My favorite bar, favorite people and favorite energy. Hands down the place to be if you want fun night.

The Blind Donkey is located below the hotel we were staying at so we couldn't pass up an opportunity to check it out. We stopped by on a Wednesday evening which is also karaoke night so the energy was high and the place was PACKED. It was fun, but super hard to get a drink because there were only three bartenders working. By the time you made it through the wall of people to the bar, it was so loud that it was almost impossible to communicate your order. People were living for karaoke and it definitely seems to be on a regular rotation for some of the patrons. The Blind Donkey is definitely a place that you need to check out if you are in town and want a fun evening. read more

The drinks were expertly crafted, offering a smooth, well-balanced flavor that didn't taste overly strong while still packing a noticeable kick. The service was equally impressive--our order was taken as soon as we stepped up to the bar, and the staff remained friendly, attentive, and efficient throughout our visit. Inside the ambience is dark and alluring, with candle- lit tables and a gothic aesthetic that feels both mysterious and inviting. The quick service, quality cocktails, and gothic ambiance made for a great overall experience. read more

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

I've had a great time every time I've stopped by The Blind Donkey in Long Beach. The atmosphere is fun, the drinks are solid, and there's always a good crowd without feeling overwhelming. What really stood out was the security team. Mohammad, Blake, and Jose were professional, friendly, and made everyone feel welcome while keeping the place safe. They struck the perfect balance between being approachable and on top of things, which made for a relaxed night out. It's nice to enjoy yourself knowing the staff genuinely cares about everyone's experience. I had a fantastic evening and will definitely be back again soon. Highly recommend! read more

I like and dislike things about The Blind Donkey so I'm giving them 3 stars. It has a really cool location downstairs like some old - timey basement bar. The bartenders and security/bouncers are super friendly and really chill. We never fought for service or waited long to get a drink. However, it's DUSTY AF in there and you can see the thick layers of it in the dark. I ordered a classic extra dirty gin martini with 3 olives and it was less than subpar. It's definitely not like other bars in the area so it makes for a experience but it's one I probably only need once. read more

Kale and Jen make some of the best drinks in Long Beach!! No matter how busy they are on top of it! Will come back for the service alone!

THE BLIND DONKEY IS NOT SAFE FOR TRANS PEOPLE. Last night (6/28) between 10-11pm, my trans boyfriend was followed into the men's bathroom by a security guard who started aggressively yelling at them for using the "wrong" bathroom. The security guard asked extremely inappropriate questions like "aren't you a lady?" and "what bathroom do you usually use?". Anytime my boyfriend responded, he yelled more and threatened to kick him out. This was a deeply upsetting situation. We were there for a friend's birthday and we left immediately after the incident. We definitely will NOT be returning to the Blind Donkey. We also suggest our queer and trans friends and community avoid this place too! The Blind Donkey needs to do better with educating and welcoming people of all genders. For good karaoke in a queer & trans friendly place, we recommend Silver Fox! 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

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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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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I'm sorry Dave and John. Your bar tenders are charging for old forester old fashions and serving old rivenbark. They are giving free drinks to their friends at the bar and ignoring paying customers. Check your security footage. People check your bill. 10 years. Coming here and I will never be back. Remember $$$ keeps the doors open. I promise. Mark my words. I will miss you donkey. read more

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.

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

Went on a Saturday night. Super busy and the dj was pretty good. Drinks were kind of limited and pricey, even for Long Beach. It was less bar and lounge and more nightclub. I felt like I was back in college. Would have been more fun if I knew what I was getting before hand but still enjoyable. Would return but with different expectations. read more

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

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

Wonderful place to come with your friends on karaoke night. it will be easier if come early

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

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

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

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

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

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

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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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 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

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

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