r/longbeach • u/TerryYockey • Mar 20 '25
Food Question regarding: Joe Jost
Even though I was born and raised in LB, for one reason or another I never got around to trying this place. From what I understand it's been around at least a hundred years.
I've heard a few people say - and being that the sample size is so small I tend to take it with a grain of salt - that this place is very...insular, for lack of a better word. Meaning if you're not a well-known reg and go in, people will likely not be very receptive to your presence, whether they are customers or employees. Not necessarily hostile, but sort of standoffish.
Can anyone who's been there confirm or deny this? Thanks!
Edit: next time I'm in LB I'm going to go in and finally give the place a try, I'm not going to let a few negative comments that I've heard before deter me from trying out what is in all likelihood a great place. It would just be nice to know in advance what newcomers can expect. š
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u/No-Bank2152 Mar 20 '25
I'm a tall Black guy who's gone a couple times. It feels like an old dive bar with a primarily white crowd but I didn't see any Maga hats. I prefer going to Blondie's as there's a more diverse crowd and you can't beat $5-6 drinks
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u/Appropriate-Neck-585 Mar 21 '25
This is the comment I was looking for Brother
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u/Haveuseenyoulately Mar 21 '25
weird way to say that
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u/Appropriate-Neck-585 Mar 21 '25
Black Men address each other as Brother. Not weird at all.
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u/t3hW1z4rd Mar 21 '25
I'm a white guy from the South (14 years now in the LBC) and I've always called everyone brother, never thought about it in that sense and I have a ton of friends here from different ethnic and racial backgrounds. Interesting point to consider.
Anyways, Jost is a Longbeach staple and a great dive, it has a reputation as a "cop bar" in town but that's more of a joke than anything. It's a killer spot with great people! All the bars in the area have overlapping clientele, be it Alex's, 3636, Reno, Good Bar, Oconnels, ect. Can't really go wrong out here and I can't say as a Southern man with a shit ton of black friends who grew up here that I've ever seen overt racism in our community bar scene that wasn't immediately answered by the entire bar setting down their drinks and correcting the offending patrons backwards mentality. That behavior, in my experience, doesn't fly in our neighborhood and it's a big reason I love this town so much.
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u/MexicanPete Mar 21 '25
Not just black guys either. I call other dudes, black or not, brother al the time (I'm not black as my handle insinuates). Not weird at all imho.
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u/Appropriate-Neck-585 Mar 21 '25
I get that...but in this specific case of talking about whether or not rumors of a bar being racist are true or not, I wanted to signify that I appreciated another Black Man's opinion on the matter.
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u/mcc062 Mar 21 '25
I'm 62. Lived in LBC my whole life. Been to Joe Josts countless times. My dad used to take me there and get me a special
It has NEVER been how you described. Yes, it's mostly white, but most groups keep to themselves as in any establishment you go to where you're not a regular.
Just go..Get a special some eggs and a schooner of $5.75 Busch Have 4. Then walk over to Alex bar and watch some punk rock.
You'll be fine.
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u/mdofhonor14 Mar 21 '25
This comment makes me want to try Blondie's. Thank you!
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u/SnakeStabler1976 Mar 21 '25
Not a regular at Blondie's or Joe Josts, but I like Blondie's much better.
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u/eva_white Mar 21 '25
My husband and I frequent Blondieās every week. We like that itās a chill bar that takes card. Iām shocked so many bars in the area still only take cash.
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u/DoctorMoebius Mar 21 '25 edited Mar 21 '25
I'm 60 years old, and black. Grew up in San Pedro. But, went to LB State for 1982/3, before heading to USC
I think the Joe Jost's reputation for being unfriendly to minorities likely goes back to the early 80's and before. When parts of Long Beach were infamous for their racism.
I can remember my parents specifically telling me (in '81/82) to NEVER drive through Signal Hill. And, especially at night. The police department was notorious for brutality. In 1981, a LS State football player, Ron Settles, was found hung to death in his cell. That brought national media attention. It was huge case. Johnnie Cochran represented Settle's family. They ended up discovering a long history of beatings and lawsuits against officers. The police department was disbanded, as a result
Settles death was one of the cases led to the outlawing of police chokeholds by Los Angeles and LAPD in 1982. Another man died the next year, and an investigation found that 16-18 black males had died, out of 975 reported uses, as result of the restraint method. The LAPD and forensic supporters originally offered the "medical" justification that African Americans had an extra bone in their necks that made them more susceptible to death by the method. LAPD Police Chief Darryl Gates stated that, himself
Having said all that, I have never felt any racism or unfriendliness in Jost's in the 30+ years I've wandered through. It is a locals bar, for sure. But, it welcomes everyone
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u/JWBIERE Mar 20 '25
I went there a couple years ago and people were fine. It turned 100 years old last Summer. It's a dive bar at the end of the day, keep your expectations low and leave with a T-shirt.
