Best of Long Beach Nominations: Food & Drink

Details: By Brian Addison; | Thursday, 23 February 2012 22:57

10:50am | Food: to put it simply, it makes us happy. But as with all great things, there's the fantastic and there's the mediocre -- and we want you to tell us the best. Our list this year aims for a bit of everything we love about the food experience, ranging from individual classics to service to places as a whole. And what better place than Long Beach to begin that endeavor? Read through our list and respond to as many or as little as you'd like -- just make sure our tongues salivate.

1. What is the best burger in town?
It's an American classic that can be spun in every single direction known to the Gastronome Gods. Tell us what joint holds your favorite burger -- and be specific as to which one it is and why it's a staple you'll just never give up.

2. What is the best hangover meal?
The night before was a bit fuzzy and your stomach is need of more than cereal or toast. Do you bombard your body with deep-fried goodness? Sugar cube gravy? Health nut offering? Offer us the place that give you the single dish you crave most after a night out that went much longer than expected.

3. Who has the best happy hour for food?
We all know which of our waterholes offer their cheapest libations, but we want you to tell us of the best place to get your grub on without incinerating your wallet.

4. What is the best vegetarian/vegan spot?
Whether it's your permanent way of dining or something every now and then you like to experience when you've overdone the beef intake, there is no question that Long Beach is a great city for vegetarian and vegan food. What is the spot that defines great veggie grub?

5. Who is the best bartender?
Anyone can pour a beer and make a cocktail -- but there's truly an art within the world of mixology and customer service that makes an outstanding bartender. Give us your encounters with those behind the bar that made you realize, 'Now THAT'S a cocktail!'

6. What is the best offering around that cures your sweet tooth?
Whether it's a chocolate mousse or peanut butter nutter butter, vanilla bean ice cream or coconut creme brulee, we all have that one treat which always manages to magically fit in our stomach even when we're disgustingly full. Tell us where we can get it and what it is that will make our sweet tooth go crazy.

7. Who hosts the best Sunday Funday?
You know the routine: your Saturday night debauchery requires you get a little hair of the dog -- but you gotta start early just so you don't feel entirely worthless upon arrival back at work on Monday. Does your Sunday Funday spot offer bottomless mimosas? An omelette station? Or is it just a cool place to end the end of the week?

8. Who has the best craft beer selection?
We're not talkin' Natty Ice or your Buddy. The craft of beer is something any foodie respects -- and we know Long Beach serves up some of the best. We wanna know: where lies the epitome of fermented, hoppy heaven?

9. What is the best wine bar?
Wine has been around almost as long as beer, but Long beach is just catching on. With new wine bars popping up all the City, who serves the best tannin party? And what glass specifically captivates you?

10. Best joint to get your caffeine fix?
Most of our mornings are incomplete without our source of caffeination, be it coffee or tea. Long Beach has an array of coffeeshops -- but what is the one that gets your buzz before work goin' strongest?

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Archived Comments (173)

Niki

Best coffee ALL AROUND is Polly's Coffee on Second Street in Belmont Shore!

robin

*Who is the best bartender? 2- mike & tokotah at avia. they make amazing fresh & innovative drinks. love them.
*What is the best wine bar? district wine
*Best joint to get your caffeine fix? aroma di roma

Linda E

When it come to getting my "sweet tooth" fix, the best place is "Shortnin Bread" (3rd & Elm). Their raspberry tart cures me ~every~ single time. Everything is made fresh ~daily~.

Eric Gray

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Culinary-Long-Beach-CA/220485687968943

Checkout Culinary Long Beach on Facebook. We just gave out the 2011 Foodie Awards.

Julie W

Best sweet is the red velvet cupcake from frosted. Best Sunday Funday is the Paradise Bar.

Eagle Eye

Personally speaking, Long Beach eateries mirror it's population - grossly below the level it should be at, for a beach community. I'd guess the reason that there are so few QUALITY eating spots, is because there are so few quality patrons. I mean tell me one place in Long Beach where you see a line out the door? People here seem to rave about places like "Casa Sanchez" and "Hof's Hut"; Meanwhile in other beach communities, they have places that are a lot higher quality.

Don't get me wrong, there are a FEW good spots here, and among the notables â€'

Chinese fast food - Wok-n-Roll

Burgers â€' Since "Russell's Burgers" is no longer around, I'd have to go with MVP. Huge burgers, quite good, and their fries with the cajunaise sauce is great for your "cheat" day.

Hangover spot â€' Long Beach CafÃ©, because they give really big portions of good traditional choices, at very reasonable prices.

Mexican - Taqueria La Mexicana is pretty good

Deli â€' Modica's is also pretty good, but definitely not great. Santa Fe Importers is close to great, but location sux.

Eric Gray

To add to that, you can see the Culinary Long Beach 2011 Foodie Awards in many winner's locations including:

Berlin,Dolly Delectable, Michael's Pizzeria etc..

BelmontBob

Best Hangover is an Omlette from Potholder, Best Wine Bar is Wine Down.

