Chris' Guidebook
Food scene
OK so yes, this is a donut shop, but really it's a museum. The donuts here are works of art! Seriously, they belong in the MET. And they are TO DIE FOR. Also, the Vietnamese coffee is EXACTLY what you need in the morning. You'll think you can run the New York Marathon after one of these things. Do not miss this neighborhood gem. The creme brulee donuts are literal crack. They also make unbelievable breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, sausage, etc.
Knead Donuts & Tea
3490 E 7th StOK so yes, this is a donut shop, but really it's a museum. The donuts here are works of art! Seriously, they belong in the MET. And they are TO DIE FOR. Also, the Vietnamese coffee is EXACTLY what you need in the morning. You'll think you can run the New York Marathon after one of these things. Do not miss this neighborhood gem. The creme brulee donuts are literal crack. They also make unbelievable breakfast sandwiches with eggs, bacon, sausage, etc.
About a 10 min walk but well worth it! They have amazing stuffed French toast. Everything I’ve ever tried on the menu has been solid. Definitely the best brunch option within walking distance! It was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s show, but don’t hold that against them.
46 preporuka/e lokalaca
Starling Diner
4114 E 3rd StAbout a 10 min walk but well worth it! They have amazing stuffed French toast. Everything I’ve ever tried on the menu has been solid. Definitely the best brunch option within walking distance! It was featured on an episode of Guy Fieri’s show, but don’t hold that against them.
Great, healthy lunch (or dinner but better for lunch) spot within walking distance. Try the beef kabob wrap and the house made hummus. It’s cheap and good. And close by.
The Green Olive Belmont Heights
4400 East 4th StreetGreat, healthy lunch (or dinner but better for lunch) spot within walking distance. Try the beef kabob wrap and the house made hummus. It’s cheap and good. And close by.
Awesome breakfast spot close to the water in Seal Beach. Food is incredible (they have 4.8 stars on Yelp) and it’s not that pricy. The crème brûlée French toast is probably the best you’ll ever have.
Catrina Cafe
330 Main StreetAwesome breakfast spot close to the water in Seal Beach. Food is incredible (they have 4.8 stars on Yelp) and it’s not that pricy. The crème brûlée French toast is probably the best you’ll ever have.
Definitely one of the best pizza places in all of Los Angeles (and as a former New Yorker, I know a thing or two about good pizza!). They have a great selection and it’s a very chill scene with a great outdoor seating area. You can bike here in 10 mins.
17 preporuka/e lokalaca
Little Coyote
2118 E 4th StDefinitely one of the best pizza places in all of Los Angeles (and as a former New Yorker, I know a thing or two about good pizza!). They have a great selection and it’s a very chill scene with a great outdoor seating area. You can bike here in 10 mins.
This hole in the wall is a short walk or bike ride and is ‘pretty pretty good.’ If you like Detroit style pizza, this is a must try. They sell by the pie or by the slice and the slices are huge (around $7 each). From 12-4, they have a lunch special and it’s only $5/slice.
SPEAK CHEEZY
This hole in the wall is a short walk or bike ride and is ‘pretty pretty good.’ If you like Detroit style pizza, this is a must try. They sell by the pie or by the slice and the slices are huge (around $7 each). From 12-4, they have a lunch special and it’s only $5/slice.
Great, buzzy, good food and drinks at a great price. Located in downtown Long Beach, this bar scene is lively until late. A good place to pick up guys or gals. They have a massive outdoor beer garden and a disco upstairs. It’s a humongous place and very popular. Tell Jay that Chris sent you.
50 preporuka/e lokalaca
PADRE
525 E BroadwayGreat, buzzy, good food and drinks at a great price. Located in downtown Long Beach, this bar scene is lively until late. A good place to pick up guys or gals. They have a massive outdoor beer garden and a disco upstairs. It’s a humongous place and very popular. Tell Jay that Chris sent you.
