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The Attic
Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)
The Attic
8.4
New American cuisine with Southern influences served in a charming 1920s Craftsman bungalow. Chef Cameron Slaugh brings farm-to-table sensibility to elevated comfort food like mac and Cheetos, shrimp po'boys, and bourbon-glazed steak. Michelin Plate recognition since 2022 confirms this neighborhood favorite's quality execution.
Must-Try Dishes:
Mac and Cheetos, Shrimp Po'Boy, Blue Crab Cake Benedict
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.8
Atmosphere: 8.5
Cultural Relevance: 8.4
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized New American in a cozy craftsman home with creative Southern-California fusion
Who should go: Brunch enthusiasts and Southern food lovers seeking upscale comfort
When to visit: Weekend brunch for famous French toast and Bloody Marys
What to order: Mac and Cheetos (signature), shrimp po'boy, any French toast
Insider tip: Arrive early on weekends to skip the wait at this perpetually packed spot
The Attic
8.4
Southern-style comfort food meets California creativity in a charming 1920s craftsman home turned restaurant. The Michelin-recognized kitchen delivers indulgent brunch favorites and dinner classics with chef-driven twists, drawing both families and date night crowds to its cozy, multi-room interior.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken and Biscuits, Mac and Cheetos, Beignets with Strawberry Compote
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.3
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.3
What makes it special: Michelin-recognized Southern cuisine with California twists in a historic craftsman house
Who should go: Brunch lovers and families seeking elevated comfort food
When to visit: Weekend brunch or weeknight dinner, arrive early weekends
What to order: Fried chicken, mac and cheetos, beignets
Insider tip: The outdoor bar area converts the original carport
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Free street parking on residential blocks, but competitive on weekends. Small lot behind building fits 8-10 cars. Arrive 15+ min early for brunch or use nearby metered spots on 2nd Street.
Dress code: Casual comfortable - the vibe skews relaxed brunch wear. Athleisure, sundresses, and jeans all fit. Families come straight from the beach.
Noise level: Moderately lively - conversation-friendly but not hushed. The craftsman's multiple small rooms create pockets of intimacy, though weekend brunch brings family energy.
Weekend wait: 30-45 min without reservation Friday/Saturday. Book ahead or arrive at 5pm opening to avoid the rush.
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait most days. Walk-ins typically seated within 10 minutes.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - solid options including veggie benedict, avocado toast variations, and meat-free versions of Southern sides. About 6-8 dishes.
Vegan options: Limited but doable - 2-3 dedicated items plus modifications available. Kitchen accommodates substitutions on brunch classics.
Gluten-free options: Yes - GF bread available for most dishes, plus naturally GF options like grits bowls. Staff knowledgeable about cross-contamination concerns.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 3rd date or established couples. The cozy craftsman setting is romantic, but weekend crowds and family energy can make intimate conversation harder. Go weeknight dinner for date-appropriate ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch/dinner - yes, usually easy. Weekend brunch - risky. They hold some tables for walk-ins but expect 30-60 min waits Sat/Sun 9am-1pm. Book via Resy or arrive at 8am opening.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely - high chairs, kids menu, and welcoming staff make this a Belmont Heights family staple. The multiple room layout means kids moving around won't disrupt everyone. All ages common at brunch.
How long does brunch take? Plan 60-75 minutes once seated. Kitchen can get backed up on peak weekends, but food quality justifies the wait. Order beignets first if you're starving - they arrive quickly.
Do they take large groups? Yes with advance notice - the various rooms accommodate parties of 8-12. Call ahead rather than using online reservation system for 6+ people. Separate checks available.
Best For
Better for: Michelin-level execution of comfort food vs typical brunch spots. The Attic elevates classics (mac and cheetos, chicken and waffles) beyond basic American fare. Choose this when you want Instagram-worthy indulgence with actual culinary chops, not just diner-quality eggs.
Skip if: You want quiet romance, fast service, or healthy options. The weekend scene is boisterous family chaos, kitchen timing can lag, and the menu celebrates decadence over nutrition. Pick elsewhere for business meals or intimate conversations.
The Attic
8.2
Chef Cameron Slaugh's New American menu with Southern soul inhabits a charming 1920s Craftsman home near the ocean. Michelin Plate recognition since 2022 validates seasonally-driven plates showcasing sustainable ingredients, from bubble and squeak to fried chicken with biscuits.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fried Chicken & Biscuits, Gumbo, Mac & Cheetos
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.5
Atmosphere: 8.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Michelin recognition for Southern-inspired plates in historic Craftsman setting
Who should go: Brunch enthusiasts, Southern food lovers, Michelin chasers
When to visit: Weekday lunch 10am-3:45pm avoids weekend brunch crowds
What to order: Fried chicken, biscuits with sorghum, roasted cauliflower
Insider tip: Private parking lot behind restaurant solves Broadway parking challenges
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Private lot behind restaurant on alley - rare find for Broadway. Street parking on side streets also available.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - brunch crowd ranges from athleisure to sundresses, no dress code enforced
Noise level: Moderate to lively - Craftsman home acoustics create buzz during peak brunch but conversation-friendly
Weekend wait: Dinner not served - closes at 3:45pm daily
Weekday lunch: 15-20 min without reservation during peak (11:30am-1pm), walk-ins usually accommodated
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - multiple options including roasted cauliflower, seasonal vegetable plates, egg dishes
Vegan options: Limited - 1-2 options, mostly vegetable-forward sides, best to call ahead
Gluten-free options: Available - kitchen can modify several dishes, particularly vegetable plates and proteins
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for 2nd-3rd date brunch. Charming Craftsman setting and Michelin quality impress, but daytime-only hours and bustling brunch energy suit established couples more than intimate getting-to-know-you scenarios.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekdays yes, weekends risky. Arrive before 11am or after 1:30pm on Saturdays/Sundays to improve walk-in odds. Private lot makes waiting in your car practical.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes for well-behaved kids 5+ - biscuits and fried chicken appeal to children, outdoor patio provides space, but upscale Michelin vibe means better suited for families who dine out regularly versus toddlers.
How does it compare to other Long Beach brunch spots? More elevated than typical beach brunch - Michelin Plate puts it above casual spots like Nick's or Claire's. Comparable quality to Michael's on Naples but with Southern soul versus Italian focus.
Is the Michelin recognition deserved? Yes - Michelin Plate (not star) reflects consistent execution of Southern techniques with California ingredients. Fried chicken and biscuits justify recognition, though it's more neighborhood gem than destination.
Best For
Better for: Southern comfort brunch with Michelin quality, historic home ambiance, private parking, seasonal California-meets-South menu creativity
Skip if: You want dinner service, need guaranteed walk-in seating on weekends, prefer waterfront views, want extensive vegan options, or seeking fine dining dinner experience