Alex's Bar

Alex's Bar sits on East Anaheim Street in Long Beach, in a low building with a mural on the wall of its own parking lot. The bar describes itself as music from where the sewer meets the sea in LBC, which tells you most of what you need to know about the sense of humor involved.

Inside it is one level and no frills. The FAQ calls the room intimate and says there is no permanent seating, so most nights you stand, and there is a patio outside with a smoking section and rotating food vendors. That patio is where half the crowd ends up between sets.

The calendar runs punk and indie bills alongside DJ nights. Ink and Drink, a free Wednesday drawing session with a DJ, is the kind of thing that fits here. Karaoke is Tuesdays at 8 PM. Set times are only posted on the day of the show, so if you want the opener, turn up at the door time on the listing rather than the headliner slot.

Two things to settle before you go. Bring a photo ID, because entry is 21 and up with no exceptions. And leave the backpack at home, since bags are on the banned list. Parking is free in the lot on Gladys and Anaheim that connects to the building. Do not use the Auto Zone lot, which the bar says will get you towed.