Would have given four stars if it wasn't for the service. Place is under-staffed. It didn't help that one group of women took all of the only outside waiter's time by droning on and on about how they weren't sure what they wanted to eat. The considerate thing would be to ask the waiter to come back to them, but that would require them to have manners. I liked the seasoning on the fries, but the fries could use more seasoning. The fried chicken sandwich was great and the sloppy Joe had quite a bit of a sweet flavoring. The fried chicken sandwich had the most flavor. read more

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Great place for music, drinks, sun and fun. Great neighbourhood vibe, lots of locals know each other and are incredibly friendly to visitors. read more

Brian Berti was our server and God, he did an amazing job in providing us the best service ever. I definitely come back again and get an Irish car bomb drink. Very cozy and nice environment with live music and highly recommended. Simply the best bar in the area. Ana big staff, nice and fresh salad. Everything went perfect. read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Amazing - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

Bartenders are nice, rest of customer service is not. Too many places around even after covid that still have customer services. Dunno what happened to the legendary place. read more

Food is good, but a little expensive. A $16 hamburger and no frys? That's another $8. Hmm. Although, the live entertainment was awesome.

*** was it the Cabo margaritas, the reggae, or the date? *** i dunno but i had a great time here Wed nite ... it was fun. i got here 7pm and discovered it was happy hour til 8pm. Cabo margarita sounds good ... so i tried one for just $5. hmm, it was yummy! a lil sweet like a Cadillac margarita. so i had another then she arrived... timing is everything. ;) the sun was setting ... mood was mellow ...all clicked nicely. so why not have another Cabo margarita? then we ordered a pizza with carne asada and avocado ... yum, it's good too. next thing i knew, it was 9pm and the band started playing. reggae! i love live reggae... the band (Detour) was chilled. http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/t23t_cayFz5jeI5vdcIgTw?select=eCP9OWYUtrgtNs63uboSPA *** so margaritas, reggae or date? hmm, gotta do it again! *** read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Detour (reggae) - Wed nites - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

Went on a Monday night for my birthday...the music was amazing. Loud and full of life. Everyone on stage brings a lot of personality, it's like a small party. The drinks were good too. I recommend the Lighthouse for a fun night out:-) read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - two drinks on a table - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

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This place is legit. My parents came here before I was born, kept coming as I grew up, and then I got to come as an adult. It's stayed open this long for a reason. It's a good place. read more

I LOVE this place! I've been to the Lighthouse three times now and it is quickly becoming my new weekly spot! We first visited for their happy hour. We ordered the fries and the shrimp cocktail along with a couple of drinks. The Hermosa Punch is delicious and definitely my favorite thing on the menu! The shrimp was super fresh and the fries had a nice dusting of old bay which always makes this DC girl happy! We went back on another Friday and again on Father's Day. We were pleasantly surprised to learn that they have a live reggae band on Sunday afternoons! The band was rocking and the Hermosa punch was just as fruity and refreshing as the first time! I haven't tried a lot of the food but the ambience and drinks are great!! I'll definitely be back again! read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Cool Kat cocktail and lighthouse fries - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

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Fun little pub in the Pier Plaza! I go there for the music, as they do get some cool line-ups. The eves get hopping with some bands, and it can get very crowded- especially on dance floor! Too fun, but I also enjoy their happy hour with live music. The bar food is yummy, and there is outdoor seating for you also. Nice vibe on afternoon weekends- great for chilling with friends, and listening to live music by the beach. What could be better??? read more

The food is amazing! Not your typical "bar" food. We enjoyed the Fish tacos and grilled cheese with the best creamy and flavorful tomato soup. Went there to see our friends band play and it was a great crowd. The service was fantastic, even on a busy Sunday afternoon. read more

Just so romantic. Just make me feel like in the movie. If the band play some Jazz I will sooo happy. I love blue moon Also the salad is good read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

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Melissa, James and Anthony (sorry if butchered your names) took amazing car of me. As a female, I am usually careful about my drink and like to communicate that with my bartenders. Each one of them took note that I chose to drink water and assured me they had my back (these days as a female you never know). When I did decide to order a shot they were on it. I observed the behind the bar and let me tell you, these guys (and gal) know their sh!t. Good job to the management team for hiring such efficient and caring bartenders who care about their clients and go the extra step. You guys rock! And thank you!!! read more

They recently renovated this legendary venue and apparently have new ownership. Visited yesterday and WOW the place is so much cleaner/nicer, they have great craft cocktails and the food was excellent! It doesn't have that "dive" bar feel anymore. They also very smartly are leaning into their jazz heritage (legendary albums and performances were played there) and even have a "LaLa Land" corner. If you don't know, they filmed scenes of that movie here. Service was excellent too, our waiter was super nice and "on it"as well. Happy to see a place with such great history not be forgotten. Go check out The Lighthouse Cafe! read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

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Delicious food. The ambience was relaxed and fun. The live music was great. Had a wonderful time here. Drinks are on the steep side, but it's right on the beach with views of the ocean. read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

