Mineshaft

Mineshaft was my go to bar. I moved away and after 6 years moved back. 4/5/25 was the 1st time back and it’s definitely changed. The bartender was super rude who was more worried about gossiping with is friend Ruben then tending to customers. Every time he came back to his register where I was sitting he would just talk crap about the person he just served. Then I asked the friend if he wanted to sit in the empty set next to me I’d be more then happy to move over he just gave me this look of discuss when all I was try to do is be nice to his ass. I drove all the way from San Diego just to go the Mindshaft. Let’s just say I’d never go back. And I remember his name because we had the same name…🙄

Haven't been here in a LONG time. Very long time. Pre-covid. The bar itself is cool. But. The vibe is kinda killed with the street vendors right in front. The mood inside has always been dark, a little cruisy, but now, the street vendors in the front have these blinding lights facing the building, and trying to sneak in for a drink I'm sure a lot of DL guys have opted to go elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, I don't mind street vendors but maybe directly in front of a bar, covering up the sign and banners isn't the right move business wise. We drove by and past it twice because we couldn't see the sign.

Mario was great! Drinks were made well and the Mexican food vendor right out front was delicious and convenient.

It’s 2024. Start taking F-ing credit cards! It’s ridiculous that a bar would still be cash only, not to mention the horrible service. I went with a friend tonight. We were waiting on the bartender who took forever even though the bar was practically empty, but whatever. We waited patiently. Then when we ordered and my friend was going to pay, the bartender said very dismissively “it’s cash only. There’s an atm over there. Come back to me when you have cash.” Then he quickly snatched away the drinks and walked away. I’m not going to pay a fee just to withdraw money, then pay for an overpriced drink, and give a tip on top of that to a rude bartender. We left and went to other local bars for drinks. We won’t bother spending any money here going forward

This is a great grungy gay bar where it is made for the local crowds just like joking for a beer or two to chill in a non pretentious place

Drinks aren’t too expensive and I really like the old school atmosphere. Smoking area is grimy in a good way. Can get really busy on weekends but can also be low key during the week.

I just have to say that the bartender that we had tonight Sunday, November 24 was extremely rude and obnoxious. We had a power trip and got upset because we asked him why was wondering cheaper than the other one so I believe he’s charging a different price for whatever the price is really on the drink so it’s probably a thief

There's a lot to say about this restaurant. It's huge, they have an extensive menu, a bar, and an arcade. They do offer daily specials on their menu. They have hands down the best mozzarella sticks I've ever had in my entire life!!! They also carry Sprecher's root beer which is a big thing up there and it's delicious. They have redone the bathroom since I was there last and that makes things better. I think the restaurant itself is very loud. The wooden booths, or table and chairs aren't very comfy. The waitstaff is average. I'm not sure the food is worth what you pay. If you're going with a group everybody can find something to eat on the menu whether it's steak, Pizza, salads or the fish fry. I always feel like I'm eating in a cave. Next time - cheese sticks to go!

Cash only. Drinks are strong and bartenders are fast and attentive. So far, no coverage at the door. I've been a few times and always have the time of my life dancing. They have great music and ambiance is amazing! Very well air conditioned because it gets so hot dancing. They have an outdoor patio where people smoke and stuff too. Love this place. Great vibes, great people, great times.

Nice little neighborhood bar, along Broadway in Long Beach. Cash only, the occasional go-go dancers, some jello shots at times. Weekends tend to be packed. Nice air conditioned atmosphere.

It's 2024. Start taking F-ing credit cards! It's ridiculous that a bar would still be cash only, not to mention the horrible service. I went with a friend tonight. We were waiting on the bartender who took forever even though the bar was practically empty, but whatever. We waited patiently. Then when we ordered and my friend was going to pay, the bartender said "it's cash only. There's an atm over there. Come back to me when you have cash." Then he quickly snatched away the drinks and walked away. I'm not going to pay a fee just to withdraw money, then pay for an overpriced drink, and give a tip on top of that to a rude bartender. We left and went to other local bars for drinks. We won't bother spending any money here going forward

White guy reported me and without asking me about my side they told me to leave even though his was th hostel person.

