Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Lighthouse Cafe

    3.6 (472 reviews)
    Closed 12:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)
    Updated 3 months ago

    The Lighthouse Cafe Photos

    THE LIGHTHOUSE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Live music
    Loud
    Good for dancing

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Lighthouse Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Zeppelin Revisited NOV2025
    Franklin M.

    Old school since 1940. I bought tickets to see the Led Zeppelin tribute band Zeppelin Revisited playing here with an early show on a Sunday afternoon. The bar restaurant has a small stage but it's roomy enough for the band members to move around. The place got busy with only standing room available. The sound was great and the bar service was awesome by the young bartender girls quickly making the drink orders.

    Back of building
    Mckenna B.

    Came here as a huge La La Land fan and was not disappointed. We arrived right when they opened at 4 on a cooler, misty day so we were the only people in the restaurant. Got to sit right where Mia and Seb sat by the stage- loved that. Had the grilled cheese and tomato soup which was so cozy and satisfying. The windows were open, so we enjoyed the sounds of a performer out front on the patio. If you also love the movie, you gotta check out the memorabilia by the bathroom and the back of the building.

    Lindsay W.

    I feel so grateful to live next to lighthouse cafe. The music is amazing and the ambiance and music on Monday jazz night is why I come week after week. Monday nights 8-11 definitely come check it out

    Sticky Toffee Cake
    Bethany L.

    Live music was fun, lively local spot and attentive service. Sticky toffee pudding is so good (:

    Victoria H.

    it was SO cool to eat here as La La Land fans--that alone makes this experience a must. everyone looked like they were having fun and the live music was amazing. the food was nothing special. we got burgers and i couldn't finish it because i thought the texture was weird :/ service was also quite slow. and the menus smelled bad. BUT overall i would recommend it! it's also in a great area and you can walk along the pier after (also in La La Land!).

    Ted T.

    Huge La La Land (2016) fan and I've always wanted to visit. I was in the area and had an hour to kill so I stopped by at around 4:15 when they were just opening. The place was great, my server was awesome, the food was pretty good (Cobb Salad and animal fries), and I liked how they gave me a big bottle of water with my food. Also the parking was easy and I was in movie heaven because the location was so prominent in the film. I took a lot of pictures and would definitely bring visitors here. Oh and they had some live music, even at 5pm, and I loved that too. Would be a fun place to hear music - I can see why it's an iconic jazz club with an amazing history. Great experience.

    Live jazz
    Taylor J.

    What a beautiful little visit to The Lighthouse Cafe! I feel like a criminal for waiting as long as I did to come down to this venue. I am a jazz enthusiast! I have ventured to so many venues throughout the city in search of great jazz music. I never venture farther than LAX for good music, but I took the plunge and headed down to Hermosa beach to see how the lighthouse did its thing. Pro tip: Arrive early. I arrived at 9pm (jazz starts at 8pm on Mondays) I was lucky enough to snag a table after awkwardly standing around for a bit, but I was totally stealthy in my approach. For next time, I'll arrive earlier and snag one of the coveted seats at the bar; those were in perfect view of the band. The music was insane. Loved it, more on the acidy side of jazz, totally experimental. I enjoyed it. The crowd was lively, diverse, and responsive. Even saw a few couples up and dancing. Perfect venue to do so. For drinks, I started off with the Voodoo Down. Tequila, lemon, eggwhite and pepper (my guess is sichuan) on top. Lightly spicy, a little sweet and totally up my alley. Not sure the name of my next drink (bought for me), but it was pineapple-y and delicious. I came a little too late for food, but I definitely want to try next time I'm back. Great time at the Lighthouse cafe! I don't find myself on this side of town too often, but I definitely love a good excuse to head back.

    Inside

    See all

    16 days ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Nick M.
    146
    111
    262

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Gina C.
    103
    23
    4

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    24 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ann S.
    67
    10
    4

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Ted T.
    1
    56
    113

    1 year ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 4
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 2

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Priscilla was the absolute best. So friendly and attentive. Food was fire. Can't go wrong

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Todd K.
    87
    85
    15

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Josh R.

    Josh R.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Our server Laura was great!! We just stopped in for food but she made the experience something worth reviewing -- will be back!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of June N.
    29
    20
    33

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kody N.
    1
    96
    301

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Josh R.

    Josh R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Doug W.
    8
    101
    69

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Alicia D.
    41
    45
    39

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 months ago

    They need a good IPA and a wheat beer even if in a can please! One of the reasons our group doesn't go more often. Music is great!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 12

    The Lighthouse Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - The Lighthouse Cafe

    What days do they the live jazz bands?

    The Lighthouse Cafe in Hermosa Beach, home of West Coast Jazz since 1949, features Monday Night Jazz with Jacques Lesure & the New Lighthouse All Stars every Monday night from 8:00pm to 11:00pm. It's the real deal and it's great!

    Do I have to be 21 to just go inside and eat or is all ages accepted? I am 20 that's why

    You can go inside to eat before 9p. You just can't sit at the bar.

