James Republic

I’m sorry James Republic but you’re Robert DeNiro’s character in Jackie Brown… You used to be beautiful man!
James previously changed the menu multiple times per week based on availability of fresh ingredients. The food was seasoned perfectly. The consistency was amazing. That was then. This is now.
They lost the mojo. The place is tired, worn out, and needs an enema. The food is often extremely salty, stale, and is never the same way twice. They recently eliminated food service between breakfast and dinner.
James Republic, if you read your Unilocal,I live across the street, was a regular, and I hope you can be revived from your near death state.
Everyone else, the cocktails are excellent so have a few here. But eat at one of the other 50 places within walking distance.

Came here for dinner last night. There was a waiting list, so we got lucky and got two chairs at the bar. Bartender was great, but unfortunately forgot his name. I enjoyed the Grilled Octopus and a glass of the «Jigsaw». The octopus was grilled a little to much for MY liking but dish had really great flavor. I unfortunately was still hungry after dinner so I ordered the Pot De Crème with the Beignets. It was creaming and the Beignets were hot and fresh. Will definitely go back and try some other dishes.

TOP CHEF BRINGS IT HOME
What a wonderful night of dinning and gastronomic experience. We were able to grab a booking in the early sitting. A little brisk with all the doors open but they closed them up later which enhanced the comfort level. The staff are awesome. Everyone seems to be fully engaged. Their internal communication is text book and as a customer you feel as you’ve been treated to a special evening. Cannot ask for better than that!
With Chef Jeremy (of Top Chef fame) in the house it made for a special night. He was kind enough to spend time, share stories and even provide a few cooking ‘secrets’. We truly enjoyed that part of the evening. Add to that Chef Dave, the resident Executive Chef, was also highly visible and willing to chat and share stories about this passion for great food.
We had some amazing tasting experiences. There were 3 dishes recommended and we tried all of them. Awesome. The Raw Diver Scallop with beet purée was amazing. The only regret was that there was not more. We enjoyed the Pinenut & Mushroom Salad. The subtle flavours of the pinenut mustard was my favourite taste profile in the dish. My favourite dish, the Dungeness Crab Fritter with black pepper sauce. The Fritters were crispy little amazing explosions of flavour. At first I thought the black pepper sauce was a bit thin but after a few minutes, wham! The spice and buzz of the pepper kicked in. Awesome.
We also had the Brick Chicken with a side of frites and garlic aioli. The frites and aioli were to die for. Who would have thought; regrettably the chicken was bit of a miss. Lacking flavour and the breast portion was a bit dry. The Manager was immediately on this and expertly handled our concerns. Like I said, customer service extraordinaire!
Being greedy we felt obliged to have some dessert. The Vegan Chocolate dessert was okay. Near the bottom with the sauce it was good but the top was a bit dry. We had some cheese and meat. The Humboldt Fog cheese is to die for. The Duck & Bacon Terrine was tasty and very rich but not exploding with flavour as we were anticipating.
So a great, memorable evening.

Definitely enjoyed this place. Great open concept. Lots of space at the bar. They’ve got a clean look with warm wooden chairs and tables. Two entire walls are completely open so the fresh ocean breeze (3 – 4 blocks away) can come in.
Since it is Long Beach the parking is either paid for (on the street in front of the restaurant or the hotel parking with validation) or free and very far away.
As far as food goes, their portions are pretty perfect. They’re lunch special was wonderful and included the entrée and a dessert which really hit the spot for me. I love that all their food comes from local vendors and is fresh and organic. It means a lot that they’re so devoted to supporting smaller businesses. Plus I swear their food has more flavor. I’m definitely going back and would recommend you check it out too.

The best restaurant downtown. Don’t let the fact that it’s attached to a Courtyard dissuade you.
The décor is modern rustic with a contemporary feel. We had a smattering of dishes from the duck/​bacon terrine (get it with 3 big pieces of grilled bread and candied walnuts), beet salad and carrot soup.
Service was excellent and the wine list was pretty good.

Restaurant would have had 5 stars, but somehow not even mid way through our meal our server stopped coming to our table and we sat there for at least 20min with dirty plates and half empty glasses of water. We eventually asked another waiter to get our waiter so that we could order more food. What I liked is that he immediately apologized and took our order. Our second round of food was out within moments.
Besides that one hiccup which in no way reflected on the goodness of the restaurant it was a great experience and I will definitely come back!

