By If you are indecisive and looking for a place to grab a bite to eat, the LBX Hangar is the spot for you.
Voted as the best place to “Chow Down” in the 2021 Student Choice Awards, The Hangar, located at 4150 E McGowen St. in Long Beach, is a 17,000 square-foot structure and home to 12 small food vendors that offer food from Turkish inspired kabobs to Korean barbeque.
Opened in March 2019, the establishment is reminiscent of an old school aviation hangar, a nod to Long Beach’s aviation history, and was even built on old Boeing Co. Land.
When you walk in, you’re greeted by Portola Coffee Roasters front and center, then to the right, there is Blue Bowl, a customizable smoothie bowl café. To the left of Portola is The Kroft, which specializes in comfort food and is known for its signature poutines. Poutine is a Canadian staple, which traditionally consists of french fries, cheese curds and gravy.
Inside LBX Hangar, featuring Blue Bowl, Bite Mi and JayBird. Photo credit: Kaitlyn Rowell
Inside the structure, there are a couple of design elements that help enhance that aviation theme, including a giant American flag hanging inside the building, just as one would find in an airport. They also included a clock wall with 12 clocks, each set to times of different cities across the country such as Indiana and New Jersey.
Long Beach cities clock wall inside the LBX Hangar, displaying different Long Beach’s across the country. Photo credit: Kaitlyn Rowell
People don’t just come here for the cool decorations though; it’s the food court style set up that draws people in.
“We come here at least once a week,” Giovanni Lora, 28, said. “It’s like two minutes away from us, so it’s nice.”
Lora was with a group of friends on a Friday morning, enjoying lunch from Bite Mi, a Vietnamese cuisine spot.
The group said it’s one of their favorite spots, but they are regulars and have managed to make their way around the food court.
They said that sometimes they go at night, sit at the outdoor seating area, and enjoy the live performances that take place on occasion. They all expressed the sentiment that The Hangar is a great communal spot to hang out with friends and enjoy good vibes.
Inside The Hangar, aviation style decoration and booth seating. Photo credit: Kaitlyn Rowell
The Hangar offers a great number of options, so it isn’t uncommon to find regulars who come back just to try new spots.
“So many solid choices there, it’s insane,” Jameric Bernal, 19, said.
Bernal, a regular, has tried four food spots at the location, including Jay Birds, which serves Nashville Hot Chicken; Plaid Sheep, a grilled cheese bar; Popbar, a gelato shop and Portola.
He described The Hangar as an excellent date destination for people looking for good food, with another group of regulars echoing this statement.
52-year-old Brian Morello was grabbing a drink with two of his co-workers, saying he hasn’t had a bad meal at The Hangar yet and you really can’t go wrong with whichever place you choose to try first.
With a unique atmosphere and so much food to choose from, it’s no wonder that the LBX Hangar won the award for the best place to “Chow Down” during this year’s Student Choice Awards.
You can learn more about the LBX Hangar and the businesses inside on their official website.
