Busy Streets, Hidden Treats: Alamitos Ave & Ocean Blvd

The bustling intersection of Alamitos and Ocean boulevards provides a gateway to Downtown Long Beach as well as the city’s popular waterfront district. So, it may come as a surprise that four distinct businesses located within a single block at this crossroads provide not only great food, drink and experiences but a moment’s respite amid some lovely surroundings. Take a look.

EGGBRED LONG BEACH

EggBred (777 E Ocean Blvd, Unit A), a newcomer to the Downtown scene, is located on the ground floor of the Shoreline Gateway highrise. Inside its bright, inviting interior you’ll find a menu of hearty, handcrafted breakfast and lunch sandwiches as well as burritos and such treats as a Build a Benny for lovers of Eggs Benedict, Breakfast Poutine–potatoes, popcorn chicken, poached eggs, and gravy–and Chorizo Chili Cheese Hash. Pair any of it with a coffee or cold pressed juice and enjoy it outside on EggBred’s patio dining area.

QARGO

For a place that just reeks of European cool, it should come as no surprise that Qargo Coffee (707 E. Ocean Blvd, Unit B) serves drinks made with Lavazza Italian espresso. You can also pick up a pastry, ready-made deli sandwich, boba tea or breakfast sandwich in this shop decked out with modern design elements that make it a great place to recharge, work remote or catch up with friends.

SUSHI BELUGA

Sushi Beluga (707 E Ocean Blvd, Unit C) offers a charming and inviting interior that feels like an escape. Its chefs produce amazing sushi dishes that are both delicious and aesthetically pleasing. Utilizing the freshest fish and other high quality ingredients, their well-balanced creations include the likes of a lemon salmon roll and popular crunchy dragon rolls, as well as nigiri sushi, all of it showcasing innovative flavors to complement the restaurant’s welcoming atmosphere.

HI-LO

Yes, Hi-Lo (707 E Ocean Blvd) is one of the best liquor stores in the city, offering an exceptional array of liquor, craft beer, all manner of wine as well as mixers and snacks. But “liquor store” doesn’t fully explain what the stylish and friendly Hi-Lo offers. There’s its in-store bar, The Counter, offering a curated selection of beer and wine as well as weekly beer and wine flights. There are also weekly food pop-ups and liquor tastings, plus a weekly trivia contest held every Thursday evening.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.