In a storefront that’s seen more than one business come and go, a new restaurant has quietly opened its doors on 2nd Street. But this time, things feel different. The Second Owl is the latest chapter for the family behind Owl Owl Thai Lao in Signal Hill, and their expansion into Belmont Shore isn’t about making noise. It’s about letting the food speak for itself.

Taking over the former Republic of Pie location, The Second Owl is already drawing in a curious crowd with its thoughtful dishes and laid-back energy. You won’t find banners or neon out front—just a humble sign, a short menu full of flavor, and a team that clearly knows what they’re doing.

A Quiet Anchor In a High-Turnover Spot

The address, 5272 E 2nd Street, has been through a few identities over the past few years. Republic of Pie had a brief run, as did Sancho’s Tacos before it. The spot seemed almost cursed, a place new businesses couldn’t hold onto. But that might be about to change.

The Second Owl comes in with something different: a proven kitchen, an existing customer base, and a tight-knit family behind the scenes. The original location in Signal Hill has already built a loyal following for its Thai and Lao dishes. Bringing that same menu and spirit to Belmont Shore feels like a natural next step, and the timing is just right.

Flavor First, and a Menu with Roots

The menu isn’t long, but every dish on it has intention. Regulars from the Signal Hill location will recognize staples like Nam Khao, a crispy rice salad that balances texture, herbs, and spice perfectly. There’s also Khao Soi duck, one of their standout dishes, which delivers deep flavor without feeling too heavy. Curries, soups, and Lao sausages round out a menu that feels both focused and generous.

Pricing stays in the sweet spot. Most dishes land between $17 and $23, which is more than fair for the quality and portion size—especially on this stretch of 2nd Street. It’s approachable for locals, which is likely part of the plan.

Happy Hour with Heart

For those who like to eat early or unwind after work, The Second Owl has one more thing going for it—a simple but solid Happy Hour, running Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM. Whether you're pairing a plate with a Thai iced tea or something stronger, it’s a welcome offering in a neighborhood where Happy Hour often leans more bar than restaurant.

The space itself is small and warm, not overly designed or stylized. There’s a vibe to it. It feels lived in already, even though the paint is still fresh. You get the sense that the same hands cooking your food were involved in setting up the dining room too.

A Bet on Staying Power

What makes The Second Owl compelling isn’t just the food—it’s the quiet confidence. There’s no big rebrand, no glossy marketing rollout. Just a family, already rooted in the Long Beach area, bringing something good to the table.

They’re not just filling space. They’re building something. And for a location that’s seen too many short-lived ideas, that might be exactly what 2nd Street needs.

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Event Details

The Second Owl – Thai Lao Cuisine

📍 5272 E 2nd St, Long Beach, CA 90803
🌟 Yelp: 5.0 | ✅ Health Grade: A | 💲 $13–$22 avg.
Website | Instagram | Google | Facebook
Locations: 2 | Family Owned

🪑 Features: Indoor seating, takeout available, weekday Happy Hour from 3 to 6 PM

📝 Vibe: Casual and inviting, with thoughtful dishes and a loyal following already forming

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