A&J is a tiny to-go window in a small strip mall parking lot about a mile away from Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, which happens to be run by the same family. As much as we love that spot for noodles, this place is our go-to for all things Cambodian seafood: salt & pepper shrimp, grilled oysters, and fresh spring rolls. You’ll technically be sitting outside on the wraparound patio facing a huge intersection, but you'll feel like you're steps from the sea.

At one point in my life, I worked many years both front and back of the house at Hak Heang, a banquet-style Cambodian-Chinese seafood joint in Long Beach that served as a hub for the Khmer community since the early 90s. Be it weddings or graduation parties, it was a special occasion spot, where you’d get wok-fired lobster or crab that’s been tossed in a medley of jalapeño heat and MSG to flex your wealth while downing generous shots of Hennessy cognac. A & J takes this concept and serves these revered dishes (sans cognac, as far as I know) out of takeout boxes — allowing you to enjoy these special occasion experiences in a more casual context.

We often gather at restaurants for weddings and graduations which entail live music and dancing, and a multi-course feast that’s flowing in Hennessy, all of which culminates in the main course—the house special crab or lobster—which is wok-tossed with onions, garlic, black pepper, and oyster sauce. A & J has found a way to take this special occasion meal, and adapted it into a takeout experience. It’s intensely buttery, smoky, and savory, with the flesh of the lobster maintaining its tenderness.

A&J is a tiny to-go window in a small strip mall parking lot about a mile away from Phnom Penh Noodle Shack, which happens to be run by the same family. As much as we like that spot for noodle soup, this place is our go-to for all things seafood: salt & pepper shrimp, grilled oysters, and fresh spring rolls. You’ll technically be sitting outside on the wraparound patio facing a huge intersection, but you'll feel like you're steps from the sea.

A hidden gem for seafood lovers, the A&J Seafood Shack menu boasts an impressive selection of fresh fish, pan-Asian bites and seafood dishes, this restaurant is a must-visit for anyone craving ocean flavors. From fried whole squid and chicken egg rolls to the loaded Cajun Bag, A&J Seafood Shack offers a memorable feast.

That makes sense considering they have all the seafood options you could want. If you’re not in the mood for seafood, they have a couple of other options as well. They serve a tasty grilled beef sandwich, and, if you’re looking for Cambodian food, they serve a Khmer sausage plate.

Or the grilled oysters — they’re massive and always a safe bet. They’re also very well-known for their kwa koh, a fermented Cambodian sausage made with hand chopped beef, garlic, galangal, and rice.” 3201 East Anaheim Street

3201 E Anaheim St, Long Beach, CA 90804Phone: 562-386-2000 Visit Website. A post shared by A&J Seafood Shack (@ajseafoodshack). Fresh Seafood, Good Vibes is how I’d describe this particular joint.

For people who have ever experienced Hawaii and love their garlic shrimp dishes, A&J does their own take on the Hawaiian garlic shrimp. It’s one of my top five favorite dishes in Long Beach.

In addition to being one of the best places to eat in Long Beach, this might also be the smallest. It’s a literal shack, but you don’t want to miss it. There’s such a huge variety here.