Recreational Coffee

We came in with hopes up having some delicious & beautiful coffee, along with a pastry before hopping on our cruise. When we arrived the place looked a little dirty & the pastries visually looked unappetizing with some wrapped up looking days old. We decided just to get coffee. Visually, the coffee was amazing! Taste wise, the coffee tasted old, and dirty like the machine needed cleaning. For 8 dollar coffees, I expect way more. Overall super disappointed and wouldn’t go back.

Great environment and service. The quick coffee was also super tasty. However the value on the breakfast sandwich was not great. It's over $10 for a bacon egg and cheese sandwich, and the egg was very small. If the bacon weren't sticking out of the sides, you wouldn't even see any substantive ingredients between the buns.

I didn’t come here for the coffee (my wife did), but the oatmeal! It was so good, earthy and had the perfect balance of sweetness and flavor. I’d highly recommend. It’s a great way to start the day especially after traveling and eating different foods. Will definitely be back!

I tried 3 different cafes in Long Beach and this one was hands down my favorite. The winter berry house specialty latte was unforgettable. One of the best original drinks I've had ever

What a fantastic find!! We are coffee shop owners in Massachusetts and try to find Indy coffee shops when we travel to see what others are up to. I got espresso and it was soooo good. Smooth and served in a cute little cup. Thanks for being awesome!!

Stopped in for a Saturday "brunch" while on vacation and was pleasantly surprised. The service was warm and welcoming, and the menu offered a great mix of coffee, non-coffee drinks, and unique food options. The coffee was excellent, and everything we ordered was delicious. A standout was the fig jam, Brie, and apple toast — absolutely incredible! The eclectic music playing in the background added a fun, laid-back energy that really enhanced the experience. Our total (3 people) came to just over $60, which was a bit more than expected, but given the quality of the food, service, and overall atmosphere, it felt well worth it.

Stopped in as part of my 2026 January Coffee Tasting month and grabbed a cup of the day’s drip—so glad I did. The barista set the tone right away with a warm, genuinely welcoming vibe. Drip: Mexico 🇲🇽 from Finca Las Chicharras — Bourbon & Caturra beans. Bright citrus notes up front, a soft hint of black tea, and a cozy honey finish. I added a splash of vanilla honey milk and it tied everything together beautifully Simple, comforting, and thoughtfully crafted. This cup absolutely delivered 💯

I was looking for a place to have breakfast on Google Map and came across this cafe and I like everything about it. I ordered Iced Matcha and bacon and eggs for breakfast. The food is so yum and also the Matcha is great. Seating inside could be difficult in the morning time but I managed to find it. The staff at that time was super friendly and helpful as well.

The coffee is great! There is plenty of seating, but no WiFi that I was able to access. There is limited street parking but there are two public lots located very close by. We received our coffee fairly quickly, though we did come at the end of a rush and had to wait awhile to order.

I was looking for a coffee shop close to my hotel. I ordered a honey vanilla latte. I wanted just a regular vanilla latte but they said all of their syrups are made in house so they aren't able to customize their drinks. Nothing memorable about the drink and I couldn't really feel the caffeine. I wish I was informed about their fall drinks as I probably would have had a better experience.

Recreational Coffee shop located in Long Beach, CA. In the heart of Downtown Long Beach is Recreational Coffee, a cute shop that offers comforting flavors for you to explore. Though we enjoyed the coffee, we felt as if Recreational Coffee's menu was minimal and needed more variety of options. We ordered safely with a hot Honey Vanilla Latte with oatmilk. This drink wasn't too sweet, and carried a soft creamy flavor from the vanilla and foam. The ingredients blended together, and we enjoyed the mix of honey and vanilla. This drink is what we are categorizing as a safer option for those who want a traditional flavor. We also experimented with our taste buds and went with a hot Almond Orgeat Latte with oatmilk. This drink was...interesting. It wasn't bad at all, but it did take getting adjusted to. The drink was sour at first, and it mixed with a nutty flavor from the almond. There was even a hint of savory taste. The best description to give it is, imagine the inside of an almond croissant. It's like drinking that. Their pastries are from Crema Cafe in Seal Beach, CA. Parking in this facility is tricky, but there is a structure next door that requires a fee. If you are looking to explore or are in the area, Recreational Coffee is there. The Almond Orgeat Latte was eye-catching, and we hope to find more fun and delicious lattes made by them soon. Let us know what you tried!

