Long Beach may be known for its sunny beaches and laid-back vibe, but when it comes to breakfast, this coastal city doesn’t play around. The spots on this list aren’t just places to grab a quick coffee and a muffin. They’re the kind of destinations you seek out when you want to start your day with something truly special—fluffy pancakes, perfect eggs Benedict, artisanal pastries, and more.
Tony’s Kitchen
$ | (562) 513-3028 | WEBSITE
You go to Tony’s Kitchen to lean across the table and get closer to your family or friends, under the guise of sharing those generous portions, but really so you can all enjoy that cozy atmosphere together. At this fun, busy family-owned spot, the must-try zucchini fries are excellent and hot, crispy, and satisfying, making everything (and the large, fair-priced plates) taste great. The staff provides friendly service without any pretension.
And while most nice Italian-Mexican places have ‘fusion this’ and ‘complicated that’ on their menus, the food here sticks to perfectly executed classics like the lasagna and chicken marsala.
Loaded Cafe – Long Beach
$ | (562) 512-9891 | WEBSITE
Five minutes away from the airport—a.k.a. travel purgatory—is Loaded Cafe. The welcoming, walk-in-only breakfast spot has the feel of a neighborhood diner built from classic comfort food traditions, including warm, fresh-baked conchas and a selection of spicy hot sauces. It’s perfect for pre-flight fuel, family gatherings, and generous portions. The dining room, open from morning onward, is a brightly lit family-friendly space with its own delicious menu items and cozy, satisfying vibe.
The Breakfast Bar
$$ | (562) 726-1700 | WEBSITE
The vibe at The Breakfast Bar is always strictly casual. The breakfast menu is varied but delightfully straightforward and helpfully includes vegan options—like the vegan burrito and french toast combo—that you’ll still appreciate after your second Bloody Mary. On busy Sundays it’s like a neighborhood hangout, on quiet mornings it’s like a cozy café, but whenever you visit, check out the comfortable patio area which is shaded and filled with satisfied diners.
The Potholder Cafe Downtown
$ | (562) 432-6824 | WEBSITE
The Potholder Cafe Downtown is so welcoming it made us consider moving to Long Beach. If only to get full use out of the sunny outdoor tables occupied by the kind of people who insist breakfast should be an event. This corner spot on Main Street feels more like a neighborhood gathering place than a run-of-the-mill breakfast joint. Play at being a regular and satisfied, devouring perfectly fluffy pancakes beside families and friends, before heading inside for lunch.
Omelette Inn
$ | (562) 437-5625 | WEBSITE
There’s a homey feel to mornings at this charming, neighbourhood spot, and that begins with the warm welcome from the friendly staff. Cozy lighting and a pleasant atmosphere give the crowd (Long Beach’s hungriest people, including those heading out for early cruises) a comfortable, familiar glow.
We like the breakfast potatoes and freshly squeezed orange juice best, where “just one” bite of the tender, juicy 8oz sirloin turns into midday declarations about Why This Place Is Misunderstood as just another breakfast joint.
Pancake – Long Beach
$ | (562) 354-6644 | WEBSITE
Pancake is a hidden, lounge-like gem inside Long Beach’s cozy breakfast scene. Alongside regular brewed coffee, they serve standout dishes involving things like avocado toast with sweet marmalade and red velvet waffles with bacon. Like the restaurant’s nighttime menu, Cali Chilli, it isn’t rushed, grab-and-go territory but it’s the perfect place to be served by friendly staff on your day off or to charm an out-of-towner.
Cafe 301
$ | (562) 256-7557 | WEBSITE
If the thought of a burger with pickles and mustard cooked right into the patty makes you skeptical, take a deep breath and trust in the straightforward, satisfying breakfast at Cafe 301. This small, clean spot looks like it’s from a real era called The Golden Age Of No-Fuss Dining and the must-order croissant sandwich with your choice of meat, egg, and cheese is a simple creation that has every right to work, and absolutely does. Also, there’s good coffee.
The Potholder Cafe P3
$ | (562) 494-9400 | WEBSITE
The breakfast menu at The Potholder Cafe P3 is varied, satisfying, and thoughtfully inclusive, making it easier for everyone to enjoy their meals. Home to Long Beach’s best vegan Benedict, this cozy spot does brunch with a welcoming California vibe. In case you’re currently picturing kale smoothies and chia pudding, ‘welcoming California vibe’ means generous portions served with genuine warmth.
Fluffy Fruity Friday pancakes with fresh strawberries, your quintessential Grand Prix Omelette with crispy Super Spuds, all served in a lovely, charming cafe with covered patio seating.
The Potholder Cafe Belmont
$ | (562) 433-9305 | WEBSITE
The Potholder is buzzing. The Long Beach breakfast spot—words that promise comfort, and deliver—is a destination every morning. The outdoor seating becomes the go-to spot for coffee-sharing with regulars and families in matching weekend casuals dart back inside when the sizzle of carne asada on the grill calls out. It’s warm, lively energy. Made even warmer and livelier by world-traveler photos (they’re not locals, they just have good stories) covering every wall.
Breakfast Republic
$$ | (562) 512-7764 | WEBSITE
Breakfast Republic is a sunny breakfast spot in Long Beach that will be instantly beloved by anyone who habitually searches for ‘best weekend brunch’ on Yelp. This lively little casual eatery has generous portions destined for friends sharing plates across the table, service designed by genuinely attentive staff, and each and every dish looks and tastes like it’s the result of a mood board featuring fluffy pancakes and perfectly poached eggs.
Get the standout Presley french toast and lean into the blissful total satisfaction of the fast, warm service.