Midnight Oil in Long Beach offers a quirky dining experience, combining creative cocktails with an eclectic assortment of Chinese small dishes. The restaurant features three distinct areas: The Apothecary, The Lagoon, and Hao Peng You Hand Laundry, yet maintains a vibrant atmosphere where the boundaries between them feel invitingly blurred.

Upon entering, diners escape the mundane surroundings of Long Beach Boulevard, stepping into a lively space on 3rd Street. The venue is aesthetically crafted to evoke a back alley feel reminiscent of Old Hong Kong, yet it has a contemporary twist. Patrons can enjoy innovative cocktails like the Brokedown Palace—a mojito infused with pineapple rum and Thai basil—and Monkey Staff, a mix of vodka and sarsaparilla soda. For those seeking something refreshing, sips from the cocktail menu evoke the bustling streets of Taipei or Hong Kong.

As the night progresses, guests can dive into a menu full of delightful options including scallion pancakes, har gow shrimp dumplings, and barbecue char siu pork buns. Curiously, there’s also Spam fried rice on the menu, a nod to Hawaiian flavors amidst the Chinese culinary backdrop. For those craving a lighter snack, edamame tossed in Sriracha, garlic, and ginger provides a kick of flavor.

Midnight Oil fills a unique niche in a Long Beach scene that lacks a plethora of dedicated Chinese dining establishments. Unlike the abundance of options in nearby Cerritos or Cambodia Town, it provides a rare opportunity for small plate tastings reminiscent of popular chains like Din Tai Fung.

Midnight Oil Details

• Rating: 2.5 stars
• Address: 255 Long Beach Blvd., Long Beach
• Contact: 562-269-0218
• Cuisine: Cocktails and Chinese small dishes
• Hours: Dinner, Wednesday through Sunday
• Average Price: About $35 per person
• Reservations: Essential

In summary, Midnight Oil not only presents a whimsical backdrop but also offers a culinary journey with its inventive drinks and eclectic small bites, perfect for those looking to try something different in Long Beach’s dining scene.