Yankee Doodles Sports Bar & Billiards in Long Beach, CA

Located in the Belmont Shore neighborhood, this sports bar sits on its own little block a short distance from the beach. The venue is strictly 21+ and they card at both doors. There is a large bar with plenty of seating. It’s so big that you don’t have to search far for an empty table to sit. There is a row of billiards tables located across from the bar that you can rent (they charge by the hour). It’s a great spot to go and hang out with friends and have beers and a good laugh.

Yankee Doodles Sports Bar & Billiards

4100 E Ocean Blvd

Long Beach, CA 90803

562.439.9777

*This is an older location and it has a old Long Beach feel to it. That’s where the dive bar feeling comes from. However, the Santa Monica location is much newer and newer tables and tvs. Choose wisely.

 

Fresh & Easy in Long Beach, CA

This new grocery store is a great addition to the healthier food industry. Fresh & Easy has a smaller scale of items and simple variety. They have just enough items to make sure you fulfill your shopping list, but they don’t overwhelm you with tons of variety. The name of the store is exactly what they are doing, providing fresh produce and food is prepared daily without preservatives. I like Fresh & Easy’s own line of products, such as their Blue Corn & Chili Lime Crackers … these are spicy little crackers with a jalapeno twist.

They have some excellent meal ideas too. I really enjoyed their large carne burrito; microwave and you’re ready to eat. They also have meals on the go, pre-prepped and easily heated for lunch. And they are only $3.99-4.49.

Fresh & Easy also has a neighborhood-friendly policy, where they limit the number to deliveries to a store to reduce noise, traffic and disruptions in local neighborhoods. Such as delivering late at night when homes are near by. They also has routes that stay clear of school zones during drop-off and pick-up times.

I definelty enjoyed my experience and I will be going back as much as I can.

Long Beach location: Spring St and Palo Verde Ave

Fresh and Easy has many other locations: www.freshandeasy.com

 

Brass Monkey in Los Angeles, CA

Check out this incredible dive bar! The drinks at this location are great! Everyone has a monkey theme… I had a Breezy Monkey. But if your looking for a good time, try the Green Monster (it’s gonna get you good.)

Karaoke starts at 4pm… and it goes all night on Friday! You can sing your hear away, but you’re on camera… so the people in the back can see whats going on at the stage! Its awesome! There is one large bar and they serve some strong drinks! Don’t expect awesome food… its a bar. But the dumplings were well worth it and the sauce was good.

Advice: get your songs in early, the wait was almost 3 hours on Friday!

Groups: YES!

Brass Monkey

3440 Wilshire Blvd.

Los Angeles, CA

213-381-7047

April 11, 2008:

 

Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Riu Palace in Cabo San Lucas is the nicest hotel I’ve ever stayed at. And I loved it there. This 5 star hotel really does capture a Palace feel and its all inclusive. So food and drinks were all included! The rooms are all suites with some sort of ocean view. The mini fridges are hooked up with chilled Coronas, sodas and water. And there are 4 bottles of various types of liquor (rum, tequila, vodka, and wiskey). There are 4 major restaurants with various food varieties: Italian, Japanese, Steak House, and Gourmet (Kyrstal). There are two pools that mirror each other and both have endless ocean view. There is a very nice gym with ocean view and a beautiful spa. I really enjoyed myself at the Riu. There is also a small club that plays House music. Good Times!

 

J Lounge in Los Angeles, CA

The J Lounge in Los Angeles has many mixed reviews online, however, here’s my simple recap. I cannot speak for the restaurant, because I didn’t eat there. But the lounge was definably a good spot to hang out with friends. The lounge is located upstairs and there are many VIP tables for bottle service. There is long really long bar with at least 4 bartenders serving up drinks at any given time. There is an open outdoor patio with seating along the wall, coffee tables, and comfortable lounge couches. You can still hear the music outside; however, you can also still have a conversation without loosing your voice.

Inside, the music is loud and people are dancing in the room right behind the bar. There are some tables available for bottle service in that room too. The dance floor is one huge room and the lighting and music was really good. I was there on a Saturday night, so there was a live Dj playing good music, but I don’t know what happens on other nights. Beware, this place is majority Asian, which may be good or bad for you. The drinks are expensive, so if you’re a heavy drinker… you better pre-party.

I enjoyed my experience there; however, I don’t think I’ll rush back too soon. But I will def go back with friends if the occasion calls for it.

