Viaje LB is gearing up to debut on the corner of Second Street and Corona Avenue in Long Beach’s Belmont Shore neighborhood (5224 E 2nd St. Long Beach, CA 90803).
The building once housed Julio Gutierrez’s Baja Fish Tacos but is currently under construction as it transitions to become a contemporary, full-service Mexican eatery.
Gutierrez opened the first Baja Fish Tacos in 1996 in Santa Ana before eventually bringing the eight-store chain to Long Beach. Unfortunately, the LB location closed due to unmet performance expectations.
Gutierrez is also the founder of Viaje which he says will open when the time is right.
In March, The Press Telegram reported that “the exterior work appears to be almost complete and the construction fence has been removed.”
TPT also noted that “the large custom-built booths, expertly crafted tequila display, and lighting systems inside are nearing completion.”
However, construction delays due to the death of Guterriez’s initial contractor have muddied the restaurant’s timeline. Currently, progress seems to be at a standstill.
Upon opening, Viaje will be dog-friendly.