If you’ve lived in Long Beach long enough, you know the corner of Atlantic and 37th isn't just a street intersection. It’s a pilgrimage. Honestly, if you try to mention "comfort food" in this city without talking about Bake n Broil restaurant in Long Beach, people will look at you like you’ve got two heads. It’s been there since 1965. Think about that for a second. In a world where restaurants open and close faster than a TikTok trend, this place has survived the moon landing, the rise of the internet, and a global pandemic without losing its soul.
It’s the kind of spot where the smell of yeast and roasting turkey hits you before you even get through the door. You’re not going here for avocado toast with microgreens or some deconstructed molecular gastronomy experiment. You’re going here because you want a muffin the size of a softball and a slice of pie that makes you want to call your grandmother.
The Bixby Knolls Legend: More Than Just a Diner
Walking into Bake n Broil feels like a warm hug from a relative you actually like. The official name is technically Hof’s Hut's cooler, more independent-feeling cousin—though it's officially Eddie's Bake n Broil now, named after Roger and Carol Bloom’s son. It’s a family affair through and through. The wood paneling and the counter seats aren't "retro-themed." They’re just... the way it is. They haven't chased a single design trend in decades, and that’s exactly why people love it.
The wait is usually long. On a Saturday morning? Forget about it. You’ll be standing on the sidewalk with thirty other hungry locals, all eyeing the bakery case through the window. But here’s the thing: nobody leaves the line. People stick it out because they know the payoff is a level of consistency that is frankly rare in the modern food industry.
Why the Bake n Broil Restaurant in Long Beach is Actually Famous
Let’s talk about the muffins. If you haven't had a Bake n Broil muffin, have you even lived in the LBC? They aren't those greasy, cakey things you get at a gas station. They’re dense, moist, and have that perfectly crusted top. The blueberry is a classic, sure, but the bran muffin is surprisingly the sleeper hit. It’s got this deep, molasses-rich flavor that makes you feel slightly less guilty about the fact that you’re probably going to order a side of bacon, too.
Then there’s the pot pie.
Most places serve pot pies that are mostly gravy and three sad peas. Not here. The chicken pot pie at Bake n Broil restaurant in Long Beach is a structural marvel. The crust is flaky—like, shatter-on-impact flaky—and the inside is packed with actual chunks of white meat chicken and vegetables that haven't been turned into mush. It’s heavy. It’s salty. It’s perfect. It’s the kind of meal that demands a nap immediately afterward.
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The Pie Case: A Danger Zone for Your Diet
You cannot talk about this place without mentioning the pies. It’s literally in the name. They have a rotating selection that changes with the seasons, but the staples are what keep the lights on.
- Chocolate Cream: It’s silky, topped with massive peaks of real whipped cream, and has a crust that tastes like actual butter.
- Lemon Meringue: High-altitude meringue that doesn't weep, sitting on a tart, bright filling.
- Fresh Strawberry: Only when they’re in season. Huge, glazed berries piled so high it looks like a delicious red mountain.
I’ve seen people come in just to buy a whole pie for a "special occasion" that is clearly just them wanting to eat pie on a Tuesday night. No judgment. We've all been there.
The "Broil" Side of the Menu
While the bakery gets most of the Instagram love, the "broil" part of the name handles the heavy lifting for dinner. We're talking old-school American diner staples. The burgers are solid—no brioche buns or truffle oil here, just good meat on a toasted bun with crisp lettuce.
The pot roast is another standout. It’s slow-cooked until it basically gives up and falls apart at the mere suggestion of a fork. Served with mashed potatoes and gravy that actually tastes like it came from meat drippings rather than a powdered mix, it’s the ultimate "I had a bad day and need calories" meal.
There’s a nuance to how they cook here. It’s simple, but simple is hard to get right every single time. They don't over-complicate the seasoning. They rely on the fat and the heat to do the work. It’s honest food.
