Following a friend’s recommendation (and double checking the reviews online), I decided to invite two girl friends of mine for lunch at Café 976 in Pacific Beach.
I immediately liked the location: in walking distance to busy Garnet, this cozy café just seems like a little green oasis. Since I only ate there once, I can’t make a general statement about the quality of their food, but I really liked what I got today (the Hot Caprese sandwich), and it looked like my friends were enjoying their meals as well. Also, there are relatively many options for vegetarians.
There are a few downsides that should be mentioned: I don’t need to explain the parking issue in PB, so be prepared for a little walk to quicken your appetite and a digestive stroll back to your car . Also, if you’re in a rush, I really would not recommend this place to grab a “quick bite”. I assumed that we got a little unlucky today, as the waiting times for pretty much every single step of the process took longer than expected (getting the menu, placing the order, getting the food and being able to pay), but looking at other reviews, that seems to be the standard procedure and the main complaint.
On the other hand, I would say that’s part of the experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and unique in every way, very different from the chain restaurant mentality where everything happens fast and everyone is moving in the daily grind. In fact, the whole setting seemed quite European to me. Many foreign students that I’ve talked to have a hard time getting used to the American eating habits which are a lot less of a “celebration” and a “time of social interaction” than in other countries. In most American restaurants (and maybe also families) the idea of spending hours at the dining table (where enjoying good food is certainly a big aspect, but probably not the main one) doesn’t seem to be encouraged all that much (it certainly took me a while to get used to getting the check while I’m still in the middle of eating). It’s more of a eat-pay-leave routine, which I have also noticed when staying with American host families or while visiting my (American) boyfriend’s family (minus the paying part, obviously 
). At café 976 though, time seems to have lost its overrated value and customers are encouraged to take “it” just as easy as the staff. Free wifi access might also contribute to the overall “sit back and relax” experience.
Well, I will definitively go back for another timeout at the green oasis.
