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Long Beach Food Scene Intel is a series from Brian Addison that will recap food news throughout the city. This is news that needs just a quick mention, is developing, or repeated news where you might have missed the full features.
Long Beach Food Scene Week? Good for business.
Long Beach Food Scene Week 2025 officially kicked off on Aug. 1 and has already proven to be a success. It makes me both proud and honored to be able to create something that not only ignites patronage but also provides a sense of pride for chefs and owners. Sonoratown shared that they have been selling out of their torta special for LBFSW. Bar Becky saw some of their strongest weekends ever, having to turn people away after selling out of their prix fixe offering. The 4th Horseman’s “Terrible Pizza” is its top seller currently (behind “Death to Piggy,” which never leaves the #1 spot) while Terrible Burger’s “Death by Burger” has continually sold out…
Ellie’s. Recreational. Our Spot Coffee. Noble Rotisserie. Oh La Vache. Shlap Muan. Pizza Parlor. Speak Cheezy. Zuzu’s Petals. Ruta 15. Kihon. Tanuki. Alder & Sage. EA Seafood. Black Pork. Altar Society. Grill ‘Em All. Due Fiori. All have reported solid, busy weekends.
The 10-day celebration continues through Aug. 10—check out all the menus here or explore a map version here.
Memento Coffee opens in East Long Beach
East Long Beach’s latest third-wave coffee shop, Memento, has officially opened its doors at 3010 Woodruff Ave. Located on the arterial between Los Coyotes and Spring, it sticks to a variety of special beans, minimalistic drinks, and teas.
Beastie’s soft opens in Marina Pacifica
Photos by Brian Addison.
Beasties, the space taking over the former Eat Fantastic space, which relocated to 4th Street, has soft-opened to the public. They are serving smash burger tacos and proper smash burgers-gone-Mexican. For those wondering what makes it “Mexican,” it is the use of chorizo in their burgers. For the price, they are likely to become a sleeper hit as word catches on.
Mariscos and torta joint Playas in East Long Beach to close up shop
According to Long Beach Food Scene member and diehard Playas fan, Milton Arcos, the owner of the East Long Beach mariscos and torta space, will be closing this week. Opening in 2017, it was a staple for nearby LBCC students and residents alike.
Anna’s Joint to take over former Wine Beach space in Belmont Shore
The space formerly occupied by Wine Beach in Belmont Shore—that permanently closed last October in Belmont Shore—is being taken over by DTLB market staple Anna’s Joint. What to expect? Breakfast burritos. Their much-loved sandwiches. Beer. Wine. Salads. In all frankness, it is a smart and welcomed addition to Belmont Shore.
Ubuntu in DTLB permanently shutters
To the surprise of few and momentarily described as a renovation, Ubuntu Cafe has permanently closed its DTLB location, leaving the brand’s Colorado Lagoon flagship and San Juan Capistrano location running. It is an unfortunate loss to both The Promenade specifically and the Downtown as a whole, which truly seems to be experiencing a renaissance: With the success of Sonoratown, Midnight Oil, and El Viejón, the continued success of Ammatoli and The Ordinarie (which will see its owner, Christy Caldwell, permanently return to the space after spending the past several years in his homeland of Ireland), the massive popularity of Downtown’s first entertainment zone…
In a personal note to me and my group, co-owner Dani Soldati shared:
“Dear Brian and beloved Cronies,
“My heart is in pieces. Letting go of our Downtown Long Beach location was one of the hardest decisions we’ve ever had to make. But we knew that if we didn’t cut our losses, our other locations would suffer too—tied down by a space we loved, but one that kept pulling us under. We were broken into five times through the back, twice in the patio… and it became increasingly unfair to our team to endure so much, on top of the already challenging nature of the industry. I know these issues aren’t unique to Downtown—but there, we felt them deeply.
“Add to that the inconsistency in business, and it eventually became unbearable.
“Michael’s was already struggling before we stepped in. We were invited into the ring, and together, we gave it everything we had. We fought with love, grit, and hope. And though we couldn’t save it, I’m not walking away with resentment—just deep, aching sadness. And gratitude. So much gratitude.
“To our incredible business neighbors— Mark Schnider, Transformation Bootcamp, Dog Haus, ISM, The Ordinaire—and to you, Brian and the Cronies: THANK YOU. You welcomed us, stood by us, and lifted us up. We’ll never forget it. Thank you for every cheer, every critique, every kind word and hard truth. You made us better. You reminded us why we do what we do.
“This chapter may have closed, but our story continues—come see us in Belmont Heights or San Juan Capistrano. We’d love to welcome you again with open arms.
“With all my love and then some,
Dani”
ICYMI: North Long Beach staple, Black-owned Robert Earl’s BBQ, to close brick-and-mortar Aug. 9
Robert Earl’s BBQ, the North Long Beach gem that largely introduced the city to proper barbecue, will be permanently closing its long-loved brick-and-mortar on Aug. 9. The space at 703 E. Artesia Blvd. will definitely feel empty as Robert and his family take to a food truck for operations.
For the full feature, click here.
ICYMI: China’s most popular tea house brand, Chagee, to open first Long Beach location
After its short-lived life as Dave’s Hot Chicken in Belmont Shore, the space at 5246 E. 2nd St. is ready to become a Chagee Modern Tea House. Chagee (pronounced CHAH-jee) is one of China’s most beloved tea brands, with some 6,000 locations worldwide.
For the full feature, click here.
ICYMI: Nigel’s—Long Beach’s floating-seats, on-the-water, rent-a-duffy bar and restaurant—will open Aug. 8
Nigel’s in Long Beach is ready to take passengers aboard on Aug. 8, when its water-facing façade debuts to its first array of public patrons. Plenty of pink, palms, gold, and champagne will follow.
