Firstly, I enjoy how the entry is very speakeasy vibes; where you try to find it and you start to feel unsure if this is the entry nicely done. The ambiance of the wooden tables and the total feel was cozy and welcoming. Once seated at the bar, we were greeted immediately by a very awesome Mixologist/Bartender! Amazing banter A+++++ Service The drinks : My Whiskey Sour was delicious, it had the perfect balance of sweet to sour notes. We also had the old fashion yes. May I have another, soo good. And, this place has a couple games to play and on some nights entertainment, which is pretty cool but on this night I only partake playing some pool. Overall, the drinks were crafted wonderfully, and I would recommend this lovely joint! read more

The Blind Donkey - Whiskey Sour....sooooo good... - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

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1 Star - Worst Experience I've Ever Had at a Bar I've been to The Blind Donkey in downtown Long Beach before but what happened last night deserves to be shared. I came here with a friend last night and ordered a blonde beer that tasted completely off -- it genuinely tasted like blue cheese. My friend encouraged me to ask for a replacement since something was clearly wrong with it. When she brought it to the bar, the bartender told her he'd replace it and that it was on the house, but then made her pay for the second drink anyway. If I had known she'd still be charged, I would've just not asked for another drink. When I came up to the bar to clarify why she paid for something he said was comped, the bartender backtracked and said he "didn't mean" that. I asked if they could void the second charge, since this was supposed to be a simple replacement. He kept explaining that he is charging us for this second one because it was not a blonde, it was a white ale. I told him that's fine, but why did he say it was "on the house" and now charging us anyway? He ended up bringing over the manager. The manager was a short, Latino man with a hat on. He was incredibly rude from the moment he arrived explaining the beer was a blonde- which I know what I ordered, but tasted whack. He didn't look at us, didn't listen to anything we were saying, and without asking a single question he grabbed both drinks we paid for and dumped them down the drain. We were stunned -- we paid for both of them and now had nothing. When he came back, I calmly told him we paid for both drinks he just threw out. His response? "Don't expect to come here and get free drinks." Which is wild considering we never asked for anything free -- we were just trying to get the mistaken charge fixed. When I told him he needed to void the drink he dumped, he called security on us. We weren't loud, drunk, or confrontational. Security refused to give us the manager's name, and only one finally whispered "Ken," though at that point it felt like they were just saying anything to get us out the door. I've worked in customer-facing roles before. I understand dive bars aren't known for luxury service, but this wasn't about service -- it was about basic respect, integrity, and not charging customers for drinks you throw away yourself. I'm leaving this review as a Long Beach local, it's saddening to see how a popular bar like The Blind Donkey treats their customers. This was the worst experience I've ever had. read more

The night started out great but towards 1:15am, the female and the short and fat male bartender started acting different, i do not know it is because they got drunk, they did not know their own menu, the female bartender and the male bartender started acting belligerent and saying my Rye-PA is actually $21 because you are paying for a shot and IPA separately but their menu showed the boilmaker had its own price...after i called out they are charging me a beer and shot separately instead of their menu price, they accused me being drunk and ignorant...soooo, order before these idiots get drunk...i ordered the same drink three times and its all different prices if you look at my charges...great ambience, two drunk employees that ruined the night read more

The Blind Donkey - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

Blake, Jose, Leeroy & Valdez could not have been more accommodating. The security outfit at Blind Donkey goes above and beyond to provide a safe and welcoming environment for every patron entering the establishment. Without a doubt in my mind, i can guarantee these gentlemen have nothing but the upmost respect for the patrons, the establishment, and the surrounding buildings. Their dedication to the job speaks for itself read more

Great drinks an so many choices to choose from. Workers was very attentive even when I changed my mind about my drink. Cool read more

The Blind Donkey - Cocktail - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

