House of Hair
Neighborhood: North Park

3074 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Brett C. writes: All the stylists are good at HOH, but IMO, Its all about Gilbert.  If you are in SD and you need a haircut, Gilbert is the man.  If you go, tell him Brett sent you, he'll be stoked.  They named the place "House of Hair" even though I suggested a more…

Material
Neighborhood: North Park

2910 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

ruggy j. writes: One of my favorite boutiques in town. Definitely on the rotation of shopping destinations, along with Neighbourhood, Flashbacks, and numerous thrift stores.

What I like about this Material, is that you can walk away from there with some fresh threads,…

Thai Time Restaurant
Neighborhood: North Park

4102 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

Adam V. writes: I like this place but I suck at ordering. I always enjoy my meal but I feel like I always disapoint the staff, too. Every time, without fail, my friends out order me. It's humiliating. My friends will order weird sounding things like crazy jungle…

Caffe Forte
Neighborhood: North Park

3880 Grim Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Natasia K. writes: This is my new favorite coffee shop. It seriously made my horrible week. They close at 7pm and open at 5:30am.  (I wish they'd never close.) Well, what's so great about this place? Well there is a little gallery space attached to the coffee house…

Espresso Garden

4121 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103

Eva L. writes: If you live in the North Park, Hillcrest, University Heights area you should definitely check out this new, revamped outdoor coffee shop.  Recently bought by two friends (the one I met is named Jeremy), this sweet, calming garden is exactly where I…

Martinis Above Fourth
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

3940 4th Ave
2nd Floor
San Diego, CA 92103

Teej T. writes: This is a ridiculously amusing spot.

Two former co-workers of mine make it a point to meet up every month in a different spot for drinks, kickin' back, and swapping stories.  This time, we met at Martinis Above Fourth.

Martinis Above Fourth, you are a…

La Salsa Restaurant
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

1010 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103

Nadine N. writes: Back when I was living in DC, I was so hard up for Mexican fast food, that going to Baja Fresh was a real treat. Upon returning to California, I ditched Baja Fresh immediately. What can I say, it was a relationship of convenience. However, even with…

California Cuisine
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

1027 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103

krista L. writes: I had CC (thanks Thea for the abbreviation) cater my wedding last Oct.  We met their event coordinator at a Bridal Show in Escondido and fell in love with him.  He was on top of everything and was quick to visualize what I had in my mind for the…

University of California San Diego - Urgent Care
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

200 West Arbor Drive
San Diego, CA 92103

Marcy Lola R. writes: Thursday,  July 3rd, 10:00 pm -  India Street
I'm walking back to my car from the Aero Club, ready to call it a night. Yes, it was the start of a long weekend, the revelry was on but I was out. Zonked out.  I had barely had 2 vodka & pineapple drinks…

The Wine Encounter
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

690 University Avenue
San Diego, CA 92103

Teej T. writes: Four stops later on my "drinking with Paul P because I got into Stanford" adventure, we stopped at Wine Encounter.  I'll totally admit that I stopped here because it sounded like a bad 1950's spy film with Humphrey Bogart.  "The Wine Encounter!"  I…

Sun Lounge
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

1040 University Ave
#B209
San Diego, CA 92103

Denise Q. writes: Oh you gotta read my review of the Electric Beach in San Francisco and apply it to this tanning salon in San Diego, it is the same in terms of price, cleanliness, service and everything.  Love love love this salon, and the boys (it is in the…

Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

120 Washington St
San Diego, CA 92103

Vicky L. writes: I used to be a coffee addict until I swore it off years ago. I love coffee bean and tea leaf for their large variety of teas available along with their blended drinks. SO and my latest craze is their banana caramel one - it tasted like a bananas…

World Spa
Neighborhood: University Heights

4636 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92103

PiNaYLoVe G. writes: I was given a gift certificate for my birthday in March. I got a coupon from the Reader for new customers only. It was a good deal (choose any 3 services for only $150). So I got a Highlights, a Body wrap, & a full body massage. I had a verrrry good…

Taste Artisan Cheese and Gourmet Shop
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

1243 1/2 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103

Lisa L. writes: Taste is tasty....
We walked in, didn't know what we were particularly looking for or doing since we were a bit on the intoxicated end of things, having stopped by at Wine Steals next door..

