SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE BEACH & BAY PRESS THURSDAY, AUGUST 30, 2012
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
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THURSDAY
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012
AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
Readers Choice 2 0 1 2
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
A W A R D S
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Dining Winners CATEGORY American Appetizer Bagel Shop Bakery Bar Bay view BBQ Beer Selection Breakfast Buffet Burger Burrito Cafe/Coffee Shop Carne Asada Catering Chicken Wings Chinese Desserts Dinner Family Restaurant Fish Taco French Frozen Yogurt Greek Happy Hour Hot Dog Ice Cream/Gelato Irish Italian Lunch Margarita Martini Mexican Most Romantic nachos New Restaurant Overall Restaurant Overall Restaurant Service Patio Dining Pet Friendly Pizza Place / Birthday Sandwich Seafood Sliders Sports Bar Steak Sushi Thai Vietnamese Wine selection
GOLD JRDN Duck Dive Brugger's Bagels Sugar & Scribe Pacific Beach Shore Club The Atoll @ The Catamaran Tony Roma's The Tap Room Kono's Great Plaza Buffet Bare Back Grill Taco Surf Turquoise Coffee Pacific Beach Shore Club The French Gourmet Dirty Birds China Inn Sugar & Scribe Nick's at the Beach Filippi's Pacific Beach Fish Shop The French Gourmet Bogart Yogurt Cafe Athena Guava Beach Diego's Dog's & Slider's Mr Frosty's Brewley's Pint Mama Mia PB Ale House Fred's Mexican Restaurant JRDN Fred's Mexican Restaurant JRDN RT's Longboard's Duck Dive World Famous Nick's at the Beach PB Ale House Pacific Beach Fish Shop Woodstock Pizza Moondoggie's PB Market & Deli Pacific Beach Fish Shop Diego's Dog's & Slider's Miller's Field Saska's Zen 5 Kafe Yen Pho Time JRDN
SILVER Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge World Famous Einstein's Bagels Baked Duck Dive Starkey's BBQ Pacific Beach Ale House The Olive Cafe Rocky's Crown Pub Chupacabras Taquera Zanzibar Taco Surf Taco Surf The Bar Key JRDN World Famous Nick's at the Beach Pacific Beach Shore Club Yogurt on the Rocks California Kebab Ciro's
Gallery @ Lands End McGill-Lewis Law Group PB Detail PB Foreign Home Bank Rusty Spokes Travel Depot Shell Libbs Chiropractic SD Laptops Armstrong Construction The Catamaran Janelle Bacino, D.D.S Dr. Anderson Joy Max Designer Eyes Impulsive Underground Furniture Sprouts Tanglez The Catamaran Brian McMullen, Allstate Dario Mingle Green Garden's Sherwin Williams ABC Animal Hospital Noah's Natural Pet Mkt CVS Motu Hawaii Pangea UPS Store Buffalo Exchange Surf N' Post Tutto Curro Soul Grind Quik Smog Mission Beach Surf Shop Gone Bananas Chiller's Wavehouse
In a community prized for its seaside beauty, bronzed residents and laid-back style, merchants in Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Mission Bay offer what seems like an endless selection of great restaurants, boutiques, retail shops and services. With sunsets to die for and the everpopular Crystal Pier and sprawling beaches serving as a Mecca for residents and tourists alike, everything you need can be found right here. There is really no need to shop anywhere else. With this in mind, we posed the question to readers: Who really is the best-ofthe-best in goods, services and customer relations in our local community? We got our answer when we launched our most recent Readers Choice Awards for the Beach & Bay Press in the pages to follow. The categories cover the sunniest corner for your coffee wake-up call to the smoothest spot for a soothing nightcap. What about a tasty craft brew or a tucked-away eatery to take your date? Or perhaps you’re hunting for a skilled mechanic to take care of that pesky “check engine” light or are simply in the mood for a nice, relaxing massage at the end of a long workday. This is why our Readers Choice
Awards are important. You voted on your local favorites and made your views known when it comes to merchants who go above and beyond and put reputations on the line for their customers. These awards recognize the people and places that make our beach communities truly extraordinary. Some of the winners may surprise you, while others have enjoyed sterling reputations for years and even decades. The results of the voting encompass first and second place in a variety of categories for you to consider the next time step out to change your insurance policy, get the ailing kitty a little checkup or need that special tie dry-cleaned for the interview. Remember, the nominees and the winners were chosen by the people who live and work here. So, browse through this list of highly acclaimed businesses for an inside look at the best in each category, chosen by the customers who are in the know. You may find a few new hidden treasures that you will want to try out. Who knows? You may become one of their best customers. — Kevin McKay, Beach & Bay Press editor
Bus Stop Gelato Luigi's at the Beach Pacific Beach Shore Club Guava Beach Duck Dive Fat Fish World Famous Pacific Beach Shore Club Table 926 Pacific Beach Shore Club JRDN Firehouse American Eatery & Lounge Zanzibar Ciro's Pacific Beach Shore Club EZ Jay's The Fishery PB Bar & Grill PB Bar & Grill Johnny V's Sushi Ota Narraya Thai Pho Sao Bien
Shopping & Services Winners Art Gallery Attorney Auto detail Auto Repair Bank Bicycle Shop Book Store Car wash Chiropractor Comp repair Construction/Contractor Day Spa Dentist Doctor Dry cleaners Eye ware Florist Furniture store Grocery store Hair Salon Hotel Insurance agent Jeweler Nail salon Nursery Paint store Pet hospital/vet Pet store Pharmacy Place with exotic gifts Place with unusual gifts Printer Resale shop Shipping/Packaging Shoe store Skate shop smog check Surf shop Swimsuits Women's apparel Workout spot
The People Have Spoken
Gold & Silver Medal Listings DINING Best Overall Restaurant
World Famous The menu at World Famous changes daily, depending on what is fresh at the market, which speaks volumes about the staff’s commitment to quality. Not only is the food top-notch, but so is the view. Customers seated in the dining room will feel like they are eating on the beach and they can enjoy the beautiful Pacific Ocean as they dive into one of the restaurant’s famous omelettes, seafood specials or Taco Tuesday offerings. World Famous is the ideal place for a sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner. World Famous 711 Pacific Beach Drive (858) 272-3100 www.worldfamous.signonsandiego.com 000
Pacific Beach Shore Club Shell Cass Street Auto Comerica Cruiser King La Jolla Car wash Dream Wellness Geeky Clean Massage Envy Dr. Fremont Beach Area Health Pott's by Pat Trader Joe's The Paper Doll Tower 23 Rich Nye, State Farm Cuticle's Frazee Paint Turquoise Animal Hospital Dr. Love's Hydrangea Cove PB Print Cream of the Crop UPS Store Skechers Smog Express Rip Curl Pilar's The Closet Shock Fitness
Nick’s at the Beach 809 Thomas Ave. (858) 270-1730 www.nicksatthebeach.com
“Where Grand Meets the Sand” You can’t drink on the beach anymore, unless you want a big, fat ticket. The law, however, doesn’t say you can’t drink near the beach — and that’s what makes Pacific Beach Shore Club’s locale so convenient. The flat-screen TVs are only feet from the water to boot, as are the great happy-hour deals, goldfish races, karaoke on Sunday, Red Bull slushies and tater tots. Pacific Beach Shore Club 4315 Ocean Blvd. (858) 272-7873 www.pbshoreclub.com 000
Best Overall Service
Nick’s at the Beach This neighborhood restaurant has made a name for itself by serving the best seafood in a comfortable, casual environment. It’s also no stranger to press accolades — a local magazine once rated it the top neighborhood eatery. The sidewalk café can accommodate up to 20 people, and the sports bar upstairs touts a large outdoor oceanview deck and 29 TVs. But what’s on the menu counts, too — like the tortillacrusted mahi mahi, pastas, dinner salads, sandwiches and Chilean sea bass, a huge local favorite. Add the banquet facilities and take-out service, and you’ve got Nicks, now 14 years on and nothing in its way. Visit Nick’s at the Pier in Ocean Beach, too!
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JRDN You can actually credit the Tower’s creative wine list to another establishment in the same hotel. It’s JRDN (or “Jordan,” for the purists who prefer the phonetic pronunciation), a very high-end restaurant that swears by the magic it performs on beef and other meats. Red wines go swimmingly with that kind of thing — and that translates to a comprehensive selection at the bar (the powers that be didn’t forget the whites, either). Meanwhile, the bar offers a casual, yet sophisticated experience. The atmosphere is warm and inviting and the crowd is hip yet mellow — everybody gets to enjoy an ocean view while sipping signature cocktails and nibbling on sushi. JRDN at Tower 23 723 Felspar St. (866) TOWER23 www.tower23hotel.com
Best American
Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge Located next to the Pacific Beach fire station and just steps away from the beach, Firehouse mixes downtown-type luxury (leather sofas, fire pit bar, patio seating) with PB casual — board shorts, flips-flops and the usual beachtown trademark sartorials. Foodwise, it’s all about appetizers like fondue, quesadillas and minicorndogs. Along with the sandwiches, salads and llighter dinner fare is a small dessert menu that even includes chocolate chip cookies and milk. Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge 722 Grand Ave (858) 274-3100 www.firehousepb.com 000
JRDN (See listing under Best Overall Service)
Best Appetizer
Duck Dive (See listing in photo box page 3) 000
THURSDAY
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012
AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
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World Famous (See listing under Best Overall Restaurant)
Best Bagel Shop
Bruegger’s Bagels Bruegger’s Bagels achieve a bagel with a crusty outside and chewy inside by using fresh dough, kettle boiling it and baking them on a stone hearth — not a rake — so that they bake evenly. Nonprofits should check out Bruegger’s donation policy: the corporation will donate a matching amount of bagels to those purchased — as long as the bagels are not resold. Bruegger’s sells 20 different varieties of bagels and 13 different toppings so the bagel never gets boring. Bruegger’s Bagels 1886 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-3836 www.brueggers.com
Baked Not your average place, Baked is a full-service bakery. Unlike coffee shops everything is all prepared and baked right in the same place. Cinnamon rolls, espresso coffee, bread, paninis and a whole lot more. All in a living room atmosphere just steps from the beach Baked 735 Santa Clara Place (858) 488-3200
Best Bar
Pacific Beach Shore Club (See listing under Best Overall) 000
The Duck Dive 000
Einstein Bros Bagels Einstein is a corporate chain with darn good bagels. Forget the cream cheese (unless you want something simple), Einstein offers a lox-topped bagel, egg sandwiches, egg panini, egg wraps and yoghurt — just for breakfast. For lunch there is offerings of pastrami and swiss and albacore tuna salad, to name a few. Grilled sandwiches, pizza bagels, nacho bagels, soups and salads are also in the mix. Einstein Bros Bagels 1772 Garnet Ave., Suite F (858) 272-9321 www.einsteinbros.com
Best Bakery
Sugar & Scribe Bakery Owner Maeve continues the tradition of the Irish women Rochford-Sugar and Scribe providing cakes and baked goods of dear Granny Kate, recipes that have survived generations of immigration and wars. Stop by and sample the freshly baked scones, pies, cupcakes or whatever seasonal delictibles Maeve has lovingly prepared. But we have to warn you — you’ll be hooked once you do! Sugar & Scribe Bakery 1420 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-1733
(See listing in photo box page 3)
Best Bay View
The Atoll @ The Catamaran The Catamaran Resort's Atoll restaurant has already won numerous awards and one visit to the restaurant makes it easy to see why. It serves traditional breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites, as well as more inventive plates like the Eggplant Portobello Mushroom Sandwich. The champagne Sunday brunch is a favorite of many guests. It doesn't have to be a Sunday though to enjoy the beautiful views of Mission Bay and the restaurant's colorful artwork relaxing atmosphere. The Atoll Restaurant at The Catamaran 3999 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-1081 www.catamaranresort.com
Best BBQ
Best New Restaurant
Tony Roma’s The fact that Tony Roma's is the largest casual chain specializing in ribs in the world should be enough proof that the restaurant knows what it's doing. Our readers agree that Tony Roma's has the best BBQ in the area. An expanded menu — with fresh salads, mouthwatering steaks and delicious seafood — offers something for anyone, yet time after time, it's the world-famous barbecue ribs that keep the restaurant topping award lists.
