Long Beach Coffee Shops
I don’t claim to be an expert coffee connoisseur, but to borrow a phrase, I know it when I see it (sorry, lawyer joke) – or more accurately, taste it. While I’m not above stopping in a convenient Starbucks now and then, I generally prefer independent coffee shops. Here are a few of my favorites in Long Beach, in no particular order.
Cuppa Cuppa, 455 E. Ocean Blvd.
One of my newer finds. Great coffee, very friendly staff, free WiFi, and a very nice patio. Bonus: it’s right next door to Modica’s deli, which is fantastic, and it’s close to the Long Beach Courthouse on Magnolia. website | map
Lord Windsor Coffee, 1101 E. 3rd St.
Lord Windsor roasts its own beans to ensure consistently great-tasting coffee. The shop is large and very comfortable but doesn’t have Wi-Fi and parking can be a bit challenging; otherwise, I would probably come here more often. website | map
Steelhead Coffee, 3768 Long Beach Blvd.
This shop is in the SteelCraft complex in Bixby Knolls, which features many food and drink establishments with a hipster vibe. The coffee here is excellent, but if you want indoor seating, look elsewhere. website | map
Recreational Coffee, 237 Long Beach Blvd.
Recreational Coffee is in downtown Long Beach and serves many unique coffees, teas, and espressos. Food is also available; I highly recommend the bacon and egg sandwich – gouda cheese and sriracha ketchup – yum. website | map
Commodity, 1322 Coronado Ave.
This shop has a cool minimalist vibe and the owner and staff are knowledgeable and extremely friendly. The coffee is definitely not commodity grade, and is top-notch. facebook | map
Rose Park Roasters, 3044 E. 4th St.
Rose Park roasts its own beans like several other coffee shops in the area. The espresso is especially good here. The shop opens at 6 AM and serves tasty breakfast items, making this a great early morning spot. website | map
Portfolio Coffeehouse, 2300 E. 4th St.
In addition to a wide variety of coffee, espresso, and iced drinks, Portfolio has a huge menu of breakfast, salads, sandwiches, soups, and wraps at great prices. Its sidewalk patio is an ideal place to sip a coffee, have a delicious sandwich, and watch the people go by. website | map
Terra Mia Coffee, 425 E. Pacific Coast Hwy.
Terra Mia is a regional chain with a south-of-the-border vibe and delicious coffee specialties like the horchata frappe, rice and beans frappuccino (yes, you read that correctly), and the cafecito Cubano. This location, the only Terra Mia in Long Beach, has a convenient drive-thru that comes in handy if you’re in a rush. website | map