Grant

BEst Wine Bar:
The Wine Down Lounge has a killer atmosphere, great food and extremely knowledgeable staff.

Dave in Alamitos Beach

I don't particularly like any of these categories, so I'll just say that the best restaurant in all of Long Beach is At Last Cafe. Best food, best prices, etc. The only drawback is they're not open on Sunday. Oh, and I only went there once, but the best burger I've had is the one at The Factory up in Bixby Knolls. Probably some sort of grass fed thing. Really juicy and delicious.

Andrew Silber

Number 8 has just got to be the Congregation Ale House. I love that place... it is brilliant.... check it out (and I say this as the owner an English Pub!)

Kate K

My buddy doesn't cook and I can't, so we see a lot of restaurants. Here are my choices:
1. Best vegetarian: Zephyr, hands down. Try anything seitan of theirs.
2. Best Bartender: Eddie at Delius. If you love bloody Marys, that's the place. I couple this with whoever mixes the Manhattans at P. Trani's. Classic.
3. Draw between the gelato at Aroma Di Roma and the ice cream at Paradis, which could classify as gelato.
4. Caffeine? Let me count the ways: Polly's for atmosphere and their lattes. Smaller Starbucks on Second for iced coffee, iced tea, management and staff. The Bird Cage on Fourth, for the espresso, atmosphere, and funny Eleno, who's like a manic Ricky Ricardo. Hot Java, for just about everything and everyone. And POrtfolio, for the great food that goes with the coffee. Quick, too.

Sadza

Best Hamburgers in the town are definitely MVP'S Grill and Patio on 4th street. No one will stay hungry after any of their meals, even if you order a half portion of fries with any of the hamburgers. Personal favorite- Foreman #6 with feta cheese. It is so juicy with the flavor of Greek feta. If you are hamburger lover, you won't find better place in Long Beach!!!

Mel

Where is there no category for high end modern food for Long Beach? Is it because we don't have one? Or the organizers of this survey can't conceive of this category? Do we need to go out of town to enjoy this style of food? Long Beach, be proud that you have citizens that are sophisticated, well traveled and can afford a creative and high end food experience. Get competitive and modern. And quit viewing yourself as everyone's poor cousin.

chuck

1) At last Cafe
2) Pot holder
4) Steamed
5) Avia-Mike
8) Congregation
9) District Wine
10) Polly's 2nd street

Raphael

1. The Pike. But for veggie burgers, Shilleilagh wins.
2. Baja breakfast burrito at the Coffee Cup
6. Frosted Cupcakery's orange cupcake

Earl Jay

1. MVP
2. Breakfast Burritos from Tony's Place on 4th
5. Blake at the Red Room
7. Bottomless Mimosas at Gallaghers
9. Wine Down
10. Berlin

Plastic Bags, Aside

I also vote the At Last Cafe as the best place to eat in Long Beach.

But I do also like the coconut macaroons at Babette's Feast...

JohnnyG

Best Burger is from 555 hands down.

Plastic Bags Aside

Totally forgot about the ice cream sandwiches at Shortnin' Bread. Homemade ice cream between freshly baked cookies, very nice.

Brian

The Best Wine Bar in town is The Wine Down Lounge

David O.

Long Beach has some great food places. I personally like La Creperie. However, for amazing food, drinks, and fun days, San Pedro is the place to go... parking is cheap, available, and it has a long history of amazing diverse restaurants in close proximity that have withstood the test of time.

Mmmm

1. MVP's
2. The Potholder
4. Steamed
6. Scratch
8. Congregation
9. 4th Street Vine
10. Portfolio

Vicki

Best answer to a sweet tooth or best answer to cheer up a friend or family member. Miss Priss Cupcakes Long Beach Best CUPCAKES in the West

Angela C.

Top Food Favorites:

Scratch Bakery - best pastries
Catalanos - best pizza
Olives - best sandwiches
Blackbird Cafe - best breakfast
Viento y Aguq - best coffee

Jason

1. Best burger: The Peppercorn (Try it!)
2. Best HO food: Starling Diner "Bloody mary"
3. Best :)Hour Food: Los Compadres
4. Zephyr!! Good vegan all the way
5. Nicole "Ripples"!
6. Sweet Tooth: Aroma di Roma "Gelato"
7. Sunday Funday: Hm...Falcon & Gallaghers
8. Craft Beer: The Pike!
9. 4th Street Vine. Thursdays Rock!
10. Hot Java (kick ass sugar-free mocha!)

Randy Kemner

First off, I'm with Mel, wishing you would recognize outstanding dinner houses of the caliber of Michael's on Naples, for example.
Polly's Coffee has been a favorite of mine for 30 years.
Best breakfast is the Starling Diner on 3rd Street. Fresh ingredients.
Best sandwiches are made at Olive's on Broadway and on 2nd St.
How about "best pizza?" Ferraro's Calabrian pizza or Michael's Pizzeria Pistachio, Mortadella & Burrata pizza.