Upon arriving it was empty with just one person in the corner. It is a pretty spacious place to hang out and get some work done. They offer a restroom, bar style seating, & benches/chairs/ and a comfortable couch. I ordered the Honey Vanilla Latte and the Cinnamon Dolce latte and out of the two I prefer the CDL. The HVL was not good and I feel like the milk and syrups overpower the coffee. It's almost $8 for a standard 16oz drink with basic syrups that don't mix well. The place is clean with friendly people but not sure if that's enough to come back for the coffee.

Recreational Coffee is a welcome addition to Long Beach's downtown coffee scene. Stepping inside reveals a meticulously curated space - think exposed brick walls juxtaposed with sleek metal accents, all bathed in the warm glow of industrial pendant lighting. The ambience leans towards a sophisticated yet inviting minimalism, perfect for a focused workday or a casual catch-up with friends. Almond Orgeat Latte ($7.50) was a delightful exploration of textural and flavor contrasts. The meticulously crafted latte arrived at the perfect temperature, showcasing a rich and smooth mouthfeel devoid of any bitterness. The star of the show, however, was the almond orgeat. Its subtle sweetness, reminiscent of the luxurious filling of a high-end almond croissant, perfectly complemented the coffee without overpowering it. This is a latte for those who appreciate nuance and a touch of indulgence. My companions opted for iced versions of the cinnamon dolce latte, and their enthusiastic murmurs confirmed that Recreational Coffee's dedication to quality extends beyond my own selection. While the price point sits higher than some local competitors, the quality of the coffee and the overall ambience justify the investment. Additionally, the convenience of two complimentary hours of parking in nearby structures makes Recreational Coffee an attractive option for those seeking a refined coffee experience in the heart of Long Beach.

Found this coffee shop through Yelp! Was in the Long Beach area for an event and was craving coffee. This shop for is located in Downtown Long Beach right next to the metro. The shop has friendly baristas and a cozy atmosphere. Lots of table space indoors and outdoor seating! We ordered the honey vanilla latte with oat milk & an iced matcha latte with oat milk with sweetner. They also sell donuts and croissants at the register

Recreational Coffee boasts amazing and modern vibes in a coffee shop, from the brick walls lined with small plants and merchandise to their clocks and shelves of coffee beans. Parking here is easy, as there's a nearby parking lot with 2 hours free parking (not full even on a Saturday afternoon) around the block. The staff are welcoming and attentive, ready to answer questions and take orders. I ordered my typical iced latte, and it was pretty small for $7 after tax (pre-tip). Having visited a variety of coffee shops though, I have to admit that their beans are amazing and boast a rather sweet and reservedly bold profile. Light hip hop plays in the background, perfect for any casual conversations or background noise if that is one's preference for working / studying. The marble top tables were all clean, and the overall environment is very enjoyable to work in - will definitely be back! (After renewing my 2-hour parking that is...)

It's an ok coffee shop. The espresso tasted fine, but it's nothing to rave about. However, it's still one of the best coffee shops in DTLB.

Whenever I go to Long Beach I always have to find a new coffee shop to try and this time it was here! The inside is simple with lots of different textures that blend well together. Decent amount of seating so it could get filled up quickly. I tried the blueberry lavender latte based on the baristas suggestion. I've never had that flavor combo before. It was delicious! I also got the sausage, egg, & cheese sandwich & that was a simply good breakfast sandwich. Would definitely come back when I'm in town!

