Ocean
Beach, in a Nutshell
Article
written by Kristel
Boe
Life seems to move a little slower in OB and the “Obecians”
like it like that. Fast-food restaurants and big named shops
are nearly prohibited by the OB Town Council and the community
strives to attract businesses that mesh well with the bohemian
roots of the neighborhood. The people, the places, and the scenery
in OB are unlike any other. Please take time to explore the
core of Ocean Beach.
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Ocean
Beach Restaurants & Best Places for Breakfast, Lunch
and Dinner |
Best Places for Breakfast
This is a toss up. Come Saturday and Sunday morning, the streets
are usually lined with hungry stomachs just waiting to get inside
a breakfast joint and curb their appetite. Thank goodness Ocean
Beach has selection. If you’re looking for potato’s
(delicious ones) and good portions, pick O-Bee’s
on Newport. It has lots of seating room and there usually isn’t
a wait. If you’d like to get a good view of the ocean
while chowing down, you may opt for Shades
(and you won’t want to forget them) if you choose outside
seating. Located on Santa Monica Blvd., it has a great view
of the water and pier. If you’re not really into the breakfast
thing but could use a caffeine jolt, Java Jungle (Newport) can
whip up just about any concoction and their outside seating
surrounded by plants is calming if you have the jitters.
Other noteworthy selections: New Break Coffee Co. (Abbott
St.), Old Town House Restaurant (Newport) Huge line, but worth
the wait.
Best
Places for Lunch
On a regular day it is guaranteed that Hodad’s
(Newport) will be packed, and that is simply because the food
is delicious! The menu basically consists of burgers, and entire
slew of them. With just about every option from certain condiments
to burgers without meat, Hodad's has it covered. The portions
are enormous and the staff can be a little quirky, but it truly
is the best place to absorb a delicious meal and the OB environment.
If you’ve got Italian on the mind, check out Poma’s
on the corner of bacon and Niagara. It is a family owned and
operated business that has become a local OB favorite. They
take cash only, but, man do they bring in big bucks. The place
is always packed; I have never seen them have a slow day. This
is definitely not a dine in restaurant but an excellent choice
if your craving an Italian dish to take out.
Other noteworthy selections: Theo’s (Newport), Nico’s
Taco Shop (Newport) made famous by being the song focus for
local band, Slightly Stoopid.
Best Places for Dinner
For Mexican there really is no beating Rancho’s
Mexican Cantina which has already received rave
reviews by the super guide. Located on busy Sunset Cliffs Blvd.,
it is hard to find a parking spot to access the restaurant,
but it is definitely worth the wait or the walk. The menu is
authentic as well as organic Mexican. It offers great vegan
and vegetarian options but has plenty of meat dishes if that
suits your fancy. The atmosphere at night can be romantic with
table top candles, but also just a great place to sit and enjoy
delicious meals.
To mix things up a little bit you may opt for Portugalia.
It is a different, but delicious Portuguese restaurant on the
end of Newport and the menu consists of traditional Portuguese
dishes. On occasional nights they feature great acoustic performances
upstairs and have a well stocked bar. If you aren’t into
beer, try the Portuguese wine, it has great flavor and a nice
kick.
Other noteworthy selections: Little Sicily (Voltaire St.)
Don’t Forget Dessert
Dessert is a must have, and it is a one stop shop at The
Lighthouse. Located at the beach side end of Newport,
it has become a local favorite. Their ice cream is good, but
the sugar cone is the part that makes it worthy! There are a
few tables inside as well as a pair outside if you want to people
watch.
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Ocean
Beach Nightlife & Best Places to Smoke & Drink |
Best
Place for Smokers
Sunshine Company on Newport has an open ceiling
in one section, as well as a deck upstairs with plenty of room.
Even if you aren’t a smoker this is one of the hottest
bars in OB and always draws an interesting crowd. It is cash
only so don’t flash your plastic, but for convenience
an ATM is tucked in the corner.
