Coffee Gang - Long Beach

This was our first time in Long Beach, and we were on the lookout for a place to enjoy a coffee and a breakfast sandwich before hitting the road. We came across the Long Beach Coffee and Tea Company and decided to stop in. We ordered three sandwiches and some coffee, and we were pleasantly surprised to see that the owner made the eggs fresh to order—no microwaves used here! The sandwiches were massive, packed with eggs, cheese, and turkey (though they offer various meat and cheese options). They were served on a large croissant and were exactly what we needed—and more. While our meals were being prepared, I took a moment to read about the business, which is displayed on the walls. I was truly impressed by their business model. They promote a 'safe space' for LGBTQ+ and transgender individuals and foster inclusivity, welcoming everyone. The owners, both military veterans, actively support veterans' affairs as well as transgender rights. The café was beautifully decorated for Christmas with gingerbread houses, and they had a ‘reserved table’ not meant for visitors. This table was adorned with a Bible, an American flag, and more. The owners' mission truly resonated with me, and I felt compelled to express my gratitude for their dedication to human rights, inclusivity, acceptance, and their efforts to support those in need. In today's climate of divisiveness, it’s refreshing to see people making a difference, especially when politicians overlook these issues. The owner’s response to my appreciation was, “It all begins with Love”—and he was right. I fell in love with this restaurant and highly recommend that everyone stop by when visiting Long Beach. We need to support businesses that prioritize humanity, and as roguetrippers, we love championing places like this.

I absolutely love the Grilled Cheese, especially the Pickle sandwich! Both are packed with delicious flavors and are very reasonably priced. The coffee is fresh too! It's great to see that they support homeless veterans on our streets by providing food, coffee, clothing, shoes, and blankets.

When our other diners arrived with their adorable dog, it was clear she was a regular—both the staff and the dog seemed to know each other well. The staff were excited to see her, and she was even more excited to be treated to some fresh turkey. The coffee and the egg sandwich I ordered were just perfect, too. It’s evident that they are committed to high-quality cooking and excellent service here. Plus, it's a veteran-run establishment, and I have great respect for veterans. I truly enjoyed every aspect of this visit: the atmosphere, the staff, the service, and the food. I highly recommend this place!