Time for a new review ! Well I drink a whole bunch less than the last time i reviewed, but the drinks are still stiff, but I usually just roll up to see Miguel. Didn't start as a natural bartender, but always smiling and excellent service. He has become a perfect early day replacement for some of the classic bartenders before him. Takes no crap but knows how the game goes and how to run it. Efficient, friendly, talented and a kind bartender! Cheers Miguel! read more

Rod is the salt of the earth. He is one of the reasons I come here. He might be a little edgy but he's the best. Super attentive. This bar is the answer to loud bars that don't pay attention to patrons. It is a cash bar but they do have a ATM. This place is a gem. When most bars are trying to be hip, O'Connell's doesn't feed into it. A place to get a drink and enjoy witty conversation, drop by. read more

My coworkers and I went here during lunchtime as we were having burgers/sandwiches/fries at MVPs next door. We had a round of beers and as it was my last day in the office, my coworker treated me to a shot of whiskey. Going back to work was fuzzy for us but I got everything done! I had to! Haha This is a pretty large dive bar, with a jukebox, pool table, good number of tables and plenty of space to mingle around. During the day it was kind of empty but I suspect that it is more busy at night. We were also able to bring in our lunch from MVPs which was nice. The staff were cool and friendly too. Overall, this was a cool bar to check out during the day. I wouldn't mind coming back at night to check it out. Also, cash only! read more

First stop on last Friday's tour of Long Beach dive bars was O'Connell's, and what a dive bar it was. Luckily, I happen to love dive bars, particularly when I'm in there with regulars who bring decks of cards with them for spontaneous magic tricks and games of Egyptian Ratscrew (ahem, Hazel Q). Being in a dive bar like this makes me wonder why any of us ever drop $15 a drink for some swanky lounge where you never feel comfortable. Then the bartender tells me they only take cash and I remember why. But even without the ability to throw down the old debit card, O'Connell's was pretty well equipped with the essentials: an ATM machine, that naughty picture match game I never learned the name of, lots of good games on the TVs and food from Shillelagh next door. Speaking of the food, O'Connell's seems like the kind of place where you should never order food, particularly the kind that involves meat. On the contrary, I took a bite of Cody P's turkey burger and it was one of the best I've had in a long time! The sesame bun and special sauce really made it. All in all, O'Connell's served as the perfect place to hang out, catch up, and most importantly, DRINK up before the next stop on our tour. Cheers to O'Connell's! read more

You know the "Irish Pubs" in Hermosa Beach, Huntington Beach, and Newport Beach that turn into dance clubs at night with a line to get in and all? Well, imagine the complete opposite, and you've got O'Connell's. It's more dive than Irish Pub, and it's... well... it's just real. Look, they've got cheap drinks, naked lady photo hunt, efficient bartenders, the ability to order grub from Shillelagh next door, pool tables, and a jukebox? What else could a LB dive bar aficionado want? Oh, you want to start a tab? Eeep! Sorry 'bout that - cash only at O'Connells! I'm not much for catching the game, but this certainly seems like a good spot to do so. In fact, the only day I'd avoid O'Connell's is March 17 - I'm not a believer in waiting in line to get into bars, much less dives, but any other day of the week (when I'm not living on my credit card), I'm there! read more

O'Connell's is my neighborhood bar. The kind of place that has patrons before noon hanging out getting a drink. The kind of place that a lot of regulars go to. The kind of place where everyone knows your name. Okay, I'm lying about that last part. Anyway, the bartenders here have always been great and they ones I've seen usually play good music on the jukebox. Unfortunately the juke is one of those Internet dealios that costs a lot of money to play and doesn't give you the satisfaction of scrolling through albums. A couple of odd bonuses at O'Connell's - you can order food from Shillelagh next door. And that means this dive bar has really good eats. They also have a surprisingly big selection of wines you can see lined up on the bar, including a zinfandel and champagne. read more

Cash only! Not a bad little spot! This hole-in-the-wall is a great place to catch games if you're looking for a place that's not overrun with rabid football fans. Well, let me qualify -- if you're not looking to be surrounded by rabid college football fans, this is a great place for you. There are multiple TVs, it's relatively quiet, and your shit talking may be limited to your immediate table. But if that's your kind of scene (it's mine), then you'll have a great time here. I was especially impressed with the unique offerings by Shillelagh next door...it looks dumpy, but the selection was really interesting. If I hadn't spoiled my appetite earlier in the day, I definitely would have tried some of their appetizers. And coming from a person who doesn't believe that Irish food qualifies as "actual food," that's sayin' something. read more

