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Crest Liquor
Categories: Food Beer, Wine & Spirits Shopping Tobacco Shops Restaurants Delis Beer, Wine & Spirits, Tobacco Shops, Delis [Edit]
3787 Ingraham St(between La Playa Ave & Moorland Dr)
San Diego, CA 92109
Neighbourhood: Pacific Beach
(858) 274-3087
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- No
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- No
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Quiet
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
About This Business:
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63 reviews for Crest Liquor
Review Highlights
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"The Macaroni salad here is the BEST I have ever had." In 5 reviews -
"They also have a great wine selection." In 4 reviews -
"The Baja Beef & Baja Turkey." In 2 reviews
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63 reviews in English
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Review from Janelle M.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2012 4 Check-ins Here
Classiest liquor store I've ever been in! Carpeted floor and employees wear button up shirts, nice pants, and ties. The entire store is nicely laid out and big enough to have lots of essentials. Beer, wine liquor, snacks, food..etc. I've never seen more than 3 people in line either. The BEST part?!? It's cheap alcohol. A handle of sailor is 17.99, captain $19.99. Can you tell what my favorite drink is?? This is my place!
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Review from PJ H.
5/23/2012 5 Check-ins Here
Very hand for small items. The prices are within the 'acceptable' range for a wee quicky mart. The service is efficient, all in it's acceptable for small items but not for the BIG shop day...
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Review from Kelly C.
San Diego, CA
3/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Great sandiwches in the deli, warm or cold ones are delish and made to order! Little old ladies making them in the back so you know they are good :) Perfect place to call in an order and swing by and pick up lunch then take it to the beach! Great selection of wine and beer too.
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Review from Robert F.
10/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
3.5 rounding down for the presentation and the rest of the store.
I really do like the tuna and egg salad sandwiches here, and those alone get 4 stars....especially at about 5-6 bucks. Definitely the
The ability to get beer pong balls is a nice touch. The overall selection and pricing of the alcohol is not great, and it is usually convenience and location that brings me in. I personally like the no cell phones in line rule, cause I dont need to hear some douche and his lame conversation while he slows up check out. -
Review from Chuckie F.
San Diego, CA
11/12/2011
The cashiers dressed nice is actually pretty cool.
A classy touch to have the people who are gonna get me drunk on that particular night to wear a tie. Makes me feel much better about the whole thing i guess.
As for the Deli, i wasnt super impressed. The ladies are kinda hit and miss with their moods. The cold sanwiches are decent (average i would say).
The hot sandwiches are spectacular. French dip and hot pastrami are incredible.
The also sell Fernet Branca which is added points. -
Review from Nicole Dawn A.
San Diego, CA
4/23/2011
F.Y.I: Crest Liquor is always on and poppin! The appearance of the store makes you feel like you're in the hood and you should just post it outside on the curb and drink a 40 in a paper bag.....ahhh yea keepin it gangsta on Ingraham!
Crest Liquor has it all...beer, ice cream, chips, toiletries, fruit, and even a deli in the back! Im curious to see if there are members of a mafia playing cards in the back room..dun dun dun! The employees are nice and the store is clean and well kept. Crest Liquor is so much more than a liquor store...its a historical place that can satisfy your hunger and thirst :) Yelpers remember to Drink Responsibly! -
Review from Brian L.
San Diego, CA
7/30/2011
Nice place, real old school.
They've got a good selection of alcohol, and some pretty good sandwiches too.
The prices are ok, and you can get quite a bit for your buck (if you don't have really expensive taste in alcohol). -
Review from Ryan P.
San Diego, CA
Oh Crest, for the past three years I have been a frequent here. The people there know me by first name and I do know much of them by theirs, which is always nice to see a friendly face.
Service- Ladies at the deli are sweet, gentlemen at the cash register are always helpful.
Deli- Cordon Bleu sandwich is my favorite with the French Dip coming in close second. The Macaroni salad here is the BEST I have ever had.
Liquor- The selection is great the prices are better then fair.
