What started as a last-minute pivot has become one of Pacific Beach’s most beloved institutions. Kono’s Cafe at 704 Garnet Avenue, 92109, opened in July 1991 when owners Kathy and Steve — who previously ran Lamont Street Grill — chose to keep the menu simple with classic American breakfast and lunch rather than wait for renovations to build their original concept, a Mexican restaurant serving cone-shaped tacos that inspired the name. Local surfers became the first regulars, and their influence shaped a menu that now includes hefty egg burritos, a tradition born from summers in Baja where fresh tortillas accompanied every meal. The restaurant occupies a 1920s-era building next to the historic Crystal Pier and features three outdoor seating areas, including two boardwalk decks with front-row views of one of San Diego’s best surf breaks. World Famous sits just down the boardwalk for guests who want to follow breakfast with a seaside cocktail or waterfront lunch. In 2016, Kathy and Steve partnered with longtime manager Pablo to open a second location, Konito’s, in the Pacific Plaza Shopping Center at 1730 Garnet Avenue. With a 4.8-star average across nearly 2,900 Google reviews and a 98 out of 100 health score, Kono’s draws lines that stretch out the door on weekend mornings — but regulars say the wait is part of the experience. The café is open every day of the year except Thanksgiving and Christmas. Beachgoers heading south along the boardwalk will find Waterbar serving craft cocktails and seafood with sweeping ocean views.