Beach & Bay Press, Reader's Choice Awards 2011

SPECIAL SUPPLEMENT TO THE BEACH & BAY PRESS THURSDAY, SEPT. 29, 2011

READERSCHOICEAWARDS2 0 1 1

Everything under the sunThe merchants in the communities of

Pacific Beach, Mission Beach and Mission

Bay offer what seems like an endless

selection of great restaurants, boutiques,

retail shops and services. In fact, every-

thing you need can be found right here.

There is really no need to shop anywhere

else.

Categories in the Beach & Bay PressReaders Choice Awards cover the sunni-

est corner for your coffee wake up call to

the smoothest spot for a soothing night-

cap — and everything in between.

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.

Both 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 cus-

tomers.

The 2011 Readers Choice Award winners were selected by Beach & Bay Press readers!

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 20112THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

READERSCHOICEAWARDS2 0 1 1

ReadersChoiceA W A R D S 2 0 1 1

DININGBest Overall Restaurant

The Fish Shop (see photo on page 3)

Best Overall Service

Nick’s at the Beach (see photo on page 5)

JRDN You can actually credit the Tower’s creative winelist to another establishment in the same hotel.It’s JRDN (or “Jordan,” for the purists who pre-fer the phonetic pronunciation), a very high-endrestaurant that swears by the magic it performson beef and other meats. Red wines go swimm-ingly with that kind of thing — and that trans-lates to a comprehensive selection at the bar (thepowers that be didn’t forget the whites, either).Meanwhile, the bar offers a casual yet sophisti-cated experience. The atmosphere is warm andinviting and the crowd is hip yet mellow — every-body gets to enjoy an ocean view while sippingsignature cocktails and nibbling on sushi.

JRDN at Tower 23723 Felspar St.(866) TOWER23www.tower23hotel.com

Best AmericanFirehouse AmericanEatery + Lounge (see photo on page 9)

Cass Street Bar & GrillCass St. Bar & Grill is the neighborhood barwhere regulars and newcomers alike come tohang out, eat large platters of fresh, homemadefood, drink from the large selection of micro-brews, play pool or shuffleboard and have a goodtime. Happy hour happens every weekday nightand patrons sit sidewalk side at the open-air bar.The charbroiled fish burger comes with the in-house tartar sauce. The oriental chicken salad –with a choice of charbroiled fish or chicken – is ahuge hit and all the dressings are made freshonsite. The photos of local fishing personalitieshanging on the walls and large replicas of fishreminds everyone who arrives in sandals withsand still in their hair: Cass St. Bar & Grill is thebeach town bar. Of course, NFL and other sportsget their fair coverage from the TVs hanging overthe bar.

Cass Street Bar & Grill4612 Cass St.(858) 270-1320

Best Appetizer

Fat Fish Cantina(see photo on page 3)

Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge(see listing under Best American)

Best Bagel ShopEinstein Bros BagelsEinstein is a corporate chain with darn goodbagels. Forget the cream cheese (unless you wantsomething simple), Einstein offers a lox-toppedbagel, egg sandwiches, egg panini, egg wraps andyoghurt – just for breakfast. For lunch there isofferings of pastrami and swiss and albacoretuna salad, to name a few. Grilled sandwiches,pizza bagels, nacho bagels, soups and salads arealso in the mix.

Einstein Bros Bagels 1772 Garnet Ave., Ste. F (858) 272-9321www.einsteinbros.com

Bruegger’s BagelsBruegger’s Bagels achieve a bagel with a crustyoutside 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.Non-profits should check out Bruegger’s dona-tion policy: the corporation will donate a match-ing amount of bagels to those purchased – aslong as the bagels are not resold. Bruegger’s sells20 different varieties of bagels and 13 differenttoppings so the bagel never gets boring.

Bruegger’s Bagels1886 Garnet Ave.(858) 273-3836www.brueggers.com

Best Bakery

Sugar & Scribe BakeryOwner, Maeve continues the tradition of theIrish Women Rochford-Sugar and Scribe pro-vides to Southern California and beyond thecakes and baked goods of dear Granny Kate,recipes that have survived generations of immi-gration and wars. Stop by and sample the freshlybaked scones, pies, cupcakes or whatever season-al delictibles Maeve has lovingly prepared. Butwe have to warn you– you’ll be hooked once youdo!

Sugar & Scribe Bakery1420 Garnet Ave.(858) 274-1733

Charlie’s Best Bread If the smell at the front door doesn’t entice youinside, the myriad samples surely will. You couldfill up on those alone. But don’t – otherwise,you’ll miss your shot at the zucchini bread,chocolate bread, a million kinds of cookies andsunflower seed dinner rolls. Charlie’s also offerslots of vegan options, and if you ask nicely, theaccommodating staff will even make bread fromyour own recipe. The locals swear by this place –and although we don’t advocate dirty language,we certainly wouldn’t let a little thing like thatdiscourage you.

Charlie’s Best Bread1808 Garnet Ave.(858) 272-3521www.charliesbestbread.com

Art gallery

Architect

Auto repair

Bank

Bicycle shop

Bookstore

Chiropractic

Computer Repair

Contractor

Children’s Appearel

Electrician

Day spa

Eye wear

Florist

Furniture store

Hair Salon

Gallery at land's end

Oasis Architecture & Design

Pacici Beach Foreign Auto

Home Bank

Rusty Spokes

Travelers Depot

Libbs Chiropractic

SD Laptops

Armstrong Builders

Tula Ru

Beach Electric

Catamaran Resort Hotel Dziner Eyez

Impulsive Flowers

Underground Furniture

Teasers Hair Salon

-

Mark Mitchell

FTS Auto

Comerica Bank

Pacific Coast Bicycle

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Potts by Patt

-

Paper Doll Salon

American Appetizer Bagel Shop Bakery Bar Beer Selection Best wine selectionBreakfast Burger Burrito Cafe / Coffee shop Catering Chicken WingsChinese Restaurant Comfort Food Deli Desserts Dinner Family restaurant Fish Taco French Frozen yogurt Greek Happy Hour Ice Cream / GelatoIrish Italian Juice Bar Late NIght EateryLive Music & DancingLunch Margarita Martini Mexican Restaurant Most Romantic New RestaurantOcean View Overall service Overall Restaurant Patio dinning Pizza Place for a B-day Party Place to go on a Budget Place to People WatchSandwich Seafood Sports Bar Steak Sushi Thai Vietnamese

Cass St. Bar & Grill

Firehouse American Eatery

Breugger’s Bagels

Charlie’s Best Bread

Guava Beach Bar & Grill

Pacific Beach Ale House

Costa Brava

The Mission

Bare Back Grill

Fred’s Mexican Cafe

Zanzibar Cafe

Taco Surf

Bub’s

Pacific Beach Ale House

Chalkboard Deli

Zanzibar Cafe

Saska’s

Nick’s at the Beach

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

-

Yogurt on the Rocks

Pacific Beach Ale House

Bus Stop Gelato

Brewley’s Pint

Enoteca Adriano

Rum Jungle

Saska's Steak & Seafood

RT’s Longboard Grill

RT’s Longboard Grill

Fat Fish Cantina

Thrusters Lounge

Taco Surf

Cafe Bella Italia

Fat Fish Cantina

Pacific Beach Shoreclub

JRDN

Nick's at the Beach

Firehouse American Eatery

Il Padrino

Pacific Beach Ale House

Dirty Birds

Pacific Beach Shore Club

Pops Jersey Cheesesteak

World Famous

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill

Zen 5 Sushi

Narraya Thai

Pho Time

Dining Winners

Gold Medal Listings

Shopping & Services Winners

CATEGORY GOLD SILVER BRONZE

CATEGORY GOLD SILVER BRONZE

Nick's at the Beach

RT’s Longboard Grill

-

Baked

Moondoggies

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Enoteca Adriano

Isabel’s Cantina

Pacific Beach Ale House

The Mission

-

RT Longboard Grill

-

Mama Mia’s

E-Z Jay’s

The French Gourmet

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Lotsa Pasta

RT Longboard Grill

-

Yogurtland

-

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill

-

-

Il Padrino

-

Hoboken

Typhoon Salon

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Guava Beach

-

-

Nick's at the Beach

Beachwood

JRDN

Pacific Beach Ale House

Guava Beach

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto

Moondoggie’s

Fred’s Mexican Cafe

The Green Flash

Which Whic

The Fishery

Moondoggie’s

-

Saska’s

Lanna Thai

-

-

-

Boulevard Automotive

-

Cruiser King

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

Rudi Carroll Hair Design

Hotel

Men's apparel

Nail Salon

Optometrist/Ophthalmologist

Paint Store

Pet hospital /Vet

Place with unusual gifts

Poolcare

Printer

Resale shop

Sandwich

Shipping/Packaging

Shoe store

Skate shop

Smog check

Surf shop

Swimsuits

Tax Prep

Women's apparel

Workout Spot

Tower 23 Hotel

South Coast Windandsea

Beautilicious Nails & Spa

Dr. Lucinda Li, O.D.

Sherwin Williams

Turquoise Animal Hospital

Pangea Outpost/Patina (tie)

Paradise Pools

PB Printing

The Buff

PB Market & Deli

Surf & Post Shipping Center

Tutto Cuore

Soul Grind

Quick Smog

Surf Club Surf Shop

Gone Bananas Beachwear

Mike Blumenthal

Surf Club Surf Shop

Wavehouse Athletic Club

Crystal Pier Hotel & Cottages

Traveler’s Depot

French Nail Design & Spa

-

Ace Hardware

ABC Veterinary Hospital

Hydrangea Cove/Motu Hawaii

-

North Shores Printery

Cream of the Crop

Pop’s Jersey Cheese Steak

The UPS Store PB

Shoes Me

-

Smog Express

Rail 2 Rail Surf Shop

Anna Brazil

-

Primp / Purse Addict (tie)

Shock Fitness

CATEGORY GOLD SILVER BRONZE

Catamaran Resort Hotel

Surf Club Surf Shop

-

-

Frazee Paint

-

-

-

-

-

Which Which

-

Foward Footwear

-

-

Liquid Foundation

Pilar’s Beachwear

-

Gloss

Core Yoga

Shopping & Services (CONT.)

Firehouse American Eatery

Fat Fish Cantina

Einstein Bros Bagels

Sugar & Scribe Bakery

Pacific Beach Shore Club

Tap Room

JRDN

Kono's Surf Club Cafe

Rocky’s Crown Pub

Taco Surf

Turquoise Coffee

The French Gourmet

Dirty Birds

China Inn

Big Kahuna’s

Rubicon Deli

Sugar & Scribe Bakery

World Famous

Filipi’s PIzza Grotto

Pacific Beach Shore CLub

The French Gourmet

Bogart Yogurt

Cafe Athena

Guava Beach

Mr. Frostie

Hennessy's Tavern

Mama Mia's

The Big Sqeeze

Nick’s at the Beach

7/10 Beach Club

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill

Fred’s Mexican Cafe

JRDN

Fred’s Mexican Cafe

JRDN

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

World Famous/Beachwood (tie)

Nick's at the Beach

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Fig Tree Cafe

Woodstock's Pizza

Woodstock's Pizza

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill

Lahaina

PB Market & Deli

Pacific Beach Fish Shop

Miller’s Field

Saska’s

Kabuki Sushi

Kafe Yen

Pho Sao Bien

Best BarPacific Beach Shore Club“Where Grand Meets the Sand”

You can’t drink on the beach anymore, unless youwant a big fat ticket. The law, however, doesn’t sayyou can’t drink near the beach – and that’s whatmakes Pacific Beach Shore Club’s locale so conve-nient. The flat-screen TVs are only feet from thewater to boot, as are the great Happy Hour deals,goldfish races, Karaoke on Sunday , Red Bullslushies and ’tater-tots.