The Duck Dive 4650 Mission Blvd. (858) 273-3825 www.theduckdive.com
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Duck Dive The Duck Dive offers an experience unlike any other in Pacific Beach. The gastropub-inspired lounge offers patrons an upscale experience in a casual beach atmosphere. The Duck Dive serves high-quality food and a superior drinking experience with a lineup of local microbrew, an extensive craft cocktail menu and contemporary cocktail staples. The restaurant also has "Lazy Sundays," "Wine Down Wednesdays" and even a kids menu, making it a fun place to eat and drink for the whole family.
THURSDAY
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012
AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
Tony Roma’s 4110 Mission Blvd. (858) 272-7427 www.tonyromas.com 000
Starky’s BBQ If you are enjoying a day of fun in Mission Beach and have a craving for BBQ, this is your spot. Delicious deli-style BBQ sandwiches: tri tip, pulled pork, pulled chicken. It’s all about the sauce! Juicy, fall-off-the-bone pork short ribs. Homemade fill-you-up sides include: BBQ beans, potato salad, coleslaw, mac & cheese and, of course, a variety of ice cold micro brews. Starky's BBQ 3231 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-2227
Best Beer Selection
Tap Room
Bare Back Grill
Best Burger Bare Back Grill 4640 Mission Blvd. (858) 274-7117 www.barebackgrill.com
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Those aren’t manhole covers on top of your plate, you big silly. Those are the two giant organic beef patties that come with the Bare Big & Dirty, the central jewel in the Bare Back Grill’s amply adorned crown. And that’s not a piece of driftwood sitting on your placemat, you big silly again. It’s the menu, hand-cut and laminated by Bare Back co-owner P.J. Lamont himself. Lamont is one of a trio of New Zealanders who built a lot of this place from the ground up — but that was fine by them, because the final product was that much more genuine. They tout their lighter dishes like chicken and fish sandwiches with the same enthusiasm they do their beer and wine and burgers — they even serve beet root as one of their gazillion toppings on the latter.
TACO SURF
A Favorite for Catering in Pacific Beach
Tap Room 1269 Garnet Avenue (858) 274-1010 www.sdtaproom.com
The Great Plaza Buffet is the place to go to get great food on a tight budget. And with more than 150 items served daily, the restaurant offers something for everyone in the family. Indulge in crab legs, fried dumplings, lobster rolls, sushi, clams, appetizers or hit the soup and salad bar. Adding to the buffet's value, a free drink is included with every meal, and to take things up a notch, the Great Plaza now has a beer and wine selection.
Pacific Beach AleHouse 721 Grand Ave. (858) 581-BEER www.pbalehouse.com
Great Plaza Buffet 1840 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-6868 www.greatplazabuffet.com
Best Breakfast
Best Burger
Kono’s Surf Club Cafe
Bare Back Grill
If you like a little dinner with your breakfast, Kono’s is your place. That’s because nobody does potatoes like this eatery, with cheese, bell pepper and whatever other topping you can think of to boot. If you like a little view with your morning meal, you could do worse. Cross the boardwalk and sit on the modest patio that overlooks the ocean; you’ll see firsthand why you live in Southern California. And if you like quotes on the wall of your eatery, you’re in the right restaurant as well, with a little erudition adding to the flare of the décor. There’s a laid-back surfer vibe amid it all as well, which makes it perfect for Pacific Beach and the surfer crowd that stops off after an early morning on the waves.
(See entry in photo box page 4)
Kono’s Surf Club Café 704 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-1669 www.sdbeachlife.com/kono.htm 000
The Olive Cafe
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(see listing in photo box page 9)
Pacific Beach Ale House PB AleHouse isn’t your dad’s Pacific Beach bar — it’s every bit a worldclass microbrewery and restaurant.
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Thank you for voting
One look at Tap Room’s beer selection and you will know these folks are serious about their brews. Far from the standard Stellas and Shocktops, the beer list contains dozens of unique ales for every palate. Don’t see the one you’ve been dying to try? Just send in your request through their website, and they’ll send you an email when they have it on tap. Yeah, you heard it right! You can also check their live beer page, where they update what they are serving and how much is left before they move on to the next delicious draft. How’s that for the perfect beer house?
Handcrafted burgers, fries, pizza and a diverse menu make PB Ale House a destination location for the beer connoisseur, tourist and San Diegan. The place brews a gold, wheat, pale ale, amber, IPA, porter and stout — and as if that weren’t enough, it handpatties each hamburger. Fries are cut daily from fresh Idaho potatoes. Each pizza is handcrafted. It has more than 15 big fat TVs. Do not pass “go” — stop here.
Great Plaza Buffet
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US FRENCH RESTAURANT
CATERING
(858) 272-3877 www.TacoSurfTacoShop.com
It’s Always a Delicious Day at…
The French Gourmet! Catering u Restaurant u Bakery u Wine Boutique • Full service or catering to go in the cusine of your choice. • California-French Cuisine in a casual setting. • Traditional French pastries, baguettes, croissants, pâtés, cheeses, and more! • $2595 3-Course prix fixe dinner menu • Retail wine boutique with very competitive pricing.
33 years and still going strong! Breakfast & Lunch Served Daily 8am – 3pm Dinner Tues - Sat 4pm-Close
$5.00 OFF FREE TACOS
BEST CALI BURRITO & ADABADO TACOS IN TOWN 978 GARNET AVE. 858.750.2342
Taco Surf
You may be thinking that a chupacabra is a mythical creature of Mexican folklore, but this place is no myth or that it’s just a cute name for another mexican restaurant. Think again. Chupacabras bring freshness and subtle flavors and great salsa. If you want GREAT Mexican food at great prices this is the place for you.
This is a great little coffee shop. The location is off the beaten path of Grand Avenue and the staff is sweet and friendly. Laid back, great music and they open the garage-style doors when the weather permits. It's a great place to chill and it's very dog-friendly. Good variety of food stuff, plus they serve a good cup of joe. It’s everything you want in a coffee shop.
4657 Mission Blvd. San Diego, CA, 92109
EXPIRES 9/30/12
Best Burrito
Turquoise Coffee
1x use only
2 free Street Tacos w/ any beverage purchase
Rocky’s Crown Pub 3786 Ingraham St. (858) 273-9140 www.rockyburgers.com
Best Café/Coffee Shop
your Catering order
EXPIRES 9/30/12
Nothing fancy or schmancy about this place. Just expect a big, juicy, great burger, the way Rocky’s has been making them for centuries. One customer reported he went back after years away from PB and found the place just as awesome as before he left. Another said Rocky’s is the reason he’s no longer a vegetarian. A lot of it has to do with the bun; the things are so fresh and warm they fall apart in your hands. The bar may be on the smallish side, but a cold beer and a cheeseburger make up the best meal in the history of the universe — so the bar doesn’t really need to be much larger, now, does it?
Chupacabras Taqueria 978 Garnet Ave. (858) 750-2342
10% OFF
Total Purchase of $15 or more
Rocky’s Crown Pub
Chupacabras Taqueria
Bring this ad in for
THANK YOU PB FOR VOTING US A FAVORITE FOR BURRITO IN PACIFIC BEACH
000
see entry in photo box page 5)
Best Buffet
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960 Turquoise St. • San Diego, CA 92109
Call for reservations:
(858) 488-1725 www.thefrenchgourmet.com
Turquoise Coffee 5026 Cass St. (858) 488-4677 000
Zanzibar Café Zanzibar Café has created a welcoming, worldly atmosphere that provides a relaxing haven in the heart of Garnet Avenue. Décor from local artists hangs on the walls and the aroma of freshly brewed organic coffee wafts throughout the dining area. At the counter, you are greeted by friendly staff and a tantalizing display of pastries, which is an irresistible combination. It’s no wonder that Zanzibar has been a staple in Pacific Beach for 17 years. Stop in to try their organic coffee and healthy gourmet fare for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Zanzibar Café 976 Garnet Ave. (858) 272-4762 www.zanzibarcafe.com
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 Best Carne Asada
Pacific Beach Shore Club (See listing under Best Overall) 000
Taco Surf (See listing in photo box page 5)
Best Catering
The French Gourmet (See listing under Best Bakery) 000
Chinese staples such as egg foo yong, chow mein, chop suey and variations on chicken and beef dishes (prices for the Imperial Lobster and Peking Duck are somewhat higher). If you have even less to spend, you’re welcome to spend time at the full bar — cocktails, like the rest of the fare, are anything but pricey. China Inn 877 Hornblend St. (858) 483-6680
Desserts
Sugar & Scribe (see listing under Best Bakery)
Taco Surf
000
(See entry in photo box page 5)
Dirty Birds For a place with a name like this, things inside look immaculate — sweeping wooden beams and stanchions with cool, beachy art on the walls. And Dirty Birds throws you a few odd looks, too — turkey chili fries and fried cheese sliders are just a couple quirky entries on the menu. 22 different wing flavors. Dirty Birds 4656 Mission Blvd. (858) 274-2473 www.dirtybirdspb.com 000
The Bar Key (See listing in photo box page 6)
Best Chinese
China Inn
How this place charges almost nothing for its food and at the same time maintains its flashy decor is beyond us. The funksters that populate this place, young and usually without a lot of money, can expect to let go of less than $10 for generous helpings of
Beach & Bay Press
5
Best Fish Taco
Pacific Beach Fish Shop The Fish Shop is the newest fish market and grill in Pacific Beach. Appealing to a mass audience, the features fresh grilled fish, served on your choice of taco, sandwich, salad, or entrée. They offer plenty of parking, comfortable outdoor patio, never a corkage fee, and most local San Diego microbreweries. The Fish Shop is a destination for locals and fish lovers. “Fresh Fish & Cold Local Beers” open daily at 11 a.m. The Fish Shop 1775 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-4746 www.thefishshoppb.com 000
JRDN Best Chicken Wings
THURSDAY AUGUST 30, 2012
(see lising under Best Overall Service)
PB Shore Club (See entry under Best Overall)
Best Dinner
Nick’s at the Beach
Best French
(see listing under Best Overall Service)
The French Gourmet
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Family Restaurant
Filippi’s Pizza Grotto In name, Filippi’s has been in San Diego since 1950, which makes it older than most of you. The thing is, it didn’t start out as a pizza restaurant at all. Its origins were in Little Italy, where Vincent dePhilippis and Madeleine Stefani ran a deli grocery — the couple’s business savvy fed on itself until Filippi’s pizza took hold. Enjoy 15 delicious pizza entries, with mountains of the traditional toppings, lasagna, ravioli, spaghetti, soups, salads and subs. Filippi’s Pizza Grotto 962 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-6222 www.realcheesepizza.com 000
Nick’s at the Beach (See listing under Best Overall Service)
(See entry under Best Bakery)
Best Frozen Yogurt
Bogart Yogurt
The length of your sweet tooth doesn’t matter. Bogart Yogurt has you covered better than the rest. The trick, see, is to serve yogurt that doesn’t stand out in the sugar department — that way, you’re free to add toppings to taste. Some of the flavors here change regularly, but there’s always a staple or two, like vanilla, peanut butter and chocolate. The cake batter flavor will speak to your childhood, when you used to filch from the kitchen; meanwhile, the venue’s California Killer Cookies are freshly made and will make quick work of whatever sugar fix you have left. Bogart Yogurt 910 Grand Ave., Suite 108 (858) 581-0202 000
Taco Surf serves up the best burrito in PB and all your favortie Mexican food plus killer salsa. Enjoy the surf board collection and local art displayed throughout the restaurant.