This is an awesome restaurant right on the sand in Seal Beach. If you’re looking for that ‘on the water’ experience without getting soaked when the bill comes, this is your spot.
The Beach House @ Seal Beach
This is an awesome restaurant right on the sand in Seal Beach. If you’re looking for that ‘on the water’ experience without getting soaked when the bill comes, this is your spot.
This old school banquet rib joint is really fantastic. Not too pricy considering portions and quality. Ribs and prime rib melt in your mouth. Probably the best ribs in LA.
22 preporuka/e lokalaca
Naples Rib Company
5800 2nd StThis old school banquet rib joint is really fantastic. Not too pricy considering portions and quality. Ribs and prime rib melt in your mouth. Probably the best ribs in LA.
Long Beach’s only (and first ever!) Michelin ⭐️ restaurant. Book your reservations well in advance. It’s Prix fix style and around $150pp but we’ll worth it. The husband and wife team that run it are really wonderful people.
Heritage
Long Beach’s only (and first ever!) Michelin ⭐️ restaurant. Book your reservations well in advance. It’s Prix fix style and around $150pp but we’ll worth it. The husband and wife team that run it are really wonderful people.
Probably the best Mexican food in LA county and it just happens to be less than a mile from the house. It’s a great restaurant with outdoor seating and fantastic drinks. It’s also good for families with kids. Parking can be a bit challenging…your best bet is to park in the pay lot just a few doors west of the restaurant.
Lola's Mexican Cuisine- 4th Street
Probably the best Mexican food in LA county and it just happens to be less than a mile from the house. It’s a great restaurant with outdoor seating and fantastic drinks. It’s also good for families with kids. Parking can be a bit challenging…your best bet is to park in the pay lot just a few doors west of the restaurant.
This place is a LEGENDARY Long Beach dive bar and is 100 years old! They are known for their incredible sandwiches and pickled eggs. It’s as ‘Long Beach’ as Sublime and Snoop. The beers are huge and there is a pool table in there as well. Cash only.
38 preporuka/e lokalaca
Joe Josts
2803 E Anaheim StThis place is a LEGENDARY Long Beach dive bar and is 100 years old! They are known for their incredible sandwiches and pickled eggs. It’s as ‘Long Beach’ as Sublime and Snoop. The beers are huge and there is a pool table in there as well. Cash only.
Sightseeing
If you’re visiting with your doggo, you must MUST take them here! It’s the only off leash dog beach in all of LA county and people come from a long way to bring their dogs here. You can drive there in less than 5 mins! Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s super fun to go out there and see all the dogs playing in the water. It is a scene! During the week it’s pretty mellow but on the weekends on a nice day, it’s totally normal to see like 150-200 dogs playing out there. It’s hilarious.
83 preporuka/e lokalaca
Rosie plaža za pse
5000 E Ocean BlvdIf you’re visiting with your doggo, you must MUST take them here! It’s the only off leash dog beach in all of LA county and people come from a long way to bring their dogs here. You can drive there in less than 5 mins! Even if you don’t have a dog, it’s super fun to go out there and see all the dogs playing in the water. It is a scene! During the week it’s pretty mellow but on the weekends on a nice day, it’s totally normal to see like 150-200 dogs playing out there. It’s hilarious.
This is a great beach. Very clean, upscale vibe. Close walk to great restaurants and cute shops and parking is pretty easy to find.
20 preporuka/e lokalaca
Seal Beach Municipal Pier
Seal Beach Municipal PierThis is a great beach. Very clean, upscale vibe. Close walk to great restaurants and cute shops and parking is pretty easy to find.
Hands down, no contest, the BEST museum in Los Angeles. Fight me. Seriously tho, this place is just incredible. They have everything from the very first Ferrari ever made (like the FIRST one) to the DeLorean from Back to the Future and every Batmobile. The main exhibit is great. Three floors of incredible cars. BUT...if you're feeling spendy (cuz it ain't cheap) spring for the Vault tour. It is well worth it, the cars they have down there are just...wow. FDR's limo, rare space age stuff you didn't know existed, all kinds of really incredible cars including my favorite...the 1929 Rolls Royce round door. Seriously, the coolest car ever made. It's worth $50,000,000!!! If you're going to do one museum while you're here, this is the one. Swear.