Pacific Beach Shore Club4315 Ocean Blvd.(858) 272-7873www.pbshoreclub.com

Guava BeachGuava Beach Bar & Grill is a locals Bar for every-one. It combines a warm and comfortable atmo-sphere with a lively and fun energy that ensuregood times for all. They are just steps away fromthe ocean & Sail Bay, in beautiful Mission Beach.Guava Beach offers plenty of plasma TVs includinga 10 foot HD projection screen with surroundsound to satisfy all your sports viewing needs. Theyhave the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, College Footballand Fox soccer packages so you don't have to missany of the games! With their VIP Room, an elevat-ed pool table lounge, 2 jumbo booths, a plushleather couch, cozy fireplace, and long mahoganybar there is a comfortable spot for all. You’ll alsofind free parking in the bayside lot at Santa Clara.They thought of everything.

Guava Beach3714 Mission Blvd.(858) 488-6688

Best Beer SelectionTap RoomOne look at Tap Room’s beer selection and you willknow these folks are serious about their brews. Farfrom the standard Stellas and Shocktops, the beerlist contains dozens of unique ales for every palate.Don’t see the one you’ve been dying to try? Justsend in your request through their website, andthey’ll send you an email when they have it on tap.Yeah, you heard it right! You can also check theirlive beer page, where they update what they areserving and how much is left before they move on

to the next delicious draft. How’s that for the per-fect beer house.

Tap Room1269 Garnet Avenue(858) 274-1010www.sdtaproom.com

Pacific Beach Ale HousePB AleHouse isn’t your dad’s Pacific Beach bar –it’s every bit a world-class microbrewery andrestaurant. Handcrafted burgers, fries, pizza anda diverse menu make PB Ale House a destinationlocation for the beer connoisseur, tourist and SanDiegan. The place brews a gold, wheat, pale ale,amber, IPA, porter and stout – and as if thatweren’t enough, it hand-patties each hamburger.Its fries are cut daily from fresh Idaho potatoes.Each pizza is handcrafted. It has more than 15big fat TVs. Do not pass “go” – stop here.

Pacific Beach AleHouse 721 Grand Ave.(858) 581-BEERwww.pbalehouse.com

Best BreakfastKono’s Surf Club CafeIf you like a little dinner with your breakfast, Kono’sis your place. That’s because nobody does potatoeslike this eatery, with cheese, bell pepper and what-ever other topping you can think of to boot. If youlike a little view with your morning meal, you coulddo worse. Cross the boardwalk and sit on the mod-est patio that overlooks the ocean; you’ll see first-hand why you live in Southern California. And ifyou like quotes on the wall of your eatery, you’re inthe right restaurant as well, with a little eruditionadding to the flare of the décor. There’s a laid-backsurfer vibe amid it all as well, which makes it per-fect for Pacific Beach and the surfer crowd thatstops off after an early morning on the waves.

Kono’s Surf Club Café704 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-1669www.sdbeachlife.com/kono.htm

The Mission The Mission is a concept of a cafe specializing in sim-ple, healthy, tasty food with a whimsical edge and afocus on artful presentation at an affordable price.The simplicity and fresh ingredients are producedwith dedication to the cause of living a more consci-

3THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

Co-owners Doug Sondomowicz (left) and Billy Ramirez stand next to the 16-foot blue marlin at The Fish Shop.

The Fish ShopThe Fish Shop is the newest fish market and grill inPacific Beach. Appealing to a mass audience, the fea-tures fresh grilled fish, served on your choice of taco,sandwich, salad, or entrée. They offer plenty of park-ing, comfortable outdoor patio, never a corkage fee,and most local San Diego Microbreweries. The FishShop is a destination for locals and fish lovers. “FreshFish & Cold Local Beers” open daily at 11am.

OverallRestaurant

The Fish Shop1775 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-4746

thefishshoppb.com

0

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 20114THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

entious lifestyle. This modern concept inhealthy dining, combined with pleasantsurroundings, is their specialty. TheMission is open daily from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Mission3795 Mission Blvd.(858) 488-9060

Best Burger

Rocky’s Crown PubNothing fancy or schmancy about thisplace. Just expect a big, juicy, greatburger, the way Rocky’s has been mak-ing them for centuries. One customerreported he went back after years awayfrom PB and found the place just asawesome as before he left; another saidRocky’s is the reason he’s no longer avegetarian. A lot of it has to do with thebun; the things are so fresh and warmthey fall apart in your hands. The barmay be on the smallish side, but a coldbeer and a cheeseburger make up thebest meal in the history of the universe— so the bar doesn’t really need to bemuch larger, now, does it?

Rocky’s Crown Pub3786 Ingraham St.(858) 273-9140www.rockyburgers.com

Bare Back GrillThose aren’t manhole covers on top ofyour plate, you big silly. Those are thetwo giant organic beef patties thatcome with the Bare Big & Dirty, thecentral jewel in the Bare Back Grill’samply adorned crown. And that’s not apiece of driftwood sitting on yourplacemat, you big silly again. It’s themenu, hand-cut and laminated by BareBack co-owner P.J. Lamont himself.Lamont is one of a trio of New Zealan-ders who built a lot of this place fromthe ground up - but that was fine bythem, because the final product wasthat much more genuine. They touttheir lighter dishes like chicken and fishsandwiches with the same enthusiasmthey do their beer and wine and burgers

- they even serve beet root as one oftheir gazillion toppings on the latter.

Bare Back Grill4640 Mission Blvd.(858) 274-7117www.barebackgrill.com

Best BurritoTaco SurfThe burrito is to fast Mexican cuisinewhat the hamburger is to the uneducat-ed American palate. Each item isincredibly tasty when it’s done right —and in the case of the former, Taco Surfhas it knocked. There’s not much to thedecor of the place other than a pick-upcounter and a few small tables — butthe ceiling is lined with some sweetclassic surfboards to fuel the local fla-vor. The burritos, tacos and fajitas arebig and fat to boot, and you get toexperiment with a massive choice oftoppings. You reportedly can’t gowrong with the California burrito,topped with hashed browns.

Taco Surf4657 Mission Blvd.(858) 272-3877www.tacosurfpb.com

Fred’s Mexican CaféFred’s is as well known for its vibrant,festive décor as it is for its menu,which includes a burrito that weighstwo pounds. Every wall is painted in abright hue and plastered with art-work, murals and advertisements forpremium drinks, and the owners havethrown in sombreros and street signsfor good measure. The bright interioris replicated in the outdoor heatedpatio, so the party will follow youwherever you choose to sit.

Fred’s Mexican Cafe1165 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-8226www.fredsmexicancafe.com

Best Café/Coffee Shop

Turquoise CoffeeThis is a great little coffee shop. Thelocation is off the beaten path of GrandAvenue and the staff is sweet andfriendly. Laid back, great music andthey open the garage-style doors whenthe weather permits. It's a great placeto chill, and it's very dog-friendly.Good variety of food stuff plus theyserve a good cup of joe. It’s everythingyou want in a coffee shop.

Turquoise Coffee 5026 Cass St.(858) 488-4677

Zanzibar CaféZanzibar Café has created a welcom-ing, worldly atmosphere that providesa relaxing haven in the heart of GarnetAvenue. Décor from local artists hangson the walls and the aroma of freshlybrewed organic coffee wafts through-out the dining area. At the counter,you are greeted by friendly staff and atantalizing display of pastries, which isan irresistible combination. It’s nowonder that Zanzibar has been a sta-ple in Pacific Beach for 17 years. Stopin to try their organic coffee andhealthy gourmet fare for breakfast,lunch or dinner.

Zanzibar Café976 Garnet Ave.(858) 272-4762www.zanzibarcafe.com

Best CateringThe French GourmetThe Gourmet’s traditional bakery isrenowned for its outstanding Frenchpastries. It’s also a showcase for full-service catering and wedding cakes,which many consider to be the best inthe history of the universe. TheGourmet’s selection of breads, break-fast pastries, cookies and cakes includethe French Gourmet chocolate mousseand the strawberry bagatelle — layersof white sponge cake dabbed withsyrup, filled with Bavarian cream andfresh strawberries and topped with athin layer of marzipan. Wash it alldown with an espresso drink or a glassof wine, or keep the experience movingwith pâté, quiche or imported cheese.

The French Gourmet960 Turquoise St.(858) 929-1984www.thefrenchgourmet.com

Taco SurfThe burrito is to fast Mexican cuisinewhat the hamburger is to the uneducat-ed American palate. Each item isincredibly tasty when it’s done right —and in the case of the former, Taco Surfhas it knocked. There’s not much to thedecor of the place other than a pick-upcounter and a few small tables — butthe ceiling is lined with some sweetclassic surfboards to fuel the local fla-vor. The burritos, tacos and fajitas arebig and fat to boot, and you get toexperiment with a massive choice oftoppings. You reportedly can’t gowrong with the California burrito,topped with hashed browns.

Taco Surf4657 Mission Blvd.(858) 272-3877www.tacosurfpb.com

Best Chicken WingsDirty BirdsFor a place with a name like this, thingsinside look immaculate–sweepingwooden beams and stanchions withcool beachy art on the walls. And DirtyBirds throws you a few odd looks, too—turkey chili fries and fried cheese slid-ers are just a couple quirky entries onthe menu. 22 different wing flavors.

Dirty Birds4656 Mission Blvd.(858) 274-2473www.dirtybirdspb.com

THANK YOU PB!FOR VOTING US BEST THAI

20% OFF ENTIRE CHECKNOT VALID WITH ANY OTHER OFFERSEXPIRES OCTOBER 29TH, 2011

Award of Excellence 20114475 Mission Blvd. 92109

858.490.2245 • narraya.com2 hrs. of free parking on Diamond Parking lot on Hornblend Street.

Thank you for voting

TACO SURFBest Burritos in Pacific Beach

A Favorite for Catering & Mexican RestaurantBring this ad in for

$1.00 OFFyour next burrito purchase.

4657 Mission Blvd.San Diego, CA, 92109(858) 272-3877

Thank You Pacific/Mission Beach!for Voting us a Readers Choice for

3 Years in a Row!Love,

Pop, Mama and the boys

Free DeliveryLimited area

See our menu onYelp.com

1730 Garnet Ave. • 858.483.2600In the Vons shopping center next to Lotsa Pasta

Mon.-Fri. 9am to 8pm Sat. 9am to 7pm

HAPPY 3RD YEAR ANNIVERSARY

10% OFF Your next orderPlease present coupon when ordering. Expires 12/31/11

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

V V

Catering u Restaurant u Bakery u Wine Boutique

32 years and still going strong!Breakfast & Lunch Served Daily 8am – 3pmDinner Tues - Sat 4pm-Close

It’s Always a Delicious Day at… The French Gourmet!

READERSCHOICEAWARDS

2 0 1 1BEST RESTAURANTS

960 Turquoise St. • San Diego, CA 92109

• 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!

• $25 3-course prix fixe menu updated weekly

• Retail wine boutique with very competitive pricing.

Call for reservations:(858) 488-1725www.thefrenchgourmet.com

FRENCH RESTAURANT CATERING

DESSERTS

5THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

Bub’s Dive Bar & GrillLocals remember when Bub’s had achicken wing eating contest that lasted15 rounds – and since chicken wingsare an official comfort food, Bub’s musthave some kind of handle on just thiskind of fare. Chipotle fish tacos, onionrings, brownies, even mash balls(spiced mashed potatoes): Bub’s car-ries them and more, catering to everyfiber of your being that craves emptycalories as a matter of survival. Sanerstuff, like fruit bowls and steak andeggs, is also available, but it’s not near-ly as much fun.