Best Burrito Taco Surf 4657 Mission Blvd. (858) 272-3877 www.tacosurfpb.com
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Taco Surf The burrito is to fast Mexican cuisine what the hamburger is to the uneducated American palate. Each item is incredibly tasty when it’s done right — and in the case of the former, Taco Surf has it knocked. There’s not much to the decor of the place other than a pick-up counter and a few small tables — but the ceiling is lined with some sweet classic surfboards to fuel the local flavor. The burritos, tacos and fajitas are big and fat to boot, and you get to experiment with a massive choice of toppings. You reportedly can’t go wrong with the California burrito, topped with hashed browns.
OU FOR VOTING U Y K N A S TH
Best Frozen Yogurt 6 years in a row! Best Prices in Town!
WE WOULDN’T BE HERE WITHOUT YOU! SERVING UP FROZEN YOGURT TO FRIENDS & FAMILY FOR OVER 20 YEARS! 910 Grand Ave. #108 San Diego, CA 92109
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THURSDAY AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 Yogurt on the Rocks Yogurt on the Rocks has launched the traditional self-serve concept into the 21st century by creating a lounge-like environment and installing free wi-fi for customers. But don’t let the contemporary atmosphere fool you — this place still serves up everyone’s favorite flavors, like cake batter, chocolate and original tart, in addition to new twists like kiwi strawberry and pumpkin. Choose your base, layer on some of the 36 available toppings and enjoy! Yogurt on the Rocks 1886 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-3950 www.yogurtontherocks.com
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California Kebab California Kebab strives to serve its guests quickly prepared, high-quality food that is both healthy and delicious. The focus on providing fresh produce and quality meats in creative recipes and unique flavor pairings is what makes them a local favorite. California Kebab 4150 Mission Blvd 858-270-5222
Best Happy Hour
Guava Beach Bar & Grill (See entry in photo box page 6)
Best Greek
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Cafe Athena
The Bar Key formerly Froggy’s has put a new spin of the North PB fave.
Best Chicken Wings The Bar Key 954 Turquoise St. (858) 488-8200
The Bar Key The formerly Froggy's owner (and a couple of pals) has set about reviving the North PB fave with a new menu, a new lounge in the back, and five flatscreen TVs squeezed in to replace the randomly interspersed frogs and classic rock posters. Because BK knows how you did on the SATs, they've kept the menu relatively simple, so gluttony is to Bar Key is to ... whatever, they've got 13 flavors of wings ranging from BBQ mint to mango fire,and bar classics like a nod-to-the-Redwings burger called the Zetter... burger. They also stuff tortillas with pork butt/black forest ham/Swiss/teriyaki to jalapenos/chorizo/pepper jack/cheddar/carne asada — then its deep-fried all to form their specialty Disco Biscuits.
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The Greek cuisine at this spot is so good, and its reputation so formidable, that it’s probably best to make a reservation. If you don’t, you may wait a while on the area’s most comprehensive Greek menu, which includes terrific gyros, souvlaki, moussaka and no fewer than 1 million desserts. The cuisine is shaped by simplicity and spawned by ingenuity. Simple, unpretentious foods like grains, pasta and legumes are enriched by the pungent flavors of garlic, onion, eggplant and artichoke and by the essences of olive oil, lemons and raisins. The best Greek cooking is tied to nature and to the seasons, and it flourishes accordingly. Cafe Athena strives to serve its dishes with the same elemental quality.
Ciro’s Pizza
Cafe Athena 1846 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-1140 www.cafeathena.com
Best Hot Dog
Ciro’s vision is to provide quality pizza and other italian dishes with a unique style and New York flair. The quality of food and service at Ciro’s is amongst the best in San Diego; They strive to make sure customers leave happy. The recipes originated from a large Italian family outside of Queens in Rockaway New York. Like them, the owners use nothing but the freshest ingredients and take pride in making lasagna, buffalo wings, dough, pizza sauce, marinara sauce and other pasta dishes homemade daily. Ciro’s Pizza 967 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-4624
Diego’s Dogs & Sliders (See listing in photo box page 10)
1269 Garnet Ave
Full Breakfast Sat + Sun
Free WiFi • Patio Seating • Parking
Thank You PB for Voting us Best Beer Selection
BUY ONE GET ONE
FREE (Limit 1coupon/person)
Subs Pastas Salads Pizzas Appetizers Calzones Burgers & Desserts
Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 09/30/12
858.274.3950 yogurtontherocks.com
Free Delivery 858-274-1010
1886 Garnet & Lamont
Thanks for voting us best Happy Hour 3 years in a row!
(behind Bruegger’s Bagels)
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 Best Ice Cream/Gelato
Best Italian
Guava Beach
Mr. Frostie’s
Mamma Mia
(See listing in photo box page 6)
Mr. Frostie’s is the ideal place for a sweet treat on a warm summer day. Whether you are looking for a classic banana split or a more modern spin like a Butterfinger milkshake, this is the place to be. It’s also one of the only places in town where you can give your ice cream cone an extra special touch by having it dipped in chocolate or caramel. Mr. Frostie’s 1470 Garnet Ave (858) 274-9977 www.mrfrosties.com 000
Gelato Bus Stop Gelato Bus Stop specializing in authentic, homemade gelato created using a generations old recipe brought to San Diego from Bologna, Italy. They make the gelato fresh every day, using all natural ingredients, fat free milk, fresh fruit, and generations of gelato making experience. Gelato Bus Stop is the first gelato and crepe cafe in the Pacific Beach. They are Gelato: homemade, low fat, Italian ice cream!
000
Luigi’s at the Beach The pizza here tastes the because because the sauce and dough are made from scratch using their own secret recipes never mass produced and prepackaged. All of the pizzas are baked in the old-fashioned way — hand tossed and in a stone oven. 30” pizza by the slice, calzones, pasta, salads, burgers. healthy choices, sandwiches, children's menu and more. Patio dining, carryout and deliver. Luigi’s also has 28 beers on tap and 24 of them are locally brewed. Luigi’s at the Beach 3210 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-2818
Best Lunch
PB Ale House (See listing under Best Beer Selection) 000
Pacific Beach Shore Club Best Margarita
Fred’s Mexican Café
Best Irish Brewley’s Pint on Garnet Avenue is an Irish pub with 17 taps, big screen TVs, live music and DJs and tasty pub grub. The bar is already counting down the days until the next St. Patrick’s Day, but it the meantime it has become a popular PB destination with a laidback atmosphere and killer daily specials. Don’t wait until St. Patrick’s day — enjoy a pint at Brewley’s.
Fred’s is as well known for its vibrant, festive décor as it is for its menu, which includes a burrito that weighs two pounds. Every wall is painted in a bright hue and plastered with artwork, murals and advertisements for premium drinks, and the owners have thrown in sombreros and street signs for good measure. The bright interior is replicated in the outdoor heated patio, so the party will follow you wherever you choose to sit.
Brewley’s Pint 1261 Garnet Ave. (858) 270-9922 www.brewleyspint.com
Fred’s Mexican Cafe 1165 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-8226 www.fredsmexicancafe.com
Brewley’s Pint
Beach & Bay Press
7
(See listing in photo box page 8)
(See listing under Best Overall)
Gelato Bus Stop 1001 Garnet Ave. (619) 578-3828
THURSDAY AUGUST 30, 2012
Best Martini
JRDN (See listing under Best Overall) 000
Duck Dive (See listing in photo box page 3)
Best Mexican Restaurant
Fred’s Mexican Cafe (See entry under Margarita) 000
Fat Fish Cantina This new restaurant opened up in Pacific Beach where Gringo’s was. It is Souther Coastal Cuisine with a Latin influence. Here you’ll enjoy great fresh Mexican food and drink, especially the dangerously spicy magarita! Happy hours are fantastic. Lobster and chips for $5 on Monday, Tuesday and Thursdays are $1 street tacos, and Wednesdays are my favorite half-price appetizers and $2 margaritas! The appetizer list includes around 20 different itmes and an amazing Sunday brunch. Fat Fish Cantina 4474 Mission Blvd. (858) 490-2877
Most Romantic
JRDN
Best Happy Hour
(See listing under Best Service) 000
World Famous
(See listing under Best Overall)
Best Nachos
RT’s Longboard Grill Nightly drink specials, live music, televised sports, cheap pool and palmthatch tables color the budget-inten-
Guava Beach 3714 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-6688
0
Guava Beach Bar & Grill Guava Beach Bar & Grill is a locals bar for everyone. It combines a warm and comfortable atmosphere with a lively and fun energy that ensure good times for all. They are just steps away from the ocean and Sail Bay in beautiful Mission Beach. Guava Beach offers plenty of plasma TVs, including a 10-foot HD projection screen with surround sound to satisfy all your sports viewing needs. They have the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and Fox soccer packages, so you don't have to miss any of the games! With their VIP Room, an elevated pool table lounge, two jumbo booths, a plush leather couch, cozy fireplace, and long mahogany bar there is a comfortable spot for all. You’ll also find free parking in the bayside lot at Santa Clara. They thought of everything.