I neither drink nor am I a regular at bars/clubs but this past Saturday, I decided to check 4 establishments in Downtown Long Beach, The Blind Donkey being one of them. Let's start off by the basics: Great bouncer with a cool attitude. Dude checked my ID, patted me for guns, made small talk, then let me go in. 10/10 customer service (not even kidding, dude was professional and polite). They have a pool table, some darts, the layout is very interesting and the drinks (I had a coke) were reasonably priced, to the point where I tipped the bartender 100% of the bill, lol (not kidding about that one either, cheap soda deserves a big tip). To be able to borrow the darts for the dart boards, you must surrender your ID but the darts themselves are a lot of fun, and the patrons that frequent this place are friendly and approachable, so that makes it even more fun. My friend and I didn't try the pool tables but they seemed fun too. All in all, a great place if you're a local and want to socialize a bit on a random weekend. read more

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The atmosphere was cool and chill. It is a good spot to do karaoke. I didn't have any food. Not sure if they serve any. The bar customer service was good tho. Drinks are a little pricy. I definitely recommend this spot and will definitely be back. read more

We hit up this spot before heading to Petco Park to see Elton John. There was a little wait, obviously. It's super close to the park. They were very quick, food was so tasty and the drinks hit. I'm looking forward to going back again. And the name of the restaurant, who doesn't love donkeys. read more

Let me start with, we are in town just for the night and because of this bar and Leo- we will be coming back to Long Beach. Leo and the other female bartender were both friendly and talkative. The drinks perfect. The drink menu was the perfect mix of old fashion type drinks and new original drinks. Fits the speakeasy vibe perfectly. We are already planning a to back to Long Beach to stay for awhile. read more

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Great drinks, good food, very chill environment, good food and karaoke nights are overall fun. Will definitely be going back.

I'm a regular at blind donkey and it's always a favorite. There is a new bartender named Kale who was great energy! She even sang at karaoke after! If you want a great time with friendly faces this the place to be! Not to mention it's literally underground with a vintage Photo Booth, SO COOL! read more

The Blind Donkey - Vintage Photo Booth - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Have never encountered a more personable bartender and server than I have with Kale. I visited on Tuesday and she served my friends and I the best drinks before we went out for the night. She really made us feel at home, especially since we had some friends visiting from out of the state. 10/10 would recommend to locals and outsiders! read more

I'm leaving this review as a warning to anyone thinking about investing time, energy, and/or money here. A couple friends and I were regulars, and we supported this place consistently only to be banned suddenly because of an emotional decision made by management. What's shocking isn't just the bans itself, but how quickly communication ended. There was no discussion, no chance to clarify, no attempt to resolve anything, just an abrupt cutoff. For people who value building a community, becoming a regular, or spending money in a place you can rely on, coming here on the regular carries a serious risk. If you're just stopping by once or twice, you might be fine. But if you're thinking about making this a regular spot, bring friends, and/or spend any significant money here, know that access and your investment can be taken away suddenly and emotionally without discussion. If you're interested in karaoke in Long Beach, I'd recommend Harvelle's on Tuesday nights in the Promenade, the Hare on Wednesday nights (Broadway and Hermosa), and Gallagher's on Thursday nights (Broadway and Temple). If you're coming to drink and listen to music, I'd recommend The Ordinaire, Harvelle's, The Grasshopper on Anaheim and Locust, and Stache Bar on 4th and Alamitos. read more

A great underground bar. The selection of whiskey is great. Makes a perfect date night or meet up with friends

I can't believe I haven't written a review for this place yet! lol! Wow!! Ok, so I think I came here, for the first time, with a bunch of friends during Covid. It's been years, babes! So, I fell in love with this place and the bar tenders because once you become a regular, they remember your drink of choice. Woohoo! They have a pool table, Photo Booth, the bowling thing, arcade thing, full bar, great music on different nights. My faves are karaoke nights: Sunday and Wednesday nights. Can't compete with other karaoke bars! Trivia night is Tuesday nights. I went with a friend and we won for our first time here on Trivia night! Haven't made it to a happy hour here but maybe someday! Lol! Security is great! Love those guys! So cool! So nice! Drinks are awesome! It's known as a Whiskey bar so try their Whiskey Sour and other drinks! I tend to get vodka soda with pineapple juice! For a few months this year, I quit drinking for 90 days and they were so cool about it! So it's friendly to people who don't drink in the group. I ordered soda water and pineapple juice. Still tipped them! Great for parties, great for singles, great for rockers, hip hop music, country, anything you want! Thanks Blind Donkey! Shout out to V and all the bar tenders and DJs! Love you guys! Oh! Btw... I heard they shot "La La Land" down here... near the last part of the movie. So cool! read more

The Blind Donkey - Just a mom who loves to sing Karaoke when her son is at his dad's - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

Very friendly staff and a nice dive bar. Had a weird dingy smell, but you kinda expect it. Wouldn't call this place a high end cocktail bar. read more

The Blind Donkey - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

The drinks are great, the vibe is chill, friendly. Enough space so you don't feel like sardines. Can't wait to go back.

