7 Secrets Of The Bungalow Long Beach: Inside The Coastal Vibe That Replaced A Celebrity Chef’s Kitchen
As of December 24, 2025, The Bungalow Long Beach has solidified its status as the premier coastal nightlife destination in the city, successfully navigating a significant identity shift from its initial concept. This iconic venue, nestled within the upscale 2ND & PCH retail center, is no longer the sit-down culinary venture known as The Bungalow Kitchen, but has fully embraced its roots as a vibrant, high-energy bar and lounge, delivering the signature "house party" atmosphere its founder is famous for. The pivot, driven by hospitality visionary Brent Bolthouse, has cemented The Bungalow’s place as a must-visit social retreat where city lights meet the ocean air, offering an eclectic and social environment for locals and visitors alike.
The transition marked a return to the easygoing, cocktail-focused energy that defines The Bungalow brand across Southern California. By shedding the constraints of a full-service restaurant, the Long Beach location has unlocked its full potential as a dynamic space for live music, DJ sets, and spontaneous connections. It serves as a testament to the power of adapting to market intentions, proving that sometimes, the best recipe is simply great music, handcrafted cocktails, and an atmosphere that feels like a chic, bohemian beach house.
The Visionary Behind the Vibe: Brent Bolthouse and Bungalow Hospitality Group
The entire concept of The Bungalow Long Beach is the brainchild of Brent Bolthouse, a name synonymous with Southern California’s most exclusive and successful hospitality ventures. Bolthouse, the founder of the Bungalow Hospitality Group, has been shaping the Los Angeles and coastal nightlife scene for decades, known for his ability to conjure spaces that feel both luxurious and intimately familiar.
His philosophy centers on creating a relaxed, residential-style ambiance—a far cry from the typical velvet-rope club scene. The Bungalow brand is an extension of this vision, designed to feel like walking into a friend’s stylish, bohemian beach house.
Brent Bolthouse: Key Biography & Projects
- Role: Founder of Bungalow Hospitality Group.
- Vision: Creating innovative brands and projects that infuse spaces with a relaxed, residential charm.
- Notable Projects: The Bungalow Santa Monica, The Bungalow Huntington Beach, and the nightlife programming for the luxury SLS Hotel.
- Recent Efforts: Leading preservation efforts for historic Los Angeles institutions, such as The Log Cabin.
- The Pivot: Bolthouse personally drove the decision to close The Bungalow Kitchen (a collaboration with Chef Michael Mina) in March 2023 to revert to his original, bar-and-lounge-focused plan for Long Beach.
The pivot at the Long Beach location was a strategic move to get back to the core "house party" concept, which Bolthouse felt was the missing piece in the Long Beach entertainment landscape.
The Dramatic Pivot: From Culinary Destination to Coastal Hotspot
The history of The Bungalow Long Beach is marked by a significant, high-profile shift. Originally, the venue opened as The Bungalow Kitchen at 2ND & PCH, a full-service dining concept created in partnership with celebrity Chef Michael Mina. This initial iteration was partly a product of the COVID-19 era, designed to adhere to restrictions that favored sit-down dining.
However, the kitchen concept, while generally well-received, was a departure from the quintessential Bungalow experience. Bolthouse ultimately decided to close the kitchen temporarily in March 2023 to fully transform the space. The goal was to eliminate the formal dining structure and reopen as a pure bar and lounge, focusing entirely on the social atmosphere, live entertainment, and cocktail program.
The Rebirth and Relaunch
The relaunch was immediately successful, capturing the lively spirit that the Long Beach community craved. The redesigned space now emphasizes small bites and appetizers (often referred to as "small bites") to complement the extensive drink menu, allowing for a more fluid and social experience. The official grand opening of the revitalized concept featured a special DJ set by none other than Grammy-winning artist Anderson .Paak, signaling the venue’s new focus on premium entertainment and a vibrant, non-stop party atmosphere.
This strategic move confirmed Bolthouse's commitment to the original vision, proving that the true draw of The Bungalow is the vibe—a unique blend of relaxed coastal charm and high-energy nightlife.
7 Essential Secrets to The Bungalow Long Beach Experience
For anyone planning a visit, understanding the unique elements of the Long Beach location—especially post-pivot—is key to maximizing the experience. It’s more than just a bar; it’s a meticulously curated social environment.
1. The Signature "House Party" Vibe
Unlike traditional nightclubs, The Bungalow is designed to mimic a large, eclectic, and stylish beach house. The decor features elements like Moroccan tile work, Mexican blankets, multiple fireplaces, and whitewashed walls. This residential-style setting encourages mingling and conversation, making it perfect for a group of friends or an intimate date. The atmosphere is often described as a "beautiful disaster"—in the best, most spontaneous way possible.
2. Prime Location at 2ND & PCH
The venue's location within the 2ND & PCH Open-Air Lifestyle Center is a major draw. This high-end retail and dining hub provides a chic backdrop, ensuring a sophisticated clientele. The proximity to the ocean allows the space to truly radiate a relaxed, coastal energy, especially on the expansive outdoor patio areas.
3. The Handcrafted Cocktail Program
The focus is now squarely on the bar. The Bungalow Long Beach is renowned for its handcrafted cocktails, which are both creative and expertly mixed. While the full dinner menu is gone, the current offering of small bites and appetizers is designed to perfectly pair with the drinks, ensuring guests have fuel for a long night of socializing and dancing.
4. The Game Room and Social Hubs
A key feature that promotes the "house party" atmosphere is the dedicated Game Room. Guests can often be found playing a game of pool or other casual party games. The venue is intentionally sectioned into different zones, including lounge seating, a main bar, and outdoor spaces, giving patrons multiple environments to explore and connect.
5. The Live Music and DJ Sets
Entertainment is a core component. The Bungalow regularly hosts live music, DJs, and special happenings, maintaining a dynamic and ever-changing energy. The music selection is curated to enhance the social experience, moving from chill, easygoing tunes early in the evening to high-energy sets later at night.
6. The Shifting Hours and Schedule
The current operational hours reflect its status as a premier nightlife venue, with extended weekend hours. While specific events may vary, the general schedule is: Wednesday to Friday: 5 PM–2 AM, Saturday: 2 PM–2 AM, and Sunday: 2 PM–10 PM. It’s important to note that the venue can get crowded, especially on weekends, reinforcing its status as a vibrant and dynamic venue.
7. A Sister to Iconic California Locations
Visiting the Long Beach location connects you to a larger, successful brand. The Bungalow Hospitality Group also operates the legendary The Bungalow Santa Monica and The Bungalow Huntington Beach. Each location carries the signature aesthetic but tailors the experience to its unique coastal community, offering a consistent, high-quality social experience across Southern California.
The Bungalow Long Beach, having successfully completed its transformation, stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of a great atmosphere, quality drinks, and a place where making new connections is effortless. It is the quintessential coastal retreat for those seeking a sophisticated yet laid-back nightlife experience.
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