MVP's grill & Patio — Restaurant in Long Beach

Flavorful. Inviting. Unpretentious.

These are the first three words that come to mind when I think of my experience at MVP Grill & Patio on 4th Street in Long Beach, CA.

I would like to start by saying, when considering your dining options, anyone in the LBC knows that the list for potential places to eat is nearly endless and as a restaurateur on the opposite side of the transaction, one could imagine that it's especially competitive. In my opinion, this is where passion, pride of ownership and commitment to customer satisfaction dictate whether you succeed or fail. The owner, David Aguilera, exemplifies all of these qualities and it’s always a treat to be dining in when David is working, or his brother, Andrew, for that matter. They are personable, humorous and really put the dedication to their craft on display whenever possible.

From time to time, when my girlfriend and I branch out and find a new place to eat for the first time, our experiences aren't always memorable. Or at least, if they are, they can be for the wrong reasons. Those reasons might include an unfriendly host taking our order, an unrealistic delay in receiving our food or simply the food just doesn’t taste good. In fact, I believe a person can taste the difference between an apathetic cook that prepared a meal with no love in it compared to a passionate cook that prepared a meal with heart and soul. I have found the latter to be the case in every bite that I took at MVP Grill & Patio on 4th Street.

I really enjoy the ambiance here. Seeing as the name is MVP’s Grill & Patio, you’ll find no shortage of sports fans here. I love the artwork of various influential sports figures on the walls along with the fun menu items that are cleverly named after different athletes. If you’re just wanting to stay out of the heat and dine inside, there are plenty of screens to gaze at while you eat or if you’re in the mood for dining outside on their covered patio (my favorite) that’s also a preferred option. Whether it's a business luncheon, a cool spot to hangout with your buddies or even to have a casual date night, MVP’s caters to all the above.

One of my go-to sandwiches has to be the “Michael Jordan” which is a cajun chicken breast sandwich topped with red onion, lettuce, tomato and a swirl of basil pesto served between two slices of fresh sourdough bread. I am a stickler when it comes to chicken. Nothing ruins a meal like biting into squishy or fatty chicken and I am pleased to say that the chicken breast served at MVP’s is cooked thoroughly and crisp with each bite. Additionally, all of the sandwiches are served with fries and, as an upgrade, you can have cajun fries (worth it!). The fries are made fresh for every order and have the perfect ratio of crunch and softness to them.

Another honorable mention, when I’m in the mood for a burger, has to be the “George Foreman III” (pictured below). While this may appear to be your standard bacon & cheese burger, it is anything but! The house cajun dressing really “makes” it, quite honestly. The burger itself has as much flavor as anyone could ask for with just the right proportion of each ingredient and the serving size is just right. As always, no sandwich is complete without the fries (cajun, in my case!)

Recently, while enjoying my “Michael Jordan” chicken sandwich, David sat down with me and discussed some of the origins of MVP’s Grill & Patio on 4th Street. MVP’s started as a humble establishment owned and operated by David’s uncle and quickly became a Long Beach staple. After learning the business for a number of years and paying close attention to detail along the way, David has since taken the reins himself and brought along new ideas with him in the short time that the restaurant has been under his control (1+ years so far). As ambitious as I believe David to be, I am optimistic to see what new additions await MVP’s Grill & Patio in the future.

MVP’s Grill & Patio hits a homerun! Now the ball is in your court. They’ll supply the good food and good vibes. Just don’t forget to bring...

Horrible service today. I have ordered at all other mvps and never encountered this before. I placed an order over the phone and kid who was taking my order was very rude when I placed an order for a salad and sandwich. As I was on my lunch break I went in wanting to pick up my order and the kid at the front just walked away and disregarded me. I said ok maybe he’s having a bad day. I then payed for my food and he said he would bring my order out in a minute and he did. I asked if there were forks in my order and he very rudely said no we do not give forks due to COVID-19. I have never not been given a fork in a Togo order because of covid. Especially in such a rude way. How do you put everything else in my bag but not a fork. I had to eat my salad on my lunch with my bare hands. I will never be ordering from this location again. Go to the one on redondo or bellflower. They will definitely not give you the attitude I...

Gole (4th&Temple-LBC) is a VERY unpleasant employee! We got a cold vibe from him even when we 1st entered. The young lady with long brown hair was very friendly and pleasant after she pleasantly spoke I spoke to her, then him and he just gave a death stare, I spoke again, and he THEN forced a real dry "hi," which looked like thru gritted teeth! THEN he slammed the tip jar down on the counter smack in front of hubs face! As if to menacingly strong arm a tip. I didn't even want him cooking hubs food! Had it been MY food, I would have canceled and left! Sure enough, I glanced in the back to see if he was cooking with his terrible energy, and I saw him cough toward the grill mouth open!!! We come here often enough, and USUALLY ALL of the employees are SUPER friendly, and we do tip. His energy gave racist vibes and was VERY off...