Stopped in to grab some shots and cocktails with friends on a Sunday night. Unless I have the following day off from work, I normally avoid hard liquor on Sunday's but I'm also the guy who never turns down an invitation for shots lol. The entrance is a set of stairs that leads to the bar or the dungeon as many call it. Once inside, the bar is to the left with a stage to the front for performances. There are tables and couches to the right for those looking to sit and a pool table to the far left corner for those looking to play pool. Me and friends started off with a flight of whiskey shots that come in three's. You can choose from Intro to Ireland, Against The Grain and Ye Olde which is the most expensive of the three at $13. We took on the Intro To Ireland which had shots of Bushmills, Powers and Teeling. All went down nice and smooth. The bartender recommended I try "God's Middle Finger" and before he could even say what was in it, I was sold. The name alone warranted my purchase lol. Not that God would give anyone the middle finger but hey, it's a fun name. Lightly sweet and lots of whiskey. Don't be fulled by the color. Last an Old Fashioned wrapped up the night. Can't beat a good Old Fashioned. I was told before hand it gets pretty packed/hectic down there but this visit was pretty chill. I enjoyed the crowd that was there and the drinks which prompts more visits for myself. SHOTS!!! Happy Hour brew: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=jODpBIlPQmWNJUkYM5Q51A&userid=MDsiGeWigr_8_Lf55AvjNQ&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Intro to Ireland flight: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=YE4zV8gjTDnsfrS3HAIAgg&userid=MDsiGeWigr_8_Lf55AvjNQ&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) God's Middle Finger: https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?select=pFbhpQAKnBdFxt25zOOt8Q&userid=MDsiGeWigr_8_Lf55AvjNQ&utm_campaign=www_photo_share_popup&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_source=(direct) Drinks 4/29/2018 read more

We came here while staying in Long Beach. It was nice to experience night life somewhere new. My friends and I ordered vodka seltzers and old fashioneds. We had a great time playing darts and chatting with others. The service was great on Thursday night and a bit slower the next evening. The bartenders were great though. I did have to used the restroom once while we were there, I have to say the bathroom was disgusting and could definitely use some work. read more

The Blind Donkey - Just a fun night with friends. The Blind Donkey was a great way to close our two nights out. - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

The bar experience was pretty cool. Dim lit with some dance music going and then bar games off to the side. I really enjoyed my drink and experience in the bar. However, the security detail they hire here is not one you would want working at a bar. They are very aggressive and should not be interacting with anyone after a few drinks. My friend was trying to get back into the bar to grab his jacket after last call when they got aggressive with him and refused him entrance. Then as he was walking back up the steps they hit him with a wand in the back of the head which sent him to the ground. Then a group of younger kids started kicking him when he was on the ground and they didn't help him in anyway. I used to work security for bars and I was appalled at their lack of professionalism. Great bar, great drinks, but very unprofessional security detail working here. I hope the bar owner looks into this and sees the issues that unfolded and fires either the security company, or asks to remove the security guard that was working the door. read more

This place is like prohibition times secret patterned knock and password to get in. You have to walk down steep stairs to get to the entrance and once you do its a dimly lit spot full of great drinks and good fun. We went twice on our stay in LB, first night super busy, find a barstool and post up. Friendly people and lots of energy in the room. Second night, hardly anyone. We got to roam the bar to shoot pool when we wanted, play skeeball and PacMan - as often as we wanted. No wait for a drink or a chat with the bartenders. this spot was walking distance to the hotel we were staying in and I would most definitely visit this unassuming yet super memorable gem again! read more

I had high-hopes for this place. I have been wanting to try this place out for quite some time and we didn't really stay for that long. We were here for a birthday party with a special party group. The only benefit was not having to wait in line, the drinks were cheaper than normal, but that was about it. The music was just okay and people were really friendly. There is a lot of space to dance and the shots are pretty cheap/discounted ~$8, but normal price seems to be roughly $10 depending on the shot. The bar isn't difficult to find, since it's located in the middle, so ordering was fairly easy. You can either play games, chill at the bar, or stand and dance wherever you wish! I think I would need to come back and do an updated review, because I read that there were darts & I saw arcade games. Saturday nights are the busiest days to go out. Diverse crowd, friendly, and chill with a late 20's and above vibe. read more