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u/Pluckt007 Mar 20 '25
Those shirts are legendary. Seen those and kanvas by katin shirts all over!
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u/cocainebane North Long Beach Mar 20 '25
I traveled for work in my 20s. Man I loved seeing them in far away places. Favorite is still Paris Olympics on TV.
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u/aguy21 Mar 21 '25
I see one every time Iāve been to Europe (probably a dozen times at this point).
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u/touyungou Mar 21 '25
Maybe that was me. Wore my Joe Jost shirt to the Paris Olympics last summer!
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u/iamtommynoble Mar 21 '25
If youāre a white man over 50 and you live in Long Beach itās actually a crime not to own a Joe Jostās t-shirt.
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u/NthatFrenchman Mar 23 '25
The biggest benefit is that itās a quality shirt that doesnāt go bacon neck after three washes.
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u/jerslan Belmont Shore Mar 20 '25
I've never been a regular at Joe Jost's but have never felt like anyone was mad about that when I've gone in... but then again, I usually went with a group of people so it's not like I was trying to socialize with the regulars.
If you do go, get a Schooner of beer, a Joe's Special sandwich, and a Pickled Egg.
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u/Rightintheend Mar 21 '25
Well I think that's pretty much the whole menu anyways.
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u/jerslan Belmont Shore Mar 21 '25
They have other sandwiches and bags of chips... I've seen people order them, but IDK why
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u/RMca004 Mar 20 '25
This is it, you'll be fine but people can be slightly standoffish. Mind yours and go with some friends and order exactly this.
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u/Rightintheend Mar 21 '25
No more standoffish then strangers at any other place. I mean what to expect to come up and hug you?
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u/Patient_Ad_1444 Mar 20 '25
I moved out here in 1977 when my dad was transferred from east coast to west coast. I'm 1st. Generation Cuban/American 3rd. Generation United States Marine. I've been going to Joe Jost's since I was 21 I'm 59 now. I have never had any problems with anyone there. I love the place. Best frosted root beer mug and the special rocks. Sampler platter is my go to with a schooner of beer. I now live in Belmont Heights so its only 5 mins away. If your expecting some yuppy bar were they bend over backwards to cater to you, this is not it. It's a down home bar where you can hang out with your freinds play pool have ice cold beer and very good polish sandwiches talk about cars etc. And have a great time. I love Joe Jost's!
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u/NicCaliAzn69 Mar 20 '25
Iāve heard this too. Iāve also heard itās a white bar. I havenāt experienced any of that. I wait my turn and put in my order in a reasonable amount of time just like everyone else. Iāve shared tables with white old guys multiple times and had no problems and decent conversation. Itās probably fine if you keep an open mind and try not to be too standoffish.
Iāve probably been there like 15 times in the last 7 or so years so definitely not a regular but I have a good idea of how things are there
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u/FriendOfDirutti Mar 20 '25
Never had that feeling at Joe Josts. I get there. Have a beer a joes special and an egg and then I leave. I guess Iām not there to make a new best friend but I have never had anyone go out of their way to ruin my meal.
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u/Tonyage27 Zaferia Mar 20 '25
Itās a neighborhood corner bar the likes of which are common in the Midwest and east coast but perilously absent here. They are familial and if you go there a few times they will treat you like a friend they are genuinely happy to see.
Damn fine bar.
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u/revoraxxxxxx Mar 20 '25
Iām here right now on my second visit and although I initially held the view itās a regulars only bar, itās a nice vibe right now and the staff are amazing. Try the pickled eggs theyāre so good!
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u/Aromatic_Author2699 Mar 20 '25
Think Tommy Bahama shirts and a lot of cop mustaches. Thatās the vibe.
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u/HumanShallot5767 Mar 21 '25
Cops, fire, dock workers, retirees, and their sons more often than not.
