Isn’t coffee one of the four basic food groups? Maybe not – but for many folks, a day isn’t quite complete until they’ve started it off with a bracing mug of coffee, or wrapped it up with a soothing cup of tea.
Here are 15 coffee spots located throughout Downtown Long Beach where you can sip your beverage of choice (including plenty of fall-flavored options) and maybe grab a bite to eat while you get some work done – or just hang out. With this variety of coffee spots available, you’re sure to find the vibe you’re looking for.
CONTAINER CAFE / 411 W Ocean Blvd
Local favorite Long Beach Bread Lab is the purveyor happily occupying the Container Cafe, located just outside the Port of Long Beach headquarters within Civic Center Plaza. If you’re in a particularly cozy mood, Bread Lab launched their PSL a few weeks ago. However, if it’s a warm fall day the iced lavender green tea is a must-try, while barista Jon Godoy’s favorite bev is the iced matcha with vanilla oat milk.
“I love that you can taste the matcha, and the oat milk really brings the creaminess together that you’d expect from a regular milk,” said Godoy. “The matcha is unsweetened, so the vanilla really ties it all together.”
And if you’re hankering for a snack, just know that all pastries and food items are lovingly made fresh by Long Beach Bread Lab, as well as their syrups. So whether you order the PB&J on their house made Challah or a classic pastry, you’re in for a treat.
Pro tip: Bring your own cup or Tupperware to get 10 percent off your order.
While metered street parking is available, and the first half hour in the city parking structure (on Chestnut and Broadway) is free, it’s recommended to walk or ride your bike. There’s also a Long Beach Bike Share station right next to the cafe.
Container Cafe is open Mondays through Wednesdays, 7 AM to 4 PM, Thursdays and Fridays 7 AM to 1 PM, and is closed on weekends. For more info on Long Beach Bread Lab, follow @lbread on Instagram.
TWISTERS & COFFEE / 419 Shoreline Village Dr
This Shoreline Village fuel stop offers the full complement of caffeinated beverages (coffees, cappuccinos, blended coffee drinks, etc.) which go perfectly with the shop’s fresh-daily assortment of baked goods – including cinnamon twisters and an enticing assortment of pretzels!
Add Shoreline Village’s ocean breezes and beautiful views, and you’ve got the perfect scenario for a relaxing little getaway. Grab some treats and a coffee to go at the shop and enjoy the outdoor seating, or take your drink on a scenic stroll through the village.
Pro Tip: Twisters & Coffee is located right next to the Love Locks, a growing collection of small locks that couples affix to a fence, signifying their connection. Bring your best pal and a lock: There’s still plenty of room!
The shop is open from 8 AM until 9 PM seven days a week. For more info, visit the webpage here.
BIRDCAGE COFFEE HOUSE / 224 W 4th St
A jazzy little joint with lots of character, this perfectly-named shop is nestled amongst vibrant succulents, vines, and trees. The place is comfortable and funky, either inside or on the greened-out patio.
Keep it simple with a house coffee, or expand your horizons with a Chocolate Azteca coffee or an Iced Pomegranate tea. Fresh juices are also served: Be inventive and create your own combination.
Pro Tip: Bring an appetite: The Birdcage is well known for its croissant sandwiches!
The Birdcage is open Tuesday through Sunday, 7 AM to 4 PM. Closed on Mondays. To visit The Birdcage on Instagram, click here.
CAFE CABINET / 250 W Ocean Blvd, B2
If you’re a fan of art and delicious coffee, start your day at Cafe Cabinet. Located on Ocean Boulevard in Victory Park next to Buono’s Pizza, the cafe has been serving Downtown residents and visitors since 2018.
Cafe Cabinet was begun with the desire to “build a home that ultimately uplifts, encourages and emboldens those we serve.” The artwork on display goes a long way in helping achieve this noble goal!
Patrons can savor their Iced Tiramisu Cappuccino (pictured) or a Blackberry Mocha (a local favorite) as well as espresso shots, Cafe Americanos, and other classic coffeehouse offerings.
Pro tip: During your visit, enjoy the gorgeous mural on the wall by artist Steve Kim and a 3-D installation in the back by local artist Gabriel Gaete.
Follow Cafe Cabinet on Instagram for hours and more info @cafe_cabinet.
QARGO COFFEE / 707 E Ocean Blvd, Unit B-106
Located inside The Current building, Qargo Coffee is a great spot for getting work done, with plenty of seating available in its creatively designed interior and outdoors as well.