    Can kids dine here?

    Yes but there is no kid's menu 4 my 4years old son French fries or grilled cheese sandwich was the only choice as I remember

    Is the owner or management responding to emails fr customers? I have sent 2 emails and have called several times and left messages, no reply!

    Hi Oasis, Please feel free to contact me directly.… Read more

    What nights do you do reggae?

    Sundays from 5-9pm with Wais

    When will Monday night Salsa classes return?

    Salsa Night is now on Tuesdays starting at 8pm

    Are there live jazz bands currently?

    The classic jazz you might be looking for, they no longer have. It's all modern day music not real jazz with a full band

    Are they going to re-open? All the other bars on the pier have opened, but they are still closed.

    Lighthouse is now open. We've been going for the past few weekends.

    Is it reggae music on Sundays?

    Yes

    Whats the vibe here Thursday evenings?

    Thursdays are a good night to go. Weekends can get pretty busy.

    Is there a happy hour during brunch? Are the drinks reasonably priced during brunch?

    $5 Bloody Mary's, $5 Mimosas, and $20 bottles of Champagne w/ juice.

    Can anyone under 21 get in after certain hour at night if they don't drink at all?

    No. But you can call the Lighthouse to confirm.

    Is there a wait to be seated for Sunday brunch? Thinking about arriving when it opens @ 11:00 am?

    First come first server if arriving @ 11am finding a table shouldn't be an issue. See you then...

    View All 18 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Lighthouse Cafe

    Oh yeah it's a legendary place musically, some of the greatest jazz musicians ever have played there.

    Mentioned in 40 reviews

    Read more highlights

    You might also consider

    Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila - Ceviche Tres Maneras

    Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila

    4.5(2.4k reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $$

    Had an amazing dinner at Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila this past sunday. Peter took great care of us…read morefrom start to finish and made the whole experience feel welcoming and personal. We ordered the filet fajitas, mole blanco chicken enchiladas (must try!!), and fried ice cream for dessert everything was absolutely delicious. One thing we really appreciated was that Peter kindly split the enchiladas onto two plates for us without us even having to ask! It was such a thoughtful touch and made the meal feel even more special. The food, service, and atmosphere were all top notch. We'll definitely be coming back. Highly recommend asking for Peter if you visit!

    Palmilla Cocina is definitely up there as one of the best Mexican restaurants I've dined at (says a…read morelot as from I'm LA) especially just upon stumbling. From the hand shaken fresh margaritas, I got the pineapple Serrano cilantro, to the complimentary fresh tortilla with honey butter and salsas, + the ocean breeze from the Pier, it's hard to complain. To share my table of 2 ordered the: * La asada con salsa (cooked medium) - comes with a side - we chose the corn - and rice and beans 10/10. I could drink the chimichurri sauce it came with and the meat was tender and cooked to perfection * mole blanco enchiladas - chicken Machacha, queso, chipotle pepitas, arroz de tomatillo and frijoles Nevro . 9.5/10 and I fear I will never want to have mole any other way. I also got a complimentary dessert of choice for my birthday. I opted for the fried ice cream (horchata flavored) which was divine and the perfect sweet treat to end the meal. The ambiance is lively, I recommend to sit outdoors as several other restaurants have live music and great to people watch. Huge compliments to the chef and to our incredible waiter, Peter, who was attentive and provided the best recommendations. Would definitely come back to explore more of the menu.

    Photos
    Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila - Wall lighting

    Wall lighting

    Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila - Short rib taquitos

    Short rib taquitos

    Palmilla Cocina Y Tequila - La Rosa Smoky margarita

    See all

    La Rosa Smoky margarita

    Vista - Crab guac and rose with a view ...

    Vista

    3.9(308 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Came here for brunch on a Saturday @ noon and there were plenty of tables available. Servers were…read moresuper nice. We got a table on the patio which was great. I got a mimosa to start which was good but small. I then got a Aperol spritz which was good and worth the price. I ordered the breakfast burrito with sausage. It was so yummy! My friend got the burrito with bacon but the bacon came in chunks which wasn't good. The burrito also wasn't on all of the menus so just know it's available even if it's not on the menu you have. Overall the vibe was good and the food was tasty. Make sure to book a reservation in advance otherwise you might not get a table outside.

