In the second installment of our “Local Legends” series, we’re continuing to put the spotlight on businesses that have firmly anchored themselves in the Downtown scene for a decade or more. From gourmet eateries, cozy neighborhood drinkeries and delectable dessert spots to dynamic entertainment venues and enormous vintage collectives, DTLB has the variety – and the vitality!
Hamburger Mary’s began as a small, quirky diner in San Francisco in the early ’70s. In 2001, a new location opened on the eastern edge of Downtown at Broadway and Alamitos. Soon after that, Jewels joined the team and became instrumental in building the Hamburger Mary’s nightclub brand.
In 2013, she helped the club re-establish itself on Pine Avenue. Eventually, she became the Entertainment Director for Hamburger Mary’s International and the first-ever drag queen to be presented with Long Beach’s Key to the City.
“With the ability to seat hundreds of people for a show, ample free parking structures and easy access to public transportation, Downtown Long Beach is a great home for Hamburger Mary’s,” said Jewels.
Hamburger Mary’s caters to a diverse range of audiences that enjoy dancing, shows that feature visiting superstars, and fabulous Drag Brunch parties every Saturday and Sunday. It is truly a spot to celebrate, whether it’s a special occasion, seeing your favorite television superstars from RuPaul’s Drag Race, or simply enjoying a wonderful time with close friends.
“One of the most memorable things to ever happen at Hamburger Mary’s on Pine Avenue was the night Cher arrived,” Jewels recalled. “Being able to entertain with Cher present in our beautiful space was mind-blowing! She was absolutely fabulous, kind, and generous to our audiences. It’s something we will never forget.”
The roots of DoLy’s go back to 2007 when Julie Do, a graduate from the Collins School Of Hospitality Management at Cal Poly Pomona, and Son Ly, a graduate from Le Cordon Bleu in Pasadena, began dating. Do was working her way up the corporate ladder, gaining experience in restaurant management, while Ly was working alongside a French pastry chef in a Santa Monica kitchen.
In 2010, Do and Ly decided to combine their experience and take a leap of faith that they could do it all on their own. Hence, Do + Ly: DoLy’s.
It was slow going at first, and there were many moments of doubt in the first few months of business. One day, Do was sweeping the dining area and was thankful to see crumbs on the floor, undoubtedly left there by satisfied guests. It was an encouraging moment she would never forget.
“In 2011, there was a huge trend in French Macarons, and Chef Ly was experienced in this department,” Do recalled. “We made them, people liked them, and that was our chance to have guests try our Croissants. Word of mouth spread quickly, and the rest is history.”
Croissants have become a huge favorite at DoLy’s. “Ly had gained immense experience baking croissants from his mentor back in his learning days, and he knew this was something special he could give to the people of Long Beach,” Do explained. “Every little aspect plays an important role to achieve a delicious, buttery, and flaky croissant. Our muffins, scones, and apple turnovers are also very popular.”
The quality of the baked goods at DoLy’s sets it apart, but Do believes the shop has lasted this long due to genuineness. “Genuine products, genuine staff, and genuine good intentions,” said Do. “Everyone here has genuine intentions of spreading happiness. We truly appreciate every customer because they are the ones who keep us in business.”
“The Auld Dubliner opened in April of 2004, just in time for the Grand Prix,” explained the popular neighborhood pub’s co-owner David Copley, a native of Limerick, Ireland. “Since then we have offered great drinks, food, and live entertainment to Long Beach every day. Given our proximity to the Long Beach Convention Center and our 21 years in Downtown, we have acquired many of what we call ‘yearly regulars’ — people from all over the world who visit us every time their yearly convention returns.”
The Auld Dubliner strives to be a contemporary Irish pub. It offers the traditional values of a friendly welcome, cheerful banter, good food, and a fine selection of beer and whiskey. Unpretentious and welcoming to all, the pub enjoys a diverse clientele, allowing everyone to be themselves while enjoying the Irish atmosphere.
Copley shared a heartwarming story from an evening many years ago during the TED Convention: “One of our locals came in very dejected and took a seat at the bar. As she sat there quietly nursing a beer, our bartender asked her, ‘Why are you so sad tonight?’ She explained that she had just spent the day standing outside the Convention Center with hopes of seeing her idol Bono, the iconic lead singer of the band U2. Having revealed this, she said she had to leave, but the bartender suggested she stay for just one more drink and that maybe her night would get better.”
No more than 10 minutes later, Bono, who was celebrating with friends on the other side of the pub, was getting ready to leave. The bartender asked politely if he would say hello to a regular who had hoped to see him. “He kindly agreed and came over to her, gave her a hug, and took pictures with her,” said Copley. “The kindness of one man completely changed her day.”
Long Beach Vintage Etc. opened its doors in 2014 with less than 10 dealers. Eleven years later, its 7000 square foot showroom is packed with an amazing assortment of vintage goods from over 50 vendors!
“Our business provides a unique shopping experience for locals and visitors alike,” said owner Elizabeth Kobliha. “We sell oddities, antiques, and one-of-a-kind clothing and fashion spanning over 150 years. Our dealers are diverse, the atmosphere is eclectic, and our staff is friendly and helpful. Most of all, our store manager Likho, the shop cat, provides excellent customer service,” she added with a smile.
Kobliha related a tale that is totally in line with the shop’s offbeat vibe: “Our building has changed hands several times over the last 100 years, most notably to Mr. Jaffe. During his ownership of the building, Mr. Jaffe unfortunately passed away in one of the back rooms, but his spirit held on. To this day our store is recognized as one of the most haunted buildings in Long Beach. Countless psychics, mediums, and ghost hunters have visited the store for this reason. While Mr. Jaffe’s spirit is not malicious, he is very active, especially at night.”
Do some shopping at Long Beach Vintage Etc. and take a deep dive into the spirit of many, many decades! One could spend an entire day browsing the shop’s enormous selection of vintage treasures.
Located on the street level of the beautiful, historic Wilmore Building, Mario’s La Traviata opened its doors in 1997. It was an instant success, thanks to its incredible decor, ambiance, and food! In 2008, the restaurant expanded with a 2000-square-foot room for social gatherings and business events. La Traviata’s marble floors, crystal chandeliers, wooden bar, and wine cellar are highly admired by its patrons. In 2022 a permanent parklet was added, which will eventually become the home of the Crooked Palms Cafe.
“Besides our ambiance, the most important factor in our success has been my partnership with Chef Trinidad Betancourt,” said owner Mario Nasab. “He and I have been working together since 1992 when we established The House of Madame JoJo, a small, very successful restaurant near the corner of Broadway and Orizaba.”
The partners decided to venture into a new location together and created La Traviata. “We have been through so many ups and downs but we have managed to continue to thrive,” Nasab said. “A big menu favorite is our homemade Ravioli, created from an old friend’s recipe and perfected by Chef Trinidad.”
La Traviata has been featured in many major publications over the years. Hollywood sees it as a hidden gem, using the elegant restaurant as a location to film movies, commercials, and TV shows. Legendary auto racer Mario Andretti launched one of his new wines there during a Grand Prix weekend. “That was a very exciting evening to be part of,” said Nasab. “Other celebrities we’ve hosted include Paul Newman, Val Kilmer, Rod Stewart, and Jennifer Connelly, just to name a few.”
Halloween festivities are a yearly tradition at La Traviata, with guests going all-out for the costume contest. Extravagant wine tastings and huge parties happen often. “Our guests always think of us during holidays and family occasions,” said Nasab. “Our restaurant is a family within itself.”
Learn about more Downtown local legends by checking out Part 1 here!