Sake Secret is absolutely fantastic. As a sake drinker I felt like I was in a candy shop. They have so many different types of sake from different regions from Japan. We came here on a Saturday right when they open at 1pm. Yuki was our server that day amd he was very welcoming sake expert. You and ask him what kind a sake you like ( from Dry, Sweet, Fruity or in Between) and he'll find you one. The cool part is that you can bring your own food, for us we picked up some poke and we ask Yuki to pair it some sake with it. Bedside that we did a few sake flight tasting which delicious and a few more full pour sake tasting. I even brought a few bottles home. Overall, Sake Secret is truly a gem, if you'll seeking to taste exquisite sake from all over Japan. I highly recommend getting them visit if you love sake. Until our next visit. read more

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Located in Downtown Long Beach off Pine Ave, Sake Secret is a sake shop with sake tastings. They have some limited offerings for food pairings. I really enjoyed my experience here as I was able to taste several sakes that had smooth, sweet, and fruity flavors. Greg, owner of Sake Secret, is very helpful and knowledgeable, and I learned a lot about sake during my visit. It was cool to hear about what makes sake different than other wine/spirits. A great day to come by is on Wednesdays from 4p-7p, where you can have a complimentary sake tasting. The cool thing is that this shop has different distributers visiting weekly, so every Wednesday is different. Cost for their regular sake tastings are reasonable and, if you have an interest in learning about sake, the experience and expertise they offer is a no-brainer. read more

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I'm almost afraid to write this review fearing this place will get too packed, but we don't gatekeep around here. Sake Secret is Long Beach's best kept secret. This unassuming little spot only has maybe a dozen seats, but there is standing room. On Wednesdays they have free 3-flight sake tastings that rotate every week. Every other day you can buy a bottle and drink it there or take it home. There's a huge selection of bottles from individual size to fancy big bottles to share. There's definitely something for everyone. The best experience is to buy a bottle, have a seat, and drink it there. The crowd is always super friendly and the staff is very knowledgeable. You'll feel like a regular on your first visit. This is a truly unique place and such a fun experience! read more

SAKE SECRET - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

Greg, the owner of Sake Secret, is the most knowledgeable about all things sake. I've been a few times now and enjoy simply talking with him about each bottle and the differences in clarity of sake. He has an extensive array of offerings at a range of prices, and his tastings are well priced as well. On quite a few Wednesdays throughout the month he'll bring in various producers for free tastings and the first week of every month he offers a discounted $10 flight. If the two line up, you're in great shape! This is a nice place to spend an hour or so that differs from your usual bar or brewery scene. read more

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STEPH JUDGEMENT: Amazing array of sake, served by friendly, knowledgeable staff. We were lured in by the "free sake tasting" sign outside while cruising around downtown Long Beach on a Wednesday evening. Turns out it's a regular thing every Wednesday here! They were already pretty full when we walked in, but luckily there were two open seats at the bar. The place felt cozy and convivial, and we felt at ease right away, even though it seemed like most of the people there were regulars. We of course started things off with the free tasting: the rep from Kenbishi sake was there, straight outta Japan, and we got to try three different sakes from them--all great! Greg Beck, the proprietor, was awesome, answering all our questions and giving us helpful recommendations. After the tasting we decided to go for their White belt flight. As the name implies, it's a nice introductory flight for sake noobs like us. They have a bunch of other flights to choose from, if you're not sure what to get. We're now fans and are definitely planning on coming back! read more

I've been eyeing Sake Secret for a few months now and it wasn't until last month that I got around to visiting the brick and mortar location. I'm glad I finally went because it's been a spot that a spot that I've been returning to lately. Greg has managed to create an environment that's welcoming to new sake drinkers and regulars alike, while remaining really informational about the different types of sake. I would say I was a beginner drinker before I started going to Sake Secret regularly. But through trying some of the free tastings(some of which he invites breweries from Japan), and recommendations from him and other bartenders, I have a better idea of what types of sake I like. Although, I'm still working on developing my personal taste for sake, that just means I need to stop by more often haha read more