Beer- Mehh, I wish that the beer selection was a little better, and the prices were a little lower. Doesn't everyone?
Love the place!!! -
Review from laura S.
San Diego, CA
12/30/2011
I have been in there several times now. The 4 stars is for a combined average of all my visits.
They do have a nice selection of groceries for a liquor store. I also appreciate the parking and the fact that I can get there from my home without having to cross any crazy intersections.
Those ladies in the deli have always been nice to me. The men behind the registers are nice enough. They pretty much don't care for casual conversation while they ring me up but they are nicer than a lot of people I encounter in the neighborhood.
I like getting one of their hot sandwiches (baja beef or something like that), a bag of plain potato chips and a Dr. Pepper. Simply delicious!
There was the time when the man behind the register let 2 other customers cut in front of me like I was invisible and then got a little testy with me when I called him on it. I don't even know if he is still there. I still think about that whenever I go in the store. I wonder if they do too. -
Review from Joe S.
3/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Directly across the street from Rockys Burger, Crest liquor is an icon of Crown Point, making it a perfect place to grab your cash needed for the cash only burger service your about to encounter at Rockys and while your there grab some booze....a lot of it.
The 1st thing I love about Crest....is their ATM on the inside...yes one would never think that anyone could ever like an ATM?....but the receipt this thing prints is a thing of BEAUTY, it's deep, large, black ink shown on bright, white, THICK paper is better than what I get from the county building when I pay my property taxes. This machine charges 2.00 but is worth it HANDS DOWN...you'll see.
Huge selection of fun chilled white wines in the cooler doors, of course more canned and bottled beer that you can ever imagine and wall to wall BOOZE-BOTTLES. The gentlemen who work here are polite, helpful and wear a tie...yes a tie, classy is what Crest is all about. Great deals on 1.75 liters of hard liquor.... GREAT.
Vintage building, automatic sliding door for easy access in and out, GODLY ATM, carpeted, air-conditioned (so you can shop in comfort) classic paper bags being used to bag up bottles, classic deli in the back serving up simple but tasty beach sandwiches, call ahead and pick one up for a sunset on the beach, you'll thank me. -
Review from Scott U.
San Diego, CA
5/13/2011
Our family has been getting sandwiches for the beach, etc. from the deli at Crest Liquor since (decade reference deleted).
Nothing seems to have changed...they still seem to be the same price, the same size and quality and the nice ladies behind the counter have been there forever.
The veggie is bomb. -
Review from Nick T.
San Diego, CA
11/22/2010 1 Check-in Here
I like this store but Im hardly ever in Pacific Beach anymore so obviously its not a regular stop.However, when I lived in PB I would come here because Rockys was across the street.
This place has a small deli but Ive never ordered anything here. Pretty good selection of booze though. Heavy on American beers and pretty light on crafts and local breweries.
I overheard three guys trying to decide between bud light, coors light or keystone.
Now thats a discussion that I would never have with anybody that I know and that I hang out with. -
Review from A d W.
Pacific Beach, San Diego, CA
10/10/2011
It is old school and semi-charming, but, I will say the deli is their saving grace...its a small store, so the selection is pretty limited. The beer selection is nothing special at all. I live very close and would rather drive farther to get my supplies...such as...JUG Liquor just added 3 new beer fridges, and have them filled with lots of imported gems...hint hint. Ok, I found PB Market Express down the street a block or 2, AMAZING selection of beer. So grab your great sandwhich here n go down the street for your beer, but be advised, it might take a couple minutes to peruse and then make up your mind...
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Review from Scott F.
San Diego, CA
10/8/2011
Everything is over priced in this store. The customer service is good amd you don't feel like the place is about to be robbed like you do in other liquor stores, but the prices are high.
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Review from Michelle H.
