Cuisine Scene: Coffee Shops
Autumn is the time to cozy up with a warm cup of coffee from one of Long Beach’s top-notch, independent shops and roasters. The Long Beach java scene includes some amazing choices to keep the yawns at bay while broadening your coffee palate!
In an unexpected reversal of fortunes, Aroma di Roma (4708 E. Second St. and 444 W. Ocean Blvd.) is a mom ‘n’ pop coffeehouse that has thrived in a space that was once home to a Starbucks. Going beyond excellent coffee, the place is a happening scene for its breakfast and lunch menu, too.
Across the bridge in Naples, Carmen’s Coffee Company is a mobile coffeehouse — on the move in a charming old Chevy van that can be found parked most every morning outside the car wash at 5790 E. Second St. Many of Carmen’s drinks boast a unique Spanish flavor, like the mocha with espresso and chipotle.
The creative coffee foam designs match the fun and funky artsy vibe at Viento Y Agua (4007 E. Fourth St.), where each cup comes stamped with a delightful skeleton forever enjoying the beverage.
Also offering pick-me-ups with a unique local vibe is Hot Java (2101 E. Broadway) on the northeast corner of Bixby Park. The roughly 30-year-old business is a relaxed place to hang out and play board games or enjoy a poetry reading or comedy night.
Those looking for a classic cup of Joe in a homey environment will enjoy The Library Coffee House (3418 E. Broadway), which — of course — has plenty of bookshelves and plush mismatched furnishings designed for readers to sit back and stay awhile. The shop is also known for its incredible slices of cake.
Coffee fanatics will do a double-take, or perhaps double shots, at Déjà Brew (2771 E. Broadway). The variety of coffee drinks to choose from is as diverse as the neighborhood; there’s something there for everyone’s morning routine.
Central Long Beach
Start the morning right just north of Downtown at Tierra Mia Coffee (425 E. PCH), which has a speedy drive-thru service and is part of a Los Angeles-based Latin-American themed chain of coffee houses known for making award-winning latte art.
At Commodity (1322 Coronado Ave.), customers might order a superlative cup of coffee just as easily as a glass of beer or wine — and will definitely take home a souvenir from a selection of witty “coffee and whatever” retail items.
Northeast Long Beach
If you’re giving it your best shot to try every great coffee shop around, be sure to venture to the upper east side of town with some friends for Long Beach’s own interpretation of Central Perk.
Rotating selections of worldly beans roasted locally are on the chalkboard at Wolf’s Brew Coffee (4145 Norse Way). The father and sons who run the java joint aren’t afraid to experiment with new flavors — they’ve brewed up a whole pot of coffee knowledge.
Costa Mesa-based Portola Coffee Roasters has a store within the carefully curated eateries at The Hangar food court at the Long Beach Exchange (4150 McGowen St.). In the “pursuit of perfection,” Portola is meticulously involved in what the company calls a “romance novel” of coffee processes from the farm to the cup.
Looking for breakfast, pastries, or more with your coffee? Check out our other Cuisine Scene blogs for some great spots!