Babe’s Kitchen – Online Menu

1106 E. Wardlow Road, Long Beach, CA 90807 (562) 427-4897

Breakfast and Lunch, Closed Mondays

Every time I cruise over to the Bixby Knolls area, I am reminded of the many gems just waiting to be discovered.  Yesterday my cousin Alan came down to visit and have breakfast, and I had not been to Babe’s for awhile so I decided to take him up there.  I managed to convince Dianne to go with us, even though she is not much of a breakfast person.  Babe’s Kitchen is a little café located on Wardlow west of Orange, and it has been there forever.  The owner, George, is the guy manning the stove and griddle, and it has a very home cooked feel, so come on in, find a seat, say hi to George and prepare for the Babe’s experience.

Now when I say that this place is a dive, I say it with all the respect in the world.  It is just an old place that has been serving people for many years.  As with so many places that I love in the LBC, I was first introduced to Babe’s by my good friend Nick Moncure.  The first time I ate at Babe’s, the place was a little rougher, but they have cleaned it up a lot and replaced most of the tables and chairs.  Thank god that they have not changed the food or servers, most of whom have been there as long as the restaurant.  They are the sweetest old ladies and will give you nothing but the best service.  If you know what to ask for, you will also be able to partake in the homemade jams that take the homemade toast to another level.

So now that you have said hello, found a seat, and worked up an appetite, let’s talk about food.  The menu is exactly what you would expect:  breakfast, burgers, and sandwiches, all of which are simple, traditional, and delicious.  My favorite breakfast is the Ham and Eggs, with homemade toast and crispy hash browns.  When it comes to the table, you have two large eggs (over easy of course), a huge slab of ham, and a pile of the most wonderful hash browns you have ever had.

But let’s not forget the previously mentioned homemade toast, which is eminently worthy of its own paragraph.  George takes a huge loaf of bread and cuts very generous slices, butters them up and slaps them on the seasoned grill.  Then you get to dress it up your own way with their selection of homemade jams, and you can have almost any kind you can think of.  My favorites are the strawberry rhubarb and the blackberry.  All the seeds and pulp – they just make my day.

I would also suggest that you try their omelets, and the classic biscuits and gravy.  The gravy has large chunks of sausage, is very thick and comes on some of the fluffiest biscuits you have ever had the opportunity to put in your undeserving mouth.  They are a perfect complement to any Babe’s breakfast, but can also be a meal all on their own.

Babe’s Kitchen is a true Long Beach experience.  The people, food, and atmosphere will make you realize that even though you live in a big city, there is still a great sense of community.  You owe it to yourself to take the time and make a trip up.  There is hardly ever a line, and the coffee is always strong and hot.  I hope to see you there soon.

Until Next Time, Keep Eating Long Beach,

Cliv