THANK YOU PACIFIC BEACH! for voting us
BEST SANDWICH
Thank you for voting us Best Bakery & Best Desserts in Pacific Beach 2012.
in Mission & Pacific Beach Call in Your Order, We’ll have it Ready for You! Check out our Extensive Collection of Craft Beers and Premium Wines
To show our thanks receive a free mini Cupcake or 20% off custom cake when you bring this ad in. One per person. Expires Oct. 1/2012
Be Sweet, Be Sinful, Be Tempted XOXO Sugar & Sugar Staff. 1420 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, 858-274-1733
PB Market & Deli 4435-1/2 Cass St. 858-272-8500 Open Daily 8am-Midnight - Fri. & Sat. until 1:45am Deli Hours 8am-7pm (Sun. until 6pm)
THURSDAY
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READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012
AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
Best New Restaurant
Duck Dive (See listing in photo box page 3) 000
Table 926 A 2012 San Diego Home & Garden magazine silver fork winner, table 926 has fast become a popular dining destination for foodies. The upscale, yet casual, seasonal cuisine reflects the gastronomic experiences of chef and owner matt richman blending california ingredients with Mediterranean and Latino flavors.
Mamma Mia
Best Italian Mamma Mia 1932 Balboa Ave. (858) 272-2702 www.mammamiaitalian restaurant.com
0
dream — ownership of a laid-back beach bar.
Moondoggie’s
PB Ale House
Moondoggie's is one fun place to be. The PB bar and restaurant specializes is serving up fun with live entertainment including local bands, live comedy and live DJs. The bar also has one of PB's best happy hours and an awesome outdoor patio perfect for partying. There's also daily specials like Taco Tuesday and San Diego Beer Fest Fridays, daily happy hour and shuffle board, darts and pool to keep the fun going until 2am closing.
Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge (See listing under Best American)
Most Pet Friendly
PB Fish Shop (See listing under Best Fish Taco) 000
(See listing under Best Cafe/Coffee Shop)
Pacific Beach Shore Club (See listing under Best Overall Restaurant)
Best Place for Birthday Party
Moondoggie’s 832 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-6550 www.moondoggies.com 000
Pacific Beach Shore Club
Woodstock Pizza
000
Ciro’s Pizza
Best Patio Dining
Best Pizza
RT’s Longboard Grill 1466 Garnet Ave. (858) 270-4030 www.longboardgrill.com
000 (See listing under Best Happy Hour)
Zanzibar Café sive effect at RT’s — it’s comfortable and unpretentious here, replete with surfboards and a neon sea above the square bar. If you’re watching pennies, you’re strongly encouraged to try Open Mic Night on for size. It’s on Tuesdays, and it features fish tacos for $1.25 and Corona beer for $3. The very friendly service has its roots in the surfer community. The bar is, in fact, a memorial to Ron Trenton, a lifeguard and pilot whose plane disappeared in 1997. His brothers opened RT’s to fulfill his
Woodstock’s Pizza 1221 Garnet Ave. (858) 642-6900 www.woodstockspb.com
Table 926 926 Turquoise St. (858) 539-0926
(See listing under Best Beer Selection)
The left hand definitely knows what the right one’s doing at this place. The servers’ suggestions are spot-on — listen and heed them when they recommend Italian staples like lodigiana salad, lasagna and ravioli al casale. You simply can’t go wrong with those choices. Neither will you shirk at the sight and smell of the handmade pasta or the idea of exclusively in-house preparation. There’s quaint all around, too — Mama Mia’s is located in an old wood house, lending new life to the term “home cooking.”
last. Founders Chuck Woodstock and Mike Chew committed early on to using only fresh dough and piling on more toppings than their competitors. They also established a family friendly environment, where parents can enjoy an adult beverage and watch sporting events on large-screen TVs while their children dig into the gooey slices of pie.
Woodstock’s Pizza has been making its mark in college towns across California for more than two decades, and Pacific Beach finally got its own location for families and students to enjoy. Here, the secret really is in the sauce, which is baked into the folded crust for a spicy kick from your first bite to your
(See listing under Best Overall)
Best Sandwich
PB Market & Deli PB’s Market & Deli has grown in popularity due to their premium beer, wine and gourmet sandwiches. You’ll love the fast, friendly service. The large menu board could be overwhelming for the weak at heart! But never fear,
the staff will help you make a delicious choice — and there’s always another day to enjoy the fresh ingredients, large proportions, fair prices and outdoor seating. What a great lunch combo. PB Market & Deli 4435 Cass St. (858) 272-8500 000
EZ J’s Sandwiches Home of the Biter’s Deluxe, EZ J’s has been a longtime favorite sandwich shop for Pacific Beach residents. Stop by and enjoy their specialty subs or create your own! Either way you’ll see why EZ J’s has become a local favorite for freshness. EZ J’s 1088 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-0123
Best Seafood
Pacific Beach Fish Shop (See entry under Best Fish Taco) 000
The Fishery In 1979, fisherman Judd Brown founded a shellfish company in the spirit of the family members whose sepia-toned pictures line the walls. In the late 1990s, it morphed into The Fishery, where product sustainability is a company philosophy. Wherever possible, the venue procures its product locally. Its harpooned swordfish, sardines, rockcod, shrimp and California spiny lobster are seasonal delicacies coveted by savvy chefs. The Fishery has earned a distinction as a beautiful Pacific Beach landmark, and freshness is the hallmark of its success. A remodel begins early next month. The Fishery 5040 Cass St. (858) 272-9985 www.thefishery.com
Best Sliders
Don’t forget Latino Night
lippi’s FiPizza Grotto Thank You PB for Voting us your favorite Family Restaurant
The last Saturday of every month! Dine, Dance, Enjoy! GRAZIE! For making Mamma Mia the #1 Italian Restaurant for the 5th time in a row. Thank You loyal friends, customers and everybody who voted!
962 Garnet Ave. (corner of Cass & Garnet)
Pacific Beach, CA
483-6222 Open 7 Days a Week
®
Thank You PB for voting us your favorite BBQ! Lunch Special:
1 lb Ribs $9 99
Mar tini Monday: Tuesday:
$5 over 20 choices! 1 lb Ribs $9 99
Wednesday: Thursday:
1/2 off Wine Kids Eat Free!
M-F 11-4pm • All Day on Tuesday
All Day
(w/adult purchase, see restaurant for details)
Chef Cinzia Zolfanelli is a locally acclaimed chef, restaurateur, teacher and mom. Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Cinzia became a professional chef when she opened her first restaurant, Ciao Bella (La Mesa), in 2001. Now chef /owner of Mamma Mia restaurant in Pacific Beach, Cinzia reinvented herself with a new homemade menu encompassing the best of Northern and Southern Italian Regional cuisine. Cinzia mixes delicious and fancy food with the warmth of Italian family style dining. Her new and improved menu has developed into a compilation of Italian classics and unique items that utilize bold and fresh ingredients. Chef Cinzia is also active in her community of Pacific Beach where she conducts benefit dinners for local charities and teaches cooking classes at her daughters’ elementary school.
Enjoy Daily Lunch Specials Starting at $7
(858) 272-RIBS 4110 Mission Blvd. Pacific Beach Family Owned Since 1986
TonyRomasSanDiego.com
1932 Balboa Ave. San Diego (PB) • 858.272.2702 www.mammamiaitalianrestaurant.com Mamma Mia is on
Diego’s Dogs & Sliders (See listing under Best Hot Dog) 000
Pacific Beach Bar & Grill This venue, also popularly known at “The Grill,” is located two blocks from Crystal Pier, and the patio is about the size of the pier itself. The Grill offers a full-service menu, featuring a serious selection of appetizers, salads, Mexican entrees, pizza, pasta, burgers and sandwiches. It caters to the gamers in no less a fashion — it features pool tables, darts, interactive TV and 72 televisions for watching just about every sport that satellite carries (four of the screens are 8 feet wide). If sports isn’t your thing, there’s always dancing — and that’s when Club Tremors comes in handy just a few feet away. There’s something for everybody here. Pacific Beach Bar & Grill 860 Garnet Ave. 272-4745 www.pbbarandgrill.com
Best Sports Bar
Miller’s Field There's no doubt that Miller's Field is the best sports bar in PB. With 38 TV screens throughout the bar, the day's hottest game is never hard to find, playing everything from UFC to MLB. Just because Miller's Field is a sports bar though, doesn't mean the menu is sacrificed. There's a wide range of options, including gourmet pizzas, the Homerun Burger, ahi sushi salad, firecracker shrimp, babyback ribs and chicken and waffles. The great food menu just matches Miller's great happy hour and daily specials and great, fun atmos-phere. Miller’s Field 4465 Mission Blvd. (858) 483-4143 www.millersfield.com
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 Pacific Beach Bar & Grill (See listing under Best Sliders)
Best Steak
Saska’s Steak & Seafood All of 60 years ago, Joe Saska opened this simple restaurant with the idea of offering quality steaks and real Roquefort salad dressing to his customers. Today, Saska’s offers a distinctive dining experience in a quaint, intimate atmosphere. Steaks have always been the main draw to this place — the juicy, expertly cooked “Duke” is one of the most delicious in San Diego. Saska’s also offers an engaging variety of fresh seafood entrées in addition to a great selection of pastas. Saska’s Steak & Seafood 3768 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-7311 www.saskas.com 000
Johnny V’s Johnny V's sizable layout, complete with a large dance floor, VIP booths and two bars caters to a surprisingly particular niche of Pacific Beach parties. An intimate dining room welcomes all for steak dinners paired with affordable wine and martini happyhour specials. But when the sun goes down, Johnny V ups the standards. With one of the strictest dress codes and longest lines on Garnet, Johnny V weeds out the everyday drinkers for a consistent supply of serious parties. Johnny V’s 945 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-4833
Best Sushi
Zen 5 Zen 5 strives to provide an atmosphere that promotes their “Rolls & Reggae” tagline, and the combination seems to be working, as the restaurant is almost always full of happy diners. Daily specials keep the menu exciting, and the reggae tunes playing in the background keep the vibes carefree. Those in the mood for sake or Sapporo can get their fix at the restaurant’s daily happy hour from 5 to 7 p.m. Zen 5 1130 Garnet Ave. (858) 490-0121 www.zen5sushi.com 000
THURSDAY AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
9
serves up an eclectic experience in a breathtaking ambience just a short stroll from the historic Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach. With the unique Khan Thoke traditional seating and an encompassing menu that takes a tour of Thailand’s regional destinations, Narraya is the epitome of excellence in flavorful foods, wonderful wines, and sophisticated service. Narraya Thai 4475 Mission Blvd Ste N-Q (858) 490-2245 000
Best Vietnamese
Pho Time
With bright-green bamboo signage to initially attract hungry eyes, there is an array of good eats at this pho spot. The wonderful pho soup aroma wafts inside the restaurant, which helped earn them a Readers Choice award this year. The broth is not too oily and even referred to as golden and sparkly, a perfect formed and tasty concoction. With tender steak and finely cut tripe and tendon, the Pho Time soup is a standout. Pho Time 1820 Garnet St. (858) 273-1664
Best Breakfast The Olive Cafe 805 Santa Clara Pl. (858) 488-1224
Pho Sao Bien Vietnamese restaurant Pho Sao Bien is known for its rice noodle soup, called pho, that visitors from the north rave about, which is saying something since the competition up there is more fierce between Vietnamese restaurants. The salad bowl is also popular, which consists of vermicelli noodles topped with lettuce, mint, bean sprouts, peanuts and a choice or combo of chicken, beef, pork, tofu or shrimp. The restaurant also sells a Vietnamese coffee with a French influence — served with a strainer and condensed milk on the side. A selection of beer is also avail-
The Olive Cafe is the perfect spot to grab a bite between all your beach activities, especially if you are looking for one of the best breakfasts in Pacific Beach. The scones and pastries disappear so quickly you may want to call ahead. They offer wireless high-speed access, so bring your laptop and get hooked up.