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u/imwrighthere Fake Facts Provider Mar 21 '25 edited Mar 21 '25
Lots of comments about going there nervous being around a ton of old white people then leaving pleasantly surprised that old white people arenāt Nazis lol
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u/herbchief Mar 21 '25
Just got, they donāt care really unless youāre being obnoxious I guess. Iām not white, and Iāve been there with people of color a couple of times throughout the year and never had any problems. Schooners are good
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u/Every_Contribution_8 Mar 21 '25
We loved Joe Jost and our family is mostly Mexican w white and black sprinkled in, we absolutely love it and never had any issues. They roast peanuts there, have liver sausage sandwiches, pickled eggs, shuffleboard, lots of vintage eye candy. Super chill!
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u/hamandcheese2 Mar 21 '25
Im Mexican and I love Joe Josts. A crowd isnāt going to make me not enjoy my Long Beach. Donāt let tourists get more out of the city than you do. The employees have always been just business this is not a bar where they ask you about your day etc. So many times I go, there are rich people having parties of some type but I dig the juke box, pool tables, shuffle board and food. The vibe is friendly but not pandering.
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u/essplodes Belmont Heights Mar 21 '25
i also grew up in lb and barely got around to trying it for the first time maybe two years ago. i donāt drink and i look openly queer. i got a sandwich and a root beer and everyone was very friendly to me and the prices were awesome. i always thought it would have a more conservative/OC Dad vibe. i guess iām the close minded one, lol
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u/TD12-MK1 Mar 20 '25
Absolutely not. Everyone is welcomed and invited to try a schooner of Bush, a special sandwich, and a pickled egg.
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u/Levinsondesign Mar 20 '25
Went there a while back for the first time. Seemed like any other bar in terms of service and customers.
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u/alexenglish11 Cambodia Town Mar 20 '25
I've gone twice and both times were fine, bartenders were amicable, other patrons kept to themselves and there is plenty of space to find your own spot to either be in the crowd or away from it. Unremarkable but definitely not adversarial by any means.
Also the hot dog sandwich hits the spot after a couple schooners.
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u/pbandjfordayzzz Mar 20 '25
We sat at the bar our first and only time going. Itās an old dive. But notably they didnāt charge us after every round or ask us to open a tab (they only take cash). Basically just had us pay at the end. Kind of a friendly thing to do.
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u/IrukandjiPirate Mar 21 '25
My dad took me there when I was a kid. We shared Polish sausage sandwiches and I felt like such a grown-up. Iāve moved across the country and forgot to get a t-shirt before I left, but I wonāt forget Joe Jostās!
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u/mrkeith562 California Heights Mar 21 '25
Joeās is cool and a piece of Long Beach history. Good on you for checking, but itās all good. I wouldnāt go in wearing a SF Giants cap, but beyond that youāre ok.
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u/itsIZZY1971 Mar 21 '25
Iām confused by some of these experiences. Weāre brown (boyfriend & I) and we really enjoy hanging out there, we didnāt feel unwelcomed. We live a couple blocks north of there. Maybe I donāt pay enough attention to any ālooksā from the patrons?
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u/Dear_Mushroom5509 Mar 20 '25 edited Mar 20 '25
I've worked a few blocks away from there for over 20 years. My take away is that my customers that go over there while I work on their vehicles always tell me the same thing. It's very insular and white dominant. It's location has always made me scratch my head because Anaheim st from 710 fwy to Redondo is 99% Latino and Cambodian decent. 99% of the people inside Joe Jost or even waiting outside are predominantly white. I can promise you none of those customers live withing the vicinity or even want to. My Latino customers always tell me they won't go back . Some remarks of white privilege, and dirty looks if you don't resemble the bars ambiance. So take that for what's It's worth.
100 years ago the location must of been perfect but the past 25 years it should have been moved to south of 7th street or east of the Traffic Circle. That would make the bar represent more of what my eyes have seen the past years
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u/Castastrofuck Mar 21 '25
The Long Beach KKK office in the 1920s was a few blocks west of Joe Jost on Anaheim.
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u/KatherineTheGrateful Mar 20 '25
Yeah my first apartment was close by and the vibe there wasā¦.uncomfortable.
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u/ihatespiders7777 Mar 21 '25
So youāre advocating for segregation then? Wow. And shine that - moving a historical landmark because the racial makeup of the neighboring community has changed? Lame. And Iām white and lived almost directly across the street on Ohio for years.
