The Second Owl Lands on 2nd Street, Upcoming Events

The Second Owl Lands on 2nd Street

A family-run Thai Lao restaurant quietly takes over a familiar space—and brings staying power with it

A New Face, a Familiar Name

In a storefront that’s seen more than one business come and go, a new restaurant has quietly opened its doors on 2nd Street. But this time, things feel different. The Second Owl is the latest chapter for the family behind Owl Owl Thai Lao in Signal Hill, and their expansion into Belmont Shore isn’t about making noise. It’s about letting the food speak for itself.

Taking over the former Republic of Pie location, The Second Owl is already drawing in a curious crowd with its thoughtful dishes and laid-back energy. You won’t find banners or neon out front—just a humble sign, a short menu full of flavor, and a team that clearly knows what they’re doing.

A Quiet Anchor In a High-Turnover Spot

The address, 5272 E 2nd Street, has been through a few identities over the past few years. Republic of Pie had a brief run, as did Sancho’s Tacos before it. The spot seemed almost cursed, a place new businesses couldn’t hold onto. But that might be about to change.

The Second Owl comes in with something different: a proven kitchen, an existing customer base, and a tight-knit family behind the scenes. The original location in Signal Hill has already built a loyal following for its Thai and Lao dishes. Bringing that same menu and spirit to Belmont Shore feels like a natural next step, and the timing is just right.

Flavor First, and a Menu with Roots

The menu isn’t long, but every dish on it has intention. Regulars from the Signal Hill location will recognize staples like Nam Khao, a crispy rice salad that balances texture, herbs, and spice perfectly. There’s also Khao Soi duck, one of their standout dishes, which delivers deep flavor without feeling too heavy. Curries, soups, and Lao sausages round out a menu that feels both focused and generous.

Pricing stays in the sweet spot. Most dishes land between $17 and $23, which is more than fair for the quality and portion size—especially on this stretch of 2nd Street. It’s approachable for locals, which is likely part of the plan.

Happy Hour with Heart

For those who like to eat early or unwind after work, The Second Owl has one more thing going for it—a simple but solid Happy Hour, running Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM. Whether you're pairing a plate with a Thai iced tea or something stronger, it’s a welcome offering in a neighborhood where Happy Hour often leans more bar than restaurant.

The space itself is small and warm, not overly designed or stylized. There’s a vibe to it. It feels lived in already, even though the paint is still fresh. You get the sense that the same hands cooking your food were involved in setting up the dining room too.

A Bet on Staying Power

What makes The Second Owl compelling isn’t just the food—it’s the quiet confidence. There’s no big rebrand, no glossy marketing rollout. Just a family, already rooted in the Long Beach area, bringing something good to the table.

They’re not just filling space. They’re building something. And for a location that’s seen too many short-lived ideas, that might be exactly what 2nd Street needs.

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Event Details

The Second Owl – Thai Lao Cuisine

🪑 Features: Indoor seating, takeout available, weekday Happy Hour from 3 to 6 PM

📝 Vibe: Casual and inviting, with thoughtful dishes and a loyal following already forming

CLICK HERE

Interesting Facts

Signal Hill was the site of the first successful flight of a powered, heavier-than-air aircraft by the Wright brothers

In 1918, the U.S. military established a base on Signal Hill to monitor and defend the coast from potential attacks during World War I. During the Prohibition era in the 1920s, Signal Hill was known as a hotspot for bootleggers smuggling alcohol into the country due to its remote location and unmonitored coastline.

Long Beach Symphony Pops Pays Tribute to Journey

A one-night-only tribute to Journey hits the Long Beach Arena on October 18, 2025, as the Long Beach Symphony Pops delivers “Faithfully – The Music of Journey.”

This electrifying event pairs Journey’s beloved rock anthems—like “Don’t Stop Believin’,” “Open Arms,” and “Faithfully”—with the orchestra’s lush arrangements, offering fans a fresh take on iconic songs.

Seasoned vocalists lead the performance, channeling Steve Perry’s unmatched energy and charisma while the arena’s renowned acoustic atmosphere amplifies every note.

The Symphony Pops has a history of uniting Long Beach audiences by reimagining classic and contemporary hits, from Motown legends to Queen, always fostering community and nostalgia.

Locals can expect a night packed with powerful vocals, orchestral excitement, and a crowd singalong finale, as Long Beach’s music scene once again redefines live entertainment for all generations.

Long Beach’s popular Festival of Flight is set to return to Long Beach Airport on Saturday, October 25, offering a free, family-friendly celebration of the city’s deep aviation roots.

Families can enjoy hands-on access to private planes, helicopters, and military jets, alongside live music and local food trucks fueling the festivities right on the tarmac.

The event honors Long Beach’s historic role in aerospace, with static aircraft displays, interactive exhibits, and opportunities to meet pilots and crews.

Children will find plenty of activities, from crafts to science games, while aviation enthusiasts can explore behind-the-scenes airport operations.

The festival unites the community with a rare, up-close look at the aircraft that shape Long Beach’s skyline.

Arrive early for parking, and experience a tradition that exemplifies the city’s innovative spirit and local pride.

We promote small local businesses and nonprofit organizations, helping them make a lasting impact in their community. We do this by creating a central hub where they can connect, grow, and be seen.

