The Outer Sunset, rich with beach-town vibes and surfers, is dotted with casual, laid-back cafes where locals pick up their favorite coffee and pastries on the regular.
Delicious food, hot coffee, and the, err, “crisp” ocean breezes will refresh even the most foggy headed (aka hungover) among us, so grab a bite and clear your mind while enjoying the restorative vibes of our beloved Ocean Beach.
Complete with an outdoor seating area and a massive espresso machine, Java Beach Cafe is located just across the street from the water. The cafe has a host of breakfast and lunch options, but they are best known for their coffee concoction the "Judah Tunnel Espresso Blend." It’s a secret recipe so we don’t know what’s in it, but what we can tell you is it packs enough of a punch to get surfers ready to brave the freezing ocean every morning. Yeah, it’s that good. 1396 La Playa Street
Only five blocks from the ocean and nestled among storefronts on a busy side of Judah, the Sea Breeze Cafe is an unpretentious mix of brunch favorites including the house special Chipotle Benedict and seafood-heavy lunch and dinner fare like fresh salmon and The Big Kahuna, a salad piled with seared ahi tuna. 3940 Judah Street
Craving an old-timey beach diner feel? This is it. With the cash-only policy, a jukebox stacked with oldies, and photos of classic Hollywood stars hung around the room, this place hasn’t changed much in 50 years. Plus, it’s located right across from the San Francisco Zoo just a block from the beach, so it actually has a great ocean view and delicious, traditional American food. 2898 Sloat Blvd
Two words: Cinnamon Toast. Their one-inch thick, moist, buttery cinnamon toast is legendary, as is the “Build Your Own Damn House”–a combination of coffee, coconut water in a coconut and slice of their famous toast. Seriously, is there a better hangover cure? 4033 Judah Street
5. Devil’s Teeth Baking Company
Though technically a bakery, this beach joint has the look, feel and the menu of a cafe, as well as amazing baked goods. No wild combos and crazy flavors here–Devil’s Teeth keeps it traditional with treats like raspberry bars, blondies, brownies, banana cream puffs, carrot cake, cheesecake and more. It’s the perfect place to grab a bite before getting a seat in the bakery's parklet or taking a stroll down the beach (don’t forget a jacket). 3876 Noriega Street
