Start your day off on the right foot with savory plates and sweet treats from some of the best breakfast spots in Long Beach.
Waterfront dining at Long Beach, California (Photo courtesy of Schooner or Later, via Facebook)
People like to say that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. When in Long Beach, it’s certainly the most delicious. With Mexican flavors, Californian health trends and beloved griddle classics happily co-existing, the best breakfast spots in Long Beach offer a wide variety of specials that are bound to hit the spot.
The Potholder
Waffles from The Potholder (Photo courtesy of The Potholder via Facebook)
When in doubt, eat at The Potholder. Their build-your-own omelette gives you full control over what’s heaped on your plate, and it’s difficult to resist goofy specialties like the Mac Daddy Frankie, an 18-inch pancake topped with 2 eggs and a choice of 2 slices of bacon or sausages. If your tastebuds favor spicy and savory, there is an entire section
dedicated to Mexican-inspired dishes, ranging from a breakfast tostada to traditional huevos rancheros. With four locations of this beloved Long Beach breakfast spot to choose from, there’s a chance to eat at The Potholder no matter where your day will take you.
301 W Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90802
Schooner or Later
Schooner or Later (Photo courtesy of Schooner or Later)
If you like your eggs accompanied by a harbor view, Schooner or Later should be your first port of call. Grab a table on the terrace and let the sight of the forest of masts in the Alamitos Bay Marina serve as a feast for the eyes. Menu favorites like the crab and avocado eggs Benedict and the crab and cheddar omelette are a nod to the nautical ambiance, while the Belgian waffles or banana nut pancakes are decadent starts to the day. If you’re thirsting for a boozy brunch, opt for the Bloody Mary or the Michelada, served in what can only be described as a giant glass chalice.
241 N Marina Dr, Long Beach, CA 90803
Starling Diner
French toast at Starling Diner (Photo courtesy of Starling Diner)
Whether you crave sweet or savory, Starling Diner has something delicious waiting for you. In the heart of Belmont Heights, this local favorite serves up fresh fare daily from 8am to 3pm. French bistro chairs and gallery wall decor establish a friendly ambiance for a catch-
up or a solo meal. For anyone with a sweet tooth, the signature French toast topped with fresh berries or peaches with whipped cream is a menu standout. A generous selection of sides ranges from extra bacon to polenta potatoes.
114 E 3rd St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Jongewaard’s Bake-n- Broil
Bake-n-Broil (Photo courtesy of Jongewaard’s Bake-n-Broil Long Beach)
If you’re headed to Jongewaard’s Bake-n-Broil on a weekend morning, be prepared to get in line. Bake-n-Broil has been one of the most popular breakfast spots in Long Beach’s Bixby Knolls since 1964. Famed for their wide array of breakfast classics, they make it frankly agonizing to choose between lemon blueberry pancakes with raspberry sauce and the turkey sausage, spinach, and jack cheese omelette. For the best seat in the house, slide onto a counter stool. Not only are these spots quicker to free up even during the busy weekend rush, but the bustling counter atmosphere adds ambiance, and ups your chances of a prompt refill on that bottomless filter coffee.
3697 Atlantic Ave, Long Beach, CA 90807
The Attic
Chicken and waffles at The Attic (Photo courtesy of The Attic)
The Attic’s morning menu serves up hearty and flavorful plates with southern twang. Located in a 1920s Craftsman style home renovated into a restaurant, The Attic brings the cozy charm of a home-cooked meal with family and friends to Long Beach’s dining scene. Plates like classic chicken waffles and the biscuits and gravy bring the soul food flavor of the Deep South, while the Breakfast Burrito with roasted poblano peppers caters to California’s Mexican cravings. With the brunch menu extending until 3:45pm, it’s easy to take advantage of the breakfast vibe even if you’re not an early bird.
3441 E Broadway, Long Beach, CA 90803
Tito’s Bakery and Restaurant
While most self-respecting brunch spots in Long Beach offer a breakfast burrito, Tito’s Bakery and Restaurant on 4th Street tops the list. This isn’t your usual egg-heavy wrap with a hint of Mexican spice; Tito’s serves up a bona fide burrito stuffed with refried beans, onions, cilantro, and a choice of protein that just so happens to include some fluffy scrambled eggs as a bonus. Don’t skimp on grabbing a handful of napkins because things can get messy!
1107 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90802
Egg Heaven Cafe
A messy Monterey omelette (Photo courtesy of Egg Heaven)
Looking for a superior scramble? Welcome to Egg Heaven Café, a tiny but mighty neighborhood spot where the humble egg reigns supreme. Located on the corner of 4th Street and Ximeno Avenue since 1969, Egg Heaven sets the tone for a cozy 1970s dining experience with its counter seating and vinyl booths. Mexican-inspired omelettes like the Ximeno #4 (avocado, jack cheese, spicy meat sauce and sour cream) sit alongside diner stalwarts. Serving up hearty fare for breakfast and lunch daily, swing by to enjoy the warm service and generous portions.
358 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814