A divey sports bar in Long Beach with an Irish pub feel. O'Connell's isn't anything special but the multitude of flat screen TVs, beers on tap, and food from next door Shillelagh will make anyone a fan. There was plenty of seating and it wasn't too busy last Saturday when my friends and I met up to watch a few college football games. It was a nice place to watch a game and drink a beer or two. Great place to talk smack to your friends. read more

Typically Im more into dive bars than anything else. This place is def. a dive. Me and about 5 other girls walked in on a friday night, prepared to get a few rounds. I swear the old bitter bartender was looking for any excuse not to serve us...after scanning our ID's for a longer than normal period of time, he found his flaw! Melissa's Id was indeed expired. Melissa is pushing 30, so he could have done what most seedy bartenders do, and let it slide. But no. Not a very welcoming place, unless you're a regular....Over the age of 50...Or have a fupa. Red Room once again, here we come...At least we gave it a shot. The only thing entertaining about this place, is driving by in the morning....YOU WILL NEVER DRIVE BY OCONNELLS AND NOT SEE LONG BEACH'S FINEST VERMON, CHAIN SMOKING OUTSIDE. read more

Take an empty autorepair shop from the 60s. paint the walls green with whatever left over paint you have lying around. Throw a bar against one wall. Bring in a couple of second hand pool tables. Buy some bar stools on craigslist. And you have yourself O'Connells. Of course you dont want the tax man getting wind of your makeshift bar so make sure you only take cash. Once all the corners have been cut, you want to keep your buddies happy, so have a good selection of beers on tap and keep the prices low. read more

This place is a bit scummy and full of bros, sorority girls, and frat guys. If that's what you like, check this place out. Myself, on the other hand... will not be returning to this place. I left shortly after I came, so there's not much else for me to mention. I'd recommend Reno Room instead if you're looking for a dive bar in lb read more

An under-rated gem! Seriously, this place is the epitome of dive bar-in a good way. A hop, skip and a jump away from my apartment, this bar receives 5 STARS for the following: -there's always a place to sit. -drinks are not outrageously priced (whiskey and coke for $3-$4) -bartenders take care of you -jukebox available -lots of tv's to catch up on sports -you can actually hear your friends -local color: lots of interesting people provide an alternative to the tv's -shuffleboard available So though it may not be as hip as the Pike or Red Room further down 4th st., all of the above makes this place worthwhile and truly one of my favorite places in Long Beach. read more

In my continuing odyssey of inexpensive Long Beach bars with veggie/vegan food, my friend and I tried O'Connell's last night. Bonus points for cheap and strong Bloody Marys. Regular is only $3, with doubles clocking in at $4.50. So obviously I ordered a double. Aside: how the hell are Long Beach bar prices so cheap??? Bartenders and servers were friendly, the crowd was low-key, and the woman celebrating her 50th birthday who asked me to take a picture of her with her friends could not have been more sweet. They were absolutely the best behaved women wearing funny hats I've ever seen in a bar. I think she even had a tiara, which is usually a precursor to obnoxious behavior. Maybe that's only true for women in their 20s. We ordered the veggie bacon cheeseburger with soy cheese (though they still put thousand island dressing on it unless you ask them not to, so vegans be cautioned). They make the veggie patty themselves, and it was excellent. The rest of the fixings weren't amazing, but they weren't bad either. I was disappointed when the veggie bacon turned out to be those crunchy bacon bits, but the flavor was still good. Thin cut fries rounded out the $7.95 meal. Apparently they also offer veggie and vegan breakfasts. If I'm ever in Long Beach before happy hour I'll give it a shot. But this one has made it onto the permanent rotation of LB dives. read more

This place is a dump. It's horrible. I've been going off and on for 25 years. I love it here because it's at it's best when no one is there or it's just depressing as hell in the day. When it's popular, filled with idiot hipsters, or bacteria filled beards I want to shoot myself. Three things I love about it. The pool tables are old. The glasses are dirty. And I can do whatever the fuck I want. read more