Worst customer service! The security guards are on some power trip ...Saw 4 of them attacking a young man for no reason!! He was just finishing his drink and security guard confronted him to stop drinking and leave. There was a lot more people there but chose to pick on this kid! Kid said ok hold on and they attacked him. Disgusting!!!! read more

I thought this was a pretty good spot. The drinks were good, the music was great, and the crowd was fun. However, all the games were out of order which was a bummer! Because of that I have to give three stars. read more

The Blind Donkey - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

Great drinks for a great price during their happy hour while chilling and playing some darts. It's a great way to pass some time while waiting for dinner reservations. read more

The Blind Donkey - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

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Going down to a basement bar doesn't sound great but this local bar knows how to craft cocktails. My friend and I had an Old Fashioned and a Dirty Martini. Both excellent and served it old school glasses ie not huge monsters of drinks. You can bring food but don't forget the napkins and silverware! read more

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Great old fashioned! It is a bit too crowded for my taste but they have fun bar games and a knowledgeable staff. It's definitely a bit of a dive bar but fun. read more

I'm a fan of this hip, cool, and dim lit bar! Such cool vibes as soon as you arrive. You have to go downstairs to get to the bar, kind of a speakeasy vibe. The drinks are good and I can recommend their old fashions. There is a security guard at the door checking id's, so make sure you have it. You can play games, take photos at the photo booth, or play pool! Unique bar to say the least! Tip: Parking can get a little tricky since it is downtown LB so make sure you park at one of the structures down the street just to be sure. read more

Great bartender and great (STRONG)drinks. Kind of off the beaten path but definitely worth it. Give it a try. Totally worth it! read more

I've been here many times, and I'm surprised I didn't write a review yet. This is a great place to meet friends for drinks and it's a chill place to be! Drinks are reasonably priced, and they have drink specials. I was not able to make it out here for happy hour yet, but I included a picture of the happy hour menu! The service is good, and the bartender will get to you as soon as they can. They can be busy but they are working hard. This is one of my spots I would check out whenever I am in town! read more

The Blind Donkey - HH Menu - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

Had a great time attending karaoke night with colleagues from work. Withholding 2 stars for how dirty it was. Broken glassware on the floor, floors are really sticky, Fruit garnishes are old and slimy so when they put a lemon in with your drink you do taste that funky rotten fruit taste, bathrooms are not kept up, and the bartender wasn't very friendly. read more

I'm a frequent flyer at the Blind Donkey (despite living in the valley) and it's always a good time, especially for karaoke night. Tonight was my first Halloween at the Blind Donkey. Valdez out front kept us well informed and did his best to keep the line moving without packing folks in like sardines. Much appreciated! Much love to the BD. I'll be back to sing a few tunes! read more

A Long Beach staple. They have a good happy hour and themed music nights. Staff were friendly and we didn't wait long for our drinks. It's a cool vibe there They have some games but most were out of order. Parking can be rough. read more

