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Long Beach Food Scene Intel is a series from Brian Addison that will recap food news throughout the city, both news that needs just a quick mention or repeated news where you might have missed the full features.
Coffee Cup officially takes credit cards with new owners
In what can only be described as a cheer-worthy update, how can I not begin with that longtime breakfast staple Coffee Cup officially takes credit cards as a form of payment following the takeover of their new owners. For decades, the space has been a cash only establishment, with an ATM in the back corner under constant use. Now, we can finally enjoy the beauty of chicken chile verde omelettes and enchilada eggs without that lovely ATM fee.
Taqueria La Mexicana. All the gay bars on Broadway. Crystal Thai Cambodian. So, so many: For the love of the food gods, please follow suit.
Shout-out to Long Beach Food Scene member Joe Mendez for the tip.
Recreational Coffee awaits alcohol license approval
Recreational Coffee co-owner Brooklyn Warden has much to rejoice: Shortly after taking over the business from longtime owner and roaster Bobby Hernandez last year, the coffeeshop will soon be offering beer and vino.
“We hope to bring in more of our community for a good time,” Brooklyn said. “We can’t wait to serve y’all some truly delicious, unique offerings in our quaint, friendly environment.”
So, basically, yes: You will be able to read and write with coffee into the morning to transition into a boozy study session come 5 o’clock (or earlier if you so desire).
Flamin’ Curry opens second location
Flamin’ Curry, the much-loved fast casual Indian space birthed on Broadway in Belmont Heights, has officially opened its second location in Cal Heights. It comes after the restaurant announced their expansion back in February. (Just south of Bixby Knolls at the former Mustard’s space which closed over a decade ago. For those that are searching for other surrounding food landmarks. Across the street from Dave’s Burgers and the gas station and next to Bamboo Teri House).
“We are excited to announce the grand opening of our new location today at 3387 Atlantic Ave. A heartfelt thank you to our family, to all our customers, friends and well-wishers,” the business shared on Instagram.
Sonoratown takes major steps forward; shares picture of new interior
Sonoratown co-owner Jennifer Feltham (and her man Teo Diaz-Rodriguez Jr.) announced back in November of 2023 that they would be opening an additional location of their famed Mexican joint. And that the new location would be in DTLB. So much of the community and flour tortilla lovers alike hav been waiting for the space to open its doors. Well, we’re one step closer.
“So, don’t mind the table configuration,” Jennifer wrote on instagram. “That’s just for show because we had fire inspection today. But doesn’t this room look great? It makes me want to clear all of the tables aside and dance. Which has always been a part of Sonoratown for me. Good food, good music and a palpable feeling of love.”
Amen.
Long Beach’s newest ghost kitchen begins leasing spaces
A pseudo-ghost kitchen in Downtown Long Beach on 10th Street between Locust Avenue and Long Beach Boulevard has 20 to-go spaces up for lease. There are eight varying square footages: 260, 406, 514, 520, 566, 567, 579, and 723 square feet. You can use the space as a storefront if you wish but will likely become more of your kitchen to focus on delivery and to-go. For more info, click here. Shout-out to K Mar Alexander from my food group for the tip for the Long Beach Food Scene Intel update—always appreciated.
ICYMI: The 4th Horseman’s expansion in Downtown Long Beach cements it as one of our most distinct pizzerias
The world of Long Beach pizza is vast and fiercely competitive. Amid the stretching and proofing and topping, The 4th Horseman has managed to stand out as a horrorcore swan song to the mightily humble pie. And with its new expansion? Firmly cements the pizzeria as one of the coolest, one of the most consistent, and one of the most cadaverous.
Click here for the full feature.
ICYMI: SnoCorner is Long Beach’s ultimate ode to the sweets of New Orleans
SnoCorner—the bright, tricolored snoball shop located directly across the street from Poly High School—is a remarkable tribute to the sweet treats of New Orleans.
For owner Ashley Monconduit, SnoCorner is more than just a sweet shop. It represents the fusion of two proud cities that shaped her—New Orleans and Long Beach—and the family legacy of Black small businesses that spans decades in the very space SnoCorner occupies.
Click here for the full feature.
ICYMI: The Ordinarie continues its ode to Americana culture with its brightest, most comforting menu yet
I think people still haven’t full y wrapped their heads around the idea of The Ordinarie. The space’s adherence to exploring what American food and hospitality mean make it a space that is far more than a restaurant.
And it is about time that Long Beach treats it for what it is: An inherently American pub.
Their newest menu is one of its best, where Alabama white sauces and burnt chile aiolis and Cajun cream sauces and avocado mousses and dill tzatzikis run rampant. Corn ribs and fried avocado slices sit next blackened Cornish hens and deviled eggs.
In other words: it’s awesome.
