Katy's Cafe was originally called, "I.B. Coffee & Books" when owner, Katy Fallon, left her position as manager of the Coronado Brewing Company and bought the business back in 2006. In 2008 she gave it its current name, after two successful years and a loyal clientele gained, to finally give it her own identity. The menu has expanded over the years and now includes several colorfully named items ranging from "Al's Cali-King" to "Zac's," both regular customers of Katy's.

The shop is a favorite among local surfers, lifeguards, business people and families in the beach-side community and lives up to its motto, "Where friends meet and we serve it up hot." The staff is always friendly and makes sure to call you by your first name if you frequent the establishment on a regular basis. Even if you're just passing through, the service is second to none and served with a smile. The atmosphere is warm and inviting with lots of original surf art and photography hanging on the walls, all done by local artists and customers. There's plenty of large, comfortable sofas and chairs to relax in and take in a surf movie on the large screen TV, or to surf the web on two of the shop's Internet cafe computers.

For those who remember the one-season HBO series, "John From Cincinnati," the cafe was not only popular with the Hollywood crew for dining, but also served as one of their regular shooting locations known as the "Imerial Beach Cafe." The clock with the words, "Property of Yost Boards," nestled between the chalkboard menus on the wall behind the counter is the lone reminder of the off-beat, yet colorful show that once filmed here. Rumor has it that the show's cafe owner, "Jerri," was modeled after Katy, but you'll have to come in, meet Katy and make that decision for yourself. Remember the show's character "Dwayne," always sitting at the computer in the shop's Internet cafe? Those computers are still there waiting for you to sit down, log in and do some web surfing of your own.

When visiting I.B., be sure to stop in, say "hi" and sample some of Katy's great food, dished up with a large helping of friendly service. If you're a surfer, she's always ready to talk about the day's local surf conditions and ask how well you did that day. If you don't find her there, she's probably in the lineup out back on the north side of the pier catching some well-deserved waves of her own. If you don't surf, no worries, you'll find the place just as welcoming for all who are ready to eat some good food, or just kick back and relax.