    Hubbers and I had a mid-week day free, and with a couple of pups on hand, we brainstormed and…read morethought about where to spend that free time. Hermosa Beach it is. And Hubbers suggested this place for a late-ish lunch because he's been here before and had a positive experience. Outdoor seating only since we had the furballs. We had our choice of where since we were the only customers on a late lunch hour. Servers were so patient with our pups (even when they were moody - my apologies!) and were even nice enough to bring them water bowls! It was a cool and cloudy day, but that didn't damper anything. In fact, we appreciated it coming off the heat wave from the last couple of weeks! Everything on their menu looked so good, it took me awhile to decide. But Hubbers and I agreed on the Kayak Tide Tray (+4 extra oysters) and the charred watermelon salad. In the meanwhile, I battled between lobster pasta and five dragon pastrami. (The pasta won out.) Hubbers went for the cedar planked Ora king salmon. And a couple of cocktails to wash it all down! KAYAK TIDE TRAY: The seasoned scallops were my favorites, hands down. The sauce was fantastic and didn't overpower the scallops' main essence. The oysters were shucked fresh and the sauces elevated the flavors a bit. Shrimps were chilled tender and had a nice chew. Cocktail sauce added flavor. The mussels? Sad to say, but half of them were served still frozen hard. So we took our time with it and let it thaw out which didn't happen until we were halfway our meal. Overall: excellent. CHARRED WATERMELON: This plate was so well put together! And not only is it pleasing to the eyes (nice touch with the micros!), it was the same with the palate. Watermelon was fresh. Charred only on one side (I'm curious what it would be like if they charred ALL the sides - will make this request - only if possible - next time!) Taking bites from each component of this salad makes all the difference: the acidity of the tomatoes are tempered by the burrata and the cucumbers, and the freshness of the watermelon makes it all refreshing. The onions added a bit of tart, as did the pomegranates. Didn't notice any macadamia nuts, but no matter! This is a must have! LOBSTER PASTA: Didn't happen... see below. LOBSTER ROLL: Served along with Hubbers' salmon plate (more on that later.) We had a different server at this point (our first one told us he was going on his break.) I thought Hubbers put in an order of this too, so I moved the plate to his side. Our server noticed this and said, "Are you sharing? Would you like an extra plate?" Hubbers confirmed he didn't other this. And that neither did I, but we are waiting on the lobster pasta. He then explained they are out of that dish, "was this not related to you?" Long story short, I told him I'd take the roll, no biggie. He offered to comp it, and if I like, I can put in another order. So I went for the pastrami. And as we waited for that, Hubbers and I split this and WOW. Bread was toasted and buttered perfect, generous with the amount of lobster, plating was a delight to the eyes, and overall delicious. I appreciated the aroma of the tarragon. Yum! FIVE DRAGON PASTRAMI: This is a generous serving, plenty to share with another. Lots of flavors with each bite but the well-seasoned and flavored pastrami dominates them all. The slaw was strong but the subtleness of the lappi balanced it out. Sourdough was perfectly toasted. I thought about not ordering this since I knew the lobster roll might have been enough, but I'm sure glad I went for it! Delish! Hubbers let me have a couple of bites off his salmon plate and O.M.G.!!! He sure picked a good one! Skin was seasoned crispy and the fish was so moist! This is probably one of the best versions of salmon I've had. (For the record, I rarely order anything salmon since 90-95% of the time, they're served dry, but this one here, I'd highly recommend.) FOOD: 4.75. SERVICE: 5. They were AMAZING!!! VALUE: 4. Given the location, pricing is understandable. But worth it. PARKING: Street/Structure only. All metered. And getting here will require a bit of a walk depending on where you parked. OVERALL: 4.5. Plans on coming back here with more people is now in the works. Looking forward to doing that soon!

    Photos
    Vista - Seating   07-31-2025

    Seating 07-31-2025

    Vista - Huli chicken - the pieces that weren't bloody were dried out.

    Huli chicken - the pieces that weren't bloody were dried out.

    Vista - Smoked salmon

    See all

    Smoked salmon

    Vin Folk - Beef tongue

    Vin Folk

    4.6(113 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    This place has the vibe of a cozy neighborhood cafe (and I love cozy neighborhood type spots), but…read morethis place feels like it punches way above its weight in terms of food (creativity and presentation), hospitality, and general enjoyment. I mean seriously, the level service feels way more elevated than it needs to be. It's also a delight that when they bring you dishes, they give you a small background of each dish. Just a fantastic dining experience all around with great food. Easily one of my favorite new (to me) restaurants and my favorite in the beach cities. The menu had enough items where there was a good variety, but not so large as to overwhelm. What we ordered...and I really enjoyed each and every dish. Individually and as a whole. Headcheese Toast - a loose interpretation of a patty melt from Langer's Deli Bistro Salad - delicious light vinaigrette dressing Beef Tongue - a dish very personal to Chef Katya with roots in southern Russia Chili Crab - eats like a risotto and influenced by the famous chili crab of Singapore Lamb Pappardelle - perfectly cooked pasta with delicious lamb Fish Diane - an old timey way to prepare fish Jidori Chicken - just a really well prepared chicken that was juicy and flavorful with delicious vegetables

    We planned the romantically dinner at VF with anticipation...it was great but not a 5 star…read moreexperience worthy of a Michelin star. -1 outdoor seating is not a vibe. You're eating on the sidewalk. Weather and noise is variable. -1 maybe because of sidewalk seating but service is slow. We like a leisure dinner but it took 3.5 hrs. Fun wine list.

    Photos
    Vin Folk
    Vin Folk - Table Setting

    Table Setting

    Vin Folk - Garganelli Shrimp

    See all

    Garganelli Shrimp

    The Lighthouse Cafe - musicvenues - Updated May 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...