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Sakè Secret may not be a secret any longer finding a permanent store front on Pine Street. It started as a kick start party and pop up at the Long Beach Beer Lab in October 2022. Its infamous Long Beach Sakè Day Fest in the park usually occurs in October so peruse info on their website closer to the date.  Greg Beck, owner, Sakè sommelier, entrepreneur, promoter, has a sharp photographic memory that serves him well in curating winning, premium Sakè (sah keh) as well as recognizing people not seen dating back years in the Sakè Weltanschauung. I participated in his Half Way to Long Beach Sakè Day Fest in June 2024, and it didn't disappoint. Nama Zakè Paul of Portland, Oregon was a good natured, "big presence" at this event.  Specialized Nama Zakè selection was most impressive and rather rare to find in the U.S. since it contains live yeast & Kōji so must be continuously refrigerated to avoid spoilage much like Mexican Pulque. The Èchigo Minè no Haku Bai Shuzō's Junmai Daiginjō Nama Zakè was memorable for its fruity, slightly frizzante freshness.   Sakè sommelier Beck did a broad spectrum of Sakè to appeal to all from congnoscenti to the getting their feet wet novices. Brian of SIPT Global LLC, Buena Park, CA was there with all his refined charm and hospitable demeanor helping to pour the ambrosia of the Gods.  Just outside was Smok Moc Yakitori, which will be opening in the city of Lomita in mid-2024, bbqing Japanese food over live charcoals to feed the hungry after 2 hours of Sakè tasting.   Sakè Secret is truly a gem when seeking to sample exquisite Sakè and then deciding what bottles of satisfying Sakè to obtain under advisement & elucidation by Greg to make for a curated experience.  5 stars read more

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I don't drink much anymore, but I wanted to try this place because it's truly one of a kind in the area. Although I'm not very knowledgeable about sake, the owner is a sake sommelier who clearly knows his stuff. You can tell he's incredibly passionate about it, and he even lived in Japan for many years. The atmosphere was perfect for a casual date night or just hanging out with your friends enjoying sake. I especially loved the sake flights, which I'd never tried before. It's easier to understand the different taste of sake when it's side by side. The daiginjo flight was amazing. Thanks for teaching us all about the world of sake. We had a blast! read more

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This is a great downtown neighborhood friendly location. They got a variety of different types of high quality sake. Even you are not into Sake you'll pyrobably find something according to your taste. Nice Sake and great specials. Sweet owner! read more

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Just recently found out about this spot and had a really cool experience for my first time. It's an intimate setting of a bar, where you can enjoy your choice of plentiful flight options. I went with the "meat and cheese plate" flight as recommended by Greg after sharing with him my drink taste preferences- and they surely did not disappoint. I honestly enjoyed all three of the tasters very much but one of them I almost want to go back and buy a bottle. As you can see by my pics, they are honest pours as well. "The works" cheese and meat plate paired really well with the flight. It is crafted by a local cheese shop la Vache; the box was super small but tbh it was just enough for us. The cheese was SO GOOD. (I don't eat meat so I can't say anything about that part of the box). Greg was super nice and welcoming and clearly very knowledgeable and passionate about sake. This place also offers merch and an entire wall of refrigerated variety of sake bottles to purchase. Quite mesmerizing, I hope to try many of them over this next year. read more

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The Coolest Spot around!!!! So many handpicked exclusive Sake from Japan!!!!! The party spot!!!! Find the coolest next sake brand here!!! Drink more sake today!! read more

What a wonderful place. Fiance and I heard about Greg from the sake sisters. Such a friendly atmosphere here and a community like experience. The staff and regulars are very knowledgeable like Evan and Remedy. This place had a steady flow of people either drinking in or taking a bottle to go. Such a wide selection and sake is enjoyable hot or cold. I personally don't experience any hangovers and it definitely gets you places after a bottle. Remedy is super kawaii, personable, knowledgeable and a great multitasker taking care of servings, recommendations and checking people out for their to go's. Definitely not a place for large groups, they have about 7-8 seats at the bar for pour? But definitely a wide selection of sake from bottle to single serve size and pottery as well as snacks. They also offer two tap beers. Park in the parking structure or st if available. read more

SAKE SECRET - US made sake w: tea notes - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

Absolutely love this place! It's a small bar and shop that offers a wide variety of sake and some Japanese beers. The owner and staff are very knowledgeable and take the time to chat and answer any questions you may have. The atmosphere is very relaxed with bar seating only. Dogs are welcomed. Highly recommend! They offer free sake tastings on Wednesdays from 4-7pm which is a great introduction to sake if you are not very familiar. read more

A FANTASTIC experience - my friend and I found Greg to be extremely knowledgeable and cordial. The flights were well designed and offerings had broad flavor and smell profiles. We got a Fancy Stuff and American flight and enjoyed both - plus it was fascinating to see the different styles and offerings between Japan and the US. There's several fridges and shelves of sake bottles for purchase all at a reasonable price. Appointments are recommended as there are only 5-6 bar seats and a 4 top. Go here and learn, enjoy, and savor sake! read more

SAKE SECRET - Fancy stuff & American selection March 2024 - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

