My friend brought me here and I instantly felt like a regular. The staff are funny and personable. Katie was our server and took great care of us. I got the protein scramble. Delicious! Definitely coming back. read more

I've eaten breakfast lunch and dinner on different occasions here, but I don't think the french fries are good that come with the burgers. But the best I had was the breakfast sandwich - lots of egg and good bacon and tomatos and really yummy bread. The place next to it is good too, but not really a place to relax and eat. read more

Average food and coffee, price little more than Regular foe this with quality, service is ok, in short nothing too bad but I was not impressed! read more

Great place! The staff is excellent, very attentive, and the food is nothing short of delectable. Will definitely be returning soon!

Have not been here for awhile food is still very good service just ok girls were very busy talking to each other not paying attention to customers read more

I was driving through Long Beach on my way back to Los Angeles and spotted The Small Cafe on 2nd street. My stomach was rumbling with hunger so I decided to check it out. It was breakfast time and the place was packed. My fear of not getting a table was quickly put to rest as I was promptly seated at the quaint "Old School" counter and greeted with a "Good Morning" and a smile. The friendly waitress (I think she was the owner as well - -Talk about hands on!) suggested the special of the day that consisted of eggs, corned beef hash, toast and hashed brown potatoes. A few minutes later I was served one of the best breakfasts I have ever had! Not to mention the freshest of fresh squeezed O.J. and coffee that would put Starbucks to shame. This place rocks...Needless to say, I can't wait 'till I'm back in Long Beach around lunch time. I'll head straight for The Small Cafe! read more

Well I've been coming here for years and today will be the last time, between the spider webs above our table, the hair on my daughters plate AND the cockroach running down the wall. I chose not to touch my food. read more

They came to the rescue, as always! So nice to be able to count on a great place for good food and delightful servers, when we don't feel like cooking, after a long day at work! And Sunday breakfast/brunch....yum!!! Thank you TSC staff....we appreciate all you do to make us, and the guests we bring, feel welcome and fill our tummies too!!! read more

Wow! The corn beef hash & eggs are awesome...fresh corned beef, not canned! Ate way more of it than I should because it was so good!! Great atmosphere & is just what the name says, small...but it works! read more

My parents love coming here for breakfast, so I'll dine here from time to time. It's a cute little place, but the food is just average. The omelets I've had were pretty good (particularly the chili omelet), but the hash browns are a little bland with no color or texture. The eggs benedict, on the other hand, was one of the worst I've ever had. The hollandaise was heavy on the lemon, and the eggs were overcooked. No delicious runny yolk. Service is friendly though a little slow at times. You might have to fend for yourself to get menus, place settings, etc. read more

This is a nice cafe and one that is really convenient for us to walk to. They have a small seating area outside, incase you bring your dog. Since I'm a vegetarian, I was thrilled that they have a whole selection of dishes for those of us who don't eat meat. Not just one "veggie sandwich" or one "veggie omelet" but items like soyrizo! Yes, love it. Now I really want to give them more stars, but darn it, the servers just never smile or seem happy. It's a downer when I walk in all happy and they barely acknowledge you. Come on ladies, smile, or let someone else work there that has a happy attitude. read more

Best spot in Long Beach for breakfast and I have tried them all. Small place known mostly by the locals so check it out if you haven't already! My personal favorite is the cinnamon roll french toast made with fresh cinnamon rolls baked in the cafe! read more

This definitely is not how I remember it but the burger was phenomenal. Their French fries are just like any other normal cafes french fries but they did fry them to perfection. I will be going back here again! read more

Visited The Small Cafe this week with my boyfriend. I was very pleasantly surprised! I love breakfast and always thoroughly enjoy finding a treasure like this cafe especially since it was a very late breakfast, aka Lunch. It is a small place so I could see how it could get crowded very quickly. We found seats at the counter and were quickly greeted by a lovey young lady. We ordered pancakes & French toast, both were great and large portions. I have to say I am a avid Starbucks drinker and their coffee was BETTER! Yes, I said it, better than Starbucks. That was the cherry on the top. Thank you 'Small Cafe' I will be returning. read more