My colleague described James Republic as ‘foodie’ and he was spot on. James Republic felt like it belonged in Berkeley, not Long Beach, down to the airy live music and the serious waitstaff.
One thing I should say upfront is do not try to split the check. They make a fabulous meal but check splitting was not their talent at least during my visit.
The food and drink were excellent. I tried the pork fried rice which was built with farro (instead of rice), superb pork and a local egg. Yum. I also had the ‘winter salad’ which shined with pomegranate and cranberries, along with kale and high end cheese.
James Republic is the perfect place to go on a really nice date, but probably not for a casual meal. The food was enough to lure me back for a future visit.

My husband, 3 sons (age 15,20,23) and a friend celebrated my birthday on ¹²⁄₃₀ at 6:30 pm. We were «floored» by the amazing service by Alex and the entire staff. The food selections were varied and fresh! I am always looking for a «Farm to Table» restaurant that is focused on local, fresh produce and can accommodate my GF/​diary free needs.

Our server was very knowledgeable about the ingredients, what drinks and cheeses would pair well with the other food. He was very intuitive and anticipated our needs. All of the staff was wonderful. Our glasses were refilled, even when the water was getting low. We haven’t seen such service in this area in quite some time. We ordered «family Style» and were very happy with the selections. First course — salami and two types of cheeses. Alex know which would work well with the salami. It came served on a wooden paddle with thinly sliced apple, artisan bread, candied walnuts, and many interesting selections of cheese. For a party of 6, this was a bit light, but I don’t eat cheese, so it was fine. We ordered 2 salads with pear and blue cheese and one without cheese. My sons loved this salad. We ordered the frites with garlic aioli and seasoned biscuits.
For the main course, two ordered the turkey burger, and it was luscious and falling apart in the bun. They couldn’t say enough about the flavor; two ordered the brick chicken– I never knew chicken could be so tender! What flavor. I took ²⁄₃ of it home with me and enjoyed it for another meal.

Dessert included Mexican Chocolate Panna Cotta, Sticky Toffee Pudding, the chocolate cake and a Mexican Mocha drink that was wonderful. I ordered the lemon sorbet and peach (with wine) sorbet (they offer two small scoops — can mix & max flavors and it comes with a small chocolate chip and small oatmeal cookie).
We were stuffed to the gills and left with a few boxes of food for another day. We were very happy with EVERYTHING. We all can’t wait to try their brunch and breakfast!

What I appreciated most about James Republic is that they’re not scared to have potentially clashing flavor explosions going on on their plates. There’s nothing worse than a restaurant that shies away from potentially amazing flavor combinations because they’re afraid they won’t go over well. To be potentially amazing, combinations need also to be potentially clashing. You can’t have it both ways. Everyone’s tastebuds are different.
My tastebuds told me that JR went a little too far with the pickled plum salad. The plums were so vinegary they were past umeboshi, and the hearts of palm and vinaigrette toppled the Vinegar Meter right off the charts. I loved the beet purée though, sweet and bloody-​looking on the plate.
The grilled octopus with chorizo was pure umami and tender as could be. It was potatoes underneath, but reminded me of polenta. I could envison a larger, platter-​sized version of this on a table at a diner. Crowd-​pleasing!
It’s a function of the fact that I came here almost a month ago that I can’t remember what type of fish was in the third dish, but I’d bank on swordfish, with a bright and sunny carrot purée that I loved dragging bites through.
Now, don’t go in expecting this experience to be at all cost effective or even to be particularly full afterwards. What it is is a pricey carnival ride for your tongue. Which is much more than I expect out of most hotel restaurants.

A friend and I made a reservation for 11am but it really wasn’t all that necessary. The place was empty when we came in and we stayed for about two hours and it never got all that busy. We came here for the $ 15 carafe mimosa which was a pretty decent price given that it was plenty for two people and definitely felt a buzz after. I had the Cali scramble which was good but needed a little more salt. I wish it came with some potatoes or something. Also ordered the liege waffle to share with my friend and that I really enjoyed. It was pretty small but we didn’t want to eat all that much anyway so it was perfect. It had a nice crunch and the syrup wasn’t super sweet.

