Willie's Shoe Shine

Willie is a local OB landmark. He's there every day shining shoes and sharing wisdom. I told him I was taking pictures because I was leaving San Diego and he said, "you gotta take the love with you, man. The world is full of hate. We gotta turn it around." I felt like I was visiting the sage reminding me to stay true to myself before a long journey. See you in a couple years, Willie.

Little Chef

Little Chef used to be this combination Chinese, Greek, American joint on the corner of Newport and Cable but it got bought out or something so now it's just a Chinese place adjacent to the old place (which is fine, since the Chinese food was really the only good stuff there!). They set you up with a large quantity of food for a relatively small amount of cash.

Nico's

One of my greatest fears about leaving San Diego is that everywhere outside of southern California considers Taco Bell to be fine Mexican food. I've been eating at Nico's since I came to San Diego 15 years ago and it's still one of the best places to get inexpensive, tasty tacos, burritos and quesedillas.

The Corner Store

Apparently, it's actually called Newport Farms Market (who knew?!), but everyone here calls it the corner store. There are always one or two locals just hanging out in the doorway. But it's right around the corner, so to speak, and meets all our candy, soda, and popcorn needs. Also, it's the closest place to pick up The San Diego Reader every Thursday (The Reader has the best crossword in town).

The Hostel

Nadija works at the OB International Hostel on the weekends and she used to live there until she moved into the dojo. You know how some colleges are known as "party schools?" Well, OBI seems to be the party hostel. There are always people from all countries spilling into the street.

Theo's

Theo's is a pretty good place for a slice of pizza and a salad. They also serve a lot of sandwhiches. Also, if you like the ice in your soda to be one giant snowcone-like berg of frozen water that bashes you in the teeth with every sip, Theo's is the place for you.

"No Crap On Tap"

When Richard insists on having pizza what he really means is, "let's go to the beer place that serves pizza." They have as many diverse beers as they do spunky employees. The older guy who I assumed owns the place hasn't been around lately – he never seemed all that spunky come to think of it. Great pizza, great beer (according to Richard). Watch out for the guy who won't give you free soda refills, though. Sheesh. Oh, and they're one of the only restaurants open past 10 pm (what's up with that?).

Sapporo

Every now and then, I can convince Richard to go somewhere for dinner besides the pizza joint across the street. Sapporo has pretty good sushi, though I'm not the best judge. They have great terryaki chicken and miso soup. And, to keep Richard happy, Sapporo beer.

Margarita's

Three great reasons to visit Margarita's: 1) great food/breakfast specials 2) yummy chips and salsa with every meal 3) Sarah – the sexiest waitress in OB (how about a date Sarah?). They have an old advertisement hanging in the kitchen that says, "Ask for 'Pepsi Please.'" Gabe and I decided we're going to ask for Pepsi at restaurants now instead of Coke.

Hodad's

Don't tell any locals I said this, but I'm not a big Hodad's fan. It's got a cool decor and it's always packed – just about everyone else loves it. My friend and I saw one of their employees walking into a Starschmucks at Fashion Valley the other day...a guy could lose his OB credentials that way!

BBQ House

The BBQ house is an OB landmark. Once upon a time, it was part of The Strand, a second-run theater up the street that was bought out and converted into a chincy tourist trap (in a Walter Sobcheck voice, the new place is "being verrrrry un-OB").

Mooooooo!

As I type this, I realize that I MUST ask them where they came up with the name Cow for a used record shop. I've traded, bought and sold countless cassettes, CDs and DVDs there over the last three years. Very cool place.

Apple Tree

Apple Tree is the local grocery. Nothing fancy, but super convenient. Dean, who used to be a chef, complained about their selection. They stocked Frankenberries cereal so I'm not sure I agree with his opinion!

Winston's

Here's one wall of Winston's which, if my memory serves me, used to be Java Joe's (where Jewel used to play while she lived in her car here in OB). See? We're famous.

The Arizona

The Arizona is the local bar most-deserving of the title "Dive." I've never been inside (honest) but I've walked past enough times to know I never want to. Many stories here in OB begin, "so, I was at the Arizona when...."

Ocean Beach, CA

I moved to Ocean Beach about three years ago to be an uchi deshi (live-in student) at Sunset Cliffs Aikido. I swore I'd never live here, but it turns out I love it! Alas, however, after 15 years living in San Diego, I'm moving to Philadelphia to start a job with Teach For America.

Technically, Ocean Beach is a community of San Diego and not a city in and of itself. But, it's definitely a world unto itself. OB sits on a peninsula (Point Loma) and is somewhat removed from the rest of the city. It also has a fairly well-deserved hippie-dippy reputation. It's an eclectic blend of Hells Angels types, homeless beach-goers, quirky locals, lots of tourists and an inordinately large number of seagulls.

It's hard to accept leaving this place. I've lived half of my life here and consider it home more than the town where I grew up. Plus, the weather is hard to beat! Still, I'm looking forward to Philly. Everyone I talk to says it's a great place.

But, before I go, here are some of my favorite OB hangouts.