Long Beach Exchange (LBX) is hands-down our favorite local food hall. It’s the one place we keep coming back to—with our kids, with friends, and with out-of-town guests.
We bring people here all the time, especially families with kids, because not just because it has a lot of food options, and it has room for kids to run around. The food is legit good. The kind you crave later and actually want to eat again.
And because there are so many fantastic food options, everyone always finds something they love, even the picky eaters (like my 4-year old daughter).
If you’re local or visiting Orange County or LA County, LBX makes an easy and delicious stop. It’s also super convenient if you’re flying into Long Beach Airport (only 3 min drive away).
In this post, I’ll walk you through our favorite places to eat both inside and outside The Hangar. Plus kid-friendly food picks, desserts worth the hype, and tips to make eating here with toddlers and little kids a breeze.
Let’s dig in. (And bring your stretchy pants.)
LBX Review: why families (like mine) love LBX
- Seriously good food (not theme park junk or fast food)
- Tons of options inside The Hangar and around the plaza
- Kid-friendly eats for picky and adventurous little ones
- Room to roam with a turf patch right outside for toddlers to run
- Relaxed vibes with both indoor and outdoor seating
- Easy parking even on weekends (rare and wonderful)
- Right by Long Beach Airport for an easy meal pre- or post-flight
- Great for groups or meetups with friends who also have kids
What to Eat at LBX
Best Restaurants Inside The Hangar
The Hangar is the heart of LBX. It’s an indoor food hall packed with different food stalls, long tables, cozy booths, and outdoor seating nearby. Perfect for families, especially when everyone wants something different.
These are the spots we keep coming back to:
Ike’s Love & Sandwiches (American Sandwiches)
This is our go-to when we want something big and satisfying. Their Dutch crunch bread is next-level, and everything is loaded with flavor. We usually split a sandwich or save half for later. It’s fast, filling, and works great with kids in tow.
What to order:
- Name of the Girl I’m Dating – My favorite go-to order at LBX! The combo of avocado, honey mustard, and pepper jack cheese is so good, and we always add lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños for a little kick.
- Madison Bumgarner – My husband’s favorite. It’s savory with just the right amount of heat from the light habanero, and the steak is always on point.
The Kroft (New American Comfort Food)
The Kroft is our spot when we’re craving comfort food after a long day. The portions are big, the flavors are bold, and everything comes out hot and crispy. Items on their kid’s menu is also super affordable.
What to order:
- Double Wagyu Burger – My husband’s go-to. It’s juicy, cheesy, and super indulgent.
- Masala Poutine – This one surprised me. Fries loaded with gravy, cheese curds, and Indian spices—so good.
- Kids’ Mac & Cheese or Nuggets – Reliable options for little ones when we need something quick and easy
Marinated (Korean Bowls & Wraps)
Marinated is where I go when I want something packed with protein that still feels fresh. The meat is always flavorful and cooked just right. The bulgogi burrito caught me totally off guard with how good it was, and now I keep going back for it.
What to order:
- Bulgogi Burrito – My favorite here. The bulgogi meat and kimchi go together so well, and the egg inside gives it that extra something.
- Korean Rice Bowl – My picky daughter actually eats this. You can mix and match your protein and toppings, so it’s easy to customize.
Blue Bowl (Acai Bowls & Smoothies)
Blue Bowl is where we go for something lighter that still feels like a treat. You build your own bowl or smoothie, and the toppings make it feel like dessert. One of my kids is obsessed with it, the other refuses to try it—but that’s toddlers for you.
What to order:
- The Lazy Blue – This blew me away. Açaí, pitaya, and blue chia pudding topped with pumpkin flax granola. It’s healthy but tastes like I’m indulging myself.
Jay Bird’s (Fried Chicken)
Jay Bird’s is my go-to when I want something fried and spicy. Their fried chicken sandwich with coleslaw is messy in the best way. I always end up with hot sauce all over my hands, and I never regret it.
What to order:
- Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Crispy fried chicken with spicy sauce and slaw. It’s got a kick to it.
