As Mother’s Day creeps closer, it can be a scramble to find somewhere to eat.
For those looking to snag a reservation, the earlier the better—but, according to Yelp’s Data Science, at least a week in advance is advised. Long Beach is filled with great spots and events to celebrate the women in our lives.
Here’s some food-centric ideas to check out:
The Wild Chive
Yelp’s Top 100 Brunch Spots for Mother’s Day list released Thursday, May 4, slotted Long Beach’s The Wild Chive at No. 3.
The list compiles the all-time best brunch spots for Mother’s Day based on a “number of factors” including the volume and ratings of reviews. Yelp allowed a maximum of ten businesses per state for geographic diversity purposes, according to Yelp’s methodology.
The Wild Chive was the highest ranking California restaurant, with Southern California dominating the 10 spots. Seven restaurants between L.A., Orange, Riverside and San Diego Counties were featured.
This isn’t the first time the popular vegan spot has made one of Yelp’s lists. The restaurant ranked fourth in Yelp’s first-ever 2022 Top 100 Brunch Spots in California.
The restaurant, located in Bluff Park, started as a pop-up before opening a brick-and-mortar during the pandemic.
Some brunch specialties currently on their menu include a “Grilled Burrizo” stuffed with tofu and soy-based chorizo, a “Wild Shroom Burger” featuring a wild mushroom instead of a beef patty and “Chick’n and Waffles.”
Note: The Wild Chive does require reservations on weekends; walk-ins will only be accommodated if there are cancellations.
The full list can be found here. The Wild Chive is located at 2650 East Broadway.
Long Beach BBQ Fest
Kick off Mother’s Day celebrations early by checking out the inaugural Long Beach BBQ Festival scheduled for May 13 from 1 to 8 p.m. at Trademark Brewing.
Admission is free (food and drinks purchased separately), kid and dog-friendly, and eight vendors are participating, including Axiom Kitchen Smoked Meats & BBQ owned by event organizers Ian and Qiana Mafnas.
The idea stemmed from Axiom Kitchen’s one year anniversary falling conveniently during May, which is National BBQ month.
“We thought ‘why don’t we do something community-based?’” Qiana Mafnas said. “We wanted to do something to give opportunities to small businesses.”
That mission to lift up others is at the forefront of their minds, which motivated them to donate 100% of the proceeds Axiom Kitchen makes at the festival to a charity they have yet to announce. They will update their social media pages with the charity chosen.
“People in the [restaurant] business can be closed off,” Ian Mafnas said. “I’m so grateful to be in this position, I’m evidence change is possible.”
Three vendors at the festival, which will also feature Chef T and Chef RonDoe Woods, are women-owned businesses.
“I love that it’s the day before Mother’s Day,” Qiana Mafnas said. “I’m a mother and I wouldn’t want to do anything else.”
The couple plans to do the event next year on an even bigger scale.
Trademark Brewing is located at 233 East Anaheim St.
Roxanne’s
Roxanne’s is celebrating the holiday with Trios, Tequilas and Barbacoa, a five-hour brunch event from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Purchase tickets on eventbrite for $35 plus fees, which includes an entree, welcome cocktail or drink and a tequila flight. Limited spots available.
The brunch buffet will include Roxanne’s signature barbacoa and various tequila options. Musicians will play traditional and romantic Latin American music.
Roxanne’s is located at 1115 East Wardlow Road.