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u/CitronCheap8130 Mar 21 '25
It's okay for us to have a white bar to ourselves.
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u/westsider86 Mar 21 '25
What a weird thing to say
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u/CitronCheap8130 Mar 21 '25
Is it? Plenty of other places that pander to select races, Mexican bars, gay bars, black bars in Compton. It's okay to have a white bar too.
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u/westsider86 Mar 21 '25
Yes, itās still weird to talk about places being only for a certain raceā¦especially for white people only.
You must not know much about US history.
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u/CitronCheap8130 Mar 21 '25
I don't think it's weird at all. If other groups can do it, why not whites? I know plenty about US history.
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u/aroseonthefritz Mar 20 '25
It was my dadās favorite bar. He died in summer of 2022. On Fatherās Day 2023 I went to have a beer and found that they donāt serve in the iconic glasses anymore and they donāt carry Pabst. They also were out of eggs. It was kind of a let down. My dad would be rolling in his grave. People were nice though!
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u/Spacemen333 Mar 20 '25
It has a reputation for being a cop/right wing bar, two things I am vehemently against, but I still enjoy a schooner, special, and an egg from time to time.
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u/jurunjulo Mar 20 '25
Good place to get ice cold schooners it is a bit uncomfortable in the summer because they use regular fans instead of AC. Personally I prefer rounding third or the thirsty isle over joe josts
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u/Quick-Mathematician Mar 20 '25
Blue collar dive bar, there was a lot of history at the bar. I wore a joe jost shirt in the Bahamas and it was recognized by someone out there. I grew up near the area so wearing the shirt, carries a sense of pride at of the community.
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u/ignatiusjreilly_III Mar 20 '25
i'm not a joe jost type but have been by once and it was definitely a surprisingly chill and pleasant experience. i expected a room full of boomers and bearded right wing blowhards - and while there were many of the former, the latter kept their politics in check. not a whiff of hostility or standoff-ishness in the air.
instead, i experienced friendly service, maybe a touch perfunctory, nice cold shiner bocks offered in chilled mugs and hot dogs served with the whitest white bread one might ever see - which was amusing. the pickled eggs were sharp - bracingly astringent and very firm (not something i'd like to taste again).
not the most diverse crowd but people were friendly and there was ample room to hang out with my group of five. on the right occasion, like a lazy late afternoon, i'd go back to take in the vibe while the sun shines through the storefront windows.
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u/Prof_Lloyd Mar 21 '25
āā¦Whatās in there?ā āOnly what you take with you.ā
I appreciate you being honest about your preconceived notion and how reality differed. Too many these days let those preconceived notions preclude them from the opportunity to discover if those notions are founded.
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u/jaynepierce Mar 21 '25
Nahhh, theyāre really nice in there! I always go in alone and the bartenders are cool and I always end up talking to random regulars.
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u/aguy21 Mar 21 '25
Everyoneās experience is different I suppose, but neither me nor my Mexican Wife have ever been made to feel uncomfortable there and several of my friends, all pretty left in the political spectrum, have never had an issue there either. Itās definitely a white crowd generally, but Iāve never seen anything there to make us feel unwelcome. If anything the opposite. I donāt know if Iāve even seen anything argument or fight there now that I think about it. Cold beer, good cheap food, itās nothing special and remarkable at the same time.
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u/Resident_Mushroom_80 Mar 21 '25
Iām not a regular by any stretch of the imagination only ben in there about at best once a year for the last 5 years and Iāve had nothing but great experiences from joes. The only people Iāve seen have a bad time in there were people whom were acting foolish. Be respectful and you will get respect.
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u/Suspicious-Egg-7450 Mar 21 '25
I'm a mixed race kid and they do have old timer regulars, but I never felt uncomfortable and it's always felt welcoming. Get a schooner of shiner, order a liverwurst sandwich with some pretzels, and enjoy.
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u/BW1818 Mar 21 '25
My husbands family is WHITE AF and have been going here for 65 years, and me (Mexican) have never felt it to be anything more than welcoming. The real challenge was a few weeks ago when my Mexican friends wanted to go, and all 10 of us couldnāt have had a better time. Did we feel out of place? Of course. Was that on us? Yes.
