James Republic Restaurant in Long Beach, CA
Chef Driven and Locally Sourced
By Linda Kissam/ Photos by Allan Kissam
In a Southern California world where restaurants 
are plentiful, but not necessary noteworthy, it’s nice to write about a restaurant that really deserves the attention. Think Long Beach, a city by the sea 20 miles south of Los Angeles. The restaurant scene there is lively and varied. If you can think of a dish, Long Beach now has a restaurant covering it. Now, focus on the James Republic restaurant, located in downtown Long Beach.
James Republic is gaining solid word of mouth buzz for their fresh, local and chef driven menu. It’s part of the DJM Restaurant Group. They state their goal, “…is to create an atmosphere that truly resonates with the local community and
celebrates the best of what surrounds us—great food and drinks with friends and neighbors, for work and pleasure, sharing past and progress.” Add in great service, a rotating food and wine list, a talented manager, pet friendly patio, and a chef that takes chances …and I think we have a touchdown.
James Republic is located at the Marriott Courtyard on 1st street in Long Beach. Access to 
it is from inside the lobby or a door on the street. The interior of the restaurant is modern, accented with discrete nautical touches. But it’s the feel of open air dining room that calls to the senses. Doors open wide to the street and an outside patio creating a lively, trendy kind of SoCal feel. Pass by on any sunny day and the patio is packed.
If you are a cocktail lover, you’ll be glad to know drinks are made with in house craft ingredients. 
They all have fun names like Boots with Furr and North of the Wall adding their own personality into the mix. We were there for brunch. We tried the Bottomless Mimosas (made with fresh OJ, the best Mimosa on the planet). You can also find a short, but serious line up of wines. I am impressed they made space for Nebbiolo, Barbera and Carignan. Glass or bottle. Beers on tap or in craft brews in the bottle. Whatever your pleasure, you’ll be well taken care of.
The brunch menu is served from Weekends 
Brunch 10:30-3:00 PM. It is quite large and a few of the items rotate with the season. Of note is the Corned Beef Hash ($12), which everyone seemed to be ordering. There’s a good reason for that. It is A-Mazing. If you’re not up for brunch/breakfast try the House Blend Grass Fed Burger (13). This is an OMG experience. Think upscale flavors punctuated 
with a palate inspiring fiscalini white cheddar and “fancy sauce.” Nothing like it. Add on Kennebec Pomme Frites for the complete 411. Anything on the menu is great. Order it all with confidence. Our server Leo guided us through menu selections with charm, grace, knowledge and patience.
Sometimes you’re lucky enough to find a 
restaurant that is truly significant. One making its mark amongst the crowd. One that you would gladly return to and recommend to friends and colleagues. James Republic is that restaurant for Long Beach.
You can try James Republic out during the upcoming Dine Out Long Beach, Restaurant Week 2.0 taking place February 19-25, 2017. They’ll be offering a special tasting menu at an incredible price. Don’t miss your chance to find out why this place is so popular.
