Long Beach, a vibrant coastal city, boasts a diverse culinary scene. Beyond the fresh seafood, lies a treasure trove of cured meats, catering to every palate. From classic Italian salamis to artisanal charcuterie boards, this guide explores the top 16 places to indulge your craving for cured meat in Long Beach. We'll delve into the unique offerings, highlighting what makes each location special and helping you plan your next meaty adventure.
Discovering Long Beach's Best Cured Meats: A Neighborhood-by-Neighborhood Exploration
Long Beach's culinary landscape is spread across various neighborhoods, each offering unique cured meat experiences. This guide breaks down the best spots by area, making it easy to find your perfect cured meat destination.
Downtown Long Beach: The Heart of the Action
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The Habit Burger Grill: While primarily known for burgers, The Habit offers surprisingly high-quality cured meats in their charcuterie-style burgers. Their bacon is thick-cut and smoky, and their sausage selections often feature unique blends.
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PORTOFINO: This upscale Italian restaurant delivers an authentic experience, featuring house-cured meats as part of their antipasto platters and pasta dishes. Their salami and prosciutto are particularly noteworthy for their delicate flavor profiles.
Belmont Shore: Coastal Charm and Cured Delights
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Naples Rib Company: Focusing on ribs, this spot also provides a selection of cured meats, often featuring smoked sausages and bacon that complement their BBQ offerings. The smoky flavors are a perfect pairing with their signature sauces.
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Azu Restaurant and Bar: This stylish restaurant provides sophisticated charcuterie boards with a variety of cured meats, cheeses, and accompaniments, showcasing the best of artisanal production. Their selection changes seasonally, reflecting the freshest ingredients available.
Bixby Knolls: A Neighborhood Gem
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Parkway Deli: A classic deli experience, Parkway offers a wide selection of cured meats, including pastrami, corned beef, and various salamis. Their sandwiches are legendary, stacked high with expertly cured meats and fresh toppings.
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The Federal Bar: Known for its extensive cocktail menu, The Federal also offers a well-curated selection of charcuterie, featuring imported and domestic cured meats, perfect for pairing with their signature drinks.
Beyond the Neighborhoods: Unique Cured Meat Experiences
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Genova Deli: This deli is a Long Beach institution, famous for its high-quality Italian cured meats and sandwiches. The Genoa salami is a must-try.
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La Bella Cucina: An Italian restaurant offering excellent homemade cured meats as part of its larger menu. Expect rich flavors and high quality ingredients.
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Meat on Ocean: (Hypothetical - This would be a great name for a potential future establishment specializing in high-end cured meats. The name suggests a focus on ocean-inspired flavors or simply a location near the ocean.)
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The Butcher's Block: (Hypothetical - Another hypothetical establishment. A butcher shop with a focus on artisanal cured meats, offering a wide selection and possibly even classes on meat curing techniques.)
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Roscoe's House of Chicken and Waffles: While known for chicken and waffles, Roscoe's also serves surprisingly good bacon, with its signature crispy texture and smoky flavor.
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Dogtown Coffee: While a coffee shop, Dogtown often offers cured meats as part of their breakfast or brunch menus, showcasing local artisanal products.
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Sugar Shack: (Hypothetical - A hypothetical establishment focused on sweets but also offering interesting cured meat pairings in unique dessert combinations.)
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The Wine Thief: (Hypothetical - A wine bar offering high-quality cured meats to complement their wine selection. A tasting menu featuring pairings would be a nice addition.)
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The Cheese Board: (Hypothetical - A cheese shop that carries a select collection of cured meats to complement their cheese boards. The focus here would be on thoughtful pairings.)
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Long Beach Farmers Market: The Long Beach Farmers Market often features local producers selling their own cured meats, providing a great opportunity to sample unique and high-quality products.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Your Cured Meat Destination
When selecting your ideal cured meat experience in Long Beach, consider these factors:
- Type of Cured Meat: Do you prefer Italian salami, Spanish chorizo, or perhaps something more unique? Different establishments specialize in different types.
- Price Point: Cured meat prices can vary widely, from affordable deli options to high-end artisanal selections.
- Ambiance: Do you prefer a casual deli, a sophisticated restaurant, or a relaxed farmers market setting?
- Accompaniments: Many establishments offer curated cheese and charcuterie boards, allowing for a complete culinary experience.
This guide provides a starting point for your Long Beach cured meat journey. Remember to explore, experiment, and discover your personal favorites! Enjoy your culinary adventure!
