Second Street can get nuts. It always feels like there’s a lot going on. The following places are just a few of the classic 2nd Street go-to’s that will assuage the anxiety of where to go when you hit the chaos of people and restaurant.
La Creperie Café
4911 E 2nd St.
Hours: Monday –Thursday 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. to 11 p.m., Saturdays 9 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Can we talk about crepes? Crepes are thin pancakes of French pastry goodness. They are the better half of the American pancake and can be delivered to your rumbling belly in several ways. Beside the Yen Sushi and Sake Bar and across the street from the 2nd Street Beauty store, La Creperie somehow expertly tucks itself away from the busy sidewalk. But once in, it’s got you good. Not into fantastic powdered sugar-covered crepes filled with Nutella or bananas or Ratatoiulle? Then try the frog legs or escargot. Either way, you’ll find something in this rustic, French-enthused gem.
Riley’s on 2nd
5331 E 2nd St.
Hours: Monday through Thursday 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., Fridays 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays 9:30 a.m. to midnight and Sundays 9:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
You walk into Riley’s and you immediately feel like a regular. If he hasn’t already, the owner who scurries around the not-so-busy pub and grill, will come to your bar stool or table and say hello. Once you’ve had the killer calamari and wings during Happy Hour, do yourself a favor and order the pizza. Neither I nor Riley’s cares what kind you get. Just get the pizza, sip your schooner, close your eyes and take a bite. The most underrated bar in Long Beach won’t disappoint.
Apostrophe Books
5229 E 2nd St.
Hours: 11am-9:30pm daily
If you don’t have a favorite independent bookstore in Southern California yet, Apostrophe Books will hook you at first entry. This quiet Long Beach safe haven is home to over 2.5 million books; you’ll find something or the friendly staff will find it for you. Sure, your Kindle is fully charged and you’ve reached your max Netflix hours for the day. But nothing feels more old fashion, nostalgic and soothing than finding, smelling and reading an old book. Plus local schools, business and organizations receive a portion of book sales. So do your soul and your community a favor and spend a day at Apostrophe.
Fern’s Garden
5308 E 2nd St.
Hours: Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Sundays 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.
You will find something even if you don’t want to. Whether you’re looking for a quick Father’s Day gift or a small trinket to give to your roommate, look no further than Fern’s Garden. This place is no secret. Long Beachers who know 2nd Street know about this interesting, colorful little spot, from handmade purses, to Buddhas, to things to hang from your ceiling. But step lightly: Fern’s is covered with groovy stuff. Keep the kids at home for this one and leave your pup outside. The shop is a maze lined with lovely artifacts, and could overwhelm a first-time visitor.