I have been to this place several times, and every time a different experience awaits cause it invites a crowd on the weekends, and crowds can often change. And when crowd change, the people defining it change too, and sometimes in this natural rotation I hit the gong that vibrates to what makes me giddy, seen, respected, uplifted and made to feel alive!. But before we get to all that, let us start with a ski ball moment that can only be described as a coincidence that is worthy of becoming a lore that proves that bar magic is real. Like when Barney got a pencil in his nose when him and his friends were bouncing pencils of tables using the rubber erases as the launch pad. Where are my "How I Met your Mother" fans at? Probably at Blind Donkey this place gets packed. So I walk over to my friend who is playing ski ball. I take him a tequila drink. He takes it. I take my turn, and just with wild abandon-- in the name of fun-- I throw my first ball, recklessly, like I was just playing an inconsequetial game or something. And boom! It lands on the 100 hole. The hardest hole to get the ball into. I was tipsy, I was rushed, I was just shooting without thought and skill, and I effortlessly make the score! Proof that magic is real. Nah, I know I am being silly. But those are the types of moment that happen when you are happily drunk, with a bud, in a bar that has much to entertain you. That is what happens when you go out and are lucky enough to live in the moment. I am not much of a drinker. So when I do drink, I have to put tequila shots into sprite so I do not feel the burn of liquor. So I gravitate toward super sweet drinks. I told this to the bartender and she made me a blueberry drink that I absolutely love. As I was walking, dancing, and seeing I get recognized by my bartender of choice, the bartender of my local watering hole . Yes the same night where I made the ball without trying and he asked me for the recipe after I gushed to him about my drink. I don't know, I do not get recipes when I order drinks. But I wanted the blueberry drink anew, so I went to the bartender of the Blind Donkey-- one of many--- and she typed the recipe into my phone. She made sure that i liked the drink before she put the recipe in my phone. That was kindness. That was service. That was me being seen, heard and respected, because.... well I am not sure, just cause I was someone having a good time, and she maybe knew that a no would stop me from vibing and celebrating a typical Friday night. She really played along and made me feel like what I said matter. I should have gotten her name. I hope she sees this review for what she did mattered. I now have the recipe that I can take to my regular bartender. When I showed him the recipe he said "I could do that." We shall see. But I am excited to see if he can match the love of first sip I experienced. This same night, I saw a young man who was white, a bit pale, and kind of cute with har that was messy by intent. I stopped him, he bend over to hear my words. Are you a fan of twilight, I asked? He said not really, but I know of the books. He said something close to that. I said, you look like a Cullen. He said those are the vampires? I said yes. He said thank you I guess. I pulled him again and explained that the Cullens are predators and they are beautiful to attract their prey. He heard me. He thanked me. He understood and he made me feel like my words were well placed for the night. I flattered him with clear and concise language that i used to explain a concept he was familiar with on a base level but not really. The place has dancing. This same night, Dancing Queen came on. I got lost in the moment. I was, in a way, the dancing queen. I danced. Not in the middle of the dance floor. I danced in my own little space. I did not care. I got lost in the vibe. I danced like no one was looking. I was another member of the blob. But I was another member of the magic. I was not seen, I was seen, all was allowed by the crowd. There is also pool here. I have met people playing pool. I have been engaged by them. I have been made to feel like my presence at that bar added to the experience of others, only for that night though cause I have not met anyone at the bar and seen them outside the bar another day. This place offers possibility. If you are willing to take it. I mean at the end of the day, we are all responsible for making our own magic, not just depending on the universe to give it to us. This place helps-- you know cause of the crowds. read more

Cocktails aren't made yummy here but love coming for the atmosphere and karoke nights

Great spot to hang out and play a bit of shuffle board...or sing karaoke! Great local spot...underground. Parking can be a bit crazy...as long as you don't mind walking a bit... read more

My best friend and I went here on a Friday night. Security checked us at the front and then we walked down some stairs to the bar. It was pretty packed. We were able to finally order some drinks after a seat at the bar opened up. We ordered a lemon drop and, I believe it was called the master and the margarita, and the bartenders were pretty quick with it. The bartenders seemed really nice as well. The drinks here are pretty cheap from what we noticed. They have a small photo booth and some games to play like pool and skee-ball. After a bit, we noticed that this bar attracts more of an older crowd and we didn't really vibe with the music either. We knew about 3 songs if I had to guess. The music sounded mainly early 2000s or 1990s. We were there till almost closing and the Dj stopped playing music before then. read more

The Blind Donkey - Lemon Drop and The Master and the Margarita - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

Love this place ! Especially on Tuesdays is Goth night with Karaoke! Also because they have a pool table and a good old fashioned read more

Stopped off here for a nightcap after seeing it a week ago. Honestly, a pretty cool speakeasy bar. The crowd was pretty cool, a younger hipster crowd. It was busy which made it more lively. Drinks were flowing. Bartender was amazing and quite friendly. Did check up on us quite often to see if we needed anything. It's downstairs so that dark bar underground vibe was happening. They did have a few games, skee ball and a Photo Booth. Happy hour was offered certain time. read more

