Best Outdoor Dining American Restaurants in Long Beach
8 hand-picked restaurants, critic-reviewed and ranked
Last Updated: February 2026
Our Top Pick
Nick's on 2nd
17-year neighborhood institution balancing casual warmth with upscale execution and exceptional hospitality
Notable Picks
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
#2
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
8.2
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
#5
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
#6
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
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
#8
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