I did not feel welcomed at the door. I couldn't make this up. My other half and I (we are both men of a certain age. I am black, my husband is white.) approached the front door, and were greeted by the door person who was talking to an intoxicated person. He told us to go right in, cool. This is where it gets a little dodgy. The intoxicated person says directly to me, "I want to see your identification." I laughed it off, but then they said "No, really show me." It started to get very uncomfortable. That's when the door person tells me that the intoxicated person was one of the owners of the bar. I was surprised and stunned, but I showed them my identification. They could see that I was surprised at their behavior and then this is what they said to me, "You're a good looking black man. I just wanted to flatter you." They never asked for my white (equally handsome) husband's id. Still a bit stunned at their behavior, we went into the bar. Something just didn't sit right with both of us, so we left after one drink. So, this is one of two things: either it's an intoxicated bar owner so out of it they are inconsistently enforcing id checks, or it is an intoxicated bar owner exhibiting racist behavior. In either case, it was an uncomfortable situation and we won't be back.

Would be nice if the bartender spent more time serving the customers than talking to his friends. Treating all customers as revenue based would be nice. Does he not understand where the money comes from? Much of the bartending staff leaves a lot to be desired! Would it hurt to get a pleasant pleasing bartender for a change? What happened to Johnny?

Bad service tonight, there was a short line at the bar and the bartender served the person at the front of the line then went and talked to his friends then eventually came back (didn't serve his friends). I was taken back, were we invisible? Was the goal to make everyone wait? Certainly communicated we are not valued customers.

Bar person was totally incompetent, weak social skills and long waits for drinks , friends got drinks before customers. This bar needs 2 bar personnel. Not impressed.

Fun time on Broadway. A visit is a must. Good drinks snd friendly staff. Pool too. Nice neighborhood gay bar. Loved it.

I came here on a Sunday for a night out with my best friend. We were only here for a few hours but I really enjoyed my time and the vibes at this bar. There was a lot of eye candy, but of course, typical me didn't approach anyone. Drinks were fairly decently priced compared to other bars that I am used to in Los Angeles. I believe each drink was around $7 when I was there. The bartenders and staff were really nice. The music was good. The drinks were good. The crowd was good. This place met all of my expectations in a bar. They also have outside seating. Can't wait to come back!

Ordered drinks 3 times and all 3 times the prices fluctuated -- same drinks, same bartender, just different prices. Seems shady.

I have really enjoyed my last visit, drinks were great! John who was bartending that night, was just the best! John makes his own syrup from scratch, and really makes a huge difference in the quality of the taste! Wasn't to crowded, nice vibe! Keep up the great work!

Best bar on the Broadway strip. J and all the bartenders are always so welcoming. They have good happy hour specials.

If you ride a motorcycle, don't come here. Staff was very unwelcoming would not let me park in front. Falcon and all other bars do.

I don't know what's going on with his bar. He used to be a really fun place to go. I have a few drinks and chill locally. I'm not sure if it's turning into some thing else may be more of a woman bar. Which is OK but that's not my thing I feel really disappointed.

First time I went here it was for my birthday last year my friend & I got drunk here. The bartender was a cool guy. He let a group of guys order food & they all enjoyed it. It was nice to see some women here. My friends & I got a shot this time around for my birthday the shot was good the bartender seemed uninterested in us, there was a nasty odor inside so we left.

So, ordered a manhattan early on in the evening and the bartender seemed happy to do so. And it was a pretty good manhattan, at that. Later in the evening I ordered the same, and he refused to make it, pointing to the line of four (4) people behind me, and nastily said "look at the line!" I'm sorry what??? What bar does this?? Any other bar I've EVER been to with a decent bartender will bend over backwards to make a drink the customer wants, as long as they have the ingredients to do so! I would not have settled in with a manhattan if I'd known they would refuse to make one for me later. Once I settle on a drink for the night, I stick with it. The only option remaining after such horrendous service was for me and my group to leave. Clearly a case of a greedy owner wanting to push crap drinks through quickly, instead of taking pride in crafting a decent cocktail when ordered. The Mineshaft is a pretentious overpriced hole with an unfriendly unskilled staff and an owner who is more interested in lining his pockets instead of maintaining a reputation of a place people want to return to. It will forever remain mediocre and from what I've heard around town about the place, its reputation is falling fast.

Came back n for a drink and was helped by the bartender Ruben. He was super helpful and friendly.He noticed we needed some water so made sure to top us off. Super fun time at mineshaft. So fun and felt welcome by all. Will definitely be back!

This was our first Long Beach gay bar to visit and it was A-Okay. The staff seemed friendly and nice ... if it weren't for the unique smell, I'd probably have given an additional star.

