What's Happening in North Park
Article written by Nathan
Lindsay
Over the years I’ve seen many changes come to San Diego
and its outlying communities but none compares to the current
gentrification process happening in the North Park area. Entitled
the Urban Village Project, this blossoming community is anchored
by University Avenue and 30th Street. On a recent shopping trip
to the newly relocated Off the Record, I was
both surprised and overwhelmed by the emergence of new shops,
restaurants, and even a new opera house.
Located a fair distance down the road from Hillcrest, I couldn’t
escape a comparison of the two districts, perhaps due to Off
the Record’s own relocation from the uptown area to this
seemingly young, related offshoot. North Park has already seen
many years of character, both rough and rich. I couldn’t
help but worry just a little bit that all this new hubbub would
simply result in a “Lower Hillcrest” rather than
a distinct urban village.
Living Space Arriving Soon!
Perhaps the first noticeable change I spied was the absence
of RiteAid, which used to sit on 30th Street, just north of
University Avenue. Present earlier this year, the over-popular
drug store has been replaced by a condominium project called
La
Boheme. Already selling one and two bedroom spaces, these
upscale dwellings promise to add greater flair and essence to
a neighborhood that has long possessed a reputation as a center
for local art and culture.
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North
Park Restaurants & Best Places for Breakfast, Lunch
and Dinner |
Restaurants:
Ways to Beat Hunger in North Park
Next to Shooterz Bar, North Park Deli &
Grill (3928 30 St.) is spacious and offers a large
menu for those on the go as well as coffee, smoothies, beer,
wine, and internet access. What’s more, the establishment
doubles as a small art gallery hosting an art show every second
Saturday of the month from 7 pm to 10 pm. And if you’re
in a real hurry Fax your order in for pick up.
Apertivo Tapas & Wine Bar (3928 30th St.), across
the street from Caffe Calabria, is currently North Park’s
only Italian Tapas & Wine Bar. On almost any evening this
cozy establishment is packed, and for good reason. They offer
a modest selection of wines and small plates at astonishingly
low prices. The interior is dimly lit, casual, and lively. Outside,
sidewalk seating is also available for those wishing to soak
in North Park’s bustling traffic. The staff is both friendly
and helpful. Ultimately this an excellent place to start any
eventful night or to simply come and hang out with friends.
Located on the corner of University and 30th Street is Ranchos
Mexican and Vegetarian Cuisine (3910 30th St.),
my favorite of the chain’s three locations. I’ve
dined here on several occasions and have never been disappointed
with the results. Great for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, Ranchos
offers one of the tastiest Mexican menus in town coupled with
a low key, warm atmosphere. However, if you’re bitten
with a touch of Xenophobia be warned – Ranchos may be
filled with charm, but it’s tight on space. Also, if you’re
seeking groceries to complement your organic diet, check out
Ranchos Organicos next door.
For
a pleasant, educated organic experience try out Spread
(2879 University Ave.). It’s a small establishment, beautifully
decorated with a menu, which is both zesty and creative, that’s
planned and prepared on a day-to-day basis. Prices are modest
and they do offer catering for most events.
Florencia’s Restaurante and Pizza (3017
University Ave.) offers a neighborhood feeling, delicious Italian
dinners and decent selection of wine.
For a no fuss, traditional American meal, sans Denny’s,
try the Lumberjack Grille (3949 Ohio St). There’s
nothing unique about the restaurant itself, except that it’s
been there for as long as I can remember. The food is decent
and smoking is allowed within their outside patio area.
Coffee
Houses in North Park
Resting on the corner of University and Kansas (2906 University
Ave), Claire de Lune has enjoyed local business
since 1997. The coffee shop regularly hosts poetry readings,
live music, and the occasional comedy night. Good coffee, a
good place to get some homework done and meet up friends. Smoking
is aloud outside.
