Best of 2000: Best Place To Take Your Dog For Lunch

Cafe Zinc
132 South Cedros Avenue,
Solana Beach
(858) 793-5436

Of course, the pooch should be a little sophisticated. Preferably an Afghan. Even better, two Afghans on a leather leash. We're talking Cedros Design District here. Solana Beach. But as long as they resist the temptation to lift their legs against the Mercedes or Suburbans parked beyond the low stone wall, or to race inside the converted house that is the Cafe Zinc, all mutts are welcome. The best part of the place is right outside, under the pepper trees and climbing roses and white umbrellas. The table legs are heavy enough to anchor any leash; they're made of rusty iron. And their cavernous undersides seem to be made to let sleeping dogs lie. The restaurant is clearly conscious of the possibility: in the middle of the garden stands a sculpture of a dog on its hind legs tipping over a table with a coffeepot on top. Turns out it's a fountain. And for all its North County cool, the place is nice and cheap. Around $5 to $7 for breakfast. Bring your own dog bowl for scraps or water.