Dine Out Long Beach 2.0 features Berlin Bistro
SoCal Coffee house exudes European Flair

For the past three years, Dine Out Long Beach 2.0  has showcased some extraordinary local restaurants.  This year the event (February 28 – March 3, 2018) features over 48 restaurants.

Each year I participate in the fabulous feeding frenzy by reviewing a few of the restaurants, hoping to find…”The One” that will bring me…and my readers… back again and again.

Berlin Bistro

And as in years past, I have found a winner. Located in the heart of the trendy bohemian East Village Arts District, Berlin Bistro  serves up a unique blend of tasty breakfast, lunch and light dinner cuisine, a small curated wine list, a noteworthy coffee bar, wine cocktails, and carefully chosen beer brews.

Photo: Allan Kissam

Set in a contemporary mixture of European bistro meets SoCal coffee house all types of people come in to relax and enjoy the décor of reclaimed brick and wood, professional service and an exceptional menu.

Indoor and outdoor seating.  Bring your BFF, business partners or your dog. Great for date night. The service is definitely based on the European attitude of stay and enjoy.  No rush here.

Photo of K Kansteiner by A Kissam

Per the owner Kerstin Kansteiner, originally from Germany herself, the name Berlin Bistro was chosen to “… differentiate between my other business Portfolio Coffeehouse” and, “… to evoke a European Berlin flair: an old building that features a complete new and very modern interior design.” Having been to Europe many times – and just a few months ago to Berlin- I would agree she nailed it. The outdoor patio and large windows front of house that open up during the summer are a special treat and reminiscent of a European sidewalk café.

Kerstin changes the menu up about four times a year.  She concentrates on a farm fresh menu alongside her Chef du Cuisine Brain Henson. With 200 +- covers a day, the place is hopping.

To Kerstin, success looks like happy employees making a decent living and people of all walks of life enjoying the bistro. Customers tell me they love seeing her in the shop, shouting out a friendly hello and just generally just making sure all is going smoothly.

Photo by A Kissam

As we all know, a place can have a cool décor or vibe, but if the food ain’t happening, there’s no reason to come back.  No worries here.  My partner and I came for breakfast.  Many of the people I spoke with were regular lunch goers.  We can highly recommend the affordably priced Brioche French Toast, the Smoked Salmon Flatbread, freshly made scones, and the Bacon Burrito. As good on the palate as it looks on the plate.  The coffee blend used is exceptional.  Being served next to us was the Berlin Benedict which looked amazing.  From such a tiny kitchen, greatness explodes. Just one thing missing.  I would die to have freshly squeezed orange juice and lemonade as part of their offerings.

Photo by A Kissam

Bringing me back is the lunch menu featuring a plethora of yum.  Looking forward to trying their version of Banh Mi, From the Earth Salad, and the Roasted Turkey Sandwich. $10 lunch specials seem to be calling my name as well.  The Salmon is one of their best sellers. Chef changes how it’s served based on the season.  Plenty of familiar sides and notable appetizers to choose from if you’re just looking for a quick nosh. Vegans and Vegetarians can find plenty to enjoy.

Fingerprints record store

Chances are if you are there after 10 am, you’ll hear some live music. Or, attached to Berlin Bistro is Fingerprints, a funky record store that also serves as a small venue for some very impressive musicians. Take your coffee and spend some time to indulge.

I really love everything about Berlin Bistro. They are now one of my favorite Long Beach stops providing my favorite forms of sustenance and ambiance.  It’s all about watchful management and great owner participation providing elemental and essential good taste to a trending and vibrant neighborhood.

LOCATION & HOURS

420 E. 4th Street

Long Beach, CA 90802

562.435.0600

HOURS

Mon-Fri 6:30 am – 7pm

Sat-Sun 7am – 7pm

Thank you to Dine Out Long Beach 2.0 for coordinating my visit to this hidden gem and to owner Kerstin Kansteiner for hosting me.