There's a unique little restaurant called "The Sugar Shack" hiding in plain sight on Main Street in Surf City USA. I found this local hot spot during my last trip down to Huntington Beach, California determined to make an encore appearance to sample another amazing breakfast on my trip this week to So Cal. The Sugar Shack is located just blocks up from the Huntington Beach Pier featuring perfect outdoor seating, serving breakfast all day long from 5:00 am to 4:00 pm along with sandwiches and huge omelettes. I hear tell that they serve a special Turkey dinner only on Wednesday nights, but I'm not certain if that's folklore.
I fell in love with this restaurant's casual attitude and found the Main street seating to be perfect if you love people watching like I do. The service is excellent and the servers go out of their way to make you feel at home. I had the basic half stack of buttermilk pancakes along with two eggs over medium for under six bucks. You'll find that a hot cup of joe still costs only 75ยข cents at The Sugar Shack.
Operated by Michele Turner, this haven for surfers and beach goers has been in business since 1967 which makes it a certified classic. I met the owners son Timmy Turner who is a bit of a local surf legend himself around Huntington. He was kind enough to let me capture him working inside the main dining zone that's obviously focused on surfing and family memories with dozens of personal photos displayed everywhere, giving the restaurant's core an undeniable charm. Timmy Turner has just completed his second feature film "Second Thoughts" that documents his adventures of finding the world's most perfect waves.
For me to suggest that you visit "The Sugar Shack" on your next trip to Southern California is unnecessary knowing that this is a must experience part of any visit to Huntington Beach. Be ready to wait awhile for street-side seating on beautiful days understanding that hanging around impatiently outside is part of the adventure. Sign your name on the clipboard hung by the door and then chill out, allowing that killer omelette smell to engage your imagination until your name is called. The breakfast fare is definitely worth the wait. When you are are finally seated take ample time with your meal, the servers will not be chasing you out because they know it's all about the hang time.
Located in Downtown Huntington Beach @ 213 Main Street
Fun review! Makes me want to visit. Love the name.
Posted by: Polliwog | May 29, 2007 at 04:24 PM