Isaiais

Mai Tai Bar is the best place to relax on Sunday before going back to work on Monday. Relax on the patio while you enjoy a mixed cocktail and day dream your problems that lurk ahead

Ray

The best burger in LB is definitely MVP's burger on 4th and grand ave.They are amazinggg

Dave

The best bartenders in town, collectively, are the guys and gals at the Long Beach Yacht Club (Ryan, Gary, Val, Veronica, and Fred) and the Seal Beach Yacht Club (Alysia, Joy, and Jesse).

Jerry Murphy

Best Happy Hour is at La Palapa. All appetizers are half price. It's easy to have dinner at half price. In addition all well drinks, tap bear and house wines are half price. Fold in a great view from the patio right on the sand and it's a great way to decompress after a hard day.

@Eagle Eye

"I mean tell me one place in Long Beach where you see a line out the door?"

Seriously? Have you EVER been out to breakfast on a Saturday or Sunday morning in Long Beach? Potholder, Eggs etc, Starling, Egg Heaven, COFFEE CUP...you're waiting at least 20 min anywhere you go, sometimes well over an hour.

And who "raves" about HOFFS HUT?!

Rich

1. What is the best burger in town?
Simmzy's (coming soon)

2. What is the best hangover meal?
Bacon & Eggs at Eggs Etc.

3. Who has the best happy hour for food?
Quinn's Irish Pub, its always happy hour at Quinn's

4. What is the best vegetarian/vegan spot?
??Who knows??

5. Who is the best bartender?
The one who serves me.

6. What is the best offering around that cures your sweet tooth?
Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory â€' chocolate covered graham crackers

7. Who hosts the best Sunday Funday?
Legend's but only when there is a game

8. Who has the best craft beer selection?
33 Degrees Harborside Pub, Shoreline Village

9. What is the best wine bar?
Wine Down Lounge

10. Best joint to get your caffeine fix?
Starbucks - pick one

Sander

Ugh! The scope of this survey is so limiting. There are so many fantastic Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese places in Long Beach. Did you know we have our own 'Soup Nazi,' the owner of Pho Hong Phat? Do you know how many places specialize in Birria? Let's blow it up a bit, eh?

mp long beach

1. Burger- Ruby's Diner (yes I know its a chain)
2-
3. Happy hour- Your House
4. Vegetarian- Number Nine on 4th, Spring rolls and Pho. Also Open Sesame is yummy too!
5-
6. Sweets- Powell's Sweet Shop and Frosted Cupcakes on 2nd.
7. Sunday- Brunch at Le Creperie or Claire's at the Museum.
8-
9. Wine bar- Wine Crush on Broadway!
10. Caffeine- Polly's

If there was a best deli category...then Olive's gets that one....

GDub

1. Was the Ahi Burger at the now defunct Bouchees. :-(
2. Chili Verde Omelette at Coffee Cup Cafe.
3. LOS COMPADRES!!!
4. Huh?
5. Ashley Ochoa at Sky Bar
6. Meh.
7. Gallagher's
8. Congregation
9. District
10. Greenhouse

foodie

Best hangover food: Chuck's
Best sweet tooth cure: Frosted for sure!
Best craft beer: Beachwood BBQ. no one can touch their selection.
Best caffeine: Polly's!

measmom

The best wine bar in Long Beach is The Wine Down Lounge! So relaxing, a nice night away from the kiddos.

Porter

1. Best Burger without a doubt is AT LAST CAFE. Fresh and delicious!
5. Best Bartender is definitely Wade at Prospector! Love that guy.
6. Powell's for the nostalgia factor
8. Congregation hands down.
9.The Wine Down Lounge. Best Wine selection and food choices. Love Patrick too!
10. Berlin. Love that I can peruse fingerprints with my java!

NewFoodie

These are great categories because they're weird. I hope I learn about new places and things! Go Post! And the best hangover food is definitely the poutine at Tavern, aaaaaamazing!

Yessi

1) What is the best burger in town? Louie Burger on Atlantic!
6) What is the best offering around that cures your sweet tooth?
Frosted Cupcakery on Second Street
9)What is the best wine bar?
Wine Down Lounge-nice quiet place where I can sit back and relax!Love Patrick and Katie!!!

Scarlet

1. Beachwood BBQ... duh!
2. Cornbeef Hash
3. Yard House
4. IDK... I'm a meat lover.
5. The blonde w/ tats @ Pike is the bomb.
6. ...
7. Tantalum
8. Congregation ale house
9. Wine Down Lounge
10.Portfolio
6.

Summer

2. Starling Diner: bloody Mary and the spinach, goat cheese, mushroom scramble with potatoes. 6. Yogurtland
8. Congregation
9. Wine down lounge
10. Portfolio Coffee House

Soozie T.

Best Wine Bar: District Wine on Linden. Best people, best wine list, best daily specials, best atmosphere! Love!

Wes

Best Wine Bar.. District Wine
Best Burger..... At Last Cafe
Best Beer......... Beachwood's

Dave D

1 - MVPs on 4th - definitely best burger!
10 - Portfolio definitely has the best coffee.
No comment for the other 8 but I am very sad there is no category to fit the best restaurant in Long Beach in: Deli News! Best food, best prices, and closed on the weekends! You all know they are the best!

dudette

burger: Miner 49er
vegan veggie: tie for zehpyr and steamed...also, pho america has a great veggie pho
craft beer: belmont brewery
wine bar: wine crush
coffee: Royal Cup at 10th and redondo. The comfiest cafe in town.