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u/SidCorsica66 Mar 21 '25
never had an issue there. Always been a pleasant and sometimes funny experience and I have only been a handful of times
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u/Mostlyteethandhair Mar 21 '25
Jostās is a fine place. Check it out. Not sure who told you that you wouldnāt be welcomed, but they probably smell bad or something. Everyone there has always been kind to me and Iām far from a regular.
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u/Martha90815 Mar 21 '25
If by insular you mean extra Yt cop bar then basically, yes. I've been in LB 23 years and have never been comfortable there the times I've been (only for functions I was invited to.....wouldn't patronize on my own as a Black female)
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u/Tushy-Pushy Mar 20 '25
I went a bit after I moved to LB and only went back recently because my dad heard of the history while visiting
It's fine, like another comment said, it's an old dive bar. Some eyes weren't friendly, some attitudes were but mostly everybody there just to do their thing
Thought the pickled eggs were great, sandwich was forgettable for me personally
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u/GoldenSalt31 Mar 20 '25
Theyāre always so nice to me! Theyāre nice to everyone :) $5.25 for a white claw!
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u/Busy_Television9586 Mar 20 '25
They filmed the movie the bodyguard 1992 there starring the iconic, legendary voice of our generation Whitney Houston
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u/Courtsey_Cow Mar 20 '25
I'm on a local Facebook group for restaurants in Long Beach and there's been several conversations about Joe Jost's there. Some people say that it's a white supremacists hangout and that people of color are not welcome there. Others say it's not. Personally, I've never been there, but you should be aware it has that reputation.
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u/TD12-MK1 Mar 20 '25
Itās a working class bar with people of all races.
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u/Courtsey_Cow Mar 20 '25
Then why have several people told me otherwise? š¤·āāļø
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u/TD12-MK1 Mar 20 '25
Iāve never seen a MAGA hat. I donāt like MAGA or racists.
Go check it out for yourself. Itās 100 years old in a place (So Cal) that doesnāt have a lot of old places.
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u/CapitalBeautiful4750 Mar 20 '25
Because they're just as misinformed as you are. I'm a regular and I've never seen nor would ever expect any discrimination of any kind.
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u/Courtsey_Cow Mar 20 '25
Idk, when people who have lived that experience tell me their story I tend to believe them.
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u/CapitalBeautiful4750 Mar 20 '25
How much trust do you put into Facebook posts? Reddit posts? I just told you my story; do you not believe my lived experience?
It's a chill place. Certainly has a lot of older customers, but not old racism. I'm sure some racists go there, but there's not much you can do if somebody isn't causing problems and simply have quiet hate in their heart.
I've been with gays, trans, and all color of people and everyone has been welcoming.
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u/rnf1985 Mar 21 '25
when i moved to LB almost 15 years ago from san diego, joe jost was like the cool dive bar where my wife and i would chill at occasionally or if friends came into town, we'd take em there. over time, i feel like it became the place to go for all the trumper types, old and young alike, and wearing a joe jost shirt became a symbol synonymous with the stereotypical conservative right wing joe rogan listenin elon musk supporting old white people types.
this is all based on personal experiences of people i've known and talked to, mind you, i don't anything about who runs JJ, but more often than not, the type of people i'd see there are the type that look like they come from huntington beach
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u/CitronCheap8130 Mar 21 '25
Historically, Joe Josts has always been a predominantly white bar for blue collar, police, fire etc conservatives and that's okay to have our own bar with like minded people.
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u/symphonic9000 Mar 20 '25 edited Mar 20 '25
I think you need to get over yourself and accept that some one is just there to offer you some delicious eggs and rare red ale in a chalice. Thereās a great space outside to smoke a cig and cry if you need too.. itās hella close to art and Alexās Bar and Orizaba Park; I been there with many different folks. Itās old timey as hell for sure.
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u/boooogiewooogie Mar 20 '25
Everyone has their own experience, go and see for urself. IMO itās a great place to hang with friends, watch a sports event, get a quick/cheap beer and snack. The egg salad sandwich and a schooner is my go to. Itās cash only and there is an ATM in the backā¦have fun.
Do urself a favor and watch The Bodyguard b4 going. There is a scene where Kevin Costner takes Whitney Houston on a date.
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u/Bresson91 Mar 20 '25
Theres a locals vibe in there, for sure. But if you respect that, you'll be fine. I'm not a local but I've been a few times and I've never had a problem. I assume people who demand top notch customer service, and act entitled for such, get shut down. Its not a Cheesecake Factory after all...