I visit about 1-2 times a month for breakfast. If you're interested in a good hearty breakfast then try this spot. Always warm when served and never greasy. Banana pancakes are great here too. No frills as this place is pretty small and located in a little business strip but the staff is friendly and you'll leave with a happy tummy. read more

First time there probably won't go back. The place is clean ,help is pleasant but they couldn't get the order right. The hash browns were watery and really mushy. I didn't have a satisfied feeling when I left. read more

If it is homecooking with a friendly atmosphere that you are looking for then look no further than the Small Cafe. Breakfast is a hometown favorite with the unforgettable Special Spuds as a must have but this place has so much more to offer than that. You will find anything you are craving here for any meal you choose. Don't forget the owner's homebaked favorites- too good to miss!! read more

Ay Ay Ay, why is it so hard to get a good breakfast in Long Beach? True to its name this place in small. It is tiny. Not sure why that means they are unable to get some air circulating - it was at least 10 degrees hotter in the restaurant than outside. We sat out the counter and had the green eggs and ham (pesto eggs) and a veggie scramble of some sort. I was very disappointed in the pesto eggs. I love pesto, but this does not mean I want to eat it out of a jar by the spoonful and with this breakfast I might have well been doing just that. Even the toast was pretty unimpressive - my sour dough tasted like wonder bread. Our server was a bit rude - if you are going to serve me a mediocre breakfast, at least be nice to me. Smile. Say hello. The biggest problem I have with this place is that the servers also check you out - not a problem in itself, but when paired with the fact that the servers also prepare food it is disgusting. I watched a girl take money and make change for one customer then walk over and grab some toast (full on, no glove) and slap butter all over it. Ummm, that's gross. One star for money hands touching toast. read more

Went here on a Friday, late morning with a friend, not too crowded. We were seated pretty quick, but, the waitress took FOREVER to come and offer anything to drink or bring menus or any of the normal things restaurants do when you first arrive. Funny thing was the place wasn't crowded! She finally comes over to take our order, we each order coffee. My friend ordered the corned beef hash and since it was nearly 11 am, I ordered a veggie burger. She never brought the coffee, instead, it was brought to us by a guy who was sitting at the counter, and only after he must have overheard us remark after about 15 or 20 minutes that we wondered if coffee would be coming at all! He pours coffee into cups and puts it on the table saying "I'm a regular here, I help out all the time". Did I mention we had no silverware, napkins or creamer for the coffee? Mr. Counter Customer brought all of that too. The coffee was putrid. I mean, really bad. I love good coffee and this was just bong water. F-O-U-L. Didn't take a second sip. The food finally arrives and it was actually good. The cook was on point-hash was delish and the veggie burger was awesome! Reminded me of the burgers that Russell's used to have-messy and gooey. Waitress never came back to ask if we needed anything else (we didn't,after we realized it was "fend for yourself", we took ketchup from a neighboring table). She did manage to stop by and bang down the bill and a little jar for tip. I wanted to tell her to not leave the jar, we wouldn't be using it! Based on food alone I would have given this place 4 stars but add in the dismally bad service and it goes down to 2. Will not be going back any time in the near future. read more

Great food and excellent service!!!! The chicken and eggs were really good!! Really enjoyed the ma and pa type of setting. Very low key. Definitely a place I would come back to!! read more