So, I say, "Um, we don't know what we're doing."  So, the…

24 Hour Fitness
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

3965 5th Ave Ste 100
San Diego, CA 92103

Matthew V. writes: Some people look good sweaty. Catch them at any moment, even drinking from the water fountain, and they could be the next poster hung on the wall to inspire you. I am not one of these people, but a heck of a lot of them workout at my gym.

The…

On Comic Ground
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

1629 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92103

anna l. writes: A few things regarding my experience here today were not satisfying.  I will still give 3 stars to them, and here is why:

-It was free comic book day.
-The clerk made sure to point out the free comics to me.
-The clerk, having just finished a…

Ichiban on the Rocks
Neighborhood: Hillcrest

1288 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Alisa M. writes: I came here with some fellow Yelpers after the Elite event last night.  I ordered the teriyaki chicken plate that also came with some tempura fried items, Miso soup and rice.  Yum!!!!!!  Everything was great.  The staff was amazingly nice even though…

Windsmith the
Neighborhood: North Park

2867 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Kim L. writes: Okay, music nerds unite.  And make your way to the Windsmith.

I'm a band teacher, and I love taking the instruments that my students beat the shit out of to the Windsmith.  They do excellent repairs.  Their customer service is unrivaled in San Diego…

M-Theory Annex
Neighborhood: South Park, Golden Hill

2234 30th Street
San Diego, CA 92104

Jessalyn A. writes: Oh, how I long for the days of the M-Theory Annex. Actually it's more like kicking myself in the head for not taking better advantage of its awesome selection and low, low prices on rad used vinyl. Walk in with an armload of stupid thrift store rock…

Botanica Chango

3095 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

charlotte b. writes: I don't practice Santaria, but I adore folk art packaging and local-unrecognized saints. This place has it, with a minimum of anglo-tourist  interp.
Botanica chango is not trying to be appealing.  They don't care if you understand what this stuff is…

Pep Boys Automotive Supercenters
Neighborhood: Normal Heights

3550 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

Tina M. writes: I've always had a great experience here.  They are open a lot, they put in my car oil, transmission fluid, wiper blades-- no extra charge!

Helpful and honest.

The only reason that they only get 4 stars so far is because my standards are incredibly…

Bangkok Spices Thai Restaurant
Neighborhood: North Park

2832 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

Edgar N. writes: Wow. Driving by here all the time, I never would've guessed how good the food was.

On recommendation from my partner-in-crime, we checked this place out. Our conversation went something like this:

"Have you been to Bangkok Spices Thai?"
"Heh, heh...you…

Redwing Bar & Grill
Neighborhood: North Park

4012 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

Steve R. writes: I'm not sure what the primary clientele of this bar is - the last time I went here seemed to be a mixed crowd predominantly men. Seemed to have a very friendly homo vibe. Now I see on the bar's website they are advertising men and women so perhaps it…

Market On Myrtle
Neighborhood: North Park

3233 Myrtle Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Christine K. writes: This place changed owners and is now called North Park Provisions. A fantastic neighborhood grocery, wine, and gourmet sandwich shop. Try "The Craftsman," you won't be dissapointed. Just be patient, this is not fast food.

Rudford's Restaurant
Neighborhood: North Park

2900 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

Matthew V. writes: I've driven by that beautiful Rudford's neon too many times without ever entering. It took a woman to get me to go. Some advice, if you know a lady who will drag you into a greasy spoon make sure you treat her nice. Otherwise you'll end up eating raw…

Zia's Afghan Cafe
Neighborhood: North Park

4118 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

Stephanie M. writes: I left SD in '99, so things may have changed. This review is based on a happy memory.

