It is not a matter of course that the combination of a shop with the associated café works. In the Santo Loco Surf Café at Eisenmannstraße 4 in the old town, however, this concept works. In the meantime, the restaurant has become its own brand, which could probably do without the associated skate, surf and snowboard shop. Because the café is not just for friends of board sports.
The Santo Loco was opened in 2007 by the brothers Ricardo and Ronaldo Friesen. The café of the same name was added five years later. The brothers grew up in Brazil but have spent most of their lives in the Bavarian capital. They brought two passions with them from their home country: the love of board sports and the love of good coffee. Surfing and skating were an important part of Ricardo and Ronaldo’s lives from an early age. The coffee came later.
When the brothers came to Munich, they had a clear vision. On their website they say: “We wanted to create a place where you can live your dreams in everyday life, where you can express your individuality and still feel a sense of community, where you can be a little self-confident, emphasize your style and at the same time can feel a sense of belonging.”
In Portuguese, Santo means “holy” and Loco means “mad”. The neologism Santo Loco is intended to express that a decent and sin-free life is not in conflict with an extraordinary life.
What is there?
Inside the café, a chalk-drawn shark poses on a slate, drinking a coffee and presenting the rich assortment. There are exceptional specialties such as Portuguese pastel de nata, chai tea and excellent coffee. The beans are specially imported from Brazil and roasted in Munich.
Gluten-free muffins and brownies are also on the menu. The bagels are made fresh every day, and there is also sourdough bread from the neighboring Julius Brantner bakery. Soy and oat milk are offered as milk alternatives. A freshly squeezed orange juice provides a vitamin supply.
Bagels also satisfy hearty cravings at Santo Loco Surf Café.
(Photo: Robert Haas/SZ)
Who do you meet there?
Since the employees are happy to exchange ideas with like-minded athletes, the greeting is usually very friendly and warm. But anyone who wants to have a chai in peace and quiet to escape the hustle and bustle of the neighboring Kaufingerstrasse is also welcome.
Especially during the Advent season, there are many parents and grandparents in the Santo Loco Café, who sit comfortably with a hot drink, while the – mostly older children – next door talk shop about the latest surfboards. A welcome contrast. Just Santo Loco.
Santo Loco Surf Cafe, Eisenmannstraße 4, 80331 Munich Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m