Best American Restaurants in Long Beach
17 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Chez Bacchus
Only fine dining in downtown with tableside service and sommelier-curated wine pairings
Notable Picks
#1
Chez Bacchus
8.8
Farm-to-table New American dining from Advanced Sommelier John Hansen and Chef Danny Le showcases seasonal California ingredients with refined technique. Open since June 2022 in the Arts District, this intimate spot earned People's Choice Best Fine Dining in 2025 and offers everything from weekend brunch to tableside desserts.
Must-Try Dishes:
Maple Leaf Duck, Miso-Glazed Norwegian Salmon, Bananas Foster (tableside)
What Makes it Special: Only fine dining in downtown with tableside service and sommelier-curated wine pairings
8.7
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Upscale casual taverna delivering classic American comfort food since 2008 in Belmont Shore's heart. Exhibition kitchen showcases culinary talent behind signature items like prime rib dip and butter cake dessert. Glass walls and spacious patio create sophisticated people-watching setting with consistently stellar service.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Rib Dip, Chilean Sea Bass, Butter Cake
What Makes it Special: 17-year neighborhood institution balancing casual warmth with upscale execution and exceptional hospitality
8.6
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Business Lunch Power Players
Luxury Dining Elite
Since 1984, this classic American steakhouse has built its reputation on hand-cut USDA Prime steaks dry-aged in-house for 30 to 120 days in a pink Himalayan salt brick room. The clubby, old-school interior with plush booths and dark wood paneling creates an atmosphere that has earned recognition as one of OpenTable's most romantic restaurants in the country.
Must-Try Dishes:
45-Day Bone-In Ribeye, Filet Mignon, Japanese Satsuma Wagyu A5 Strip
What Makes it Special: Long Beach institution with award-winning wine cellar and in-house dry-aging program
8.5
Vibes:
Luxury Dining Elite
Business Lunch Power Players
Birthday & Celebration Central
Date Night Magic
National steakhouse chain's Long Beach outpost sits steps from the Convention Center, serving USDA Prime steaks on signature 500-degree sizzling plates. Modern interior with booth and bar seating offers prix fixe specials and weekday happy hour alongside classic sides like lobster mac and cheese.
Must-Try Dishes:
Center-Cut Filet with Crab Stuffed Shrimp, Salmon with Bay Scallops, Potatoes au Gratin
What Makes it Special: Convenient Convention Center location with consistent nationwide Ruth's Chris quality
#5
ISM Brewing
8.3
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Happy Hour Hotspots
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Award-winning modern brewpub opened in December 2023 by industry veteran Ian McCall, earning two Gold Medals at the 2024 World Beer Cup within months of opening. Head Brewer Gene Wagoner crafts world-class ales and lagers while the kitchen delivers elevated American pub fare from scratch.
Must-Try Dishes:
House-Tossed Wings (Plain, Tatanka, BBQ, or Erawan), Brewery Mac & Cheese, LB Caviar (Pickled Eggs)
What Makes it Special: World Beer Cup Gold Medal winner with 1,500 sq ft promenade-facing patio
8.3
Vibes:
Date Night Magic
Birthday & Celebration Central
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Business Lunch Power Players
Since 1983, this waterfront landmark delivers mesquite-grilled fresh seafood and award-winning wine selections beneath a working lighthouse. The menu features innovative Southern California preparations alongside creative sushi, all served with panoramic views of Long Beach Harbor and the Queen Mary.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mesquite-Grilled Fresh Fish, Oysters Rockefeller, Sesame-Crusted Ahi Tuna
What Makes it Special: Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and unmatched harbor views from every table
8.3
Located on the third floor of Parkers' Lighthouse since 2011, this supper club-style steakhouse offers unmatched 360-degree views of the Queen Mary, Long Beach Harbor, and downtown skyline. Live jazz performances Tuesday through Sunday nights complement prime steaks, chops, and fresh seafood, creating a scene reminiscent of classic mid-century dining.
Must-Try Dishes:
Prime Porterhouse for Two, Dry-Aged Ribeye, Bacon-Wrapped Dates
What Makes it Special: Rotating panoramic harbor views paired with nightly live jazz in elegant supper club setting
8.2
Two-story gastropub resembling a ski chalet serves locally-sourced seasonal cuisine with organic cocktails. Executive chef Shelly Bojorquez creates New American dishes from duck meatballs to bison short ribs. Rooftop patio offers prime 2nd Street people-watching while maintaining surprisingly calm ambiance inside.