Bub’s Dive Bar & Grill1030 Garnet Ave.(858) 270-7269www.bubsdive.com

Chinese Restaurant China InnHow this place charges almost noth-ing for its food and at the same timemaintains its flashy decor is beyondus. The funksters that populate thisplace, young and usually without a lotof money, can expect to let go of lessthan $10 for generous helpings ofChinese staples such as egg foo yong,chow mein, chop suey and variationson chicken and beef dishes (prices forthe Imperial Lobster and PekingDuck are somewhat higher). If youhave even less to spend, you’re wel-come to spend time at the full bar —cocktails, like the rest of the fare, areanything but pricey.

China Inn877 Hornblend St.(858) 483-6680

Comfort FoodBig Kahuna’sOriginally out of Hawaii, the Big Kahu-na's Restaurant is family owned andoperated. In 1992, their first locationopened it's doors on the island ofOahu, Hawaii. In 2001, the Big Kahu-na's opened in Pacific Beach and havebeen catering to the local San Diegan's

ever since. They offer a wide variety offood to satisfy anyone's appetite. The"ono grinds" range from Hawaiianplates, to the Big Kahuna's burger, tohome style b.b.q. plates, and scrump-tious pan pizza's. Be sure to sample theBig Kahuna's Balls baked in butter andtopped with melted 5-cheese blend. Sogooey and delicious, if you have themonce, you will be hooked!

Big Kahuna3780 Ingraham St.(858) 270-9200

Pacific Beach Ale House(see listing under Best Beer Selection)

DeliRubicon DeliEvery deli has its own spin on how tomake their sandwiches stand out in acrowd, and at Rubicon Deli, its allabout the bread. All of their sandwich-es come on bread that is baked freshdaily, and they stay open until “thebread runs out.” And this is no ordi-nary bread. Customers can choosefrom standard white or wheat, orindulge an adventurous side by order-ing pesto, jalapeno jack, garlic, garliccheese or bleu cheese. Add in qualitymeats, gourmet condiments and animpressive variety of cheese, and thisdeli becomes a must-visit.

Rubicon Deli3819 Mission Blvd.(858) 488-DELI (3354)www.therubicondeli.com

Chalkboard Deli For 14 years, Bill Thomson of MissionBeach has layered Boar’s Head delimeats onto sandwiches, spun smooth-ies and assembled salads behind thecounter of Chalkboard Deli, while hiswife runs the orders. The duo namedall their sandwiches after famous peo-ple: Howard Stern packs in the ham,turkey and roast beef. Fidel Castrotakes marinated turkey breast andcooks it in salsa. Donald Trump knows

how to bring home the bacon, lettuceand, apparently, the tomato as well.Sandwiches range in price from $6.50to $9. The deli is also a mini juice bar.The Thomson’s squeeze oranges andcarrots for fresh juice, as well as wheatgrass. The deli offers strawberry bananasmoothies, banana and chocolatesmoothies and banana, chocolate andpeanut butter smoothies. A late break-fast includes BLT and egg salad sand-wiches. Chalkboard is open from 11a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Satur-day, and 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays.

Chalkboard Deli & Coffee Shop1146 Garnet Ave.(858) 274-8819

DessertsSugar & Scribe(see listing under Bakery)

Zanzibar Café(see lising under Best Cafe/Coffee Shop)

DinnerWorld FamousThe menu at World Famous changesdaily depending on what is fresh at themarket, which speaks volumes aboutthe staff’s commitment to quality. Notonly is the food top-notch, but so is theview. Customers seated in the diningroom will feel like they are eating on thebeach, and they can enjoy the beautifulPacific Ocean as they dive into one ofthe restaurant’s famous omelettes,seafood specials or Taco Tuesday offer-ings. World Famous is the ideal placefor a sunrise breakfast or sunset dinner.

World Famous711 Pacific Beach Dr.(858) 272-3100www.worldfamous.signonsandiego.com

Saska’s Steak & Seafood(see entry listing under Best Steak)

Family Restaurant

Filippi’s Pizza GrottoIn name, Filippi’s has been in San

All Shapes & Sizes • Mini to 100lbs.Custom Carving • Free Refreshments Indian Corn • Gourds • Corn Stalks

Carving Tools • Stencils • Paint Kits • CandlesStickers • Free Shaved Ice for KidsPersonalize Your Pumpkin at our

Pumpkin Painting and Carving Station

10am–10pm876 Garnet Ave. at Bayard

483-0329

10% Off any Quantity of Pumpkins Purchased Totaling $5.00

Not valid with any other offer

PB Pumpkin PatchLargest Selection in PB!

Say what? Patron’s do a double-take when they see this beer promo-tion outside Nick’s at the Beach.

Nick’s at the BeachThis neighborhood restaurant has made a name foritself by serving the best seafood in a comfortable,casual environment. It’s also no stranger to pressaccolades - a local magazine once rated it the topneighborhood eatery. The sidewalk café can accom-modate up to 20 people, and the Sports Bar upstairstouts a large outdoor ocean-view deck and 29 - TVs.But what’s on the menu counts, too - like the tortilla-crusted mahi mahi, pastas, dinner salads, sandwich-es and Chilean sea bass, a huge local favorite. Addthe banquet facilities and take-out service, andyou’ve got Nicks, now 14 years on and nothing in itsway. Visit Nick’s at the Pier in Ocean Beach, too!

OverallService

Nick’s at the Beach809 Thomas Ave.(858) 270-1730

nicksatthebeach.com

0

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 20116THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

Diego since 1950, which makes it olderthan most of you. The thing is, it didn’tstart out as a pizza restaurant at all. Itsorigins were in Little Italy, where Vin-cent dePhilippis and Madeleine Ste-fani ran a deli grocery — the couple’sbusiness savvy fed on itself until Filip-pi’s pizza took hold. Enjoy fifteen deli-cious pizza entries, with mountains ofthe traditional toppings, lasagna, ravi-oli, spaghetti, soups, salads and subs.

Filippi’s Pizza Grotto962 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-6222www.realcheesepizza.com

Nick’s at the Beach(see listing under Best Overall Service)

Fish Taco PB Shore Club(see entry under Bar)

Pacific Beach Fish Shop(see listing under Best Overall Restaurant)

French

The French GourmetThe Gourmet’s traditional bakery isrenowned for its outstanding Frenchpastries. It’s also a showcase for full-service catering and wedding cakes,which many consider to be the best inthe history of the universe. The selec-tion of breads, breakfast pastries, cook-ies and cakes include the FrenchGourmet chocolate mousse and thestrawberry bagatelle — layers of whitesponge cake dabbed with syrup, filledwith Bavarian cream and fresh straw-berries and topped with a thin layer ofmarzipan. Wash it all down with anespresso drink or a glass of wine, orkeep the experience moving with pâté,quiche or imported cheese.

The French Gourmet960 Turquoise St.(858) 929-1984www.thefrenchgourmet.com

Frozen Yogurt

Bogart YogurtThe length of your sweet tooth doesn’tmatter; Bogart Yogurt has you coveredbetter than the rest. The trick, see, is toserve yogurt that doesn’t stand out inthe sugar department – that way,you’re free to add toppings to taste.Some of the flavors here change regu-larly, but there’s always a staple or two,like vanilla, peanut butter and choco-late. The cake batter flavor will speak toyour childhood, when you used to filchfrom the kitchen; meanwhile, thevenue’s California Killer Cookies arefreshly made and will make quick workof whatever sugar fix you have left.

Bogart Yogurt910 Grand Ave., Ste. 108(858) 581-0202

Yogurt on the RocksYogurt on the Rocks has launched thetraditional self-serve concept into the21st century by creating a lounge-likeenvironment and installing free wi-fifor customers. But don’t let the con-temporary atmosphere fool you – thisplace still serves up everyone’s favoriteflavors, like cake batter, chocolate andoriginal tart, in addition to new twistslike kiwi strawberry and pumpkin.Choose your base, layer on some of the36 available toppings and enjoy!

Yogurt on the Rocks1886 Garnet Ave.(858) 274-3950www.yogurtontherocks.com

Greek

Cafe AthenaThe Greek cuisine at this spot is sogood, and its reputation so formidable,that it’s probably best to make a reser-vation. If you don’t, you may wait awhile on the area’s most comprehen-sive Greek menu, which includes terrif-ic gyros, souvlaki, moussaka and nofewer than 1 million desserts. The cui-

Millers Field has plenty of flat screens downstairs and view deck bar upstairs to enjoy all your favoritesporting events with your friends.

Miller’s FieldYep – this is a sports bar. Just don’t let the chief chef hear you say that. AtMiller’s, you can enjoy a wide variety of unique entrees each expertly pre-pared with the highest quality ingredients. Whether it’s lunch, dinner,happy hour or late at night, it’s a great time to sit down to one of our heartyappetizers. Signature flatbread pizzas. Huge burgers and sandwiches madefresh, by hand. Crisp salads, piled high. Savory soups, made fresh daily.Delectable deserts or any of our other fresh food creations.

Sports BarMiller’s Field

4465 Mission Blvd.(858) 483-4143

www.millersfield.com

0

1420 Garnet Avenue, Pacific Beach, 858-274-1733

Sugar & Scribe Bakery is thankful to you for being sinfully sweet

and voting our treats best!

In appreciation bring in the ad for a FREEHalloween Cookie with any $5 purchase.

Full Breakfast Sat + Sun

1269 Garnet Ave

Free Delivery 858-274-1010

Thank You PB for Voting us Best Beer Selection

SubsPastasSaladsPizzasAppetizersCalzonesBurgers & Desserts

THANK YOU PACIFIC BEACH!

BEST SANDWICH in Mission & Pacific Beach

for voting us

PB Market & DeliCall in Your Order, We’ll have it Ready for You!

Check out our Extensive Collection of Craft Beers and Premium Wines

4435-1/2 Cass St. 858-272-8500 Open Daily 8am-Midnight - Fri. & Sat. until 1:45am

Deli Hours 8am-7pm (Sun. until 6pm)

12 OZ. CAN OF SODA OR16 OZ. BOTTLE OF WATER& BAG OF CHIPS*FREE

with purchase of any regular priced sandwich Exp. 10/27/11Must present this ad. *Up to 1.7oz bag of chips.

7THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

sine is shaped by simplicity andspawned by ingenuity. Simple, unpre-tentious foods such as grains, pastaand legumes are enriched by the pun-gent flavors of garlic, onion, eggplantand artichoke and by the essences ofolive oil, lemons and raisins. The bestGreek cooking is tied to nature and tothe seasons, and it flourishes accord-ingly. Cafe Athena strives to serve itsdishes with the same elemental quality.

Cafe Athena1846 Garnet Ave.(858) 274-1140www.cafeathena.com

Happy HourGuava Beach Bar & Grill(sww listing under Best Bar)

Pacific Beach Ale House(see lsting under Best Beer Selection)

Ice Cream/Gelato

Mr. Frostie’sMr. Frostie’s is the ideal place for asweet treat on a warm summer day.Whether you are looking for a classicbanana split or a more modern spinlike a Butterfinger milkshake, this isthe place to be. It’s also one of the onlyplaces in town where you can giveyour ice cream cone an extra specialtouch by having it dipped in chocolateor caramel.

Mr. Frostie’s1470 Garnet Ave(858) 274-9977www.mrfrosties.com

Gelato Bus Stop Gelato Bus Stop specializing in authen-tic, homemade gelato created using agenerations old recipe brought to SanDiego from Bologna, Italy. We makeour gelato fresh every day, using allnatural ingredients, fat free milk, freshfruit, and generations of gelato makingexperience. Gelato Bus Stop is the firstgelato and crepe cafe in the Pacific

Beach community of San Diego. Wespecialize in Gelato: homemade, lowfat, Italian ice cream!

