Café 976: A sanctuary in the heart of PB Luckily for all of us, one eatery stands out from the rest: Café 976. Café 976 has it all — great food, atmosphere and espresso. It’s nestled into an old beach house on the corner of Cass and Felspar streets. From the moment you step inside and the floorboards creak from years of wear, you know you’re in someplace special. The café was originally a home before being used as a school, then an antique store before its latest reincarnation as a café in 1993. Inside, old San Diego photographs pay homage to an era long forgotten. The café has inside and outside seating, plus a large wraparound porch, perfect for those rare, but splendid, rainy days (I’m from the East Coast, can you tell?). On sunny days, I recommend sitting outside so you can people watch and feel the salty ocean breeze on your skin. The owners have taken care to surround the café with beautiful landscaping so you feel as if you were in a secret garden in the center of PB. Mismatched chairs and tables are hidden throughout the garden oasis, giving you plenty of options for seating. Wi-Fi is free at the café with a purchase. There are also food specials every day after 5 p.m. that are affordably priced; a great option if you’re hungry after work and not feeling like cooking. The menu is chock full of choices — from the usual café morning breakfast fare like pancakes, waffles, eggs and burritos to the stellar lunch menu that boasts huge salads and a wide offering of custom sandwiches such as spicy eggplant, ham and cheese, 976 club sandwich and the killer spinach burger. There is sure to be something to please even the pickiest of eaters. I highly recommend the Acai bowl any time of day. It’s healthy and delicious, and perfect when you want something light to eat. The lattes and smoothies should not be passed up either — from the chocolaty to the fruity, they are delicious. On any given day at the café you can find students stressing over their exams, surfers fueling up on their way out to a swell, and first daters nervously chatting over lunch. It’s fun listening to the staff chat up locals or people passing through. At Café 976, it seems as though everyone is a friend we just haven’t met yet. Café 976 is located at 976 Felspar St. It opens at 7 a.m. daily. For more information, visit www.cafe976.com.
