Sunrise Café - Lakewood — Restaurant in Lakewood

There was a wait, we put our names down. We were called a little while later, not as long of a wait, but not short either. Reasonable considering how busy they were, and they were busy. I called ahead to see about wait times, but their phone was off.

We were seated and the host gentleman gave us utensils right away (a good sign) and offered us something to drink after returning a few min later. He got us started with two waters and a coffee. I noticed others around us were getting antsy waiting for food, so I was a little worried, but luckily people seemed to be chill. I wouldn’t recommend dining out anywhere if you were in a rush to get anywhere on time, especially if you’re in a spot like this that seems to get busy regularly, also a good sign.

Our waitress came to our table with a bit of a wait, but not long enough to ask, “where is our waitress?” But long enough to state that “they’re really busy.” But she seemed chill, maybe a little fast, but a good fast, not rushing you, but also trying to get your order in, another good sign. We ordered, she thanked us for coming in, and we waited. The wait wasn’t too long, and I saw guests next to us get their food not long after, which was great cause I’ve been worried that I’ll get my food before larger groups and others complain.

The wait wasn’t bad, but I was with my girlfriend and we had a lot to talk about.

Food came out as quick as you could expect with it being busy, and everything came out the way we wanted. We had our utensils, we had everything we ordered, extras already at the table, so we were set.

I had the chocolate chip pancakes, and they were delicious. Fluffy, but not too much batter, chocolately, but not to the point where it was overbearing. A great choice for myself, when I typically order lighter things because I try to not eat too many sweets, but I wanted to treat myself.

I also ordered the Belgian waffle with blueberries, turkey bacon, and scrambled eggs. Turkey bacon was as you would expect. I don’t like turkey bacon but it’s a better option for me than sausage or regular bacon because I try to not eat red meat often. The scrambled eggs were good enough, you know, just eggs like you would make at home.

The waffle with blueberries were great. The waffle was crispy yet soft inside. The blueberries were fresh, and there was a ton of whipped cream. I took it off, but next time I’ll prob just say no whipped cream, or light whipped cream.

My girlfriend got the waffle combo but with strawberry. She got a coffee and they had French vanilla creamer, which is great considering most places only have original.

Our waitress didn’t come back to check on us, which is fine, I get it, but you kinda have to at least once. I got up to get my girlfriend and I refills for water and coffee from the gentleman handling payments. I believe he was either the manager or owner.

He came back quickly with waters and coffee and thanked us for asking for it instead of getting frustrated, which I totally understand. I don’t mind being patient, but I’m also gonna speak up when we need refills for water or coffee.

It was great to see the manager/owner going around and checking on tables, getting refills, taking checks. He seemed to care and be involved in the business, which is a great sign that they care.

For that reason, I give 5 stars, because when you have place where you have your host helping out, you have your presets, your food comes out delicious, wait times were reasonable, you are put on wait - meaning they only take as many as they can serve, and the manager/owner is friendly and actively helping his staff, how could you not give 5 stars. Prices for add ons are the only reason I would take off half a star, but considering it’s a family owned and not corporate, to pay your staff reasonably, I’ll support the business if that means the staff is happy and is able to make some money, and the business can afford to hire enough people to take care of us dining in.

Side note, parking isn’t great, but we walked over from our place so it...

One of my favorite places in Long Beach, which are very few. Because Long Beach has a very small number of restaurants that are worth coming back for a second time. Sunrise Cafe is one of them. Affordable and tasty. The food tastes like food. Nice portions that are worth the price. Good salsa, which is very rare in Long Beach. Nice and clean place, good customer service. You won't regret coming to have a nice meal at this place. The only thing that I don't like about this place is that they close at 3:00 pm. It would be nice to be able to come late at night to have a chicken Philly with home fries and lots of salsa. You have to try it. It is good. Udate, June 1st, 2025: As most of you guys know, prices have increased in general, and portions have gotten smaller. The last two times that I have come to this place, the Philly cheesteak seemed to be missing beef. Way smaller beef portion. I am disappointed. I also noticed that when I got my bill, they suggested a 30% tip. I know that it is not enforced nor mandatory, but as I mentioned before, the bad economy is affecting most customer's pockets, plus prices are way high over all, and portions are smaller than before. So by suggesting a 30% tip, I feel that eating out experience is not that enjoyable anymore. Looking at that kind of tip on my bill ruined my meal, and I feel that up to a certain point, it is insulting to customers who are having a hard time...

I've been to this place a few times and it's never been bad but never great either. The staff is mediocre and you really get a "leave me alone" vibe when you have to interact with them. I give restaurants a few chances unless I get sick from them. After having had a better then expected breakfast in the restaurant I thought I'd try them out today through Uber eats. My god was it a mess. Everything that was fried was bunt tasting on the outside dispite being only slightly overbrowned. When you order fried zucchini you expect julienned fry sized strips. These intelligent people thought cutting 1 1/2in chunks of zucchini would fry up well. The chili cheese fries were so skimpy I could easily see the bottom of the container and in the end it not only looked like fries with dog food on them but tasted horrendous. I tried to call to let them know then need some extra braincells in the kitchen but the owner was to busy to talk to me. Probably the one back there making this horrible food. Avoid this place. You'd be better off eating at a hole in the wall burgers joint. If any locals know of the Fantastic burger which is a basic burger joint then know that this place(sunrise cafe) is a far cry from...