The Zia's I knew was tiny. The menu consisted of whatever they felt like making that day, but there were always at least three veggie choices and at least two meat.…

S D Chicken Pie Shop
Neighborhood: North Park

2633 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92104

Jeff J. writes: If you're 80 years old and don't have teeth, then this is the place for you. They'll cover your whole plate in gravy and soften everything up enough that you could probably eat it all with a straw. I might only be 28, but I'm wise enough to know that…

Northpark Hardware
Neighborhood: North Park

3090 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Kat A. writes: Great small mom and pop store.

Nice friendly service. This place is small which accounts for it being crowded with supplies. They have decent prices on everything and the staff is very acknowledgeable on their products. Kinda reminds me of what a…

The Rubber Rose
Neighborhood: North Park

3812 Ray St
San Diego, CA 92104

Matthew V. writes: There are only two ways to make me jealous of silicone and rubber. Take me to an adult store or have me watch a Batman movie...damn, I need a suit like that (in both cases).

The Rubber Rose is a very nice boutique-style store that carries a small, but…

Paras Newsstand
Neighborhood: North Park

3911 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

Christy R. writes: I love newsstands.  A voracious reader, I'm always on the look out for interesting non-fashion magazines, and I'm not wild about giving Borders and Barnes&Noble more business than necessary.  Not to mention there isn't one in convenient proximity to…

Ranchos Natural Foods
Neighborhood: North Park

3918 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

Sean O. writes: So brilliant.

Vegan groceries.  Vegan food.

I am going to make a bold statement.  I ate the nicest hot dog I have ever consumed at Rancho's.  So freakin' delicious.  And vegan tamales. And burritos. And organic soda.

Suits me more than fine to fill up…

Pat's Corner
Neighborhood: North Park

3409 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

lisa f. writes: Fred Sanford would go apeshit in this place. Here it comes, 'Lizbeth. It's the big one this time.

How does Pat remember every piece in the store?

Me: Um, excuse me. How much is that browninsh thing behind the half painted tallish short piece?

Pat:…

Pink Elephant
Neighborhood: North Park

3829 30th St
San Diego, CA 92104

Aunny D. writes: This place is alright by me. It would have got four stars if they accepted credit cards. In my book that is an automatic point deduction, but on the other hand this place pours a mean Jameson and Ginger and only charges $4 cash money so I can't…

The Daily Scoop
Neighborhood: South Park, Golden Hill

3004 Juniper
San Diego, CA 92104

Mason T. writes: Life my friends is all about choices. It is also filled with plans as well.
"Life is what happens while we are making plans." -John Lennon

Now in my recent wide array of choices. I can simply narrow them down and catergorize them as "Good" and "Bad".…

Philly Grill
Neighborhood: North Park

2041 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

ruggy j. writes: I can't believe TODAY was my first day eating here! I've lived in the area for years. Bankers Hill, Hillcrest, Normal Heights, North Park and University Heights. I've lived in all of those communities, yet somehow, I never thought to visit Philly…

Heaven Sent Desserts
Neighborhood: North Park

3001 University Ave
San Diego, CA 92104

Teej T. writes: Repeat after me: "Heaven Sent is not Extraordinary Desserts."

If you can do that, you can enjoy HS.

If you can't, you'll probably be displeased.

Heaven Sent is cute, trendy, and warm in ways that Extraordinary Desserts isn't.  You feel the staff…

Etna Restaurant
Neighborhood: City Heights

4427 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

Shelli S. writes: Mmmm tasty morsels.

Ettttnaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa I love your pizza. I love that waiter you have that always gives me great service and makes me laugh with his East coast charm, Henry!

Plus Etna, you are always open late, even if my friend Amy just got into…

Bali Hai

2230 Shelter Island Dr.
San Diego, CA 92106

Tiffany S. writes: If I were a 1950s baroness, I'd sip my mai tais and zombies here.
That's right, a baroness.

In the meantime, I like to go here every now and then when I feel like deviating from my usual dive bar drunk routine. Eat up the view instead of the food, and…