Whether you’re in high-productivity mode or just looking for a sticky-sweet concoction to get you through the day, Qargo has a wide selection of beverages and confections for you, including a chocolate pyramid cake and various cheesecakes and pastries.
Pro Tip: Beverage-wise, now is a great time to stop in and partake of Qargo’s “Sweet & Beautifall” drink menu, which includes Pumpkin Cold Brew, Fall Italian Frappe, and Citrus Orange Latte, among other fall-oriented drinks.
Qargo Coffee is open every day from 6 AM until 7 PM (7 AM to 6 PM on Sundays). For more information, visit Qargo’s website and Instagram.
CONFIDENTIAL COFFEE / 137 West 6th St
Confidential Coffee’s highly recommended fall seasonal drink menu will get you in the autumnal spirit with a Champurrado Latte, a Pumpkin Spice Horchata cold brew, or an amazing Horchata made with Matcha, Cinnamon, Rice Milk, and Piloncillo.
This is a great coworking space with an artsy vibe and plenty of literature to peruse while you relax in one of its many seating areas.
Pro Tip: Confidential Coffee will be celebrating its five-year anniversary on Friday, Sept. 29 from 4 to 7 PM at the shop with $5 drink and food specials! Show your support by toasting the shop with your Matcha Horchata.
Confidential Coffee is open every day from 7 AM to 5 PM (8 AM to 3 PM on Saturdays and Sundays). Learn more about Confidential Coffee here, and follow along on Instagram @confidential_coffee.
COFFEE STATION / 440 Pine Ave
Nestled in the heart of Downtown, Coffee Station emerges as the latest gem for coffee aficionados and food enthusiasts alike. With an enticing array of offerings, from meticulously crafted Turkish coffee to delectable acai bowls, revitalizing smoothies, savory sandwiches, and tempting bakery delights, this cozy enclave promises to fuel your day with flavor and energy. Step inside and experience more than just a caffeine fix; indulge in the welcoming ambiance, tailored for moments of relaxation, productivity, or camaraderie with friends.
Pro Tip: Try Coffee Station’s traditional baklava!
For more information, visit the Coffee Station Instagram.
BLUESTONE LANE / 333 E Ocean Blvd
Bluestone Lane isn’t just for Westin hotel guests but a hidden gem of a coffee spot tucked away in the west end of the hotel’s chic lobby. So whether you’re a local swinging by before work or a conference visitor meandering down for a pick-me-up, Bluestone is a lovely destination for coffee sipping and people watching alike.
Stop by for an espresso shot, a bitter and tangy zinger necessary for a productive morning, or try barista Mariana Gonzalez’ favorite, the vanilla iced latte with 2% milk. Bluestone staff proudly make all their syrups in-house, Gonzalez said, and the vanilla is especially delicious.
Pro tip: If you’re planning on staying for an hour or two and you’re walking distance, walking is recommended. Metered parking is sometimes available out front, or you can park inside the Westin’s underground parking garage for $6 an hour (you can ask the restaurant next to Bluestone to validate). If you don’t mind walking a block, you can also find metered parking on 1st Street behind the hotel. (If you’re just stopping by to pick up a coffee and go, valet won’t mind you leaving your car in front for a bit.)
For more info, visit the website here.
CULTURE SHROOMS / 408 E 1st St #102
For a new approach to the coffee ritual, we recommend the Culture Shrooms cold brew on tap, infused with mushrooms, which is their best seller. The well-informed staff is happy to guide you through the shop, which is fully stocked with mushroom gummies, tinctures, and powders, as well as books and mushroom art/trinkets.
There is a guide available to help you with your selection on what mushroom is best for you and your specific health concerns.
Pro Tip: This is a great shop to start your exploration of the many health benefits mushrooms have to offer!
Culture Shrooms is open Monday through Saturday, 10 AM to 6 PM and Sunday from 10 AM until 4 PM. For more information, visit the Culture Shrooms website and Instagram.
GROUND HIDEOUT / 356 E 4th St
Ground Hideout’s Autumn Series menu features five new drinks you can enjoy hot or iced. Especially notable are the Sea Salt Maple Latte made with housemade maple syrup, and the Espresso topped with whipped cream and sea salt.
Although the Autumn menu ends after Thanksgiving, you can enjoy this shop’s cozy vibes all year ‘round. Why work from home if you can bring your laptop here and nestle yourself in one of their window nooks with some great coffee?
