Best of Belmont Shore + Long Beach

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We have really loved our time here in California and Long Beach - we have the best little neighborhood! When we moved to California, part of what drew us to Belmont Shore was the charm of 2nd street and the great little neighborhoods throughout long beach. We had so much fun trying new places so I wanted to share with you a few of our favorite shops, restaurants, and things to do in the Belmont Shore neighborhood.

The Attic : Our very favorite spot in Long Beach (that just so happens to serve creative southern foods...). Everything we had there was amazing! They're known for their mac n' cheetos and bloody mary's (need I say more?) and my favorite is their shrimp and grits. Brunch, date night, whatever the occasion go to the Attic!

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Manaow Thai : despite it's humble location in a strip mall, next to a laundromat, this is the best thai we had in long beach (and we love thai!). Their southern style curried noodles is amazing!
Open Sesame : when we first moved to long beach this was one of the placed people kept telling us about and it did not disappoint. Simple, fresh and delicious lebanese. Get the potato appetizer and be prepared for garlic breath for days.
Belmont Brewing Co : as one of the only local waterfront restaurants, we often found ourselves at belmont brewing especially when we have friends of family in town. They have a great patio and delicious food which makes it the perfect spot for a pretty day!

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Tavern on 2nd : this was one of the first places we stopped in for a burger and we kept finding our way back. The laid back patio and yummy burgers make it a great casual week night or date night spot. Get the tavern burger and sweet potato fries - yum!
Angelos Italian Deli : a low key Italian market and deli that is oozing with charm! Their sandwiches are delicious and super authentic - we heard the "mega torpedo" is the way to go but we always chickened out. Whatever you get, you can't go wrong!
6th and Detriot : a great little shop for retro and vintage home finds, always something new and fun!
Chuck's :  an old school, "cash only" little beach front diner that we fell in love with as soon as we moved here. My mom wanted to go here every time she visited. The food is pretty typical diner style food but the neighborhood feel and low key charm is what Chuck's is all about! The "locally world famous" Chuck's is the best place to start your day!

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Casa de Luxe : out of all the charming shops on retro row, this one was my fav with their trash to treasure vibe. It's worth a stop in to explore - we got a wooden dresser here for $30!
Anneise and Peacock :  a shared retail space offering apparel, plants and one of a kind jewelry makes this little shop quite the surprise. A great place for gifts and always fun to stop by.
Ballast Point : despite the not so good food, the beer and atmosphere is absolutely worth it. Grab a spot on the patio and watch the boats come in or warm by a fire pit - this place has the ultimate waterfront california vibe and is a great spot to catch the sunset over beers.
George's Greek Cafe : one of the first places we ate when we moved to town and they welcomed us with complimentary appetizer and baklava. We met the owner and heard about her family all over delicious greek food. This place is just as charming as it is delicious.
Long Beach Bike Share : these precious blue bikes are parked all over long beach, especially along the beach path, and are a great and easy way to explore. Just setup an account, enter your code, and go! We love using these bikes to get out on a pretty day or just get a little exercise. Hop on and cruise down to Shoreline village and the lighthouse for a scenic waterfront ride.

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Poke Pola : Max ate here probably 2 times a week - he just couldn't get enough of the deliciously fresh poke and ingredients in the "build your own" format. They even have a tofu option so my preggo self could still partake.
Long Beach Antique Market : truly a long beach experience - less intense than the rosebowl but with 800 sellers you can find anything and everything here. A must-experience in long beach!

These are just a few of our favorites but there is so much more to see and experience in Long Beach. We loved our little walkable neighborhood in Belmont Shore so much that we honestly didn't spend much time in downtown Long Beach or Retro Row so we know there is so much more to discover. It is bittersweet to say goodbye to our sweet little apartment and fun California beach neighborhood but of course we are excited for this new chapter and to discover new local favorites in Homewood.