The Best Brunch Restaurants in Long Beach, California (2024)
Last Updated on January 6, 2024
Long Beach is easily one of the most popular cities in the LA County region, and for good reason. The city is home to so many fun things to see and do including the Aquarium of the Pacific, the Queen Mary, lots of shopping, and, of course, the many beaches along the coast.
And in the mix, Long Beach has a thriving cuisine scene that competes with the rest of what Los Angeles has to offer. Long Beach has it all: amazing breakfast, great coffee spots, juicy burger joints, pizza, tons of rooftop bars, you name it.
In that list, of course, is the great list of hard-to-beat brunch options. The Long Beach brunch scene is very diverse, ranging from vegan and healthy options to Colombian and American fare.
As a long-time resident of Los Angeles, I’ve enjoyed brunch in Long Beach countless times. No matter what specifics you’re after, you’ll find the best brunch in Long Beach CA at these top spots, thoughtfully selected to offer a mix of classic favorites and unique new hits to get your brunch on, complete with a mimosa or five. Let’s dig in!
Best Brunch Spots in Long Beach, CA
1. The Crooked Duck
Address: 5096 E Pacific Coast Hwy, Long Beach, CA 90804
If we’re talking hidden gems, then this restaurant arguably takes the crown. Tucked away right near the famous Alamitos Bay, this beautiful restaurant is the perfect setting to enjoy views of the Long Beach harbor while chowing down on a nice weekend brunch.
Every day, locals and visitors flock to this hot restaurant to get their hands on locally sourced brunch menu items like the Corned Beef Hash, Malted Waffle, Breakfast Burger, or the locally famous Crooked Duck Omelet, which is made with melted jack cheese and duck chili. They also have traditional brunch faves like avocado toast, waffles, and all the egg dishes you can think of.
Don’t forget to wash it all down with their signature margaritas, the Duck Haus Bacon Blue Cheese Bloody Mary, or the Crooked Duck Mango Mimosa.
2. The Breakfast Bar
Address: 70 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90802 (Downtown)
Belmont Heights: 3404 E. 4th Street, Long Beach, CA 90814
With two locations in both Downtown Long Beach and Belmont Heights, this Long Beach staple is well-engrained into the daily lives of many locals.
What The Breakfast Bar does (really) well is catering to all tastes without compromising on flavor, and that is beyond true when it comes to the brunch menu. The diverse brunch menu includes the usual old-time favorites like pancakes and omelets, as well as unique dishes like Uncle Marcee’s Omelette Casserole, the Breakfast Burrito, or the Love-Lee Chicken & Waffle Sticks.
The drink menu is just as diverse, with options ranging from a delicious hot cup of joe to get things kicked off to the Breakfast Margarita when you’re ready. What’s more, this dog-friendly restaurant boasts an inviting outdoor patio, making it an amazing spot for a leisurely Sunday brunch.
3. The Attic on Broadway
Address: 3441 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803
Quite literally a hidden gem of Long Beach, The Attic on Broadway calls operates out of a 1920s Craftsman house in Belmont Heights. Run by a Long Beach native since 2012, this restaurant brings a creative twist to Southern-style staples. It’s a seriously awesome place with delicious food that competes with the rest of the Southern California brunch greats.
Some of the real highlights on the menu include the St. Louis Cut Ribs, Tokyo Hot Chicken, traditional New Orleans beignets, and Mac & Cheetos (do yourself a favor and add fried chicken).
And don’t miss out on their famous Meaty Man cocktail, a hearty mix with a secret homemade bloody mix, olives, bacon, and a mini short rib slider—a perfect pairing for your brunch chow down. It easily puts other bloody marys to shame.
4. Schooner or Later
Address: 241 N Marina Drive, Long Beach, CA 90803
Schooner or Later, a gem of a family-run spot since 1985, is where locals and visitors alike flock to get their fixing of the iconic dish, The Mess—a hearty blend of griddled eggs, ham, bell peppers, onions, and cheese. It’s a classic that keeps the crowd coming back for more. The Country Breakfast and Huevos Rancheros are also big hits.