0 able. Lunch goers shouldn’t expect to wait more than five minutes for their meal, and homebodies can place an order and carry out their food.
000
The Olive Cafe
Pho Sao Bien 1958 Garnet Ave. (858) 272-9612
Best Wine Selection
JRDN (See listing under Best Service)
SHOPPING & SERVICES
Best Architect
Oasis Architecture Oasis is a full-service architectural firm specializing in custom residential homes, historic renovations and quality additions. The staff’s primary goal is to understand their client’s vision and help guide them through the entire development process, from design to permits and approvals through the actual construction. Oasis Architecture & Design Inc. 1015 Turquoise Street, Suite 2 (858) 273-5632 www.oasis-ad.com
Best Art Gallery
Gallery at Lands End (See listing in photo box page 3)
THANK YOU FOR MAKING KAFE YEN AN AWARD WINNER
One thing is certain about the McGillLewis Law Group — they care about their clients. The full-service law firm is made up of attorneys who have helped earn the group an impeccable reputation by providing the finest legal services. They provide high quality and affordable legal services ranging from preparation of documents, contracts, estate planning and legal counsel. McGill-Lewis Law Group 4640 Cass Street (858) 433-0153 www.mcgill-lewis.com
Best Auto Detail
PB Auto Detail
Best Attorney
McGill-Lewis Law Group
Pacific Beach Detail Shop truly pays attention to the details. Every car is
THANK YOU PB FOR VOTING US BEST SPORTS BAR!
BEST THAI CUISINE IN PB FIVE YEARS IN A ROW
Sushi Ota The coolest thing about Sushi Ota is that it relies on the sushi tradition, not the trendy fusion concept, to see it through. The menu is short because the regulars look to the daily specials posted behind the counter. The chefs turn the day’s catch into artful little bundles accented with spices. Seafood, teriyaki-glazed meats, feather-light tempura and a variety of small appetizers dot the rest of the menu. It’s located about three seconds from the I-5 — no romantic views of the ocean here — then again, you’re not going in for a view, just great food. Sushi Ota 4529 Mission Bay Dr. (858) 270-5670
Best Thai
Kafe Yen This unassuming little place serves great selections to a fault, even if Thai isn’t your fare of choice. It serves Indian and Japanese curry, as well as noodle dishes from Malaysia, Singapore and China. You can add chicken, pork, beef, seafood and, for the more adventurous, duck to your dish. You can even custom-fit your food to the preferred degree of spiciness. Kafe Yen 4516 Mission Blvd. (858) 373-3936 www.kafeyen.com 000
Narraya Thai Narraya, the palace of Thai dining,
Check out our website for daily food & drink specials!
4516 MISSION BLVD. PACIFIC BEACH AT THE CORNER OF MISSION BLVD. AND GARNET BY CRYSTAL PIER
(858) 373-3936 WWW.KAFEYEN.COM
Thank you for making us your purrfect choice! FREE Physical Exam New clients only. Cannot be used in combination w/other offers. Exp 9-24-12 • Full Service Veterinary Care • Dogs, Cats, Rabbits • General Medicine & Surgery • Low Cost Vaccines, Spay/Neuter Open 7 Days Mon-Fri 9am-8pm Sat-Sun 10am-4pm
2032 Hornblend St. • 858.270-4120 www.abcvets.com
WATCH THE
CHARGERS & 49ERS & MLB HERE! 4465 Mission Blvd. • 858.483.4143 • millersfield.com
THURSDAY
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READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012
AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
personally inspected by the owner before the keys are handed back over. A full detail can be pricey, but you definitely get what you pay for, as your car will look even better than new. The shop has been in business since 1981, and with that comes experience, and even passion, money just can’t buy. PB Auto Detail 4645 Cass Street (858) 581-0211
Best Auto Repair
PB Foreign & Domestic Car Repair At PB Foreign & Domestic Car Repair you’ll feel you’ve left your car in the hands of some pretty knowledgeable folks. Not only has this shop been open since 1981, it’s family owned, which translates to a solid investment in the business’ credibility. The staff will get you rollin. After all, it’s a family tradition. PB Foreign & Domestic Car Repair 1727 Garnet Ave (858) 480-3637 www.pbautorepair.com 000
Cass Street Automotive
Best Hot Dogs Diego’s Dogs & Sliders 4150 Mission Blvd. (858) 581-3647 www.diegosdogs.com(6688)
0
Diego’s Dogs & Sliders Hot dogs and sliders may not seem like much of a gourmet dining option but Diego's Dogs and Sliders make it so. The Red Rock slider, with angus beef, bacon, fried onion strings and a special sauce is a customer favorite. The Sonoran Dog, bacon-wrapped and topped with pinto beans, tomatoes, onions, cotija cheese and salsa is one hot dog you won't soon forget. And the Rosemary fries are the most-recommended way to top off any meal.
Thank You PB for Voting us Best! Life Insurance Give your loved ones the gift of Financial Security 4455 Lamont St. #1 San Diego, CA 92109 858.274.2378 McMullenGroupInc.com
Cass Street Automotive is a state-ofthe-art, top automotive service and repair facility located in beautiful Pacific Beach. Having brought his complete bumper-to-bumper approach to auto repair in the Mission Hills area, Mission Hills Automotive, with great success, Randy Begin is proud to open Cass Street Automotive to bring highquality, effective auto repair to the north Pacific Beach and La Jolla area. With two-year, 24,000-mile nationwide warranty and a master technician taking care of your car, you can keep your car safe and have piece of mind right in your neighborhood. Cass Street Automotive 5165 Cass St.
(858) 488-0885
Best Bank
Home Bank of California Have you noticed how hard it is to squeeze a cashier’s check out of a teller these days? Either the bank doesn’t sell them or they cost the equivalent of a second mortgage. Home Bank of California goes against the grain in this respect. In fact, Home Bank goes the extra mile in most respects — and these days, with so much riding on every financial decision you make, it’s good to know PB has a friend like that in its corner. Home Bank of California 875 Garnet Ave. (858) 270-5881 www.homebankofcalifornia.com 000
Comerica Bank Rooted in Detroit and headquartered out of Dallas, the 160-year old Comerica Bank has established its footprint in southern California. Within the past nine years, the bank has set up 100 branches in the region, including seven branches that opened in San Diego in recent years. The branch on Garnet Avenue specializes in small businesses, and the bank attempts to be proactive by visiting businesses and residents at their location, as well as offering full services to its banking clients. Comerica Bank 1802 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-4693 www.comerica.com
needs. Follow-up is great. Need a minor adjustment? No problem. Or stop by and fill up the tires. They’ll take good care of you after your purchase. Rusty Spokes Vintage Bicycles 1344 Garnet Ave (858) 581-1931 www.softcruiser.com 000
Cruiser King In addition to selling beach cruisers, we are the No. 1 bicycle rental store in San Diego, setting new standards in quality since we opened in 1998. They are one of the few repair location for electric scooters in the country and are authorized service centers for Razor, Currie, Bladez, Mini Moto, Schwinn, Mongoose Wilderness Energy and Tres Terra. Cruiser King 3830 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-6341
Best Bookstore
Traveler’s Depot Traveler’s Depot is a wise place to stop before you travel to ensure you have everything for your journey. The store sells luggage, travel books, maps, purses, handbags and backpacks, and since you will have to rely more on your feet during your travels, the Depot also stocks comfortable sandals and Keen shoes — a waterproof, non-slip, comfortable shoe for professionals and travelers with weary feet.
Best Bicycle Shop
Traveler’s Depot 1655 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-1421 www.travelersdepot.com
Rusty Spokes Bike Shop
Best Car Wash
Rusty spokes claims to have the most comfortable bikes in Pacific Beach! Apparently, our readers agree! The staff is very friendly and helpful and will try to fit you into a bike for your
Shell Gas Station
Full Menu 'Till 1am Nightly
Shell has proven to be the quickest, cheapest and get-your-car-cleanest car wash in Pacific Beach. The car wash helps you get in and out quickly.
Now Serving Breakfast! Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm
Brain McMullen
Thanks Pacific Beach for Voting Us a Readers Choice for the Following:
Overall Restaurant Service Dinner Family Restaurant Have Lunch in the SUN!
We appreciate your vote of confidence by naming Pacific Beach Auto Detail as Best Detail shop for 2012 ! Stop by and find out why! THANK YOU!