The location and ambiance is great. I met a coworker and client here for lunch, and it was open, airy, and light. The servers were friendly. I started with an Arnold Palmer and toasted ciabatta bread. Both were top notch!
We all started with the butternut squash soup which was really rich, with just the right amount of spice. Truly excellent!
My coworker didn’t enjoy her kale salad with shrimp. I liked my quinoa and black bean vegan burger (very spicy but good consistency!), and my client had the brussel sprouts salad which she enjoyed very much.
All in all, I would revisit this restaurant, and next time I would try some of the other more popular items mentioned here on Unilocal

5 Stars
They definitely get 5 stars for the ambience. The place is so beautiful. It’s connected to The Beach Marriott; I didn’t even know that (until you have to use the restroom). The restaurant is on the corner of First and whatever north-​south street that is. The patio bar is spectacular, because you get to sit high at cool tables and look at all the passerby. I can sit there all day. But we were seated inside.
Equally cute cool vibe. The table settings were cool as well as the bar area. We had very friendly service, from the hostess to the server, to the servers help. However, our server could not be found during the needed time of the meal. We had to run everyone else down, and could not find him.
Our meals were great. Between the three of us, there wasn’t one bad thing. But we all believed the service could use improvement.

This has to be one of the best restaurants in Long Beach, hands down… I mean, from the moment you are greeted at the entrance to being seated, it’s all 100% Restaraunt professionalism at its finest. We have been here twice, once for a mid day drink after we had lunch up the road (staying in the Marriott and wanted to explore) and brunch just a couple weeks ago (if that).
The hospitality is customized to perfection as is the food & drinks. On our brunch visit, the day was beautiful and with such an open air setting to the Restaraunt, we knew it was going to be a perfect afternoon.
We sat outside with Gizmo securely tethered to my stool. He literally enjoyed himself as much as we did people and doggie watching. Where we were sitting, the shade was a powerful cover for Gizmo. ;) Our waiter was outstanding on serving us. Everything came at a timely manner and we were checked on more times than I can count. Every time I set my glass down (if it was empty) he was right there refilling it… #PerfectServer
We ordered some wonderful summertime salads to go with mimosas and iced tea and all of it was absolutely delicious!!!
1) Salmon & Arugula — Fresh Salmon with fresh greens and an interesting, very light dressing… Mmmm, I honestly could have ate a bucket size container full of this salad. #FatGurlProblems
2)Crispy Chicken — Crispy, clean tasting chicken with a mixture of fresh greens and tomatoes. (Great salad to pair with a lager beer)
So, with all that being said, if you decide to try, you will not be disappointed. :)
Enjoy!

I think Long Beach is the most underrated city in the greater Los Angeles area. The truly commendable restaurants seem few and far between, but James Republic holds its own, even against LA’s best.
Brunch offers drip coffee and a simply perfect Cronut, soft, chewy layers encased in vanilla glaze.
The Carnitas Benedict curb a carnal craving for braised pork. And props for poaching the egg properly — this seems to be a lost art nowadays.
I may be a southern girl at heart, but North Carolina never fed me Chicken and Waffles this good. The maple gastrique infuses maple syrup minus the sticky fingers. The chicken is perfectly fried, and a picked watermelon salad keeps it on the lighter side.
Farm-​to-​table gets gimmicky sometimes, but James Republic does it right. Their brunch is mind-​blowing, and I’ve never had a Cronut that good!

Came here for a birthday dinner, we had to wait 30 minutes even with a reservation for a table that has been empty ever since we got there.
Beautiful decoration and a really nice menu. However, they did not specify all the ingredients for the dish on the meny. Our vegetarian friends ordered a dish thinking it was vegetarian, but the sauce was made out of meat… I ordered the Pacific Mussels, the mussels were overcooked, and the broth was way too salty. I also tried my friend’s Farro Fried Rice, the rice was pretty good, but overall too salty as well. They also gave us two orders of fries, when we only ordered one. Since we had a lot of people, it might have been confusing, but they still charged us for it…
They’ve got the right restaurant and menu concept, the ingredient paring was interesting, however, they just couldn’t cook it right. What a shame.

