North Long Beach is an area of LBC that often gets overlooked—even by its own residents. As its name suggests, this neighborhood sits atop the city’s northernmost border and has been called a “food desert.” However, this neighborhood has dining experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in Los Angeles. From Cambodian-style lemongrass chicken wings to dinner on a Black-owned farm, here are the seven best places to eat on the north side of Long Beach.
El Pollo Imperial
Long Beach is a city with a multitude of Peruvian options, including the charming visage of Westside’s Casa Chaskis, to the Michelin-acknowledged Sushi Nikkei. Between all of them, El Pollo Imperial is the city’s longest-standing. Opened in the former shell of a drive-thru KFC in 2010, this family-run establishment serves Peruvian meals that feel closest to home cooking. Every order comes with fresh rolls, accompanied by some of the best ají verde sauce I’ve had, and a small bowl of aguadito de pollo. Most people would opt to order lomo saltado. However, I would recommend trying their picante de pollo (a creamy chicken and potato stew with rice) or their seco de cordero (stewed lamb). If you go during lunch hours, their specials come with all accouterments at a very affordable price. And yes, you can still order a meal through the drive-thru window.
5991 Atlantic Ave. Long Beach, CA 90805. Closest transit lines: Long Beach Transit Line 61 - "Atlantic/60th" or Long Beach Transit Line 192 - "Atlantic/South."