Sunday funday Happy hour with my favorite handsome bartenders. Fridays and Sundays are my favorite days. Sexy guys :')

Hubby and I were checking out the neighborhood in Long Beach and we came across the Mineshaft. It was a warm spring day and St. Paddy's Day, so we decided to pop in for a drink. Let me say this up front - don't be afraid of going into a gay bar if you're not gay. I've rarely felt more welcome and at home than I did today at the Mineshaft. Many of the people here are long-time regulars with one man saying he's been coming in every day for the past forty years! The music was terrific and had us singing at the bar. Although the jukebox was playing when we got there, a DJ showed up and then the place really started hopping. The bartenders were attentive and everyone was so nice. They even had one of my favorite red blends at a decent price. There are TV's and pool tables for those who want to do something besides drink and chat. They don't serve food, so make sure you stop someplace else before you start drinking here. I'm so happy that we stopped into this local pup and can't wait to go back.

This place got only three stars because I had to take two away for the crappy bartenders who say Nothing except throwing a semi okay drink at you when you don't know Ben know if they heard your drink request. It's also dark and dingy.

We just moved to LBC from Carson, and met our new fav bartender named Johnny -who is also a previous Carson resident - and I must say from the few days of living here, The Mineshaft is our new favorite spot solely bc of Johnny! Come here if you're looking for a fun bar with good music, great service, and delicious lemon drops! Thank you Johnny for the warm welcome!! We'll definitely be long term customers bc of you :)

Always have a good time at this place. My favorite of the Broadway strip. Staff is always nice and welcoming. J is my favorite bartender, she is friendly and approachable, even when swamped with tons of patrons waiting to be served.

Have frequented this bar for more than 20 years. Waited at the bar for more than 10-minutes and there was no service. Went behind the doors, inquired what was going on! Straight red head said get the fuck out... I said we are just waiting to be served... he approaches me... said get the fuck out, 'we have a gas leak.' Then I'm 86 from the bar... When I took photos is when they took pictures, then had the bouncer, Richard Taylor" ask me to leave. No drama, but clearly a shit-show! This bar and the Brit are poorly run, staff is not customer oriented--and if you complain, expect to be asked to leave! Side bar: if your bar is experiencing a gas leak, ask the patrons to leave first -/ don't 86 Bev the bartenders are in the back figuring out a game plan!

Used to love the Mineshaft. But after the pandemic the place smells like a bathroom that has a toilet that hasn't been flushed for a long time. The bathrooms smell better than the bar. Also they still don't take cards. I don't usually drink on Broadway for this very reason. I'm not paying the owner of the bar $3 to take cash out of an atm they own. Nope no sir.

Business hours says until 2:00AM, but for some reason, they kick people out at 1:30AM. However, they will still sell you a drink at 1:20AM, knowing fully well that they'll be close in 10 mins. I was not able to finish my drink as they were already yelling at us to leave. Very unpleasant experience with this place.

Stopped by yesterday for the Proud Festival. I used to come here fairly regularly, and decided to stop in. Shame on them for price gouging! Eight dollars for a weak small plastic cup drink! They should have used this opportunity to build up more business, instead I think they lost customers. I know they lost me. It was fairly empty considering the amount of foot traffic.

Good old fashion Bar friendly fun staff Parking Sucks but that's down town LongBeach

Update First time back post Covid. Still fun and a diverse crowd. The music is still terrible. Cash only! Don't forget, but am ATM available. And not a leather bar.

I will NEVER return after last night. Y'all were mad disrespectful, drinks are overpriced & parking is horrible. Your staff intimidated my friends, me, & the rest of the club to leave 15 mins before closing. If your staff wants to leave before 2AM, close the bar at 1AM or have them get another job! It's irresponsible & dangerous to sale us drinks, have us chug 'em & then yell at us to leave! Don't treat your customers like shit, you're lucky you even had us there! SHAME ON YOUR STAFF & OWNERSHIP AS THEY ARE A REPRESENTATION OF YOU!!!! THIS IS NOT OK- DO BETTER. Update! We have had numerous people in the community let us know that Mineshaft holds a reputation of being unprofessional and intimidating. It's been near 24hrs & we have heard silence from this business. I will be contacting the Better Business Bureau (BBB). If this has happened to you, please file a complaint with the BBB.

*** Nothing seems to have physically changed for over 30 years at the Mine Shaft. In fact, the people may have changed, but the roles that they play are still the same. Front of the building is a western wooden 19th century store facade. The interior ceiling is low w/ heavy timbered beams to simulate an old fashioned mine. The emphasis is on the big square shaped bar manned by a shirtless slim, young bar-t, and the 3 pool tables w/ all of them engaged in play. Sunday was packed, and music was loud. We went on a platform away from the bar to get away from the music. No such luck since there were speakers nearby. After spending time here, we concluded that a bar patron from 1980 could be dropped in, and he would scarcely know he was in the first quarter of the 21st century. 3 Yelp stars.

