“What a hoot finding the Joe Jost’s web sight. It is a credit to everyone involved. Although I’m an Aussie, I spent six wonderful years in and around Long Beach between ’75 and 80,the best of those years living in the infamous, now departed, Belmont Arms apartments on 10th and Belmont. I mostly worked as a bartender in the now long gone Public House in Belmont Shore. I also put in some time pouring beers at the Annex and briefly (thankfully) the notorious Hollywood on the Pike! Although my working hours were taken up at those pubs, my DRINKING time was spent at the best pub in “Longo”, Joe Josts. Even though I didn’t think too much of packaged Pabsts Blue Ribbon, it tasted like mothers milk in a frosted Joe Josts schooner! My love affair with the humble chili also started in Joes. Every few years I get back to the States and, although I spend most of my time in Northern California when I there, I ALWAYS make a pilgrimage to Long Beach and Joe Josts. I still have my original 70s Joe T shirt as well as the 60th Anniversary, Halloween and Americas cup items. I don’t seem to fit into them anymore but I treasure them as mementos of one of the worlds great pubs! I’m working here in Sydney these days as a journalist. I’ve lost track of most of my old Long Beach mates over the years so, if any of those great folks who knew me back would like to contact me they can Email me on firko@bigpond.com. ‘d love to hear from you. Next time I’m up your way I’ll definitely be dropping in for a few schooners. CHEERS”
“I was searching the web when I found your site, and I thought “This name is Mennonite” A place to visit, a place of fun a tavern in name where the West was won. I’d like to see this place of yours, after I’ve finished my evening chores, I’d like to see what it’s all about as I show off my surname clout But I’m in Kansas, beneath a tree, far away from the big blue sea. When I get there I will boast, That my name too, is the name of Jost. I will soon ask for a shirt you sell, and pay the money just as well. I am happy and glad to find a shirt and tavern with a name like mine. Thanks,”
“First let me say that I have been raised with the knowledge and from pictures and stories about this bar. My father used to bartend there in 1971-1973 while he went to Long Beach State and ever since I have been little I have been raised on the stories of “Joes” He took me there as a kid and showed me the place, and the picture of him that hangs on the wall over one of the tables. I recently made a trip there from San Diego to visit the bar, because I wanted to show some friends and also I had turned 21, so it was time to enjoy beer and a Joes special with friends. I have to say that it was great and that my friends loved it, they also agree that it’s a great place and want to go back soon. Maybe soon I can sit down with my dad and have a few beers ay the bar and talk about old times and what he has witnessed about the place, a shot some stick in the back.”
“My association with Joe Jost’s goes back to the early 40’s. My dad owned and operated a automobile repair business at the corner of Anaheim and Redondo called appropriately, the Anaheim & Redondo Garage. Sharing that property was a Kingsbury gas station. Dad knew everyone in the area and they all relied on him to keep their old “buggies” running during the war years. On Saturdays and during the summer months I was always a fixture at the garage. Dad would frequently buy auto parts at the Old Western Auto Store on the corner next to Joe Jost’s which would always mean lunch at Joe’s. I was between 7 and 13 years old at the time (1940-1946) and can remember the counter full of “regulars” the barber shop, the pool tables (or was it snooker) the “specials”, pickled eggs and those “gross” pigs feet. Dad of course would have his beer. (or beers) One memorable day dad took me next door (after a few schooners) to the Western Auto and bought me a brand new shiny blue Western Flyer bicycle. What a bicycle….what a dad….what days……”
“Just found your web page, and it’s very good, brought back many memories. I moved up here five years ago and I’m still having “Joe Josts” withdrawals. I make sure to wear my various shirts on holiday occasions, just had on my “ain’t afraid of no pickled eggs” shirt, will follow that with my “Rudolph, Joe O’Josts, and Fourth of July special”. Thanks for the memories, and here is a picture, my best side, in Alaska, near Anchorage at the “Portage Glacier”, In my Joe’s shirt of course.”
“Have missed Joe’s since I joined the Navy in 1972. Currently off active duty and work for the Army as a civilian. Believe me, nothing here in the Dallas area compares to Joe Jost’s when it comes to a cold schooner of beer, peanuts or an egg. How ’bout them Cowboys!? Ha Ha – go 49’ers.”
“I have 2 shirts and always thought the JoeJosts.com was a joke, obviously it isn’t. My wife and I bought a house in Belmont Heights 2 years ago in July. Shortly after moving in we found out about Joe Jost’s after reading an article in the LA Times. Probably 100 schooners and 50 Joe Specials later, I just had to drop you a line and say thanks! What started two years ago as a couple beers for lunch was the discovery of my favorite gathering place. And possibly the best place to start a Sunday Funday. Thanks.”
“Howdy, my name is Aaron. I am from Long Beach, but being a sailor, have been shipped to Italy. I have searched for pickled eggs and Polish sausages in Naples, but have come up short. I am left with the remembrance of your pub…God Bless America and Joe Jost’s! Thanks for the web page. It was a little taste of home.”
“It’s been tradition in the Bush family for years to visit Joes….My uncle found the place in 1952 and took my cousins there when they were 12 years old. For years my dad talked about this place with a smile on his face. I finally got my chance at the Thanksgiving family reunion just last week. I have truly been indoctrinated into the Long Beach clan after my trip to Joes! I had a great time and I really enjoyed all of the photos from around the world with the ever fashionable Joes shirt. Your website is really great too!”
My father and mother would smile if they could see the old place still there. My parents were customers for many years before my birth in 1949. They would take me in the place when I was a baby and have a “short beer” or two. My entire family has visited Joes throughout the years. I can still remember seeing my dad sitting at the bar with his buddy Mr. Nelson after work. I spent my 21st birthday there and many others. It great to see the place get the notice it deserves. Joe Josts, the place will live on forever! Take care of the place.”
MIKE BEAN