The name is a pun — a schooner is a 24-ounce chalice of beer — and it sets the tone for a breakfast and lunch spot that operates on Long Beach marina time, which is to say unhurried, waterfront, and worth the wait. Schooner or Later at Alamitos Harbor has been open since 1985, sitting on the edge of Long Beach near the Seal Beach border, tucked behind the Seal Beach Yacht Club with views of the boats and the marsh. It appeared in Season 2, Episode 11 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives — “Off the Hook Specials,” aired January 20, 2008 — and Guy Fieri found a Belgian waffle, a crab omelet with avocado, and The Mess, which is the dish this place is known for above all others.
Quick Facts
Restaurant: Schooner or Later
City: Long Beach, California
Cuisine: American / Breakfast
DDD Season: 2
DDD Episode: 11
Episode Title: Off the Hook Specials
Original Air Date: January 20, 2008
Address: 241 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: 562-430-3495
Website: https://www.schoonerorlater.com/
Status: Open
About Schooner or Later
Schooner or Later has been family-owned and operated since 1985 by Denny and Denise. The location — on the marina with outdoor patio seating overlooking the boats and the harbor — is half the draw. The other half is the food, which is made to order, fresh, and consistently worth the line that forms on weekend mornings. The wait on a busy Saturday can stretch to 45 minutes or more, which is why they opened an outdoor bar so you can start your mimosa while you wait. Bring the Sunday paper. Dog-friendly patio. No rush.
What to Eat at Schooner or Later
The Mess is the signature — chopped ham, bell pepper, onion, griddled with hash browns and eggs. It comes in a half or full portion, and the full is the right call. No modifications allowed. The dish was originally called Schultzie’s Mess, and the name tells you everything you need to know about its origins. The Belgian Waffle is what Guy called “bangin'” on camera. The Crab Omelet with Avocado is the other DDD highlight — fluffy, fresh, and the kind of thing that makes people understand why there’s a line outside. The Italian Omelet with Marinara has its own devoted following.
The bloody marys and mimosas are the drinks of choice here, and the bar is well-stocked for a breakfast spot. The marina setting, the outdoor tables, and the boats in the background make this one of the more pleasant places to wait for a table on the California coast.
Plan Your Visit
Schooner or Later is open Monday through Friday 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Reservations available for parties of 15 or more.
Address: 241 N. Marina Dr., Long Beach, CA 90803
Phone: 562-430-3495
Website: https://www.schoonerorlater.com/
Status: Open
Triple D Essentials
The Long Beach waterfront breakfast experience is exactly what Triple D road trips are built for. Plan your California stops with More Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and stream the episode on Amazon before you go.
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Schooner or Later appeared in Season 2, Episode 11 of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, “Off the Hook Specials,” originally aired January 20, 2008.