Explore Belmont Shore’s Side Streets

Belmont Shore’s Second Street is a well-loved stretch of boutiques, restaurants, and small businesses worthy of window shopping, and several are tucked around corners on side streets. As you enjoy your promenade down Second, don’t miss these businesses that are just off–or above–the main drag.

FOODOLOGIE

Foodologie (195 Claremont Ave), which opened in Belmont Shore in 2023, is the place to go for delectable cookies and brownies. Owner Maria Leyesa blends her love of Filipino and American baked goods into creations like uniquely purple ube brownies and indulgent s’mores cookies made with graham cracker, chocolate, and marshmallows. You can also share a goodie box with a loved one who lives out of town because Foodologie ships nationwide via USPS.

ALF’S BODY ART STUDIO

Providing tattoos and piercing services, Alf’s Body Art Studio (5347 E 2nd St) is a family-owned and operated business located on the second story overlooking Second Street. Appointments and walk-ins are available Wednesday through Sunday, with artists offering a wide range of styles, including vibrant color pops, characters from animation and anime, dot-style geometric patterns, black and gray artwork, fine line art, high-contrast designs, as well as traditional styles.

QUINN'S PUB & GRILL

Quinn’s Pub & Grill (200 Nieto Ave Ste A) has been a fixture off Second Street since WWII, when it was a deli. The Quinn family turned it into a pub in 1982, and today it’s a great place for craft beer and a burger. “The Little Pub Around the Corner” offers a constantly changing slate of more than two dozen beers on tap to go with a full lunch and dinner menu of satisfying pub food. Its cozy wood and brick interior with just a handful of seats at the bar makes it a favorite of neighborhood locals.

CAFE GAZELLE

This tiny restaurant, open just five hours each day for dinner, is a favorite among locals and a perfect date night spot. Cafe Gazelle (191 La Verne Ave) specializes in Italian seafood, while also offering a robust selection of pasta dishes and entrees with chicken or beef. While it’s located around the corner from 2nd Street’s main drag, the cafe’s small storefront and simple black awning keep it somewhat undercover, but its loyal devotees keep it busy. Arrive early in the evening or make a reservation to ensure your seat at one of its intimate tables.

Z FABRIQUE

Get your vibe right at Z Fabrique (191 Argonne Ave), where owner Nancy Scott seeks to help people create their own sacred spaces and find respite from a chaotic world. In addition to spiritual items like tarot cards, crystals, and candles, she stocks clothing and accessories, skincare and fragrance products, incense, and home decor from around the world.

BEAUTY & SPA

There are two businesses conveniently located on Argonne Avenue off Second Street where you can enjoy some self care. Dee Dee Thai Spa (200 Argonne Ave) is located above Sweet Jill’s Bakery and offers massage, facials, and waxing. Try a reflexology session to treat various ailments or hot stone massage for ultimate relaxation. Sage on 2nd (203 Argonne Ave Ste C) offers haircuts for men, women, and children, and specializes in vibrant hair coloring, hairstyling, extensions and more.

About the Author

Claire Atkinson

Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for nearly 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.