Three Latinx-Owned Cafes
It’s hard to forget the deliciousness of Mexican pastries and drinks. A nice champurrado, iced Horchata, warm arroz con leche, sweet pan dulce or a simple Abuelita’s coffee is all we need sometimes to cure our worries. Whether you’ve enjoyed them in the comfort of a home, around your community, or in another part of the globe, the nostalgia of it all is what makes it even more delectable.
Photo courtesy of Gusto Bread.
Long Beach is diverse and rich in Latino culture, so finding a good spot won’t be difficult or disappointing. Here are three unique, affordable cafes and bakeries to stop by the next time you find yourself exploring the area.
Confidential Coffee
This homey, family and Latinx-owned cafe showcases Mexican culture through its art and decor. Upon entering, your attention may immediately go to the beautiful and giant Frida Kahlo mural or the mini botanical lounge on the right-hand side of the entrance. Items from the menu range anywhere from $3 - $5.75, some of which include: Matcha Horchata, Mexican hot Chocolate, Mazapan Latte, and Cajeta latte. Most drinks can be made hot or iced. Denise Maldonado, owner of Confidential Coffee, opened the cafe back in September 2018 with her main goal of being to teach people about her culture while being as inclusive as possible. If you’re looking for a drink that’s not too sweet and not too strong, the Rompope (a type of Mexican eggnog) latte is Maldonado’s personal favorite. “The citrus really brings all the flavors together.”
Surrounding the menu is a Chadwick Boseman mural, pride flag, plants and vibrant art gallery, Photo by Valeria Alba.
137 W 6th St, Unit 101 Long Beach, CA 90802
Open Mondays from 7 a.m. - 9 p.m., Tuesday-Friday from 7 a.m. - 5 p.m., and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Viento y Agua Coffeehouse
With an arguably similar vibe to a swap meet, this cafe embraces Mexican culture through its colorful interior, traditional ornamentation, merchandise, and tasty menu. Aside from their smoothies, sandwiches, classic lattes, and juices, consider trying their Café Con Leche, Mexican Mocha, or Mexican Hot Cocoa. This spacious coffeehouse has a comfortable lounge and other sitting areas for you to focus and catch up on work, read or simply relax. If you’re in the mood to explore, you can also browse the clothing rack near the register or stop by the mini gift shop inside. Adelita's Revenge is a queer, Indigenous, Chicana owned gift shop with over 40 vendors and artists! You can find t-shirts, traditional jewelry, pins, bags, candles and more.
Viento y Agua menu, Photo by Valeria Alba.
4007 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Open daily from 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Gusto Bread
A minimalist bakery with Mexican-Indigenous like interior has become a local favorite spot. Gusto Bread, owned by Arturo Enciso and Ana Belén Salatino, started as a cottage bakery out of their own home during the summer of 2017, with their storefront officially opening to the public in August 2020. Combining tradition and creativity to offer a mix of classic and new flavors, their pastries are made by hand with high-quality ingredients and care. Among the many options the menu has to offer, some popular items are the Atole Latte and Dulce de Leche Latte for drinks, and Nixtamal Queens and conchas for pastries. Their versatile menu caters to customers with a sweet tooth, and those who prefer stronger flavors. “We recommend trying whatever fits your mood, but you can't go wrong with a pastelito de guayaba or the sesame flatbread.”
A glimpse of the bread display with the menu in sight, Photo by Valeria Alba.
2710 E 4th St, Long Beach, CA 90814
Open Wednesday-Friday from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.