San Diego, CA
10/7/2011
I've been to Crest well over 100 times in the 9 years i've lived in PB and I've never liked it here. My boyfriend on the other hand loves their beer and liquor selection so we stop here from time to time. I refuse to go in now because I don't like the employees AT ALL!! They have always been rude to me. You can't say hello when ringing me up, fine.....is there a reason that you completely ignore me? Part of me feels like they are racist or woman haters. Now I don't throw that term around loosely, but I have never in my 37 years felt like that consistently when walking into a business. I've seen them interact with other patrons, (including my boyfriend) and they are normal and friendly, just how you would expect them to act. I don't get it and it actually hurts my feelings., hence why they won't ever get a penny from my wallet ever again.
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Review from Alex ..
San Diego, CA
9/6/2007
Yeah, I could not NOT give 5 stars to a place that doesn't allow cell phones in line.
Fact is, other than that, this place still deserves 5 stars. It's been around forever, My dad went here when he was a kid.
I can see why it's been around too. Wide selection of booze and other drinks (that sure helps to stay in business in PB). Sheeit, it's even got a cigar humidor with a pretty good selection.
It's got all the other necessities for the most part.
Great sandwich shop in the store (seriously, some really good sandwiches), very efficient staff all around. Guaranteed to be a few hot chicks in there at any time. I'm a fan. -
Review from Katherine B.
Reno, NV
9/17/2007
Fine wines, great liquor selection, fresh sandwiches, cigars, Tums, and Velveeta.
Seriously. Beat that any other liquor store.Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from patrick c.
Santa Clara, CA
10/10/2008
This place is only good because of its location. If you've been drinking then you dont want to drive to Von's. Everything is overpriced and they're selection sucks.
I have bought a couple of cigars from here too and they are all old and stale, not too surprising considering nobody buys them but they shouldnt be so expensive then.
Also, "best sandwiches in town"?!?!?! Who the hell wrote this? I bet it was the staff. Anyone who has ever been to a "deli" knows that what they serve here wouldn't be sold at a real deli. The food here sucks, I have tried them twice and it was almost inedible. This place makes Subway look like a deli. Besides that, who woke up grandma to work the sandwich counter? Just think about how she was fondling her dentures before making your "sandwich." ....Gross!
The people that think they make good sandwiches here must also enjoy prison food. No corned beef, no pastrami, no tounge?...it's not a deli!
The guys working think they're tough guys, I dont see why, they are old losers who jock a register, nice job tough guys, way to succeed in life! Congrats on the $8 an hour you're making too!
Only buy commodity and volume stuff here like 30's and cheap 6ers, everything else, including most chips and stuff is stale and old. Take it from me, I have learned my lesson.
Also, while in there, stand in line, don't talk on your phone, and have your items in order for purchase. It's like the Seinfeld episode "The Soup Nazi." If you dont know what you want, or if you want something from behind the counter...No beer for you!
This place is ran like a friggin' communist daycare center. -
Review from Jana H.
New York, NY
3/27/2010
This review is just for the deli. I just recovered from the food poisoning I received after eating a chicken parm sub from there. Perhaps it serves me right for ordering a sandwich from a place where the woman working the deli counter had at least a centimeter of dirt underneath her fingernails.
In all fairness, the liquor store part of the store is fine, and I'm sure none of their prepackaged goods will kill you. -
Review from Stephanie D.
San Diego, CA
10/2/2007
The yelp e-mail reminded of this place and how I used to be weirded out by liquor store delis, until Crest Liquor changed all that for me. Seriously though, their egg salad sandwiches are better than any other I've ever had. They also have really good pastrami sandwiches. Everything is made to order, but they have prepackaged stuff as well. Potato and macaroni salads here are both yummy and everything is fresh.
As far as the liquor store goes, who wouldn't want to buy their alcohol from a place that makes all of the workers wear ties? It's just such a nice little bonus. -
Review from Denise Q.
5/29/2007
A liquor store with a full selection of wine, alcohol, mixers, sandwiches, ice cream, toiletries, desserts, magazines and fruit?
A deli open during most hours of the day with made to order sandwiches and snacks?
Parking in front of the store on most days? Staff wearing button up shirts and ties with their jeans? Eye candy roaming around looking for a deal on their beer?
Yup, I'm sold. Forget the sale at Savon or Longs, for convenience and everything you could need last minute this is your stop.
