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We love DTLB’s culinary scene specifically because it is so unique. And it is so unique because the vast variety of eateries are either locally owned or unique to Long Beach, giving visitors and patrons alike distinct offerings that run the full gastronomical gamut.

This is precisely why we’ve created this series, Off the Menu DTLB. This series seeks to explore grub and drinks that are either not on the menu whatsoever at a DTLB joint or, perhaps, aren’t so blatantly advertised or just seem offbeat entirely.

For a full list of previous Off the Menu items, scroll to the bottom.

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Tucked just off the north side of 7th Street at MLK sits an open door against a blue wall, shapes of colorful fruit adorning the facade, situated between a key maker on one side and a mechanic on the other. This hole-in-the-wall might appear tiny but it is packed with a ton of wonder, the kind of place where one shouldn’t leave without dessert that’s because, as is the obvious thing, it’s about the fruit’n’sweets. But not entirely.

Oh, Frutilandia, you sneaky little thing you.

Adorned on the inside are tables set with bright tablecloths with pictures of fruit, walls adorned with equally bright pictures showcasing, of course, fruit—and a ton of it.

We’re talking bionicos (or what’s basically a Mexican fruit salad: chopped fresh fruit, crema la Mexicana, condensed milk, coconut, raisins, and gastronomical magic). Mangonadas (sometimes called Chamango thanks to its mix of Chammy sauce, mangos, lime juice and chili powder). Raspados (think of these badboys as Mexican slushies that you can get tossed mango or Chamoy or both or or…).

Hell, they probably have the best tostilocos in DTLB (that’s tortilla chips topped with cueritos, cucumber, jícama, lime juice, hot sauce [Valentina, of course], Chamoy, Tajín, salt, and a Mexican favorite, Japanese peanuts).

But perhaps Frutilandia’s best kept secret is when night time comes.

Come around 6PM, they create the best pupusas in Long Beach.

Yup. Out of control delicious.

On top of it all, some of the best burritos, tacos, and bacon-wrapped hot dogs these side of South Gate and Huntington Park. On Fridays and Saturdays, they serve food until 2AM and midnight on Sundays. It is a win-win.

Frutilandia is located at 865 E 7th St., Suite B.

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Off the Menu in DTLB

  • Pier 76’s Chowder Fries
  • Potholder’s Flintstone French Toast
  • Recreational Coffee’s Iced Basilfruit

For inquiries regarding use of photos or copy, email info@dlba.org