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    Active Culture

    4.6 (168 reviews)

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    ACTIVE CULTURE ATMOSPHERE

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    Recommended Reviews - Active Culture

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    Frozen yogurt
    Cat N.

    This Active Culture location is a little hard to find if you are looking for it at 2nd & PCH. It's on Marina Drive by the parking lot by 2nd street. So it is on the outside of 2nd & PCH. Once you find it it has a cute outdoor patio with the inside having an open feel. Like other Active Culture locations they offer menu items that are fresh and simple. They have vegetarian and vegan options. You can find bowls, salads, sandwiches, burgers, burritos, and other items. They even have acai bowls, smoothies and shakes. When I came I went for their frozen yogurt. Their vanilla and chocolate uses organic items and it was really good. Their pineapple flavor is also great. I want to come back and try their date shake.

    Jasmin H.

    Unfortunately not a big fan. The healthy looking name of the restaurant attracted me. However most items were quite standard. My quinoa Salad was just alright. The restaurant was not very well taken care off. Tables were dirty. You could feel that there were some mismanagement issues among the staff.

    Grassroots Burger and Bowl
    Danica Y.

    After a Pilates class, my friend and I wanted to treat ourselves to a healthy dinner! I ordered the Grassroots Burger. I had low expectations since the burger patty is made from lentils, however it was surprisingly flavorful and satisfying! I didn't miss having beef. The salsa was really fresh, but not spicy. I'm kicking myself for not trying the frozen yogurt! It looked delicious! Not much to say about the service since it's a fast casual restaurant. Our food came out quickly! Loved being able to sit outside and see the bay from our table.

    Wholesome bowl
    Ali I.

    It's nice to have a healthy option in the mall. The only downside is that it is pricier for what is a simple bowl. Most of their ingredients are organic and made from scratch which explains the price point. That being said for a bowl of beans and rice you are paying a lot. I had the wholesome bowl. It was very filling and satisfying... the sauce/dressing was ok... I think some kind of mustard nutritional yeast based dressing. The salsa was really basic but good and refreshing. Portion was pretty huge... made two meals out of it. I would probably get something else next time considering I could make this at home. Def check out if you want a healthy meal!

    Outside
    Jessica P.

    The cashier was friendly and knowledgeable about the menu and my friend and I both agreed to order the Velvet Acai Bowl & Dulce de leche Frozen Yogurt that was recommended to us. I was so pleased with both and I will definitely be coming back! I think they offer a bogo promotion on Fridays which is amazing for those coming to try Active Culture. The area has free parking and there is a mix of indoor and outdoor seating with free WiFi.

    Inside water area
    Tim H.

    Easy free parking for your first 90 minutes Friendly service from multiple staff members throughout the dining experience We ordered the simple salad and breakfast burrito plus got to try one of their amazing yogurt desserts Overall an amazing experience and definitely would come back again. The simple salad was very filling and the breakfast burrito was perfect. Love the ambience of this place esp the outdoor seating.

    Açaí bowl
    Paul L.

    Second time coming back for the same item - BREAKFAST BURRITO. Although I am usually a curious eater wanting to try a new item on the menu on each visit, I am convinced that Active Culture makes one of the CLEANEST and HEALTHIEST BREAKFAST BURRITOS I have yet to try. For those who are health conscious, this is a must-order. However, I loved how this restaurant thought outside of its box and thought a healthy burrito with less grease could go hand-in-hand with a breakfast tradition. Also, I like to ask for an additional side of their salsa - one for the burrito and the other for the tortilla chips. Come here on Sunday morning and also enjoy the bustling Farmers Market taking place across the street.

    Wholesome bowl
    Jason L.

    This place screams healthy and the food is pretty good too. Located on the outskirts of 2nd & PCH, it's located right across where the Farmer's Market typically happens. The outdoor patio is nice to lounge at given that the indoor space is a little small. The staff is friendly and more than happy to coach you through the menu if it was your first time, like it was mine. I got the wholesome bowl and it was delicious. It was surprisingly very filling and I just loved the OG sauce. I don't know what exactly is in the sauce but it's phenomenal. At first glance, I wouldn't think all of the ingredients in this bowl would mix together but surprisingly it does. I would definitely come back.

    Hummus quinoa salad
    Annie L.

    I would eat this everyday if I could. Wish this place was closer to me! They have so many different types of bowls, everything was super fresh and I really loved my hummus quinoa bowl. This place is a vegan/vegetarian's dream. I am not really vegetarian but would come here often if I was closer. Cute location, right across from the water. Parking was easy. Love the outdoor seating. Everything we ordered was delicious. Make sure to also get their acai bowl for dessert!

    Wholesome bowl
    Evan K.