If you like to learn as much as detail about the art of sake making and tasting, this is the place. Been hearing a lot of good things about Sake Secret across various Long Beach centric news articles for the past few months, so finally had a chance to stop in. There is a neighbor sushi restaurant that sponsors sushi making classes, so I mistakenly thought the two businesses were related (they are not). We had gotten gifts of different sake for Christmas, so came early on a late Saturday morning to say Hi and see if I could learn (of course, I forgot to take pictures of the bottles). Greg is the proprietor of Sake Secret and is the guy that will most likely be there if you stop in. I was the only customer, so felt OK taking up his time a bit. My first starting off question was about tasting and proper temperature, and it went from there. He was super knowledgeable and was very, very good at sharing that knowledge in a practical way. I learned a lot, We needed to purchase some house gifts, so went with two bottles: one meant to be drunk warm (Suehiro Densho Yamahai Junmai $35) and one drunk chilled (HeavenSake JG $45 which came in a gorgeous aqua bottle, whose color reminded me of a vodka bottle we bought from Ocean Organic in Maui). I did get a chance to taste the Junmai with friends for New Years, properly warming it up first. We all really enjoyed it, and this might become a tradition for us. As seen by other reviews, this is a place that Sake aficionados would drive quite a ways to get to, and its location is a nice fit between Los Angeles and Orange Counties. We will make it a point to stop in again in '24, to learn more (and hopefully partake during the Wed happy hour tasting). Super happy (and proud) that Greg chose DTLB for his passion. read more

SAKE SECRET - Flights - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I am sure you have had beer and wine tasting... but what about Sake ? This is the ONLY Sake tasting place in LA at the moment. The owner Greg is a Sake Sommelier and had spent a while in Japan to study for it. Sake: We had the "Natsu Know You, Good Bye!" and the Afuri "Falling Rain" Muroka Nama Genshu flights. Greg was very knowledgeable explaining the history, differences, and uniqueness of each sake we had. If you would like, you could also purchase a bottle of sake at retail price after tasting. There's a couple of fridges stocked up for to-go if you already know what to get. These sake selections are vetted by the owner and there should be no bad choices. It comes down to your preference. This place also Charcuterie board and a bunch of Japanese snacks to go with the Sake. My favorite is probably the smoked flavored squid snack. Greg is passionate and we had learned a lot about Sake. Ambiance: At the time, there weren't many people. The store is neat and clean. You can park at the public structures nearby and first two hours are free. It's in the heart of Downtown Long Beach so plenty of food places around. I am coming back to this place for sure to try out other flights ! read more

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Greg is the man! I'm so happy for him and the new business! We first went when he was in Long Beach Beer Lab Brewery working 14 hour days. He would work in the morning at the brewery, then head over to the little corner of the brewery for his intimate sake bar experience. PARKING sucks around the area but HAVE NO FEAR! Parking structure has first 2 hour free parking! My gf and I had a short walk around the corner. Definitely ALWAYS check his IG because he'll have special events and tastings! We happened to be in the area and he also had a free sake flight tasting! Greg is SO knowledgeable about every sake brewery and the entire process. We didn't get any food but there are also food pairings with it! We tried 3 different sake's and ended up buying a bottle for our friends! Will ABSOLUTELY come back to learn more and experience different sake's that you'd never see in restaurants. Also feel free to disk golf with him! read more

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An absolute must-visit when in Long Beach. You may already have an idea of where to drink on a night in DTLB, but Sake Secret offers a completely one-of-a-kind experience that fits perfectly with any night of the week. There's a massive selection of sake and shochu. The owner represents one of Long Beach's finest assets: that super-passionate small business owner who makes it their mission to put you onto something great. Exceptional quality drinks here. Tasting flights can come with a cheese & cured meats pairing that you might expect from a Napa Valley wine tasting. We also got a crash course in sake brewing, the different flavor profiles, and even some expert travel tips for visiting Japan. The shop is quiet and well-lit, feeling more like a shop than a bar. Sometimes there's music playing from a record player. Tips are not accepted, but if you're like most visitors and feel the overwhelming need to show gratitude by the end of your visit: buy a couple bottles for the road. The prices here are great and the selection is way more expansive than what you can expect from major liquor retailers or corner stores. Overall this is a solid pick for date night and I can't wait to bring everyone I know here. read more

SAKE SECRET - Tasting Flight, Feb. 2025 - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

Amazing service and ambiance. Greg really knows his sake. We called ahead and he was okay with us bringing outside food. He even gave us several sake pairings to go with what we brought in. Great overall experience. Also lots of parking in the nearby garages read more

Cute, cozy little place to stop in and taste some great sake. Friendly and helpful staff along with some great at finds at a decent price.

