How does enjoying a cup of Bird Rock Coffee and an acai bowl sound while taking in the morning view at Sunset Cliffs? Maybe a hot dog and an orange Fanta to go along with watching the sun set at the cliffs? Driving down Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, south from the crowds on Newport and at the intersection with Point Loma Avenue, you will see a blue-and-white trailer with yellow surfboard on top and a couple turquoise tables out front. You’ve arrived at The Surf Check, a snack shack serving the Sunset Cliffs neighborhood, surfers and sightseers.
The menu is scrawled in bright colors on a fish surfboard that leans against the trailer. Bird Rock Coffee, smoothies, hot dogs and Coke, or a grilled cheese special are available. The Surf Check is owned by Richard Aguirre, a well-kown local who is also the president of “Save Sunset Cliffs.” Aguirre has lived in Sunset Cliffs for many years and is dedicated about the area. “I wanted to give people a place to go at the end of the day to get food because there wasn’t anything here except the gas station. I wanted to make something for the community who lives here,” said Aguirre. Aguirre opened The Surf Check in November 2016 and it fits in perfectly with the laid-back surfer vibe, but also complements the morning and evening walkers and tourists who visit Sunset Cliffs. “We are going to make it a lot nicer because the goal was not really to make a coffee shop, but more to make a small restaurant down here because we really need some good food in this end of the Sunset Cliffs,” Aguirre said. Aguirre plans to expand The Surf Check with a bigger trailer and make the area around it more welcoming and cozy for people to hang around, have conversations while sipping a hot cup of coffee or cool refreshing smoothie. “So far, it’s proven to be a popular place for people to stop,” he said. “I think it has way more potential.” The Surf Check Where: 1404 Sunset Cliffs Blvd. Hours: Snack shack that serves with Bird Rock Coffee, smoothies, acai bowls, hot dogs and Fanta sodas. Info: 619-961-8676.