BRUNCH AT FEDERAL BAR LONG BEACH
LIVE JAZZ…BOTTOMELESS MIMOSAS…GOOD TIMES!

A big fan of both the North Hollywood Federal Bar and The Federal Bar Long Beach, I find any time I’m close to either location a perfect excuse to stop in for a delectable bite and a divine beverage. So when I made a recent weekend out of it in Long Beach, brunch at The Federal Bar (a first for me) seemed like an ideal way to spend a lazy Sunday morning. Offering live jazz and bottomless mimosas only seemed to make brunch all that much more spectacular.

Taking in the work of artist-photographer W.B. Fontenot’s “The Communal Distraction from Evolution,” which adorns the back bar at The Federal Bar in Long Beach, only created more eye candy and food for thought to take in. The work depicts the effect of our digital identities overpowering and imposing on the forward motion of humanity. Fontenot, best known for his photography of Playboy playmates, often transcends convention and stimulates the imagination.

According to the artist, displaying his work at The Federal Bar seemed like an ideal match, calling the leading gastropub "a hip, bohemian place that's coming into its own." Fontenot also added, "I hope people will like the aesthetics of the piece, but also take a moment to reflect on it."

During our recent Sunday brunch visit, we started with bottomless mimosas taking our time before deciding to start with the Pain Perdu “French Toast.” Imagine thick pieces of pain de mie pillow toast, served with house made beer syrup, topped with fresh seasonal berries and nuts. I can’t think of anything more relaxing that French toast, mimosas, and live jazz.

The Speakeasy Omelet, a three-egg omelet made to your liking with fresh veggies, meats, and chesses (we opted for short rib and cheddar cheese) is a hearty favorite. Savory and filling served with a mound of French fries, this one really hits the spot. But the hungry man nirvana doesn’t end there.

Another must have if you come with an appetite is The Unforgettable Hash, made with pulled pork blended with chilies, potatoes and topped with pepper jack cheese and an over easy egg. This is what Sunday brunch is all about! And because we were sharing, combining the heavenly hearty fare with the aforementioned French toast really made this one blissful brunch.

Housed in a former federal bank building, this Federal Bar is a truly spectacular piece of architecture. Easily one of the coolest looking bars and restaurants around with its high ceiling, lovely wood décor and a terrific use of open space, it almost feels like you’re dining at Grand Central Terminal. It’s always a pleasure to spend time here and getaway from the rat race outside.

Live music, inspiring artwork, unlimited mimosas, and delectable dishes made for the perfect Sunday afternoon. It doesn’t really get any better.

The Federal Bar Long Beach is located at 102 Pine Avenue. Open daily. Call 562-435-2000.