 charcuterie board made up of cheap grocery store cheese, ham, and crackers that didn't come close to justifying the price. We were served warm water that tasted like chlorine, and the response from staff was literally "I don't know, I just work here." At one point both waitresses vanished, leaving the bartender overwhelmed and everything grinding to a halt. The live jazz band they advertise never showed up, and staff had no explanation or contact info. The so-called dress code was completely ignored, with groups in jeans and sneakers flooding in, turning the place loud, chaotic, and classless. This place delivers nothing it promises. It's not a speakeasy, it's a poorly run bar that shouldn't be in business. Strongly do not recommend, and honestly, I want my money back.

Photos
The Exhibition Room - Fried zucchini + yucca chicharones

Fried zucchini + yucca chicharones

The Exhibition Room - Smoke and fire!

Smoke and fire!

The Exhibition Room

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El Barrio Cantina - mexican - Updated May 2026

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