Cuisine Scene: Brunch

Long Beach takes its brunch seriously, which is why it’s rife with great morning dishes ranging from traditional to decadent. Here’s a brief tour of the city that proves no matter where you are in the LBC, brunch is never far away.

BELMONT SHORE/HEIGHTS

Southern-tinged, Michelin recommended The Attic (3441 E Broadway) serves a wide-ranging and creative brunch menu that varies from homemade granola to an Up Country Benedict with smoked pork croquette and shrimp and, yes, its famous cornbread and Mac & Cheetos.

Belmont Shore’s Breakfast Republic (5313 Second St) is an innovative breakfast destination offering the likes of Shrimp and Ricotta Frittata and Crab and Crawfish Benedict with blackberry jalapeno jam, as well as the decadent Mr. Presley peanut butter stuffed French toast served with Bananas Foster on top.

RETRO ROW

A bistro dedicated to crafting chef-driven recipes with organic, locally sourced ingredients, Alder & Sage (366 Cherry Ave) is a cozy restaurant with a modern yet comforting vibe and a charming outdoor patio that’s more like a backyard. Favorite dishes include Turkish Eggs with garlic beet yogurt, Avocado Tartine with pickled Fresno chiles, and Mojo Pork Hash. The Social List (2105 E 4th St) offers a curated menu of creative brunch items like Peanut Butter French Toast Waffles, Crab Cakes Eggs Benedict and a Smoked Ham and Prosciutto Scramble.

DOWNTOWN

The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave/3404 E Fourth St) serves such comforting dishes as the Hung Over Breakfast Poutine, featuring fries awash in gravy, eggs and sausage. The iconic Uncle Marcee’s Omelet Casserole is made 24 hours in advance, and the Naked Cakes are some of the best pancakes in town. Ammatoli’s (285 E 3rd St) features Levantine cuisine like Shakshouka–poached eggs in a tomato stew–and fusion items like “Hola Shawarma,” a Levantine burrito, as well as Levantine chilaquiles.

ON THE WATERFRONT

Located at the Long Beach Museum of Art, Claire’s at the Museum (2300 E Ocean Blvd) occupies a bluff-top spot overlooking the Pacific and has enviable views of Catalina Island and the Queen Mary. It serves classics like Eggs Benedict and Chilaquiles, as well as fun fusions like a Salmon BLT and Creme Brulee French Toast. Across the harbor, Fuego (700 Queensway Dr) at the Hotel Maya features fantastic cocktails and classic Latin dishes, like Ropa Vieja and Machaca and Eggs. It also offers a spectacular panorama including the best view of Long Beach’s skyline.

QUEEN MARY

Wrapped in the elegant grandeur of the Grand Salon, the former first-class dining salon, and featuring live entertainment, the Queen Mary’s (1126 Queens Hwy) popular Royal Sunday Brunch exudes a refined charm, setting it apart from the ordinary. This culinary adventure includes champagne and a tantalizing signature menu that includes more than 50 delectable dishes from around the world–from breakfast favorites to sushi and prime rib, plus abundant dessert options.

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.