Sweetwater Saloon
Many visitors praise the friendly and attentive staff, with some calling the food top-notch and the atmosphere interesting. However, several reviewers mention that the food has declined in quality and can be lukewarm, and that prices have become quite expensive. Some also report issues with staff behavior, including rudeness and dishonesty.
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via Stay22About this place Sweetwater Saloon
Sweetwater Saloon is the kind of neighborhood gay bar where you actually meet people from the neighborhood, a Long Beach institution on Broadway.
It’s casual, no fuss. The sort of place you can grab a beer after a day of sightseeing, or just hang out with friends. There are pool tables and dartboards if you want a little action, but mostly, it’s just a good spot to talk.
The drinks are cheap. Genuinely cheap. It’s a relief to find a bar that doesn’t treat every cocktail like a special occasion. You can actually afford to have a few here, which feels increasingly rare.
Long Beach has plenty of gay bars, but Sweetwater Saloon feels like the real deal, not some spot trying too hard. If you’re new in town, or just want to avoid the tourist traps, this is a solid choice for a local experience. You’ll find it at 1201 E Broadway, right in the thick of the downtown and Broadway corridor. Easy to get to, and a genuinely friendly place once you’re there.
Opening Hours
Open Now · closes 02:00Features
Insider Tips
Community Reviews
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Verified by GoogleBased on 328 Google reviews.
literally the best bar ever
I am a femme lesbian. I am quiet, tend to just enjoy my alone time and mind my own business. I stopped in here last night because I'm traveling solo and wanted a safe place to hang out around like-minded queer folks. Brought a notebook because I didn't feel like staring at my phone. Disappointingly, I was heckled by a patron who insisted I was straight, didn't belong, and was only there because I wanted attention. They weren't quiet about it. Appeared to be a regular. The staff were otherwise kind and welcoming. I wish I could give this place 5 stars, but I do feel that general social atmosphere is a pretty major contributor to overall quality/safety, especially in queer-forward spaces.
Always a good time and LGBTQIA+ safe/friendly. Great place to grab a drink and play a game of pool! CASH ONLY
The environment was cool but staff was rude. The bartender Anthony, had horrible service. I was very excited to visit here just to find out the bartenders were extremely rude and inattentive. I love my community and being in the environment but the staff here were disappointing to say the least.
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Last updated on 11 August 2026