- Chicken Tenders & Fries – The mild version is perfect for the kids and still full of flavor.
Other Hangar Food Options:
- DonerG – Turkish and Mediterranean wraps, rice plates, and salads
Poke Bar – Build your own poke bowls with fresh toppings
Jay Bird’s Hot Chicken – Crispy tenders, sandwiches, and kid friendly mild options
La Taqueria Brand – Flavor packed tacos, burritos, and bowls
Wagyu Street – Elevated street food featuring premium wagyu beef
Best Restaurants Outside The Hangar (Still in LBX Plaza)
If you’re looking for a sit-down meal, need more space for a group, or just want something different from food hall vibes, there are some fantastic restaurants just steps away from The Hangar. These spots share the same parking lot and are totally walkable—even with toddlers in tow.
Panini Kabob Grill (Mediterranean)
This is our go-to when we’re craving something fresh, healthy, and filling. The portions are generous, the grilled meats are flavorful, and the rice and salad combo always hits the spot. They usually have high chairs, and service is quick enough even with kids in tow.
What to order:
- Chicken Kabob Plate – My go-to. The chicken is always tender and flavorful, and the rice and salad make it a full, balanced meal
- Salmon Kabob – A lighter option that still fills me up without feeling heavy
- Beef Koobideh Kabob – My husband’s favorite. The meat is super flavorful and perfectly seasoned
908 Restaurant (New American)
908 is where we go when we’re celebrating something or meeting up with a bigger group. It’s perfect for adult birthdays, visiting family, or even date night with kids in tow. Everything I’ve ordered (or sampled from someone else’s plate) has been really good. The drinks are strong, the service is solid, and the atmosphere feels a little more elevated without being stuffy.
You can sit inside or outside on the patio that overlooks the turf area, which is a huge win when the kids need to run around while you finish your meal.
What to order:
- The 908 Burger – My husband’s pick. The brioche bun and 1000 island dressing give it that nostalgic, diner-style vibe but elevated. I always snag a bite when he orders it.
- The Knife & Fork Burger – It’s bold, messy, and totally worth it thanks to the blue cheese and caramelized onions
- Spicy Fried Chicken Sandwich – My go-to at 908 when I want a spicy kick (which is always).
Kid-Friendly Food at LBX
I’ve got two kids, one who will eat anything and one who could survive on plain white rice forever. Luckily, LBX has plenty of options for both picky and adventurous eaters. If your kid is all about comfort food, carbs, or sticking to what they know, you’ll be covered:
Kid-friendly food options Inside the hangar:
- Chicken nuggets and fries from The Kroft
- Mac and cheese from The Kroft
- Mac with marinara sauce from The Kroft (basically toddler-friendly spaghetti)
- Chicken and rice bowl from Marinate Korean BBQ
- Chicken tenders and fries from Jay Bird’s (order mild if your kid doesn’t do spice)
- Açaí bowl from Blue Bowl (tastes like dessert but feels like a mom win)
Desserts and Treats at LBX
Sometimes the dessert is the main event—and LBX totally gets that. Whether your kids want something cold and sweet, or you need a little sugar boost to survive the afternoon, there’s something for everyone.
- Tastea: We always share a “less sweet” classic milk tea after our meal—refreshing and perfect for splitting with my 2 kids. Tastea is known for their “real fruit” teas, creamy milk teas, colorful toppings like lychee jelly and boba, and customization options.
- SusieCakes: Classic cupcakes, cookies, and slices of cake. Their vanilla and chocolate cupcakes are my kids’ favorites.
- Handel’s Homemade Ice Cream: Big scoops and fun flavors. Heads up that sometimes there’s a line, but it moves fairly quickly.
- Blue Bowl: Açaí bowls that double as dessert, especially with nut butter and fresh fruit on top. My kids think it’s a treat. Yay for healthy desserts..
- Chocolate Bash: The place to be for crepes, waffles, and all things chocolate. If you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, this is your stop. Think chocolate-covered everything is definitely a crowd-pleaser.