Gelato Bus Stop1001 Garnet Ave.(619) 578-3828

IrishHennessey’s TavernSince its 1976 founding, the chain hasgrown from a single location in Her-mosa Beach to a 10-venue operation,owing to its selection of authentic Irishfare and grog and outstanding service.You only need go to the Pacific Beachlocale to see why it’s top pick.

Hennessey’s Tavern Pacific Beach4650 Mission Blvd.(858) 483-8847www.hennesseystavern.com

Brewley’s PintBrewley’s Pint on Garnet Avenue is anIrish pub with 17 taps, big screen TVs,live music and DJ’s and tasty pub grub.The bar is already counting down thedays until the next St. Patrick’s Day,but it the meantime it has become apopular PB destination with a laid-back atmosphere and killer daily spe-cials.

Brewley’s Pint1261 Garnet Ave.(858) 270-9922www.brewleyspint.com

ItalianMamma MiaThe left hand definitely knows what theright one’s doing at this place. Theservers’ suggestions are spot-on – lis-ten and heed them when they recom-mend Italian staples like lodigianasalad, lasagna and ravioli al casale. Yousimply can’t go wrong with those choic-es. Neither will you shirk at the sightand smell of the handmade pasta orthe idea of exclusively in-house prepa-ration. There’s quaint all around, too –Mama Mia’s is located in an old wood

house, lending new life to the term“home cooking.”

Mamma Mia1932 Balboa Ave.(858) 272-2702www.mammamiaitalianrestaurant.com

Enoteca AdrianoAs Pacific Beach’s first wine bar, Enote-ca Adriano provides an unexpectedtouch of romance and class in this fun-loving beach town. Chef Franco Tas-sone was born in Italy and has par-layed his love of cooking and finedining into a gem of a restaurant, withauthentic Italian entrees and a wine listthat offers glasses and bottles frommore than 13 regions in Italy. If youhave your own favorite bottle, bring itto the restaurant Monday or Tuesdaywhen there is no corkage fee.

Enoteca Adriano4864 Cass St(858) 490-0085www.enotecaadriano.com

Juice Bar

Big Squeeze Juice BarNeed help getting enough vitamins andnutrients? The Big Squeeze is the placefor you. This juice bar offers freshsqueezed smoothies, vegetable juices,wheat grass, tropical juices and fruitbowls. Start out with the Breakfast ofthe Gods – a blend of strawberries,peaches, blueberries, bananas, applejuice, orange juice and nonfat plainyoghurt. The veggie juice will give youa kick with its mixture of carrots, cel-ery, parsley, beets, spinach, cucumber,broccoli and apple juices. The storealso sells purified water, frozen yoghurtand wheatgrass.

Big Squeeze Juice Bar 1826 Garnet Ave.(858) 273-1001www.bigsqueezeonline.com

Rum Jungle CafeDelicious food, family owned cafe with

smoothies, wheat grass shots, coffee,sandwhiches, wraps, bowls, acai andmore. Mellow vibes and they're alwaysfriendly and play awesome internation-al reggae music. Also have WiFi, com-puters and a printer.

Rum Jungle4150 Mission Blvd. #153 (858) 273-2227

Late Night Eatery

Nick’s at the Beach(see listing under Overall Service)

Saska’s Steak & Seafood(see entry listing under Best Steak)

Live Music & Dancing710 Beach ClubThe thing that sets 710 apart from theother venues is probably Pacific Beachitself. The club is directly off CrystalPier, which is about as PB a landmarkas you’ll find. A look at the onlinephoto gallery shows just how raucousthings can get, but what the picturesdon’t show is that everything’s all infun. Live music every weekend, a greatlineup of special and weekly events,Monday Night Football and more: 710has everything PB demands and theocean right out the door to boot.

710 Beach Club710 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-7844www.710beachclub.com

RT’s Longboard GrillNightly drink specials, live music, tele-vised sports, cheap pool and palm-thatch tables color the budget-inten-sive effect at RT’s — it’s comfortableand unpretentious here, replete withsurfboards and a neon sea above thesquare bar. If you’re watching pennies,you’re strongly encouraged to try OpenMic Night on for size. It’s on Tuesdays,and it features fish tacos for $1.25 andCorona beer for $3. The very friendly

service has its roots in the surfer com-munity. The bar is in fact a memorialto Ron Trenton, a lifeguard and pilotwhose plane disappeared in 1997. Hisbrothers opened RT’s to fulfill hisdream — ownership of a laid-backbeach bar.

RT’s Longboard Grill1466 Garnet Ave.(858) 270-4030www.longboardgrill.com

Lunch

Pacific Beach Bar & GrillThis venue, also popularly known at“the Grill,” is located two blocks fromCrystal Pier, and the patio is about thesize of the pier itself. The Grill offers afull-service menu featuring a seriousselection of appetizers, salads, Mexicanentrees, pizza, pasta, burgers and sand-wiches. It caters to the gamers in noless a fashion - it features pool tables,darts, interactive TV and 72 televisionsfor watching just about every sport thatsatellite carries (four of the screens are8 feet wide). If sports isn’t your thing,there’s always dancing - and that’swhen Club Tremors comes in handy,just a few feet away. There’s somethingfor everybody here.

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill860 Garnet Ave.272-4745www.pbbarandgrill.com

RT’s Longboard Grill(see listing under Best Music & Dancing)

MargaritaFred’s Mexican CaféFred’s is as well known for its vibrant,festive décor as it is for its menu, whichincludes a burrito that weighs twopounds. Every wall is painted in abright hue and plastered with artwork,murals and advertisements for premi-um drinks, and the owners havethrown in sombreros and street signsfor good measure. The bright interior is

EAT DRINK & CHILL

4656 MISSION BLVD. PACIFIC BEACH858.274.2473 • DIRTYBIRDSPB.COM

GREAT FOOD

UNIQUE BURGERS

WINGS

THANKS PB for votingBest Chicken Wings

and Place to Go on a Budget

M-F 3PM-6PM HAPPY HOUR

½ PRICE DOMESTIC PITCHERS / ½ OFF ALL WINGS

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 20118THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

replicated in the outdoor heated patio,so the party will follow you whereveryou choose to sit.

Fred’s Mexican Cafe1165 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-8226www.fredsmexicancafe.com

Fat Fish Cantina(see entry listing under Best Appetizer)

Best Martini

JRDN(see listing under Best Overall)

Mexican RestaurantFred’s Mexican Cafe(see entry under Margarita)

Taco Surf(see listing under Best Burrito)

Most RomanticJRDN(see listing under Best Overall)

Caffe Bella ItaliaBet ya didn't know that Italy had afood critic in the 4th century B.C. Hisname was Archestratus, and he was aGreek Sicilian who eschewed the useof seasonings and spices. He'd beamazed at today's Italian cuisine, withits endless array of sauces andcheeses designed to enliven a meal.You'll be amazed too, because CaffeBella Italia serves them up better thanjust about anybody else. The spinachravioli with butter sauce is to die for(but please don't); the place servedthe best bruschetta in the area; andthe eatery offers no fewer than 32 piz-zas to choose from. That's only thestart, and you have ten hours a day,seven days a week, to discover the restin as warm and inviting an interior asyou could hope to find. Caffe Bella Italia1525 Garnet Ave.273-1224www.caffebellaitalia.com

Best New Restaurant

Pacific Beach Fish Shop(see entry under Best Overall)

Fat Fish Cantina(see listing under Best Appetizer)

Best Ocean ViewWorld Famous(see listing under Best Ocean View)

The BeachWoodThe BeachWood brings Pacific Beachsomething it's never seen. It's a placewhere options are endless. A bar,restaurant and rooftop patio with anocean view. A place where you canmeet people from all walks of life or

bring your own party. A place whereyou can be comfortable, laid back ordressed up. With fresh homemadefood, open air dining in the heart ofPacific Beach across from the sand andocean, The Beachwood is PacificBeach's favorite local spot promising tokeep it real. Simply put, The Beach-wood is Pacific Beach's newest way toeat, drink and mix.

The BeachWood4190 Mission Blvd.858) 750-2512

Pacific Beach Shore Club(see entry under Best Bar)

Best Patio DiningFig Tree Café Fig Tree Café has intertwined casualPB dining on its spacious, outdoorpatio under a large Ficus tree withMediterranean cuisine. Fig Tree Caféserves largely organic, California-Mediterranean food like smokedsalmon omelets or, on the hippy side,blue corn pancakes and whole graingranola. Johan Engman opened therestaurant in 2008 with the intent tofocus on organic, locally sourced ingre-dients. Among its most popular dishesare the organic, veggie-filled Wind -ansea omelet comprised of locallyraised free-range eggs, and a BLTserved on a croissant with the unex-pected addition of turkey and avocado.Enjoy dining on the patio or indoors.

Fig Tree Café5119 Cass St. (858) 274-2233

Firehouse American Eatery + Lounge(see listing under Best American)

Best Pizza Woodstock PizzaWoodstock’s Pizza has been making itsmark in college towns across California

for more than two decades, and thisyear Pacific Beach finally got its ownlocation for families and students toenjoy. Here, the secret really is in thesauce, which is baked into the foldedcrust for a spicy kick from your firstbite to your last. Founders ChuckWoodstock and Mike Chew committedearly on to using only fresh dough andpiling on more toppings than theircompetitors. They also established afamily friendly environment, whereparents can enjoy an adult beverageand watch sporting events on large-screen TVs while their children dig intothe gooey slices of pie.

Woodstock’s Pizza1221 Garnet Ave.(858) 642-6900www.woodstockspb.com

iI PadrinoMaking Pizza and Grinders you can’trefuse! Having been forced to eat sub-par pizza in Pacific Beach for the past 5years, they decided it was high time tostep up and bring the best of our EastCoast roots and family recipes to SanDiego. Stop in and try the Best Pizzaand Grinders you’ve had in San Diego,and for those of you from the EastCoast, experience instant nostalgiawhen you take that first bite. il Padrinois located in Pacific Beach at Horn-blend & Bayard, in between China Innand Millers Field. Looking forward toseeing you soon at il Padrino!

iI Padrino859 Hornblend St, (858) 2Pizzas

Best Place to go for BirthdayPartyWoodstock Pizza(see entry under Family Restaurant)

Pacific Beach Ale House(see listing under Best Beer Selection)

GRAZIE! For making Mamma Mia the #1 Italian Restaurant for the 4th time in a row.

Thank You loyal friends, customers and everybody who voted!

Chef Cinzia Zolfanelli is a locally acclaimedchef, restaurateur, teacher and mom.Born and raised in Milan, Italy, Cinziabecame a professional chef when sheopened her first restaurant, Ciao Bella (La Mesa), in 2001.Now chef/owner of Mamma Mia restaurantin Pacific Beach, Cinzia reinvented herselfwith a new homemade menu encompassingthe best of Northern and Southern ItalianRegional cuisine. Cinzia mixes delicious andfancy food with the warmth of Italian fami-

ly style dining. Her new and improved menu has developed into a com-pilation of Italian classics and unique items that utilize bold and freshingredients. Chef Cinzia is also active in her community of PacificBeach where she conducts benefit dinners for local charities and teachescooking classes at her daughters’ elementary school.

1932 Balboa Ave. San Diego (PB) • 858.272.2702www.mammamiaitalianrestaurant.comMamma Mia is on

The Flower ShoppePotts by Patt Florist

wants to thank you for voting for us!

Daily Deliveries • Full Service Party Planner • WeddingsExquisite Linens • Corporate Events

1560 Garnet Avenue • 858-273-0344

Hydrangea Cove owner, Susan and friends enjoy the varietybeach cottage accessories and gift ideas in the store located onTurquoise Street.

9THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

Best Place to go on a BudgetPacific Beach Bar & Grill(see entry under Happy Hour)

Dirty BirdsFor a place with a name like this,things inside look immacu-late–sweeping wooden beams andstanchions with cool beachy art on thewalls. And Dirty Birds throws you a fewodd looks, too—turkey chili fries andfried cheese sliders are just a couplequirky entries on the menu. 22 differ-ent wing flavors.

Dirty Birds4656 Mission Blvd.(858) 274-2473www.dirtybirdspb.com

Place to People WatchLahaina Beach HouseThe best thing about Lahaina BeachHouse is it is one of the very few placesyou can drink on the beach in PacificBeach or at least close to it! Locatedright on the sand, behind the Eggery,with a view of the ocean and board-walk. This has been a locals favorite foryears. Stop by for a drink open 9 a.m.to 9 p.m. 7 days a week.

Lahaina Beach House710 Oliver Ave(at Strand Way) (858) 270-3888

Pacific Beach Shore Club(see entry under Bar)

Best Seafood Pacific Beach Fish Shop(see entry under Best Overall)

World Famous(see entry under Best Oceanview)

Best Sandwich PB Market & DeliPB’s Market & Deli has grown in popu-larity due to their premium beer, wine

and gourmet sandwiches. You’ll lovethe fast, friendly service. The largemenu board could be overwhelmingfor the weak at heart! But never fear,the staff will help you make a deliciouschoice – and there’s always anotherday to enjoy the fresh ingredients, largeproportions, fair prices and outdoorseating. What a great lunch combo. PB Market & Deli4435 Cass St.(858) 272-8500

Pop’s Jersey Style Cheese SteaksWhat makes a Jersey style cheesesteak sandwich different from aPhilly style one is bread that is toast-ed a little longer to give it a crispiertexture. Also setting a Jersey sand-wich apart is the standard peppers,onions and mushrooms. Augustmarks the one-year anniversary ofPop’s Jersey Style Cheese Steak at itslocation in Pacific Beach. Serving upthese tantalizing sandwiches are twoboys, a mom and one pop.

Pop’s Jersey Style Cheese Steaks1730 Garnet St. (858) 483-2600

Best Sports Bar Miller’s Field(see photo on page 6)

Pacific Beach Bar & Grill (see listing under Best Lunch)

Best SteakSaska’s Steak & SeafoodAll of 60 years ago, Joe Saska openedthis simple restaurant with the idea ofoffering quality steaks and real Roque-fort salad dressing to his customers.Today, Saska’s offers a distinctive din-ing experience in a quaint, intimateatmosphere. Steaks have always beenthe main draw to this place—the juicy,expertly cooked “Duke” is one of themost delicious in San Diego. Saska’s

Firehouse American Eatery, aptly named as it is adjacent to the Pacific Beach fire department.

Firehouse AmericanEatery + LoungeLocated next to the Pacific Beach fire station and just steps away from thebeach, Firehouse mixes downtown-type luxury (leather sofas, fire pit bar,patio seating) with PB casual—board shorts, flips-flops and the usual beach-town trademark sartorials. Foodwise, it’s all about appetizers like fondue,quesadillas and mini-corn dogs. Along with the sandwiches, salads andlighter dinner fare is a small dessert menu that even includes chocolate chipcookies and milk.

Best American

Firehouse American Eatery +Lounge

722 Grand Ave.(858) 274-3100

www.firehousepb.com

0

THANK YOU PB FOR VOTINGUS BEST SPORTS BAR!

Check out our website for daily food & drink specials!

WATCH THECHARGERS & DOLPHINS, GIANTS & CARDINALS HERE!

4465 Mission Blvd. • 858.483.4143

Thank You for Voting Us!Monday Pints & Sliders – 5 for $5

Tuesday – $2 TacosWednesday Wings –6 for $3, 10 for $5, 20 for $8

Thursday Street Tacos – 5 for $5Friday Fajitas – $6.95, Street Tacos $1.50

Happy Hour Monday thru Friday,

3pm to 7pmlongboardgrill.com 858.270.4030

1466 Garnet Avenue

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 201110THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

also offers an engaging variety of freshseafood entrées in addition to a greatselection of pastas.

Saska’s Steak & Seafood3768 Mission Blvd.(858) 488-7311www.saskas.com

Best SushiKabuki SushiYou feel like you are in Japan withgreat sushi served to you or you can sitat the sushi bar & pick your sushi fromone of the passing boats, yes boats. In abig circle going around the sushi bar –if you like it grab it , keep your plateand they will figure out the bill fromthere. Great for a party or to try sushifor the first time.

Kabuki Sushi4475 Mission Blvd. Ste C(858) 270-1986

Zen 5Zen 5 strives to provide an atmospherethat promotes their “Rolls & Reggae”tagline, and the combination seems tobe working, as the restaurant is almostalways full of happy diners. Daily spe-cials keep the menu exciting, and thereggae tunes playing in the backgroundkeep the vibes care-free. Those in themood for sake or Sapporo can get theirfix at the restaurant’s daily happy hourfrom 5 to 7 p.m.

Zen 51130 Garnet Ave.(858) 490-0121www.zen5sushi.com

Best Thai

Kafe YenThis unassuming little place servesgreat selections to a fault, even if Thaiisn’t your fare of choice. It serves Indi-an and Japanese curry as well as noo-dle dishes from Malaysia, Singaporeand China. You can add chicken, pork,

beef, seafood and, for the more adven-turous, duck to your dish. You can evencustom-fit your food to the preferreddegree of spiciness.

Kafe Yen4516 Mission Blvd.(858) 373-3936www.kafeyen.com

Narraya ThaiNarraya, the Palace of Thai Dining,serves up an eclectic experience in abreathtaking ambience just a shortstroll from the historic Crystal Pier inPacific Beach. With the unique KhanThoke traditional seating and anencompassing menu that takes a tourof Thailand’s regional destinations,Narraya is the epitome of excellence inflavorful foods, wonderful wines, andsophisticated service.

Narraya Thai4475 Mission Blvd Ste N-Q (858) 490-2245

Best Vietnamese Pho Sao BienVietnamese restaurant Pho Sao Bien isknown for its rice noodle soup, calledPho, that visitors from the north raveabout, which is saying something sincethe competition up there is more fiercebetween Vietnamese restaurants. Thesalad bowl is also popular, which con-sists of vermicelli noodles topped withlettuce, mint, bean sprouts, peanutsand a choice or combo of chicken, beef,pork, tofu or shrimp. The restaurantalso sells a Vietnamese coffee with aFrench influence – served with astrainer and condensed milk on theside. A selection of beer is also avail-able. Lunch goers shouldn’t expect towait more than five minutes for theirmeal, and homebodies can place anorder and carry out their food.

Pho Sao Bien1958 Garnet Ave.(858) 272-9612

Pho Time With bright green bamboo signage toinitially attract hungry eyes, there isan array of good eats at this new phospot. The wonderful pho soup aromawafts inside the restaurant, whichhelped earn them a Readers Choiceaward this year. The broth is not toooily and even referred to as goldenand sparkly, a perfect formed andtasty concoction. With tender steakand finely cut tripe and tendon, thePho Time soup is a standout.

Pho Time1820 Garnet St.(858) 273-1664

Best Wine SelectionJRDN(see listing under Best Service)

Costa Brava Delicious food abounds in PacificBeach but Costa Brava is a culinarygem with an old world heritage at itstable: Spanish culture and food.Costa Brava dedicates an entire webpage to explaining its tapas (smallbites) - from empanadas, grilledshellfish and potato omelets to sim-ple ingredients that hold their ownon the plate - jamon Serrano, chorizosausage, or unique Manchego cheese.The restaurant has won awards forits tapas, paella and Spanish wines.The servers are very knowledgeableabout the Spanish cuisine. The diffi-culty in finding a table on a givennight speaks for the consensus in thecommunity that Costa Brava is a topchoice.

Costa Brava Spanish Restaurant1653 Garnet Ave.(858) 273-1218www.costabravasd.com

Full Menu'Till 1amNightly

Have Lunch in the SUN!

Now Serving Breakfast!

Saturday & Sunday 9am-2pm

Happy Hour in Lounge Areas OnlyMust Be 21 with Proper ID

to Enter Upstairs Bar

809 Thomas Ave • Pacific Beach • 858.270.1730

Thanks Pacific Beach for Voting Us a Readers Choice

for the Following:American Cuisine

Family Restaurant • Late NightEatery • Most Romantic • Overall

Service • Overall Restaurant

Hula on over to Motu Hawaii for the biggest selection of Hawianitems in San Diego– even ukuleles!

Motu HawaiiIf you’re looking for LEIS in San Diego... you’llfind it at Motu Hawaii! Been searching for aukulele? They have them too! You’ll find productsfrom Hawaii and other Pacific Islands like freshflower leis, ukuleles, Locals slippers, Surfah slip-pers, HIC, Hawaiian sStyle, Bulky Boy, Island Tattees, Hinano fashions, aloha shirts & dresses,Hawaiian heirloom jewelry, Tahitian black pearls,CDs, DVDs, auto stickers, hula supplies, toeresticks, 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 & otherfood items, and much more... They even havePolynesian dance entertainment & classes. Nowyou have to admit, that’s unusual!

UnusualGiftsMotu Hawaii

4150 Mission Blvd, Ste.115

(858) 272-MOTU(6688)

0

11THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

SHOPPING & SERVICESBest ArchitectOasis ArchitectureOasis is a full-service architectural firmspecializing in custom residentialhomes, historic renovations and qualityadditions. The staff’s primary goal is tounderstand their client’s vision andhelp guide them through the entiredevelopment process, from design topermits and approvals through theactual construction.

Oasis Architecture & Design Inc.1015 Turquoise Street, Ste. 2 (858) 273-5632www.oasis-ad.com

Mark Mitchell AIA Architecture & PlanningWhen you need an architect, you wantsomeone you can trust wholeheartedly.Mark Mitchell’s architecture firm is cel-ebrating two decades in business thisyear, and he has built a reputation inSan Diego for his ability to work withlocal planning and building depart-ments, as well as his problem solvingcapabilities. He has designed morethan 300 residential, commercial andhospitality projects during his career.

Mark Mitchell Architecture & Planning4747 Mission Blvd., Suite 6 (858) 274-5978mmarchitect.com

Best Art GalleryGallery at Lands EndGallery at Land's End has a trackrecord of almost 40 years in customframing that ranges from simple,clean metal molding to elaborate,water-gilded water frames. Thegallery offers more that 3,000 mold-ing options and 500 matting choices.The gallery also carries exclusiveworks from our local artists. Hand-made greeting cards and jewelry fromNoon designs round out a fun gallery

with a great So-Cal vibe. Wether youare first time customer or a regular,the staff will strive to create a customframe that matches your tastes andpreferences.

Gallery at Lands End 4984 Cass St. (858) 270-7820www.galleryatlandsend.com

Best Auto Repair

PB Foreign & DomesticCar RepairAt PB Foreign & Domestic Car Repairyou’ll feel you’ve left your car in thehands of some pretty knowledgeablefolks. Not only has this shop been opensince 1981, it’s family owned, whichtranslates to a solid investment in thebusiness’ credibility. The staff will getyou rolling – after all, it’s a family tradi-tion.

PB Foreign & Domestic Car Repair1727 Garnet Ave(858) 480-3637www.pbautorepair.com

FTS AutoCar repair shops can be intimidating,but not FTS Auto. The staff goes out ofits way to ensure that customers arecomfortable, and they can handle anytype of repair on any type of vehicle.Visit their website to see their impres-sive list of A-Z services.

FTS Auto5165 Cass St.(858) 488-0885www.ftsautopb.com

Best BankHome Bank of CaliforniaHave you noticed how hard it is tosqueeze a cashier’s check out of a tellerthese days? Either the bank doesn’t sellthem or they cost the equivalent of asecond mortgage. Home Bank of Cali-fornia goes against the grain in thisrespect. In fact, Home Bank goes the

extra mile in most respects – andthese days, with so much riding onevery financial decision you make, it’sgood to know PB has a friend like thatin its corner.