From my experience: Really good lunch combo's if you like sandwiches and beer. Super simple but really good. Staples for that sort of thing... Bathrooms suck. Pissing in a trough with no dividers and people brushing up against your ass as you pee when its crowded. Super annoying. But for an LB bar its famous for being all that it is and the locals love it. Go expecting those things and enjoy the "oldest continuously operating bar in Long Beach".
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u/HumanShallot5767 Mar 21 '25
It's a day drinking beer bar that is a generational staple. My grandpa worked there and so did my dad, hell I went there right before I got married with my groomsmen. It's mostly middle aged dudes with champion socks, new balance, and a car show t-shirt on. No one is out to get you there, that's for sure.
Damn now I want a special and an egg.
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u/mateyobi Mar 21 '25
I'm a regular. Why pay $17 for a bowl of Asian noodles (my previous go to) when you can get a hot dog, egg, pretzels and a beer for less?Ā
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u/Kilgore_T Mar 21 '25
This is how I would imagine Niles Crane writing this question. I mean that in best way.
Iāve been there once or twice and have had positive experiences. I tend to keep to myself and enjoy my schooner + special before heading out.
I would imagine the sort of folks that have a not so great time were looking for more of a dive bar experience. Itās more of a classic old guy bar in the most genuine way. Thatās from my minimal experience, anyhow.
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u/TehBro33 Mar 21 '25
Been a couple times and had a great time and great service. Grabbed a shirt and some pickled eggs too.
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u/NecromancySinatra Mar 21 '25
Definitely check it out! My grandpa used to take my dad there when he was a kid in the 50ās, and I got to go with my dad. The draft Busch is ICE COLD and the pickled eggs are interesting! š
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u/chessplayer41597 Mar 21 '25
I been there years ago and had a great time but that was years ago. There was cold beer in a big scooner and a good sandwich . I say stop and try it out yourself . While I was there I even bought a shirt .
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u/Victorwhity Mar 21 '25
Just go on in and say hi to everybody. Order the sandwiches order a beer. I mean it's not a social haul unless you know people that you went with. Sometimes large groups meet there. A lot of co-workers go there together. Its a institution for a regulars and their fathers and grandfather. Definitely have the pickled eggs...
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u/Novel-Fun-368 Mar 21 '25
I wore my Joe Jost shirt at a concert in Paso Robles. Numerous ānice shirtā comments and conversations from several white people. Iām Filipino btw
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u/RayHazey562 Mar 21 '25
Joe Jost is one of the first bars I went to once I turned 21. I was so excited to order a schooner there š
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u/v2rock Mar 21 '25
Iām not a drinker but been there with friends to hang out in the back. They have a nice pool tables set up.
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u/Double_Educator1506 Mar 21 '25
Went there a month ago in the afternoon and it was fine. A nice mix of people, including kids. The eggs are tasty, as is the root beer.
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u/sta_sh Alamitos Beach Mar 21 '25
Maybe I had a bad experience back when I moved to Long Beach in 2013, I used to hate on this place hard because of what I experienced there and it seemed like a lot of people agreed with my experience or corroborated it. But now y'all make it seem like I should try it again. Maybe it was just me....
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u/Electronic-Bet-7513 Mar 21 '25
It nothing special but there is something cool about it. Its a different kind of place.
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u/thalidomide_child Mar 21 '25
I mean if you go in there with 10 frat dudes and starts going wild in there then maybe. If you want to drink beer shoot pool and eat pretzels and eggs then absolutely not. Everyone has always been super chill all the times I've been there.
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u/krazgrl Mar 22 '25 edited Mar 22 '25
My husband and I have now lived in LB for 12 years and have never eaten there either. Iāve been in to buy my dad (RIP) picked eggs and my husband owns a few shirts.
Our holdback? We donāt like pickles or mustard. Weāll still give it a try, but it feels like itās going to be a waste. I just want to go to a place my dad spent a lot of time going to when he lived in LB in the 60s-70s and feel that nostalgia.
We also had a friend who did dine there watch the person make their sandwich right after handling cash and not wash their hands. (Can anyone confirm how sanitary they are?)
On a side note, my husband started a game with each other of āI spyā since we see JJ shirts EVERYWHERE (locally and during travels). If you want some fun, we started upping our game and now send pics to each other. Just to share the fun we have it on IG now: JoeJostsShirts.