    I enjoyed eating my bowl and catching up with a friend on their patio. You can feel the breeze from the marina, and it just feels relaxing at 2nd and PCH. The food is also refreshing, even though I don't eat vegan/vegetarian often. Their menu has everything for anyone, bowls, nachos, burritos, salads, breakfast, acai bowls, smoothies, and more. The food is on the pricier side, but I don't mind it; I just wouldn't come all the time. I have tried a few of their bowls and their breakfast burrito, but I can't stop getting the Wholesome Bowl. It comes with brown rice, organic red & black beans, cheese, green cabbage, salsa, avocado, cilantro, and their OG Sauce. It's honestly so good and fills you up fast. I recommend the Honey Lavender smoothie! It had some cool edible flowers on the top, making it more aesthetically pleasing. Parking is easy, too; you can do street parking or their 2-hour free parking in the 2nd and PCH parking garage.

    Açaí bowl game
    Natalia E.

    I got the velvet açaí bowl and it was amazing. The base was sweet but tart and the fresh fruits were so refreshing. They are also generous with the granola! There is plenty of seating outside and limited seating inside. The service was very good, the person helping us was very sweet and patient and made recommendations which I appreciated. P.S. they have happy hour on Fridays from 3-5 making the açaí bowls and froyo 50% off.

    Chili Cup with extra red onion on top!
    Kate M.

    I just realized I've never left a review for one of my all-time favorite spots! I worked here for almost two years, but I was a HUGE fan long before that. This place has everything--amazing food, the best vibes, and the kindest people. Whether you're catching a sunset or meeting friends for brunch, it's the perfect spot. One thing I love is that they happily take modifications--they really want you to love your meal! And as someone who worked there, I can honestly say they're super nice and welcoming. They love their regulars and make everyone feel right at home. Eating here always feels like such a sweet experience. The food is the perfect balance of healthy and delicious--it never feels heavy but always hits the spot. I'm obsessed with the OG sauce, the Wholesome Bowl, the Chaga Shake (seriously, bring it back!), the Salted Caramel Froyo, and the Protein Bowl. All I can say is--GO! You won't regret it.

    Date shakes
    Stephanie L.

    I love Active Culture! Ever since I've discovered this place from a Yelp event, I'm hooked! Located in 2nd and PCH, it is super easy to park with 90 mins free. Everything here is so delicious and healthy! My favorite are LB bowl, Not your mama Nachos, Dates Shake, Wholesome Bowl. I love to come here for a healthy meal and introduce all of my friends to this place! We all love a healthy but delicious meal! Highly recommended!

    Rice bowl

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    I wanted to love this place more. The breakfast burrito was not great so I ate half. And I love breakfast burritos!

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    2 years ago

    Great food. Helpful staff. Some vegan meals. Yum. Can't believe I missed this place after leaving near it for 2 years.

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Abbi B.

    Wow Jessie, thanks for your review! We really appreciate your support!

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    3 years ago

    Ordered one hefty breakfast burrito. Top notch. Didn't have time to stick around, but would definitely eat-in the next time I'm in the area.

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    3 years ago

    Really loved their nachos! We will be back again! The curbside service was awesome and the portions were very generous

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    3 years ago

    Amazing, real food that was fresh and tasty!! Found it by accident and have made it a fave spot!

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    3 years ago

    I love how their smoothies aren't too sweet. Great service and ambiance as well. Highly recommend!

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    2 years ago

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    Page 3 of 5

    Ask the Community - Active Culture

    Do you take reservations?

    Hi Christine! We do not take reservations.

    Is breakfast served all day?

    Yes!

    View All 3 Questions

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    4.7(58 reviews)
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    V Cafe is my favorite when I am visiting the salon two doors down. The owner is amazing and she…read moremakes everything from scratch. She also delivers to the other storefronts (her neighbors). I was first introduced to the café when I wanted a drink. The butterfly lemonade is the perfect thirst quencher. The lemonade is freshly squeezed from the lemon in the refrigerator case. You see her grab the lemon and hand juice it. The butterfly tea is then freshly brewed and added at the top giving you a drink with blue on top and lemon color on the bottom. The magic is when you mix it. Try it! When I had more time, I tried the beet salad. Its made to order. Fresh everything, crisp salad, candied walnuts, feta sprinkled on top, and the perfect raspberry vinaigrette to finish it off. It comes with toasted bread that gives you just enough carbs to round out the salad. The mushroom melt is packed with mushrooms and I always ask for havarti as its my favorite. She is flexible when she is able to (ingredient availability or pre-prepped). But it is no small sandwich. I usually get the soup and sandwich. I have tried the tomato, mushroom, and lentil soups. All very filling and compliments the sandwich. Mushroom soup is seasonal so when you see it, try it. It is amazing. The impossible Caesar salad is made so fresh as if it is straight from the farm. The café also serves coffee items. Be sure you head over early though. It closes right when late lunch turns to early dinner or if she is out of main ingredients.

