Palmys Breezes Into Pacific Beach With Brunch and Laid-Back Vibes

Landing just blocks from the beach, Palmys has opened with a feel-good menu that ranges from breakfast bowls, toasts, and smoothies (served all day) to healthy wraps and salads. The cafe, espresso bar, and market is the latest resident of the craftsman bungalow that last housed Brick & Bell; lovingly restored by its new owners, its walls are now decorated with historic photos of the cottage, which is said to be the third-ever building in Pacific Beach.

Palmys is an extension of Blueys Cafe & Market, Sabrina and Dave Harper’s similar spot in Santa Monica, only more personal. Sabrina grew up in La Jolla while Dave, a native Australian, lived in Pacific Beach in his 20s. They want the cafe and its surrounding garden to be a gathering space for the community and an easy spot for refueling and relaxing after a beach session; the cafe is also organizing swim and surfing clubs and partner Danny Way, a pro-skater and local legend, will host weekly skate meet-ups.

The cafe’s extensive espresso drink menu, which includes the Aussie original flat white, will feature Amigo Roasters, a company working on making the coffee supply chain more equitable and sustainable, whose beans are farm-roasted in El Salvador.

Palmys will start by operating from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. but will be extending hours and adding a dinner menu, including sourdough pizzas, soon. Once a month, the owners plan to pull a temporary permit to be able to offer alcohol for brunch on weekends and for special film and music events.

“We’re ecstatic to see Palmys bring a fresh revamp to the charming house at Cass and Felspar. The re-done outdoor patio space is one our favorite parts of the project,” said Urban Strategies Group’s Andrew Shemirani “It’s always a pleasure working with The Murfey Company to placemake, and Palmys is the latest example of how they continue to create excitement and energy in local communities around San Diego.”