I love cafe style restaurants. I always leave with the 80's 90's vibes. The food was great and the service was also good. Friendly family environment. read more

Let me start by first acknowledging that this was our first time to the light house and it beyond met our expectations. We were there for the max 80's band but arrived early when it opened actually. We enjoyed drinks, appetizers and took in the jazz band for their whole set. Alyssa our waitress was great. Constantly checking in on us. Before max 80's took the stage we enjoyed the fabulous chicken sandwiches along with more drinks. The reason I'm not giving the lighthouse a higher rating is because what happened at the end of the bands set. While we were enjoying our last drink to the last song. A gentleman sitting across from our group kept staring towards our group, gesturing and yelling at us. At first we didn't think anything of it until a member of our group went over to him thinking he was calling for her. To her surprise he was rude and was asking what the fuck we were looking at and wanting to fight. To our surprise we realized it was the bus boy who was working earlier that day. I don't know what the lighthouse policy is for employees drinking after work but it was very unprofessional for an employee whether on or off the clock to represent their place of employment in that fashion. It now castes doubt if we will return. Disappointing because we really enjoyed ourselves listening to both bands read more

Great food, great beer selection, on the beach, awesome music and dancing. A perfect night out. Yes, yes, it was in the movie La La Land, and that's pretty cool, but why was it in the movie? Because all the locals seem to know about the Lighthouse from all up and down the LA coast. The music is really, really good. Top quality. The location is packed with fun things to do and see, walk out to the tip of the pier ! read more

The Lighthouse Café was remodeled a bit and re-purchased since the Covid pandemic! I love the new menu and food especially at Happy Hour! Live Music is a bonus when you dine alone and it's always great for people watching/dancing! Highly recommended! read more

Music was great last night but there is a black man who works there that was moving tables around I could not even sit down having to sureness through the table then my brother asked him for water he never got it and this isn't the first time There's been tables moved around and you can't sit down I've been coming to the lighthouse since my young years but rudeness and moving tables shouldn't be going on where the person can't even sit down having to squeeze through there table to sit unreal read more

Nice atmosphere. Food not worth the money. The chicken looked like frozen nuggets not grilled chicken. Over priced. Come here for a drink only read more

Me and my sisters are regulars at the The Lighthouse and attend every Wednesday nights for reggae nights. All we do is eat, enjoy some drinks and listen to live music as always. We were recently turned away on Wednesday, 10/23/2019 from the security guard by the name of JOHN because we were Samoans. According to the security, they (the lighthouse) weren't allowing "large groups of tongans or samoans" into the place due to recent events that happened there with tongans and samoans. I dont know what happened and dont care to know, all I know is that we were RACIALLY PROFILED and still reeling in disbelief. We took our business else where last night but this issue did not sit lightly with us and we went back and asked to speak to the bar manager. When the manager came out, we just wanted to know why he instructed his security guards to not let us in because we were Samoans. He as well had no straight answer to why we were denied at the door. All I can say is that it starts from the top and the manager is the face of your company. The new bar manager (TODD) was very unprofessional and had NO IDEA how to speak to us at all. This was always the place to go to listen to live reggae music and enjoy others company with great service but NOT ANYMORE. Always received GREAT service from Taylor and Aaron (bartenders), but other then that, they have RUDE and RACIST manager & security guard (TODD) and (JOHN) Please I don't know if this review would make a difference seeing that there are MULTIPLE people complaining about the same thing and NO ACTION being taken. How are we suppose to make this world a better place, if you have people like that working for you. I'm sorry to say as well, we will not be coming here anymore and will be HAPPY to take our business else where. read more

3.5 stars This spot appeared to have become more famous after La La Land was filmed and I've seen even some tourists from other countries! PA is not that great in here but still fun place to enjoy music and just to hang out with friends. Bar food I ordered was a typical below average bar food but I guess people are not here for food. read more

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Was visiting a friend that lives in Hermosa. We stopped in for a quick drink and ended up staying for a couple hours! Great atmosphere and staff. Josh the bartender was great! Knew the area very well and had great recommendations. Definitely coming back on my next visit! read more

All we wanted was to grab a bite to eat, enjoy some drinks, and listen to some music as we always do at this, now, joke of a place. Me and my sisters were turned away at the door for being samoans. Read that again... According to the security, they (the lighthouse) weren't allowing "large groups of tongans or samoans" into the place due to recent events that happened there with tongans and samoans. I dont know what happened and dont care to know, all I know is that we were racially profiled and I'm still reeling in disbelief. I dont have the words and I'm disgusted and embarrassed by what transpired. I'm sad to not be able to come here anymore, but I'll take my business somewhere I'm wanted. read more

Great vibes great music and drinks are a good price. You can't go wrong coming here to have Great clean fun with an adult crowd. Only downfall is it's too hot inside and they need To add more option on food read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