Just a heads-up: if you’re dropping by on a weekend, expect a bit of a wait. This place is so in demand, they don’t even need to take reservations. But trust me, it’s worth it. Once you’re seated, you’ll find yourself among a lively crowd, cozied up in captain’s chairs with a view of the marina that’s second to none.
If you’re in the mood for a drink, their outdoor patio bar has you covered with mimosas and a nice pick of cocktails. All in all, it’s no wonder why Schooner or Later stays busy. They have simply good food and drinks that are hard to beat.
5. Saint & Second
Address: 4828 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
Being in business for more than 60 years, Saint & Second has since become a staple restaurant in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore area for amazing food, and that includes its dedicated brunch menu.
Amongst many things, what sets this restaurant apart from the rest is its commitment to using in-season, locally sourced ingredients. On the menu, you’ll find traditional faves like French toast and Biscuits & Gravy, along with more creative items like the Crunch Berries Pancake and the wildly popular Shakshouka dish, a delicious blend of spiced tomato stew, chickpeas, poached eggs, feta, and other goodness.
They even have a nice selection of organic cocktails to choose from, such as the Beets & Melody and the Moscow Mosa. What’s not to love?
Tip: Be sure to make reservations online ahead of time. Also, don’t forget to ask what their seasonal favorite dish is for a sweet surprise.
6. Selva
Address: 4137 Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804
With a great location on East Anaheim Street, where the Hideaway once stood, Selva is a new restaurant (and bar) to the scene (it opened in 2022) that has quickly become a Long Beach favorite for its Colombian-inspired cuisine, thanks to the culinary wizardry of Chef Carlos Jurado.
Of course, the lunch, dinner cuisine, and bar menus are all equally amazing, but we’re here for brunch. And boy do they deliver.
For starters, you can’t go wrong with the Selva Benedict, an amazing blend of poached eggs and a house-made sausage patty on warm arepas, all drenched in a rich house-made aji amarillo hollandaise. Get a side of Yucca fries and you’re golden. And when you’re in the mood for something sweet, their French Toast is a game-changer, featuring sweet plantains and a basil blackberry jam.
The vibe inside is just as welcoming as the delicious food, with tons of lush houseplants and vibrant wall decor that make you feel right at home from the moment you step into the restaurant. Reservations are recommended so you avoid any waiting time.
7. Claire’s at the Museum
Address: 2300 East Ocean Boulevard, Long Beach, CA 90803
When the typical brunch vibe gets too familiar, Claire’s At the Museum is the answer. At Claire’s, you get the unique experience of dining on a scenic oceanfront patio (at the Long Beach Museum of Art) where you can enjoy amazing dishes and views of the Long Beach skyline, the Long Beach Harbor, Catalina Island, and the world-famous Queen Mary.
Sure, the menu is a bit on the pricey side, but the quality of the food and drinks warrants the splurge. For small plates, the Truffle Garlic Fries and Avocado Toast are delicious starting points.
From there, the Creme Brulee French Toast is a popular main dish, while the Croque Madame is a staple item if eggs are the cuisine you’re after. Claire’s has a nice selection of wines, cocktails, coffees, and other drinks for you to enjoy on the patio bar before heading out to explore the art of the museum with friends.
Note: Parking tends to be limited and the wait time can quickly add up, so try to arrive as early as possible.
8. Wild Chive
Address: 2650 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803
At this brunch spot, vegan cuisine takes a wild and soulful turn, and trust me, it’s a journey you want to be on. For sweet dessert-ish delights, try the fluffy French Quarter Beignets, the Rise & Shine (stack of pancakes), or perhaps some Stuffed French Toast (topped with maple syrup) that’s seriously out of this world.
Or for something hearty, the Country Breakfast is a masterpiece, completed with soft-scrambled tofu, house-made herb breakfast sausage, and grilled cheese that mingle with onions, home fries, pepper, and slow-roasted tomatoes, all on a bed of baby arugula.
