By Zach Durham
From rum dinners, to comedy nights with live music and DJs, The Bamboo Club was voted by Long Beach State students as the “Best Place for Liquid Courage.”
Located on 3522 E Anaheim St., the Tiki bar is close to the Long Beach State campus and has become a popular meeting spot for students on the weekends.
“It pays homage to the Tiki revival back in the ‘50s and ‘60s and we want to bring that to 2023, so it’s original but advanced in this day and age,” bartender Ash Nalbandyan said on the history of The Bamboo Club.
Nalbandyan also shared that the staff is able to put their own unique twist on the typical Tiki bar scene by creating new classics for their cocktail menu. These types of drinks are fun and cater to younger crowds.
Once inside, The Bamboo Club makes you question which decade you have stepped into. The dimmed lights, bamboo pillars and scattered palm leaves complete with wooden countertops and a Tiki-themed DJ station help to create a unique atmosphere for college students.
The Tiki-themed bar and restaurant has existed in the historic Zafaria District of Long Beach for four years and has recently become a hotspot for students.
“It’s close to campus so that’s one thing, but we also don’t price gouge like most places do,” Nalbandyan said.
Part of The Bamboo Club's outdoor patio is decorated with nautical artwork and props reminiscent of Tiki and marine culture. Photo credit: Zach Durham
Although some cocktails are priced around $17, the majority of the drinks are affordable for students, especially the “Happy Hour” specials that are priced at $5.
Some of their classic cocktails options include the Mai Tai, Painkiller and U.S.O. Monroe. Each drink is carefully blended, garnished and created to make a picturesque cocktail.
The food menu is inspired by authentic Hawaiian cuisine and offers familiar dishes such as kalua pork and loco moco.
Jessica Phillips, The Bamboo Club’s social media manager, said there are several events lined up within the next few months, including performances from local musicians and DJs.
The outdoor patio sits adjacent to the restaurant and can fit dozens, if not a hundred people for larger hosted events.
The Bamboo Club will also be hosting the second annual Long Beach Plant Market on Sunday, Nov. 12. The event will show off exotic plants, succulents, arts and crafts, pottery supplies and cocktails.
