The Place
If you feel lost without your Starbucks, Gap and Blockbuster but you have to get out of the city, Long Beach's Belmont Shore is just the oasis you've been seeking. It's where the comforts of home and small-town character intermingle with big-city convenience.
For The Record
Los Angeles Times Friday September 05, 2003 Home Edition Main News Part A Page 2 National Desk 1 inches; 32 words Type of Material: Correction
Restaurant owner -- Calendar Weekend's Aug. 28 "Road Trip" on Belmont Shore incorrectly stated the restaurant Bono's was owned by Chastity Bono. Christy Bono, Sonny's daughter and Cher's stepdaughter, is Bono's owner.
Stop by Angelo's Italian Deli for out-of-this world sandwiches and to-die-for fresh Italian meats and cheeses, and Angelo himself likely will be there to shake your hand and introduce you to his wife.
Every weekend morning, cyclists and in-line skaters from the nearby beach converge on the patio of local favorite Polly's Gourmet Coffee.
Need to look good for Halloween? Party Props not only will hook you up with any costume you can imagine, the staff will do your makeup as well. And if you catch him on the right day, you may be able to see owner Steve Pittman, an Elvis impersonator, in costume in front of the store.
On a weekend, stroll down the beach bungalow-lined streets, where an ocean view is always available, and folks walking their dogs or pushing strollers surely will have a smile and a hello. No wonder the locals park their cars on Friday and don't move them until it's time to get back to the real world on Monday.
Where to find it
Just beyond downtown Long Beach from the 710; it's a straight shot down scenic Ocean Boulevard into the shore.
The main drag
Second Street, a food and shopping metropolis with a multitude of riches and an abundance of personality, such as the quirky "shadow art" that makes even the parking meters fun.
Nightlife
Belmont Shore has its share of places to go where everybody knows your name. The reigning king of the bar scene is Shannon's Bay Shore, an unapologetic dive where you're always sure to find a crowd and a line behind the "velvet rope." If, however, you don't feel like waiting, Panama Joe's has live music in a cantina setting most nights, and as the margaritas kick in, the dance floor fills up.
Or you can pay a visit to either Murphy's Pub at the Belmont or Quinn's Irish Pub for a pint with some mates. Murphy's, above the Belmont Athletic Club, offers the chance to watch the action on the street below from the balcony. For those craving a different social setting, the Board Room Cigar and Smoke Shop is an unpretentious meeting place for cigar aficionados.
Great eats
This being SoCal, there is no shortage of Mexican food or sushi, but 2nd Street offers so much more. Think a sun-drenched food court with gourmet choices.