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While I had a great time inside the establishment. I will say the bald bearded security guard who showed up around 11pm on 9/3 is incredibly rude and disrespectful. He told us, 4 ladies not from the area, to walk to the corner to get picked up my our uber. While outside with my friends talking, he obnoxiously yelled shut the fuck up to us while on a public street. Our uber showed up and picked us up right in front of the bar, contradictory to what this bald bearded excuse of a man said. Last time I checked security was supposed to provide safety to those who are vulnerable. The only reason I won't return or recommend this place is because of this particular guard. Extremely rude, disrespectful, and the opposite of how a security guard should act. read more

My husband and I moved to Long Beach and he went to have a drink at the blind donkey and honestly I think they are all donkeys there. 1:30 the security comes and asks my husband to leave while he was doing nothing just finishing his drink he was not like drunk or anything he was minding his business and the bar was still full of other people finishing their drinks out of all those people he came to harass my husband so my husband told him ok I'm just going to finish my drink and then the security guard took his drink so of course my husband got mad they fought and pepper sprayed him like if he was trash while just what he was wearing was worth their weekly pay. Probably they hated on him because he is a good looking man and I know my husband he never fights with people. And after he went to seven 11 there and the people there told him hey don't go there it's a sketchy bar. So yall be careful don't go there they treat people like trash and no customer service at all. read more

The hippest place in Long Beach. The Blind Donkey is an underground dive-esque-bar in downtown. It's dark, small, and grunge-y.. giving off total Seattle vibes. I visited a few days ago for a post holiday party. This bar was wall to wall with LB locals and other party goers. We ordered a round of Jameson and ginger ale and went to town on the dance floor. The DJ specialized in 90's rap / hip-hop and did a great job of reading the crowd. While this bar is on the narrow side, there's still a good amount of space to roam. They even have booth seating along the edges if you're looking to stick to one area. With a full skee-ball set up in the corner, your experience here is guaranteed to be memorable. read more

Went to this bar for the FIRST time lastnight for my cousins bday, it was about myself and 3 other girls. We went up to the bar to order some drinks, there was very little room, so my sister and I stood behind my cousin and her friend who was ordering. The bar tender was so impatient and rude. My cousins friend placed her order, my cousin looked back to ask my sister what her order was and the bar tender walks away, proceeds to make the drink that was ordered before allowing my cousin to place her. The bar tender comes back to us and hands the drink to a friend my cousin informs her she wasn't done ordering and the bartender tells her well you walked away. My cousin says no I asked behind me if anyone else wanted to order so it can all be together and the bartender told her well you took so long now I have to go back and forth.... She proceeds to take the order brings back the drinks and my cousin tells her thanks that's all that had to be done you don't have to be rude about it. Mind you this girl is a BARTENDER... that's literally your JOB! the bartender states getting so rude and ghetto yelling at my cousin telling her she's not rude and we are wasting her time because she has to keep going back and forth and my was pointing in my cousins face literally yelling I was about to here here even with the DJ not being too far behind me. My cousin is telling her she's out of line can she speak with the manager, the bartender then yells again "I am the manager" in my cousins face! She then GRABS the drinks back out of my cousins hands and says no you know what no...and gets the security and tells him to escort us out. How embarrassing....Mind you... we have been there for only about an hour. 2nd drink order. This bartender was so out of pocket. If you can't handle taking orders, making drinks going back and forth for your customers you are in the wrong field. And on top of that she was a "manager" like where are you customer service skills lady! We were still charged for the drinks even after she rudely grabbed them and kicked us out. Thanks Vee- manager/ bartender at Blind Donkey for showing us such a great experience at this place! Such a joke. read more

Love going to this bar to play darts! Although, the dj needs to play better songs and needs to be more cohesive lol. Love yall!

I came here with a group of friends for Tuesday night trivia. On the weekdays, happy hour lasts until 8pm, and even without that, the drinks were quite affordable. $5 on select draft beers during happy hour. Trivia was good; 7 shorter rounds that lasted about two hours in total. Not super easy and not super hard; just right! read more