Had a terrific lunch here, and that’s not just because of the cocktails we had. BTW: The craft cocktail menu is terrific and we were impressed with the bartender’s skill, considering it was the lunch shift. But all that would be for naught if lunch sucked. Thankfully lunch was excellent and nicely plated, including our banh mi sandwich and large chicken salad.
We really liked the interior, which was contemporary, comfortable and slightly upscale. The restaurant walls open out the patio overlooking the street, but they were closed up due to a heatwave. Would be great to be here when the weather’s nice (and have a couple more of those gorgeous craft cocktails).

This is likely the best restaurant in Long Beach. It is most certainly the best one we encountered. Not only to they talk the talk… but they far exceeded our expectations right down to the pretty little wild flowers on the tables and the herbal teas that they make in house.
This is a farm to table restaurant; and, the owner is constantly obsessing over ways to make it better. We saw him moving between people, gathering feedback and ideas. The menu changes every day based on local availability and the whimsy of the chef. A lot of the menu items come in a jar (with a long spoon for eating) unless it needs to go on a plate (like the steak pictured). Everything is gluten free or can be made gluten free because they have complete control over the ingredients.
Honestly, this restaurant is the best in Long Beach.

James Republic — 3 cheers for the Republic.
Celebrated Chef Dean James Max bravely & culinarily brings-​together old & new recipes; comfort foods & daring dishes, sampling Cauliflower Steak, and the known & the unexpected: Broccoli Cheddar Soup? Hand-​made Sweet Corn Ice Cream?
The tastes are sensational as is, the communal-​seating semi-​open-​air dining. It is unlike any other restaurant in Long Beach featuring local farm-​to-​table ingredients. The service is attentive, and laid-​back friendly, the vibe is happiness mixed with quivering moments of taste sensations.
The Oxtail Mac & Cheese is crème fraiche, aged Fiscalini (from the San Joaquin Valley) cheddar, arugula, piquillo peppers, and beech (also known as white clamshell) mushrooms — this isn’t from a box — and certainly a modern-​take on an American-​classic.
The Brandt Farms Flank Steak is my fav, the sunny side egg accompaniment always makes me smile, as does the medley of Sweet Potato Hash & sautéed Rainbow Swiss Chard. It’s prepared medium and perfect time-​after-​time. The roasted half chicken prepared «beer can», another favorite, is moist and succulent — it sits upon a creamy polenta. Old-​world staples — modern day interpretation.
Diners have underestimated this restaurant in reviews. Over and Out.
The restaurant does a fine balancing job — it serves as The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel’s Dining Room, and it is a neighborhood gem — with a happy «Happy Hour».
Ask for the pleasant likes of Andrew or Keith at the bar. Reserve a table in Romy’s section at

This is becoming my favorite Happy Hour spot in downtown LB!
Located on Linden Ave and 1^st, right on the corner in the Arts District. I usually walk here, since it is close to the casa.
Happy Hour prices are reasonable, and most nights they have a nice duel playing guitars. Nice to sit outside, and people watch. The servers are very attentive, especially when I’m here by myself.
I usually have the Meats and Cheese, and you build your board. It can get a tad expensive. but what the heck-​tomorrow is pay day!

My husband and I travel and always stay at the Marriot hotel for our annual trips to Long Beach and finally this year decided to head down stairs and give James Republic a try. No idea why we haven’t ate here before. First off, if you come in ask for Joey — he is born & raised in Long beach and completely charming, polite, and extremely attentive. He is a waitor that just matches your energy and you don’t have to explain exactly what you need, like, etc. he just gets you. Hands down best customer service and great experience more than partially due to this fellow. James Republic treasure him!
The other reason for the great experience — the food! We ordered Buttermilk Biscuits, my husband had a burger with an egg in the bun, and I took part in the «Spicy Mussel Mondays» special. An all you can eat of mussels that both my husband and I agreed were the best mussels we have ever had only $ 13! The broth they were cooked in… the best broth I have ever had in my life I mean wow!!! I ended up ordering another refill and even drinking some of the broth while my hubby picked on the mussels too. A dish I hope they will continue to serve because that’ll be something I am looking forward to next year. All their food, as explained by Joey, is from local farms etc, free-​range meat, beers were excellent. A place I will remember and definitly look forward to eat at next year.
The interior had a very contemporary luxury feel with accents of industrial details. Very elegant! Will be sure to bust out one of my nicer cocktail dresses next year.
Splendid! Would recommend to try!