Have you had your first Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL) of autumn yet? The savory, mega-popular beverage is as emblematic of fall as scarecrows, falling leaves, and bouquets of Chrysanthemums. Starbucks, which gets credit for popularizing the drink, has sold over 420 million of them since the company debuted it in 2003.
A little research has revealed a couple of important facts: 1) The pumpkin spice blend used by Starbucks is actually over 225 years old and can be found in late-18th century American cookbooks, and 2) Downtown Long Beach has plenty of places to get your PSL fix that aren’t Starbucks! Support a small business by checking out our list of some DTLB coffee spots that put an original twist on the PSL and other fall favorites.
GROUND HIDEOUT COFFEE / 356 E 4TH ST.
Ground Hideout Coffee’s Orange Cardamom Latte
This popular East Village spot has just celebrated its fifth anniversary, keeping local coffee and tea drinkers satisfied with an extensive beverage menu and tasty bites to go along with it (the Chimichurri Melt is a house favorite).
This fall, Ground Hideout invites you to drop in and try their Pumpkin Cloud Brew, a variation on their Tiramisu Cloud Brew which is sure to help get your fall vibes going! It’s already headed for fan-favorite status, joining the Orange Cardamom Latte and the Chagaccino.
Ground Hideout Coffee is open from 7 AM to 4 PM daily. Follow the shop on Instagram @groundhideoutlb.
RECREATIONAL COFFEE / 237 LONG BEACH BLVD., STE. A
Photo Courtesy of Recreational Coffee
A cool Downtown hangout and a place where you can buy top-quality whole bean coffee from Colombia and Guatemala, Recreational Coffee is also a spot that does seasonal beverages right!
The shop has just rolled out its selection of fall drinks: the Brown Butter Pumpkin Latte, the Spiced Caramel Latte with vegan syrup, and the Shaken Maple Latte, also made with vegan syrup. “You can’t go wrong picking any one of these scrumptious drinks,” said a shop rep. “Come try ’em for yourself!”
Recreational Coffee is open Monday through Friday, 7 AM to 5 PM, Saturday and Sunday from 7 AM to 6 PM. Follow them on Instagram @recreationalcoffee.
AROMA DI ROMA CENTRO / 444 W OCEAN BLVD, STE. 110
Photo Courtesy of Aroma Di Roma Centro
A spot that has developed a reputation for making guests feel like family, Aroma di Roma Centro has just started serving its fall drinks, and the list is spectacular!
Selections include the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, Pumpkin Pie Shaken Espresso, Chocolate Churro Latte, Pumpkin Cold Brew, Cinnamon Roll Latte, Maple Cinnamon Latte, Pumpkin Pie Latte, Pumpkin Spice Latte, Pumpkin Chai, Caramel Cider, and, *takes a breath* the Long Beach Fog, made with vanilla, cinnamon, maple, English breakfast tea and milk!
Aroma di Roma Centro is open Monday through Friday from 7 AM to 3 PM. Check in on Instagram @aromadiromacentro.
EAST VILLAGE CAFE / 443 E 1ST ST.
Photo Courtesy of East Village Cafe
This is the East Village Arts District’s oldest coffee spot and, judging from the pre-work and pre-weekend caffeinator traffic, they’ve spent all that time getting their coffee game dialed in to perfection! They go the extra mile for their clientele, try adding some CBD oil or collagen powder to your beverage next time you’re there.
In addition to its amazing menu of coffee, tea, smoothies, and frappes, the East Village Cafe is now serving three very delicious fall drinks: the Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte, the Green Caramel Apple (sure to be a fan favorite), and Hot Apple Cider. All three are perfect for keeping you warm during Downtown treat-or-treating!
East Village Cafe is open Sunday through Thursday, 7 AM to 3 PM, Friday and Saturday from 7 AM to 4 PM.
CONFIDENTIAL COFFEE 137 W 6TH ST.
Confidential Coffee’s Sugar Free Mazapan Latte
Big Congrats to Confidential Coffee as they celebrate their 6th anniversary! Join the celebration on Saturday, Sept. 28 from noon to 7 PM and help them celebrate at their retro-’90s party.
While you’re there, try the enticing Horchata Cold Brew, available in the original version with rice milk, cinnamon, piloncillo (raw pure cane sugar), and cold brew coffee. Imagine how amazing this would taste with PUMPKIN SPICE added! You can make that happen at Confidential Coffee throughout the fall.
RIGHTMEALZ / 422 E 4TH ST.
Photo Courtesy of RightMealz
RightMealz is rolling out their fall drink lineup with a full range of cozy menu items. Get ready for the Turmeric Fall Latte, the Pumpkin Spice Cold Brew, the Fall Harvest Latte, the Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Latte, and the Harvest Bliss Smoothie, made with organic pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, vanilla, banana, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. Yum! “The best part of fall drinks is the cozy vibe,” said Sweeney. “We’re all about that at RightMealz!”
RightMealz is open every day from 7 AM to 4 PM. Follow RightMealz on Instagram @rightmealz.