We were in the neighborhood and I really wanted coffee, so we found this place on Yelp :). It's very cute! I can see it being a good study spot. The barista was also super sweet and kind. I wish I got their name (they had heart shaped glasses on)! I got the cinnamon dolce latte with oat milk! It kind of reminded me of the brown sugar shaken espresso from Starbucks, but better. Only con is it's a bit on the pricier side. We also saw a parking structure near that offered free parking for 2 hours, so that was a plus!

My latte-- an iced lavender blueberry latte, as I recall, which is a seasonal drink-- was delicious. The whole menu seemed super nice, and very accommodating to alternative milks (oat, in my case). The staff were amazingly friendly and welcoming, truly outstanding service. Finally, the vibe in this place is genuinely really nice-- well decorated, comfortable, but clean and crisp tables with enough space between them for each spot to feel intimate. The couch right where ppl wait for their drinks is a lovely touch. I also was able to use the restroom there, and I was amazed at how nice it was-- clean, orderly, and still carrying the decor vibe throughout, which is a testament to the thoughtfulness and joy that goes into this place. I don't spend a ton of time in downtown Long Beach, but this has made me want to come back more often!

It changed owners! So I am changing my review! I did not enjoy the previous owner. Attitude was -1/10 towards loyal customers. Coffee is great! Ambiance is great, plenty of space to work and move around in. It isnt a cramped little shop.

This place is really quaint and reminds me of a studio with the brick walls. They don't have parking at all, so it is hard to get to in downtown Long Beach. The seating is really small. I wish they had more tables. There's only 8 tables and some counter seating. I feel there could be a 2 seater table added. I saw many customers leaving because of that. It was filled up in the afternoon on a weekday. It also gets really cold in there. I wish the heater was on because everyone was wearing a jacket in there and I wish the front door automatically closed because it is left open. The staff was really friendly. It was really quick and no lines when I went. I got my drink within 5 mins. I got the cinnamon dolce latte. I loved how creamy and cinnamon it tasted. It felt like fall in a cup. But this is one expensive coffee. It's $7.50. Overall, I highly recommend this place!

Delightful coffee, though a tad too sweet for my taste. Friendly staff and nice furnishings. The pastry I had on my previous visit was also delicious.

Still my favorite cafe in Long Beach. No one makes a mocha like they do (except for a cafe in San Diego called Public Square - their mochas are the ones to beat). The staff at Rec are always awesome and they have to deal with a lot. They treat everyone with respect and it's a pleasure to drop in just to have that interaction day to day. The coffee drinks are always good, consistent no matter who your baristas are for the day. Just wish they had more gluten free treats though I hear their vegan donuts are good! Highly recommend! I come here weekly! At least...

Loved this place! Employees were super nice and informative with the menu. We got blueberry matcha lattes which were super good. Their blueberry syrup is killer! They have a little bar you can sit at which added to the ambiance of the shop. Will definitely be coming back when I'm in LB!

Lovely coffee shop, great staffs, good coffee. We got the mocha latte and the matcha ice with an oatmeal cookie. Good place to have our Sunday morning coffee.

A very hip looking coffee shop in downtown Long Beach. Their selection of drinks are not very big but they do know how to make them look pretty and delicious. They have a list of featured drinks of the day/week in a board up front and I saw the lavender latte and had to get that. I wish they had more selections for baked goods as they only had a couple things that weee left but that's fine. They must have ran out of them early in the morning. They have nice little sections if you're in need of some work to do or just want your privacy to enjoy the coffee. Definitely recommend this place if you're in the area looking for a little coffee or a place to enjoy some drinks and rest before exploring the rest of downtown Long Beach.

STEPH JUDGEMENT: Chill coffeehouse with great staff and coffee, but a bit spendy. I don't come here often but when I do, I always have a nice time. The staff is always very friendly and the atmosphere chill and low-key. I usually just get a regular latte, and while the prices are kind of on the higher side ($7 on my last visit), I always find them to be excellent. I've also always been on foot so I've never had to worry about the parking, but I can see why that could be an issue. A nice occasional treat for me.