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Best
Place for People Who Don’t Like to Dance
Pacific Shores on Newport has a “no dancing
policy” because they don’t have permits for a dance
club. In fact, if you are caught dancing, you may be eighty
six-ed because they can actually be fined for it! The bar usually
pumps alternative and punk music so the desire to dance is kept
low. It is a narrow dive bar with a couple of booths for seating
and chairs along the bar. The drinks are priced low and have
a high alcohol content, which should please just about every
bar fly.
Best Place to Sit and Have a Drink
South Beach Bar and Grill (Newport) is the
place to be! With a more restaurant style setting you’ll
feel comfortable sitting back and having a drink without having
to push your way up to the bar. The staff is courteous and the
food is quite delicious. I recommend the tacos and I hear the
shark is tasty!
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Ocean
Beach Shopping, Farmer's Market & Antiques |
Best Place to Shop for Antiques
If you're looking for something antique, vintage or just used
and well loved, the Newport Avenue Antique Center
is the place to go. Located in Ocean Beach, this antique emporium
is more than you can ask for with over 18,000 square feet outlet
to over 100 vendors. If you're looking for an Elvis picture,
Mickey Mouse ears, retro furniture or anything vintage, you've
got to check out these antique shops.
Best
Place to Shop for Fresh Produce
A palm tree lined corridor, the sun setting over the pacific
and salty ocean air is the backdrop for the Ocean
Beach Farmer’s Market. Every Wednesday throughout
the year, except for Christmas and New Year’s weeks, you
can throw on your flip-flops and stroll up Newport Street. From
4-7 in winter and 4-8 in summer, the block between Bacon and
Cable, is closed to traffic and open for the Ocean Beach Farmers
Market. You can sample and buy a wide variety of freshly picked
fruits and vegetables at prices cheaper then you will find in
your local grocery store.
Best Guys Clothing Store
There are some options in OB, but there is one that simply blows
the rest out of the water. If you are a local, a surfer, or
a tourist, you are bound to stop into South Coast
to buy some threads. Obviously, the shop sports mostly surf
and skate brands, but their collection is good and the staff
has great suggestions in the style department. They also are
just about the best place to purchase a surf board and get extra
points because their boards are make locally and signed by the
creator.
Best Girls Clothing Store
Knowing girls, it truly depends on what you are looking for.
But when it comes to sheer profit, The Closet
and Dream Girls (both on Newport) bring in
the bucks. They specialize in hip girl clothing in a boutique
like setting. If you are looking for style on a budget, opt
for the Closet over Dream Girls, which is often more pricey
yet feature up and coming designers.
The Best Place to Get Shwag and Sixties Memorabilia
No shoes, no shirt, no problem! The ultra-hippie chic store,
The Black, on Newport has a great collection
of everything odd. From sixties inspired insence holders, posters,
and drug paraphernalia, to sex toys, t-shirts and mood rings,
the black has it covered!
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Ocean
Beach Recreation & Best Places for Surfing and Dogs |
Best Surf Spots
This depends on who you ask, and what board they are riding
on. Long boarders often flock to the cliffs after sunset for
a smooth ride and an unbelievable view. Access in and out of
the water is sketchy and only recommended for advanced surfers.
Short boarders are often spotted near the pier where there is
definite competition for waves. A popular surfing location is
also south of the jetty by dog beach. Be prepared to compete
for a good ride at both locations.
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Best
Place to Let Your Dog Walk You
There are two outstanding locations for dogs. The obvious choice
is Dog Beach. Dogs seem to absolutely love
the idea of running freely and the water feature gets tails
wagging! But for owners who are leery about letting their dogs
run free in such an open area, the dog park at Dusty
Rhodes Park is a great option. It is over an acre of
grassy plain that is completely enclosed by a fence. Dogs can
happily explore the terrain, and each other, while owners have
the peace of mind knowing their dogs are safe. To
find out other Dog Friendly places around San Diego, click
here.
Best Place to Stretch Your Mind, Body and Soul (without
flexing your wallet)
Try a free mantra or meditation class at the Ocean Beach
Club on Bacon st. Classes times and dates differ month
to month, ask a rep for specific information (858-831-1770).
The classes offer simple and effective methods of stress and
anxiety relief. It is without charge and open to anyone looking
to expand their consciousness and cleanse their aura.
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