Pacific Beach
AUTO DETAILING
4645 Cass Street 858-581-0211 Entrance on Emerald St. across from the Post Office
Happy Hour in Lounge Areas Only Must Be 21 with Proper ID to Enter Upstairs Bar
809 Thomas Ave • Pacific Beach • 858.270.1730
THURSDAY
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 There's also a vacuum available to allow you o detail your own car. The prices are small, after all, you're paying for just a basic wash, but it basically leaves your car shining. Shell Gas Station 2075 Garnet Ave. (858) 272-2844 www.shell.com 000
La Jolla Carwash Looking for a great affordable car wash in the heart of Pacific Beach — well you found it. La Jolla Car Wash has been serving locals for more than 20 years! Always consistent with clean, fast service and a smile. La Jolla Car Wash 891 Turquoise St, (858) 488-1900
Best Chiropractor
Libs Chiropractic Center The Libs — a husband-and-wife team — have run Libs Chiropractic Center since the early 1980s. Dr. Lori Libs has been practicing since 1979 with a focus on family care. She continues to study gentle chiropractic techniques. Dr. David Libs has been a practicing chiropractor since 1982. He has advanced training in the Gonstead Technique and is a qualified medical examiner. Dr. David specializes in working with accident/workers comp cases and severe lower back pain patients. The center also offers Vax-D treatment to treat herniated discs, as well as massage therapy, nutrition consultation and acupuncture. Libs Chiropractic Center 4410 Lamont St. (858) 483-8500 libschiropractic.com 000
Dream Wellness Many people think wellness is merely freedom from pain, sickness and dis-
ease. We see it as the complete integration of mind, body and spirit, affecting not only your visible body parts, but also the trillions of cells that make up your entire body. It is a proactive approach toward creating physical, mental, social and spiritual harmony. Wellness is much more than just how you feel. It's how you function! And we will help you achieve everything. Dream Wellness 1976 Garnet Ave. 858.274.2225
SD Laptops The goal at SD Laptops is to provide affordable technical services for restoring your laptop/notebook, PC or desktop computer back to its original working state. They offer a flat fee of $89 for most repairs and they provide free diagnostics for a fast and accurate assessment of the work required before they move forward with repairs, so you always know what to expect. SD Laptops 4645 Cass St., Ste. 201A (858) 864-3108 www.sdlaptops.com
Geeky Clean PC Located in the heart of Pacific Beach Geeky Clean PC is dedicated to providing you the very best value with amazing service and customer support. Their staff is highly trained and knowledgeable in all things PC, Mac and Linux. So whatever your IT or computer repair needs are, you can be sure that we can provide the best solution possible. Geeky Clean PC 4502 Cass St. (2nd Floor), Suite 204 (619) 942-3748
Best Contractor / Construction
Armstrong Construction
Best Day Spa
Catamaran Hotel At the Catamaran, the biggest draw might be the beautiful studios and suites. Or maybe the tropical garden. Or perhaps it is the placid setting along Mission Bay’s sandy shores. It could even be the relaxing day spa. It’s hard to choose the best feature, especially when you get them all for a surprisingly affordable rate.
Massage therapy is more than relaxing “me time.” Studies continue to prove the physical and emotional benefits of even a single massage therapy session. As the number of proven health benefits grows, so do the number of Americans who turn to Massage Envy for a more balanced lifestyle. In fact, they've provided over 30 million therapeutic massages nationwide. That's a lot of happy, healthy customers
“God Bless America, God Bless our troops”
• Kitchens and Baths • Custom Homes
Chelsea Front
Our mission is to work with you/our clients closely and build from your/their plans or ours to create and build the best quality project that fits your/our client's budget and to get the project done on time and within budget. We strive to build and/or create/build additions that either blend with the original home or enhance the new theme of the home should that be your/our client's desire. We strive to build or create that kitchen or bath of your/our client's dreams. We strive to achieve excellence and satisfaction with every client, current or past. This effort gives comfort to our clients and likely what keeps Armstrong Builders a top builder year after year.
Arcen Kitchen
Archer Front
CALL, EMAIL OR STEP BY OUR OFFICE 755 Turquoise Street Pacific Beach • 92109 Building America with Pride One of San Diego’s Top Builders Since 1980
Best Doctor
Dr. Anderson opened his own medical practice in October 2011 because he wanted more control over how he took care of his patients. He also wanted the latest and greatest in medical technology -- from electronic records to digital X-rays. The Anderson Medical Center is built on an urgent care model, with the ability to treat minor emergencies. But the emphasis is always put on treating the whole patient, and getting the as healthful as can be.
Anderson Medical Center 1945 Garnet Ave. (858) 224-7977 www.andersonmedicalcenter.com
0
Massage Envy 1762 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-3689
“I love being an integral part of the community, doing what I do best to make our community a more beautiful place to live.” – Tom Armstrong
• Remodels
Dr. Anderson
Massage Envy
Best Contractor / Construction
• 2nd Stories
Dr. Anderson checks out one of his young patients.
000
Thank You for Honoring Us Four Years in a Row!
• Room Additions
11
Tom Armstrong began at the base level at the age of 15 as a laborer, carpenter, framer and layout worker and worked his way up. At 17, he was specializing in stairway construction and roofing. A few years later, he was supervising construction phases, and then Tom went solo in the design and remodeling business. In his work, he aims to capture as much sunlight and ocean view as possible. Armstrong had become a trusted name in construction.
Catamaran Resort Hotel 3999 Mission Blvd. (800) 422-8386 www.catamaranresort.com
000
• FREE ESTIMATES
Beach & Bay Press
Armstrong Construction Inc. 755 Turquoise St. (858) 488-3465 www.armstrongbuilt.com
Best Computer Repair
Call Us For a Free In-Home Consultation
AUGUST 30, 2012
858-488-2825 WWW.ARMSTRONGBUILT.COM Info@ArmstrongBuilt.com
PB
FOREIGN&DOMESTIC CAR REPAIR
1727 Garnet Avenue - P.B. Across from Vons in Plaza Center
10
$
00 OFF
not valid with any other offers or specials. Express 10/31/12
pbforeign.com
858-270-1142
ANY OIL CHANGE includes
30 POINT INSPECTION
• Change up to 4 qts. • Install new oil filter • Lubricated chassis • Top off vital fluids • Complete safety inspection • Most vehicles +$3 EPA charge
Pacif ic ONBLeach’s Foreig Y Spec n Car ialists
40 OFF
$
ANY SERVICE OVER $150
not valid with any other offers or specials. Express 10/31/12
The Flower Shoppe Potts by Patt Florist wants to thank you for voting for us! Worldwide & Daily Deliveries • Full Service Party Planner Weddings • Exquisite Linens • Corporate Events
1560 Garnet Avenue • 858-273-0344
THURSDAY
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Beach & Bay Press
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 Best Dentist
Janelle Bacino, D.D.S. Both Dr. Bacino and her staff work constantly to keep up to date in their clinical skills and dental treatments. The mission of the office is to provide comprehensive dental treatment with an emphasis on prevention and early detection in a cheerful environment. The staff is knowledgeable and use cutting-edge technology, which makes any visit to the office indeed cheerful. Pacific Beach Dentist 4747 Mission Blvd. (858) 273-0111 www.pacificbeachdentist.com 000
Dr Fremont (See listing in photo box page 15
Best Doctor
Dr. Anderson (See listing in photo box page 12) 000
Beach Area Health
Unusual Gifts Motu Hawaii 4150 Mission Blvd, Ste. 115 (858) 272-MOTU (6688)
0
Motu Hawaii If you’re looking for LEIS in San Diego... you’ll find it at Motu Hawaii! Been searching for a ukulele? They have them too! You’ll find products from Hawaii and other Pacific Islands like fresh flower leis, ukuleles, Locals slippers, Surfah slippers, HIC, Hawaiian sStyle, Bulky Boy, Island Tat tees, Hinano fashions, aloha shirts & dresses, Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, Tahitian black pearls, CDs, DVDs, auto stickers, hula supplies, toere sticks, Hawaiian print fabric, Hawaiian books, backpacks, gift items, Li Hing Mui seeds, snacks, macadamia nut candy, Lion coffee, frozen POI & Portuguese sausage, Hawaiian Sun drinks & other food items, and much more... They even have Polynesian dance entertainment & classes. Now you have to admit, that’s unusual!
THANK YOU! FOR RECOGNIZING OUR
DESIGNS & EFFORTS
TO ENRICH THE BEACH AREA
Beach Area Health accepts many public and private health insurance programs and plans including Aetna, Blue Cross, Care 1st, CDP, Champus, CHDP, CHDPTR, CHG, CMS, Family PACT, LIHP, Medi-Cal, Medicare, Molina, Ryan White and Tri-Care. Beach Area Health 3705 Mission Blvd. 619-515-2444
Best Dry Cleaners
Joy Max Joy Max Cleaners gets clothes clean and are cheap, fast and convenient (they open at 7 a.m.). The fair prices are joined by their great service. The staff at Joy Max helps you get in and out quickly, and also have a quick turnaround without sparing any spots. The cleaners are great with fix-its like missing buttons, broken loops and small tears. They also offer a discount if you pay cash up front or come in with a larger bundle of clothes. Joy Max Cleaners 1609 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-9554
Best Eyewear
Dziner Eyez Are you one of those people who loves
Cruiser King
to wear the coolest sunglasses but hates spending a ton of money because you will inevitably leave them at the beach or break them in half? If so, Dziner Eyez is the place for you. Not only do they carry the most fashionable styles of the season, but at their prices you can afford a few back-up pairs. Dziner Eyez 870 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-3939
Best Florist
Impulsive Flowers The Internet has changed business, but flowers have not gone out of style. You can just order them through the Internet now. Impulsive Flowers, sold outside Henry’s Market offer creative arrangements for the usual occasions — weddings and funerals and romantic surprises — but you can also choose from a traditional, contemporary or exotic look, or just skip the petals and go for the gourmet basket. Take time to stop by and smell the roses. Impulsive Flowers 1260 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-4333 www.impulsiveflowers.net
Potts by Patt If you haven’t heard of Potts by Pat then you must be new to PB! This fullservice florist has been serving the coastal communities longer than most local can remember. You'll love the prices and location — and that smell! Whatever the ocassion, you can count on Potts by Patt. Potts by Patt 1560 Garnet Ave. 237-0566
(858) 488-6341
The Sprouts Farmers Market lives up to its motto of offering "healthy living for less." The store is colorful, lively, and easy to shop and has a unique mix of natural, organic and great tasting mainstream foods at affordably low prices. Since the original store opened in 1943, Sprouts has continued to provide highquality, fresh food, as evident by the mountains of farm-fresh produce, allnatural meats and seafood, and freshly baked goods from the bakery. Sprouts Farmers Market 1260 Garnet Ave. (858) 270-8200 www.sprouts.com 000
Trader Joe’s It all started in the 1950s ... Would you believe they started out as a small chain of convenience stores? It's true. Way back in 1958, they were called Pronto Markets. In 1967, the founder, the original Trader Joe, changed the name (yes, to Trader Joe's) and the way they do business. Stores got bigger (if you can imagine), decked the walls with cedar planks and donned their crew in cool Hawaiian shirts. Most importantly, they started putting innovative, hard-to-find, great-tasting foods in the "Trader Joe's" name. That cut costs and saved you money. Still does. Trader Joe’s 1211 Garnet Ave. 858-272-7235 www.traderjoes.com
Tanglez
Underground Furniture You never know what the future holds. Just ask the peeps over at Underground Furniture, where the inventory is cleanlined and modern, like it was in the 1950s and ’60s. This place is always trying to keep that aspect in the store, and that’s the way it’s been since its opening more than a decade ago. And in all that time, you’ve responded so well that Underground is inviting you to get into the act. You can now build your own sofa — custom colors, sizes and everything else — if you ask. Underground Furniture 1345 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-0229 www.undergroundfurniture.com
BEACH CRUISER RENTAL
$10 $40 A WEEK
BEACH CRUISER SPECIAL 3830 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach
Sprouts
Best Hair Salon
Best Furniture Store
A DAY
Best Grocery Store
$149.95 Not valid w. other offers. Must present coupon at time of purchase. Exp. 10-19-12
Janet and Susi are the proud owners of Tanglez, a friendly beach salon that is anything but typical. Between the nine fabulous stylists, there's every type of service: from the latest in color techniques and clipping the kids to bee hives and fixing up the guys. The salon is always neat, clean and bursting with fun! The stylists use the newest products and are always game to try new things. You'll leave the salon with a smile and the confidence that your hair looks amazing. Tanglez 5010 Cass Street (858) 270-7313 www.tanglezhair.com 000
PaperDoll Salon Located on one of the busiest streets in San Diego, the vibe of the salon reflects the spark of the community it thrives in. There are ten hairstylists and three estheticians who offer a variety of services from cutting, coloring, Hairlocs Extensions and Global Keratin Smoothing Treatment to facials, chemical peels, microdermabrasion treatments, eyelash and eyebrow tinting, eyelash extensions, waxing. A routine trip to the salon turns into an experience at PaperDoll Salon.
