Retro Row, Long Beach: A Local’s Guide to Fourth Street’s Best Eats, Shops & Vibes

Retro Row is a two-block stretch just north of Alamitos Beach that somehow packs in everything Long Beach does best: indie shops, bold flavors, creative people, and a community vibe that feels both nostalgic and forward-thinking.

If you’re visiting Long Beach or you live here and want a fresh way to spend a weekend, here’s a simple, walkable loop that hits the highlights—brunch, cheese, plants, art, and a vegan Italian finale.

Start with brunch at Alder & Sage

Alder & Sage is one of those places that makes you slow down in the best way—bright plates, creative flavors, and a “let’s linger” atmosphere that feels like a true neighborhood favorite.

What to order

• Turkish eggs with thick sourdough (rich, savory, scoopable)

• Chicken lettuce wraps (fresh with a tangy tzatziki vibe)

• If you’re beet-skeptical… you might still be surprised (I was)

Drinks worth the stop

• Shaken mojito matcha — bright and refreshing

• Pistachio rose cold brew — smooth, nutty, lightly sweet

Fun local fact: The building served as a preschool for over 40 years—and it’s a special place for Ashley from The Whipple Group (she and her sister attended as kids).

Retro Row’s vibe: vintage nostalgia + creative energy

Retro Row has evolved from thrift shops and creative entrepreneurs into a full cultural destination—still eclectic, still welcoming, and now known for events like Fourth Fridays that bring the street to life with local art and community.

This is where Long Beach’s personality shows up in real time.

Next stop: Oh La Vache Cheese Shop (because cheese is life)

Oh La Vache is a must-visit for cheese, charcuterie, and the perfect pairing pantry.

Oh La Vache is an artisanal cheese and charcuterie shop that feels like a tiny European market tucked right into Fourth Street.

Erica (the owner) shared that the shop was inspired by the pandemic shift—she wanted to stay connected to food and community, without the restaurant hours. The result is a beautifully curated space where everything on the shelves supports the cheese experience.

What you’ll find inside

• cheeses that range from “classic comfort” to “takes you on a journey”

• pantry items chosen specifically for pairing (olive oils, vinegars, crackers, pickles)

• wines and sandwich essentials

• locally made bread (including Hey Brother Baker / HBB)

And yes—if you’re building a board, this is a must-stop.

Plantitas: community + greenery you can take home

Plantitas is where plants, culture, and community come together on Retro Row.

Plantitas is a plant and gift shop rooted in culture and connection. Kevin (born and raised in Mexico) described how his grandmothers started every morning with coffee, a little pastry, and time with their plants—and you can feel that calm, intentional energy the moment you walk in.

Why Plantitas stands out

• It’s built as a community hub, not just a store

• They host weekend workshops and invite community members to teach

• They collaborate with local vendors and carry local artisan work (like Bowman Ceramics, made nearby)

If you’ve ever wanted plants to feel less intimidating, this is the place—friendly, helpful, and genuinely welcoming.

End the day at Mangiafoglie: vegan Italian with Neapolitan roots

Mangiafoglie is a vegan Italian spot on Retro Row that blends rustic comfort with Southern California freshness.

Daniel and Paul’s story is one of those perfect Long Beach “small world” moments: they connected through pizza first—someone shared slices without mentioning they were vegan… and it was so good the only response was: introduce me to the person who made this.

What the name means

“Mangiafoglie” loosely translates to “leaf eater,” a term historically tied to Naples and its vegetable-forward roots—now reclaimed and celebrated as a plant-based identity.

If you want Italian comfort food without compromise, this is a must.

Why I love Retro Row (and why my clients do too)

Retro Row is the kind of neighborhood that feels alive—where you can meet new people, discover a new favorite spot, and feel connected to the city’s creative energy.

At The Whipple Group, we love introducing people to neighborhoods that match their values and lifestyle—and Retro Row is proof that a community can be vibrant, diverse, and still feel like home.

If you’re curious about living near Retro Row (or anywhere in Long Beach), reach out and we’ll help you explore the options—no pressure, just clarity.