Belmont Heights Resident

2. Best hangoover meal: Tommy's
6: Best sweet tooth: Cookies at Polly's
8: Best craft beer: Congregation
9: Best wine bar: District Wine, Mark and Angelina run a great operation.
10: Best caffeine: Tie between Polly's and Portfolio

Belmont Heights Resident

Charlie

The truth....there are so many nice places in this town. Some folks like big places some small. Some like it loud while those of us a little older prefer an environment where it's easy to carry on a conversation. I hear a lot about the wonderful places downtown but I live in the shore and that's where I tend to eat and drink. I like Quinn's. It's comfortable. The new owners have really turned it around . Lots of craft beers and great food. It's like the "Cheers song"..a place where people know your name and their always glad ya came.
People have a lot of pressure in their lives today so if you can find that special place to unwind in the presence of people you like consider yourself lucky.

michael baumann

9. wine down!

Kate

1. Tantalum
2. Tavern on 2- the poutine is AMAZING
3.Alegria
5. Mark from 555 East
8. Congregation
9. Wine Down Lounge- Love the Fiano
10. Aroma de Aroma

Matt

6. Powell's. Gelato is stellar!
2. Starling Diner. One word...scones. The line wraps around the block but soooo worth it!
9. No contest The Wine Down Lounge. The only Wine Bar in LB with a killer wine list, and they have Patrick!

Brent

Burger - MVP
Hangover Meal - Loaded Fries
Happy Hour - Belmont Brewery - Wings/Tacos/Pizza
Sweets - Sweet Jills

DocG

2hobo eggs Potholder
6 la creparie
French toast at Starling
8 beechwood bbq
10 Pollys

Jason

1) At last Cafe
2) Pot holder
4) Steamed
8) Yard House
9) District Wine
10) Polly's 2nd street

robyn

Steamed on Third is a great vegetarian restaurant. Everything's organic, and there's nice lighting and music. Try the Burrito-in-a-Bowl which is basically any thing they have that you want...in a bowl!

Another great place to get vegan food is Lola's on Fourth. Get the potato taquitos minus the dairy. You won't miss it. They're delicious. They also serve zucchini-mushroom tacos and burritos.

And, when you want to eat cheap, the spicy vegan potato tacos at Hole Mole are the best.

Local Foodie

Best coffee was at Sababa & great martinis too! KC Brannigans Pub for hangover breakfast like eggs benedict and wonderful appetizers (IRISH NACHOS - yum). Tommy's Handburgers - nobody beats the chili & spicy yellow peppers!
Best happy hour is Sushi Studio - Sushi & Sake & Beer - and yum!

Hollyn

9. The best wine bar-- The Wine Down Lounge. The wine list is amazing, the atmosphere is relaxing, and Patrick is super knowledgeable!

Matt G.

1. 555
2. Los Compadres
3. Los Compadres, yes both 2 & 3
4. Steamed
5. Anyone at the Prospector
6. Cinnamon Rolls from 757 Pine Bakery
7. Gallagher's
8. Congregation Ale
9. Wine Down, or District Wine
10. Polly's Coffee

Helen

Sunday fun day - especially football season - go where everyone really does know your name:
Tracy's Bar & Grill (Spring/Bellflower)

Angela B.

5. Reno Room
7. Gallaghers
9. District Wine

Keith

555 East is a great steakhouse
7. Gallagher's
8. Congregation
9. District
10. Greenhouse

Douglas

1. MVP
8. Congregation
9. Wine down lounge
10. Portfolio Coffee House

Ashreve

3) mcKennas
6). Frosted cupcakes
10). The library

Martin

4. Zephyr
7. Gallaghers
8. Craft Beer-The Pike
9. District Wine

Nate

Love District Wine-Local people started with nothing and are running a great place!
-Love Beachwood BBQ

Kelly

1) At last Cafe
2) Pot holder
4) Steamed
8) Congregation
9) District Wine
10) Polly's 2nd street

Jon

Pike for best burger
Congregation-Beer
District Wine-Best Wine bar-Sunset Mag. thought it, so do we!

Jenny

1. MVP
7. Gallaghers
9. District Wine
10. Berlin

ILOVE LBC

1. MVP
8. Congregation
9. District WIne
10 Portfolio Coffee House

Dan

1. The Pike. But for veggie burgers

2. Baja breakfast burrito at the Coffee Cup
6. Frosted Cupcakery's orange cupcake
9. District Wine

Jamie

1. MVP's
2. The Potholder
4. Steamed
6. Scratch
8. Congregation
9. District Wine

Retro J

Best hangover food: Chuck's
Best sweet tooth cure: Frosted for sure!
Best craft beer: Beachwood BBQ.
Best caffeine: Polly's!
Best Wine Bar: District Wine!

