Trinks Cafe — Restaurant in Point Arena

We were staying in nearby Point Arena, and my husband was desperate for breakfast food. As it was already close to lunchtime, I searched for places still serving breakfast fare. We lucked out when I found Trinks Cafe and began our journey south down Hwy 1. It was a tad hard to find as the phone signal was an issue out on the California coast, but we were fortunate enough to catch it in time, and parking was not an issue. Trinks Cafe smelled delicious from outside, and while busy, it wasn't a long wait and allowed us time to peruse the delicious treats and pastries and a quick run to the restroom for my hubby ;) We both ordered the big breakfast and caramel macchiatos with whipped cream! We also ordered a slice of apple pie and dark chocolate cake to-go. We opted to eat outside on the covered patio. It's not a huge patio, but it is comfortable, and they did have heaters for the slight spring chill. Oddly, the server brought out our desserts first. Only the apple pie was packed to go, and my cake was ready to eat, lol. Thankfully, they have things as more self-service, and it was easily remedied with a container from the supply counter. Our coffees came out pipping hot in nice thick mugs. They were DELICIOUS! I even wanted a second, but I was reminded that we were going to another coffee spot on our way back, so I skipped the second helping. Finally, it was time for the big breakfast; seasoned country potatoes, sourdough toast, two eggs (we both did over medium), and two slices of perfectly cooked bacon! The only downside for my personal preference is that the seasoning was a tad spicy, but I'm lightweight when it comes to the heat of spicy food, so most people should be fine. We both ate up our plates and enjoyed the short walk to the bluff to look out at the ocean! We finally tried the cake and pie back at our hotel later in the evening, but sadly, I'd hate to say that they weren't as outstanding as the breakfast meal. The chocolate cake was on the drier, plainer, side with the only redeeming quality that there was a raspberry jam or sauce that helped it be less dry. My hubby said the apple pie was just alright, and that Costco made a better pie. So, would we go back.....YES. Would we order the pie/cake again...NOPE, but I might try one other treat to see if perhaps something else was better. If it's not, then I will for sure only eat the meals and enjoy...

Never expected that in the little town like Guelala I would have one of my best sandwich experiences. Sandwich building according to my wife is an art, so you can see how we are sandwich snobs. And boy did this place not disappoint. But before I come to the sandwiches, I want to tell you about the service.

We are from the Bay Area so we’re visiting for a stay in a nearby place. I ran over to this place one day because I wanted coffee. But I didn’t want to get out of the car because I had a toddler in the car who I would have to leave alone in the car. I called in from the parking lot and to my pleasant surprise the person delivered the coffees to my car. Then onwards for our stay I was driving 2 -3 miles into town everyday for coffee. And the boys loved the hot cocoa too.

But the last day, coming back from a hike and some beach time, I asked my wife if we could pick up sandwiches on the way back. And this is where this place won our hearts. we got Sandwiches to go. And we ordered a BLT with Avacado, a fried chicken with coleslaw on a potato bun and a grilled cheese. And considering the ingredients, I was half expecting my sandwich to be a bit soggy, we drove half a mile before we found a spot by the coast where we could sit and eat. The sandwiches were perfect, well crafted, amazing flavor. Every bite was consistent and great. The spread just added the right amount of flavor. The chicken was still very crispy and delish. And the coleslaw didn’t overpower the flavor with a perfect potato bun. My wife’s BLT was divine, I took a picture of how well it was laid out. The avacado still pretty intact and flavorful. The bread normally on those is really hard to bite into but this was just the perfect mix of firmness and flavor. We normally decide to share our food but this time I told my wife I am not sharing the sandwich cause it’s so good. We did share the grilled cheese a bit. The boys didn’t finish their grilled cheese because they overloaded on the fries, so we did it for them.

If anyone from Trinks reads this, you may be one of our favorite sandwich places on earth. :). Pity we have to travel 3 hours...

This has been a mainstay in Gualala for some time and seems popular. The food and bakery items are of excellent quality.

However, pricing is insane! Sorry - but no matter how good a sandwich is...I have a mental block about it costing 12-14 dollars. It adds up. Also the comfort of the place (concrete floors, breezy exterior patio) is minimal although the interior seating is ok but tight for space.

For kicks and giggles I window shop the cabinets selling soups, local goods....and wonder again about the pricing. Close to $20 for a carton of soup seems excessive considering Trader Joe’s pricing...so you are forewarned.

It’s the service I find most annoying. Rarely any sort of attempt at customer service (no greeting when you arrive, minimal conversation when ordering, barely a thank you) and when you want to wash your hands before eating you have to figure out where to do that as it’s not obvious that the restrooms are outside, around the back, and when locked...no explanation on the door! Locals know..but do the tourists? It has to be noted that Gualala/Sea Ranch businesses often have a difficult time filling positions, hence the minimal conversation but a few friendly signs, a well drawn smiley face..would go a long way!

But the food is good and consistent.

They used to do an evening food event once in a while - Covid has probably put a halt to that - the menu was posted on social media and on the occasions we went it was good. Hopefully they will get back to that.

So in summary I’d say...don’t expect great customer service and bring more than the anticipated amount you would normally spend on a coffee and food. Or go up the hill and look for the bakery...