Sarah BennettManhattan Beach's beachside restaurant and craft beer pub Simmzy's will be opening a second location in Long Beach's Belmont Shore shopping and entertainment district this spring — and artist's renderings of the final look were posted on Facebook recently.
Construction has been under way on Simmzy's future Second Street home since the previous tenants (Shore House Cafe, a 24-hour diner) closed its doors on Jan. 24. Those on-site confirmed an anticipated April 1 opening.
Simmzy's in Manhattan Beach has been a local favorite since opening in 2009 on Manhattan Beach Boulevard, just a few blocks from the sand. Owners Chris and Mike Simms are beer and wine guys (respectively) who have carved a niche by providing artisan grub, craft beers and small-production wines in a casual upscale setting.
Credit: Sarah Bennett
After presenting his business before Long Beach City Council and addressing concerns from several wary Belmont Shore residents — who are fed up with late-night drunks emanating from Second Street's many college-catering establishments — Mike Simms was granted an alcohol license that allows Simmzy's to sell alcohol until 11 p.m. during the week and until midnight on Friday and Saturday.
According to the renderings, the new location will not be a nightclub or liquor-slanging college bar as some residents fear, but instead will mirror the laid-back vibe of its original with an outdoor patio that blends seamlessly into the interior of the restaurant and a glass-encased keg fridge that runs the length of the back bar. Plans include 30 rotating taps — up from 24 at Manhattan Beach — as well as 15 red and white wines and Simmzy's signature fruit-filled sangria. No word yet on if chef partner Anne Conness will be cooking double duty once Long Beach opens, but her gourmet salads and entrees are already listed on Long Beach's proposed menu.
Artist's rendering of the new Simmzy's location in Long Beach's Belmont Shore; Credit: Simmzy's
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