Home Bank of California875 Garnet Ave.(858) 270-5881www.homebankofcalifornia.comwww.rawclothing.com

Comerica Bank Rooted in Detroit and headquarteredout of Dallas, the 160-year old Comeri-ca Bank has established its footprint insouthern California. Within the pastnine years, the bank has set up 100branches in the region, including sevenbranches that opened in San Diego inrecent years. The branch on GarnetAvenue specializes in small businesses,and the bank attempts to be proactiveby visiting businesses and residents attheir location, as well as offering fullservices to its banking clients.

Comerica Bank 1802 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-4693www.comerica.com

Best Bicycle Shop

Rusty Spokes Bike ShopRusty spokes claims to have the mostcomfortable bikes in Pacific Beach!Apparently our readers agree! The staffis very friendly and helpful and will tryto fit you into a bike for your needs.Follow-up is great– need a minoradjustment no problem or stop by andfill up my tires. They’ll take good careof you after your purchase.

Rusty Spokes Vintage Bicycles1344 Garnet Ave(858) 581-1931www.softcruiser.com

Pacific Coast BicycleThe logo for Pacific Coast Bicycle says itall: a stick drawing of a bicycle in theshape of a Harley Davidson – high

Thank You for Honoring Us Three Years in a Row!Best Contractor / Construction

“I love being an integral part of the community, doing what I do best to make ourcommunity a more beautiful place to live.” – Tom Armstrong

755 Turquoise StreetPacific Beach • 92109

858-488-2825www.armstrongbuilt.com

• Custom Homes

• Home Remodels and Additions

• Kitchens and Baths

• Insurance Restorations

"Armstrong designs and builds exceptional homes.We create additions that blend beautifully with youroriginal home and fit your budget.

Our designers listen to your needs and create that Addition, that Dream Kitchen and/or Dream Baths youhave always wanted. We know how to get the most out ofa property and focus on the things that make living comfortable, that capture as much view and sunlight aspossible, working well with our clients in describing ourideas visually"

We design and build wonderful yards and decks to capture the outdoor lifestyle that most San Diegans enjoy.

One of San Diego’s Top Builders Since 1980

We take everything into account – the purpose or function of the remodel or addition, the location of it, what our client likes and how our client lives.

Call Us For a Free In-Home Consultation

• Custom Homes

• Home Remodels and Additions

• Kitchens and Baths

• Insurance Restorations

THANK YOUFOR MAKING KAFE YEN AN AWARD WINNER

4516 MISSION BLVD. PACIFIC BEACHAT THE CORNER OF MISSION BLVD. AND GARNET BY CRYSTAL PIER

(858) 373-3936WWW.KAFEYEN.COM

BEST THAI CUISINE IN PBFOUR YEARS IN A ROW

Fat Fish Cantina, the new kid on the block offers killer appetizers!

Fat Fish CantinaThis new restaurant opened up in PacificBeach where Gringo’s was. It is SoutherCoastal Cuisine with a Latin influence. Hereyou’ll enjoy great fresh Mexican food anddrink especially the dangerously spicy magari-ta! Happy hours are fantastic. Lobster andchips for $5 on Monday, Tuesday and Thurs-days are $1 street tacos, and Wednesdays aremy favorite 1/2 price appetizers and $2 mar-garitas! The appetizer list includes around 20different itmes and an amazing Sundaybrunch.

BestAppetizer

Fat Fish Cantina4474 Mission Blvd.(858) 490-2877

0

handles and a low ride. This bicycleshop is in the know about the latestBMX and cruiser trends, and offerseither a cruiser ready to roll, a custom-made bike or modifications to your oldbaby. If you don’t have wheels to rideby the shop, check out some BMXchoices online that include the Redline,Free Agent, SE Bikes and Mongoose.

Pacific Coast Bicycle1637 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-2453www.pacificcoastbicycle.com

Best Bookstore Traveler’s DepotTraveler’s Depot is a wise place to stopbefore you travel to ensure you haveeverything for your journey. The storesells luggage, travel books, maps, purs-es, handbags and backpacks, and sinceyou will have to rely more on your feetduring your travels, the Depot alsostocks comfortable sandals and Keenshoes – a waterproof, non-slip, com-fortable shoe for professionals and trav-elers with weary feet.

Traveler’s Depot1655 Garnet Ave.(858) 483-1421www.travelersdepot.com

Best Children’s ApparelTula RuTula Ru Children’s Boutique is a one ofkind model that offers upscale, namebrand clothing in excellent conditionwithout the sticker shock of buyingnew! Unlike typical ‘resale’ shops over-crowded with lower quality merchan-dise, Tula Ru is a warm, vintage-styleboutique with a dedicated play area forthe kids, allowing parents to shop foraffordable clothing and new toys ,books, games, and more! Last minutebirthday party? Baby shower? Don’tstress…they’ve got you covered withcomplimentary gift wrapping! TulaRu Children’s Boutique really is a one-stop-shop for growing families!

Tula Ru5005 Cass St.(858) 272-5622www.tula-ru.com

Best Chiropractor Libs Chiropractic CenterThe Libs – a husband-and-wife team –have run Libs Chiropractic Centersince the early ’80s. Dr. Lori Libs hasbeen practicing since 1979 with a focuson family care. She continues to studygentle chiropractic techniques. Dr.David Libs has been a practicing chiro-practor since 1982. He has advancedtraining in the Gonstead Techniqueand is a qualified medical examiner.Dr. David specializes in working withaccident/worker comp cases andsevere lower back pain patients. Thecenter also offers Vax-D treatment totreat herniated discs, as well as mas-sage therapy, nutrition consultationand acupuncture.

Libs Chiropractic Center4410 Lamont St. (858) 483-8500libschiropractic.com

Best Computer RepairSD LaptopsThe goal at SD Laptops is to provideaffordable technical services for restor-ing your laptop/notebook, PC or desk-top computer back to its original work-ing state. They offer a flat fee of $89 formost repairs, and they provide freediagnostics for a fast and accurateassessment of the work required beforethey move forward with repairs, so youalways know what to expect.

SD Laptops4645 Cass St., Ste. 201A(858) 864-3108www.sdlaptops.com

Best Contractor / ConstructionArmstrong Construction Tom Armstrong began at the base levelat the age of 15 as a laborer, carpenter,

framer and layout worker and workedhis way up. At 17, he was specializing instairway construction and roofing; afew years later he was supervisingconstruction phases, and then Tomwent solo in the design and remodel-ing business. In his work, he aims tocapture as much sunlight and oceanview as possible.

Armstrong Construction Inc.755 Turquoise St.(858) 488-3465www.armstrongbuilt.com

Best Day Spa Catamaran HotelAt the Catamaran, the biggest drawmight be the beautiful studios andsuites. Or maybe the tropical garden.Or perhaps it is the placid setting alongMission Bay’s sandy shores. It couldeven be the relaxing day spa. It’s hardto choose the best feature, especiallywhen you get them all for a surprising-ly affordable rate.

Catamaran Resort Hotel3999 Mission Blvd.(800) 422-8386www.catamaranresort.com

Best ElectricianBeach Electrical ServiceBeach Electrical Service is a familyowned and operated business that hasbeen servicing the Mission Beach andPacific Beach area since 1985. They’refast, friendly and dedicated to servicingthe beach communities. So, when youhave and electrical problem, no matterhow small, call the trouble shootingexperts!

Beach Electrical Service1777 Missouri St.(858) 488-3962 or 858 272-7722

Best Eyewear

Dziner EyezAre you one of those people who lovesto wear the coolest sunglasses, buthates spending a ton of money because

you will inevitably leave them at thebeach or break them in half? If so,Dziner Eyez is the place for you. Notonly do they carry the most fashionablestyles of the season, but at their pricesyou can afford a few back-up pairs.

Dziner Eyez870 Garnet Ave.(858) 581-3939

Best Florist Impulsive FlowersThe Internet has changed business butflowers have not gone out of style –you can just order them through theInternet now. Impulsive Flowers, soldoutside Henry’s Market offer creativearrangements for the usual occasions –weddings and funerals and romanticsurprises – but you can also choosefrom a traditional, contemporary orexotic look, or just skip the petals andgo for the gourmet basket. Take time tostop by and smell the roses.

Impulsive Flowers1260 Garnet Ave. (858) 274-4333www.impulsiveflowers.net

Potts by PattGarnet Avenue is often cited for its --well -- gustatory prowess, shall wesay. No less than 4 million bars andrestaurants dot both sides of its 18blocks -- and while that's all well andgood, the street does have its conces-sions to other proprietorships. Pottsby Pat is one of them. It's a full-ser-vice florist, set a bit away from thebeach area and its characteristic hus-tle and bustle. You'll love the pricesand location -- and that smell! Potts by Patt1560 Garnet Ave.237-0566

Best Furniture StoreUnderground FurnitureYou never know what the future holds.Just ask the peeps over at Under-

ground Furniture, where the inventoryis clean-lined and modern, like it wasin the ’50s and ’60s. This place isalways trying to keep that aspect in thestore, and that’s the way it’s been sinceits opening more than a decade ago.And in all that time, you’ve respondedso well that Underground is invitingyou to get into the act. You can nowbuild your own sofa – custom colors,sizes and everything else – if you ask.

Underground Furniture1345 Garnet Ave.(858) 581-0229www.undergroundfurniture.com

Best Hair Salon

Teasers SalonSlang for beautiful, Belli Belli has glam-orized its clients with full-service hairstyling and treatments, skin care, eye-lash and waxing services, massage andwedding and event preparations. BelliBelli describes itself as classicallyorganic where the staff blends Cheerswith Nordstrom in its approach: every-one knows your name and you’realways right. Choose between seniorstylists with five years and more undertheir belts or regular stylists thatcharge less.

Belli Belli3461 Ingraham St.(858) 270-2288www.bellibelli.com

PaperDoll SalonLocated on one of the busiest streets inSan Diego, the vibe of the salon reflectsthe spark of the community it thrivesin. There are ten hairstylists and threeestheticians who offer a variety of ser-vices from cutting, coloring, HairlocsExtensions and Global KeratinSmoothing Treatment, to facials,chemical peels, microdermabrasiontreatments, eyelash and eyebrow tint-ing, eyelash extensions, waxing, etc. Aroutine trip to the salon turns into anexperience at PaperDoll Salon.

PaperDoll Salon1263 Garnet Ave.(858) 581-2393

Best Gardening / Nursery Green Gardens Nursery Green Gardens Nursery is the neigh-borhood stop for a wide choice ofplants, organic and non-organic fertil-izers, imported pottery, specialty foun-tains and garden décor. A garden in itsown right, the Backus family has runthe nursery on Cass Street for the past30 years. President Paul Backus offersa complimentary rose consultation tohelp buyers choose the perfect site fortheir thorny plant, prepare the soil, setup irrigation and mulching and soforth. Green Gardens Landscape &Design, a landscape design companythat serves residents and businesses, isalso run through the nursery.

Green Gardens Nursery 747 Turquoise St.(858) 483-8803www.sdgreengardens.com

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 201112THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

Thanks PB for voting us Best Bank in the 2010 Readers Choice

Thank You for voting us the bestflorist 3 years in a row!

IMPULSIVE FLOWERS31 years of Excellence

1260 Garnet Ave. (outside Henry’s PB) • 858.274.4333

Stop by for aFREE* flower!