Jessie

4. Zephyr
7. Sunday Funday: Falcon
8. Craft Beer: Beachwood
9. District Wine: Wine Crush(H.M.)
10. Hot Java

Michael H.

1. The Pike
2. Schooner or Later
3. District Wine
4. Number 9
5. Wade - Prospector
6. Frosted Cupcakes
7. Really like Panama Joe's for the Sunday Brunch and Bloodys
8. Congregation
9. Close call but Wine Down Lounge takes it. Better wines & most knowledgeable.
10. Polly's

Peggy Lee

Yard House-beer and burger
District Wine-Top Wine Bar
Polly's Coffee

Becca

At Last-food
Congregation-Beer
District-Wine
Polly's-Coffee!

Ryan

1) At last Cafe
2) Pot holder
4) Steamed
8) Congregation
9) District Wine
10) Polly's 2nd street

ILOVELBC

1. 555
4. Steamed
5. VROOM!
7. Gallagher's
8. Congregation Ale
9. District Wine
10. Polly's Coffee

562

1) At last Cafe
2) Pot holder
4) Steamed
5) Avia-Mike
8) Congregation
9) District Wine
10) Polly's 2nd street

ter

Sweet tooth: Shortnin' Bread salted caramel chocolate tart or nutella biscotti. Seriously.

LBC

Beer: Congregation
Wine: District Wine
Coffee: Greenhouse
Dive Bar: Vroom

Tim

Best Fish & Chips in the South bay is the Whale & Ale in San Pedro!!!!

rick

Best bartender-Leah at the V-Room
Best Italian food -Buona Gente
Best Hangover cure-Menudo-Mia Lupitas

icingonthecake

6)SCRATCH BAKED GOODS by far!!

Allen

My favorite place to have a glass of Vino is The WIne Down Lounge. Excellent staff and an amazing selection of wines.

Brian

At Last Cafe is, hands down, the best neighborhood diner in town.

GDub

Scratch? Clearly no one has been to Shortnin Bread or Creative Cakery

Wayne23

6. Scratch Baked Goods on 4th and Termino, best goodies in town!

Sophia P

The best sweet tooth fix is SCRATCH BAKED GOODS on $th street. Coffee is ahhhhmazing and the pastries and almond cake is so yummy! i have to get a little bit of everything and share with my hunny cause its so yummy :)

John

6. Scratch Baked Goods...where to start? So many tasty sweet treats. Mini Peanut Butter Pies among my favorites.

Todd B

#6 - Scratch Baked Goods is the best in town!!!

Todd B

#6 - Best ever is Scratch Baked Goods!!!

fruition

1. Congregation - rib eye burger and turkey burger ah-mazing!
6. Shortnin' - browned butter tart
8. Congregation
10. The Greenhouse - they marry science and art to create heaven in a cup

Nathan

10. ROSE PARK ROASTERS (they roast the coffee that Green House serves and they deliver coffee in Long beach to your doorstep. But they're online only.)

Barrack O

Best Bartender: Mike from the Regal Beagle
Best Sunday Funday: Riley's
Best Wine Bar: District Wine
Best Caffeine: Aroma di Roma

lefryelbow

1. MVPs Vegi Burger
4. Zepher
6. Scratch
9. 4th and Vine
10. Greenhouse

EVERYTHING at Scratch Baked Goods is great. My favorite are the scones.

MatG

1. Any of Congregations Burgers
2. MVP
3. Sevilla
4. At Last
5. Ashley At Sky Room
6. Baked Goods
7. Legends
8. Congregation
9. Wine Down
10.Sipology

Den

Pot Holder for hangover meal/breakfast!

Scratch Baked Goods for sweet tooth!

Jcooper

1. 5 Guys
2. Does Nicks Breakfast Burrito Count?
3. hmmm....Georges?
4. neverheard of this concept "vegetarian" (see answer to #1)
5.
6. Scratched Baked Goods
7.
8. Stearns Liquor
9.
10. Rose Park Roasters

LB Resident

Best coffeehouse- Viento y Agua.
Best Happy Hour Food-Monday nights at Hotel Maya

Best Vegi Spot-Zephyrs or Steamed.

hbingham14

4. The best vegetarian/vegan spot Easily magic lamp. They have the best spicy hummus, fried cauliflower, falafel, and everything else that is vegetarian, Lebanese, and delicious.
5.My Favorite Bartender is Shuantelle at Art du Vin :)
6. Best sweet-tooth fix can be found at paradis on second street.The freshly-made ice cream and sorbets are a real treat and are not sooo sooo sooo terrible for you ;)

8.The best craft beer selection can be found at congregation ale house. Good stuff folks!
9. hands-down, he best wine bar is Art du Vin. Art du vin offers a new variety of wine on a regular basis and has a cozy atmosphere that is not found elsewhere.
10. Best joint to get my caffeine fix depends on the time of day.. For morning coffee I prefer the freshly roasted offerings of Polly's. That heavenly aroma that wafts throughout the store sells itself. However for the afternoon, I prefer aroma di roma. Their espresso is the best in Long Beach and social atmosphere make it "buzz-worthy" destination.

