City Guide: Long Beach Restaurants

It's Long Beach Pride week and we are super excited. The party will officially start for us when we take off on JetBlue's Pride Flight, then continue with a glorious stay at the Hotel Maya in Long Beach and the Saturday T-dance. Then, of course, Sunday is the parade.

So where do you go in between all those events? Well, we gave you the bar list, and now we're bringing you a list of restaurants worth checking out. You do eat, right? It's the healthy thing to do dontcha know. 

Photo: Unzipped Premium

LONG BEACH RESTAURANTS

UPDATED: May 07, 2010

555 East American Steakhouse
 555 East Ocean Blvd.
562-437-0626

It looks like a New York steak house and has the flavors to match. Mixed crowd but super gay-friendly. Worth it if you’re in the LBC looking for tasty meat (um, we mean for dinner, boys).

Café Piccolo
3222 East Broadway
562-438-1316
This Northern Italian restaurant is a mainstay in Long Beach. Luscious chicken or veal marsala, decadent zinfandel lamb, and a seafood platter worth writing home about. The quaint, intimate interior makes it perfect for date night.

Enrique's
6210 East Pacific Coast Highway
562-498-3622

Amazing Mexican restaurant that is not gay, but we always go and it's great. Arguably the best Mexican food in Long Beach. Expect a bit of a wait if you come during peak hours.

Hamburger Mary’s Long Beach
 740 East Broadway
562-436-7900

Restaurant serves the usual Mary’s burger fare (delicious) but this local also features a bar, dancing and patio. Super fun, casual environment, strong drinks, and plenty of places to chat up cute boys. Check for theme nights on the website.

Hot Java
2101 East Broadway
562-433-0688

It's the hub of the gay community in Long Beach, located right in middle of the “gay ghetto,” as it’s affectionately called. Coffee (duh), tasty snacks, free wifi, and more.

La Creperie Cafe
 4911 E. Second St.
562-434-8499

Patrick Parmentier and Dora Khamis’s bistro is tops (though it kind of resembles a drag queens dream, but that's part of the charm). Whether you visit for sweet crepes at breakfast or something savory for dinner, the French country ambiance gets you every time. Wines are wonderful, and outdoor seating is a plus.

Mi Lupita
1202 E Broadway
562-432-0163

The best Mexican food to cure your hangover, or just fill your belly. Ridiculously cheap for the quality and quantity, and possibly the best salsa in Long Beach.

Morry’s of Naples
 5764 East 2nd Street
562-433-0405

This pic is from the original location, but it captures the quaint, small town feel of the current Morry's local. Their “hidden” lounge/restaurant serves cheeses, meats, sandwiches and other small plates. Come for the wine flights. A real treasure! Restaurant open Tues-Sun.

Nico’s
5760 E. 2nd St.
562-434-4479

Wonderful Italian dishes in an elegant but unpretentious setting. Start with gnocci or the lobster and salmon cakes, then enjoy the osso bucco or penne with chicken. Desserts are standard but sinfully good. Almost always a wait, but always worth it.
 

Paradise Piano Bar & Restaurant
 1800 E. Broadway
562-590-8773

Homey spot for gays and their friends with food that hits all the basics: appetizers like nachos and calamari, healthy salads, sandwiches and burgers, and American main courses. Prices are great and the people friendly. Check site for theme nights, piano bar, special events, etc.

Park Pantry Cafe
2104 E Broadway
562-434-0451

Like Denny’s, only with better food, nicer staff, and tons of gays.

The Pizza Place and Garden Café
 1431 E. Broadway
562-432-6000

More than just a pizza joint, The Pizza Place also serves chicken dishes, salad, pastas, and more. Great atmosphere, cozy patio dining, exceptional service, and a favorite among locals. Perfect for a feast with friends or a first date.

The Sky Room
40 S. Locust Ave.
562-983-2703

Beautiful views in an art deco setting and uncomplicated food make for a romantic evening out. Try the scallops, lobster, veal osso bucco or the prime rib; since you’re there, you better stay for dessert. Reservations a must.

Tantalum Restaurant
 6272 E. Pacific Coast Highway, # A
562-431-1414

Amazing California-Asian fusion cuisine with a very hip bar and stunning sunset views of Alamitos Bay.