Caffe Calabria (3933 30th Street) was a favorite morning
stop of mine on my way to work, when work meant long jaunts
from Bonita to La Jolla. They offer a great selection of organic
coffees and teas; the staff is friendly and knowledgeable.
And coming soon? What neighborhood under the plan of gentrification
would be complete without a Starbucks? Located across the street
from Clare de Lune, this chain seems set to open in the near
future.
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North
Park Nightlife, Live Music & Entertainment |
Scolari’s
Office (3936 30th Street) is a dive bar in every sense
of the term. The carpet is sticky, the pool tables are dusty,
and the clientele is sometimes questionable. It’s also
been a well-kept secret among the local hipsters. On the occasional
weekend, and sometimes weekday nights, Scolari’s offers
free live music and has been host to a number of respected bands,
including local favorites Sleeping People and Goodbye Blue Monday.
For upcoming events check out the bulletin board near the bar’s
entrance.
If you’re an avid fan of Goth, Industrial, or other avant-garde
movements, then Shooterz (3815 30th St.) has
just what you crave. Every Friday night Shooterz is home to
Therapy (put together by Klubs.com),
one of San Diego’s longest running Industrial/Goth dance
clubs. Running from 9 pm to 4 am, Therapy is only the tip of
your fun. Shooterz is open the entire weekend from 3 pm Friday
afternoon to Monday at 2 pm. Wednesdays see free admission to
Dark Wave Garden and if you’re looking to relive embarrassing
memories, or out to make some new ones, check out the club on
Thursday evenings for Eighties Night.
One of the best bars and best kept secrets in North Park is
The Air Conditioned Lounge (4673 30th Street)
It's a tucked away paradise for martini drinkers (Mochatini
or Orange Twist martinis are the house favorites) swingers,
lovers, booze guzzlers, and big sonic chillers. Every Tuesday
local alternative and indie station, 94.9, brings the big sonic
chill show to the lounge, broadcasting lounge worthy music all
night and featuring some awesome drink specials. Other such
events at the bar include 80’s and 70’s music night
every Wednesday (Rockboxx Wednesdays) and Orange Kiss Thursday’s
featuring Latin music. The Lounge is laid back in true North
Park fashion, but the dress code is somewhat dressy so make
sure to ditch your walking shoes for something fancier.
If you like pubs, dark…rustic wood…and plenty of
Guinness, the Ould
Sod is the watering hole for you! With Karaoke
nights, and local performers featuring rockabilly country, acoustic
sets and folk, the Ould Sod is quite the nest. The Sod may be
as old as the mist and older by two (as Irishmen say) but it's
still a happening hole in the wall for North Park.
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North
Park Shopping, Music & Entertainment |
North
Park Thursday Night Market begins its fourth year and
celebrates its new location at Granada and University avenues.
This weekly farmers market has provided Norht Park with a place
to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, and foods.
Off the Record (2912 University Ave) has a
long, respected history in San Diego. I’ve been known
to spend much needed cash on new releases and the hard to find
vinyl at this store, prepared to starve my week through to another
payday. Recently, Off the Record has moved from their old location
in Hillcrest to their new home next door to Claire de Lune Coffee
Lounge. It’s even rumored that they may begin having regular
shows at their new location sometime around the beginning of
2006 (Nirvana and Lou Barlow played small free shows at their
old home).
Amazing, but true!…North Park is now home to its very
own opera house. Staged in the newly renovated Stephen
and Mary Birch North Park Theater, performances by
Lyric Opera (2891 University Ave.) begin October 14, 2005 with
a presentation of the Mikado by Gilbert and Sullivan. For a
complete calendar of upcoming events, click
here.
Ray at Night is held every second Saturday
of the month and is located on Ray Street, a block east of 30th
St. The event is a gallery walk that invites artists and spectators
alike to enjoy the eclectic nuances of this promising collective.
Entertainment can include anything from jazz and blues to poetry
readings and dance performance.
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