*a select flower w/adExp.10/15/11

Cruiser King

3830 Mission Blvd., Mission Beach

(858) 488-6341Not valid w. other offers. Must present

coupon at time of purchase. Exp. 10/15/11

BEACH CRUISER RENTAL

BEACH CRUISER SPECIAL

$10A DAY

$40A WEEK

$149.95

Thank You for Choosing Us as Your Outstanding

Furniture Store

UNDERGROUND FURNITURE•Modern Furnishings•

•Custom Sofas•

Come See Our Showroom at:

1345 Garnet Ave858.581.0229

www.undergroundfurniture.com

PIZZAPASTA &BEER

BEER & PIZZA SPECIALS DURING ALL GAMESFREE PASTA - Buy 1 Pasta & Get

the 2nd Order for FREEof equal or lesser value

Not valid w/any other offers. Exp. 10-31-11

859 Hornblend St. Pacific Beach ILPADRINOPIZZA.COM

(858) 2-PIZZAS (274-9927) • WE DELIVER!

13THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

Best HotelTower23Tower23 Hotel is San Diego’s only lux-ury, lifestyle hotel on the beach andone of California’s most stylish andcontemporary urban resorts. The hotelderives its name from lifeguard tower23, which is positioned on PacificBeach near the hotel and creates a coolhaven to enjoy one of America’s bestcities. TOWER23 Hotel is a refreshing-ly minimalist but playful, creative studyfor the urban beach resort.

Tower234551 Ocean Blvd.(858) 270-2323www.tower23hotel.com

Crystal Pier Cottages(see photo on this page)

Best Men’s Apparel South Coast Surf ShopSouth Coast Surf Shop has been serv-ing the surfing community in So- Calsince 1974, and it has emerged as oneof the prime destinations for boarderswho need custom surfboards, surfaccessories, hardgoods, footwear, andmen’s and women’s clothing from topdesigners like Billabong, Quiksilver orGotcha. Paddle on out to one of the twolocations in Pacific Beach to gear up foryour next wave.

South Coast Wahines4500 Ocean Blvd. (858) 273-7600South Coast Windansea740 Felspar #A (858) 483-7660www.southcoast.com

Travelers Depot(see listing under Best Book Store)

Best Nail SalonFrench Nail Designs & SpaAlways a warm and welcome greetingwhen entering the Salon! French NailDesigns has been your neighborhoodNail Salon for many years with manysatisfied customers. Pink & Whitenails, Spa pedicures and manicuresand gel nails are just some of the spe-cials they offer. Treat yourself andyour nails to a wonderful experience!

French Nail Designs & Spa909 Grand Ave. Ste 2858-273-9515

Beautilicius Nails & SpaBeautilicious Nails & Spa is the perfectplace to relax and unwind. Sip a glassof Champagne or wine while ourskilled and licensed technicians pam-per you in style. Enjoy a luxurious footor hand massage and feel the tensionof the week ease away. We are dedicat-ed to offering you quality services ataffordable prices in a friendly and com-fortable environment. BeautiliciousNails & Spa takes pride in providingyou with excellent customer serviceand satisfaction

Beautilicious Nails & Spa1016 Grand Ave.www.beautiliciousnailsandspa.com

Best OptometristEyeloha Optometry Eyeoha Optometry provides the high-est level of personal eye care in SanDiego. Located in Pacific Beach andrecently purchased from retiring Dr.Steven Luskin, Dr. Lucinda Li is com-mitted to providing the highest stan-dards of comprehensive vision and eyecare to her patients in a pleasant, car-ing, and fun environment. Shouldglasses be needed, Eyeloha Optometryoffers an extensive collection of framesthat are up-to-date with today's fashiontrends. You and your entire family areinvited to join the Eyeloha ‘ohana andenjoy the Hawaiian spirit. Mahalo!

Eyeloha1018 Grand Ave.(858) [email protected]

Best Paint StoreSherwin-WilliamsSherwin-Williams is a contemporarypaint store with an extraordinary histo-ry. Founded in 1866, only one yearafter the Civil War ended, they enteredthe market at a time when there was norailroad to the Pacific, no telephones,no electric lights, no automobiles, andperhaps most notably, no ready-to-usepaint. Founders Henry Sherwin andEdward Williams set out to invent theproduct that consumers now use by thegallon every day. Wow! Who knew?

Sherwin-Williams1220 Garnet Ave.(858) 581-3607www.sherwin-williams.com

Ace HardwareYou won’t find a more friendly staffthan at Ace Hardware Home ImproverSupplies! They’ve been serving PacificBeach since 1954! Whether you'relooking for a specific product or needadvice on a do-it-yourself project, you'llfind it here- really! You’ll find a little bitof everything – the kind of variety youwould imagine from an old fashionedneighborhood hardware store to have,and they do! I am amazed each time Ineed something, they have it ! Coolkey selection too.

Ace Hardware Home Improver Supplies1544 Grand Ave. (858) 274-6464

Best Pet Hospital/Veterinarian

Turquoise Animal HospitalTurquoise Animal Hospital under-stands the profound value you place onyour pet, and it’s prepared to care for itaccordingly. The state-of-the-art labsand surgical facilities are designed forexpert work on dogs, cats and smallerpets – and the hospital goes just abouteverybody one better with its spaying

Historic Crystal Pier Hotel is a popular destination for locals and travelers from around the world!

BestHotel

Crystal Pier Cottages4500 Ocean Blvd

Located ON the pier (858) 483-6983

0

We put the “Care” in Car Care!FTS Auto®

THANK YOU PB FOR YOUR VOTES!

READERSCHOICEAWARDS2 0 1 1

$25 off Dealer Alternative15/45/75/105K Minor Service

Hurry offer end soon. Most cars & light trucks

Pacific Beach/ La Jolla5165 Cass St.

Toll-Free: 1-888-253-5275

Kearny Mesa3727 Convoy St.

Toll Free 1-888-306-8675

www.ftsauto.comFinancing avaliable. 6 months, no interest.

Hours: Mon-Fri: 7:30 am-5:30 pmSat. 8am-4pm (PB Store closed Sat.)

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ASYOUR FAVORITE BIKE SHOP!

1344 Garnet Ave. 858.581.1931

rustyspokes.com

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US ASYOUR FAVORITE BIKE SHOP!

SoftcruiseREAR SUSPENSION

Stop by and visit Hydrangea Cove, a new shop

specializing in unique home and garden accessories

with a beach cottage feel.

We feature coastal inspired decor, one-of-a-kind vintage

pieces, books and lovely gifts. Enjoy a casual and

comfortable shopping experience in the north Pacific

Beach area of San Diego, a few blocks from the ocean.

Susan Christopher — owner

929 Turquoise Street, San Diego, CA 92109Monday - Saturday: 10am - 6pm Sunday: Noon - 5pm

858-750-3567 hydrangeacove.com [email protected]

Now Open!

Crystal Pier Hotel

Relax to the soothing sounds of the ocean tides beneath you. This historic hotel islocated right on the pier on Pacific Beach so you can literally sleep over the ocean!These charming cabins have become so popular- you need to book far in advance tomake sure you get in! They’ve even been the backdrop for movies over the years.

Free WiFi • Patio Seating • Parking

BUY ONEGET ONE

Cannot be combined with other offers. Expires 10/27/11

1886 Garnet & Lamont (behind Bruegger’s Bagels)

858.274.3950yogurtontherocks.com

(Limit 1coupon/person)FREE

and neutering service, puppy obedi-ence classes and ID service, involvingchip implantation for instant identifi-cation of your animal.

Turquoise Animal Hospital950 Turquoise St.(858) 488-0658www.turquoiseanimalhospital.com

ABC Veterinary HospitalABC Veterinary Hospital offers a fullrange of veterinary services designed toprovide the highest level of care foryour special pet. The facilities are com-plete with radiology, dentistry and anin-house laboratory. In addition togeneral medicine, they provide low-cost spay, neuter and vaccine servicesas well as year-round flea, tick andheartworm prevention. Advances inmedicine and science technologyafforded ABC Veterinary Hospital theopportunity to enhance their excep-tional care through the field oftelemedicine. Outside specialists infields such as cardiology, orthopedicsand radiology can assist in diagnoses.This allows the doctors and staff to carefor your pet with the same specializedattention that you would expect foryourself.

ABC Veterinary Hospital2032 Hornblend Street(858) 952-1255

Best Place With Unusual Gifts

Pangaea OutpostOnce upon a time, Pangaea was the

center of the world, a colossal landmass that contained anything andeverything its inhabitants needed,including the trinkets. Pangaea’s goneahead and split into seven continentsin the last little while – but the Out-post has kept the name and spirit alivewith all manner of gifts from all overthe world. Fancy kitchen utensils,Eastern cultural artifacts, baubles,bangles and even beads: Pangaea’s theplace to duck into for a look at theworld as it was and is.

Pangaea Outpost909 Garnet Ave.(858) 581-0555www.pangaeaoutpost.com

Patina Patina is an old fashion gift store thatcarries delectable items like AnnieGlass serving pieces, Huile d’olivesoaps, positively green cards and theBunnies by the Bay baby line. The art-work and quality of the ware willcharm you and make sweet presentsfor a wedding, baby shower, dinnerparty, housewarming gift or just atoken of appreciation. Visit Patina’swebsite for a full list of their products,colorful photos and, even, online shop-ping. Born and raised and living in LaJolla, Barbara Holz and her husband,Paul, ran Patina in Point Loma for 12years before setting up on Turquoise.

Patina957 Turquoise St. (858) 488-4488www.patinagiftstore.com

Hydrangea CoveHydrangea Cove is a charming shopspecializing in unique home and gar-den accessories with a beach cottagefeel. It features coastal inspired decor,one-of-a-kind vintage pieces, booksand lovely gifts in a casual and com-fortable style for browsing and shop-ping. Hydrangea Cove was createdafter Susan Christopher, owner ofHydrangea Cove, had extensive search-es for items to outfit and decorate herMission Beach cottage and small gar-den. Located in the north Pacific Beacharea of San Diego, a few blocks fromthe ocean.

Hydrangea Cove929 Turquoise St.www.hydrangeacove.com

Motu Hawaii (see photo on page 10)

Best PrinterPB PrintingPB Printing is a full-service printshop that offers everything frombusiness cards to flyers to postersto stickers, plus a knowledgeablestaff that can help you with graphicand web design, logos, brandingand direct mail campaigns. Thecompany is committed to the envi-ronment, using soy-based inks,Green Seal certified paper andrecycling programs.

PB Printing853 Hornblend St. (858) 273-8335www.SDprint.com

North Shores Printery No job is too small for the NorthShores Printery that has served thecommunity since 1980. North ShoresPrintery offers services in off-set anddigital printing, finishing, full capabili-ty binding, drilling and folding. Agraphic designer can create logos oridentity packages for customers. JayBrewer and Jeremy Sessions managethe store.

North Shores Printery 926 Turquoise St.(858) 488-4871www.northshoresprintery.net

Best Pool CarePacific Paradise PoolsBrian Costelloe has splashed color ontothe tiny cottage that houses Pacific Par-adise Pools & Spa on the corner of Cassand Wilbur streets, and transformed adirt lot into a decorative garden tomarket his pool, spa and landscapingproducts & services. Costelloe boughtthe retail store – formerly known as LaJolla Pools for 40 years. Within theyear Costelloe plans to expand his busi-ness to installing ponds. Costelloe, 50,started a pool servicing business sixyears ago in Serrano Valley – followinga career managing restaurants – thathas expanded from maintaining 30pools to 240 pools. The store is opensix days a week, offering toys, chemi-cals and equipment.

Pacific Paradise Pools and Spas4937 Cass St.(858) 952-1845

Best Resale ShopThe Buff(see photo on page 15)

Cream of the CropWhereas Buffalo Exchange has severalexcellent stores along the West Coast,Cream of the Crop is family run andhas found its success by playing thingsclose to the vest. In fact, vests are prob-ably as likely found here as anywhereelse, and at prices that don’t includeoverhead costs. There’s also a dog onthe premises, but he’s not for sale.

