I've lived in Long Beach for over four years now, and for some reason, every time I drove past A…read moreRestaurant, I always thought, "It can't be that good."
I don't know what it was. Maybe the sign, maybe the name, but something about it just didn't call out to me. I'd see their Newport Beach location, always packed, and still think, "I'm going to spend a bunch of money, and the place is probably going to suck."
Boy, was I wrong!
We recently met someone who works there, and she encouraged us to give it a shot. So one evening, my girlfriend and I decided to check out the Long Beach location overlooking the marina.
WOW. What an incredible surprise!
First, the decor. Absolutely beautiful. Think Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons. That upscale, luxurious feeling you get when you walk into a really special place. A+. Haha. I guess that's why they call it A's!
Looking for a date-night spot where you can impress someone? A+. This place absolutely delivers.
The atmosphere? Another A+. There's a buzz in the air, an energy that's hard to describe. You immediately feel like you're somewhere special.
And then there's the food. Outstanding! From the appetizer to the main course to dessert, everything was fantastic. A+
But here's something I wasn't expecting. The chairs!
I'm not kidding when I say I sat in one of the most comfortable restaurant chairs I've ever experienced. It felt more like a luxurious lounge chair than typical restaurant seating. I could've sat there all night, overlooking the beautiful marina, enjoying the atmosphere.
The service was outstanding, too.
And the people-watching? Fantastic! As people walked in, you couldn't help but look around. It's that kind of scene. Great energy, interesting people, beautiful surroundings. The whole experience just feels special.
By the time we left, I was thinking, "We absolutely have to come back!"
And here's what really impressed me. This isn't just a restaurant I'd return to because the food was good. It's a restaurant I'd actually crave.
Craving amazing food? I'd think of A Restaurant.
Craving a beautiful atmosphere, great energy, and a little luxury? I'd think of A Restaurant.
Craving beautiful people? A's.
That's rare. Usually, restaurants are great at one thing or another. This place checks practically every box.
And now I'm kicking myself for waiting more than four years to try it!
All because I judged a restaurant by its sign and name. How ridiculous is that?
It really reminded me of that old saying, "Don't judge a book by its cover."
I had absolutely no reason to believe the restaurant wouldn't be good. I'd never eaten there! Yet somehow, I'd convinced myself it wasn't worth trying.
Meanwhile, I was missing out on one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in Long Beach.
Now I can't wait to check out their Newport Beach location. Every time I've driven past, that place has been packed. And knowing what I know now, I can only imagine the energy and atmosphere there. Plus, who doesn't love Newport Beach?
Oh, and one more thing. Apparently, they serve chicken pot pie on certain days. I haven't figured out exactly which days yet, but you better believe I'm going back to try it. If it's anything like the rest of their food, I'm in for a treat!
Here's what I'll say about A Restaurant.
Whether you're looking for an impressive date night, incredible food, beautiful waterfront views, outstanding service, or just a fun, upscale atmosphere, I genuinely can't imagine walking away disappointed.
There's really nothing I can complain about.
And I actually think this restaurant deserves even more attention than it's getting. Maybe there are other people like me who drive past, make assumptions, and never give it a chance.
If that's you, stop doing that!
You're missing out.
A's restaurant should absolutely be considered one of the top go-to dining destinations in Long Beach.
We're lucky to have a place like this because, quite frankly, Long Beach needs more bougieness!
Bring on the luxury. Bring on the beautiful decor. Bring on that Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons kind of experience.
Long Beach could use more of it, and A's is delivering exactly that.
Four years of driving past this place, and now I can't wait to go back.
Lesson learned. Don't judge a book by its cover.
A Restaurant, you won me over.
Oh, yeah!
F**** A. Haha