Long Beach breakfast spots recommended by readers

Rise and shine, Breakfast Club. 

Last month, I took a crack at sharing five places to enjoy ~ the sacred morning meal ~ in Long Beach. Today, I’m back with several more breakfast recommendations — but this time, they come straight from the readers of this newsletter.

If you live here, I don’t need to tell you that this city has options — ample and abundant breakfast options. But just when I thought I had Long Beach pegged, with just a few greasy spoons left to tear off my list — I was left feeling a bit like Jon Snow.

Ordinarily, when I write about my favorite places to get a hot dog, see live music, host a picnic, etc., I get a handful of emails from readers (you and you and you) with messages like “I can’t believe you left out DOGZ!” or “Loved this, but you forgot (X, Y and maybe Z).” But when I chose to boldly send a short list of breakfast joints last month I heard from much more than a handful. 

Let it be known here that I cherished this mob of impassioned emails from those who take breakfast as seriously as I do, and I’ve made it my mission to try as many of these places as I possibly can. 

In a moment, I’m going to share those reader recs with you. And since it’s now ~ the holidays ~ you’re really going to need them. You know, to impress the out-of-town folk — visiting in-laws, relatives, childhood friends, etc. 

But before I give up the list, allow me to introduce you to my new favorite counter in Long Beach: Jongewaard’s Bake N Broil. 

I have a reader named Niki to thank for this one. She explained that she’s lived in Long Beach for 73 years and has tried a whole lot of breakfast establishments. Then, she gave me the goods: A “must try” list of places I’ve never been before. Bixby Knolls’ Bake N Broil was the first on that list. 

“Always a neighborhood favorite, always packed, and always good,” she said. 

First of all, when I walked in, the amalgamated aroma of freshly baked pies, cinnamon rolls, muffins and more practically smacked me in my hungry face. This must be the place, I thought. It was indeed packed, and there was a bit of a wait, but myself and my breakfast co-pilot serendipitously snagged two seats at the counter, where we were able to ogle all the goods, the baked goods — pies of boysenberry, pumpkin, cherry and cakes of coffee and sour cream pecan.

Bake N Broil has been around since 1965, so they’ve clearly been onto something right over the years. I don’t know what the place used to look like, but the decor felt a bit equestrian and a little East Coast with a splash of ‘60s Long Beach memorabilia around. Very clean, very sharp, very cozy. 

Upon checking out the menu, I nearly fell out of my diner seat — reasonable prices. I don’t know how often you go out to breakfast, but these days, being able to order pancakes, an omelet, huevos rancheros, what have you, for around $10 to $13, especially in a place as quaint as this, is a rare thing.

So, our eyes were bigger than our stomachs, as the saying goes. Consequently, we ordered enough to feed five (the portions are massive). We ordered the pumpkin pancakes with butter sauce ($12.95), the vegetarian omelet with bell pepper, tomato, mushrooms, avocado, onions and cheese ($13.50) and the spinach, mushroom and cheddar omelet ($11.95).

Pro tips: Egg dishes come with either hash browns or hash browns seasoned with bell peppers and onions. Get them seasoned. The server will then ask you if you want an English muffin, toast or biscuits. You want the muffin. We ordered one blueberry and one raspberry streusel. 

We walked out stuffed, drunk on nothing but the euphoria of finding a new favorite and with leftovers in hand. (I’m still snacking on my triple stack of pancakes).

Thank you, Niki. 

Without further gushing, here are some of the places readers have recommended:

MeeMa’s – 4726 Atlantic Ave. 

This one is also in Bixby Knolls, but it’s much newer than Jongewaards. According to Niki, its “full of kitsch, this restaurant is the ultimate in awesome breakfasts. A MUST TRY.”

The Grain Cafe – 4403 E. Fourth Street

I’ve long peered over at this place while waiting for a seat at Egg Heaven across the street. Now, I’ve got a reason to cross over. A reader named Catherine spoke highly of it: “We enjoyed your article, but missed seeing one of our favorites.”

The Grain Cafe offers Oaxacan-inspired vegan fare. Catherine recommended the tofu scramble with a side of yams and toast; the mole burrito; the chik’n curry wrap; the breakfast burrito and the veggie omelet. 

Hof’s Hut – 2147 N. Bellflower Blvd.

I know, I know, it’s ridiculous that I haven’t been here yet. 

A reader named Gordon said: “With respect for your breakfast listing, I must note that I have been breakfasting at Hof’s Hut since 1955 (yes, 1955) and never found it wanting.”

Here, Gordon says you’ll find a large selection of breakfast dishes, including a “fine quesadilla that is wonderfully tasty and filling.” You heard the man. 

Another reader, Janice, told me that Hof’s is “always a winner for breakfast.” 

The Small Cafe – 5656 Second Street

I’ve long heard that Naples has a good many breakfast offerings. Aside from Hof’s Hut, Janice recommended The Small Cafe. Upon looking at their menu, I’m particularly interested in trying their breakfast burrito and “special spud.” 

Village Cafe – 4148 ½ N. Viking Way

A reader named Paul simply sent me an email exclaiming: Village Cafe! With a thumbs-up emoji. This is another place with an impressively affordable menu. I’m eyeing the huevos rancheros ($13), chorizo and eggs ($12, soyrizo also available) and The Duke — corn tortilla covered with home-fried potatoes, two eggs, Spanish sauce and melted cheese, surrounded by pork sausage or Louisiana hot links ($13).

Sunrise Cafe – 4101 N. Lakewood Blvd., Lakewood

Jonathan, another reader, wrote in to let me know that I “forgot” a crucial Lakewood breakfast staple: The Sunrise Cafe. 

“The owner Ken and his staff are top notch and the portions are great.” 

I’ve driven by this place before. You can’t miss it and its giant “Homestyle Country Cooking” sign. Aesthetically speaking, It looks like my kind of joint — kitschy, cozy and colorful. It might be next on my list just for those evil photos of banana pancakes I keep seeing on Yelp. 

Heritage Family Pantry – 2601 E. Carson St., Lakewood 

Another Lakewood rec from our friend Jonathan. He says they’ve got HUGE PORTIONS (yes, the sentiment was in huge caps too). And I believe him. Their slogan is “enjoy delicious food in big portions.” On their website, they say, and I quote, “We are known for our big portions!” 

So if you’re hungry, go here. Plus, they make their own bread and the breakfast menu is also (uppercase) Huge. I’m eyeing the L.A. Marathon: Three eggs, two French toast triangles, two pancakes, bacon, ham, sausage and home fries, all for $15.49. Yep, that’s a lot of food. 

Also, these: Fried Eggs & Meat Sandwich, the Brunch Burrito and Breakfast Quesadilla. There are so many ingredients and possible sides that I’m not going to bother trying to list them all. Here’s the menu. 

This place also quenches my thirst for classic diner aesthetics. I would absolutely have no problem sitting at their counter and enjoying 22 coffee top-offs. 

---

I could go on and on (and on), but I’m sure you’ve got somewhere to be, presumably one of these fine establishments we just gushed about. Thank you to all of the readers who kindly shared their breakfast secrets. Do you have some recommendations for me? You might just find your tips in my newsletter.