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Our Thursday night dinner group decided to try a new Mexican restaurant called Lola’s (next door to the Art theater on 4th Street). The entire area has gone through a recent revival. Gone are the closed run down shops, and in their place are wine bars, boutique clothing, and trendy restaurants.

They did a great job on the decor. I really enjoyed the “Dia de los Muerto’s” theme with all of the happy skulls. The color scheme felt very warm and inviting. There is also a great back patio area if you feel like dining outside on a nice day.

We all started out with the nachos, guacamole, and salsa. The green salsa was by far the favorite. It had a good kick to it, but wasn’t unbearably hot.

For dinner I had the chicken fajitas. All of the ingredients were very fresh and the chicken was moist and tender. The mushrooms were a nice touch.

We’ll definitely be back. I should also mention that there is a new 3hr parking lot on the corner of 4th and Cherry which takes the hastle out of trying to find parking!

Official Website
www.lolasmexicancuisine.com

Contact Info
2030 East Fourth Street
Long Beach, CA 90814
(562) 343-5506

Restaurant
33°46′17.93″N
118°10′0.93″W

George’s Greek Cafe is by far my favorite “everyday” restaurant in Long Beach.  If you go for dinner, you are likely greeted by George himself at the flagship downtown Pine location.   They have opened several other restaurants in the past few years as well in Belmont Shore and soon to be Lakewood. 

The food is fun, fresh and tasty.  The fact that my good friend who is Greek approves of the food speaks volumes.  The downtown Pine location also boasts plentiful outdoor seating, nightly live Greek music, and Belly Dancers.  It truly is more of an experience that just going out for food.

You must get the flaming cheese (in Brandy) as an appetizer.   The Lamb Chops are one of their signature items – marinated in Greek spices and so tender they melt in your mouth.   Only available on Friday nights, the Kleftico is also highly recommended.  If you’re looking to have a taste of just about everything on the menu, try the Family Style option (however you will need at least 6 people in the group).  My lunch favorite is the chicken Souvlaki (kabos).  All meals come with a fresh Greek salad. 

For the quality of the food, it is one of the best values in Long Beach.

Official Website:
http://georgesgreekcafe.com/

Pine Avenue Location Contact Info:
135 Pine Avenue
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 437-1184

Restaurant:
33°46′7.37″N
118°11′32.88″W

Tonight my friends and I didn’t feel much like cooking, so we though we’d try this new place at the Pike called Kavikas.  It’s located right above the V2O dance club in Rainbow Harbor.   Self dubbed as “Fresh Fusion & California Cuisine”, I’d say it had a distinct Asian/Hawaiian flare.

They really did a great job on the design of the place – modern and very solid.   Inside there is a huge two-way fireplace separating the dining area from the bar.  This would be a great place to stop by for happy hour as there are multiple large monitors and plenty of bar seating. 

We started with the Nachos.  AMAZING.  They almost resembled the wrapping egg rolls come in.   For dinner it was a tough decision, but I ended up with the Wood Fired Grilled Prawns per our waiter’s recommendation.  The sauce was excellent and was just the right level of spicy.   We’d heard the fries were great, so I decided to get those as the side for everyone to share.  No complaints! 

Overall, my friends and I were very happy with the food and will definitely be back.   

Official Website:
http://www.kavikas.com/

Contact Info:
95 Aquarium Way
Long Beach, CA 90802
(562) 432-8700

Restaurant:
33°45′48.25″N
118°11′43.37″W

After a long morning of sightseeing, I needed to grab a quick bite for lunch.  This was the first time I’ve been to Old Tony’s for lunch, however dinner had been excellent in the past.  Located on the Redondo Beach Pier, Old Tony’s is a great spot for those in search of a scenic dining location.  Enjoy hearing the soothing waves break while enjoying your lunch/dinner.     

The decor is circa 1970’s, but the food is A+.  Don’t think I would change the decor – it is nostalgic and just wouldn’t be the same.   If you’re waiting for a table, take a look at the autographed celebrity photos from past distinguished visitors.  Also, the bar upstairs has breathtaking panoramic views.   This is a great place to watch the sunset.  

For lunch I decided to try their charbroiled halibut.  It was a good choice; however I would recommend getting it blackened.  Even though it was 90 degrees out, I still had my favorite salmon chowder.   For dinner, don’t pass up the twin lobster tails.  Don’t know how they prepare them, but they are by far tastiest lobster tails I’ve had.  Make sure to get the smaller tails, and not the one big tail. 

Service is excellent.  Not once did I feel like I was waiting for the waitress in all of the times I’ve been there – even on busy nights.  I would bet that it has always been that way since they opened in 1952. 

Official Website:
http://www.oldtonys.com/

Contact Info:
210 Fisherman’s Wharf
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
(310) 374-1442

Restaurant:
33°50′21.15″N
118°23′29.76″W