Came in on a Friday before work. The place looked like a great little hole in the wall! Sat down and was acknowledged by the waitress but it was a good few minutes before she asked what I wanted to drink but she was busy as she was the only waitress there and the restaurant was pretty full. Finally she took my order for coffee and by the time she came back with it I was ready to order food. She just quickly dumped off my coffee and took off. Then I realized I had no silverware and also there was no cream for the coffee. She ran back by several minutes later and I was still ready to order food but she was so hurried all I could say was I need creamer, didn't even get the silverware part out of my mouth and she was gone again. By the time she came back to take my order I asked for it to go as it was taking far too long and I did have to get to work. The food was pretty good but it would have been better if she would just have taken the order in a semi timely manner and I could have eaten there. I drank my coffee with cream unstirred with all my sugar sitting at the bottom. I wasn't even offered a to go cup for the coffee. I'm not usually picky in fact I'm generally a push over but this place rubbed me the wrong way. Had to walk to the ATM too as it was cash only! Will not be back! read more

Have tried it three times a couple of years ago. It's located in the old Russell's location and when I tried this place, they claimed to have the same cook as Russell's and the same burger - so naturally I tried the burger - three times no less on three occassions. It's not the same burger, and the last time I went there at about 2 in the afternoon on a weekend, we were the only people there while the poor looking dishwasher?? swept the floor next to our table with a broom. I asked for him to please wait until we had left. Apparently, he didn't understand English, so we left early. Every time I drive by, it looks closed and I assumed that it had been put out of its misery. it needs more than a broom to clean it up in my opinion and the burger is no better than Wendys or Carl's Jr., read more

As someone who had spent several years in the restaurant industry I was disappointed with my experience on two counts this morning. If you are a Breakfast restaurant COFFEE is very important. The coffee was definitely not on point and I found out later why. The server had been dumping old pots of coffee in to fresh coffee. That is a major no no. Secondly was my comfort. We were sitting at a 2 person table half booth half small uncomfortable chair. I let my Dad sit in the booth as I should've. After a lady had left the table 2 tables down from us I sat in the booth side next to my Dad taking up a second 2 person table (god for bid). To my left were to more empty tables and there were 3-4 other empty tables. Almost immediately after I sat there the server asked if we'd move tables either to a smaller more squished table or to one in the back corner and my Dad has a bad knee so I didn't want him to navigate through to that table. So I moved back to the small uncomfortable table (im not little btw). Of course know one came to sit in that table next to us and I sat uncomfortably. My thoughts are keep coffee fresh and allow customers there requests if there not to outlandish. Care less about turning and burning and keep people comfortable and you might just be suprised how happy they are. Be genuinely friendly its a small neighborhood cafe. What saved the rating to 3 of 5 was the meal. Great job cooks! read more

My Boyfriend and I had a terrible experience there sometime ago and vowed never to return HOWEVER we did and I am so Glad we did Under New Ownership Laura and her Sister are Great. The Food is so Good and the staff is so attentive. Laura sat with us and we told her about our bad experience and she was so grateful that we were honest. I Love This Place anyone who has had a bad experience in the PAST COME BACk it's great.. read more

This place is the perk cafe feel with amazing food! Whether it's breakfast or lunch, the good is always amazing and the service is fantastic!! Definitely a long beach must see! read more

My most favorite place to eat in long beach! The food is always delicious and fresh. The service is great and everyone is super friendly. Great little local place to check out! read more

Breakfast was great. It's a small place with about 9 booths and some counter seating. We went Sunday around one and there was no wait although I think we took the last table. The service was friendly. Cash only. I had an omelette that I wanted specially made and they were cool with that and made it as ordered. Hash browns were very good, and each plate had a couple pieces of melon. My bf had corned beef and really enjoyed it. They do have a small selection of beer and wine also. We will for sure be back, everything tasted very fresh, and not overly greasy like some places. read more

Friendly, and the best corned beef hash I've had anywhere. It's homemade, not out of any can. A nice spot for Saturday morning breakfast, very casual. read more

Been in twice and each time the service was absolutely horrible. The wait staff only seems friendly to their "regulars" not knowing that because I do my laundry next door once a week, I probably would have become a regular too. Went in today, sat at the counter, no one greeted me or even said they'd be with me momentarily so I went to the cashier to order a coffee to go. I still stood there for a long time with no one helping me. How much does pouring a cup of coffee take???? At least aknowledge the fact that I'm standing right there...took my business elsewhere. read more

