Cuisine Scene: Eggs Benedict

Next to Mimosas, brunch’s most popular menu item just may be Eggs Benedict. In Long Beach, where we take brunch seriously–very seriously–you can find not only lots of places serving Benedicts, but also doing it in deliciously unique ways. Check out these amazing and creative takes on an iconic 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. There’s been a Chicken Fried Steak Benedict, a Fried Green Tomato Benedict and a Surf and Turf Benedict. More recently, there’s been the Up Country Benedict, a Southern fried combination of grits cake, smoked pork, and shrimp along with the usual egg and hollandaise suspects.

SCHOONER OR LATER

On the cusp of celebrating its 40th anniversary, Schooner or Later (241 Marina Dr) is located smack dab on the Alamitos Bay Marina. It has a legendarily large and varied menu that includes not only some of the best Bloody Marys in the city, but an entire section devoted to Benedicts. There are traditional Benedicts, a country Benedict with biscuits and gravy and, perhaps most famously, their Crab and Avocado Benedict with generous amounts of real crab meat mixed with avocado and cheese and served on grilled sourdough.

BREAKFAST BAR

The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave/3404 E Fourth St) gives off decidedly family vibes. Not only is it owned by a brother and sister, but many of its most popular breakfast items are named after family members. There’s Uncle Marcee’s Omelet Casserole as well as Eggs Noni and Eggs Papi served Benedict style on grilled house rosemary sourdough. Each version comes with poached eggs, tomato and is topped with a spicy hollandaise. The Papi comes with a choice of bacon, sausage ham or soy chorizo.

SIMMZY’S

This very popular Belmont Shore destination may offer the city’s most unique take on the Benedict. Ladies and gentlemen, we present the Eggs Benedict Pizza! That’s right, Simmzy’s (5271 Second St) serves a pizza that comes with poached eggs, Canadian bacon and green onions on top of mozzarella and hollandaise. Once you dig in you’re destined to make a mess, but the cleanup is just so delicious.

CLAIRE’S AT THE MUSEUM

One of the city’s treasured brunch spots. Located on the campus of the Long Beach Museum of Art, looking out over the ocean, Claire’s at the Museum (2300 E Ocean Blvd) has an evolving menu that changes with the seasons and always contains a version of Eggs Benedict. In the past there have been the likes of a California Avocado Benedict, a Prosciutto Eggs Benedict and, more recently they’ve offered a classic version.

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.