Really good lattes, and friendly baristas. A great neighborhood spot. There is limited seating inside.

Came here because of Yelp! Cute spot and i love how they allow dogs inside. They have a seasonal menu and we tried the pumpkin pie and the cinnamon dolce! Flavors are good, decent! Im just sad that the cup were only filled half way and its pricey! Parking may be a b * t c h if you dont come early!

When in a new city I always seek out local coffee roasters and I was excited by the single origin offerings here at Recreational Coffee and made a point to visit while in town. The shop is small, with the register and bar at the back and some smaller two and four top tables around to sit with your beverage. The atmosphere is warm and homey with a decidedly urban city vibe a la NYC. The service was friendly enough but I didn't get a lot of passion for coffee from the conversation, and at almost $8 for a pourover I definitely expected it. I ordered a central american coffee and it was good enough, but not remarkable enough to motivate me to take the beans home, which is my goal when sampling new roasters. It was too cool by the time it arrived (likely because we ordered three at the same time and there were only two people behind the counter) and I just didn't get any fantastic tasting notes, which I also expect at the pricepoint. All in all it was a good coffee shop, A OK experience, but I found better value and vibes at other shops while in Long Beach.

I love the vibe of this coffee shop. Most of the customers were here to work and had their coffee with their laptops. It was nice and quiet and I was able to get some calls and work done also. The cashier was very friendly and helpful. She had such a pleasant personality. Loved it and will be back.

Super chill coffee house in the Long Beach area. Perfect for doing work in or meeting up for coffee with a friend. Their avocado toast was also so yummy and was the boost I needed in the morning.

Honestly I'm not sure how they have 4 stars. The person in front of me complained and when I got our coffee I understood why. The Americano is very small 6-8 oz for the $5 price tag so I was hoping for a great tasting Coffee and it was just okay. My wife got the ice cream coffee that has TONS of salt in it and it was around $10 bucks. She took one taste and tossed it in the trash where it belongs. She felt bad for having me pay for a $10 for a small coffee that she could not drink. I gave it 2 stars for having a clean restroom but that's about it.

I've been here before! I think there was an event many years ago, upstairs. Pretty cool! Haven't been back here until recently. It was so cold outside. Coffee sounded great! So a friend and I decided to stop in with his dog and we both got our coffee (shoot! I forgot what we got... was mine iced or hot? I gotta write the review right after). Anyway, gotta come back now! I noticed their cute little vegan donuts! next time! We'll be back! Thanks for being open on Christmas Day!

Came here for a quick bite to eat and while I like the cozy ambiance that makes it a great place for coffee and to do some work, unfortunately, there's nothing else going for this place. The customer service was just okay, not particularly welcoming or memorable. I ordered the turkey pesto sandwich which came out to about $11. It took a while to come out which I don't mind at all if the quality is there. However once I got my sandwich, I was a bit disappointed. The sandwich itself was a bit small and thin. Also, there were literally only two thin slices of turkey. The bread was a bit hard to bite into and it was overloaded with huge chunks of tomato & bell pepper. Overall, a miss.

Gorgeous space, friendly staff, good music and great coffee. I popped in for a few hours to do some work and got the almond latte, it tasted strong and had the right amount of flavor. There's plenty of space with outlets to do your work and enjoy the vibe

Cute vibe and even better coffee! Something I really enjoy is when coffee shops have ceramic mugs for drinking inside the shop - and there is no waste :) The latte I ordered was absolutely delicious, and my girlfriend loved her americano. We studied here for a couple hours before heading back home - and I forgot my headphones but loved the lofi drum and bass music they were softly playing. Definitely coming back, 10/10!

Excellent coffee (both honey vanilla and cappuccino). Staff were friendly and helpful with recommendations. Service was fast. Cozy and relaxing cafe ambiance with music in the background plus donuts/pastries for purchase. Great place to hang out in Long Beach. Highly recommended!

