A family eatery established in 1932 located in Long Beach, NY. Known for its great breakfasts, burgers, egg creams, the birth place of the cherry-lime rikki and the old Laurel movie theater. The Laurel is a Long Beach institution.
The Laurel Luncheonette & Restaurant, once neighbor to the Laurel Theater and birth place of the Cherry Lime Rikki soft drink (named after previous co-owner, Rikki Pine), has been serving the public since 1932. Its nearly 80 year streak is a testament to the degree of customer satisfaction and loyalty which has kept the Laurel in operation for so long. It is a place where many Long Beach residents have fond, memorable experiences making an unofficial institution of the city of Long Beach that every visitor must see.
Some remember the Laurel as being the place to buy candy and soda pop before going to the Laurel Theater. For others, it was a place they took their first date and shared a banana split, ice-cream soda or a chocolate egg cream (which was served with a salted pretzel stick back then). And still for others it was the place they would seek shelter from the cold while awaiting the arrival of the school bus. But mostly, the Laurel was and still is, the spot where generations of families ritualized having their weekend breakfast—together, as one (without having to do the dishes). It is a place where families come for home a cooked meal, served by a friendly staff, at reasonable prices.
The Laurel—it has a rich history, but an even richer future. With a more diversified menu (serving breakfast, lunch and diner), and talented, personable personnel, the Laurel is not only a place of “old memories”, it has once again become the place to go for great local fare. If you’re ever in town, come, stop by, and see why all of the locals and returning summer beach visitors love the Laurel.