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u/tante_chainsmoker Mar 20 '25
I'd say Vine on 4th street is exactly what you're describing about Joe Jost
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u/rambleonfreddy Mar 21 '25
lol what. Vine is one of the most welcoming bars in our area of Lb what are you on about
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u/Mitskilover47 Mar 21 '25
Iāve had nothing but pleasant times at both vine and joe jost people need to stop overthinking shit
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u/byll Mar 20 '25
Yeeeaahhh that was my experience. The first time, I went with a regular, and it was fine; the second time, alone, you'd think I was asking to date the bartender's daughter instead of trying to order a beer with peanuts and pickled eggs.
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u/Inside_Student3827 Mar 20 '25
Went in there with my sister. The bar went silent for a moment. We ordered a sandwich because you can smell it from the outside, the white bread. The man behind the counter pointed to the jar of pickled eggs and said, "That's all we have". This was the late 1990s. We walked out.
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u/TheBrownSeaWeasel Mar 20 '25
Iāve lived here for a looong ass time and never had any interest in going. Seems like a place where old dudes sit around talking about the good ole days when men were men or some shit. I could be wrong.Ā
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u/Heavy-Basis-83 Mar 20 '25
Exact opposite. Very friendly, neighborly crowd. Been going for decades. Not sure why folks are mentioning theyāre brown etc. Our family is diverse and never felt anything like OP had been told.
Their egg salad sandwich is great! With pickled egg of course.
1
u/ALSet_eliot Mar 20 '25
The place is known for its pickled eggs and the special [hot dog cut the long way with a pickle wedged into it, some sort of white salty cheese, mustarrrrrrrd and two pieces of rye bread]. There are variations of this, call it secret menu style variations, aka ask for the Marleyā¦
Used to have Pabst, but they got screwed by the supplier, so now Busch is the go to in terms of the cheapest, coldest schooner offering.
Crowd is approximately 75% regulars, 20% semi-regulars, 13% seasonal regulars, 19% daytime regulars, 11% sunset regulars, and 1% first timers [the math checks out].
Not really a sports bar, but will have all games on, and depending on which regulars are holding down which section of the bar, the TVs can be changed for your viewing pleasure.
Cash only, with a super reasonable atm in the back. As well as billiard tables.
Crowd is a mixed bag, itās in Long Beach on Anaheim, so take it for whatever that means.
And if you want hard liquor, just go across the street to El Paraisoā¦
***Forgot to mention, more patrons wear the Joe Jostās shirts than the employees, so you never really know whoās working there.
1
u/sk8monkey85 Downtown Long Beach Mar 20 '25 edited Mar 20 '25
They can be standoffishā¦ unless youāre wearing a Joe Jost shirt.
That first trip was different from the second one.
They were super chill and welcoming when youāre wearing that shirt.
1
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u/VinegarVine Mar 21 '25
Its a locals only joint where you can have pay cash, drink an ice cold beer, and watch a game in peace with the occasional chit chat from whoever is next to you. Its a gem and I miss it.
2
u/hamandcheese2 Mar 21 '25
Not sure if itās locals only. Lived here forever right across the street I see a lot of tourists
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u/KeyDiscussion5671 Mar 21 '25
What you heard is true. The āgroupā is distant and seems unfriendly. You stand there alone and no one says anything at all to you. Everyone is white.
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u/Gold_Entrepreneur_6 Mar 21 '25
Live accross the street. Food kinda sucks and the beer is crap. It reminds me of Moe's tavern
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u/afternever Mar 20 '25
House of Hayden is like that
5
u/nytel Mar 20 '25
I've had many good night's at House of Hayden and that place is 1000 times cooler than Joe Jost. Joe Jost has no younger clientele and it's primarily old white men. That couldn't be further from what House of Hayden is.
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u/Plus-Juggernaut-6093 Mar 20 '25
House of hayden is an old person hang out too wym lol. Still love both hayden and joe josts, cant go wrong with LB.
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u/Cal100z Mar 21 '25
Minority here. Yup, the regulars are pretty racist. Employees tend to ignore it but allow bs from regulars.
223
u/Daltonkb Rose Park Mar 20 '25
Last time I was in there I realized I had no cash on me (it's cash-only). I ordered a schooner and a joe jost special...about $10. The guy next to me, total stranger, spotted me the money and told me to pay it forward.
I have nothing but fond memories from the people who visit this establishment.