Also it's where Biggie was shot. So there's that...
538 preporuka/e lokalaca
Petersen Automotive Museum
6060 Wilshire BlvdHands down, no contest, the BEST museum in Los Angeles. Fight me. Seriously tho, this place is just incredible. They have everything from the very first Ferrari ever made (like the FIRST one) to the DeLorean from Back to the Future and every Batmobile. The main exhibit is great. Three floors of incredible cars. BUT...if you're feeling spendy (cuz it ain't cheap) spring for the Vault tour. It is well worth it, the cars they have down there are just...wow. FDR's limo, rare space age stuff you didn't know existed, all kinds of really incredible cars including my favorite...the 1929 Rolls Royce round door. Seriously, the coolest car ever made. It's worth $50,000,000!!! If you're going to do one museum while you're here, this is the one. Swear.
Also it's where Biggie was shot. So there's that...
This is a great family friendly beach that is really close to the house. It’s an inland beach so there are no waves and it’s not very deep. Popular with people with small children. There is a lifeguard on duty.
82 preporuka/e lokalaca
Majčina plaža
This is a great family friendly beach that is really close to the house. It’s an inland beach so there are no waves and it’s not very deep. Popular with people with small children. There is a lifeguard on duty.
If it’s open (check the nav first because it is prone to rock slides and random maintenance related closures) this is a super fun drive. It’s twisty and takes you a mile up but it has incredible views. If you got a sporty rental, this is a really fun drive and scenery can’t be beat.
Angeles Crest Scenic View 2
If it’s open (check the nav first because it is prone to rock slides and random maintenance related closures) this is a super fun drive. It’s twisty and takes you a mile up but it has incredible views. If you got a sporty rental, this is a really fun drive and scenery can’t be beat.
This is a truly once in a lifetime adventure. You jet ski to Catalina Island along side dolphins and whales. It is probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done anywhere in the world. You do need to be kind of fit though, it’s a rough ride across the ocean so don’t skip leg day. They will give you a wet suit but trust me on this: buy a pair of water sport gloves AND shoes on Amazon before you go. You explore a cave and eat a decent lunch out on the island. It’s kind of an all day thing…and you have to get there early like 7:30am, but the experience is unlike anything else you can do in LA. It is not cheap but it is worth every penny.
Jet Ski 2 Catalina
700 Queensway DrThis is a truly once in a lifetime adventure. You jet ski to Catalina Island along side dolphins and whales. It is probably one of the coolest things I’ve ever done anywhere in the world. You do need to be kind of fit though, it’s a rough ride across the ocean so don’t skip leg day. They will give you a wet suit but trust me on this: buy a pair of water sport gloves AND shoes on Amazon before you go. You explore a cave and eat a decent lunch out on the island. It’s kind of an all day thing…and you have to get there early like 7:30am, but the experience is unlike anything else you can do in LA. It is not cheap but it is worth every penny.
City/town information
This is my recommendation for a great day trip. Cruise up PCH to Malibu, head all the way out to El Matador State Beach for the sunset (it's a hike but you'll thank me I promise) and then hit Reel Inn for dinner on the way back. For lunch, any place in the Malibu Country Mart is great and you'll probably spot a celebrity while you're there. Please don't tap the glass or feed the celebrities. Getting out there is easy but be warned that getting back after sunset will result in biblical traffic.
580 preporuka/e lokalaca
Malibu
This is my recommendation for a great day trip. Cruise up PCH to Malibu, head all the way out to El Matador State Beach for the sunset (it's a hike but you'll thank me I promise) and then hit Reel Inn for dinner on the way back. For lunch, any place in the Malibu Country Mart is great and you'll probably spot a celebrity while you're there. Please don't tap the glass or feed the celebrities. Getting out there is easy but be warned that getting back after sunset will result in biblical traffic.
