Long Beach California. They call it the fourth gayest city in California after San Francisco, West Hollywood and Palm Springs. I can attest, Long Beach is pretty gay. Which is why it has its own gay pride. However, the question remains: Which gay bars should you go to during Long Beach gay pride? This post will give you the in’s and out’s of The Mineshaft. A bar I recommend.

Although, Long Beach is quite gay, several years ago, I teamed up with a gay news outlet to create a video bar guide for gay pride Long Beach. It briefly touched on each gay bar and what you can expect at these bars. The one question all queens jumped off a cliff for is “What kind of men can you find in each gay bar?” I mean, panties were in knots all over the place. To give you the short answer, gay pride Long Beach is a free-for-all. It’s all kinds of men at every location. However, now that I’ve worked at The Mineshaft and The Brit in Long Beach for the last few prides, I can tell you, in detail, what you can find and how to get the most bang for your… bang. 

So if you’re traveling to Long Beach California for pride weekend and you want to know what to expect, then let’s do it and keep on reading.

The Mineshaft | A Gay Bar review for Pride weekend

The first thing you’ll notice upon entering is that this place literally looks like you’re in the mines looking for coal. Don’t forget your hard hats. The brown planks of wood make the atmosphere appropriate. I find it very fun.

On any other day or weekend, I would say this bar attracts a lot of locals in their mid to late 30s and up. Many bearded and some bears come here. It’s a fun and festive crowd. The bartenders are great and friendly. Not to mention some of them are eat-my-panties-with-my-mouth hot! Nevertheless, it’s a fun place to go to.

You’ll find decently priced drinks… Nothing like West Hollywood prices. I’m talking 50% off of those prices, at least.

With recent times comes recent changes. You’ll also find lots of heterosexual women hanging with their gay best friends who love the atmosphere and just want to chill.

Everyone is really friendly here. You’ll make friends quick. During non-pride weekends, everyone knows everyone. It’s pretty fun.

Lets Get to the Pride Weekend Already!

On pride weekend it’s a whole different ball game. Everyone is out for pride. For starters, you’ll find all kinds of men. From bears to twinkly queens, to masculine, muscular men. Races range from white to Latin to Asian… Well, all kinds of races and ethnic groups really.

Although, I’ve noticed an increasing number of straight men with their girlfriends hanging out on pride weekend. Be careful though, some of these straight men are hot as shit! I sure as hell wanted to drop what I was doing and just drop to my knees and say “oh lordy!”

Even though I was working here, it did not stop men from grabbing me in every which way. This just means everyone is there to have a good time and play.

It didn’t help that I was in charge of passing out samples of lube. Men were either frightened that I was handing them poison or they asked if I can be the tester and go home with them. It made for a fun time. 

In other words, here’s a tip… Make sure you’re fun and festive and here to have a good time. No one likes a pride prude!

Many handsy men groped me as I walked. Couples even offered to take me home. So if you’re looking for a hot time, you will definitely find it here. Just make sure to reciprocate the fun vibes if that’s what you’re looking for.

You have no idea the countless men who tried to stick their tung in my mouth as I tried to fill the bars with beers. Some of these guys were so hot too. Some were not so bad, but none were ugly! It’s a great time for sure.

The Mineshaft on Saturday or Sunday

The Mineshaft on Saturday is off the hook and the party goes until it closes. However Sunday the party starts early. Everyone is here right when it opens.

That’s because the gay pride parade ends right when the bars open. From here the masses travel to the bars. You can hear the hoards of people screaming and hooting and hollering. It is packed. Shoulder to shoulder. Even if you decide to grab someones package they may not even know its you… That’s how busy The Mineshaft gets during Pride weekend.

The Bar and Drinks

One of the fun perks of The Mineshaft during pride is their pride drinks and shots. This weekend, penis-shaped syringes with white jello sold by a sexy leather daddy for cheap was one of the pride shots du jour.

In other words, men kept buying me dick-shaped shooters just to watch that white jello squirt all over my mouth. Not only was it delicious but it was sexy.

During pride weekend, you’ll find two bars inside The Mineshaft. You have a regular bar, which is here all year round.

There’s also a satellite bar near the dance floor during pride. I mean, we have to keep up with the guzzling masses. Both bars only accept cash, but the satellite bar is the better one of the two. Everyone lines up at the regular bar and often forget there’s another bar with a cute bartender waiting to serve you a tasty beverage.

At times the satellite bar had no line at all. In fact, I had to tell people that there was no line. It’s as if they had no idea it was there.

Tip: The satellite bar is better for getting drinks. It’s faster and there’s usually less of a line.

So if you’re planning on coming down to Long Beach California during pride weekend make sure to come down to The Mineshaft. It’s an awesome time. I also had the pleasure of working for their sister bar, The Brit. It’s another great bar with a more mellow vibe.

The Mineshaft is also in the heart of the gay neighborhood. So if you get here and you’re not into it, there’s plenty of other bars to enjoy.

Let Me Break It Down For You:

The Mineshaft is located in the “Gay Ghetto.” 1720 E Broadway, Long Beach Ca 90802.

During pride weekend, this place is packed to the brim.

Men of every kind, races, sexuality come here for fun during pride.

Can you find men to take home here? Yes. Absolutely.

There are two bars to get drinks from this weekend.

Jello shots are sold

Cheap drinks

No cover charge

Cash only

Do I recommend The Mineshaft? The Mineshaft has become one of my favorite gay bars in Long Beach. It’s been a real honor to work here during gay pride weekends. It’s also incredibly fun, regardless. 

Long Beach has an array of great gay bars…However, The Mineshaft has a special place in my heart.

If you’re looking for other gay bars in long beach, check out the video I made a couple of years ago here.

To see my review of The Eagle562, the newest gay bar in Long Beach.