A Lesson in Longevity and Community
Why do we keep going back? It’s not just the sugar.
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In a city that is rapidly gentrifying, especially in areas around Bixby Knolls and Long Beach Blvd, Bake n Broil represents a tether to the past. You’ll see three generations of a family sitting in a booth together. You’ll see the construction worker sitting at the counter next to a guy in a suit. It’s a democratic space.
The staff is a huge part of this. Some of the servers have been there for years—decades, even. They recognize the regulars. They know if you want your coffee black or if you’re the type of person who needs extra ranch. That kind of institutional memory is what makes a restaurant a "third place" (that sociological term for a place that isn't home or work, but where you feel like you belong).
The Reality of the "Wait"
Look, I’m going to be real with you. If you go on a Sunday at 10:00 AM, you’re going to wait 45 minutes. Minimum. The lobby is tiny. It gets loud. If you’re looking for a quiet, romantic date spot where you can whisper sweet nothings over a candle, this isn't it. It’s a bustling, clinking, humming machine of a restaurant.
But there’s a trick. Go on a Tuesday at 2:30 PM. The lunch rush is over, the dinner crowd hasn't arrived, and you can usually slide right into a booth. You can take your time with your coffee. You can actually hear yourself think. It’s the best way to experience the Bake n Broil restaurant in Long Beach if you actually want to appreciate the food without the pressure of a line of people staring at your table, waiting for you to finish.
Navigating the Menu Like a Pro
If it’s your first time, don't get overwhelmed by the options. People tend to panic and just order eggs and toast. Don't do that.
- Start with a muffin. Even if you’re getting a full meal. Get one to share or take it home for later.
- Check the specials board. They often have seasonal items or specific desserts that aren't on the main menu.
- The Quiche is legit. It’s deep-dish style and incredibly rich.
- Don't skip the "fixings." Their coleslaw and potato salad are made in-house and you can actually tell.
What Most People Get Wrong
A common misconception is that Bake n Broil is just "another diner." It’s really not. Diners usually have massive 10-page menus where everything is mediocre. Bake n Broil has a relatively focused menu by comparison. They do a few things—baking and broiling—and they do them better than anyone else in the neighborhood.
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Another thing: people think it’s expensive. In 2026 dollars, it’s actually one of the better values in the city. When you consider the portion sizes and the fact that they aren't using pre-frozen, processed junk, the price point is more than fair. You’re paying for labor. You’re paying for the person who showed up at 4:00 AM to start the dough for the rolls.
The Actionable Takeaway for Your Next Visit
If you're planning to head over to Bixby Knolls, here is the move. Check their hours first—they aren't a 24-hour joint. Currently, they usually close around 8:00 or 9:00 PM, so it's not the place for a midnight snack.
Bring a book or a friend you actually like talking to for the wait. Once you get seated, order the Chicken Pot Pie if it’s available (they do sell out). If you’re there for breakfast, the "Belgian Waffle" or the "Dutch Country Breakfast" will keep you full until dinner.
And for the love of everything holy, buy a slice of Red Velvet cake or a piece of Pecan pie on your way out. Even if you’re full. You’ll thank yourself at 10:00 PM when you’re sitting on your couch and remember it’s in the fridge.
Supporting a place like Bake n Broil restaurant in Long Beach is about more than just getting a meal. It’s about keeping the character of Long Beach alive. It’s a vote for local history and handmade quality over corporate fast-casual chains. Go there. Eat the carbs. Enjoy the history.
Next Steps for the Long Beach Foodie:
- Call ahead to see what the "Pie of the Day" is, especially during holiday seasons like Thanksgiving or Christmas when they take pre-orders weeks in advance.
- If you're local, try the "Take and Bake" options if they have them available; it's the best way to get that smell in your own kitchen without the flour mess.
- Park a block away in the residential area if the small lot is full; it's easier than trying to navigate the tight squeezes near the entrance.