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The Funnel House
Master Critic Review
The Funnel House
8.1
A fun-loving dessert destination since 2005 combining classic fair flavors with inventive twists. While specializing in New Orleans-style funnel cakes, their churro sundaes deliver warm cinnamon-sugar coated churros with creamy vanilla soft serve, caramel drizzle, and crunchy churro bits in perfect harmony.
Must-Try Dishes:
Churro Sundae, Funnel Cake Sundae with Ice Cream, Ice Cream Cookie Sandwiches
Scores:
Value: 7.9
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8.2
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.8
Cultural Relevance: 8.5
What makes it special: Fresh-cooked funnel cakes and churros combined with premium ice cream
Who should go: Fair food lovers and late-night dessert seekers
When to visit: Open late on weekends until midnight or 1am
What to order: Churro sundae, funnel cake with strawberries and ice cream, boysenberry topping
Insider tip: Co-owned since 2005 by two friends with their own special funnel cake recipe
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Shoreline Village parking lot available, $2/hour with validation. Street parking on Shoreline Drive after 6pm (free). Lot fills up on summer weekends.
Dress code: Ultra casual - boardwalk attire perfectly fine. Beach clothes, shorts, flip-flops all welcome.
Noise level: Moderate to lively - outdoor seating with boardwalk ambiance, families and groups create buzz but conversation flows easily
Weekend wait: 15-25 min line during summer peak (7-10pm), faster in winter. Counter service so no table wait.
Weekday lunch: 5-10 min wait typical, near-immediate service off-peak hours
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - all items are vegetarian (egg-based batter in funnel cakes and churros)
Vegan options: Very limited - can do plain funnel cake without toppings, but best to choose another spot
Gluten-free options: No - funnel cakes and churros are wheat-based, no GF alternatives available
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Perfect for casual first dates - low pressure, walkable waterfront setting, shareable desserts encourage interaction. Skip if you want intimate conversation or impressive ambiance.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's counter service with outdoor seating. Grab your order and find a picnic table or bench along the waterfront. Seating is first-come during busy times.
Is it kid-friendly? Extremely kid-friendly - all ages welcome, especially 3-12 crowd. Outdoor seating eliminates noise concerns, shareable portions, messy eating expected. High chairs not needed (picnic tables only).
How long does a visit typically take? 30-45 minutes total - 10-15 min to order and receive food, 20-30 min to eat and enjoy the waterfront. Perfect for a post-dinner dessert stop or afternoon treat.
Is it worth it compared to basic ice cream shops? Yes if you want warm-meets-cold desserts and fair vibes. The churro sundae combo is unique to Long Beach. Skip if you just want quality ice cream - go to Salt & Straw or McConnell's instead.
Best For
Better for: Late-night dessert cravings (open past 11pm weekends), groups wanting shareable fair-style treats, warm-weather waterfront experience, nostalgic funnel cake quality with creative toppings
Skip if: You want artisan ice cream (try Berlin Bistro or Scoops), need indoor seating, seeking vegan/GF options, prefer refined dessert presentations over fun casual vibes