Must-Try Dishes:
Duck Meatballs, Bacon Burger, Roasted Bone Marrow
What Makes it Special: Multi-level gastropub combining Hofman family hospitality with chef-driven seasonal fare and curated whiskey selection
8.1
California-French comfort food meets urban rooftop beer garden in downtown's heart. Part of the Cohn Restaurant Group, this casual eatery features Brussels sprouts that have achieved cult status, plus an indoor fireplace and covered rooftop space perfect for people-watching.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bo-Beau's Famous Brussels Sprouts, Steak Frites, French Onion Soup
What Makes it Special: Only downtown spot with both rooftop beer garden and French-inspired menu
#10
Sideburns
8
Smash burger specialist adjacent to The Stache Bar serves 100% grass-fed patties alongside extensive vegan options including Beyond burgers, Chicago-style dogs, and dairy-free sides. Chef Thomas masters the art of cooking multiple burgers simultaneously while maintaining quality across both meat and plant-based options.
Must-Try Dishes:
The Smash Stache Burger, Vegan Smash Stache Burger, Chicago Dog (Vegan Available)
What Makes it Special: Equal commitment to quality for both meat and vegan burgers rare in burger joints
#11
The Attic
8
A converted 1920s craftsman home serving Southern-inflected brunch with a California sensibility—customizable Bloody Marys, short rib poutine, and powdered-sugar beignets anchor a menu that rewards sharing. The multiple dining rooms and spacious dog-friendly patio make it a natural fit for weekend groups willing to wait for a table in Belmont Shore's most entrenched brunch destination.
Must-Try Dishes:
Bloody Mary, Beignets, Poutine
What Makes it Special: New Orleans-inspired brunch destination with a rooftop patio in Long Beach's Belmont Shore
#12
Simmzy's
8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Pet Friendly Paradise
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Coastal-chic gastropub from Simms brothers brings Manhattan Beach success to larger Belmont Shore space. Craft beer focus with house brews like Beach Cruiser Blonde pairs with creative comfort food from Brussels sprouts to wood-fired pizzas. Family-friendly vibe welcomes dogs on patio with communal tables creating neighborhood energy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Brussels Sprouts with Capers, Simmzy's Burger, Ahi Poke Tostada
What Makes it Special: Regional gastropub chain's largest location emphasizes craft beer selection with playful California-coastal menu
8
Vibes:
Brewery & Beer Garden Republic
Family Friendly Favorites
Outdoor Dining Oasis
Group Dining Gatherings
Sprawling two-story harborside brewery with 60+ beers on tap overlooking Alamitos Bay. The award-winning San Diego-based operation serves American pub fare alongside their craft beers, featuring fire pits on outdoor patios for sunset viewing.
Must-Try Dishes:
BP Wings, Beer-Steamed Mussels, Baked Short Rib Mac and Cheese
What Makes it Special: Waterfront brewery with panoramic bay views and extensive beer selection
Worthy Picks
#14
Louie’s on 2nd
7.9
Relaxed American eatery balances comfort food classics with contemporary touches like triple smash burgers and garlic noodles with shrimp. Wednesday wine specials and live music create neighborhood gathering spot atmosphere. Craft cocktails and bourbon selection complement accessible menu that satisfies without pretension.
Must-Try Dishes:
Triple Smash Burger, Garlic Noodles with Shrimp, Steak Frites
What Makes it Special: Neighborhood newcomer earning quick loyalty with solid execution and Wednesday wine-music nights
#15
Potholder Cafe
7.9
Vibes:
Brunch Bliss Spots
Family Friendly Favorites
Cheap Eats Budget Brilliance
Comfort Food Classics
No-frills neighborhood diner serving massive portions of American and Mexican breakfast classics in a homey, vintage atmosphere. Famous for the 18-inch "Mac Daddy Frankie" pancake challenge and hearty scrambles that draw weekend crowds willing to wait.
Must-Try Dishes:
18-Inch Pancake, Chilaquiles, Turbo Scramble
What Makes it Special: Giant pancake challenge and generous portions at budget-friendly prices
#16
A PCH
7.8
River Jetty Restaurant Group's 2023 addition to 2ND & PCH brings seasonally-focused modern American cuisine with Alamitos Bay views. Executive lineup from partners McG Nichol and Jordan Otterbein showcases signature land and sea dishes from their portfolio of coastal restaurants.
Must-Try Dishes:
Table-Side Chicken Pot Pie, Seasonal Seafood, Craft Cocktails
What Makes it Special: Waterfront views in 2ND & PCH shopping center from proven restaurant group
#17
Next Door
7.5
A tequila-forward cantina built around 100+ agave spirits and seafood-heavy regional Mexican cooking from a native Mexican chef — Puerto Nuevo lobster, tablita, and chile relleno anchor the menu. The room runs loud with DJ sets on Thursdays and Saturdays, so early weekday seatings or the patio are the move if conversation matters. With only one Google review on record, the kitchen's track record is still unproven.
Must-Try Dishes:
Seafood Chile Relleno, Birria Tacos, Puerto Nuevo Lobster
What Makes it Special: Tequila-focused cantina with 100+ agave spirits and seafood-forward regional Mexican dishes from a native Mexican chef