Nestled in the heart of Downtown Long Beach, the Saint Mary’s neighborhood boasts a distinctive charm—and its food scene is every bit as enticing as its historic streets. Whether you’re looking for a savory breakfast, mouthwatering tacos at midnight, or the perfect pastry for your morning stroll, Saint Mary’s delivers. This diverse enclave offers everything from classic comfort food to global bites, with each spot reflecting the vibrant spirit of its community. Let’s take a tasting tour of the eateries—both well-known and under-the-radar—that make Saint Mary’s a true culinary destination.
Where the Flavors Gather: The Hub of Saint Mary’s
The neighborhood’s food scene is conveniently clustered near major crossroads—namely Long Beach Blvd, Atlantic Ave, and 7th St. This pedestrian-friendly area is easy to explore, making it a favorite weekend food-crawl destination for locals and visitors alike.
Standout Restaurants: Flavorful Plates for Every Palate
- The Breakfast Bar (70 Atlantic Ave)
*Cuisine: Breakfast, Brunch*
*Price: $$*
Saint Mary’s mornings begin with a visit to The Breakfast Bar, a beloved spot known for its “Hung Over” hash and signature eggs benedict with house-made hollandaise. The friendly, quirky vibe and dog-friendly patio make this joint a neighborhood favorite, especially on weekends.
- King’s Fish House (100 W Broadway)
*Cuisine: Seafood*
*Price: $$$*
This seafood house delivers everything from fresh oysters on the half shell to hearty cioppino in a lively setting. Their oyster bar is not to be missed, and the street-facing patio is great for people-watching.
- Thai District (149 Linden Ave)
*Cuisine: Thai*
*Price: $$*
Just a few blocks over, Thai District wows locals with upscale takes on regional Thai cuisine. Standouts include the lamb curry and duck noodle soup. Perfect for date night, with chic décor and an inventive cocktail menu.
Best Kept Secrets & Hidden Gems
- Roscoe’s House of Chicken and Waffles (730 E Broadway)
*Cuisine: Southern/Soul Food*
*Price: $$*
Not just a local legend but a SoCal institution, Roscoe’s is where crispy fried chicken meets pillowy waffles—served all hours for late-night cravings or hearty brunches.
- El Sauz Tacos (1190 E 10th St)
*Cuisine: Mexican, Food Truck*
*Price: $*
A staple on 10th and Orange, the El Sauz taco truck makes magic on wheels. Their al pastor tacos and loaded burritos are pure comfort—messy, perfectly seasoned, and utterly addictive. Don’t miss the fresh salsas!
- Berlin Bistro (420 E 4th St)
*Cuisine: Café, International Fusion*
*Price: $$*
Just on the edge of Saint Mary’s, Berlin provides a laid-back haven for artists, students, and entrepreneurs. Nab a grilled breakfast burrito or vegan bánh mì alongside locally roasted coffee, then linger on the leafy patio with a laptop or book.
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth: Bakeries and Cafés
- Gusto Bread (2710 E 4th St)
*Cuisine: Artisan Bakery*
*Price: $$*
Famous citywide but tucked just north east of Saint Mary’s, family-owned Gusto draws crowds for sourdough loaves, Mexican-inspired pan dulce, and their irresistible concha. Get there early—the lines say it all.
- Cuppa Cuppa (455 E 4th St)
*Cuisine: Coffee Shop & Baked Goods*
*Price: $*
Run by passionate coffee geeks, Cuppa Cuppa crafts espresso drinks with rotating beans from small-batch West Coast roasters (try the seasonal specials). Pair your latte with a lemon-poppy seed scone for morning perfection.
Worldly Eats: A Taste of International Cuisine
- WaWa Thai Food (1118 E 10th St)
*Cuisine: Thai, Takeout*
*Price: $*
Unassuming and always buzzing, WaWa is a favorite for quick, affordable takeout. Highlights include pad see ew and spicy basil chicken—served steaming hot and generously portioned.
- Casa Chaskis (238 E 7th St)
*Cuisine: Peruvian*
*Price: $$*
Dive into Peru’s culinary treasures at this unassuming eatery, with savory empanadas, colorfully plated causas, and silky-smooth lomo saltado. Their maracuya (passionfruit) cheesecake is a showstopper!
Local Food Traditions & Community Events
Saint Mary’s enjoys an array of community-driven food pop-ups and neighborhood block parties. The monthly Long Beach Art Walk, spanning Linden Ave and Broadway, is a great time to hit up street vendors serving everything from birria tacos to hand-spun vegan ice cream. In spring and summer, you might find food trucks mobbing the Long Beach Farmers Market on 3rd St—so grab a bite and mingle with local growers and chefs.
Can’t-Miss Clusters for Foodies
- *10th & Orange St*: Taco trucks and late-night Mexican finds
- *Atlantic Ave & Broadway*: Brunch, seafood, and coffee
- *4th St Corridor*: International cafés, vegan eats, and artisan bakeries
Why Saint Mary’s Food Scene Shines
Saint Mary’s stands out for its authentic neighborhood energy, infused with a fusion of flavors reflective of Long Beach’s multicultural roots. Chain restaurants take a back seat here—independent, chef-driven spots dominate. Whether you’re seeking health-conscious vegan fare or old-school eats with heart, this neighborhood invites you to broaden your palate and walk away smiling (and full).
So, next time you’re hungry in Long Beach, stroll through the tree-lined blocks around Saint Mary’s and sample something new. With every taco, every brunch plate, and every carefully brewed cup of coffee, you’ll get a true taste of the community itself—down-to-earth, diverse, and downright delicious.