42nd Street Cafe and Bistro — Restaurant in Long Beach

The high reviews brought me into this establishment on our way out of town. I was looking forward to some delicious food. We certainly found it. I had bacon and eggs with rye toast and Café au lait. The scrambled eggs were wonderfully delicious, light and moist, and the bacon which I had asked to have extra crispy was done to perfection. The home fries were good and that was some of the best rye toast I think I have ever had. But when it came to the Café au lait, I was pretty disappointed. The press apparently was not in good condition and my coffee was full FULL! of grounds. But the server's response and attitude dismayed me even more. When I pointed out the coffee to him, he did not apologize and whisk it away to bring me fresh, instead he began pointing out that the pour lip was slightly very slightly askew and the coffee did not pour right. When I commented that the pour had nothing to do with the capture of the grounds, he became very condescending and declared a few grounds in the coffee was the nature of a French Press. I told him that one or two grounds, certainly but not enough to cover the top of my coffee. He started to school me some more, till I pointed out that my companions coffee did not have any grounds at all. I told him I could not drink that and he took it away without an apology or offer to replace it with fresh.

So if you enjoy really delicious food, you'll be satisfied visiting the 42nd St Cafe & Bistro. Especially if you can take it with a cold serving of patronizing...

Everything was fantastic! Jean-Marc was our server. He was sweet and funny, excellent service. For apps we tried the steamed clams, which were cooked perfectly and absolutely delicious, and the chanterelle mushroom/leek special. They also brought out bread with house-made corn salsa and marionberry jam which were both tasty. I had their bloody mary which claimed to be the best on the beach. I've had better but it honestly was probably the best you could get in Long Beach, and the pickled asparagus in it was a winner. For entrees we had the fried oysters, the shrimp/fish cake burger, and the butternut squash ravioli. The oysters were large and juicy even though they were fried, definitely recommend them. The ravioli was a wonderful balance of sweet and savory, with apples, red onion and asiago cheese. If you're looking for a vegetarian entree and you're okay with things being a little out of the box and atypical, this is also a good choice. The shrimp/fish cake burger said it had pickled ginger and parsley-caper mayo on it and but we weren't able to taste either. Maybe pass on that one. They had beers from the brewery across the street ((the red was light and malty and very good)) and the overall atmosphere was nice, clean, friendly, and good. I will definitely return if I'm ever in...

Over priced and lack-luster service

Came for lunch on a Sunday. 3 people asked if we had been helped (tiny place but no communication). Still had to wait for a table even though the place was half empty. They did have crayons for kids but no kids friendly items on the menu. We found out when they brought out the food we were supposed to intrinsically know to ask for the dinner menu to have kids options. But as the waiter smugly said "you know for next time". Didn't help us today buddy. After our food was brought out they didn't bother coming back to check on us (by this time there was 1 other table). Even had to wait for the check while our waiter sat next to us and counted his tips.

Now for the food. Their $15 chicken caesar had about a cup of wilted romaine, a couple croutons, and 2 small chicken tenders. The chili was more of a bean tomato soup with a ton of raw onions on the top. The side of French toast was ok, nothing to rave about. Other than cute decor and being clean, there is nothing note worthy, worth the...