01
Best overall pick
Jimmy E's Bar + Grill
Cherry Avenue Corridor • Upscale Sports Bar And Grill • Best For Game Nights And Casual Meetups
A lively neighborhood gastropub where the TVs are always on and the comfort food keeps pace with the beer list.
Jimmy E's feels like the go-to Signal Hill hangout: plenty of screens, a long bar, and a menu that runs from wings and burgers to substantial salads and mains. It’s polished enough for a casual date but relaxed enough to show up in a jersey with friends. Aim for happy hour or big game days when the room, and the crowd, are at their best.
02
Hearty breakfast and comfort-food stop
Black Bear Diner
Willow Street Corridor • Classic Family Diner • Best For Big Breakfasts And Comfort Classics
A bear-themed diner serving oversized portions of pancakes, scrambles, pot roast, and pies from early morning through dinner.
Black Bear Diner is where Signal Hill goes when everyone at the table is hungry and nobody wants to cook. Portions are generous, coffee refills keep coming, and the menu is stacked with rib-sticking staples like chicken-fried steak, burgers, and all-day breakfast. It’s especially handy for families or pre-beach fueling thanks to easy parking and quick, friendly service.
03
Old-school pie and pasta favorite
Big E Pizza
Signal Hill Neighborhood Spot • Casual Pizzeria And Italian Joint • Go-To For Group Takeout And Casual Dinners
A long-running local pizzeria known for hefty, customizable pies, baked pastas, and a relaxed, no-frills dining room.
Big E Pizza has the feel of a classic neighborhood parlor, with big booths, shareable portions, and a menu that leans into comfort. Build-your-own pizzas, lasagna, and subs make it easy to feed a crowd without overthinking it. Dine in for the warm, family-run vibe, or call ahead when you need an easy takeout spread for game night or a kids’ sleepover.
04
Local institution for breakfast and lunch
Curley's Café
East Spring Street • Retro Cafe And Grill • Best For Classic Diner Plates And A Counter Seat
A long-standing cafe turning out generous breakfasts, sandwiches, and daily specials in a lived-in, everybody-knows-everybody room.
Curley's is pure old-school comfort, from the counter stools and coffee mugs to the menu of omelets, patty melts, and daily blue-plate specials. Regulars know it as the place where servers remember your usual and the kitchen doesn’t skimp on portions. Go early on weekends for breakfast, or slide in on a weekday for a low-key, satisfying lunch.
05
Destination for modern Mediterranean
AMMATOLI
Downtown Long Beach • Modern Levantine And Mediterranean Restaurant • Best For Date Night And Food-Focused Outings
A standout Levantine kitchen just minutes from Signal Hill, offering mezze, grilled meats, and craft drinks in a stylish, bustling space.
AMMATOLI draws diners from across the region, and it’s close enough to Signal Hill to be an easy upgrade from the usual rotation. Plates like muhammara, lamb skewers, and seasonal salads are bright, layered, and designed for sharing, making it a great choice for groups who like to taste around. Reserve ahead for weekend dinners, then make an evening of it with a walk through downtown afterward.