I recently discovered Sake Secret by word of mouth and looking at their event page, I noted a special sake tasting for this past Tuesday night. (They have regular sake tastings on Wednesdays, I believe.). Greg, the owner, who happened to be celebrating his 40th birthday had two brewers in: : Nakao Shuzo AND Kameizumi Shuzo. We tasted 5 sakes, which is not necessarily standard. This was definitely a special event, was full, and Greg did a great job. Greg apparently lived in Japan for over 5 years and acquired a good command of the language and culture. We/I learned several things about sake differences: Level of polished rice, fermentation, and filtration. Although Sake Secret does not serve food - this is not a restaurant but a 'tasting' and sake store. One can purchase a variety of Japanese snacks while imbibing. I was also told one could bring in food but I would be courteous about it. Check out Sake Secret's calendar, pop in, enjoy and take home a bottle of good sake! read more

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Fabulous sake specialty store in Long Beach. You can find some terrific selections here and if you're looking for something specific that they don't carry, the owner will keep your order for his next supply order. They host tastings and pop ups so go check them out! read more

Wanted to try something different and this was the closest place. The bar tender was great. He made some solid recommendations that all my friends enjoyed. Looking forward to coming back to actually sit and enjoy some glasses of quality sake. It's small but a cool vibe for a small party. read more

EVERYTHING SAKE! Lovely service. Unbelievable selections. I still want to try a tasting.

I have been dying to go here! Finally made the trip. I love the variety of sakes yoo can try. Prices are right for a flight, as well as if you want to shop for bottles. I highly recommend this spot whether you're new to sake or want to branch out. Greg is knowledgeable and will walk you through your flight, giving you a brief rundown of what you are about to taste, some highlights about the brewery associated with the sake. Not sure what you want to try? I am pretty sure he can recommend you delicious choices based on your palette. Can't wait to go back for proper tasting events as well as the annual LB Sake Day. read more

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This is one of several reviews that it's silly has taken me this long to write, after having been a fan since they opened (in this case, really, since *before* they opened - I'd been following Sake Secret since their time as a secret back bar inside LB Beer Lab.) Admittedly, I'm slightly biased - I don't have any *money* in the business, but I did put a bunch into their Kickstarter, when I heard they were moving from across town to just a few blocks away. But I also put a bunch in because, in addition to being down the street, Greg, the owner/founder/person who's always there (unless he's on vacation, most likely to Japan), in addition to being just a really great guy, probably knows more about sake than anyone else in the US, and it's really cool having a resource like that, right here (don't fact-check me on this, I don't know everyone in the US and their knowledge of sake. His knowledge is pretty vast, though.) Anyway, the new menu setup is a little different - they have a "beginner" flight that looks like it won't change as often, a fancy daiginjo flight, and a couple more seasonal flights (four pours for $15-25, depending.) They also have a *huge* fridge of sakes, from inexpensive cups for under $10, to rare bottles for hundreds (they have plenty that are very pricey, but also plenty that are quite affordable) - you can buy bottles to go, or can also open and drink here for the same price, which is pretty neat. Of course, Greg is also always excited to help people pick out sake from, again, quite a collection. (As one of his Kickstarter backers, I've gotten to try a good number of them, and yeah, everything I've tried has been great. Greg knows what he's doing.) Also, speaking of getting to try a bunch, they also do free tastings on Wednesdays from 4-6 as of right now, and the one I went to last week, they were *not* pouring the cheap stuff. I do also love the snack setup - they have quite a selection of fun imported Japanese snacks, which I got to try all of at the Kickstarter party, too. Favorites would probably be a tie between the smoked squid snacks (I think they're great, though opinions on those are somewhat divided), and both flavors of corn puffs (one is Japanese curry flavor, the other is literally corn flavored corn puffs, which seems like cheating, but they're addictive.) They also have cheese boxes from a local fancy cheese store - much pricier than the snacks, but the cheese is wonderful, and goes great with sake. (They even have a flight specifically picked to pair with their charcuterie, which is a neat touch.) In addition to the main bar/tasting room area, they also frequently have paid events in their back room event space (which comfortably fits about a dozen), with a really nice, real tatami mat (though, to be fair, while it looks cool, it is slightly less comfortable to sit through a whole class). Cool classes, though - a couple weeks ago, for instance, I learned a ton about awamori, a very old style of shochu, and got to try several that literally haven't even been exported out of Japan anywhere yet. And they just started running fancy sake pairing dinners a couple times a month, from different rotating chefs (I'm going to their first sushi pairing tonight, actually, which I'm quite excited about.) So yeah. Really quite happy Greg decided to open this shop in Long Beach, and especially glad he opened so close to us. Our sake needs will never go un-met now. read more

