Marie’s Tek Tec: A Tiki Bar in Long Beach Rooted in Latin American Identity
- Jim Torres
- Mar 25
- 3 min read
When most people search for tiki bars in Long Beach, they’re looking for tropical cocktails, outdoor patios, and group-friendly energy. But at Marie’s Tek Tec, we offer something deeper: a gathering place where heritage, storytelling, and vibrant community converge.
Not Just a Bar—A Cultural Space for Connection
Marie’s Tek Tec was never just about pouring drinks. It was about carving out space—a space where stories from Latin America could be felt, seen, and tasted. As Latino bar owners and operators, we were initially drawn to the colorful aesthetics of tiki culture, but we felt something missing. Tiki bars in the U.S. often operate disconnected from the cultures they pull imagery from. We didn’t want to continue that cycle. We wanted to root our vision in truth.
That’s why Marie’s Tek Tec became the first Mesoamerican-centric bar in Los Angeles. We intentionally built a space that honors the beauty, spirit, and layered complexity of Latin America—not as a gimmick, not as a costume, but as a lived and living identity.
A Patio Bar in Long Beach Where Every Corner Tells a Story
If you’re searching for outdoor bars in Long Beach that feel unlike anywhere else, Marie’s Tek Tec offers an immersive experience. Our container bar concept began with a character—Marie the explorer—traveling across Mesoamerica collecting artifacts, symbols, and stories. Each piece found at Marie’s was brought home to tell a bigger story: one of migration, memory, and mosaic culture.
Our decor isn’t just pretty; it’s purposeful. Olmec heads, Maya glyphs, Aztec iconography—each detail speaks to Indigenous roots and modern echoes. We didn’t want cohesion. We wanted truth. And the truth is: Latin America is not one look, not one language, not one people.
That diversity is reflected in our atmosphere. We’ve created a textured environment where color, culture, and comfort collide. Whether you’re here for a casual afternoon or a late-night escape, our outdoor bar patio is ready to host your experience.
A Bar for Large Groups—Built for Communal Celebration
Looking for bars for large groups in Long Beach? Marie’s Tek Tec was designed with community in mind. Whether you're celebrating a birthday, reunion, or just making the most of a warm SoCal night, we’ve got space to gather, connect, and toast to something bigger than the moment.
Our container setup allows for intimate corners and sprawling group tables alike. We welcome everyone—from curious first-timers to seasoned spirit lovers—and we intentionally create a welcoming, unpretentious vibe that invites laughter, conversation, and collective joy.
The Bar Program: From Tiki Curiosity to Agave Legacy
Our drink program didn’t just evolve—it grew out of the same impulse that built our space: to honor stories. While we appreciate the playfulness of rum-based tiki cocktails, we felt called to center our offerings around the soul of agave.
Mezcal. Tequila. Sotol. Bacanora. These are not trends. They are traditions—liquid legacies passed down through generations of hands connected to land and spirit. Every bottle at Marie’s is chosen with intention. Every pour continues a story that started long before us.
Our cocktails aren’t just fun; they’re full of meaning. From Margarita Madness to our specialty house drinks, we aim to offer bold flavors, layered profiles, and deep cultural respect.
Come for the Margaritas, Stay for the Journey
Whether you’re Googling “best tiki bars in Long Beach” or wandering past our vibrant patio on a Friday night, we invite you to stay awhile. Margarita Madness might be your first step—familiar, playful, and delicious—but it’s only the beginning.
Stick around. Talk to the bartenders. Ask about the mezcal. Take in the details. We’ve created this space for the bold and the curious, for those who want to explore culture through cocktails and community. Marie’s Tek Tec is a bar—but more than that, it’s a journey waiting to unfold.
Comments