Chef Soozee Nguyen, the mastermind behind The Wild Chive, has transformed what began as a vegan pop-up series and a hit at food festivals into a full-blown, full-service culinary delight. Whether you’re here for the food or the atmosphere, each dish screams care, creativity, and culinary flair that’s hard to compare with anything else in the area.
9. The Potholder Cafe
Address: 301 W Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
The fact that there are now 4 locations for this brunch spot speaks volumes. However, The Potholder Cafe’s Downtown Long Beach location is easily the most popular of them all, with amazing food and a great ambiance and service to match.
This brunch spot boasts a lively and welcoming SoCal beach-themed dining room that’s perfect for a brunch (heck, even breakfast, lunch, or dinner) out with friends.
The food menu is extensive, with specialty favorites like the Super Spuds (potatoes topped with avocado, sour cream, cheese, and mushrooms), Flaky French Toast, or the Mac Daddy Frankie, a huge 18-inch pancake that’s topped with eggs and your choice of bacon or sausage. What better way to cure your hunger?
Compared to many options on this list, the prices at The Potholder Cafe are very reasonable. However, just expect there to be a wait time, even on less busy days (they don’t take reservations). But isn’t that the best sign of how good the food is?
10. Ammatoli
Address: 285 E Third Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
Ammatoli, the Long Beach counterpart to the Hermosa Beach favorite Beirut Mix, is the brainchild of culinary greats Dima and Sam Habibeh. This eatery takes Levantine cuisine to new heights, showcasing food and flavors from the Syria, Jordan, Lebanon, and Palestine regions.
When it comes to its weekend brunch food offerings, the tomato-stewed Shakshouka is a fan favorite. The Levantine Chilaquiles, Fattet Hummus, Whole Chicken, and Palestinian Msakhan are other great brunch hits.
The restaurant’s unique decor, featuring tiled walls and long leather banquettes, creates an ambiance akin to a Parisian cafe, completed with fresh flowers picked weekly and set at each table. Ammatoli is a refreshing break from the usual brunch cuisine, to say the least.
11. Fuego
Address: 285 E Third Street, Long Beach, CA 90802
Sitting right near the water at the classy Hotel Maya, Fuego is a culinary flavor fusion of Mexican and Latin American cuisine.
On the menu, the Seafood Crepas are a crowd favorite, filled with jumbo lump crab and shrimp, and paired with a black bean and corn relish.
Other big hits on the menu are the Al Pastor Chilaquiles, Grilled Seabass Taco (topped with pico de gallo), and the Cuban-inspired Ropa Vieja, a braised short rib dish that’s hard to beat. As far as the location, Fuego comes complete with views of the city skyline for brunch and a view.
Pro tip: After grubbing, take a relaxing stroll to the iconic Queen Mary and Shoreline Village, right within walking distance. You can even stop by a bar or two along the way.
Note: this list of brunch restaurants in Long Beach is not in any particular order; each one of these places offers a unique and amazing brunch experience in Long Beach.
Brunch Spots in Long Beach, CA: Final Thoughts
There you have it! Long Beach in Southern California knows how to do brunch, offering a variety of delicious options. This city caters to all tastes and diets, making it a hard-to-beat brunch paradise.
Want creative cuisine with fresh, local ingredients? The Crooked Duck is the perfect pick, with innovative dishes and crazy good views of the harbor from the patio. Going plant-based? The Wild Chive is the go-to spot, with a plant-based menu that’s full of flavor that even non-vegans will enjoy.
Sweet tooth? Head over to The Attic for their famous stuffed French toast. And if you want a break from the traditional American cuisine, then Fuego, Ammatoli, and Selva are easy picks.
All in all, you really can’t go wrong with brunch at any of the restaurants on this list. Long Beach’s brunch scene is diverse and exciting, often with beautiful views and a range of vibes to fit any occasion. Whether you’re a local or just visiting for a quick Sunday brunch, these brunch spots are some of the best spots in town by a long shot.