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Greg is such a knowledgeable and chill guy. Each sake he recommended was great and at a good price. read more

SAKE SECRET - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

I had discovered this store from Instagram. As an avid sake enthusiast, I was excited to find a place that specialized in the sale of sake in Southern California. We decided to come by during their 'Knives Out' event on a Saturday. They stated they would be open from 2 pm - 6 pm. However, when we arrived around 2 pm, the store was closed and doors were locked. There was no signage stating there would be a delay and no communication on any social media. The worst part of it all was the vendors for the event were with all of their equipment and products waiting for the business to open as well. The vendors even expressed that they had a lot to set up, but they weren't even let in early to go in. In fact, there was nobody in the store at all. We all waited for more than 15 minutes with no communication from the business at all. We weren't even sure if the event was still going to happen. We ended up leaving 20 minutes after. It blows my mind that a business can operate like this. I think it's pretty ironic that a business that sells Japanese goods ended up late and non-communicative. I truly believe it's such a shame and a disservice to not only your customers but to the vendors that work with you too. read more

As a sake enjoyer, I seek out places where there's a nice selection and it's a plus if I'm able to learn more about it too. So I made the trek to LB to try out this spot as a walk-in. Greg was super helpful with recommendations when I told him my preferences. Imagine my surprised pikachu face when I curiously asked if he had any sake from Fukushima and he gestured to a huge promo banner for Fukushima that was hidden from my view hah! My knowledge had been broadened that day and there were other walk-ins like me excitedly sharing our favorite sake. Other quirky things that I got a kick out of: they have a cat mascot named Kanpai and a unique challenge coin instead of issuing out gift cards. It's close to winter so they're selling a Sake Advent Calendar. I can't wait to try it this upcoming December! read more

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This place is so good it won't be a secret for too long. The owner is incredibly knowledgeable and generous. It was a wonderful, info-packed, and very tasty time. I left with my head buzzing with information though no doubt the sake tasting flights helped with that. We will be back for sure! read more

SAKE SECRET - Two sake tasting flights and a menu of more tantalizing options! - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

Amazing service and overview for newcomers. Good variety and the samplers were great. Bar and drinks for purchase.

What a fantastic hidden gem. Go for the expertise of learning everything about sake. Super affordable and the flights options give you a good idea of what to buy. Will be back again. read more

SAKE SECRET - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

Greg knows his stuff. Full stop. I LOVE THIS PLACE. We take all out friends who are visiting here. While it looks unassuming from outside its a true hidden gem. Greg ( I called him Gray for a full year... Oops) knows so much about sake and will find the perfect sake for you. Pro tip: grab sushi from next door and bring it in to sake secret for a great dinner. read more

Booked Sake Secret sake tasting room for my husbands birthday party and had an amazing experience. The owner personally poured our group of fifteen guests six different kinds of sake and gave a really good explanation about what each one was and where it came from. And they were all delicious!! The space itself was super cool too with a traditional (low) Japanese table with tatami mats on the floor. Overall a great experience and 10/10 would recommend. read more

SAKE SECRET - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

Best selection in Southern CA; amazing owner and great vibes! Greg is happy to teach you all about sake!

We tried the cool summer flight of sake and enjoyed all 4. The conversation with the owner was also great. He had lived in Japan and knew a lot about sake. The decor was simple but nice with a huge cat themed mural on the wall. We took a bottle home that was reasonably priced. We'll be back. read more

SAKE SECRET - Beer, Wine & Spirits Near Me - Long Beach, California

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I believe this is the only one restaurant that have a Sake bar in the Brewery. We can enjoy fifty kinds of sake from Japan!! I ordered a house-made Margherita pizza that was actually one of the best pizza in LA! It good much with Chika Sake Cup, smooth and refreshing sake. read more

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10/10 would drink again. Have been to this place 3 times now and every time it has been a great experience. Greg is great at suggesting sakes to match flavor profile preferences. Every time I have been, the menu has changed with seasonal items. read more

Great place for sake. The owner is very friendly always smiling and knows what makes a good sake. I have trusted him to give me his picks and man let me tell you what he chose for me was delicious. The place is very homey and you will feel welcomed when you stop in. Can't wait to come back read more

Tucked away discreetly, this sake bar is a hidden gem offering an intimate setting and an impressive selection of sake. Ideal for a delightful and relaxed evening of exploration and enjoyment in Japanese culture. read more