Bob contacted me about my review of this establisment back in March. I told him I would be in touch once I was back in town but, I feel my response was enough said. After reading other reviews for O'Connell's especially from the "Gay" community I feel compelled to update this review. (I bartended at The Brit & Mineshaft & was laid off in February that's another review) We had a policy if you are straight in a Homosexual/Lesbian bar you are a "guest" of the LBGT community. Additionally the same applies if homos/lesbians go to a straight bar; on both ends of the spectrum I have found that it is (not because I throw down with guys either) that we had more problems with straight individuals who did not grasp that concept and felt comfortable harrassing customers; hence forth my personal experiances in straight bars where, I behave as a "guest" of some straight establishments has been that of typical ridiculous overt displays of demonstrating masculinity! One final note we have a straight bartender at The Brit & Mineshaft ...HIS crowd has been responsible for more disruption than it is worth including himself & the bartender who was incarcerated and then came back who was given my shifts has HIS share of carni trouble makers too and I'm being nice too! However too, my experiances are more positive in straight bars than negative. I believe it just depends on were you end up...no pun intended! read more

Meh it wasn't my favorite specially when we went to watch the football game and we couldn't hear the game b/c some juke box hog kept playing oldies like K-Earth music and just couldn't get enough of the Beach Boys. Not sure if it was "Oldies" night but I feel like they must have been REALLY good friends with the bartender b/c it was beyond loud and obnoxious Aside from not being able to hear the game...it was pretty bright in there, shuffle board, pool tables, cash only, I didn't even get to witness the RR's also they have food next door, not sure it looked appealing enough for me to try. For sure cheap drinks and beers so if you can overlook the regular crowd shuffling in and don't mind oldies on Thursday nights...Go have at it! read more

Negative vibe...Hell on Earth...bartender Rob, thin with a dirty beard. First he pretended not to see me, then he started arguing with a female customer . Out of the blue an old man with long orthopedic socks on started "yelling" I'm the owner!!!! What is going on... Then some local lush asked my friend, "why are you standing by the door?" As I said" Negative vibe" don't waste your money here. Sad but true. read more

Great service now! Miguel is the best bartender and provides an amazing experience and makes the best drinks on the block. The place has gone through some major changes. The inside feels open and vibrant, lighting is great! Service has been exceptional since some staff changes. I would recommend this location for drinks any day! Thanks Miguel for making positive changes and providing your customers a memorable experience every time. read more

All about a great dive bar but a clean bathroom is a must and their's is disgusting (women's ). Great prices on drinks and Direct TV for football. Just need to clean the bathroom. Seriously. read more

O'Connell's - Dive Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

If you live in Long Beach or anywhere near and haven't been to O'Connell's shame on you. O'Connell's is everything that a neighborhood dive bar should be. Friendly folks of all ages, colors and shapes who are there for the same reason you are; cheap drinks, two pool tables, a shuffleboard to boot and an interesting jukebox. It can be ragin' and full on a wednesday night and dead on a saturday night. You just never know with this place. Pro: Awesome Bloody Mary's, mmmmm Guinness on draught Con: Cash only although there is an ATM on premise. read more

Such a great, old, cool dive bar. Always chill and nice people. Plus cheap and stiff drinks... can't beat that. Plus, the new owners have done a great job of fixing it up and not changing what made it great. read more

Hot nuts are served out of a candy dispenser...the red light inside keeps them warm. If your quarter sticks, ask the bartender, and he'll give you a couple more quarters and get the nuts out for you. Roller shoes are worn by the bartender that does the guinness art- that clover that you can get in the foam if you order nicely. There's free shuffleboard. Two pool tables, but you need some quarters (also offered by the bartender when giving change). Don't forget to bring cash, or an ATM card to get cash. No scene, and you have control of the jukebox. read more