Wyatt

1: Congregation ale house
2: The Pike Bar and Grill
3: Octopus
4: Zypher
5: Lauren (The Pike)
6: Broadway Donuts
7: The Pike
8: Beachwood BBQ
9: 4th st Vine
10: Viento y Agua

Barbiek88

Best Wine Bar: The Wine Down Lounge by Far

Best Bartender: Ashely O. of The Sky Room

Rich

Best hamburger is Hof's bacon burger.

PFUnk

8. Congregation...by shear volume alone!
9. This is tough cuz I feel like not everyone has gone there yet to make an informed decision, but Wine Down Lounge is my technical BEST.
10.Aroma di Roma
5. Ashley O. fo' sho'

Judy C.

4) P.F. Chang's has a great vegetarian selection and will also substitute any meat for tofu. It's fabulous! They also offer a gluten free menu.

Julia

6. Scratch Baked Goods

Darkraider

The Reef is still the place in Long Beach for Sunday Brunch. Although the faire has slipped (we use to get braised lamb shanks)it is still good.

Mr. Bias

6. Scratch
8. Congregation
9. District Wine
10. Lord Windsor

Julie L.

Reply to Eagle Eye: You see lines out the door for The Potholder, Starling Diner and Eggs Etc. on weekend mornings. Tied for best breakfast, by my vote.

Best vegan meal: Zephyr.

Sean the Mick

1.Burger-At last cafe ahi burger
2.Hangover food-cafe ambrosia coconut french toast/huevos rancheros/chorizo & eggs
3.happy hour-Mai Tai Bar $5 appitizers $3 drinks and the view
4.vegetarian-Steamed quesadilla
5.bartender-besides me, Scotty at Clancy's
6.sweet tooth-creme brule' cheese cake @ l'opera
7.Sunday Funday-Cafe Ambrosia crafe of mimosa, fire pits, patio omletes and gyro pitas no contest
8.craft beer-congregation bavarian heaven
9.wine bar-art du vin always something fun going on. Wine restaurant-The Madison amazing selection and ambiance
10.caffeine-polly's coffee better than any chain oh and great bakery.

DVS

1. Dave's burgers-Time to eat!
2. Chili-Cheese fries from Tommy's on 7th
3. Tantalum
4. The Secret Spot but thats in HB
5-7. ?
8. The Factory
9. The wine bar at the Art theatre
10. Roma di Roma

Vicki Ferguson

Best cure for a sweet tooth = Miss Priss Cupcakes & Such Long Beach hidden best cupcakes ! New flavors each day along with all the regular killer cupcakes

Mktplc

Scratch baked goods is awesome, and the owner is sooo nice! Best cure for my sweet tooth, bar none!

Susan

Scratch Baked Goods has my vote!!!!

Ana

10. Rose Park Roasters: very good artisan coffee. Order it on their website, get it delivered, and suddenly your own kitchen is brewing some of the best coffee Long Beach offers.

Lbgrrrl

I know it's a dive, but James at 3636 is definitely the best bartender in town.

And the Wine Crush is the best wine bar, Congregation House has the best craft beers, Portfolio the best caffeine fix, and no one can beat Frosted Cupcakery for sweets

Chef Godric

6.scratch

Angela

#6: Scratch Baked Goods Has my Vote for best cure to my sweet tooth, how can it not be?

Ish

Surprised not to see Best Pizza category. I think Bella Pizza at the corner of Carson & Atlantic in Bixby Knolls has the best gourmet pizza in Long Beach. The thin-crust, Neapolitan pizzas and sandwiches at Bella are simply marvellous.

Leslie

Best Burger: Tracy's, the Oh So Bleu Burger is my fave.
Best Hangover food: Schultzie's Mess at Schooner or Later.
Happy Hour Food: leaning toward Gladstones with their half off apps, including some sushi items.
Sweet Tooth: chocolate souffle at 555--wish I could have that more often!
craft Beer selection: the Factory

Local

Polly's DID have the best coffee beans, that honor now belongs to Rose Park Roasters (a former employee of Polly's I've read). Polly's might still have the best all around deal for coffee beans though as Rose Park Roasters is a bit pricey.

The Pike does have a solid beer selection, BBCs makes good beer and has the best happy hour, but for quality and selection, then Beachwood or Congregation on "Beer Row" are the best.

District Wine is a nice place and probably has the best selection, but I'll give the nod to best wine bar to 4th St Wine for the atmosphere.

Jon

1. The Factory
2. Roscoe's
3. Quinns
4. If you gave an answer for #1, can you really answer this one?
5. The Pike employees
6. Sweet Jill's
7. Congregation
8. Beachwood (followed by Congregation, 2 yrs ago the answer was BBCs)
9. 4th St. Vine (District a close 2nd)
10. The Greenhouse (was Portfolio's until they opened)

liz

4. I'd love to find out
8. Who has the best craft beer selection? Beachwood BBQ. Good grub, too.

I'm adding one: Best breakfast:

The Coffee Cup and Blackbird Cafe

Rob

6) Scratch

Super local

In n out burger is still the best burger around

Coffee cup has the best food but having to wait an hour with a hangover is no fun.