Just beware of the no cell phones allowed while in line, they enforce that rule, and I'm speaking from experience. -
Review from M E.
San Diego, CA
7/20/2008
Who has the best sandwiches in PB? THIS PLACE! It open at either 10/11 (deli that is) and closes at 6pm!!!!
Great variety of FRESH sanwiches to choose from. They are super quick. You can grab a menu and order over the phone as well!
Selection of wine/beer/alcohol is pretty decent. Except they don't have a great variety of mini-wines (I mean sometimes you don't want to drink entire bottle, right?)
Cute area for a selection of household/food items when you are in super need. But, they don't carry light flavors of Ben and Jerrys. I mean..i get PMS!Listed in: My Neighborhood
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Review from Thayne L.
San Diego, CA
1/24/2009
Crest = Home away from Home...
Living in PB and not always wanting to go out to vons, henry or trader joes, Crest is the stop for everything. They have a good ice cream selection, best prices on bottle h20 (1.30 for 1.5 liter aquafina compared to 2.09 across the st.), staff is always friendly, have a wide selection of all kinds of stuff. Example, if you want to make a salad, they usually have lettece, tom, some type of bell pepper and avocados. And their less in price than the grocery and usually equal if not better quality. Crest has been a staple in PB for years. And for good reason. -
Review from Kipling c.
Newport Beach, CA
4/17/2011
My fav thing about this place, other than that its right across the street from kick asss Rocky's (for the burgers), is their sign at the register about the cell phones, and they actually enforce it. Their wine selection isnt the best for price, but I dont drink wine munch. But man, do they have a selection of Liquor in the rear! Best thing ever was when they told some yapping blonde to hang up her phone, I think she may have finally learned a lesson in being more self aware & thoughtful. The service is fast, which I like, I dont think I could get out of a rite aid with my board shorts on fire faster. And they even make sammich!
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Review from M P.
San Diego, CA
4/18/2008
I love Crest. Where else can you purchase a Reuben, a tin of sardines, batteries, a magazine, some Brie, a handle of Ketel One, a Lipton Iced Tea and a greeting card? Really? Where?
Crest, that's where!
Not only do they have such a fun, random variety of items, that deli is fan-friggin-tastic. Hot sandwiches, cold sandwiches, 'tater salad, macaroni salad, olives, pickles.......all yummy!
And then, the friendly fellas in ties tally it all up for you and send you away with a friendly, "See you again soon!"
Yes, you will.
And I personally love the no cell phones in line rule. Can't you wait five minutes? Or four minutes? I don't want to listen to your conversation, and trust me, no one else does either. -
Review from Chris W.
San Diego, CA
7/6/2009
Proof that a liquor store can be classy, even if the customers aren't always. Hey, it's PB. And if it's not classy, at least it's entertaining.
Very fair pricing on beer, wine, and liquor. Pretty much the best neighborhood store I've ever lived near. -
Review from Elizabeth Z.
Fort Lauderdale, FL
5/5/2010
So, let me start by saying that I'm from the East Coast. This place reminds me of many deli/liquor stores that I've encountered. Actually, it really reminds me of this place in Bowie, Maryland... can't remember what it's called... Anyway, Crest liquor pretty much has everything that you might want from a corner deli/liquor store.
I've had a couple of sandwiches including the veggie and tuna, and tried a friends turkey sandwich once. All were good. I usually stop here on the weekends for the sandwiches on my way biking to the bay or beach. It's super easy to get a bagged lunch for a day at the beach here and it beats biking 'into town' (to Vons, Henry's, or the Chalkboard Deli) because it's quick and you don't have to bike through all the beach traffic to get a freakin' sandwich.
Now, for the MOST IMPORTANT PART OF THIS REVIEW: The owner(s) always have GREAT DEALS on alcohol! I mean, they are always available to tell you which vodka or tequila (the only 2 I buy regularly) are the best. They ALWAYS steer me away from the Absolut, Sauza, Cuervo, (name brand stuff) and steer me toward the best unknown Polish vodka or Mexican tequila. The recommendations are ALWAYS top-notch and more economically priced than the name brand/typical stuff! And, the guys drink all of these items themselves at home so you know it's a good recommendation.
