Halloween Bar Near Me in Long Beach: The 4th Horseman

A deep dive into The 4th Horseman in downtown Long Beach, pairing apocalyptic horror aesthetics, artisanal monster pizzas, and rare craft beers.

The 4th Horseman opened in 2018 as an unabashedly dark apocalyptic pizzeria and craft beer tavern in downtown Long Beach. Situated at 121 W 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802, between Pine Avenue and Pacific Avenue, the venue operates Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Friday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am, with slices served continuously until last call. When autumn arrives and revelers search for a halloween bar near me that rejects sterile corporate decor in favor of visceral creature-feature nostalgia, this 21-and-over sanctuary delivers immersive terror alongside exceptional culinary craftsmanship.

Explore Apocalyptic Horror Bar

The Origin and Vision of an Apocalyptic Tavern

Conceived by longtime collaborators Ryan Hughes, Martin Svab, and Jeremy Schott, The 4th Horseman was forged out of a shared obsession with vintage slasher cinema, heavy metal album covers, and serious craft brewing. Rather than treating macabre imagery as temporary paper cutouts for late October, the founders embedded horror directly into the building's brick-and-mortar DNA. Hughes brought deep roots in Southern California's independent beer community, while Schott's background in film production ensured the space felt like an authentic practical movie set from a cult John Carpenter or George Romero release.

Stepping across the threshold reveals a dark, moody chamber anchored by exposed red brick, polished concrete floors, and custom steel fixtures. Museum-grade display cases house sculpted mutant busts, framed vintage comic book art, original horror movie lobby cards, and hand-painted demonic murals commissioned from underground artists. An ominous soundtrack of dark ambient synthwave, vintage doom metal, and eerie soundscapes reverberates softly through the dining room, setting an electric mood that makes casual pizza dinners feel like midnight cult rituals.

Artisanal Monster Pies and Apocalyptic Flavors

While the haunting visual atmosphere immediately captivates visitors, the kitchen commands equal reverence through its meticulous sourdough pizza program. Slices are available all day from the glass front display case, providing quick sustenance for neighborhood wanderers. The classic Che'z Slice costs $6.00 and features rich house-simmered tomato sauce smothered in shredded mozzarella, while the loaded Pep Slice costs $7.00, crowned with cupped artisan pepperoni discs that char along the edges under high-temperature stone baking.

Whole sixteen-inch specialty pies showcase the kitchen's creative boldness. The Slasher costs $29.50, delivering a quintessential meat-lover profile layered with spicy pepperoni and savory tomato reduction. For lovers of pungent funk, the Angel of Death costs $31.00, combining smoky bacon crumbles, tangy blue cheese chunks, slow-caramelized sweet onions, and melted mozzarella over an herbed garlic base. The kitchen also bakes Che'z Knots for $13.00, tossing warm knotted sourdough dough in garlic oil, Italian herbs, and melted mozzarella, served with a side of marinara for dipping.

Daring heat-seekers consistently order the infamous Hellfire pie for $31.50. This fiery specialty arrives topped with bacon, house-made ricotta cheese, fresh sliced habanero peppers, charred jalapenos, roasted red bell peppers, and fresh torn basil. The pie is finished with an apocalyptic hot sauce drizzled in the striking shape of a pentagram. Due to the intense Scoville heat level of the pepper combination, the menu clearly specifies no refunds for guests overwhelmed by the spice, turning each slice into an unforgettable culinary challenge.

Draft Lists and Curated Independent Brews

To complement the blistered sourdough crusts, the beverage program maintains an agile draft list featuring twenty rotating taps dedicated almost exclusively to independent West Coast craft breweries. Expect hazy IPAs from local favorites, sour ales fermented with dark berries, and pitch-black imperial stouts poured into branded glassware. For guests seeking non-alcoholic options, the coolers remain stocked with craft sodas and cold-brew coffees, ensuring every member of your party enjoys refreshing pairings.

Crowd Dynamics and Survival Guidelines

Because The 4th Horseman functions strictly as a 21-and-over venue, security checks valid government identification at the front door before entry. Families with minors are not admitted, preserving an authentic adult tavern vibe throughout the late-night hours. The establishment operates on a walk-in counter-service model where patrons order food and pints at the front counter before taking a numbered skull placard to an open table or cozy leather booth.

Weekday afternoons between 1:00 pm and 4:30 pm offer a quiet window ideal for admiring the wall art and holding relaxed conversations with the counter staff. Peak crowds assemble on Friday and Saturday evenings from 7:30 pm onward, when costumed locals, cinema fans, and craft beer aficionados fill every booth. If arriving with a party larger than four during weekend prime time, arriving before 6:30 pm guarantees seated dining without waiting on 4th Street.

Strolling Through Downtown Long Beach

A visit to The 4th Horseman integrates seamlessly into an afternoon exploring the walkable core of downtown Long Beach. Step outside onto 4th Street, known locally as Retro Row further east, to browse vintage vinyl shops, retro clothing boutiques, and independent bookshops. Walking one block west brings you to the pedestrian-friendly Promenade North, where outdoor public art installations and wide brick walkways lead southward toward the Long Beach waterfront and Shoreline Village.

For history buffs, the historic Pine Avenue corridor sits just around the corner, offering architectural sights including restored Art Deco banking halls, vintage hotel towers, and bustling open-air cafes. Taking an evening stroll along the waterfront marina after sharing a pizza provides cool coastal breezes and glittering reflections of the Queen Mary resting across the harbor, making for an atmospheric conclusion to your night.

Practical Notes and Arrival Information

The 4th Horseman is located at 121 W 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802. Operating hours run Sunday through Thursday from 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm, and Friday through Saturday from 12:00 pm to 12:00 am. Street parking is metered along 4th Street and Pine Avenue, payable via credit card or parkmobile mobile app. Several municipal parking structures sit within two blocks, notably the City Place Lot C garage on 3rd Street, offering two hours of free parking before modest hourly rates take effect.

Public transit access is remarkably convenient via the Metro A Line light rail, which terminates at the Downtown Long Beach Station just three blocks south on 1st Street. Riders can easily step off the train and complete the brief three-minute walk up Pine Avenue to 4th Street without navigating freeway traffic or searching for parking garages. Bring a valid photo ID, assemble your fellow horror fans, and prepare for one of Southern California's most genuine dark tavern experiences.

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