    This cafe looked very promising after looking at the pictures and that's where I went wrong…read more Don't get me wrong, it's cute inside but that's about it. I ordered the cortado which was a decent drink and I thought I was going to get it in a dine in cup like the pictures but no. So onto to the sandwich I ordered which was the Mushroom Melt and it did deliver with cheese but it looked like they threw in a couple or so of mushrooms and called it a day. The service felt like I was a bother to them or her I should say. It rattles me when the person taking your order is fidgety and looks like she had better things to do. Maybe the college students that come don't mind but I definitely do. I'm really surprised they're still in business. And that's my take on this failed adventure, Peace out...

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    You know... just a secret menu latte and some kick ass avocado toast.

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    Appu's Turmeric Cafe - Paneer tikka masala

    Appu's Turmeric Cafe

    4.7(258 reviews)
    2.8 mi
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    I went for the first time today & it's already a five-star for me! I would definitely recommend,…read morebeyond just vegetarian/vegans. Staff is super friendly & food tasted fresh, delicious, & - the best part - healthy! I tried the soup sampler trio & the mix & match taco trio. All were tasty! I truly struggled to pick a favorite of each. I also had the iced lemongrass Chai & the turmeric ginger immunity drink. They offered me a sample of the Chai before I ordered it which I thought was very nice. The only suggestion I would offer is to add more lime juice to the immunity drink has its turmeric heavy (obviously) but missing some tang from the lime. I was the only one dining in so the ambiance was pretty quiet & relaxed. There seemed to be a decent number of pick up/ to-go orders while I was there. Please support this small business stay open! I'm looking forward to going back & trying more items when I'm in the area.

    I have passed this restaurant many times since moving to along Beach and always told myself to stop…read morein, 2 years later I finally made it in and wished I came by sooner! Focused on healing the bodies through food is something everyone is needing more of. I have always been mindful of what i put into my body, and truly believe the art of healing ourselves through Whole Foods! Appus Tumeric Cafe checks all of those boxes, with Chefs VRs goal to educate and provide a place where people can enjoy great food with having no cost to their own long term health. I came in on a random Thursday to try it out for the first time and I was the only customer there. Greeted by the Chef and owner himself I was happy to share a conversation with him as he prepared my meal. Like in any new places I go to I tend to panic order and simply asked for his recommendations. I decided to go with the item that will be good for on the go as I needed to eat quickly before jumping to my next work call. I went with The Maharaja Burrito one of those items Cher VR recommended as well as the Yellow Lentil Soup. Along with the burrito came with a yellow curry sauce to also add more flavor to the burrito. Both dishes were fabulous! I truly enjoyed the flavors from both dishes, however I kind of wished I went with their garbanzo soup to add more spice to the overall meal. I will be back for sure to make my way through his menu as everything sounded delicious .

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    Lazy Dough - Steak and egg skillet

    Lazy Dough

    4.8(374 reviews)
    4.1 mi
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    My favorite brunch spot, and I'm not exaggerating…read more The avocado toast is my order every single time -- beautifully plated and genuinely delicious, not just pretty. But the menu is huge and I've made a real dent in it: the eggs benedict croissant, steak and eggs, honey prosciutto pizza, and the beef bulgogi burrito have all been excellent. The pastries deserve their own paragraph. Strawberry croissant, Dubai chocolate croissant, almond croissant, cheesecake, cookies -- I've had nearly all of them and they hit every time. But the guava danish is the one. If you only get one thing from the pastry case, get that. There are days I come in purely for the pastries and skip the meal entirely. Service is quick and friendly. Parking is the one tricky part. We've been lucky finding a spot right out front every time, but give yourself a few extra minutes. Highly recommend, whether you're here for a full brunch or just the guava danish.

    This place is a great place for breakfast…read more The matchas are delicious and the portions are great. The service is friendly and attentive. I ordered the savory pancake dish and it was delicious! The neighborhood is a bit ROUGH! Keep that in mind before you visit here. I am not gonna take any stars off because that is not the restaurant's fault as it is the city's fault. Will I ever be back?! I don't think so! I will visit another breakfast place as Long Beach has a TON of brunch places!

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    The Wild Chive - Chive BLT, loaded with avocado.

    The Wild Chive

    4.6(700 reviews)
    3.0 mi
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    Split 2 meals and very much enjoyed both. The atmosphere is wonderful with tons of light coming…read morein, a low level of noise from patrons, and great service. I am not vegan or vegetarian, but appretiate a good vegan meal. In house made spreads were an added bonus. This experience was phenomenal...vegan goodness with flavors on point.

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