- Dunkin’ Donuts: For donut lovers and caffeine-deprived parents alike. Always a solid option when you want something quick and familiar.
What to Drink at LBX
Whether you’re chasing toddlers or meeting up with friends, you’re gonna want something good to sip on.
Coffee at LBX
- Cassidy’s Corner Café: Great spot for classic coffee drinks or a breakfasty latte.
- Tastea: Their Vietnamese coffee is strong, sweet, and exactly what I need to chaseafter my toddler. Bonus: my kids love the fruit smoothies and milk teas here too.
Alcoholic Drinks at LBX
- Bottlecraft: Craft beer bar in the back of The Hangar. My husband never comes to LBX without stopping here for a glass of beer (or two or three).
- 908 Restaurant: If you want a cocktail or a glass of wine with dinner, this is your spot. We’ve been here many times with friends. The food is good, the vibe is great, and the patio seating is perfect if your kids need to move around.
- Bar Becky: A newer addition with fancier dinner vibes and a full bar menu, including wine, cocktails, and beer.
Best Things To Do at LBX With Kids
While LBX is definitely a food-first destination, there’s just enough to do that it feels like a fun outing for the whole family, without being overwhelming.
Here’s what we usually do after (or during) a meal:
- Let the kids run on the turf grass field right outside The Hangar, perfect for toddlers and kids to burn some energy.
- Grab a table near the turf so you can eat or sip a drink while keeping an eye on your little ones.
- Walk around the plaza. There’s plenty to look at, shops to browse, and the open layout means no one’s getting stuck in tight spaces with a stroller.
- Check out the interactive water feature. It’s ground-level and has fun posters with different countries around it. Great for a quick “wow” moment.
- Turn the bike rack into an obstacle course. Seriously, my small kids love this.
- Visit during a pop-up market or event. It adds an extra layer of liveliness, and there are usually family-friendly vendors and activities.
- Do a little shopping. There’s a Nordstrom Rack, TJ Maxx, Old Navy, and Ulta in the same plaza if you need to pick something up (or just want to wander while your kid finishes their ice cream).
There’s no playground here, but the open space and mellow vibe make it a solid choice for an easy outing with little kids.
Tips for Visiting LBX With Toddlers or Little Kids
LBX is super doable with young kids, especially if you come prepared. Here are my go-to tips to make your visit smoother:
- Go during off-hours if you can: early lunch or weekday afternoons are usually the most relaxed. Shorter lines, more open tables, and less chaos.
- Even weekends aren’t bad: it gets busier during peak lunch hours, but it’s never felt overwhelming. You might wait in line for food, but parking has always been easy for us and the space is big enough that it never feels cramped.
- Grab a table near the turf: this is the sweet spot. The kids can run while you eat, and you get a little breather.
- Bring a picnic blanket just in case: if you can’t snag a table or just want to spread out on the grass, having a blanket gives you more flexibility and a nice place to sit (though many times we have just sat on the turf too).
- Let the kids play while you sip your coffee or boba: that little moment to sit still while they burn energy is pure gold.
- Don’t forget sun hats and sunscreen: especially if you plan to sit outside or let the kids play on the turf for a while.
- Wear comfy shoes: parking is usually easy, but you might end up walking a bit from the lot to The Hangar.
- Check LBX’s website before you go: they sometimes host pop-up markets and vendor fairs that make it feel even more festive and exciting.
FAQ: Going to LBX With Kids
Final Thoughts: Eating at LBX With Kids
If you’re looking for a spot with good food and low stress, LBX is it.
There’s enough space for toddlers and little kids to run around, enough variety for picky eaters and adventurous adults, and enough chill vibes to make you actually want to stay awhile. We’ve come here with babies in strollers, toddlers and preschoolers who move nonstop, and out-of-town friends who just wanted a fun place to eat. It always hits!
Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite before a flight or making a day of it, Long Beach Exchange is one of the most family-friendly places to eat in the area. Just don’t forget the sunblock and stretchy pants.
