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For the longest time, I was not a coffee person. But as I’ve grown, so has my dependence on caffeine; I’ve even started to love it. But I am not a picky coffee drinker. I don’t know what’s considered “good” or “bad” coffee, and because I don’t drink my coffee black, a lot of it tastes the same to me. 

That being said, I love my midday coffee break all the same. At home, in our Downtown office — wherever I am — I’ll usually break away to grab a coffee when that 3 p.m. slump hits. I’m sure you can relate. 

Here’s where I’ve been going Downtown: 

A couple weeks ago I wrote a story on Coffee Station, which opened at the end of January right on Pine Avenue. The owner, Alptekin Özkılıç, a Turkish, ex-UFC fighter wanted to bring a piece of Turkish coffee culture to Long Beach. 

The shop opens later than most cafes, sometimes closing around 7 p.m. depending on the amount of customers. When I went with my editor Kat Schuster, our visuals editor Thomas Cordova and fellow reporter Maison Tran, we grabbed coffees, a few of us grabbed sandwiches, and we were offered some baklava on the house (it’s Turkish tradition, so “no” wasn’t really an option). 

Thomas and I ordered the Cereal Killer ($8), a cold coffee with espresso, vanilla, hazelnut and oat milk. It’s also topped with Cinnamon French Toast cereal. For those who prefer milk alternatives, it’s nice to be able to order those without having to worry about the extra charge. It’s a refreshing, not an overly sweet drink. The vanilla and hazelnut flavors aren’t overpowering either.

I may not be picky about my coffee, but I am picky about my baklava because I’m Lebanese. I’ve always favored baklava filled with pistachio, so these pistachio-stuffed filo dough (thin layers of unleavened dough) squares were crispy, chewy, and sweet. It was incredible. We also tried the pistachio Turkish delight. The squares of sugar and starch are gummy, and dense, but the bites of pistachio nuts add the perfect crunch. Having the option to enjoy those treats with coffee has made Coffee Station my new favorite.

Next time I swing by I plan to grab the Turkish coffee which, of course, they don’t serve to-go. 

Coffee Station is at 440 Pine Avenue. Directions | Website

I’ve written about how much I enjoyed Zuzu’s Petals’s The Skillet which comes with crispy hash browns, onions, red and green bell peppers and cheesy, creamy scrambled eggs. But it’s also become one of my favorite places to grab a coffee. 

The Cinnagave Shaken Espresso ($7) comes with agave, milk and cinnamon. It’s shaken until frothy and the agave adds a nice sweetness. I’ve also tried their Crosswalk Latte ($7) which is birthday cake flavored (it has rainbow art). While I tend to avoid this type of flavoring, this drink did not have that artificial vanilla taste that I find in a lot of birthday cake-flavored things. I would happily order it again — I just have to remember the restaurant closes at 3 p.m. every day. 

For a sweet treat, the acai bowl ($11) with coconut flakes, mixed berries, sliced banana, house hazelnut “butter,” and maple pecan granola itches that sweet tooth craving but it is a genuinely filling energy booster to help get through the rest of the day.

Zuzu’s Petals is at 801 E. Third Street. Directions | Website 

Creme de la Crepe is another great afternoon spot, although you have to carve out a good amount of time to go because the service is pretty relaxed — they’re not in a rush to get you out the door. 

I’ll always go for a dessert crepe, usually the one with strawberry, nutella, banana and vanilla ice cream ($9.50). They also serve a chestnut crême brulée ($11) which I am always tempted by but have yet to try. 

On that same note, they also serve a chestnut latte which I also haven’t gotten (yet), because I usually pick a small French press ($5) or a cappuccino ($5). Italians say not to drink one after 11 a.m. — but arrest me! It’s just too good to resist. 

Creme de la Crepe is at 400 E. First Street. Directions | Website 

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New eats around town

Not a new spot, but Sura Korean BBQ & Tofu House just added tableside grills to its outdoor seating. Now, guests can grill up their own meat to get that full K-BBQ experience. Read more about it (and check out some mouth-watering photos from Thomas) here.  

Chef Bernard James, a Guyanese native just opened a Long Beach location of Taste of the Caribbean. The restaurant serves traditional jerk chicken, curries, pasta, and slow-braised oxtail. The new location is at 3400 Los Coyotes Diagonal. 

Have you been to any new restaurants or have some recommendations for me? I would love to hear your thoughts. Make sure to reply to this email or reach me here: [email protected]. 

Events and Specials

Date Night on Pine is set for Feb. 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. Last time, people got to check out Altar Society which had just opened, and this time around people can check out Broken Spirits, a new distillery opening soon that took over the former Portuguese Bend space. 

Prix Fixe menu options have not been released yet, but check back on the Hi-lo for updates. Attendees can choose a wristband that’ll let people know if they’re taken, interested in chatting, or things are complicated. Find out more here.