Cover: $15 at door (unless the girl likes you)

Parking: $7 in the lot next to J Lounge (not Valet)

J Lounge

1119 S Olive St

 

I Luv Sushi in Lakewood, CA

If you like Sushi Studio, then you might also enjoy I Luv Sushi in Lakewood, CA.  Brought to you from the creators of Sushi Studio is a sister location with much more room.  It’s located right across the street from Lakewood Country Club and right next door to Red Orange.  The menu items are exactly the same as the items from Sushi Studio and the specialty sushi dishes are just as good.   Basically, its another location to load up on some good sushi… in Lakewood.   They just opened about a month ago, so they have special coupons on www.myclipper.com.  You can save 30%, but it expires 5/7/08! I will go back if I’m in Lakewood and craving sushi.

Sushi Studio

3215 Carson St.

Lakewood, CA 90712

562.421.8917

 

Pei Wei in Torrance, CA

This is an Americanized Asian food restaurant.  I got the Ginger Broccoli lunch special with Veggies and Tofu.  It was $7.25, but you can add chicken, beef, or shrimp for a little extra.  They also have a good chicken curry dish.  The portions are good and the rice will fill you right up. They also have tea with a hint of orange or black tea.  Food comes up pretty fast and the drinks are self service.  Take a seat the they will bring your food to your table.  Majority of the seats and tables are inside, however, there are a few tables outside if you want a little sun.
The spot is pretty popular at lunch, so make sure you have enough time!  It slows down a bit when it gets really busy.  But you can call in or order take out.    There is plenty of parking outside and you’re close to many stores.

<>Pei Wei

2777 Pacific Coast Hwy

Torrance, CA 90505

 

Panera Bread Cafe (4204) in Carson, CA

<>I love the half soup and half sandwich special. I love the broccoli cheese soup and the chicken frontega. You also get a side: apple, chips, or fresh bread. The special is only $7.25! Panera also has a yummy fresh lemonade… it tastes great when you make an Arnold Palmer out of it. You will get a small pager after you order your food, however, be aware that it’s kinda scary when it goes off. If its on the counter, it’s really loud.  I’ve tried the harvest salads, but I wasn’t too happy with it.  Kinda simple and bland.
There is indoor and outdoor seating. Also, there is free internet access in the restaurant. It’s really nice to sit outside and there’s a small fountain out there too.

Panera Bread Cafe 4204

20700 Avalon Bouleard S. A-18

Carson, CA 90746

310.436.1545

*There’s another Panera on Pacific Coast Highway in Carson, CA. By Pei Wei (Chinese food)

 

Paul Mitchell The School in Costa Mesa, CA

Paul Mitchell is well known for their beauty and hair supplies and they have a school located in Costa Mesa, CA.  You can get your hair cut at the schools by one of the students for $10 with a phase 1 student or $15 for a phase 2 student. The students are supervised by the instructors and might ask a supervisor to help with the cut.  But all and all, its a learning experience for the stylists and it’s a cheap but adventurous hair cut for you.   I have meet several real skilled stylists and I really enjoy their enthusiasm to try new things.  Check it out.

Paul Mitchel The School

1534 Adams Ave

Costa Mesa, CA 92626

714.546.8786

 

Legends Sports Bar in Long Beach, CA

<>Legends burned in 2006, however it is back and better than ever. From the outside, the venue looks small, but its actually very spacious (high ceiling effect) and a second floor toward the back. The sports bar also continued to fill its venue with tons of sport memorabilia.

<>There are two bars, one full bar down stairs and a smaller bar on the second floor. There are plenty of TVs all over, playing just about every sport you can think of. Even the bar has TVs for your viewing needs while you wait for a drink. But if you go upstairs, be careful, they don’t serve all their specialty drinks up there. The one downstairs has all the taps and makes all house specialty drinks. The bar upstairs is much smaller and makes a few of the house specials and some beers on tap.

<>The second floor can also become a private area if you need an area to rent for a mid sized event. <>The venue is huge, but there was still a slight wait. The wait staff was friendly and the drinks were strong. Go for a game, the atmosphere is perfect. Great chill place, but not so much for the food. It’s a loud and fun environment. It’s a spots bar!

<>Food:

Chili in a break bowl - looked good

Nachos - not so great, kinda dry

Philly Cheese Sandwich - the fries were good

Choc-Vanilla martini - like them strong… heres a good one.

Prices: Average, Martini was $8

Groups: YES!

5236 E 2nd St
Long Beach, CA 90803

(562) 434-7567