It’s the season for warm holiday treats and in Southern California that means thick chocolate based champurrado and sweet and savory tamales when temperatures dip below 70 degrees.
In Long Beach, there’s an abundance of options, including the ones you just happen to stumble upon.
Below you’ll find a few places where you can start eating and drinking across town:
- Me Gusta Gourmet Tamales – This family business based out of Pacoima sells its handmade tamales at three Long Beach farmers markets locations. Options for the tamales include: beef, pork, corn, chicken, pineapple, vegetables and chile cheese.
Located at Bixby Park at 130 Cherry Ave. from 3 to 7 p.m. on Tuesdays; Marine Stadium from 3 to 7 p.m. on Wednesdays; North Long Beach farmers market at E. 46th St. and Atlantic Ave. from 1 to 9 p.m. on Thursdays.
- La Michoacana – Find champurrado at this dessert spot Fridays to Sundays and if you find yourself craving it during a cold spell in the middle of the week, cross the street to Aguas Way, 5248 Long Beach Blvd., for the hot drink as well.
Located at 5155 Long Beach Blvd. from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Daily Bread Bakery – Early birds get the champurrados and tamales at this Northside location which only sells these items in the morning. For the tamales, customers can choose between chicken with red or green salsa and jalapeño and cheese stuffings on the weekends.
Located at 6084 Atlantic Ave. from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Closed Wednesdays.
- Marilu Bakery – At this bakery, you can choose between Mexican and Central American tamales as well as champurrado every day.
Located at 1400 Cherry Ave. from 4 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Northgate Market – Long Beach’s three Northgate locations confirmed they are selling champurrados as well as atole de nuez y avena (Google it). For tamales, options include chicken, cheese, corn and beef.
Located at 4700 Cherry Ave. in Bixby Knolls; 2120 Pacific Ave. in Wrigley; and 2038 E. 10th St. in Rose Park from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.