Went here with my husband on a late Saturday morning. Been wanting to try the place as we're new to the area and are trying to experience everyplace we find! Service was horrible. Food was meh. I ordered their "Breakfast Special" which consisted of French Toast, eggs any style (I ordered scrambled, but received over-easy), and bacon. I would have rather stayed home and cooked it myself. Nothing special. We sat outside as we were ignored for five minutes when we waited inside to be seated. We finally flagged down one of the unfriendly workers and told them where we would be. So we sat amidst the flies out in the parking lot (basically). Finally someone came to take our drink order. We asked for water since we weren't very sure of the place yet. Drinks came rather quickly, but it took 10 more minutes to get the straw she said she'd bring me. Food came quickly (but how long does it take to make the breakfast that I ordered). My husband only ordered an English Muffin which, obviously, is much more difficult than a full breakfast as it finally arrived at our table as I was finishing my full breakfast. All in all, basic food, horrible service. Waitress was kind of surly and rude. Overworked, rushed. Made us feel as if we were in the way. We waited for our check, but eventually gave up and went inside to get it. The girl that helped me was very friendly and cute. Took care of our check immediately. Wish she'd been around much sooner. Won't be back. read more

I haven't had the food here, just coffee, and it was well worth the $1.50. The waitress was very nice. If you're looking for somewhere nice to come and sit while you do assorted things, this is the place for you....or me....I like it.... read more

I went and had breakfast with gf and family the other day. It was wonderful service and delicious food. The waitress was super nice and helpful. Definitely will be back! read more

The Small Cafe is a cozy cafe with awesome service! The waitresses are super friendly and really care about providing good service. The food is also great and I was very happy with the proportion size. It is cash only but that adds to the charm of this place. read more

My husband and I have not been to the Small Cafe in a year. The food was excellent as always, but this time was different. Although the service has always been nice, tonight was just the best. Even though our waitress had a few tables she was so sweet and personable she made everyone feel like they were eating at her house. So professional and on the ball, I took our ticket so I wouldn't forget the name. Thank You Kolette for a great night we will definitely be back! read more

Took my 5-year old here for breakfast. Ordered the breakfast special and asked for one extra pancake with the two that come with their $9.25 "special" and was charged an additional $3.50...for one pancake! When I asked the waitress about it, who never once revisited our table to refresh my coffee, she said their prices went up because ownership now has to pay them a higher wage. Good for her and her colleagues...they deserve a fair and living wage...but SHAME ON OWNERSHIP for leaving it up to the wait staff to BLAME THEMSELVES and their need for fair compensation on their RIDICULOUS PRICES for average, at best, food. read more

We took my husband to The Small Cafe for Father's day brunch and had a great experience. The food was great like homemade. Great service. always checking on us to make sure we had enough coffee or tea. It was nice to see other families with babies feeling like they're at home, talking to the waitresses as family, you can tell they were happy to be here. I will definitely come again for the food and the feeling! Just remember to bring cash because they're cash only. read more

nomars assessment is way off base. could it be that as dumped boy friend he trying to submarine the restaurant? the staff is always friendly even when overloaded. why do you think so many people go there? Yes it's a little expensive but every thing at the shore is. they now have beer & wine, big screen t v, & Wednesday specials. worth checking out read more

this place is amazing!! i came this morning to have breakfast with my boyfriend and the place is so comfortable and warm, it has a vintage look and its very clean they have a really nice menu with healthy food and theyre generous with the portions. im planning on comming back soon! absolutely recommend this place read more

i usually frequent here when i am next door doing laundry. our first time was because it was convenient, but after trying their food, we're back for more. i love their breakfast selection. big fan of their breakfast burrito :) mmmm also, highly recommend the mother nature sandwich. so good & healthy! their fries are always fresh & never too greasy...fries are my downfall & love a good fry :D will def be back for more! read more