This place was really fun, security guards were nice and actually looking out for you. Drinks were good. They have pac-man, pool tables and a dj that plays good music read more

I met up with a friend and I liked my overall experience, but their bourbons were overpriced and it was kind of disappointing because their other location has their selection better priced. read more

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

OK, really cool spot. No live music the day I went. Underground location cool spot to chill. Down graded a bit because whiskey was lacking. NO WELLERS available at the time. The 1 bottle they had, was not available for consumption. Good staff. read more

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Came on a Sunday night, right before Memorial Day and it was somewhat packed. There was skeeball plus other things to do here which was pretty cool. There was a snack machine as well but it wasn't working. :( The drinks were about $10 and they were just alright. The music probably changes on different nights but when we came the DJ was playing earsplitting dubstep and hardstyle. Don't get me wrong I like this kind of music, but I felt like it was a little too loud and the speakers felt like they were about to blow out. A woman sang along with the DJ belting out notes and it was just really hard to hear my friends talk. Came to hang out, talk, and have a drink but the music was getting annoying. We just hurriedly drank our drinks and looked for another bar to go to. read more

Service is quick and drinks are good. The bar is down a steep set of stairs. The room is dark and packed with tables and chairs that are usually in use so it's hard to maneuver around. The smoking section in the back is literally so narrow that you cannot turn sideways and you're forced to be shoulder to shoulder with strangers if there is anyone else back there. I'm pretty sure I caught covid here a few months ago. read more

Good drinks, great atmosphere but terrible Job with managing credit cards!!! I closed my tab, but never received my credit card back. They tried to convince me that they gave it back to me, over and over they kept trying to convince me that I had it or that I lost it. They even said that I had to have it for them to close out my tab, but I kept telling them that it was never returned or with the check. After about 30 minutes they found it, I never was given the credit card back!!! I almost put a stop on my card! It turns out that THEY had mishandled it, no apology!!! Do not give them your credit card to hold, close out your tab!! read more

The Blind Donkey is my new favorite bar in Long Beach. This bar has a speak easy theme, you go down a flight of stairs to get it and right when you walk in the door there is a big black and red silhouette of a dead donkey on the wall. It's kinda funny or corky ‍ I thought it was funny... They also had Skeet Ball! So fun! My group got in teams and we had play offs. It was a good old fashion time. read more

Great local place to drag your friends during Grand Prix weekend ha. Party Place for sure, so plan ahead.

Had anime on Mondays which is pretty fun. Good spot in down town Long Beach to hangout.

Enter this place from a set of stairs that go down to a cellar. Cool ambience. I came here with a friend to shoot pool but there was a tournament so we saw there were games so we decided to play which was cool. Nice vibe. I didn't drink or eat anything so I can't speak on that but liked how it was dark, and there was a carnival game and Trivia going on. I also heard on Wednesday's there is karaoke. Staff seemed nice and the atmosphere was cool. I'd definitely be back. read more

Not worth the time. There are definitely better bars in Long Beach. Terribly made cocktails & even worse security. Yikes

This place used to be the Basement Lounge but I'm liking this latest incarnation a lot better. It's got a cool, chill vibe and it's one of my favorite places in downtown LB to grab a drink (my friends and I like their whiskey selection) late at night. Even though it's quite spacious, scoring a corner table or nook makes it feel more intimate, even when the joint is jumpin.' STEPH JUDGEMENT: Cool underground bar with a surprisingly good selection of high-end whiskey. read more

I can dig it! Fun spot. Drinks are inconsistent. Each bartender seems to have there own slight variation of the same drink. From cup size to ice cube size to pour. I didnt like that. My first drink the pour was stingy with a Boulder ice cube. I like the Boulder ice cube. My second drink i had a nice pour but i had almost a crushed ice. Way too much ice for whiskey. Also had a side car but they made it as a shot and not in a martini glass. The flavor was nice presentation not so much. The crowd was 20 to 50 is my guess. A lot of groups of men or women and lots of couples. It seemed a little warm but i may have to blame that on the alcohol read more

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

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This bar has my heart. Service is always amazing B & Jake are awesome people they're always super friendly & welcoming. Drinks are delicious my all time favorite is a whiskey sour or a old fashion and they kill it every time. Only thing to complain about is the initial smell when you walk in but after a while it goes away! read more

