Cuisine Scene: Coffee Shops

There are lots of beloved coffee shops in Long Beach, as increasing interest in specialty coffee has led to a boom of roasters in the city. Just about anywhere you go in Long Beach you can find a better-than-average cup of Joe and more likely, an expertly crafted caffeinated beverage made from internationally sourced, locally roasted coffee beans. Yes, fall is home to International Coffee Day, but any time is a good time to visit some great local shops.

ROSE PARK ROASTERS

Rose Park Roasters was founded in 2009 to bring fair trade specialty beans to folks who brewed high-quality coffee at home. Since then, Rose Park has opened three shops (800 Pine Ave/3044 E 4th St/455 E Ocean Blvd) where customers can enjoy cappuccinos, lattes, and pastries. They offer a shifting array of coffees from around the world, but their Catalina in the Haze medium roast and The Breakwater dark roast are always available.

Rose Park Roasters

RECREATIONAL COFFEE

Recreational Coffee (237 Long Beach Blvd, Suite A) is a cozy Downtown space in a brick building where they make espresso drinks, pour overs, and other caffeinated beverages with fair trade coffees from around the world. The honey vanilla latte is a local favorite. A selection of breakfast pastries, vegan donuts, and sandwiches are also available. For a refreshing, delectable treat, try the sea salt affogato, an Italian concoction featuring espresso poured over ice cream.

COFFEE PARLOR

With their breakfast and lunch menu offering choices like the BLT of Your Dreams and Horchata French Toast, you will likely end up ordering a meal at Coffee Parlor (2944 Clark Ave) alongside your coffee. But their drinks menu lists several tantalizing coffee options that are reason enough to visit. You can get a more traditional espresso drink, cold brew, or pour over–or you can opt for the Quencher, an iced Mexican Coke with a double shot of espresso float.

THE MERCHANT

Located in Bixby Knolls, The Merchant (4121 Long Beach Blvd) is a bakery and coffee shop serving fair trade beans roasted with a zero-emissions coffee roaster. Twelve-ounce bags of whole beans are available for purchase in the shop. The Merchant’s coffee menu ranges from flat whites to a chocolate marshmallow cold brew. You can pair your drink with an apple bourbon croissant, bacon cheddar chive biscuit, or a cinnamon bomb pastry.

CARMEN’S COFFEE COMPANY

What about coffee that can come to you? Carmen’s Coffee Company operates out of a pale blue food truck that is stationed at Naples Island Car Wash (5790 Second St) seven days a week. It can also be booked for private and community events. Named after owner Elisa Heredia’s mother, Carmen’s specializes in espresso but also serves a large menu of coffee drinks, from nitro cold brew to a “polar” blended Bananas Foster-flavored latte.

Cuisine Scene
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About the Author
Claire Atkinson
Claire Atkinson is a Southern California native who has lived in Long Beach for nearly 20 years. She spends her free time visiting local parks, farmers markets, and museums, and loves learning about Long Beach history and culture.