Halo

Well, it's finally happened, after years of waiting to see what Fairmont was going to do with the location that used to be my favorite bar in the city, Cielo, back in ancient history (2018), they finally opened, and I checked it out recently. I'm absolutely *not* remotely surprised, indeed I was expecting all of it, that a big hotel chain rooftop bar wouldn't be nearly as inventive as Cielo - an independent bar run by a cocktail genius for the benefit mainly of locals and running mainly on word of mouth - and that it would be a lot more expensive and would coast mainly on its still-excellent views, but yeah, that was definitely the result. Indeed, the views are even better now than they were, with all new windows, and especially with its expansion into a second, fairly expansive outdoor bar area where the west wall used to be (with large transparent wind-protecting "walls", but no ceiling, and a second bar on the far end.) The drinks menu, though, is quite small for now - 4 $18-19 cocktails, a $24 old fashioned variant, one $14 n/a "mockarita", and a couple very basic macro beers. Great bartenders, but hopefully the limited and not *particularly* interesting menu is just while they're still fairly new to the space. So they stars really are mostly for the location.Anyway, since I was there, I did try the most interesting thing on their current menu, the clarified mai tai (Bacardi 8, Plantation pineapple, Wray & Nephew overproof, grand marnier, lime, mango and pineapple). I wouldn't say the drink itself would be worth $19 (plus tip) anywhere you weren't also paying for the view, but clarified drinks are always fun, and while mai tais seem to be everywhere right now, this is indeed the most unique one I've had in quite some time (and it is good.) I wouldn't have any particular reason to be back other than to show someone the view, though (I really miss David's cocktails - and prices! - at Cielo, but still... there's room for a second Baby Gee, but with a view. I'm happy paying $18-19 for cocktails, just not when it's just an espresso martini.)I didn't have any particular issue with them being slow getting it to me, though (they weren't busy, though, and I suppose being clarified, that also makes the drink inherently pre-batched. Still.)

A beautiful renovation to this hotel and bars! There was a DJ and bartenders that gave great energy the whole time we were there. No food at the bar but the overall service and atmosphere was great.

Now THIS is a view and bartender I can frequent. Fantastic service, AMAZING cocktail (dealers choice when an Aviation couldn't be made), and views that take your breath away. Thank you all for the experience and I am happy this historic and beautiful landmark is back up and running.

The views of downtown Long Beach and shoreline village area was beautiful as always which why gave a 4 star rating. Our bartender was personable, but the drinks were meh for the price. There is no food served. If you want to go just to have a drink with a beautiful back drop, then this is the place for you. Cheers!

We stopped by here on a Sunday evening. The views and atmosphere are really amazing. I think they should have heaters and some umbrellas on the patio, or something to that extent. The patio furniture was slight wet and there were no heaters, so everyone was inside as it was not an ideal setting to enjoy the patio though the views were phenomenal. We tried the espresso martini and the old fashioned. Both were ok, for the price point I was expecting more from the old fashioned personally. I agree with some of the other service comments, everything took quite some time even though it was not crazy busy. I had to go back and ask twice for a glass of water. I look forward to coming back during warmer days and experience the outdoor seating areas as well.

New Year night with friends in Halo it was beautiful experience! So much fun, great music, good vibes, champagne and drinks very friendly staff and nice atmosphere!

Only good to come for the views and have one over-priced cocktail or moderately priced beer. It can get crowded up here, but just come on a warm afternoon when they open at 5pm. Stay for the sunset, then bail. Seating it tight. This is fine for a date or a small group. I preferred what this rooftop bar used to look like before the remodel, but it's really cleaned up and perfect for an older demographic.

Great view, good drinks BUT... their service needs tweaking. 20+ minutes to get our drinks (two drinks) when it wasn't that busy and then 10+ minutes to get the check/pay. We eventually gave up our table and waited by the bar. Others were having similar issues. Definitely a one time thing as of now ($18+ drinks) bc it's not a place that you can just hang out at and have multiple drinks within the time you're there. Lots of potential.

Look I totally expect slow service when an establishment is brand new, and slow and disorganized it was. They'll grow out of that of course. What I don't expect is paying THIRTY dollars, pre-tip, for a well (Beefeater) martini. I'm not sure they'll grow out of that but I hope they do so I can delete this review. For my fellow neighbors here, this ain't Cielo anymore.

Beautiful views! A fun date night spot with access to a patio overlooking the ocean and the city. The old fashion was delicious, and the service was friendly and quick.