Guide to Stroll and Savor at Belmont Shores

Nestled near Naples Island and the Alamitos Bay, the neighborhood of Belmont Shores is an especially treasured corner of an eclectic Long Beach community. The hub of a growing list of restaurants, salons, boutiques, and galleries, smalltown charm meets metropolis modernity all without sacrificing its soul. 2nd St. remains the main drag on which thousands of visitors enjoy can contemporary dining, trendy shopping, and the kind of ambiance that makes small beach towns so attractive. Throughout the year, local business proprietors band together to collectively reinforce the notion of making their neck of the woods a destination – from the West Coast's biggest car show to a big production Christmas parade, 2nd Street is always happening.

In sunny Southern California fashion, the spring and summer months provide the perfect weather for evening street dining and this is where Stroll & Savor reigns king. This street faire of sorts is the equivalent of a culinary sidewalk sale, with every restaurant in the area preparing signature tastes for thousands of attendees all looking to eat and soak in the Shore at sunset. Complete with local musicians busking up and down the narrow streets, boutiques offering everything from fashion to housewares, and the serenity that can only come with a walk during the sunset along a beachside stretch, Stroll and Savor is the kind of evening that works well for a date or the entire family. Boasting an impressively diverse collection of eateries, here is rundown of some of the must stop spots.

The September installment of Stroll & Savor happens Sept. 17th and 18th and begins at 5:30pm.

Eat Shabu
5242 E 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 343-5511
www.eatshabu.com

Another Japanese staple that emphasizes the communal experience of a great meal, Eat Shabu keeps things simple with big flavors in a concise menu. From Ribeye to scallops and mussels, diners drop their protein along with seasonal veggies into a hotpot in the center of the table. Served with udon noodles and rice, this is a meal designed with sharing and socializing in mind. With smaller bites like jellyfish salad, pickled cucumbers, and spicy salted edamame, there will be plenty to pass around.

Tavern On 2
5110 E 2nd St,
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 856-4000
www.tavernon2.com

There are gastropubs, then there is Tavern On 2. Cranking in the kitchen with some real confidence, one of the signature dishes here is the Belly & Sucker – a play on surf and turf, this is decadent pork belly with perfectly cooked octopus. If that is too outrageous, short rib poutine is the ultimate comfort food. Fries, slow braised short rib, and Wisconsin proper cheese curds – WOW. Paired with a pour of one of the many meticulously selected beers from local breweries, there isn't to a flaw to find here. Uncompromisingly great food, zero pretentiousness.

Nick's On 2nd
4901 E 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 856-9000
www.nicksrestaurants.com

Bookending the upscale end of the spectrum for beach city dining, Nick's On 2nd manages to present a refined gourmet experience all while keeping their cuisine approachable. When a place can offer an elegant Pan Seared Chilean Sea Bass and a Ribeye Melt with a bacon mustard sauce, it's evident that the focus here is food. Behind the bar, cocktails are crafted with the same attention to detail as quality ingredients and premium spirits come together with competence. Something about the marriage of cucumber, mint, and a fine gin makes for a proper nightcap – score Nick's Cucumber Collins and see what we mean.

Open Sesame
5215 E 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 621-1698
www.opensesamegrill.com

Lebanese cuisine boast a brilliant balance of the hearty and the healthy and Open Sesame has established themselves as an anchor in the community with their authentic approach to just that. Familiar staples like Shawarma, kabobs, and tawook hit the table with consistency, precision, and premium proteins. That grilled lamb paired with fattoush and some fresh pita is such a simple meal, but loaded with flavor complexities that are head-shakingly great. Utilizing simple accoutrements like yogurt, basmati rice, lentil, and potatoes, no frills here means no shortage of eager diners.

Sweet Jill's Bakery
5001 E 2nd St.
Long Beach, CA 90803
(562) 438-4945
www.sweetjillsbakery.com

With two locations, one in neighboring Seal Beach and the other positioned right on 2nd Street, there is an aroma that emits from this place that impossible to ignore. From the famous cinnamon rolls always baking up to the massive cupcakes in the display window, Sweet Jill's is the destination for dessert in Belmont Shores. Boasting a glasscase of decadent treats ranging from cookies to muffins, everything here is baked fresh in house daily. If you are still not convinced, stand outside a take a few deep breaths – your nose will never lead you astray.