Schooner Or Later

Schooner Or Later is a waterfront breakfast and lunch diner at 241 N Marina Drive in the Alamitos Bay Marina neighborhood of Long Beach, California. Established on May 12, 1985, when the owners purchased the former Little Ships Galley cafe from Earl and Helen Schultz, this long-running harbor institution has grown from a 12-stool galley into a bustling dockside restaurant with expansive outdoor patios overlooking hundreds of moored yachts and sailboats. Featured on Food Network’s Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, Schooner Or Later draws local boaters, families, and coastal travelers for hearty skillets, cinnamon roll French toast, and morning cocktails beside the water.

What to Expect at Schooner Or Later

The dining experience centers on its harborside setting along the Alamitos Bay basin, where guests can choose between the cozy indoor galley counter, the heated covered patio, and the open-air dockside deck just feet from the boat slips. Morning service starts at 7:00 am daily, with early risers gathering for the popular $10 weekday breakfast special served between 7:00 am and 9:00 am Monday through Friday. Because the kitchen prepares everything to order and operates strictly on a walk-in basis without reservations, weekend mornings bring an energetic harbor crowd waiting with coffee or a cocktail on the dock while watching paddleboarders and Duffy electric boats glide through the channel.

The menu focuses on generous American diner classics, fresh seafood plates, and dockside brunch cocktails. Its most famous creation is “The Mess,” a sizzling cast-iron skillet layered with diced country potatoes, onions, bell peppers, and chopped ham or bacon, scrambled together with eggs and topped with melted cheddar cheese and a side of grilled sourdough or a freshly baked scone. For sweet breakfast cravings, the kitchen dips thick slices of house-baked cinnamon rolls into custard batter for its signature Cinnamon Roll French Toast. Lunch options span New England clam chowder in sourdough bread bowls, albacore tuna melts, half-pound burgers, and fresh Cobb salads, accompanied by a full bar pouring spicy Bloody Marys, Mimosas, and local draft beers.

• The Mess Skillet: The diner’s signature cast-iron scramble combining home fries, bell peppers, onions, eggs, and melted cheddar with choice of ham, bacon, or Polish sausage, served alongside a warm scone or toast.
• Cinnamon Roll French Toast: Giant house-made cinnamon rolls sliced thick, dipped in spiced egg batter, grilled golden brown on the flat-top, and dusted with powdered sugar.
• Weekday Early-Bird Special: Available Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 9:00 am, offering a classic $10 dockside breakfast for early boaters and walkers.
• Alamitos Bay Marina Patio: Spacious open-air and heated covered patio seating right on the waterfront, complete with views of moored sailboats and calm marina waters.
• Harborside Bloody Marys & Mimosas: A full cocktail, beer, and wine program featuring loaded Bloody Marys, champagne Mimosas, and refreshing afternoon drinks on the deck.

Schooner Or Later at a Glance

Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings

Because Schooner Or Later does not accept reservations, timing is essential. On Saturdays and Sundays, arriving before 8:30 am avoids the peak 45-to-60-minute brunch wait that builds between 9:30 am and 1:00 pm. On weekdays, arriving between 7:00 am and 9:00 am secures immediate patio seating and qualifies for the $10 early-morning breakfast special. A large free municipal parking lot sits directly outside the restaurant along North Marina Drive, and Long Beach Transit bus routes stop near the PCH and 2nd Street intersection a 10-minute walk away. The single-level boardwalk approach, wide patio aisles, and accessible restrooms accommodate wheelchairs and strollers comfortably.

After breakfast or lunch, take a stroll along the Alamitos Bay Marina slips or cross over to the 2nd & PCH waterfront shopping and dining promenade less than half a mile northeast. A five-minute walk west leads into Naples Island, where you can follow the waterfront paths along Rivo Alto Canal or book a gondola cruise through the neighborhood waterways. Mother’s Beach (Marine Park) and the bayfront shores of Belmont Shore are also minutes away for kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, or browsing the boutiques along East 2nd Street.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the opening hours and best times to visit Schooner Or Later?

Schooner Or Later is open Monday through Friday from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm and Saturday through Sunday from 7:00 am to 4:00 pm, closing only on Christmas Day. The quietest time to visit is on weekday mornings between 7:00 am and 9:00 am or before 8:30 am on weekends.

Does Schooner Or Later take reservations and how much do meals cost?

The restaurant does not take reservations and seats all guests on a first-come, first-served basis, though large party inquiries can be arranged via email in advance. Most breakfast and lunch entrees range from $14 to $22 ($$), with a $10 weekday breakfast special offered from 7:00 am to 9:00 am.

How much time should I budget for dining at Schooner Or Later?

Plan on 60 to 90 minutes for a relaxed meal on the marina patio on weekdays or early weekend mornings. During peak weekend brunch hours between 9:30 am and 1:00 pm, allow an extra 30 to 60 minutes for a dockside table.

Is Schooner Or Later family-friendly, dog-friendly, and wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the casual waterfront setting welcomes families with kids, and well-behaved dogs on leashes are permitted on the outdoor patio areas. The flat marina promenade and ground-level dining decks provide step-free access for wheelchairs and strollers.

When planning your Long Beach travel guide or comparing verified restaurants and american restaurant in Long Beach, pair this stop with standout local spots including 555 East American Steakhouse, Tantalum Restaurant, Best Western Plus Hotel at the Convention Center, and Nico's Restaurant (1.3 km away).