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Parkers' Lighthouse
Master Critic Reviews (2 Lists)
Parkers' Lighthouse
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 1983, this waterfront landmark delivers mesquite-grilled fresh seafood and award-winning wine selections beneath a working lighthouse. The menu features innovative Southern California preparations alongside creative sushi, all served with panoramic views of Long Beach Harbor and the Queen Mary.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-Grilled Fresh Fish, Oysters Rockefeller, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna
Scores:
Value: 7.5
Service: 8.6
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.8
What makes it special: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and unmatched harbor views from every table
Who should go: Special occasion diners and wine enthusiasts seeking elevated waterfront dining
When to visit: Sunset dinner reservations or happy hour Monday-Friday 3-7pm
What to order: Daily fresh catch, oysters on the half shell, Key lime pie
Insider tip: Request patio seating at sunset for the best Queen Mary views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free validated parking in Shoreline Village lot with restaurant receipt, additional metered street parking available along Shoreline Drive
Dress code: Smart casual to dressy - collared shirts and slacks recommended, jeans acceptable if paired with nice top, avoid beachwear
Noise level: Moderate - conversational dining, can easily hear across the table even on busy nights
Weekend wait: 60-90 min without reservation Friday-Saturday after 6pm, reservations strongly recommended
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min wait during peak business lunch (12-1pm), walk-ins typically seated immediately before/after
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 6-8 options including grilled vegetable plates, pasta primavera, and substantial salads
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 adaptable dishes, call ahead for chef preparations using seasonal vegetables
Gluten-free options: Yes - extensive options with gluten-free preparation protocols, most seafood dishes can be modified
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic waterfront views create natural conversation starters, noise level allows easy talking, and upscale-but-not-stuffy atmosphere hits the sweet spot between impressive and comfortable
Can I get a table without a reservation? Possible weekday lunches and early dinners (before 5:30pm), but weekend dinners require reservations. Bar seating available first-come-first-served with full menu access and same harbor views
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for ages 8+ - kids menu available, staff accommodating, but upscale atmosphere and prices make it better suited for older children or special family occasions rather than toddlers
How long should I plan for dinner? Budget 90-120 minutes for full dining experience - service is attentive but leisurely, especially if you're enjoying sunset views and the Wine Spectator award-winning list
Is the sushi good here? Yes - surprisingly strong sushi program for a seafood house, with creative rolls and fresh fish, though purists seeking traditional omakase should visit a dedicated sushi restaurant
Best For
Better for: Choose Parkers' when you want guaranteed waterfront views with your meal (not just proximity to water), celebrating special occasions that deserve Wine Spectator-level wine service, or impressing out-of-town guests with iconic Long Beach harbor scenery including the Queen Mary
Skip if: You're seeking cutting-edge culinary innovation over classic preparations, want a trendy see-and-be-seen scene, need quick casual dining under $30pp, or prefer intimate small-restaurant charm over landmark destination dining
Parkers' Lighthouse
8.4
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Instagram Worthy Wonders
Since 1983, this three-story waterfront landmark specializes in mesquite-grilled seafood with panoramic harbor views from every table. Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner houses a two-story wine cellar and hosts the Queensview Steakhouse on the third floor with live jazz.
Must-Try Dishes:
Chilean Sea Bass, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna, Oysters on the Half Shell
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.4
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 9
Cultural Relevance: 8.7
What makes it special: 360-degree harbor views with Queen Mary backdrop in three-level waterfront building
Who should go: Seafood lovers and tourists seeking quintessential Long Beach waterfront experience
When to visit: Sunset dinner on the patio or weekday happy hour 3-6pm
What to order: Mesquite-grilled fish of the day, ahi tuna, oyster selection
Insider tip: Request patio seating at booking for best harbor and Queen Mary views
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free validated parking in Shoreline Village lot with restaurant stamp - easiest waterfront parking in Long Beach
Dress code: Resort casual - sundresses and button-downs fit the upscale waterfront vibe, but nice jeans welcome
Noise level: Conversation-friendly - high ceilings and spacing allow easy talk even when busy
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation during prime sunset hours (6-8pm)
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait - usually seated within 10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - 4-5 options including grilled vegetable platters and pasta primavera
Vegan options: Limited - 2 options (grilled vegetables, modified salads), call ahead for best experience
Gluten-free options: Yes - kitchen accommodates with grilled fish and dedicated prep, inform server
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Excellent choice - romantic sunset views provide natural conversation topics, upscale but not stuffy atmosphere, and impressive setting shows effort without try-hard energy. Request patio table for best ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 5:30pm) usually no problem. Weekend dinners book up fast - reserve 1-2 weeks ahead for patio seating during sunset hours. Bar seating available as walk-in backup.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for older kids (8+) - children's menu available, but upscale waterfront vibe means loud toddlers may feel out of place. Sunday brunch most family-friendly time. High chairs available.
Best For
Better for: Unbeatable for tourist-friendly waterfront experience with guaranteed views and easy parking - more accessible than downtown options while maintaining quality. Best three-story panoramic setting in Long Beach with Wine Spectator credentials.
Skip if: You want cutting-edge culinary innovation or intimate hole-in-the-wall vibes - this is a landmark crowd-pleaser, not a chef's experimental kitchen. Choose downtown Long Beach if parking convenience isn't a priority.