WE WANT TO THANK ALL OUR CUSTOMERS FOR VOTING US #1
OASIS is a full-service Architecture and Design Firm focused on creating exceptional spaces for the way you live. We pride ourselves on superior design and well articulated vision—at OASIS Architecture & Design, Inc. communication and collaboration are the cornerstones of our philosophy.
1015 TURQUOISE ST. SUITE 2 SAN DIEGO, CA 92109 858.273.5632
FULL DETAIL SERVICES AVAILABLE
891 Turquoise St.
488-1900 mv
READERS CHOICE AWARDS RETAIL/SERVICES
2 012
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READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 PaperDoll Salon 1263 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-2393
Best Hotel
The Catamaran (See listing under Best Day Spa) 000
Tower23 Tower23 Hotel is San Diego’s only luxury, lifestyle hotel on the beach and one of California’s most stylish and contemporary urban resorts. The hotel derives its name from lifeguard tower 23, which is positioned on Pacific Beach near the hotel and creates a cool haven to enjoy one of America’s best cities. Tower23 Hotel is a refreshingly minimalist but playful, creative study for the urban beach resort. Tower23 4551 Ocean Blvd. (858) 270-2323 www.tower23hotel.com
Best Insurance Agent
Brian McMullen, Allstate As a personal financial representative in San Diego, Brian McMullen knows his what local families need. His knowledge and understanding of the people in this community help him provide customers with an outstanding level of service. He specializes in helping families protect the things that are important — family, home, car and more. He can also help you prepare a strategy to achieve your financial goals. Brian McMulle, Allstate Insurance 4455 Lamont Street (858) 274-2377 www.allstateagencies.com 000
Rich Nye, State Farm With over 23 years of combined experience, Rich Nye is your insurance guy. Rich is always happy to provide you with free quotes and offer guidance from his years of experience and qualifications — like a good neighbor, you can count on Rich.
waxing and skin-care salon with a wide variety of services to offer. The salon has a comfortable yet vibrant environment that is ideal for getting into a relaxed and blissful state of mind. The skilled and professional technicians are friendly and ready to give you the best possible nail, waxing or skin care service. Expect the best treatments at affordable prices.
Frazee Paint Store
Mingle Nail Salon 955 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-5928 www.minglenailsalon.com
Frazee Paint Store 980 Hornblend St. (858) 483-0650
000
QTICLE’s QTICLES offers luxurious spa treatments in a setting of unparalleled beauty and relaxation. Treat yourself to the relaxation experience of a lifetime. From pedicures to manicures to worldclass facials, we are dedicated to providing exceptionally luxurious treatments that leave you refreshed from head to toe.
QTICLES’s 1463 Garnet Ave. 858-274-3395 www.qticles.com
Best Nursery
Green Gardens Nursery Green Gardens Nursery is the neighborhood stop for a wide choice of plants, organic and non-organic fertilizers, imported pottery, specialty fountains and garden decor. A garden in its own right, the Backus family has run the nursery on Cass Street for the past 30 years. President Paul Backus offers a complimentary rose consultation to help buyers choose the perfect site for their thorny plant, prepare soil, set up irrigation and mulching and so forth. Green Gardens Landscape & Design, a landscape design company that serves residents and businesses, is also run through the nursery. Green Gardens Nursery 747 Turquoise Street (858) 483-8803 www.sdgreengardens.com
4150 Mission Blvd., Ste. 105 (858) 581-2122
Best Paint Store
Best Jeweler
Sherwin-Williams
Dario
Two things have become expected from Dario's — great service, and great value. Watches are fixed quickly, as time is money. Customers rave about his knowledgeable expertise in fixing watches and his professionalism in doing so. The shop also carries a beautiful selection of jewelry and fine watches. Dario Jewelers Watch & Clock Repair 4724 Cass Street (858) 272-4854
Best Nail Salon
Mingle
Sherwin-Williams is a contemporary paint store with an extraordinary history. Founded in 1866, only one year after the Civil War ended, they entered the market at a time when there was no railroad to the Pacific, no telephones, no electric lights, no automobiles, and perhaps most notably, no ready-to-use paint. Founders Henry Sherwin and Edward Williams set out to invent the product that consumers now use by the gallon every day. Wow! Who knew? Sherwin-Williams 1220 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-3607 www.sherwin-williams.com
Mingle Nail Salon is a full-service nail,
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Frazee Paint is a leading manufacturer and retailer of paints and coatings serving customers throughout California, Arizona and Nevada. Frazee is dedicated to ongoing technological innovation and its products provide superior performance with specific formulations designed to meet the climatic conditions in the Southwestern U.S
Best Pet Hospital/Veterinarian
ABC Veterinary Hospital ABC Veterinary Hospital offers a full range of veterinary services designed to provide the highest level of care for your special pet. The facilities are complete with radiology, dentistry and an in-house laboratory. In addition to general medicine, they provide lowcost spay, neuter and vaccine services as well as year-round flea, tick and heartworm prevention. Advances in medicine and science technology afforded ABC Veterinary Hospital the opportunity to enhance their exceptional care through the field of telemedicine. Outside specialists in fields such as cardiology, orthopedics and radiology can assist in diagnoses. This allows the doctors and staff to care for your pet with the same specialized attention that you would expect for yourself.
Gallery at Lands End
Best Gallery Gallery at Lands End 4984 Cass St. (858) 270-7820 www.galleryatlandsend.com
0
ABC Veterinary Hospital 2032 Hornblend Street (858) 952-1255
Turquoise Animal Hospital Turquoise Animal Hospital understands the profound value you place on your pet, and it’s prepared to care for it accordingly. The state-of-the-art labs and surgical facilities are designed for expert work on dogs, cats and smaller pets — and the hospital goes just about everybody one better with its spaying and neutering service, puppy obedience classes and ID service, involving chip implantation for instant identification of your animal. Turquoise Animal Hospital 950 Turquoise St. (858) 488-0658 www.turquoiseanimalhospital.com
The Gallery was started in 1973 by Jay and Vicki Ford. After a brief stint in Ocean Beach, the gallery found its home at 4984 Cass in Pacific Beach. The location is a perfect fit for us. In its early days, the gallery was a hot spot for limited edition prints, lithographs, and original works. Due to the amount of artwork going out the door, we opened the frame department and have not looked back since. In April 2008, the business was happily sold to Thayne Yungman, who had been a doing incredible framing at the Gallery for 2 years, his name is on almost everything.
Thank you for voting us #1 Reader’s Choice for Best Chiropractor
000
$10.00 Massage (1/2 Hour Appointment)
(new patients only)
LIBS CHIROPRACTIC CENTER 858-483-8500
4410 Lamont St. (Corner of Grand Ave.)
Thank You Pacific Beach & Mission Beach for voting us the Best!
Best Pet Store
Noah’s Natural Pet Market When you care enough about your pet to ensure he or she only gets the best, you go to Noah's Natural Pet Market. Noah's is a retail pet supply store and self-service pet wash that focuses on holistic health for your animal. The store carries a variety of all natural, healthy pet foods and environmentally friendly pet products. The staff at Noah's are always happy to help out you or your furry friend. Noah's allots plenty of research to carrying the best
Thank You for Voting for Us!
Summer Special
AUGUST 30, 2012
Dr. Kenneth Anderson at 1945 Garnet Ave. Hours of operation are 8 to 8 on weekdays and 8 to 4 on weekends
858.224.7977 • Andersonmedicalcenter.com
Thank You for Choosing Us as Your Outstanding Furniture Store UNDERGROUND FURNITURE
$3,500
Save $1,500 858-272-2222 4527 Fanuel St. www.pacificbeachsmile.com Expires Sept. 30th
•Modern Furnishings• •Custom Sofas•
Come See Our Showroom at: 1345 Garnet Ave 858.581.0229 www.undergroundfurniture.com
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AUGUST 30, 2012
Beach & Bay Press
fortable style for browsing and shopping. Hydrangea Cove was created after Susan Christopher, owner of Hydrangea Cove, had extensive searches for items to outfit and decorate her Mission Beach cottage and small garden. Located in the north Pacific Beach area of San Diego, a few blocks from the ocean. Hydrangea Cove 929 Turquoise St. www.hydrangeacove.com
Best Printer
UPS Store What can brown do for you? At this location across from Broken Yolk, brown can take care of any printing and copying needs, ship a package and even issue a mailbox with a real street address. Feeling anxious about an upcoming move? The UPS Store also provides supplies, packing help and freight services. UPS Store 1804 Garnet Ave. (858) 237-6661
Dr. Fremont grew up in the San Fernando Valley and followed his father's footsteps into the practice of dentistry. His degrees: University of California Santa Barbara, bachelor of arts/bachelor of science; University of California San Francisco, doctor of dental science. He likes to stay current with advances in dentistry by regularly attending seminars and study groups. Dr. Fremont also volunteers his time and skills for various outreach programs.
Dr Fremont 4527 Fanuel St., (858) 272-2222
0 foods and supplements on the market,meaning you can have confidence that your pet truly is getting the best. Noah’s Natural Pet Market/Pet Wash 4431 Cass Street (858) 270-8161 www.noahsnaturalpetmarket.com
Best Pharmacy
CVS Even though CVS is a chain store, the pharmacy gives you personal attention and helps get you in and out quickly. The pharmaceutical staff is knowledgeable and friendly and prescriptions are painless, easy and relatively cheap to refill. One bonus to CVS being a chain is the extra services that come with it. Its website helps you personalize your experience by allowing you to manage your prescriptions, review prescription history, automatically have prescriptions filled and even receive text alerts when your prescription is ready.