The wine selection is just okay for me. I drink a lot. I drink a lot of wine, I mean. And so when it comes to wine, I usually buy from Trader Joes or go to Target to stock up on my favorite red table wine (Menage A Trois). The beer selection is good enough for me. I only buy a six-pack here and there but they always have something good to choose including my favorite, Blue Moon. They even had a new one called Summer Moon which was great too!
Only because the wine selection isn't the greatest, I'd be prone to give this place a 4 star review. BUT, with the great service, good deals, and yummy sandwiches I am giving it a solid 5 star rating!!
Cheers! -
Review from Brittany B.
Lafayette, CA
7/11/2011
After a long jaunt over Sd for a day, (and skipping lunch--oops) we headed in here to the deli for a turkey wrap. I was suspicious at first, with the odd men in suits gathered around the cashier talking and looking over often. The special happened to be the turkey wrap, perfecto! It had mustard, avacado, swiss cheese, whole wheat wrap, deli turkey, tomato and lettuce (sorry, sans le mayo). All for 3.99. That wraps up that case!
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Review from Nicolette S.
San Diego, CA
2/25/2008
I literally live next door to this place. See that grayish apartment building to your right as you walk in? I'm in there. One of them, so don't try to find me, you crazy stalker!
This place is awesome. They don't take advantage of the fact that they're a liquor store to rip you off on all those basics like toothbrushes and groceries. Prices are comparable to larger grocery stores. I wander in when I need to grab some milk, eggs, soda, alcohol, whatever. I come in hungover, I come in tired and ready to go to bed, I come in because I'm too lazy to go somewhere further away. No matter what, the workers are always super nice to me. They always have a nice comment or just a smile.
Once, I ran in five minutes before closing because I needed a Secret Santa present and they wrapped up the bottle of wine for free and even stuck a big bow on it. First-class service. -
Review from Rick B.
Reno, NV
3/22/2009
Its by far the most convenient liquor store around. I like that it has also has groceries, large wine selection, and a deli. Parking is easy right in front and it doesn't have a ghetto feeling like most liquor stores do.
Yeah, Longs and Vons will have cheaper beer, but to me, its worth a buck or two more to get in and out without the hastle of Garnet traffic and big parking lots.
I just read the other reviews about this place regarding the "No Cell Phone Rule in Line."
I guess they tell people to get off the phone and some "Line Talkers" are pissed off.
You guys should get a clue that its annoying to everyone else and we don't want to listen to your conversation.
I like that rule. -
Review from Tina A.
San Diego, CA
5/24/2009
This little place located on the corner of Ingraham and La Playa kinda throws you off at first! Maybe it's the wooden Indian holding a Cartman doll in the window or perhaps its the fact that the staff wears ties!!! Ties in PB...shocking. Well anybody who is not running around half naked in PB is a little bit of a shock, but I digress.
I love this little place, they have a huge selection of wine, they even carry BITCH wine...no really it's called BITCH.
Anything you need they have it, from baking soda to Lean Cuisine to mini toblerone's.
The staff is super friendly and I think they must take some sort of pill that makes them so chill because they do have to put up with alot of crap, but I have never seen them lose their cool.
They have a well stacked deli, although I can't recommend any of the sandwiched because I have never tried them, but I think I just might.
My two favorite things about this place is: 1) If your bored on a Friday evening and don't have any plans just pop by because you will see the funniest crap go one. People walk in drunk off their butts making absolutely no sense at all trying to pay for a pack of cigs with pennies and the occasional flashing of the boobs!
2. Once they get to know you, they try to promote you to other customers. What do I mean by this? Ever since I walked in with my pepto bismo sweatshirt from law school, they tell everyone that if they need a lawyer I'm the one to call...it makes me feel special...:) Hey I don't get out much, so don't judge now.
I love this place, anyone in the area should support this Mom and Pop store. -
Review from Kelly M.