Best happy hour is Mondays at tantalum for half price off the bar menu

Best bartenders are all the people at crows

Sweet Jill's cinnamon roll can satisfy any sweet tooth

Sunday funday starts at schooner or later and might include stops at Joe Josts, Riley's an then into the darkness of Shannon's

The BBC has some of the best beers around LB

Wine 4th street at the Art theater

Without question aroma di Roma has the best coffee. Cafe viento y agua's Mexican Mocha is maybe the best single coffee item in the city

alexander

The 49er has the best burgers we have had in town. They have a "tude" sauce that is garlic and goodness. The new owner has made it family friendly too. It's cleaner and brighter. They have a wonderful root beer on tap that's just fantastic for adults and kids. Seriuosly, their "G-ds Own" burger is the best in town...you have to try it!

Mama 1

Best Happy Hour and Sunday Funday, Mai Tai Bar at the Pike.
Wine-Wine Down Lounge
Sandwiches and other eats: Olives

Angela

Best restaurant (great food, excellent service) Magic Lamp on Second Street in Belmont Shore.

4. Zephyr!

MikeLB

1. MVP
2. Starling Diner
3. Tantalum
6. Aroma do Rona gelato
8. 33 Degrees

LBJudy

1. Riley's on Anahiem
2. Chuck's
3. Wardlow Station
4. Zephyr's
5. Shelly - Bayshore Saloon
6. Polly's coffee on Second Street
7. Acapulco in Marina Pacifica
8. Long Beach Brewing co
9. La Traviata on 4th Street
10. Polly's coffee on Second Street

Miles

1) Shortrib Burger at Tavern on 2. Bomb!
2) One of the Mexican breakfast selections at Coffee Cup Cafe...they always hit the hangover spot.
3) Hmm, don't know about this one.
4) Zephyr: tasty and affordable.
5) Shannon Couey at Iguana Kelly's.
6) This is an easy one. Cinnamon Roll from Sweet Jill's...my god this is a good one.
7) The Paradise.
8) Hmm, don't know about this one either.
9) District Wine by far.
10) Aroma di Roma on Second Street. Yummy coffee and yummy men to stare at behind the counter. Just sayin!

ARLENE

1. Burgers-Gallagher's
2. Hangover Helper-Schooner or Later
3. Happy Hour- LOS COMPADRES
4. Vegetarian/Vegan-LOVE
5. Bartender - Avia
6. Sweet Tooth- Sweet Jills & Kafe Neo
7. Sunday Funday - Fuego @ Mayan
8. Craft Beer- Congregation House
9. Wine Bar-District Wine
10. Caffeine Fix- Kafe Neo
11. Mexican Food-Enrique's

JeffyJeff

Hands down best happy hour food, Panama Joe's on 2nd Street!

Phillip @ the Shore

1) Mvp's on 4th
2)Schooner or Later "the mess"
3)Panama Joe's Happy Hour
4)?
5)Lauren at Panama Joe's
6)sweet jills 2nd st
7) Sunday football at Panama Joe's!
8)congregation
9)district wine
10) steamed

Ted

Hands down the Wine Down Lounge is the best place to have a glass of wine and some good grub

Laura

Wish there were more questions for places that have great food outside of hamburgers and hangovers!

2. Creme de la Crepe - Crepe Vendome (chicken breast, bacon, potatoes & mushroom in a Cognac black pepper sauce) plus the most amazing tomato basil soup
6. DoLy's Delectables - Almond cream croissants & salted caramel macarons (DROOL) plus excellent service and that wonderful aroma of freshly baked goodness

Andy LB

1 Congregation's ribeye burger (ground ribeye is just better)
3 Tantalum â€' great appetizers
4 Number Nine
5 Collectively, all bartenders at the Pike
8 Congregation
9 4th Street Vine â€' love the events they do

PDQ

5. Eddie at Delius
8. Congregation
9. District Wine

Lloyd Parizi

Best Country Breakfast & Lunch all
arround is :EGGS & Etc..On Redondo Ave.in Belmont Heights.

Longtime Local

Best Bartender:
Christie S. at Famous Dave's
Great Drinks and Bloody Marys
and she's beautiful too
What more could you ask!!!!

Kolyouth

Best wine bar: Wine Down Lounge

April

Best Hangover Cure: The Small Cafe
Best Happy Hour food: Yard House
Best Vegetarian: EJ Malloy Garden Burger
Sweet Tooth: Scratch
Sunday Funday: Gallagher's
Craft Beer: Beachwood Barbeque
Best wine bar: CA Wine Room

Shannon

3. Panama Joes
7. Panama Joes

Stephanie

BEST PIZZA IN TOWN

I have lived in Long Beach my entire life and am glad to say that if you are craving gourmet pizza at an affordable price, it can be found at Bella Pizza on the corner of Carson and Atlantic located right next to the Jamba Juice. Bella Pizza is a cozy spot that has a variety of traditional and nontraditional personal and family size pizzas that are made right in front of your face and cooked to crispy melty cheese perfection. The ingredients are fresh and are emphasized after coming out of the open fire brick oven (no stainless steel corporate ovens here!). It is family owned and they are always so accommodating and each table has a personal TV with cable.