CVS Pharmacy 1652 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-1940 1792 Garnet Ave. (858) 483-1489 4445 Mission Blvd. (858) 273-0900 www.cvs.com
of human life and access to intimacy enhancing products should not be considered dirty or taboo.
Best Place With Exotic Gifts
Pangaea Outpost
Motu Hawaii
Once upon a time, Pangaea was the center of the world, a colossal land mass that contained anything and everything its inhabitants needed, including the trinkets. Pangaea’s gone ahead and split into seven continents in the last little while — but the Outpost has kept the name and spirit alive with all manner of gifts from all over the world. Fancy kitchen utensils, Eastern cultural artifacts, baubles, bangles and even beads: Pangaea’s the place to duck into for a look at the world as it was and is.
(See listing in photo box page 12) 000
Dr Love’s Dr. Love’s has strived to provide stores with shopping environments that are fun and entertaining. That is the fundamental key to our retail style. We believe that shopping for intimacy enhancement products should be comfortable, friendly and, most importantly, FUN! Sexuality is a natural part
THANK YOU PB FOR VOTING US THE BEST! Koa Kitty thinks it’s the lifetime guarantee or maybe it’s the Softcruise rear suspension.
Softcruise
Dr Love’s 1155 Garnet Ave. (858) 270-7861
Surf & Post is your one-stop shop for personal mailboxes, FedEx and UPS shipping, packaging services, blackand-white and color copies, faxes, and Notary services. Surf & Post also offers short-term storage, as well as loan signing services. Located across from the PB Post Office, it’s a far quicker way to send anything. Open 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ask for Steve! Surf & Post 4629 Cass St. (858) 272-8656 www.surfandpost.com 000
UPS Store (See listing under Best Printer)
Best Shoe Store
Tutto Cuore
PB Printing is a full-service print shop that offers everything from business cards to flyers to posters to stickers, plus a knowledgeable staff that can help you with graphic and web design, logos, branding and direct mail campaigns. The company is committed to the environment, using soy-based inks, Green Seal certified paper and recycling programs. PB Printing 853 Hornblend St. (858) 273-8335 www.SDprint.com
Tutto Cuore 1019 Garnet Ave (858) 490-4685 www.tuttocuoreshoes.com
PB Printing
Dr Fremont
Surf & Post
Located on bustling Garnet Avenue, Tutto Cuore is a growing local retail shop providing quality, fashion-forward, value-priced shoes and woman’s apparel. Serving as an outlet for women’s self-expression through clothing and footwear, Tutto Cuore is at the heart of fashion. Women can find a selection of feminine, fashionable and fun-loving shoes fit for every occasion. From effortless, earth-friendly styles to bold, fashion-forward trends of the future, Tutto Cuore is a symbol of what’s new and next in the fearless world of fashion.
000
Best Dentist
Best Shipping & Packaging
000
Best Resale
Best Place With Unusual Gifts
Pangaea Outpost 909 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-0555 www.pangaeaoutpost.com
Buffalo Exchange Buffalo Exchange is more fashionable than the average thrift store. Its everchanging inventory includes designer labels, vintage, jeans, leather and oneof-a-kind items. Eighty percent of its clothing and accessories come from local customers, which means the likelihood of turning your former favorites into cash is pretty high. Many of the items run under $20, making you to look fabulous while remaining walletfriendly. Buffalo Exchange 1007 Garnet Ave. (858) 273-6227 www.buffaloexchange.com 000
Cream of the Crop
000
Hydrangea Cove Hydrangea Cove is a charming shop specializing in unique home and garden accessories with a beach cottage feel. It features coastal inspired decor, one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, books and lovely gifts in a casual and com-
Cream of the Crop is family run and has found its success by playing things close to the vest. In fact, vests are probably as likely found here as anywhere else, and at prices that don’t include overhead costs. There’s also a dog on the premises, but he’s not for sale. Cream of The Crop Boutique 4683 Cass St. (858) 272-6601
Skecher’s Great shoes, low prices, big sales, huge selection for the entire family. Skecher’s keep Pacific Beach in good standing. Skecher’s 4475 Mission Blvd. (858) 581-6010
Best Skate Shop
Soul Grind The part of a skateboard on which the user stands is called the truck. You’d have known that if you’d spent any time at all at Soulgrind, your choice as Pacific Beach’s best skate shop. Skateboards by Gravity, Sector Nine and other famous makers abound here — and the skateboarding lessons themselves may be the most important in Soulgrind’s slate of services. Wouldn’t want any trucks careening out of control on the open road now. Soulgrind 4627 Mission Blvd. (858) 581-2468 www.soulgrind.com
THANK YOU FOR VOTING US “BEST TRAVEL BOOK STORE!”
REAR SUSPENSION
Packing or Planning?
VOTED TWO YEARS IN A ROW!
You’ll find what you need…at Traveler’s Depot Maps, Globes, Guidebooks, Journals, Luggage, Travel Packs and Organizers, Clothing, Hats, Shoes, Travel Sox™, Undies. COMFORT ALOFT: Neck Pillows, Blankets, Eyeshades, Ear Plugs and other inventions. CONVENIENCE: Travel Sheets, Quick Drying Antibacterial Towels, Toiletries, Toiletry Cases, and other Containers. Security, TSA approved locks, Money Belts PacSafe®
One stop travler’s shop…Everything for travel except the tickets
858.581.1931 1344 Garnet Ave. • Rustyspokes.com
1655 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 858.483.1421 www.travelersdepot.com Open 7 days a week Lots of FREE & EASY Parking
THURSDAY
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012 Best Smog Check
Quick Smog This one-stop establishment is all about no fuss, no muss, with a staff of straight-shooters who get the job done. No appointment is necessary, and you can get your smog, insurance and registration needs taken care of in one handy location. Quick Smog also has a “pass or do not pay” guarantee, so you can feel confident that your car will be DMV-worthy after a quick visit to the shop. 1741 Garnet Ave. (858) 270-9253 www.smogsandiego.com/quicksmogsd 000
Smog Express What can you say about a smog shop? Good, fast service, fair prices, friendly and no appointments necessary! That pretty much says it all. Smog Express 4435 Ingraham Street (858) 270-0361
Best Surf Shop
Mission Surf Since 1993, Mission Beach Surf Shop has been the one-stop shop for surf and beach needs. The shop carries top of the line brands like Tavik Swimwear, Sanuk, Oakley, Eaton, Rusty, Dakine and too many others to mention. They sell surfboards from legendary shapers like Rusty Priesendorfer, Joe Baugess, Matt Biolos and Gary Linden, or can even build a custom made for you. They also rent surfboards, stand-up paddle boards, body boards, wetsuits and bikes. Mission Surf 4320 Mission Blvd. (858) 483-8837 www.missionsurf.com 000
design a custom t-shirt and have it printed right on site. The clothes are as cool and unique as the showroom itself — the lounge features artwork by local artists. Chillers Showroom 4667 Cass Street (858) 274-3112 www.chillersshowroom.com 000
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trainers, but also the chance to swim in The Plunge, San Diego’s largest indoor heated pool and a historic landmark to boot, as well as sessions on the Flowrider, a manmade wave machine that provides both fun and fitness. 3115 Ocean Front Walk (858) 228-9300 www.wavehouseathleticclub.com 000
The Closet The Closet in Pacific Beach is a spacious superstore of affordable trendy clothing for young women. From heels and sandals to sweats and workout gear to party dresses and winter coats, The Closet sells everything you could ever want to stuff into your own closet at home. The price tags are incredibly affordable, with such ever-running specials as five tank tops for $10. Don’t expect long-lasting styles —but you can always count on The Closet for the latest trends each season. The Closet 4475 Mission Blvd. 858-483-7112
Best Workout Facility/ Health Club
Shock Fitness Not just in Pacific Beach, but on Pacific Beach, the area’s newest gym, Shock Fitness, boasts 15,000 square feet with three ocean-view outdoor workout areas, an exterior that opens up to sea breezes and a shocking $19.99 per month grand-opening membership special. Shock also offers unlimited tanning for only $9.99 a month and has a menu of free group classes including spin, yoga, Zumba and cross training in a room with ocean views. Shock Fitness 4150 Mission Blvd. (858) 490-1551 www.fitpassnetwork.com /location/shock-fitness
Wavehouse Athletic Club At Wavehouse Athletic Club, you not only get access to state-of-the-art equipment, energetic group fitness classes and dedicated personal
Thank you for voting!
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
2 0 1 1
Thank You for voting us the best florist 4 years in a row! Stop by for a FREE* flower! *a select flower w/ad Exp.09/30/12
IMPULSIVE FLOWERS 32 years of Excellence
Pilars Beachwear Pilar’s Beachwear carries sizes and styles to fit any body type, from the teeniest of bikinis to the most elegant one-pieces. We are dedicated to making sure all of our customers leave our shop feeling beautiful and comfortable. With our legendary personalized customer service along with the largest selection of swim wear in San Diego. Pilar’s 3790 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-3056
1260 Garnet Ave. (outside Sprouts PB) • 858.274.4333
Rip Curl If you’re a young, hip beachgoer, then chances are you know all about Rip Curl. This sporting goods store carries the hottest makes and brands of clothing at prices you’ll enjoy and it’s located in one of the hottest beach towns in San Diego. Just saying. Rip Curl 4287 Mission Boulevard (858) 273-8070 www.ripcurl.com
Ride The Wa ve of Loc al Bu siness
Pilar's Beachwear has moved across the street, have you visited our new, EXPANDED location yet?
Best Swim Suites
Gone Bananas Beachwear This place has one up on the other beach clothing stores in the area. It takes its fashion cues right off the beach. It’s just off the boardwalk, after all, and it has everything you need for a day on the sand — cover-ups, bikinis, one-piece suits, sandals, beach bags and more. All this stuff comes in designer or more affordable models. And you’re so close to the beach that you don’t even have to take your purchase home first. Gone Bananas Beachwear 3785 Mission Blvd. (858) 488-4900 000
Pilars Beachwear (See listing in photo box)
Best Woman’s Apparel/Accessories
Call Mike & Heather 858 270 21303 x 112 or 115
Heather@sdnews.com Mikel@sdnews.com
We would like to thank our locals for voting for us in the Reader's choice poll, and for your continued support for the past 42 years. Pilar’s Beachwear 3790 Mission Blvd San Diego, CA 92109 858-488-3056 www.pilarsbeachwear.com
15% off
all 2012 preview merchandise
We would like to say
Thank You
for voting us #1 10.00 OFF for new clients allways!
READERS CHOICE AWARDS
2 0 1 2
10% OFF products thru Sept
Chillers Showroom Chillers Showroom features men and women's casual, comfortable apparel and accessories with a contemporary twist. It carries everything from musthave, classic T-shirts and denim to fabulous novelty tanks and dresses, and accessories. You can even stop by and
5010 Cass St. Pacific Beach CA 858.270.7313
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Beach & Bay Press
READERS CHOICE AWARDS 2012