The Festival of Flight returns in 2025 with aircraft on static display, live music, kids’ activities, and food & beverage offerings.

Date: Saturday, October 25, 2025 • Location: Long Beach Airport • Admission: Free (pay-as-you-go for food, beer, etc.)

Event Page

Dark Harbor is back at The Queen Mary — a large-scale haunted Halloween festival featuring mazes, performers, and immersive horror experiences.

Dates: through November 1, 2025 • Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach • Admission: Ticketed

Event Info

Dreamstate SoCal returns to The Queen Mary with a full weekend of electronic dance music, immersive production, and late-night sets.

Dates: November 21–22, 2025 • Location: The Queen Mary, Long Beach • Admission: Ticketed

Insomniac Event Page

Apocalypse: Zombieland makes its 2025 run in Long Beach with back-to-back nights of bass-heavy music and immersive production.

Dates: November 28–29, 2025 • Location: Long Beach • Admission: Ticketed

Insomniac Event Page

Tom Segura brings his stand-up special to Terrace Theater in Long Beach.

Date: Sunday, November 23, 2025 • Location: Terrace Theater, Long Beach Convention Center • Admission: Ticketed

Concert Listings

The 15th Annual Golden Future Senior Expo highlights health, lifestyle, and services tailored to the senior community.

Date: Thursday, October 23, 2025 • Time: 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM • Location: The Grand (4101 E Willow St, Long Beach)

More Info / Tickets

Scarium Family Night offers a spooktacular aquarium experience with a scavenger hunt, magicians, costume contests, trick‑or‑treating, and creature encounters.

Date: October 17, 2025 • 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM • Location: Aquarium of the Pacific, Long Beach • Admission: $28.95 (Adults) / $18.95 (Members) / Free <3yrs

Event Info

Bring the whole family — during the day enjoy kids’ activities and in the evening join the zombie walk and costume festivities.

Date: October 11, 2025 • 4:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Kids zone until 7 PM) • Location: Shoreline Village, Long Beach • Admission: Free

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Explore the haunted history of Long Beach’s Bembridge House with evening tours, eerie storytelling, and access to hidden areas.

Dates: October 3, 4, 10 & 11, 2025 • Location: Bembridge House, 953 N Park Circle, Long Beach • Admission: Ticketed

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Take a walking tour through Long Beach’s oldest cemeteries, with historical reenactments and stories of past residents.

Date: October 25, 2025 • Location: Long Beach Municipal Cemetery & Sunnyside Cemetery • Admission: Ticketed

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Have You Been to Long Beach’s Luxurious Sky Room?

Following a $150M Makeover, the Sky Room Reclaims Its Place at the Top

Ask a longtime Long Beach local about the Sky Room, and chances are, they’ll have a memory tied to it. For nearly a century, it’s been more than just a restaurant. It’s been a symbol of the city’s aspirations, resilience, and celebration. From the golden age of Hollywood to the rebirth of downtown, the Sky Room has quietly stood watch from the top of the Breakers.

Now, The Sky Room Is Back

After years of closure and anticipation, the Sky Room reopened in late 2024 as part of a sweeping restoration of the Breakers Hotel, now operated by Fairmont. The full project clocked in at over $150 million, and while that covered everything from ornamental ceilings to new hotel rooms, the Sky Room stands out as the crown jewel of the transformation.

Because some places matter. It’s not just another rooftop venue. It’s a touchstone—a place where people have proposed, celebrated graduations, birthdays, and anniversaries. The return is as much about the past as it is about giving today’s Long Beach a place to dress up for again.

What Is the Sky Room Serving With a $150 Million Comeback?

The vibe is elevated but not intimidating. You’ll find dishes like Wagyu Beef Wellington, lobster ravioli, and seasonal fare served beneath chandeliers and 1920s design touches. The views are as cinematic as ever, stretching across the skyline to the Pacific. It’s not a scene — it’s a setting.

Fairmont Breakers’ Halo Rooftop Lounge Provides 360° Views

For those who aren’t ready to dive into a full dinner, there’s a rooftop lounge just one floor above called Halo, where you can sip cocktails with a 360-degree view of Long Beach. You don’t need a dinner reservation for that. You just need to show up thirsty.

Compared to Other Celebrated Places

Let’s talk about value. Compared to places like Heritage—which starts at $120 per person for a tasting menu and can easily run closer to $200 with drinks and tip—the Sky Room might actually be Long Beach’s most scenic bargain. You pick your plate, your pace, your moment.

The Sky Room isn’t just a restaurant reopening. It’s a familiar friend with a fresh suit—refined, confident, and right at home above the city it grew up with.

Sky Room – Fine Dining / Modern American

📍 210 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802
🌟 Yelp: 4.2 | ✅ Health Grade: A | 💲 $31–$50
Website | Google
Locations: 1 | Corporate

📝 Elegant, art‑deco–inspired rooftop dining with sweeping harbor + city views, seasonal cuisine, handcrafted cocktails, and a revived 1938 legacy.

📝 Hours & Notes

· Open: Tuesday through Saturday, 5:00 PM – 10:00 PM

· Closed: Sunday & Monday

· Reservation required

· Valet parking is available via Fairmont Breakers for guest arrival.

· Private Dining: accommodates up to ~10 guests in an intimate room setting.