San Diego, CA
2/12/2010
My favorite Liquor store! Crest has all the essentials, and a pretty good deli to boot. I used to live around the corner and it was real nice to be able to go here instead Vons (the busiest grocery store in San Diego).
Only complaint is all the guys that would hit on my girl when she went by herself but I can't blame them because she is super hot. -
Review from Bill B.
10/14/2009
What more could you ask for with a liquor store?
Good pricing, friendly and knowledgeable staff. Someone actually helped me carry out my order too (I bought three cases of beer... not excessive, but help was appreciated). -
Review from Erin B.
1/19/2010
THIS REVIEW IS ONLY FOR THE DELI...
This was my first and only time that I had encountered the Deli at Crest Liquor.
I walked over to the counter and there were three women behind the counter. I picked up a menu and was looking over my choices. Not much to choose from, but whatever. It took a few minutes for one of the women to even acknowledge me, and there was nobody else in the store for the deli at the time or for the whole time I was in the store. She took my order and I had decided to go with the Turkey Sandwich. I went around the store browsing while the women talked and my order was being made. I think I picked up a bottle of wine too. But I swear it felt like it took ten to fifteen minutes for my order to be ready.
When it came time to enjoy my sandwich, there was nothing enjoyable about it. The sandwich was really dry and pretty much tasteless.
The reason why I am giving the deli at Crest two stars, is because their salads like their macaroni salad looked really good although I did not try it. If I were in the store and hungry I would maybe pick up a container of it to go. -
Review from Chelsea S.
San Diego, CA
1/11/2008
Mom? Is that you mom? MOM! OH MY GOD, IT'S YOU.
PLEASE MAKE ME A SANDWICH!
In the mood for a delicious momwich? The ladies behind the counter are glad to accommodate. Well, I don't know about glad...they can look pretty fierce. I know they are softies on the inside though. It's that twinkle in their eye... -
Review from Malia P.
11/22/2010
Good prices on sweet tea vodka. Expensive tic tacs.
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Review from adam g.
San Diego, CA
2/1/2010 1 Check-in Here
Crest Liquor is my Sunday tradition.
The deli menu is simple; but, can be customized to your taste. I'd suggest the Beefy Bacon Cheddar (preferred cold) or the Baja Beef (preferred grilled).
I dig that the employees knew my name after only a few visits and that they seem like friends with each of their customers. I also dig their extensive wine selection which really makes this a one-stop shop if you are running late for a date. Keeping in mind that this is a liquor store, and not a discount grocery, the place is well priced. Even though there's a another liquor store half the distance to my place, I still prefer going to Crest. -
Review from Mike N.
San Diego, CA
6/19/2010
I'm not rating the store because there beer is usually a little overpriced - this rating is for the DELI:
They do have some ok sandwiches, usually because some of their bread/rolls can be a a little dry, but they have a few really good sandwiches. Top ones:
1. The Reuben as is.
2. The Chicken Cordon Bleu on an Onion roll - as is.
Other good ones are:
3. The Baja Beef & Baja Turkey
Now I should mention a few times I've had the above sandwiches and they weren't great, but 4/5 times you can't go wrong. -
Review from Kim W.
San Diego, CA
7/18/2009
Love this place. I live right across the street - they have a small food market section so it saves me a trip, inside of having to drive/bike to the grocery store.
Great selection on beer wine and liqour. It's been around for a long time - check out the old pictures around the place. The sandwiches are to die for! I swear - go there to get beer, pick up some zigzags, milano cookies and one of their deli sandwiches and you will be set!
Staff's cool - they know their regular customers and make conversation. I travel a lot, so when I come home, I always look forward to walking over there to grab something. -
Review from Josh H.
San Diego, CA
3/22/2011 14 Check-ins Here
I love this place with all my heart and you should too. Great staff. The woman in the deli are like distant relatives You know, like that aunt with the smeared lipstick that just loves to pinch your cheeks? They also have a great wine selection. Good prices on the booze. They seem to really be stepping up there local/craft beer game, which i thoroughly appreciate.
