As we push toward celebrating Long Beach Last Call 2025—a 10-day, multi-event celebration of our city’s rich bar culture and the people who make it happen—we will offer a series of features that highlight everything from our most stellar cocktail programs at restaurants to to the very events occurring (like this feature on The Stache Bar on 4th Street)… All in order to lift a glass to a social and economic driver that rarely receives the love its deserves: our bar industry. For more information on Long Beach Last Call, tap here.
The Stache Bar on 4th Street has long been a staple—but it is also kind of forgotten as to why it has been a staple in the first place. Long before stellar bourbons appeared on the shelves of nearly every bar in Long Beach, Stache led the charge in showcasing that our city could have really great spirits and offer a good ol’ PBR and shot of Jack simultaneously.
To an extent, Stache momentarily lost that balance between pure dive and a heightened sense of what it could achieve. And if there is a story I love more than anything, it is one of resilience and evolution. Across the past six months, Stache has had a lovely return to specialty cocktail menus, a sense of pride amidst its bartenders—and that is precisely why they will be hosting the kick-off to Long Beach Last Call. (Yes, with a free cocktail included.)
Adaptation and evolution deserve applause—and The Stache epitomizes that.
If there is one thing worthy of applause, it is the resilience of a small business owner who knows they can do better. And with Stache Bar owner Brett Gallo, he has done just that: He began to re-focus on what made the Stache so distinctly different from the get-go.
“Spaces like Baby Gee and Tokyo Noir haven’t made me feel like I am losing business—nah,” Brett said. “They’ve inspired me to do more and do better. It’s really been a great thing to witness for 4th Street.”
The result has been an “entire uplift” with the team, according to bar manager Priscilla In, who is now on her third specialty cocktail menu since last Halloween’s spooky drink offerings. “Our team has done some really awesome things. We made our own in-house Midori. We’ve made bitters and syrups. We experiment at home and bring it to the bar. And customers? They’re just loving it.”
I am reminded of Steve Massis, owner of The Attic. The story of The Attic’s dramatic transformation from Instagrammable-three-hour-wait-brunch haven to a quality space that exudes everything but the basic is always worthy of re-telling—and its transformation is primarily driven by the humility and charisma of Steve, who faced a serious, weighty situation for a business owner: Continue with the wild success of a business which saw no sign of letting up but also no sign of fulfilling the soul of Massis or try to shift toward something vastly different entirely. He opted for the latter and, nearly five years later, is the proud owner of one of the best restaurants in the city.
What’s this kick-off party for Long Beach Last Call 2025 about?
Join us as we kick off the start of Long Beach Last Call at The Stache on Saturday, Mar. 1, from 7PM to 10PM. Buffalo Trace and Corazón Tequila will be on hand with tastings and cocktail specials while those who RSVP will receive a free cocktail. What cocktail? You will have two option: A “Buffalo Soda” made with house-made cola syrup, Buffalo Trace bourbon, a pinch of lemon and grenadine, and a dollop of cola foam. Or a “Laguna Sunrise” with Corazón blanco tequila, clarified orange juice, and a grenadine sorbet.
To RSVP (and get your free cocktail), click here.
A look at The Stache’s Long Beach Last Call 2025 menu.
Witty: there’s a Spaghett bottle service and it’s awesome. Spring-y: florals and citruses are abound in the drinks. Versatile: from porch pounders to booze-forward, there’s a bit of everything for everyone.
Garden Tea Party: Outfitters Vodka | Floral Peach Tea | Crème De Violette | Lemon
Basil Rouge Martini: Gin | Chambord Liqueur | Pineapple | Basil | Lemon Oleo
Lluvia De Oaxaca: La Tierra De Acre Espadín Mezcal | Averna Amaro | House-made Ginger Syrup | Grapefruit | Agave | Lime
Passionfruit Daiquiri: Rum | Passionfruit | Lime
Ruby Rush: Doc Swinson’s Whiskey infused with Cardamom and Cloves | Campari | Honey | Lemon
Spaghett Bottle Service: 32 oz. Miller High Life | Aperol | Lemon
Wait–you mention Long Beach Last Call 2025. What is it?
Long Beach Food Scene: Last Call—or Long Beach Last Call 2025 if you wanna keep it simple—returns March 1 and run through March 10 with a series of events on each day that celebrates the city’s rich bar culture, community, and its workers. From industry-only and unlimited tastings events to cocktail contests and proper Irish coffee lessons, Long Beach Last Call will continue to be the premiere event celebrating Long Beach’s bar and cocktail culture.
After the success of my restaurant in 2023, Long Beach Food Scene Week, bar owners and tenders rightfully asked: “What about a week for us?” So I decided to oblige and present Long Beach Last Call last year, a ten-day long celebration of Long Beach’s amazing bar culture, it’s even more amazing workers, and the industry that often goes without recognition as one of our city’s largest economic and social drivers. And thousands of people proudly showed up. With the alcohol industry going through a roller-coaster of layoffs and rearrangements—from brands leaving distribution companies to brand representation shrinking nationwide—now is the time more than ever to support these incredible people.
Hence, Long Beach Last Call 2025. And The Stache is a part of that—so go order a drink.
The Stache Bar is located at 941 E.4th St. The Long Beach Last Call 2025 kick-off party will be held on Saturday, Mar. 1, from 7PM to 10PM. The first 100 people to RSVP will receive a free cocktail.
Tried to RSVP, but it wouldn’t work with my phone. Wouldn’t accept my email address, which is the only one I have.
I’ll add your name, Patricia.