This bar is so much fun! It's right next to Revive Juice Bar. Walk down the stairs and enter! They've been open since around April, so everything's new and clean which I love! There's also plenty of space so you won't feel crowded. HAPPY HOUR: $4 beer (3 kinds) and well drinks, Monday - Friday 5-8PM, Saturday & Sunday 5-7PM. Came on a Sunday a little bit into the happy hour times. There was only one other couple inside and they were chilling at the bar. The bartender was really great and helped us with suggestions for drinks. I got a whiskey mixed with pineapple and cranberry juice for a nice fruity well drink! My date had a whiskey mixed with ginger beer, which was tasted super strong to me but was pretty good! They don't have an entertainment license, so no live bands here. The bartender told me one time a large group of salsa dancers came in and they played salsa music over the speaker system and danced, how fun! They have darts, pool, shuffle board, a Photo Booth and arcade games like Street Fighter. & it's in downtown Long Beach near so many other awesome places! Definitely will be back! read more

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Karaoke night is unmatched let me tell ya... bartenders are sick, DJ is sick, I'd give this mf 10 stars if I could read more

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

My bf and I have been coming for years. Malcom always helps us out. We absolutely adore him. He's out go-to guy, but he needs days off haha and when that happens, Oscar helps us out. He makes great drinks and isn't shy putting on alcohol on those drinks. These two guys really make great drinks read more

I have so many great memories at this bar. Step out of the sunshine and down into the dark basement vibe with a group of bartenders that can entertain with their vast knowledge of their selection of whiskeys. If you want a reliably solid cocktail, come here. You will be happy every time! read more

Pretty cool place non pretentious. Drinks are very reasonable but...........my whiskey sour was overly sour. Mixed crowd is mellow. Good music, darts, pool table. We went early so plenty of room but i imagine this place gets packed. I will return but wont order a whiskey sour. read more

Cool spot to hang out, however tonight was definitely a weird one: 1. Drunk guy with random yelling finally gets kicked out. 2. People dropping drink. 3. Drink served in a broken glass 4. The Master of Margarita (The Master of Perfume/Don't fall for it). The bartender was nice enough to redo a regular margarita! Cool spot for drinks and a solid Old Fashion. read more

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

30-Sec Info Very chill, underground bar. Great to hang out, affordable drinks, killer old fashioned, and great crowd. Bartenders are the definition of "neighborhood staples". Darts, pool table, shuffle board, and 4v4 Pac-Man! Pros -Hang out and really chill with good friends. Or make new ones! -Happy hours are killer, 5-8pm -whiskey proper ice rounds -Bartenders aka best buds -Spacious, with room to chill how you like Cons -There's only one close by -Does not serve food, if you need that BUT let's you bring food in! I think that covers it! Really love this bar, just good vibes all around. read more

downtown Long Beach, good times with friends ages 30s-40years, cool drinks and, playing darts in the dark

Underground speakeasy meets Long Beach dive bar. I came here on a Saturday night and the place was busy, but is so spacious that it did not feel overcrowded. Incredible whisky list, good selection of beers, and a well rounded assortment of both classic and modern cocktails. Genuinely friendly bartenders, clean toilets, and a photo booth are all noteable upsides. Unfortunately, our cocktails were not good. The "Penicillin", which includes Japanese whisky, ginger liqueur, honey, and lemon, was an unbalanced, bitter drink of seemingly straight booze-every sip was like taking a shot. My boyfriend got the "God's Middle Finger", which was also extremely boozy, and not tasty. If you want to get drunk quickly, these are definitely worth $14, but if you want to enjoy a well made cocktail, they are not. If you are a whisky fan looking for a chill dive to drink in, this may be the bar for you. I would not order another cocktail here, but will likely come back in the future. read more

The Blind Donkey - Penicillin and God's Middle Finger - Whiskey Bars Near Me - Long Beach, California

Was in the need for a drink last night and yelped some near by spots worth checking out and The Blind Donkey caught my attention. I've been in this area before and never knew it was here in the Art District. Place is cool as it feels like your going downstairs to a underground bar. Venue - Very cool place with wrap around couches for small or larger groups, large long table to accommodate lots of seating for random people and plenty of bar seating. They also have random games around that help bring back memories and create a good old competitions with your guest or group of friends. Drinks - They have a huge Whiskey selection for those that enjoy that. Drink pours aren't bad and drinks are made great. Price - Drinks avg at about $6 each for regular well drinks. Great prices compared to the bars around here. Will be coming back for sure and recommend it. read more

