Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Lighthouse Cafe

    3.6 (477 reviews)
    Closed 4:00 pm - 11:00 PM

    The Lighthouse Cafe Photos

    THE LIGHTHOUSE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Live music
    Casual
    Loud
    Happy hour specials

    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

    Menu
    Katherine N.

    Great place- always awesome music- great bands. Sunday morning jazz brunch is a classic. The drinks and food are good enough- keep it simple- you're here to hang for the mixologist.

    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.

    Go to The Deck For Free local entertainment and great customer service
    Christine W.

    JP is not a good manager. He over charges for cover bands and when someone wants to give their over priced wrist band to someone else because they can't stay he wants to charge additional money $25-30 for one hour when the original ticket was $15. Also when I bought an extra ticket for previous event and my friend couldn't make it I asked for a credit or to resell to the numerous walk ins buying tickets and he said "no refunds" so I lost that money. He doesn't respect the locals constant support of the lighthouse, buying tickets, inviting friends, advertising on FB, buying drinks, etc. it seems as though there is just a lot of greed going on here. Even the Forum and So-Fi help with reselling tickets. I've gotten to see original bands at these places for the same price of covers at the lighthouse. This is a fun place to go as long as u don't have to deal with JP who can really make you feel like you are just cattle.

    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

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of vickie c.
    0
    108
    10

    4 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lori G.
    308
    8
    6

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Josh R.

    Josh R.

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Haley S.
    20
    84
    298

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Michael A.
    2107
    1588
    5805

    9 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Josh R.

    Josh R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Carmela R.
    252
    56
    101

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joe M.
    4
    25
    10

    4 years ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 6
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Josh R.

    Josh R.

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of J R.
    0
    24
    0

    4 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Kriss P.
    2941
    1059
    1041

    10 years ago

    Helpful 11
    Thanks 0
    Love this 8
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    So much fun!! Love Sunday nights!! Drinks are great and the environment is friendly !

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Le N.
    0
    28
    0

    4 years ago

    Fun atmosphere, Iive music, lots of dancing, super fun crowd! Great for dates or small groups.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    4 years ago

    Business owner information

    Photo of Josh R.

    Josh R.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 4 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.… 

    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

    The Hula Hula Room

    The Hula Hula Room

    4.5
    (203 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$

    Such a fun tiki bar in Torrance! My friend brought me here, and I can see why she keeps coming…read moreback. Since it was my first visit, the bartender walked us through the menu and shared some great recommendations. They even let us sample the frozen drinks before we ordered. We got the matchamacallit, makahiki mua, frozen ube, and frozen dole whip. Every drink was creative and delicious. This is the perfect spot for a laid-back night out. It's casual and relaxed, but with a lively atmosphere (there's a DJ) and excellent tiki cocktails.

    The Hula Hula Room is incredible! We had such a fun time and will definitely be back…read more The cocktails here are inventive and bring the perfect combo of the South Bay and aloha spirit. The frozen drinks are dangerously good since you cannot taste the alcohol at all. The decorations are great and I absolutely love the art. It even features my favorite Hawaiian artist, Nick Kuchar! The space has a great layout. There are two large high top booths in the back that are perfect for groups of 8 to 10 people. The bathroom I used was gender neutral, and there is a convenient parking lot right in front. They do not serve food here, so some folks bring their own. We will definitely bring a meal with us next time! To top it all off, the service was very friendly. They were so patient explaining the whole menu to our large group.

    Photos
    One of six new Tropical  delights.
    One of six new Tropical delights.
    Aloha-Rita
    Aloha-Rita
    Intimate bar area of The Hula Hula Room.

    See all

    Intimate bar area of The Hula Hula Room.
    Vista

    Vista

    3.9
    (312 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    Vista is such a vibe! My husband would tell me about the place a lot because he was a guard years…read morebefore but once I finally went I see the hype! That chicken sandwich The Mai Tai(be ready it has a kick) but more importantly the staff are just truly top tier. I work really hard for my money so being able to take my family to a place with not only good food but customer service I'm Sold! Special thanks to Frankie for always making my family and everyone we bring feel welcomed. Xo The Hafoka Family

    I walk by almost daily, always admiring the smiles exhibited by the customers while taking a peak…read moreat what people were eating and drinking to appear so merry. So, this afternoon's walk, my friend and I decided to stop in - not quite lunch, not quite dinner ... the best of both! First, the best view, sitting outside with the perfect balance of sun and shade and a view of the ocean. Next, truly one of the best service experiences - Danny! He made a great first impression and just kept raising the bar - his recommendations were spot on. His knowledge of the menu was so helpful and he seemed to truly take joy in making us happy. We shared the Tuna Tataki, Crispy Popcorn Cauliflower, Sweet Potato Fries, and as if that wasn't already over the top and enough ... the Rocket Calabrese Salad with Hanger Steak. I never order steak as I usually don't enjoy it. Danny ensured us this would be the best pairing for the salad and he did not lie! It was cooked to perfection. I might now be a carnivore! We were so full and yet I couldn't leave a leaf, crumb or morsel behind. Oh and because we were talking about tequila - he encouraged us to sample their house infused tequila (infused with pineapple and mango). Oh my! Yeah, I'll be back at a more appropriate drinking hour. This might be my new most favorite spot in the South Bay! Service+FoodQaulity/Taste+Presentation multiplied by the View (Vista) = Formula for Success! Thank you Danny, Crew and Chef!

