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Gladstone's Long Beach
Master Critic Review
Gladstone's Long Beach
7.6
Vibes:
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Family Friendly Favorites
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
This 9,000-square-foot waterfront restaurant at The Pike Outlets features expansive harbor views from the patio overlooking the Queen Mary and Lighthouse. The diverse menu includes large portions of fresh seafood, grilled steaks, fresh sushi, and the famous Mile High Chocolate Cake, catering to convention center crowds and tourists.
Must-Try Dishes:
Live Maine Lobster, Truffle Lobster Mac & Cheese, Daily Fresh Fish Selection
Scores:
Value: 7.2
Service: 7.3
Consistency: 7.1
Food Quality: 7.4
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Massive portions and prime location steps from Aquarium of the Pacific
Who should go: Convention attendees and families wanting reliable waterfront dining with variety
When to visit: Sunday brunch 11am-2pm with live music on outdoor deck
What to order: Coconut shrimp, Parmesan-crusted halibut, clam chowder
Insider tip: Validate parking at The Pike structure for 90 minutes free
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Validate at The Pike Outlets parking structure for 90 minutes free with validation, $2/hour after. Street parking minimal.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - tourists in shorts fine, but locals lean toward jeans and collared shirts for dinner
Noise level: Moderate to loud - music and harbor activity create buzz, best for groups rather than intimate conversation
Weekend wait: 30-45 min for patio without reservation, indoor seats usually available
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, walk-ins welcome except during convention events
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - pasta primavera, vegetable stir-fry, substantial salads beyond sides
Vegan options: Limited - 2-3 options, mostly salads with modifications. Better for pescatarians.
Gluten-free options: Yes - grilled fish options easily modified, GF bread available, staff trained on protocols
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid choice for casual first dates - the harbor views provide natural conversation starters and the relaxed vibe takes pressure off. Skip if you want intimate or impressive - this is more 'fun weekend energy' than romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner (before 6pm) you're fine walking in. Friday/Saturday dinner reserve ahead for patio seating. Indoor usually available but defeats the purpose of coming here.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - kids menu, high chairs, crayons, and the harbor views keep kids entertained. All ages welcome, popular with families doing Aquarium + lunch combo.
Best For
Better for: Massive portions that satisfy tourist appetites, prime location for convention attendees wanting walkable waterfront, and reliable crowd-pleasers when your group can't agree on cuisine. The view-to-value ratio beats most Long Beach competitors.
Skip if: You want innovative seafood (this is volume-focused), intimate ambiance, or serious food credentials. Choose Water Grill for special occasions, Pier 76 for locals' seafood, or San Pedro Fish Market for better value casual.