Rose

Bella Pizza all the way! Best pizza in Long Beach.

Letty

hola!

letty

1. burger-hmm i like belmont burger for fast food, in and out, and friscos...
2. hangover food-still looking for this but probably would do Hole Mole burrito..
3. happy hour food-tantulum on Monday nights!
4. veg/vegan-not sure...
5. bartender-not sure...
6.sweet tooth fix-yogurtland on 2nd street
7.sunday funday-3 favorites: Fuego at Maya, Claires at museum, and ambroseia...
8. beer selection-belmont brewery
9. wine bar-not sure...
10. caffeine fix-coffee bean, hot java, portfolios, all yummy...

Corbs

1. The Factory!
5. Ashley O.
6. Scratch
8. Congregation
9. The Wine Down Lounge
10. Aroma di Roma

Ruth

Vegetarian: Steamed
Sweet tooth offering: Cinnamon roll at Sweet Jill's
Caffeine: Portfolio

Xochi562

Best hangover food: chicken pho at number nine

Best vegetarian joint: Steamed

leila

Best Hang over food??

PHO Hong Phat- East Long Beach on Anaheim.
AMAZING!!!
Try the fried bread with sugar or dIp it in your pho. Did I say AMAZING YET??

LisaG

1. Beachwood BBQ
4. Open Sesame
6. Frosted Cupcakery
8. Beachwood BBQ
10.Portfolio

Jim

1. The Factory
2. Stuffed French Toast from Starling Diner
3. Wokano
5. Hector at the Falcon
6. Cherry Pie from Bake-N-Broil
7. The Falcon
8. Congregation Ale House
9. District Wine
10. Hot Java

Michelleann

Top best coffee is BERLIN!!!
Best burger is BERLIN AND KAFE NEO

J. Huang

Berlin: Best Coffee. Best Sandwich. Best Flatbread. Best everything on their menu.

Shortnin: Best cake. Best cookies. Best brioche. Best granola. Best ice cream. Best pastries.

Paul

2. Josh's bloody marys
5. Josh
Both at 33 Degrees pub in rainbow harbor

Wino-ways

9) Wine Down
10) Aroma di Roma

WishUwereMe

5. Ashley Sky Room
8. Cong
9. Wine Down
10. Aroma di Roma

Casey

Best burger: 5 guys
Best sandwich: Kitchen Outfitters with Angelo's Deli a close 2nd
Best Happy Hour food: Belmont Brewery
Best Craft Beer: Tavern on Two
Best Breakfast: Starling Diner
Best Coffee: they are all good..

Sherry

9-Without a doubt Wine Down. Great prices, appetizers, atmosphere and Patrick.
10-Just making a turn around in menu makes Temple Coffee one of the best. Not real popular now but headed towards being the best.

Elizabeth

I was at Panama Joe's in Belmont Shore(Long Beach) the other night and let me tell you...what a night! They have the ABSOLUTE best happy hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I ordered my usual Grey Goose and ginger ale with a splash of grenadine. I vote PANAMA JOE FOR THE BEST BAR
Amazing Fajitas btw...I VOTE PANAMA JOE'S BEST RESTAURANT! They had a fashion industry night with gorgeous models and great music TOO!!!

Alicia

1. What is the best burger in town? In n Out!
2. What is the best hangover meal? ROSCOE's chicken n waffles, duh

3. Who has the best happy hour for food?
Tuesday tofu tacos at the Korean place on Atlantic!!

4. What is the best vegetarian/vegan spot?
Zephyr, of course :)

5. Who is the best bartender?
the girls who handle the crazyass crowds at Ferns on dollar beer Wednesdays

6. What is the best offering around that cures your sweet tooth?
RossMoor pastries on Redondo...lemon tart...

7. Who hosts the best Sunday Funday?
Gallagher's bottomless mimosas and delicious food AND cute servers (male and female!) hands down

8. Who has the best craft beer selection?
how can you not say Congregation?

9. What is the best wine bar?
it was the one on elm that went out of business when district wine came to town :(

10. Best joint to get your caffeine fix?
VIENTO Y AGUA

rick

Best bartender by far Leah at V-ROOM-
Best hangover med-Menudo Mia Lupita
Best caffeine fix -AGUA Viento

Mayra Gisselle h

Panama joes has the best buffalo wings , and also has the best drinks ! My favorite place !

vanessa

6. Shortnin Bread

TonyG

Miki at L Opera is a great bartender. And L Opera hands down is the best upscale restaurant in the entire south cal area. One of the best in the country according to epicurean and zagat. 22 years. Wow love that restaurant

Andy

GOLDEN EAGLE! even if its on signal hill. it deserve something. its good food. home feeling. good price.

Don

10. Greenhouse / Rose Park Roasters -- specialty coffee that can't be beat. Order a fresh roast pour over or aeropress and taste deliciousness.

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