Cream of The Crop Boutique4683 Cass St.(858) 272-6601

Best Shipping & PackagingSurf & PostSurf & Post is your one-stop shop forpersonal mailboxes, Fed Ex and UPSShipping, packaging services, black-

and-white and color copies, faxes,and Notary services. Surf & Post alsooffers short-term storage, as well asloan signing services. Located acrossfrom the PB Post Office, it’s a farquicker way to send anything. Open9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Ask for Steve!

Surf & Post4629 Cass St.(858) 272-8656www.surfandpost.com

UPS StoreWhat can brown do for you? At thislocation across from Broken Yolk,brown can take care of any printingand copying needs, ship a package, andeven issue a mailbox with a real streetaddress. Feeling anxious about anupcoming move? The UPS Store alsoprovides supplies, packing help andfreight services.

UPS Store1804 Garnet Ave.(858) 237-6661

Best Shoe Store

Tutto CuoreLocated on bustling Garnet Avenue,Tutto Cuore is a growing, local retailshop providing quality, fashion-for-ward, value-priced shoes and woman’sapparel. Serving as an outlet forwomen’s self-expression through cloth-ing and footwear, Tutto Cuore is at theheart of fashion. Women can find aselection of feminine, fashionable andfun-loving shoes fit for every occasion.From effortless, earth-friendly styles tobold, fashion-forward trends of thefuture, Tutto Cuore is a symbol ofwhat’s new and next in the fearlessworld of fashion.

Tutto Cuore1019 Garnet Ave(858) 490-4685www.tuttocuoreshoes.com

Shoes MeShoes Me is owned by a husband andwife team,Tarek and Sarena Atie.They opened their doors in March2010 and have fast become known fortheir great shoe selection. They enjoytraveling all over to find the mostbeautiful and fashion forward shoesand accessories. Most of all the acces-sories are from West Africa. All theshoes are hand picked by them, fromAfrica, Lebanon, Paris, New York andmore. They look for the best quality atan affordable price. Stop by and seewhat all the fuss is about.

Shoes Me1419 Garnet Ave.(858) 412-3302

Best Skate ShopSole GrindThe part of a skateboard on which theuser stands is called the truck. You’dhave known that if you’d spent anytime at all at Soulgrind, your choiceas Pacific Beach’s best skate shop.Skateboards by Gravity, Sector Nineand other famous makers aboundhere — and the skateboarding lessonsthemselves may be the most impor-tant in Soulgrind’s slate of services.Wouldn’t want any trucks careeningout of control on the open road, now.

Soulgrind4627 Mission Blvd.(858) 581-2468www.soulgrind.com

Best Smog CheckQuick SmogThis one-stop establishment is allabout no fuss, no muss, with a staff ofstraight-shooters who get the jobdone. No appointment is necessary,and you can get your smog, insuranceand registration needs taken care ofin one handy location. Quick Smogalso has a “pass or do not pay” guar-antee, so you can feel confident thatyour car will be DMV-worthy after aquick visit to the shop.

1741 Garnet Ave.(858) 270-9253 www.smogsandiego.com/quicksmogsd

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US

Best Frozen Yogurt5 years in a row!

WE WOULDN’T BE HERE WITHOUT YOU!

SERVING UP FROZEN YOGURT TO FRIENDS& FAMILY FOR OVER 19 YEARS!

Best Prices in Town!910 Grand Ave. #108 San Diego, CA 92109

Thank you forVoting for Us!

Visit Dr. Lucinda Li and enter to winDinner for 2 at Nick’s at the Beach!

EYELOHA OPTOMETRY1018 GRAND AVE. • 858.272-6843

Thank you for making usyour purrfect choice!

FREE PhysicalExamNew 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-8pmSat-Sun 10am-4pm

2032 Hornblend St. • 858.270-4120www.abcvets.com

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 201114THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press

FOREIGN&DOMESTICCAR REPAIRPB

1727 Garnet Avenue - P.B.Across from Vons in Plaza Center

pbforeign.com

858-270-1142

Pacific Beach’sONLY Foreign CarSpecialists

$1000 ANY OIL CHANGEincludes

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 chargenot valid with any otheroffers or specials.Express 1/1/12

$40 OFFANY SERVICE OVER $150

not valid with any other offers or specials. Express 1/1/12

Call Heather 858-270-3103 [email protected]

or Mike Long 858.270-3103 [email protected]

READERSCHOICEAWARDS2 0 1 1

Put the best to work for you! Call the best sales team in PB!

Smog ExpressWhat can you say about a smog shop.Good, fast service, fair prices, friendlyand no appointments necessary! Thatpretty much says it all.

Smog Express4435 Ingraham Street(858) 270-0361

Best Surf ShopSurf Club Surf ShopThe staff at Surf Club is stoked to winthe Best Surf Shop Award for PacificBeach. For more than 30 years, theyhave been assisting customers, and it isevident that they love what they do andthe town they do it in. They’ve made ita point to personalize service they canget to know their customers. The staffalso has a great eye on styles and prod-ucts they know that you’ll like. Frombeachwear to surf supplies, they havewhat you need to have fun at the beach.

Surf Club Surf Shop952 Garnet Ave.858-483-4854www.surfclubsurfshop.com

Rail II Rail Surf ShopRail II Rail Surf Shop was founded in2007 by David Alexander Woods tobetter service the San Diego beachcommunities, surf, skate, and snow-boarding needs. Rail II Rail specializesin "High-End Environmental Tech"product, but is a full service surf shopthat caters to the locals and touristsalike. Rail II Rail lies in the heart ofMission Beach, directly adjacent to the"Big Dipper" roller coaster and beauti-ful Belmont Park. One can find afriendly shopping atmosphere, with ahighly knowledgeable, and kind salesstaff, that will be happy to assist any-one who wants to feel the "stoke" ofenjoying the wonders that our SanDiego city beaches has to offer. Rail IIRail offers the best vendors in the"action sports" industries to their clien-tele, including some such as, Oakley,...Lost, Sector 9, Body Glove, Xcel Wet-suits, Da Kine, Gravis, Independent,Creatures, Astro Deck, Anarchy Eye-wear, FCS, Santa Cruz, Ocean Minded,Burton Snowboards, Dregs Skate-boards, Analog, Famous Wax,Surftech, Aviso Surfboards, and manyothers of the finest quality.

Rail II Rail Surf Shop3232 Mission Blvd. (858) 412-4041 www.rail2railsurfshop.com

Best Swim SuitsGone Bananas BeachwearThis place has one up on the otherbeach clothing stores in the area. Ittakes its fashion cues right off thebeach. It’s just off the boardwalk, afterall, and it has everything you need for aday on the sand - cover-ups, bikinis,one-piece suits, sandals, beach bagsand more. All this stuff comes indesigner or more affordable models.And you’re so close to the beach that

you don’t even have to take your pur-chase home first.

Gone Bananas Beachwear3785 Mission Blvd.(858) 488-4900

Anna BrazilNo need to go to Brazil for the perfectskimpy bikini just go to PB Storeowner, Anna is super sweet and helpfuland she will be the first to tell you howamazing you look The shop carriesitems not likely to find at a chain store,with more color options beyond black.If you don't find it, come back they aregetting in new stuff all the time.

Anna Brazil954 Garnet Ave.(858) 273-3032

Best Woman’sApparel/Accessories

Surf Club Surf Shop(see listing under Best Surf Shop)

Primp Salon & SpaPrimp is where beauty is not a luxury,it’s a necessity! This stylish full servicesalon has complete hair services, cus-tomized facials with organic products,airbrush makeup application, UV freespray tanning. Whew! Did I cover itall? Primp is committed to perfectingyour beauty both inside and out. Theytake your beauty very seriously.

Print Salon & Spa1447 Garnet Ave(858) 273-1303www.primpsandiego.com

The Purse AddictBilled as a destination for purse addictsand the people who love them, thisstore is filled wall to wall with everytype, color, shape and size of purseimaginable – more than 150 styles inall. And the addiction doesn’t stop athandbags; shoppers can also findshoes, sunglasses, wallets, luggage andjewelry to simultaneously completetheir wardrobes and satisfy their obses-sions.

The Purse Addict1815 Garnet Ave.(858) 272-8585www.purseaddictsd.com

Best Workout Facility/Health ClubWavehouse Athletic ClubAt Wavehouse Athletic Club, you notonly get access to state-of-the-artequipment, energetic group fitnessclasses and dedicated personaltrainers, but also the chance toswim in The Plunge, San Diego’slargest indoor heated pool and ahistoric landmark to boot, as well assessions on the Flowrider, a man-made wave machine that providesboth fun and fitness.

3115 Ocean Front Walk(858) 228-9300www.wavehouseathleticclub.com

Shock FitnessNot just in Pacific Beach, but onPacific Beach, the area’s newest gym,Shock Fitness, boasts 15,000 squarefeet with three ocean-view outdoorworkout areas, an exterior thatopens up to sea breezes and a shock-ing $19.99 per month Grand Open-ing membership special. Shock alsooffers unlimited tanning for only$9.99 a month and has a menu offree group classes including spin,yoga, Zumba and cross training in aroom with ocean views.

Shock Fitness4150 Mission Blvd.(858) 490-1551www.fitpassnetwork.com/location/shock-fitness

15THURSDAY

SEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay PressREADERS CHOICE AWARDS 2011

Now carrying Rioni, MelieBianco, Sondra Roberts andother boutique handbags.

ViGoss jeans now in stock!Wide selection of clutches,

crossbody bags, and beautiful leather handbags!

PURSE ADDICTTHE

A Purse & Accessory BoutiqueA Purse & Accessory Boutique20% off

*any $50+ purchase!

1815 GARNET AVE PACIFIC BEACH • 858.272.8585

MON-FRI 10-6 • SAT 10-5 • SUN 10-3

Thank You Pacific Beach! We are honored that you have voted us a

Reader's Choice Award!

1655 Garnet Ave, San Diego, CA 92109 858.483.1421 www.travelersdepot.com

Open 7 days a week Lots of FREE & EASY Parking

THANK YOU FOR VOTING US “BEST TRAVEL BOOK STORE!”

Packing or Planning?

Maps, Globes, Guidebooks, Journals, Luggage, Travel Packs and Organizers, Clothing, Hats, Shoes, Travel Sox™, Undies.

COMFORT ALOFT: Neck Pillows, Blankets, Eyeshades, Ear Plugs andother inventions.

CONVENIENCE: Travel Sheets, Quick Drying Antibacterial Towels, Toi-letries, Toiletry Cases, and other Containers. Security, TSA approvedlocks, Money Belts PacSafe®

One stop travler’s shop…Everything for travel except the tickets

You’ll find what you need…at Traveler’s Depot20% OFFAll Front Table Bookswith this ad Expires 10/15/11

ResaleShop

The Buff 1341 Garnet Ave. (858) 581-2833

www.thebuffcostumes.com

0

The Buff

The Buff is the place to go for resale and costumes all year round. Whetheryou’re looking for a complete outfit or just a mask or wig or very long eyelash-es, you’ll find it at the Buff. The store also caters to all income levels – fromhandmade leather masks or fancy Venetian masks to $13 accessories. And TheBuff has all the eras covered – from the ’60s to the ’80s. Currently, the store isselling costumes for The Burning Man, but Halloween is right around the cor-ner. The Buff is a longtime staple of Pacific Beach with 20 years under its belt.

The Buff has become iconic in Pacific Beach for fun fashions and costumes for all year around.

Thank you for voting!

READERSCHOICEAWARDS2 0 1 1

READERS CHOICE AWARDS 201116THURSDAYSEPTEMBER 29, 2011Beach & Bay Press