Great coffee and decent breakfast sandwiches. Stopped in here after shopping at the farmers market. They're pretty busy during the week but I enjoyed my coffee and food at the bar.

Looking for a place to study or relax and enjoy a cup of coffee? Look no further this cute coffee shop has a variety of options from avid coffee drinks to those who prefer non-caffeinated beverages. They also have vegan donuts which were cute and tiny. We ordered two iced chai lattes and a hot vanilla honey latte. The barista was helpful in terms of recommendations being it was our first time. I was a little disappointed with my drink at first it tasted watered down and was in a rush so I couldn't ask for it to be remade but by the time I drank about half way it has a better taste and I was able to taste the chai and cinnamon. A downside is parking, it might be difficult to find parking. There is street parking available.

I tried the Avocado Toast and the Iced Honey Vanilla Latte. Both were very tasty and satisfying. Toast was crunchy and soft. Will come back and try more

Beautiful shop, solid coffee spot if you're in the area. They're menu is extremely limited in my opinion, a lot of items are crossed off on the menu. Came in around 9am and they were out of oat milk. The other milk alternative they offer is almond milk (califa farms barista). FYI, drinks won't be filled up if you request less ice, which is fine with me because I don't want it to be overwhelmingly milky. There were items I wanted to try but has since been blacked out, apple crisp on their holiday menu was good, very similar to their cinnamon dolce. Didn't see too many pastries on display but they do have sandwiches on a separate menu.

Was in the area looking for a good coffee spot and the restaurant across recommended Recreational. For a Sunday afternoon there was no wait and the coffee came out nice and quick. The service was very friendly and helpful; I've been loving Honey Vanilla lattes lately so I opted for that, while my husband got the Cinnamon Dolce Latte. Their lattes are definitely on the pricier side ($7+ each), but their coffee does taste very flavorful. I loved my HV Latte but CD could've used a little more love in my opinion. The cafe itself is very cute and cozy and VERY clean, most importantly. Seems like a very nice calm place to also study and get work done. There is also a lot of parking around with short walking distance!

We were in town for Cali Vibes and walked here to get coffee before the gates opened at the festival. It's a cute spot, I'd say small/medium in size and has a coffee shop vibe and seems like a great spot for people to meet. I ordered the blueberry lavender latte with oat milk and it was to die for! I would come back for that alone. I also used their restroom and thought it was different than a lot of coffee shop restrooms and I liked the design/layout of it and the art in there! Definitely would recommend this place for good coffee.

We can here earlier today. Looking to try a new coffee place. Inside is pretty decent size. Nice space. It was a little busy and didn't wait too long for our coffee. Taste of the coffee was good and they made it extra hot but wasn't that strong. They only have once size cups. Also, it's only street parking.

Nice inside. Expensive cappuccino. Even more expensive if you can't find free parking and have to pay to park.

I came in for an iced matcha latte and there was a big line with only one girl being barista and also the cashier so it was slow service. The iced matcha is the worst matcha I've ever had. I got it with regular milk and sweetened with honey and it tasted terrible. It had a fishy seaweed aftertaste and I really tried my best to find the flavor but I could not drink it. I had to throw it out so there goes my $7. Unfortunately I would not return to explore other items of the menu, and think the positive reviews are not reflective of the quality of the place.

There's no shortage of great coffee shops around Long Beach, and Recreational Coffee is definitely a solid choice for anyone looking for a good quality cup of tasty caffeine! Like many other coffee spots they have many standard items from pour overs to lattes and they really do them all very well; I'm in love with their honey vanilla latte! What I love about their lattes is that they use milk from Straus Family Creamery and as someone who has a complex coffee setup at home and as someone who has had a LOT of coffee and constantly experiments with different ways to make coffee, I must say that using a higher quality milk in a latte really enhances the whole experience. It's a subtle addition but it really makes all the difference! The people who work here really know what they're doing and they really do take pride in what they do so you know that you're getting a high quality cup of delightfulness. A nice selection of pastries and sandwiches are offered as well. Not to mention that it's a great spot to settle down and get some work done, though parking can be a hassle but there's a parking garage literally right next to them. Recreational Coffee is a lovely and vibrant coffee spot that will cater to all your caffeine needs so I definitely recommend checking them out!