I suggest posting a list of beers and pricing. For a new person without an unlimited budget ordering can be a bit challenging if you don't know what they have available or how much anything costs. The bartenders are not super friendly or forthcoming with information. I told a bearded bartender it was my first time there and asked what I should know about prices or if there were drink specials - he said no we don't have drink specials ‍ Gee thx for doing the least. Also, cash only in 2022

Absolutely amazing place!!! Douglas was super super sweet and a hands on bartender great recommendations and made some delicious drinks! I cannot wait to return :)

Ahhh, sweet little Mineshaft, my bar, my place, my people!! I miss it so. My boyfriend and I live right across from here and it was the first bar we went to when we moved to Long Beach! Mineshaft has always been so welcoming and always has a good, diverse crowd of LGBTQ+ people!! When they're open, they have a juke box, pool tables, a little smoking lounge, the works. The drinks are reasonably priced compared to most bars around the area, and I've always had a pleasant experience with all of the bartenders! During COVID-19 they created a patio using some of the parking spaces out front, and did it up with some cute, mood lighting! Douglas was always our bartender, and he is just so accommodating and friendly. With the ban being lifted (for you guys outside of California, out door dining was just now instated!), I crave the day for the Mineshaft to reopen. Such a fun, safe, queer friendly bar. Until then, Mineshaft!

Real people, real place, quality fun. Great atmosphere, lovely bartenders, a place I look forward to calling my home base. All newcomers welcome in a poppy atmosphere frequented by boys and daddies and bears and twinks. Find your adventure at the Mineshaft and grind your groin the night away.

Come to the Mineshaft and ask for Johnny if you're looking for kindness and sincerity - and luscious lemons drops!!!

5 star review because I was greeted well, my drinks were topped off, and received many smiles from cool people! Cash only - but they'll treat you well when you pay - shout to DOUGLAS! The man! Looking forward to the next Mineshaft night

That John bartender is okay I guess. Makes his own syrups which is fine. His attitude is meh, but it is good enough. Will probably go back every six months for the next two years.

We LOVE mine shaft! Douglas is THE BEST!! We (a party of 4) came in tonight for drinks & a snack, Douglas has taken such good care of us. We love it here!! It's always a good time--with great drinks! This is such a fun spot, great ambience. We will be back!

eh I do hope they give employees TRAINING on common sense and the ratio of drinks, to dropping mask for said drink, to prevent being deemed a strict covid-compliant to 110% degree.

We recently lost a Gay bar in my Hollywood neighborhood, and it's been a real morale killer during COVID-19 to see so many queer spaces disappear. Somehow Long Beach has been able to hold on to its great bars! This one had socially distanced outdoor seating and I went early enough to have some distance between me and others. The people in Long Beach are of a different sort, too. They weren't as pretentious as the WeHo crowd. The people are attractive, but that's not their only personality trait. I left pretty generous tips because it only makes sense during COVID, and the bartenders were really gracious and helpful, even when I was just asking for water. In particular, Douglas was very kind to me and my friends and was great company! Just a great experience

Great place to go when you're not ready to go to be! I love Douglas(bartender)!!!! He's so sweet and took very good care of me. Love you guyzzzzzz

Came in yesterday for the first time w my sister. We didn't drink, because I'm pregnant. But we still had fun! Great people in here! Played a game of 75 cent pool. I love the gay pride in here. There's a lot of seating and it's a really laid back cool place to relax. Lots of space. The bartender didn't make us feel unwanted because we weren't drinking, he was very sweet and welcoming. The bathroom peep hole did take me for surprise. But c'mon this is a gay bar! It definitely made me laugh. Thanks for a great time mineshaft.

This bar is extremely dirty and the bouncers are rude. I ordered a drink at last call and it was immediately ripped out of my hands by a bouncer. Hard pass. Such a hostile environment. Also, they only take cash. So tacky.

Douglas was absolutely the best bartender we have ever had . He is so sweet and so understanding. Do not ever get rid of him. I have never met someone so sweet and nice and efficient . It was our 1 year anniversary and he made it extra special . Thank you DOUGLAS

Love coming here! Everyone is always so nice, they have pool, dancing, and it's always a great time. Service is fast and bartender Douglas is amazing!

GOOOOOOD VIBES!!! This place rocks and is open to all. Shout out to Douglas who makes amazing drinks and is super cool.

We've been coming to this place for years. Great place to bring friends for drinks, hang out, and play a game of pool and/or dance on the weekends. They've got a photo picture booth and great music with TV screens. Thanks to the bartender Robert for always having a nice