Where Can I Find a Great Coffeehouse in Long Beach?

Okay. I have to interrupt this article with a slight disclaimer. I am one of those people who loves Starbucks. I love the fact that I can get my iced tall double-shot made the same every time without deviance. I love that when I step out onto the street, wherever I am, I can turn slightly left and face one. But, with all that said, the reason why I buy a coffee from Starbucks is only convenience. I can run in and run out, or better yet, when my little girl was a toddler, I could roll through the drive-thru. There is a completely opposite reason as to why I visit an independently owned coffeehouse in Long Beach: the environment.

Environment is everything if your long-lost friend from high school wants to sit for hours and catch-up. (Man, that’s twenty years of stories; the environment better be good!) It is equally important if you need to meet a potential client or network with influential people. It is crucial if you have to sit through the endless stream of consciousness of the mommie-group, trying to decipher if little Johnny is a good enough student to be friends with your little Susie. So when talking about the great coffeehouses of Long Beach, I will grade them not so much on their cup of joe, but on the environment.

First, let’s talk about Viento Y Agua. Located at 4007 E. 4th St right across the street from Fremont Elementary, this coffee spot has a great mix of funky flavor. They have all the usual: espresso drinks, iced blended concoctions, herbal teas, pastries, muffins, snacks. The Mexican Moka is especially decadent; they use real Ibarra Mexican chocolate and the taste is so rich and creamy, it is like having a chocolate molten lava cake in a cup. This is where you can still find local art on the walls and hear local musicians in the evening, or you can just find a quiet space to read, or sit with your laptop at one of the little tables (they have free WiFi), or have a private conversation with your friend in a big squishy chair. Either way, this little coffeehouse will not disappoint.

 Going west along 4th street is the infamous Portfolio coffeehouse, at 2300 E. 4th. If you have not visited this location, then it is time you did so. And when you do, don’t be surprised when you sit down with your steaming cup of morning brew that you stay all day. Not only do they have all the coffees, teas, and munchies, but they also boast grilled Panini sandwiches, vegetarian dishes, soups and salads as well. They also have free WiFi, the art on the wall is also local, and the musicians are too, but Portfolio likes to mix it up a bit. They also feature local authors with readings and book signings, workshops for the creative, and on Sunday mornings they have children’s story time. And if the weather is nice (and hey, the weather is almost ALWAYS nice, it’s California!) they also have an area outside under the shade of umbrellas and leafy trees that you can ponder your life or write your next big-hit screenplay. This place has character and charm; it will embrace you with open arms.

Heading down Junipero toward the beach is another local gem, Hot Java, at 2101 East Broadway. This used to be my favorite back in college when I lived walking distance from the place. And even though it has gone through a massive transformation, it still serves as a great hangout. The best time to go is in the morning when you can sit in a comfy chair and watch the morning news on their plasma tv. Or visit in the evening—the huge fireplace will warm you and send you into a relaxed state of bliss. And for all you dog owners, bring Fido along! This was the great thing about this place way back; I would walk my doggie along the bluff and then hit Hot Java for a little afternoon refreshment. It is good to see that over the years, that policy has not changed. They still welcome your pooch and even offer him dog biscuits while you are sipping your espresso and people-watching from one of the huge windows. Sounds like a great way to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon.

KM Covington