I absolutely adored the vibes of this place. Its seems like such a community hub & the music was perfect for a coffee shop. The baristas were so welcoming from the first moment. I loved that they did latte art & my almond cappuccino was just what I needed that afternoon. My boyfriend & I split the chocolate chunk cookie, which was heavenly. The only tough thing is parking but in my opinion, it is worth it looking for parking for this cute little spot to study & socialize.

Great coffee shop, it's pricey but the vibes are nice and the customer service has been great. For those of you who are looking for a spot to study or work, I would recommend this place because: 1. Free wifi 2. Outlets 3. Large and small tables available 4. Lots of light at the front if that's your vibe 5. Hours are great compared to other coffee spots 6. Bike rack in front

Delicious brew, central location. Quick and friendly service. Latte was soft in flavor, not too bitter, shot perfectly pulled. Nice to find a coffee shop that doesn't sloppily make an espresso. And not too third wavy... aka barely medium roast. Indoors are clean and cool. Outdoor seating great in the sun. People watching. Nearby to 3rd street DTLB shopping and eating.

Definitely get the espresso shake! Thick vanilla ice cream blended with espresso and whole coffee beans to give it a nice grit! Don't worry, it's still a smooth shake experience, kinda like having cookie crumbles in your shake. Coming in at $10.75, it is a little more pricey than your usual coffee, but this is definitely a treat! It's very decadent, and I think it's worth it. Recreational Coffee has a great bustling ambience, perfect for catching up for a friend and chatting, rather than getting any work done. Parking is ample at the nearby parking structure, where parking is free for the first 2 hours.

Big fan of this place! The owners are super nice and friendly and they always have fun new drink ideas. I had the breakfast sandwich last time and it was delicious. Also the tunes are always great.

Overall rating: 4/5 Wait: 4/5 Arrival time: Saturday 9am Food: 4/5 Order: honey vanilla oat milk latte Service: n/a Price: 4/5 Worth it, would come back Recreational Coffee is a delightful spot where the buzz isn't just from the caffeine. The honey vanilla oat milk latte is a sweet symphony in a cup, a must-try for any coffee aficionado. The wait time is reasonable, especially considering the care that goes into each beverage. While the service rating remains a mystery, the friendly ambiance speaks volumes. The pricing is fair, reflecting the quality of the offerings. It's a place that warrants a return, not just for the coffee, but for the experience. Definitely a gem worth adding to your coffee rotation.

I'm new to the area and really wanted to like this place since I live so close by. When I entered I could see this place was very cute and a chill place to grab coffee and get some work done. I came in around lunch time and wanted to check out their sandwiches or other food offerings. Unfortunately, when I inquired, they were out of a lot of things on their menu leaving very limited options. I opted for a turkey pesto sandwich since it was one of the only things available on the menu. I felt the service took a very long time to get this sandwich out. I could understand if it was a large sandwich with premium ingredients, but to my surprise when it finally came out it was very small. The turkey was a few slices of deli meat with large pieces of bell pepper and tomato with cheese and pesto sauce. I ate it and it was good but the size was not nearly filling to be considered a full size lunch meal. I was a bit disappointed considering the sandwich was about $11. I might be back for a simple coffee but I won't be here for food or expecting speedy service.

When I came in all three people working were super super nice and amazing baristas. It's expensive but worth every penny in my opinion. I love the ambiance and thought the coffee and food was all really really good. I got a dirty chai, fig apple toast, and Turkey pesto sandwich.

Loved the ambiance, coffee and food! Everything was delicious! I ordered the avocado toast and it did not disappoint!!