    Photos
    Seating   07-31-2025
    Seating 07-31-2025
    Huli chicken - the pieces that weren't bloody were dried out.
    Huli chicken - the pieces that weren't bloody were dried out.
    Heart of Palms Salad with Tuna

    See all

    Heart of Palms Salad with Tuna
    Vin Folk

    Vin Folk

    4.6
    (123 reviews)
    0.2 mi

    This place is absolutely wonderful and a great spot for a date. We went here to celebrate a…read morebirthday and were not disappointed with the decision. The food was outstanding. You can tell the chefs are dedicated to the craft. They're a 2025 bib gourmand restaurant and are hoping to aim for their first star, so their efforts into the decor, ambiance, and food shows (good luck!). The waitstaff/chefs were also very attentive. Mussels Tart - really delicious. Super unique and beautifully plated. No taste of fishiness or the ocean. Just overall a 5/5 dish that you must try. Beef tongue - I normally enjoy beef tongue thinly sliced at a Korean BBQ restaurant or coarsely chopped up in a street taco. They do it differently here. The beef tongue is one big cube. It's very flavorful and tender. Not as amazing as the mussels tart but still worth a try. Chili crab - this put them on the map. SUPER DELICIOUS. It's not what you'd expect from a creation called 'chili crab'. There's no shell to be seen and the crab meat is actually buried underneath. Scoop from the inside out. Tons of flavor and I wished the portion size was doubled. Lamb pappardelle - if you like lamb then you'll love this. Lots of different spices and flavors. It has a very deep flavor profile that makes you appreciate all the work and thought that went into designing this dish. I'd get this again also! Strawberry tiramisu - they brought this out for the birthday celebration. They prepared it in a gigantic bowl. Scooped out a generous portion and plated it right in front of us. I have a soft spot for tiramisu so I'd recommend this too. Best of luck on the Michelin star! I'd come back. 5/5

    We came here on a Friday evening for our anniversary dinner via car in mid-July 2026. There was a…read morepaid parking lot with a 3-hour maximum for around $13 across the street. We thought the restaurant and staff really tried but definitely missed the mark here. We order 7 items and was only happy with 2 of those items. My favorite was the virgin Hotel Monta-Stereo drink, which is pretty sad because it wasn't even a food dish (it was so good that I ordered 2). The 2nd was the Pipirrana because the excellent vinaigrette. We also ordered Pritto which was such a miss because it was served in a bowl that made the all the deep-fried zucchini and chicken soggy. It didn't even come with any kind of aioli and the lemon wedge it came with was insufficient. The chicken pieces were too large to be considered a "popcorn chicken" dish. What makes popcorn chicken great is the smaller pieces so that more flavor and crispiness could cover the chicken - a pretty big let down. The Beef Tongue wasn't bad but that was only because we kept the vinaigrette from the Pipirrana to dip it in. Otherwise it was pretty bland. We also got the Chili Crab which was very rich and needed a little more acid - not bad but wouldn't order it again. The last dish we got was the Cabbage, which came out last. It took awhile to come out but when we finally got it, we thought it was just okay. The lemon wedges were absolutely necessary but it still didn't "wow" us. Our reservation was at 7:30pm, we arrived a little after 7:45pm, and was then seated after 7:55pm. We tried ordering the Hamachi dish around 8:15pm and they were sold out. My partner ordered the Herbal Tea but he didn't like it (I thought it wasn't bad as long as you don't let it steep for too long). The entire dinner ended up being $200+ including tax & tip. The waitress spilled vinaigrette all over me, which stained my dress with oil, and they didn't even offer to give us any kind of discount. They have a shockingly low selection of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated drinks. They were only able to make one drink into a virgin version for me with a $1 discount from its original price of $16. The restaurant was decorated well. The bathroom was nice, the hand soap & lotion smelled nice, and they had paper towels to dry your hands. The service could have been better executed. Because everyone was our waiter, that meant nobody was.

    Photos
    Vin Folk
    Table Setting
    Table Setting
    Garganelli Shrimp

    See all

    Garganelli Shrimp

    The Lighthouse Cafe - musicvenues - Updated July 2026

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