This place recently got new ownership and a much needed facelift... the food is noticeably improved albeit for twice the price..  I have not noticed a drop-off in service... The live music (during weekend days and happy hour - not night) which was so great before has been replaced by "soft rock" bands... and the result is that the place is empty... you would think mgmt / ownership would notice... this place needs to get old school rock bands back in the house... It seems like this place is going for rainbow customers now... and they're not alone on the pier... it's just a shame read more

***3.5 stars*** The Lighthouse Cafe is another Hermosa Beach classic. Despite countless days and nights out in Hermosa, I never actually managed to stop in here until a couple weeks ago. Being right on the pier, the location cannot be beat. Centrally positioned in the middle of all the great bars and restaurants that Hermosa Beach has to offer. Lighthouse Cafe has been a jazz club since 1949. Now serving brunch, bar food, and great drinks, you can definitely see the history when here. The brickwork and architecture definitely have an old, historic feel to it. In the middle of the cafe, you'll find a decent sized stage. When we were there, a band was playing, and a few were out on the dance floor. Everyone seemed to be having a good time. Definitely a more laid back vibe and feel than other neighboring establishments. While I had an A-OK time, I'm not sure how quick I'll be to come back. There are some strong options nearby, after all. I have nothing bad to say, except the nachos we ordered were not particularly appetizing. This bar/restaurant is featured in the movie La La Land, so if you're a fan, there is definitely more reason to stop by and check it out. Go ahead and give it a try for yourself! read more

Very disappointed in this sandwich. Who puts spinach on a grilled cheese?? The outside was crusted with fried cheese that was rubber and inedible, I couldn't even cut through it with a knife. Literally none of this was mentioned on the menu; it says "Pullman loaf, grilled cheese, spicy tomato soup, basil". 3 stars bc the soup is good and the non spinach bites of sandwich were good. Maybe someone mixed up their greens bc my tomato basil soup was garnished with mint! read more

The Lighthouse Cafe - Grilled cheese and tomato basil soup. - Music Venues Near Me - Hermosa Beach, California

Okay. I'm mind blown. We came in Sunday afternoon. Found an amazing booth, had drinks and apps and listened to love music.....FOR HOURS! There was no break in the incredible music. We were blown away. The service was a little spotty at times but not unforgivable, and the food was way better than the "pub fare" that we expected read more

I like this place! It's so much fun specially because they have a band. They also have salsa music in Mondays !!! When my friend told that I couldn't believe. There is a small dance floor though but still good to dance on it. When I went recently just realized this was one of the places where they filmed La La Land! Highly recommend it. read more

Great little cafe right near the Hermosa pier that has an excellent Sunday brunch with jazz band performances. Cozy spot.

Food was okay, as you would expect from a bar. Service was a little low but expected cause it was a busy night. Good vibes and ambience, live music and crowd were good. read more

Great local bands if you like to dance ! They filmed La La Land here and they gave us lots of water when we needed it which not all restaurants do :) read more

In town for a Basball game and stopped by the beach! Great music and great service. Drinks were great as well!

I am totally bummed to have to write this opinion. It's been on two occasions I've ordered the Light House version of Nashville style wings . Yeah I won't be doing it ever again. Having a very good working knowledge of how to execute this dish. I am dumbfounded as to why the kitchen is unable to do so. The wait staff, Bartenders and, GM do an exceptional job. It's a drag that the BOH isn't keeping up read more

Came here to celebrate my BD's birthday! Wednesday is reggae night, which I appreciate! The bartenders can use some help! They are beyond slow and I'm sure this place would be making a ton more $$ if they hired not only friendlier, but up to speed bartenders. Everyone was complaining about the service. We also ordered a few drinks and food from the waitress, whom was also on the same boat as the bartenders. Mixed drinks are around $11. The food is bar food and definitely reads better than it actually looks and tastes. On a better note , the live reggae music was just what I needed. 3 stars for that! The crowd was good, the mood was right. read more

Nothing like the old Lighthouse I believe Lighthouse got new owners over covid, and in my opinion they ruined what was once my favorite spot. They really took on the La La Land detail of the place and turned it into a touristy, instagrammable mess. The food is now overpriced and boujee and just not the old bar menu / diner brunch they once had. Also, and worst of all, all of the musicians that were booked aren't even jazz. Whoever bought it knows how to make money, but that was very disappointing to come back to after covid. You hate to see it. read more

"La La Land was filmed here!" Drove down to LA from the Bay and my friend recommended we go to this place, knowing I was a huge fan of the film. The vibe here is definitely one of a kind, with a band covering '80s rock livening up the place and people *actually* leaving their table to go to the dance floor. Food is pretty standard for a restaurant bar, but they had a drink named "City of Stars" which I deeeefinitely recommend. read more

This place would rather kick out anyone younger than 35 than the 75 year old man and barefoot dude dancing with the DJ. don't come here if you're under 35. the too buff guy with the receding hairline will kick you out if you're 23. read more