House of Blues Sunday gospel brunch?

[jkh1978]

Must tickets be purchased ahead of time? Is the seating all at 11am?

Our flight arrives at 9:41 in Long Beach and want to know if we have to preorder. If its likely to not sell out I'd rather play this by ear in case there is a delay.

 

[Priory]

I hate to be negative but I have to share my opinion of this place. It was the single worst experience I have ever had on any vacation in my life.

First, we pre-purchased tickets for the first brunch as we were driving home on Sunday. A week before our trip, House of Blues called and said the first brunch was cancelled but we could have the second one.

We decided to do it and drive home very late (9 hour drive).

We got there and everyone was gathered upstairs waiting. There was complementary coffee and a bar. Nice enough so far!

Then they started taking parties in. 3 total employees walked each group down 1 by 1. It took forever to get seated.

When we were seated -we could not believe it.

There are a number of long, narrow, tables crammed (I mean crammed) into this tiny room with a stage. We were sat at a table with 10 other people and we were forced to sit apart from each other (which was utterly bizarre for a party of 2).

Everybody was on top of everybody else. It was so crammed I had to shimmy my arm in unnatural positions just to get my fork to my mouth. The chairs were literally back to back so it was constant bumping from behind for anyone trying to get out of their seat.

I have never been so uncomfortable in my life. Ever.


Two of the three employees were getting drinks for people but they never came back to give refills.

We just left after one plate. Never saw the performers. It was just too uncomfortable and awkward.

I will say the food was excellent. I understand the entertainment is good, but we will never know because by the time we left (1 hour into the brunch) the curtains hadn't opened yet.

If you are a huge fan of sardines, or are in a large party that can dominate a table it may be fun. However, I simply cannot recommend the place.

ETA: Sorry - I never answered your question. Advance tickets are probably a good idea for the sole fact that if they do this "cancel and combine" thing a lot, there's a very good chance it could be "sold out" when you get there.

 

[jkh1978]

Thank you for that feedback. As we are from the east coast flying out that morning, it doesn't sound like its worth the possible headaches that a delay might cause. Sounds like there is also brunch at the Jazz Kitchen, or we'll just go somewhere else.

I see online if you buy the tickets from livenation, you can pick your seat, but then each ticket has a 13 dollar service fee added.

 

[Priory]

That's a good tip. I bought my seats by calling house of blues and they chose. There were a couple of tables that wouldn't have been as bad to sit at... so I suppose it could be worth it if that was the case.