Pop-Up Brings Mexican-Inspired Brunch to Ocean Beach

A just-launched pop-up eatery has brought a new takeout brunch option to Ocean Beach. Called Loco Lopez and run by chef Richard Lopez, it’s operating Wednesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. out of the same Sunset Cliffs Boulevard space as Sundara Indian Kitchen, which has remained open throughout this shelter-at-home phase; with restaurants likely limited in their reopening capacity, Sundara co-founder Adam Lowe says the 38-seat eatery will likely continue to focus on its takeout business even after the dine-in ban is lifted.

Lowe approached Lopez with the offer to share the kitchen; the chef previously worked at Sundara, and has cooked in fine dining restaurants as well as local hotels like the Hotel del Coronado. Seeing a void in the to-go brunch market, Lopez created a menu of takeout-friendly dishes that includes a breakfast burrito wrapped in a cheese-crusted tortilla, a doughnut grilled cheese served with serrano jam, and bacon-wrapped hot dogs accompanied by house chips.

Though it’s starting as a pop-up, the chef says he’s hoping to make Loco Lopez permanent, either in the Sundara space or elsewhere. He’ll continue to expand the menu and is planning to eventually offer mimosas, micheladas, beer, and wine.

Courtesy photo