Cuisine Scene: Late Night Eats

If you're feeling peckish in the late or early hours but find the prospect of being handed food through a car window unappetizing, don't worry—Long Beach has lots better options. Check out some of the city’s wide range of late night choices, from brew pubs and taverns to full-service restaurants, serving food as good or as guilty as you desire.

HAMBURGER MARY’S

Those who know Hamburger Mary’s (330 Pine Ave) as one of the city’s most popular brunch and drag show spots might be unaware that it keeps the fun going until 2AM nearly every night. With the exception of Mondays, when it’s closed, Hamburger Mary’s is open till the wee morning hours offering the kind of food craved ‘round midnight. You know, messy burgers, mac n’ cheese, fried creations from potatoes to pickles, as well as a full flight of sweet dessert options.

YARD HOUSE

This Shoreline Village staple stays open until midnight Sunday through Thursday and until 1:20AM on Friday and Saturday. Yard House (401 Shoreline Village Dr), known for the exceptional quantity and quality of its beer, also offers a hefty menu. How hefty? They have more than 20 choices of just appetizers! Plus favorites like tacos, burgers, pizza, even steak. And it's an easy walk for anyone pulling a late night at the convention center or seeing a movie at the Pike or a performance at the Terrace Theater.

CAFE SEVILLA

It was nearly 40 years ago that Cafe Sevilla (140 Pine Ave) helped to introduce the Spanish wonder that is tapas to Long Beach. It has remained a local touchstone for Spanish food and culture, especially music and dance. Fittingly, for a country known to keep late hours, Cafe Sevilla stays open until 11PM on Wednesday and until 2AM Thursday through Saturday and offers a dedicated Late Night Menu with the likes of Short Rib Coca Flatbread, Croquetas de Paella, along with everyone’s favorite, Queso Fundido.

RAKKAN RAMEN

Rakkan Ramen (5242 Second St) proves you can eat late and still eat healthy. Open until midnight Sunday through Wednesday and until 12:30AM Thursday through Saturday, it’s built a reputation for serving authentic Japanese ramen with traditional dashi soup stock, creating a hearty, plant-based broth rich in umami flavor. The broth accentuates its silky slim noodles and whatever you choose to add to them. Rakkan also has plenty of non-ramen options like sushi, rice bowls, takoyaki (octopus balls) and matcha mochi ice cream if you have a sweet tooth.

THE ORDINARIE

In less than 10 years, The Ordinarie (210 The Promenade N) has become one of the most popular stops on the Downtown Promenade. A welcoming atmosphere permeates a space designed with an early American tavern in mind. Apparently our forefathers enjoyed burning the midnight oil, since The Ordinarie serves food until midnight. Their late night menu offers pulled pork fries, smash burgers and, of course, their incredible chicken pot pie bites.

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.