Let's make no mistakes about this...O'Connell's is definitely a dive bar! So if you're looking for the meat market scene (the scene that doesn't involve mainly haggard women in their 50's), head to 2nd street down in the Shore! Ok, Ok...I may be a little bit biased here because for over the past 4 1/2 years I've made O'Connell's my neighborhood watering hole. I've had many killer times here that usually end with the pool table having 3 balls of each one on the table as I stumble home from a night of drinking. But let's talk about the sober reality of this place. I can't say what the crowd is like during the day but Friday and Saturday nights bring in a crowd that starts around 8 and 9 with mainly locals and your typical alcoholics who sit quietly to themselves and stare at their beer and the TV and NOTHING ELSE! Around 10 and 11 a younger-college aged crowd comes around. By 1 AM, the crowd is really diverse. This makes the atmosphere most interesting (along with the strange drunk conversations you might possibly have) While sometimes when it's crowded, it might take a few minutes to get the bartender(s) attention. But I've never really had a problem with service...actually, John (the guy who usually works nights on the weekend...he wears mainly Hawaiian shirts and has a beard) severs up some pretty potent concoctions that don't break the bank by the end of the night. I'd say have at least 60 bucks in pocket if you want to leave the bar nice and fucked up... O'Connell's...it is what it is...like it or not... read more

This is a great local dive bar. Decent Jukebox and three pool tables in OK condition. O'Connell's has a shuffleboard table that is a lot of fun. Best of all, the bartenders are locally world famous for pouring cheap, stiff drinks. Start at one of the many round tables drinking an Irish whisky, and before you know it you are at another round table drinking Irish whisky with a completely new set of friends. Beware of nasty chicks here though, there are a few unsavories in the crowd... read more

BEST DIRT CHEAP BLOODY MARY EVER. my sf friend in town and i were the youngest people in here enjoying BEST BLOODY MARY EVER. go pickled green beans! read more

Super fun, chill place with good stiff drinks. I really wish it wasnt cash only, but they do have an ATM. Other than that, it is a cool little bar where you can just go have some good drinks with your friends. I highly recommend it. read more

So they do have a kitchen, but it closes at 9. I'm always in here after 9 so I had no idea. Whoops. Disregard my last complaint of them not having tasty snacks! Just make sure you get here before the kitchen closes if you're hungry. The pool tables have been fixed and are back up and running! Hooray! read more

I think people need to remember that this is a dive bar. This entails cheap drinks and regular patrons. Yes your bartender will not be the slickest man and your game center isn't going to be oiled up before you get there. That being said the drinks ARE cheap and stiff, the patrons are actually friendly if you give them the chance, befriend the bartender and he will joke with you and give you even stiffer drinks (this tactic has been proven :) ) and just have a great time at a DIVE bar. I used to be a regular at goat hill tavern for those who dive and now that I live in long beach, O'connell's is a great replacement. Don't knock it till you've tried it. read more

dont come here during the pandemic! workers are rude & not professional! learn how to speak to ppl amd youll be well off , fyi if you dont want someone doing something , let it be known . anyone entering your property is a potential customer, always always be respectful . read more

Dive bar to the max! I gave it a three because it's a balancing act with any dive bar with good and bad qualities: 1 star qualities: Ceiling tiles crumbling No tap beers over some silly argument with the gas company apparently - when they've had them before The bathrooms haha 5 star qualities: $4.50 double Mary's Small yet still has two pool tables and a shuffleboard table Dive bar bartenders - no need to deal with the BS like at a corporate place, these guys have backbone All in all, a good place to throw back a few after a long day. read more

O'Connell's is a come-as-you-are dive that attracts all walks of life, and Long Beach is one of the most diverse cities in America by any demographic. The bar is dark, the walls are mostly beer propaganda, but the jukebox is great and the booze is cheap. It's a neighborhood bar, so everyone walks. Even the drivers, since parking is horrendous. The buses are frequent and run late, though. Transit access: Long Beach Transit 91-96, 111/112 and 181/182. read more

