SPECIAL NOTE: Unfortunately, the Skyroom is now closed for a multi-year remodel in 2018, set to re-open in August 2024 after many delays. The building will be transformed from a retirement home back into its original purpose – a luxury hotel (Fairmont The Breakers). I’m hoping The Skyroom returns even better than it was! Stay tuned!
Original Article
On my personal shortlist of romantic restaurants in Los Angeles is Long Beach’s incredible Skyroom. This place is not only on my shortlist, but is listed as the #11 most romantic restaurant in America by Proflowers.com, and was voted the most romantic restaurant in Long Beach!
The Skyroom has it all: great food, impeccable service, incredible ambiance and views, and an ideal location near the Pine Avenue Pier with a myriad of after-dinner activity options.
The Logistics
The Skyroom is located at the 15th floor of the Breakers building at 40 S. Locust Ave in Long Beach, just a block away from Pine Avenue, and a few blocks from the pier. There is valet parking at the entrance for $7, or you can park at one of the many parking lots in the area.
There is a dress code forbidding torn jeans, shorts, flip flops, etc. Basically, apply common sense and dress up. This is nice restaurant!
I highly recommend making reservations!!
The Service
When I went, we were warmly greeted at the ground floor and directed to the elevator, where we were accompanied up to the 15th floor and greeted by the hostess. They asked several times if we were there on a special occasion (we were not), but it was our first time, so they gave us a prime corner window table. Wow!
During dinner, the service was impeccable. Our server, JT, was friendly and efficient, checking in on us regularly. The staff made sure our water glasses were always full and our plates were cleared promptly.
The Food
I am not a foodie, but I found the food at the Skyroom to be amazingly good and fresh. We started with their salad with candied walnuts and gorgonzola cheese, which I loved. The jumbo shrimp was also great, as were the scallops:
Their menu is generally American with French influences, and features all-natural grass fed meats with no hormones or antibiotics. All produce is farm to table locally.
The food is expensive, with main courses running from around $25 to almost $50, but given the quality and the other factors, it’s worth it!
The Ambiance
The Skyroom opened in 1926 and retains a strong art-deco feel. It reminded me of the scene on the Hindenburg in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. You’ll feel like you’re stepping into a different time here.
There is live music and dancing (Swing and other types) on certain nights, so check the schedule if you’re into these things.
The View
Okay, on to the view, which is what the Skyroom is famous for. I went while the sun was still out, so a large part of our view consisted of the drab roof of the building just south of the Skyroom, but aside from that, the view was excellent. At night, it would be even better because you wouldn’t notice that roof.
For an even better view, venture to the upstairs rooftop lounge after dinner. Go back to the area near the elevators and find a small staircase (ask the host where it is). Once there, you can get a 360 degree view of Long Beach and the surrounding area. DJ’d music starts at 10PM.
After Dinner
To add to all of this, the Skyroom is near the Pine Avenue Pier, which is a great place for an after-dinner walk. You’ll see the lighthouse and have a spectacular view of the lit-up Queen Mary. Very romantic!
If you’re up for more excitement, walk inland up Pine Avenue a few blocks where you’ll find plenty of restaurants and bars that go into “club mode” later at night.
Conclusion
The Skyroom is an ideal place for an anniversary or special celebration with a loved one, or just a great place to impress a date that you’re really fond of. The ambiance has a classy and charming 1930’s feel, the food and service are outstanding, and the view is hard to beat. I highly recommend checking out The Skyroom!
Have you been to the Skyroom? Please leave your comments below! – Brian
Ask Me a Question or Leave a Comment
Sincerely hope, The Sky Room keeps the historic, elegant & charming ambiance!
The Sky Rm. defines, “FINE DINNING”!!!!!
Hi Karen,
Yes, totally agree!
Brian
Brian,
Can you update your clientele on when The Sky Room may re-open (COVID has set back so many goals)? We are all anxiously waiting and can’t wait until you bring this spectacular place back to her former glory & alive again!!!
Thank You,
Dawn Ellen
Hi Dawn,
Thank you for your question. I did some research and the building is scheduled to re-open as the Breakers Hotel in 2021, SkyRoom is included:
https://urbanize.la/post/long-beachs-breakers-hotel-reopen-2021
I’ve updated my article accordingly. I’m eagerly waiting!
Best,
Brian
Hi, I can’t wait for the sky room to re open. We had been going there for special occasions or just for an appetizer and a drink, to finish the leisure walks around Long Beach for the last 53 years. Celebrated our 50th Anniversary there with friends and family and lots of dancing. Everyone was sad to hear it would be closing. I am excited to see the pictures of what is being done to the hotel and the Sky Room AND the elevator to the roof…getting a little old for those tiny stairs to the bar in the sky but would gladly do it all over again! Really looking forward to be there when it opens again. Soon? Best wishes for your success.
Mana
Thanks for sharing your comments Magdalena!
– Brian
Hi Magdalena,
I did some research and the building along with the Skyroom is now scheduled to re-open in 2021.
Thanks,
Brian
Hi, we took our daughter for her 16th birthday and I tried your Bordeaux wine and it was incredible. Am I able to buy it now, even during remodeling? Rosanna
Hi Rosanna,
You’ll have to wait until they re-open to get the answer to your question. Sorry!
Best,
Brian