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Buster’s: Catch the Wave

I was on way back from Pier 32 in National City yesterday, and I made a sweet discovery. This was too much. Too much for me to finish, and ain’t much can beat this maw.

Just west of I-5, there’s a Best Western Motel, and right alongside, a new-looking eatery called Buster’s (740 Bay Marine Drive, National City, 619-336-1783).

It's open early till late.

I decide to drop in because, hey, been walking back from the water and need something sweet to fuel me on my way east to civilization.

Buster's entrance

Come in to a big open eating hall, with outriggers, surfboards, giant starfish, pix of surfers all over the walls, tropical bamboo wicker furniture, and a general surfer-Hawaii vibe.

Sit down near to the bar, under the VW Van coming out of the wall.

When Natalie...

Natalie

...comes up, and I ask about desserts, she hands me this big ol’ empty coffee can. It’s got pictures and descriptions of everything from coconut profiteroles to tempura banana fritters on it.

But the one that catches my eye is Todos Santos, after the great surf spot.

“A killer triple-chocolate brownie riding a white-chocolate wave with a surfer-cookie swimming in real chocolate sauce and whip cream.”

It costs $6.50. Who can resist? Plus I get a $2.25 coffee.

But when Natalie brings it, oh man.

You could drown in this little scene. Giant white chocolate wave curls up behind the brownie and the cookie surfer.

And it doesn’t just look spectacular. Rich? Need the white cream foam and the coffee to offset the brownie.

Surfer down!

Surfer up again!

Besides all that, it’s a beautiful little fantasy made out of a corrugated white-chocolate curl. In the end, it’s got me blissfully beat.

“Not just you, dear,” says Natalie. “Don’t worry.”

Think I’ll have to come back. Not only to beat this wave but to try the happy hour (2 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day).

Meantime, back out in the night with this sugar rush, I’ve got enough energy to walk from here to the Atlantic if need be.

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Events March 21-March 23, 2024

I was on way back from Pier 32 in National City yesterday, and I made a sweet discovery. This was too much. Too much for me to finish, and ain’t much can beat this maw.

Just west of I-5, there’s a Best Western Motel, and right alongside, a new-looking eatery called Buster’s (740 Bay Marine Drive, National City, 619-336-1783).

It's open early till late.

I decide to drop in because, hey, been walking back from the water and need something sweet to fuel me on my way east to civilization.

Buster's entrance

Come in to a big open eating hall, with outriggers, surfboards, giant starfish, pix of surfers all over the walls, tropical bamboo wicker furniture, and a general surfer-Hawaii vibe.

Sit down near to the bar, under the VW Van coming out of the wall.

When Natalie...

Natalie

...comes up, and I ask about desserts, she hands me this big ol’ empty coffee can. It’s got pictures and descriptions of everything from coconut profiteroles to tempura banana fritters on it.

But the one that catches my eye is Todos Santos, after the great surf spot.

“A killer triple-chocolate brownie riding a white-chocolate wave with a surfer-cookie swimming in real chocolate sauce and whip cream.”

It costs $6.50. Who can resist? Plus I get a $2.25 coffee.

But when Natalie brings it, oh man.

You could drown in this little scene. Giant white chocolate wave curls up behind the brownie and the cookie surfer.

And it doesn’t just look spectacular. Rich? Need the white cream foam and the coffee to offset the brownie.

Surfer down!

Surfer up again!

Besides all that, it’s a beautiful little fantasy made out of a corrugated white-chocolate curl. In the end, it’s got me blissfully beat.

“Not just you, dear,” says Natalie. “Don’t worry.”

Think I’ll have to come back. Not only to beat this wave but to try the happy hour (2 p.m. to 7 p.m. every day).

Meantime, back out in the night with this sugar rush, I’ve got enough energy to walk from here to the Atlantic if need be.

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Holy Paleta for your inner child

Fruit, chocolate, candy, and nuts improve on mere popsicles
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Order one of everything

Deli cookies to inspire a sweet tooth
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