And don’t worry, if you miss your opportunity to try one (or all of) their Autumn drinks, the winter menu is being curated to start at the end of this season.
Pro Tip: Want to take some of Ground Hideout’s vibe with you for gift-giving season? Coffee, candles, teas, and more are for sale inside the shop.
Ground Hideout is open seven days a week from 7 AM until 4 PM. Visit the Ground Hideout website here for the complete Autumn Series menu and more info, and follow along on Instagram @groundhidoutlb.
ROSE PARK ROASTERS / 800 Pine Ave
Rose Park Roasters, located in Downtown’s North Pine neighborhood, is an upbeat, open, bright coworking space with plenty of natural light so you look your best in your Zoom calls!
Hanging plants add a touch of nature to this bike-friendly establishment, which has hanging-rack bike parking out front, as well as ample street parking nearby for motor vehicles.
Fern the barista recommends the Maple Lavender Latte with orange zest on top. This drink, very light with hints of citrus, is a perfect introduction to the fall season.
Pro Tip: Stay tuned for Rose Park’s upcoming seasonal drink debuting in October – the “Herb and Root” – which features torched rosemary, roasted sweet potato, and other fall flavors. They will also serve a Holiday Espresso they describe as “bright and floral.”
The shop is open seven days a week from 7 AM to 4 PM. Rose Park also has a second Downtown location on Ocean Blvd at 455 E. Ocean Blvd.For more info, follow Rose Park Roasters on Instagram @roseparkroasters.
RECREATIONAL COFFEE / 237 Long Beach Blvd, Suite A
This shop has a friendly atmosphere and a constant stream of regulars; It feels like the spot “where everybody knows your name!”
In addition to the shop’s regular menu of coffeehouse delights, the seasonal menu at Recreational Coffee features three drinks, including a Pumpkin Pie Latte and the intriguing Brown Butter Miso Chocolate Cappuccino.
Pro Tip: In a hurry? Order online here!
Recreational Coffee is open seven days a week from 7 AM until 5 PM. Open until 6 PM on Saturdays and Sundays. For more information, visit Recreational Coffee’s website and Instagram.
EAST VILLAGE CAFE / 443 E 1st St
Sit outside under the shady trees and canopy at the East Village’s oldest coffee shop, which is open every day from 7 AM to 4 PM (5 PM on Fridays and Saturdays).
Plenty of autumn flavors are available: Try a Mexican Hot Chocolate Latte or a Date Shake with pumpkin spice and cinnamon.
Pro Tip: Shopping for your fall wardrobe? Pair your coffee shop stop with a visit to the variety of boutiques lining 1st Street, between Elm and Linden avenues.
Click here for the East Village Cafe’s extensive food menu! Visit East Village Cafe’s Instagram here.
DOLY’S DELECTABLES / 245 E Broadway
Doly’s, on the busy Broadway thoroughfare, is a perfect spot for early risers and “on the go” professionals. All the coffeehouse standards (espresso, macchiato, chai tea, etc.) are available bright and early every day except Sunday.
One thing that sets Doly’s apart is its fabulous, fresh-baked French pastries. C’est Magnifique!
Pro Tip: Try a Pumpkin Spice Chai Tea Latte! The baristas have a special fall flair for it.
Learn more about Doly’s Delectables, including shop hours, click here. Make sure to follow on Instagram! @dolysdelectables.
AROMA DI ROMA CENTRO / 444 W Ocean Blvd #110
Another hidden gem on Ocean Blvd, Aroma di Roma’s Downtown “Centro” location is located inside the 444 building on Ocean Blvd. For fall, Aroma is offering a classic Pumpkin Spice Latte (pictured), among other enticing autumn favorites.
Try the Brown Sugar Shaken Espresso, made with cinnamon and caramel, poured over ice; and the Long Beach Fog, a soothing elixir featuring vanilla, cinnamon, and maple swirled in English breakfast tea and topped with steamed milk.
Aroma di Roma also has a full breakfast menu, including the highly-recommended Uova Benedetto (Poached eggs on top of prosciutto, provolone, and soft-pressed focaccia, garnished with pesto, basil and olive oil).
Pro Tip: Don’t miss having your coffee on the gorgeous outdoor patio, which boasts cozy couches and ample seating.
Aroma di Roma is open Monday through Friday from 7 AM until 3 PM. Metered parking is available on the street. Make sure to visit Aroma di Roma’s website and Instagram.
For more Downtown Long Beach businesses, make sure to visit downtownlongbeach.org/interactive-map for the full directory.