Chez Bacchus Verified listing

Chez Bacchus, located at the northwest corner of 4th Street and Olive Avenue, is one of the few white-cloth dining spaces in Downtown Long Beach. It has long been an underrated gem in terms of food and wine. John Hansen, co-owner/sommelier and excellent human being, and Executive Chef Danny Kay essentially lead the restaurant.

But the one thing that has long been missing to allow more freedom with John’s love of hospitality? A proper bar serving proper cocktails. With a newly minted liquor license, that’s all about to change. And it happily, if not outright proudly, brings Chez Bacchus to a full-circle moment.

And the afternoon tea service at Chez Bacchus? It’s not just underrated but one of the best in SoCal, offering two types of service that don’t skimp on the elegant, calming nature of afternoon tea. Afternoon tea at Chez Bacchus starts at 11:30AM and 2PM every Saturday and Sunday, each white-clothed table graced with a different china set. One from Japan here. Another from England there. A set from France in front of your own setting. From there, you can choose your tower—the Bacchus Tower (at $65 per person) or the rightfully named Queen’s Tower (at $115 per person)—and sip’n’bite the afternoon away with a piano-laden background soundtrack and the company of those you cherish.

“It’s a way to dive into history,” Reina said. “And not just British history but the history of hospitality and, as I am sure many conversations that have happened here, the history of your friendships and relationships as you simply get to enjoy beautiful tea using beautiful china eating beautiful bites.”

For Brian Addison's latest article on Chez Bacchus, click here.