Long Beach, California, boasts a vibrant culinary scene, and within that delicious landscape lies a treasure trove of brownie havens. Whether you crave fudgy, chewy, cakey, or intensely chocolatey, this comprehensive guide explores the top 28 brownie destinations in Long Beach, ensuring your next chocolate fix is an unforgettable experience. We've compiled this list based on online reviews, local recommendations, and a healthy dose of personal brownie-tasting adventures!
Discovering Long Beach's Best Brownie Bites: A Neighborhood Breakdown
Long Beach's diverse neighborhoods each offer unique brownie experiences. To help you navigate this chocolatey adventure, we've categorized our top picks by location:
Downtown Long Beach Brownie Bliss
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The Chocolate Carousel: Known for its decadent, intensely rich brownies with a perfectly crisp edge. They often feature seasonal variations, like pumpkin spice in the fall. (Expect to pay around $4-5 per brownie)
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Sugar & Spice: This charming bakery offers classic brownies alongside more creative options, including salted caramel and brownie sundaes. (Expect to pay around $3-4 per brownie)
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The Habit Burger Grill (Downtown Location): While primarily a burger joint, their surprisingly delicious brownies are a local secret. They are fudgy and intensely chocolatey, perfect for a post-burger treat. (Expect to pay around $2-3 per brownie)
Belmont Shore's Sweet Treats
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Sweet Surrender: A beloved Belmont Shore institution, Sweet Surrender offers a wide array of baked goods, including their signature, intensely fudgy brownie. (Expect to pay around $4-5 per brownie)
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Parkers' Lighthouse: This upscale restaurant offers a surprisingly rich and moist brownie served with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream. (Expect to pay around $8-10)
Naples Island's Chocolate Delights
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The Crab Pot: This seafood restaurant offers a surprisingly good brownie that perfectly balances richness and moistness. (Expect to pay around $6-7)
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Naples Rib Company: While known for ribs, their brownies are a hidden gem, boasting a delightful cakey texture and generous chocolate chips. (Expect to pay around $3-4)
Other Notable Long Beach Brownie Spots:
(The following list includes a variety of bakeries, cafes, and restaurants from across Long Beach, offering a diverse range of brownie styles and experiences.)
- The Cheesecake Factory (Long Beach): A classic brownie option, reliably consistent and a safe bet for a satisfying chocolate fix.
- BJ's Restaurant & Brewhouse (Long Beach): Known for its Pizookie, a warm brownie cookie served with ice cream.
- Porto's Bakery: While not exclusively a brownie place, their brownies are a crowd-pleaser, offering a nice balance of textures.
- Donut Man: (Yes, they have brownies!) Their brownies might not be their star, but they are a worthy addition to your brownie quest.
- Pie 'n Burger: While pies are their main attraction, their brownies are a worthy sidekick to their classic offerings.
- La Strada Ristorante: This Italian restaurant provides a slightly upscale brownie experience, often served with a side of gelato.
- Gladstones Long Beach: This waterfront restaurant has a wonderful brownie that pairs perfectly with their ocean views.
- Kincaid's: A classic Long Beach eatery with consistently good brownies.
- Marmalade Cafe: Known for its brunch, Marmalade also offers a respectable brownie for those with a sweet tooth.
- Snooze, an A.M. Eatery: This trendy brunch spot has creative brownie-based dessert options.
- Urban Plates: Urban Plates' brownie is a healthier, but still delicious, option.
- Claim Jumper: Claim Jumper is a reliable option for a decent brownie when you are in a pinch.
- Yard House: While a more extensive menu, their brownies are tasty, especially when paired with a drink.
- Islands Restaurants: Simple, classic brownies done right at an approachable price point.
- Ruby's Diner: A quintessential American diner with some of the best classic brownies around.
- TGI Fridays: Their brownie sundae is a classic for a reason.
- Buffalo Wild Wings: Surprisingly, their brownie bites are a fun way to share a dessert with friends.
- Chili's Grill & Bar: Chili's has a dependable brownie option for a casual dining experience.
- IHOP: IHOP offers different types of brownies that suit diverse preferences.
- Denny's: Their brownies come in a variety of styles, always a good option for late-night cravings.
- Applebee's: Applebee's offers a decent brownie as a convenient option for a casual dessert.
Finding Your Perfect Brownie Match: A Style Guide
Not all brownies are created equal. Understanding different brownie styles helps you find your perfect match:
- Fudgy Brownies: Dense, intensely chocolatey, and moist.
- Chewy Brownies: Slightly less dense than fudgy, with a delightful chewiness.
- Cakey Brownies: Lighter and airier, with a more cake-like texture.
- Brownies with Add-ins: From nuts and caramel to chocolate chips and sprinkles, the possibilities are endless!
This guide offers a starting point for your Long Beach brownie adventure. Remember to check online reviews and menus for the most up-to-date information, pricing, and seasonal offerings. Happy brownie hunting!
