The Place: Tantalum Waterfront Lounge. 6272 E. Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, (562) 431-1414.
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The Hours: Tuesday-Friday N Sunday 2:30 p.m.-6 p.m., Monday 2:30 p.m. to close, Saturday 10a.m.-6p.m.
The Deal: $4 Well drinks, $6 house wine by the glass, $3 16oz. drafts, $4 22oz. drafts, 1/2 off selected menu items.
The Scene: The sprawling lounge area, rimmed by a low-set bar and cushy leather
couches, is perched on a west-facing pier. This fortuitous
configuration allows patrons to sip any of Tantalum's 16 draft beers
while the rich and powerful languidly float by the window in yachts and
sailboats. One might expect such an opulent locale to exclusively cater
to those rich enough to afford such water craft but nothing could be
further from the truth. Visit Tantalum Tuesday through Friday 2:30p.m.
to 6 p.m. and you're apt to find the middle class mixing and mingling
with members of the bar association. And why not? In these trying
economic times everybody can appreciate good beer at the right price.
The Sauce: If crafts are your thing, Tantalum sports a
nice selection of microbrews. For the connoisseur who enjoys robust
flavors, the Dogfish Head 90 minute IPA is a nice choice and features a
bitter flavor accented by a distinct grapefruit overtone.
The Food:
The appetizers include a Kobe beef burger which will set you back $8.
I tried the Yakiniku Calamari. This was rather tasty and featured a
sweet glaze garnished with peanuts. At $7 dollars it provided enough
food for two people to nibble on.
The Verdict: With great views of the Long Beach marina to go along with their happy hour drink specials, Tantalum has plenty to offer the thirsty patron in need of some R and R at the end of a grueling work day.
The Grade: A
