Caroline's Seaside Cafe by Giuseppe

While other village spots make you wait in line just to see if a table might open, Caroline's eliminates the camping problem with a counter-service model that actually works in your favor. You order and pay first — beef short rib and eggs, carrot cake pancakes, whatever's catching your eye — get a number, then stake your claim on the oceanside deck. No hovering, no awkward table-watching, no coordinating who stays in line while someone else scouts seating.

The deck itself is the reason people abandon their morning beach runs mid-parking. It's cantilevered over the sand at the Shores, which means you're watching surfers paddle out while your flat white arrives. The beef short rib shows up consistently in reviews for a reason — it's tender enough to justify ordering it at breakfast, rich enough to anchor the egg scramble it comes with. The carrot cake is a splurge-worthy finish, particularly if you're splitting it.

Service moves efficiently once you understand the system. The counter staff will hold a table for you while you're ordering if it's slammed, which happens most Saturday mornings by noon. Weekday mornings are calmer, though the marine layer can linger until mid-morning and block the view. They close mid-December through mid-January — plan accordingly if you're visiting over the holidays.

Parking is Kennel Way street parking or the small lot behind the building. Get there before 11am on weekends or expect to circle. The deck is dog-friendly, which explains the regular parade of post-beach golden retrievers. Vegetarian options are solid — they're not an afterthought here.