O'Connell's Cocktails is a local hangout spot great for combining friends, sports and booze. By Becky Kinder Issue date: 3/3/08 Section: Diversions Saying a bar is a popular neighborhood hangout may be off-putting to some, causing you to think that you'll walk through the doors and feel like an outsider, but you shouldn't let that happen with O'Connell's Cocktails in Long Beach. Although nobody jumps out to shake your hand or give you a hug as soon as you walk in, the atmosphere is a welcoming one. The use of the words "Irish Pub" on O'Connell's website seems a bit misleading because the mere fact that it's not decorated like a traditional Irish pub, or even as a traditional American version of an Irish pub. Nothing else leads to a feeling as though you're in a pub. The ceiling is lined with different advertising tins for beers and the rest of the dcor is sparse and uneventful - just tables and stools without anything but some paper coasters. The atmosphere created by the employees and patrons make up for the lack of aesthetic charm. The employees at O'Connell's were more than pleasant and quick to serve. While enjoying the O'Connell's friendly ambience, you can eat delicious meals from the adjacent restaurant Shillelagh. My date and I were able to order food from the Shillelagh menu, all of which looked delicious, and we were also instructed that we could order anything we wanted, even if it wasn't on the menu. Beside friendly service, games are definite attraction of O'Connell's. There are two pool tables and a shuffleboard table, as well as a few video-game screens at some of the tables. In addition, there are 17 televisions playing several different types of sports. One screen, which featured a Strongman Competition, got a bunch of people in the bar to groan in unison. The groans led me to believe that O'Connell's would be a great place to watch any type of sports game, where the patrons would all get into it together. The digital jukebox played mostly classic rock and 80s rock, along with some of the more upbeat sing-along-while-you're-drinking country songs. There was only a moment of the music being too loud and that was obviously a mistake, as it was quickly turned back down. It was at the right level to rock out to while still being able to hold a conversation without having to yell. There was a pretty steady flow of people, mostly consisting of 30-something and a middle-aged crowd, though there were plenty of people in their 20s making their appearances as well. The younger crowd started to come in after 10 p.m. However, guys, beware. O'Connell's should not be first on your list of where to pick up on the ladies, as men were definitely there in abundance compared to a few women, who mostly seemed to be coupled up, anyway. Don't miss out on O'Connell's. It may not be a romantic or peppy sort of place, but the atmosphere is happy and relaxed, and I can imagine the pep picks up during big games. In spite of living in Huntington Beach, I'll surely find my way there again. read more

I dig it. Oops, that's too few words. Ok, so, order a Jamison's and ginger with ginger rim. Got it? read more

awesome neighborhood bar. kinda dark, kinda divey, very homey. it doesn't get any better than this! one of the first bars in the area to get a liquor license after prohibition. now that's history. inexpensive drinks and they'll serve you right read more

Haven't eaten here but have stumbled in around 7am for the bloody mary's. They are cheap and hit the spot with the pickled green beans they toss in there. Love to chill at this spot and play Photo Hunt. read more

One of my favorite dive bars in Long Beach. Has been for years. Jameson shots for $5 and double bloody Mary's for $4.50??? This place kicks you know what MVP's is also connected so you can get a bomb sandwich while you are having a drink or three so that is always a good thing. Mellow mix of regulars here. All friendly and mellow. Definitely a spot for good times plus they have a parking lot!!! read more

I have been coming to O'Connel's for about a year now, it is one of my favorite dive bars on 4th Street. The place is usually pretty quiet until about 9:30, 10:00 then things pick up and it starts to fill up. The locals are fun and cool, a great place to hang out especially if you are drinking on a budget. Sean the bartender is pretty cool very friendly and fun to watch. Pool tables in the back and a jukebox, lots of TVs so you can keep up on any game going on. Nothing fancy, just a great neighborhood bar where you can relax and enjoy yourself. read more

Local dive bar that offers NFL sunday ticket, cheap happy hour drinks and is adjacent to MVP Grill. There's always a special on bloody mary's and irish whiskey (Jameson). The patrons are generally nice (specifically on Sunday) O'Connells is definitely a fun place to go if you just want a drink and watch football. read more

O'Connell's - a bar with people sitting at the bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

One of my favorite dive bars in Long Beach. Let me stress the DIVE. There is always an interesting mix of characters, especially the bar tender and bar back. The bar back always seems angry and will swipe your drink off the counter if your not keeping an eye on it. I come mostly for the shuffleboard and always seem to have a great time. I would recommend to anyone looking to have cheap drinks, play bar games and that are not expecting anything other than that. read more

Great bar! Check this place out because its a great place to be to have a few beers with friends.. Two pool tables and shuffleboard!!!! they just got a new jukebox in and its great! the bartenders are cool and hilarious! and the prices are good too... worth a visit but definitely hang out in the second room because the bar with the green lights make me dizzy... i dont know about you but all bars should be red, not green! read more