Go Fish!

GO FISH, GO!

Good for double dates, good for first dates, and certainly no  shortage of items for conversation,
the Aquarium of the Pacific offers a good time for everyone. Opened in 1998, The Aquarium grows
every year, always introducing new and exciting exhibits, like the shark petting pool; as well as
old standards like- otters(Note: if you’re date doesn’t like otters, you may be dating an alien).

The Aquarium offers indoor and outdoor exhibits as well as coolpresentations from scuba divers
in the two-story aquarium tank in the  front lobby. It’s different than a museum because
fish tend to be  less subjective than Magritte, and unlike a movie, you are encouraged
to engage your date in healthy communication(read: flirting).

The Aquarium of the Pacific is located next to The Pike megaplex, which offers numerous options to continue
your date, however, we  wouldn’t lead you astray(Chili’s) just yet, so we’re going to take a  short trip
south east to Fourth St. Nestled just west of a hip strip  of vintage clothing stores and tchotchklea shops
is our food stop-  The Pike Bar & Grill. Not to be confused with the Pike megaplex thing that we mentioned
a few sentences ago!

Rockabilly fish and chips, good food, full bar, great jukebox, nice staff, and  a kick back environment
covered in Long Beach nautical paraphernalia,  which is a perfect place to continue your date. You can enjoy
the atmosphere, a  cold beer and whatever entertainment is up that night.

It’s standard fish and chips fare(a good bet), with a few surprises (lobster tacos), but their fish
sandwiches aren’t too shabby either.  Make sure you have some money for the jukebox and feel free to call
ahead to find out the entertainment for that night. If you’re lucky,  you may end up there on “indie film night”
which, the night we attended involved two  projection screens and videos of topless women in hot tubs.

Here's some rock n'roll street cred for those of you who aren't yet convinced of the Pike's complete and total
awesomess. This is from their myspace page.

"DRUMMER CHRIS REECE OF SOCIAL DISTORTION FAME OWNS AND OPERATES THE
PIKE RESTAURANT AND BAR IN LONG BEACH, CA. A 50s DINER TURNED INTO A
NEIGHBOORHOOD FISH JOINT. NAMED AFTER THE ABANDONED LONG BEACH
AMUSEMENT PARK, "THE PIKE", IT IS A RESTURAUNT BY DAY AND A KICK ASS
LIVE MUSIC VENUE BY NIGHT. THE MENU HAS FOOD FAVORITES FROM YEARS
TOURING THE U.S. IN A PUNK ROCK BAND. COME CHECK IT OUT!!"

This date works great Summer or Winter, morning or evening; the shops on Fourth St. are fun to walk through,
or if they are closed the Long Beach Art movie theater is always showing something interesting
(bonus  theme points if it’s Creature From the Black Lagoon, The Little Mermaid, or A Fish Called Wanda).

What’s more romantic than enjoying a day at the aquarium, where you  admire the beauty of ocean life,
and then devouring it with delicious  tartar sauce? The answer, absolutely nothing.

Have fun! Be safe! Date well!

Long Beach Aquarium of Pacific
map

100 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 590-3100

Pike Bar & Fish Grill
map

1836 E 4th St
Long Beach, CA 90802

(562) 437-4453 close

Coming up: Little Tokyo West