10:50am | Food: to put it simply, it makes us happy. But as with all great things, there’s the fantastic and there’s the mediocre — and we want you to tell us the best. Our list this year aims for a bit of everything we love about the food experience, ranging from individual classics to service to places as a whole. And what better place than Long Beach to begin that endeavor? Read through our list and respond to as many or as little as you’d like — just make sure our tongues salivate.
1. What is the best burger in town?
It’s an American classic that can be spun in every single direction known to the Gastronome Gods. Tell us what joint holds your favorite burger — and be specific as to which one it is and why it’s a staple you’ll just never give up.
2. What is the best hangover meal?
The night before was a bit fuzzy and your stomach is need of more than cereal or toast. Do you bombard your body with deep-fried goodness? Sugar cube gravy? Health nut offering? Offer us the place that give you the single dish you crave most after a night out that went much longer than expected.
3. Who has the best happy hour for food?
We all know which of our waterholes offer their cheapest libations, but we want you to tell us of the best place to get your grub on without incinerating your wallet.
4. What is the best vegetarian/vegan spot?
Whether it’s your permanent way of dining or something every now and then you like to experience when you’ve overdone the beef intake, there is no question that Long Beach is a great city for vegetarian and vegan food. What is the spot that defines great veggie grub?
5. Who is the best bartender?
Anyone can pour a beer and make a cocktail — but there’s truly an art within the world of mixology and customer service that makes an outstanding bartender. Give us your encounters with those behind the bar that made you realize, ‘Now THAT’S a cocktail!’
6. What is the best offering around that cures your sweet tooth?
Whether it’s a chocolate mousse or peanut butter nutter butter, vanilla bean ice cream or coconut creme brulee, we all have that one treat which always manages to magically fit in our stomach even when we’re disgustingly full. Tell us where we can get it and what it is that will make our sweet tooth go crazy.
7. Who hosts the best Sunday Funday?
You know the routine: your Saturday night debauchery requires you get a little hair of the dog — but you gotta start early just so you don’t feel entirely worthless upon arrival back at work on Monday. Does your Sunday Funday spot offer bottomless mimosas? An omelette station? Or is it just a cool place to end the end of the week?
8. Who has the best craft beer selection?
We’re not talkin’ Natty Ice or your Buddy. The craft of beer is something any foodie respects — and we know Long Beach serves up some of the best. We wanna know: where lies the epitome of fermented, hoppy heaven?
9. What is the best wine bar?
Wine has been around almost as long as beer, but Long beach is just catching on. With new wine bars popping up all the City, who serves the best tannin party? And what glass specifically captivates you?
10. Best joint to get your caffeine fix?
Most of our mornings are incomplete without our source of caffeination, be it coffee or tea. Long Beach has an array of coffeeshops — but what is the one that gets your buzz before work goin’ strongest?
Next: