Can you find a cooler area than District 9? The energy and vibes are infectious, and the food is amazing. There are so many great businesses to explore, and don’t forget about the nightlife! It was hard to narrow down some of our favorites, but we wanted to spotlight these great establishments.
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Arts and Entertainment: Flatline Gallery
Looking to find emerging artists and curators in Long Beach? Flatline Gallery is the place to look. The director, Elizabeth Munzon, is a huge advocate for art education. She rented the space with the intention of having her studio in the back and gallery in the front, and Flatline has only continued to grow in popularity since then. Check out their social channels to stay up to date on their current exhibitions!
Photo: Flatline Gallery facebook
Auto Services: South Bay Auto Center
The mechanics at South Bay Auto Center have a combined 90 years of experience, and they’ve been family run for 2 generations. You can easily make appointments online and they even offer free code checks. They can handle everything from your basic oil changes to detail oriented delicate repairs on domestic or imported vehicles. The owners are active in the community and volunteer with many local charities. This is definitely an auto center you want to patronize, both for their values and their quality work.
Photo: South Bay Auto Repair website
Beauty and Wellness: Expressions Hair Lounge
Whether you’re looking for haircuts, coloring, braids, dreads, weaves, literally anything, Expressions can do it! The music and the energy is awesome. The staff is always friendly and accommodating of your schedule. They are also very thorough and take pride in doing quality work, so be sure you leave enough time for your appointment. Check them out for yourself and you’ll be sure to join their following of loyal customers.
Photo: Expressions facebook
Food and Restaurant: Sizzling Wok
The best and most authentic Thai food in Long Beach! Their Pad Thai and Pad Ka Prow is to-die-for and I love their noodle selection. All of their food tastes like the recipes have been handed down for generations. The food is consistent and the staff is friendly. Last I heard, they were still cash only so make sure to bring some with you when you go.
Photo: Sizzling Wok facebook
Health and Fitness: Esporta
Esporta Fitness is a premium health club without the premium price tag. They offer fitness classes, group and individual personal training, and more. There’s also a kids’ club, an indoor pool, a sauna, a hot tub, and wifi. This is definitely a fitness center that the whole family can enjoy. If you’re not sure if it’s for you, they offer a 3 day free guest pass so you can check them out.
Photo: Esporta facebook
Nightlife: Falcon North
Falcon North is the go-to nightlife spot in District 9! It’s a premier night club with a massive dance floor, a video wall, and all star DJs. They also have the largest outdoor patio and dance floor in all of SoCal! Embraced by the LGBTQ community, this club features nights like Bear Night, Latin Leather Night, and Drag Night. Affiliated with the World Famous Falcon on Broadway, you’re always guaranteed to have a good time at the Falcon North.
Photo: Falcon North Website
Desserts/Coffee Shop: Daily Bread Bakery
If you’re looking for some of the best desserts in Long Beach, Daily Bread is the spot! It’s family owned and they have a ton of unique dessert options to choose from. Their cheesecake is one of my favorites, and their pastries are the flakiest! They also do custom cakes and they’ll customize it down to the last delicate detail. Bonus is that they even have tamales! Add Daily Bread to your list of must-visit places in District 9.
