The most memorable breakfast I’ve had this year was in Cocoa Beach Florida. This took place in August, because I figured I wasn’t feeling sufficiently sticky enough in the Denver heat, so why not add 94 percent humidity into the mix. I was traveling to laid back retro Cocoa Beach, and the Kennedy Space Center.

Barrier Jack’s is a small family owned restaurant, in a modest looking low slung building. I didn’t find this place on my own – a month before my Florida visit I read a review on Cocoa Beach in the Wall Street Journal. They listed some to-dos and area lodging choices, and recommended this small locals’ restaurant on the north side of town.

As a tourist I felt perfectly welcomed among, and from people watching it seemed almost everyone knew each other and was saying hello. The sign on the door even announced owners’ upcoming vacation plans – thus closing the restaurant for a week. (What chain can do that?)

My plate: Crab cakes, cole slaw, garlic toast and coffee. I didn’t get a good look at the dinner menu, but other plates include burgers, catfish, (fried and not,) and other seafood you’d expect.

I’d much rather spend a few hours drinking coffee and people watching here than collecting kitch at the Ron Jon Surf Shop. The next time I’m tooling around the Space Coast I’ll certainly pay another visit.

Barrier Jacks is located at 410 N Atlantic Ave, (which is A1A,) on the north tip of the town.