ISM Brewing & Kitchen — Attraction in Long Beach

ISM Brewing is located in the heart of Downtown Long Beach near a bunch of other eateries/breweries.

Going in, I parked on the 3rd street parking structure which has 2 hours of free parking! From there, it's a short walk to the brewery on the left side.

Coming in, ISM Brewing has some tables in the back; a nice long bar where you can order food/drinks at the end; and a patio area. The patio was closed for a private event but looked like it was a usually nice chill place to eat/drink as well.

After checking-in (someone accidentally crossed my name off for some reason but the staff was super understanding), I ordered the aguachile as my main appetizer and got the saison/IPA - two of their award winning/favorites. I also ordered on my own the salmon and shrimp tacos (only available during taco Tuesdays) as well as their amber ale.

The saison was funny enough my favorite. I'm usually not a saison fan but this one was brighter/crisper and was easy to drink. Super delicious. The IPA/amber ales were also great and they came in sampler/half pours/full pours.

The food was also all delicious. The salmon taco was my absolute favorite. Loved how the salmon was cooked and just spiced well. My only small wish is for a second tortilla as the first tortilla buckled under the weight of all the delicious flavors. The aguachile came with chips and was great to nibble on throughout the night.

Ivan, the bartender that I mainly corresponded with, was helpful and super friendly, giving me the background on all the drinks and the brewery itself. All the staff had a great energy/vibe as well. Love the interior which was big with a blue hue.

Loved my experience and hope to...

Unprofessional and Disappointing Experience

I've been to ISM Brewery several times and always had a great time -- until now. I called twice on 9/21/25 to reserve a table for 15-20 people for a dual birthday celebration on 9/27/25. First call was at 3:21 PM -- a woman took down the reservation and asked if I preferred indoor or outdoor seating. I said either was fine. Later that day at 4:30 PM, I called back to request indoor seating, and a man confirmed the reservation and said it would be updated. Both were friendly and seemed on top of things.

But when I showed up on 9/27 with two birthday cakes and guests on the way, I was told they had no record of my reservation and that they had an event that night -- said "they never should've taken my reservation at all". No one had the decency to call or inform me beforehand. We had to scramble last minute to find another venue and notify all our guests. It was incredibly stressful and not what I wanted to deal with on my birthday.

They apologized and said there was nothing they could do to accommodate my group. I was told to leave my number so they could "make it up to me" -- but that does little when you're left scrambling last minute to find a new venue and contact everyone on the guest list.

This completely ruined the start of what was supposed to be a celebratory evening. It was disorganized, unprofessional, and a huge letdown. I won't be returning, and unfortunately, I can't recommend ISM Brewery to anyone looking for a...

The toast itself is a testament to simplicity done right - a crunchy, perfectly toasted bread that serves as a canvas for the rich, creamy avocado. The avocado spread, seasoned impeccably, melds with a variety of secret spices that elevate it from a mere breakfast staple to a gourmet experience.

But the magic doesn’t stop there. Chef [Chef’s Name]’s brilliance shines through in the delicate balance of textures and flavors. Each bite is a delightful surprise, with elements that tantalize the taste buds and leave you craving more.

What truly sets this dish apart is how it stays true to the ethos of ISM Brewing - a commitment to fresh, locally sourced ingredients, and a passion for creating unforgettable culinary experiences. It’s not just food; it’s a statement about what dining should be - an enjoyable, memorable, and deeply satisfying journey.

In summary, the “Hipster Kryptonite” at ISM Brewing is not just a dish; it’s a culinary revelation. Thanks to Chef [Chef’s Name]’s extraordinary skill and creativity, it stands out as a must-try for food enthusiasts and casual diners alike. A visit to ISM Brewing is incomplete without indulging in this masterpiece. Truly, Chef has set a new benchmark in the world...