-Surfy Surfy: One of the last mom and pop shops around. In a world full of Tilly's, Zumiez, and Pac Sun's- Surfy Surfy is one of a kind. And the goods they stock are one of a kind too. If you don't want to follow the herd, stop by JP's shop and see what he has to offer.
-Fish 101: Pro surfer Josh Kerr's favorite hangout (besides the barrel at Snapper). Josh lives up the road so you'll find him at this fairly new spot a couple times a week. I was bummed to see the Mexican joint 'Jawz' not make it, but it was good to see a cool fish restaurant take it's place. A great outdoor patio too- can't have enough of those in the summer and fall time around here.
-Seaweed and Gravel: A great concept store. Not 100% surf, not 100% motorcycles, not 100% retro, just cool. Definitely setting the trend. Which is what Leucadia is about- standing apart from the crowd. Also carrying Tim Crozier's Black Bird surfboard label. Worth taking time out of your day and checking out the unique shapes.
-Cafe' Ipe: The food arm of Surfy Surfy (a.k.a. Coffee Coffee). The Cherry Rose Ice Tea is the best in town. Probably the only in town actually. Won't find that at Starbucks. Regardless, a great vibe inside this coffee shop and you're bound to run into a couple neighbors. And of course outside is the new home of the world famous Surfing Madonna. After a quick surf at Beacon's, relax on the patio and watch the world pass by.
-Haggo's Organic Taco: I know what you're saying- Encinitas needs another taco shop like it needs another surfer in the line up. But hear me out- Haggo's is in another league. The freshest ingredients in town, real flavor (a novelty nowadays at restaraunts), and another great patio to forget about your stress at work. Or that ding you just put on your new stick. Limited hours- Tuesday 11-3 and Friday 11-7- make sure you set your schedule accordingly!
-Solterra Winery and Kitchen: Wine is all the rage right now (or at least it has been in France for the past 2,000 years) but Leucadia is finally getting into the act. Solterra Winery and Kitchen is being built right now just north of Leucadia Blvd. and the 101. It will be quite the contrast next to Karina's Taco Shop. A pretty snazzy looking place- should boost the home values in the area by $100k. Don't have a firm opening date but at the rate they're putting up the structure the past few months, I'd assume by spring 2013.
Check out the full SD Magazine story here. Or better yet, get outside for once and visit these local shops!
