Cuisine Scene: Eggs Benedict

Breakfast/brunch in Long Beach isn’t a meal, it’s a way of life. And that life boasts a hero who goes by the name of Benedict–Eggs Benedict. You see, in this city, we don’t just serve Eggs Benedict, we reinvent it. Fom classic renditions of ham and hollandaise to bold twists of crab and crawfish, here are some of Long Beach’s most creative and delicious takes on this beloved dish.

THE ATTIC

As you’d expect from a restaurant well known for redefining familiar dishes–i.e. its amazing Mac & Cheetos–The Attic (3441 E Broadway) has presented more than its share of unique Benedict takes. Presently they are offering the Up Country Benedict, a Southern fried combination of poached eggs, grits cake, smoked pork croquette, shrimp, hollandaise, finished with market lettuces.

EGGBRED

Located at the intersection of Ocean Boulevard and Alamitos Avenue, EggBred (777 E Ocean Blvd, Unit A) serves all manner of Eggs Benedict including a Benny on the Rocks–with ham, beer battered potatoes and truffle dressed arugula–as well as a Build a Benny with your choice of bacon, sausage, chorizo, ham, ribeye or vegan Impossible meats. They also have a Benny Burrito that comes wrapped in a tortilla with ham, hollandaise, scrambled eggs, cheddar jack and salsa verde.

BREAKFAST BAR

The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave/3404 E Fourth St) gives off decidedly family vibes, which is probably why both of its Benedict offerings are named for relatives. The Eggs Noni and Eggs Papi are served on grilled house rosemary sourdough with each version featuring poached eggs, tomato and are topped with a spiced hollandaise. The Papi comes with a choice of bacon, sausage ham or soy chorizo. Both are served with a potato pancake.

BREAKFAST REPUBLIC

Belmont Shore’s Breakfast Republic (5313 Second St) is an innovative destination offering delicious takes on breakfast classics. Foremost is Eggs Benedict, to which they devote an entire section of their menu. There’s the Traditional, the Mushroom ‘N Pesto and the wonderfully named Jurassic Pork laden with bacon. The very popular Crab & Crawfish Cake Benedict comes with a blackberry jalapeno jam and the San Diego has turkey and avocado.

CLAIRE’S AT THE MUSEUM

One of the city’s treasured brunch spots, Claire’s at the Museum (2300 E Ocean Blvd) is located on the campus of the Long Beach Museum of Art. The cafe occupies a bluff-top spot overlooking the Pacific with views of Catalina and the Queen Mary. Its brunch menu features classic dishes including a traditional Eggs Benedict that you can enjoy with the usual Canadian bacon or substitute smoked salmon.

About the Author

Steve Lowery

Steve Lowery is a longtime local. Over the years he has written for the Los Angeles Times, ESPN, and others. If you're looking for the hidden gems of Long Beach, Steve is your go-to.