After a photo shoot at the nearby(across the street)Seaside Market my son and I joined the noon-day crowd at Pipes, named for the section of ocean just north of Cardiff Beach that is favored by expert surfers,especially during winter. This lunch and dinner only (7-3), open daily establishment is well-known and especially popular on weekends when lines of customers stream out onto the sidewalk in front of the place. Its very limited, but well-done, menu highlights the burrito,with a variety of fillings,in both breakfast & lunch versions,at an economical price under $4.00.

We like Mexican so we enjoyed nippy burritos in that style, but they also serve up Burritos with less spicy fillings. For breakfast their hot and fresh cranbery bran muffins are popular and they serve simple eggs and potatoes with various sides like sausage and bacon. The atmosphere is pure California surfer with posters of surfers and pro-surfer autographed photos on the walls. The tiny interior that's packed with a few tables and a counter at which you order and then pick up. You can eat in inside, or opt, if there's room, for a choice ocean-view table on the upper deck or front patio outside, or enjoy your food at a nearby park like Glen.

It's strictly a cash place,and as authentic a surfer cafe as there still is in Cardiff(Miracles is another surfer spot). Significantly, it's located very close to the Pipes area, just 2 blocks in from the beach. For drinks, their vanilla lattes and Kona coffees are reputed to be excellent, but we just ordered soft drinks as the day was a perfectly warm, sunny weekday. This established cafe draws young couples and families,as well as older locals,visitors,and families as it's just so conveniently located near beach and parks,and it's downright CHEAP AND GOOD!