The Broadway Corridor is one of Long Beach's most diverse stretches, with an eclectic makeup of restaurants, drink emporiums, fashion boutiques and shops.

PHILLIP ZONKEL\>LA.COM

 Dining

Diners looking for ethnic cuisine will have plenty to choose from. And there's no shortage of options for hungry vegetarians.

 
Cafe Ambrosia

1923 E. Broadway

(562) 432-1098

Take a seat on the outside patio near the fire pit or fireplace, or inside, next to a wall of wines. All are good seats. Then select from a menu of mouth-watering Mediterranean dishes, including a wide selection of vegetarian dishes.

Chen's

2131 E. Broadway

(562) 439-0309

The bright red doors are a warm invitation. Inside, carved chairs and crimson lanterns set a comfortable mood. And the menu has something for everyone: piles of vegetables for vegans and spicy shrimp and pork for meat-eaters.

Coco Reno's

3400 E. Broadway

(562) 438-9381

The dining area might be the size of a phone booth, but the food is great - authentic Mexican fare, with no lard, that even vegetarians can enjoy. Tofu and mushroom tacos are on the menu.

Christy's Ristorante

3937 E. Broadway

(866) 919-5774

Looking for an upscale Italian restaurant that goes beyond the usual spaghetti and meatballs? This is the place, with a menu that offers papaya-crusted halibut and pumpkin ravioli. The restaurant is owned by Christy Bono, daughter of Sonny Bono and his first wife, Donna.

Shopping

This is definitely the place to shop for a gift for the person who has everything - assuming they don't already have all the magic potions they could ask for.

The Crypt on Broadway

1712 E. Broadway

(562) 983-6560

www.cryptleather.com/longbeach

Here's your one-stop shop for erotic paraphernalia. The impressive array of items that will spice up anyone's sex life includes fetish and bondage gear, bedroom toys, and lingerie.

The Eye of the Cat

3314 E. Broadway

(562) 438-3569

www.eyeofthecat.net

For more than 30 years, this store has been on the shopping list of locals interested in the occult, Wicca or metaphysics. The store has more than 200 herbs, such as mandrake and golden seal powder, and an extensive selection of oils, candles and incense. They also teach classes in spell-casting, psychic development, magical herbalism and beginning Wicca.

Iguana

3440 E. Broadway

(562) 433-1713

www.culturalgiftshop.com

Ethnic and folk art from Latin America, Asia, Africa and Europe are the specialties at this multicultural gift shop. Iguana has collectibles, fabrics, tapestries, lamps and furniture.

Culture

Bluff Park

Corner of Junipero Avenue and Ocean Boulevard

It's not part of the Broadway Corridor, but it's only two blocks south and worth the short walk. This gorgeous park sits atop a bluff and has a fantastic view of the Pacific Ocean. Gentle sea breezes along a footpath make it a perfect location for joggers, walkers, dogs and strollers.

Long Beach Museum of Art

2300 E. Ocean Blvd.

(562) 439-2119

www.lbma.org

Located in Bluff Park with a wonderful Pacific Ocean view, the museum campus includes a historic 1912 home. Exhibits range from American decorative arts objects and early-

20th-century European art to California Modernism.

Gallery 33

3202 E. Broadway

(562) 433-1496

www.gallery33east.com

Contemporary art by living artists is on display here. The four-salon gallery spotlights the work of established and emerging local artists as well as that of gallery owner Michael Sterns. Every month, new art is rotated in, and exhibit openings allow artists to mingle with patrons.

Nightlife

Have the liquid of your choice in the atmosphere of your choice.

The Wine Crush

3131 E. Broadway

(562) 438-9463

www.thewinecrush.com

More than 400 boutique wines are available at this niche store. Everything from a variety of domestics (Justin, Cakebread Cellars, Silver Oak, among others) to selections from 10 countries. A wine-tasting is hosted every weekend in an adjacent tasting room and the outdoor garden, where guests can sample from more than 300 wines.

 
Mine Shaft

1720 E Broadway

(562) 436-2433

www.mineshaftbar.com

This favorite neighborhood watering hole is popular with the Levi-leather crowd and the men who like them. But don't be bashful, everyone is welcome. A jukebox, pool tables and dart boards make for a relaxing evening.

The Library

3418 E. Broadway

(562) 433-2393

Decorated as a turn-of-the-century reading room, this coffee house is cozy and offers a wonderful selection of coffees, lattes and desserts. Comfortable chairs are spread about and the shelves are filled with used books. The location is also prime for people watching.

Vintage Tea Leaf

969 E. Broadway

(562) 435-5589

www.vintagetealeaf.com

Pick out an antique bone china cup and grab a hat. It's tea time. Inside the spacious, Victorian-era tea room, which comfortably serves 80, guests are seated in relaxing arm chairs amid antique furniture. The menu includes 120 teas, including custom blends, and a wide selection of sandwiches, scones and desserts.