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

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The Blind Donkey is a hidden bar located downstairs on Linden St. The happy hour is from 5pm-8pm everyday. I suggest that if you plan to go, arrive at 5pm because the crowd started to come in around 6pm-ish. They have a good happy hour. I stuck with the $6 Moscow Mules. The best part, they have games! They have a pool table; $1 per game, darts, skee ball ($5 if you are using a card for 5 games), and a shuffle board (need to give ID to bartender). They also have a photo booth and of course, tables and chairs to chill. Scott was an awesome bartender. He introduced himself to us and made us feel very welcomed. Although he was the only bartender for most of the time we were there, he was very patient and accommodating. Shout out to Scott; he took care of us... and everyone else in the bar. I left the bar with a good buzz and with thoughts of when I will be coming back. read more

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Underground bar, good vibes! Congregational layout with good drinks.

Once you are above tipsy, LEAVE. They will kick you out. Security likes to make jokes and so will the manager. Just hit the club. At least you can be drunk and they won't side eye you. Agaveros, Sevilla Shannon's are cool spots! read more

Chill spot to go have a drink. The servers were very nice & attentive to their customers. I sat at the bar & the bartenders were always making sure anyone that wanted a drink had one in their hand & when my glass was empty they were quick to see if I wanted another, very good service! The music was also a vibe, would definitely go again. read more

Valdez the bouncer is literally THE BEST!!!!!!!!!!! So sweet completely charming! He is the best! Definitely suggest this place!!!!!

This is the perfect spot for bourbon and whiskey lovers. It's super low key with $7 happy hour specials throughout the week. The staff is friendly but not overbearing, allowing you to enjoy your drink and conversations. They have a few games and even a karoke night. read more

This is just another one of your average bars in a dimly light basement in LA. What sets it apart though is the selection of whiskeys and beer as well as the great bartending staff. read more

Stopped by during one of the art walks. Bartenders acknowledged us as soon as we sat down which I always appreciate. Ordered our drinks then went to go play some of the games they have there. The place is nice and spacious so it didn't seem overly crowded even though two big parties were there. Nice hidden spot will definitely be back for beer and some games with friends. read more

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

I am regular here and live local here. I love you guys but your security at the door tonight at approximately 2315 hours, the security guy at the door door made racist comment when I went in. I tried no to bother but its not right, I love this place. You guys need to hire people have some decent respect for any racist. read more

I love this place so I had to put in a review!! They have great music, great drinks, and friendly staff!

A few weeks ago, my friends and I attended emo night, and the place was really packed. We had walked in, bought our drinks, and decided to proceed to the pool table. While waiting for our turn, a guy started to yell that someone had stolen his pool stick and became angry with everyone around the table, including my friends and I. We were very disturbed at his attitude and his actions to throw the money that was left on the table and tell everyone that the whole night was over. He kept pressing my friends and I to leave the area, although we had just arrived not even 10 min before. Confused, I asked my friend why he was upset, and seeing this had the nerve to look me in the eyes and yell at me. With discontent with my response, he then proceeded to go around the table and knock my full glass and myself to the floor. That is when my boyfriend grabbed him to restrain him to the floor. After getting up, distraught, I immediately began to try to protect my boyfriend from the crowd, who apparently were beating on him with no security guard in site but the bartenders were seen jumping into the fight. After maybe 1 min after a massive fight broke out, security finally got in between the crowd and my boyfriends body so that he could let go of the man he had kept on the ground. We all got kicked out, and it was announced that the whole bar would shut down. We decided to call the cops in response after finding out that the man that had become violent was the manager of the bar. When standing outside, I realized that my finger had been cut by the glass that was in my hand. I requested a first aid kit, which they could not provide, and when the cops arrived, they were able to retrieve a band-aid from a bar guest. If I'm mistaken, every licensed establishment should have a fisrt aid available for these kinds of issues. The cops made a report, but the man remained inside, and the bar continued to play music and serve their guest. I don't think this situation was handled correctly, and if the manager is being allowed to act in this manner while on duty or not, it only shows the morality and accountability that is practiced at this establishment. read more