420 Needs
Yeah weed is legal in California…
I don’t party any more but if you’re looking to stock up for your *ahem* ‘medicinal needs’ then this dispensary is your destination. It is nice. Like really nice. Like if the Apple Store and an exotic car dealership had a baby and it dispensed weed. The prices aren’t crazy (remember there is about 30% tax on ganja in Cali) and the selection is VAST. You will need a photo ID to go inside and shop there. About a mile from the house up on the corner of 7th Street and PCH.
King's Crew
5630 Pacific Coast HwyI don’t party any more but if you’re looking to stock up for your *ahem* ‘medicinal needs’ then this dispensary is your destination. It is nice. Like really nice. Like if the Apple Store and an exotic car dealership had a baby and it dispensed weed. The prices aren’t crazy (remember there is about 30% tax on ganja in Cali) and the selection is VAST. You will need a photo ID to go inside and shop there. About a mile from the house up on the corner of 7th Street and PCH.
Lokalne preporuke
Kretanje gradom
Do not, I repeat, DO NOT EVER take the metro rail in LA.
It’s become an insane asylum on rails. It is dangerous at any hour. You will get robbed, spit on, step in mystery fluid, attacked by homeless people. Don’t try and save a buck by getting here from LAX on the metro. It’ll take 1.5 hours and you will not have a good experience. It’s a shame really, as a former NYer I loved taking the subway. There is no police presence in the metro here and it is literally the Wild West. The only real exception to this rule is the Expo (Silver) line between Santa Monica and the Staples Center, but I’d still make sure you’ve had all your shots first.
Kretanje gradom
Read the parking signs!
Long Beach is pretty straight forward but LA is famous for having some of the most confusing parking restrictions known to man. The parking police are also ninjas that appear out of bushes and parachute out of the sky to get your car as soon as the meter is expired so always err on the side of caution and add the extra 15 mins.
Običaji i kultura
LA’s famous ‘unprotected left turn.’ The 2 car rule.
If you’re trying to make a left turn at a light that doesn’t have a dedicated turn signal, it’s accepted that up to 2 cars are allowed to turn after the light turns red, so go ahead and nose into the intersection if you’re the first car up. If you don’t ‘go’ once the coast is clear and/or the light turns red, you will piss off everyone behind you. Be bold. You won’t get a ticket. But don’t be that 3rd car guy…nobody likes that guy.
Korisni izrazi
‘What’s the sitch?’
People are asking what the parking situation is.
Korisni izrazi
‘Sigalert’
If you hear that phrase on the radio, it means traffic mayhem…likely the CHP has shut down the freeway for a while due to a crash or god knows what. Avoid the area.
Kretanje gradom
General 405 Guidance
If you’re heading North between the hours 6am and 10am or South between 2:45 pm and 7:30pm, pack your patience. 11-2 is the sweet spot to try and get anywhere in LA.
Kretanje gradom
97.1 FM KNX News
They do traffic on the 6’s. They will often alert you to traffic issues long before the nav apps catch up. Worth listening if you’ve got to be somewhere on time.
Običaji i kultura
Things move slowly in LA
If you’re from the east coast, pack your patience. People are a lot more laid back in LA and often 15 mins late means on time. Baristas, waiters, etc are not in a hurry to do anything.
Običaji i kultura
Long Beach isn’t ‘LA’…
Let’s be honest. LA has a bad rep. Yeah the weather is nice and the people are pretty to look at but crime and homelessness are out of control. People in LA are generally fake and flaky, always looking to trade up. People in Long Beach are different. They are genuinely nicer, kinder, more laid back than our neighbors north of the I-10 and ON TIME to things. But Long Beach folks also don’t put up with BS. If you treat people with respect they will match the respect you show them. So say hello to the person you see on the sidewalk or hold the door for someone. It doesn’t go unnoticed. 🥰