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Categories: Jewelry, Tobacco Shops, Lighting Fixtures & Equipment, Fashion [Edit]
Neighborhoods: Ocean Beach, Point LomaMon-Sat. 10:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Sun. 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
"Love this place! I used to be adamant about not buying any of my jewelry from stores that were in malls - why, i'm weird like that. But my…" read more »
"Since all children are basically criminals we will be watching you closely"
That was on a sign hanging from the cigar Indian in the entrance of The Black back in the eighties when I was growing up in OB. and it is as true today as it was back then.
The same people I think were even working there at the time... it's kinda like the supreme court they only have an opening when one of them dies.
Great shop.. true locals.. great stuff.. it's a classic.. it's the balck
i think sdpd needs to visit this place more often
overpriced head store that mainly sells fake hippie garbage
and bongs as well as some othere things under the counter
People thought this was:
Walked in.
Bought a piece.
The guy who helped me out was chill,
no problems with the customer service.
They have a lots to choose from.
I don't know what else to say,
but this is the spot I'll be hitting up from now on.
People thought this was:
I love this place. I'm a long time customer and do some of my gift purchases from here. The staff is very mellow and yet very helpful.
The Black (Ocean Beach) and Seaport Village are two places I take my out of town guests to make purchases, relax and enjoy San Diego.
While I love tons of things @ the black, my favorite is the variety of candles. ooouh, just tickles my nose with happy scents.
People thought this was:
I used to live around the corner from The Black on Narragansett Street, in OB, so I was pretty much a "regular" there. There's a bunch of cool trinkets and knick knacks and touristy things and "counter culture" stuff too, and of course The Black is first and foremost a "head shop". "Customer service" was never an issue for me because WTF people it's THE OB head shop! You shouldn't really expect any real service in a place like this. You do have to be careful sometimes if you look "straight", because when they think you could be a cop, if you ask for something the "wrong" way: for example ask for a "roach clip" and you'll be "flagged". They'll tell you such things are illegal and they don't sell things that are illegal, and when you ask them what they call such things, they'll tell you it's a "cigarette clip" but you'll still be temporarily "flagged" and they won't sell it to you that day.
I can't imagine OB without The Black. It's a landmark that has stood the test of time.
The people here are NOT rude... they're just not fake. They're not going to sit there and slap on a fake smile and give you ungenuine customer service. If you need help, these people will help you, just don't be a dick and MELLOW out. It's freakin' OB man... 60% of the people you encounter here are slow from either currently being high... or slow because they were high so much back in the days that they are permanently like this.
As far as store merchadise... SO many interesting things to browse at. From music insturments, to water pipes, candles, posters (AWESOME POSTER COLLECCTION BTW!!! BEST IN SD!!!), to books. Prices are ridiculous either.
People thought this was:
Are there any places left that believe in service and a smile? How about a personality that doesn't suck? I realize that since it's primarily a smoke shop, that the employees are probably high as a kite 24/7, but do they really have to treat you rudely just because their life sucks?
I stopped by to get a guitar strap today. I asked one guy where they were and he simply shrugged. I asked another and he just nodded towards them while scarfing down a sandwich. Once seen them, I asked if he would let me behind the counter to see them closely or if he could hand them to me... he just looked at me then walked away. Fuck you then dude, I won't buy anything from you and I won't return to your dump either. Fucking hippies.
People thought this was:
Just the fact that the Black has been in existence so long should give it an extra star or two. It is a head shop so totally emblematic of Ocean Beach that they should put it on OB postcards. That said-the complaints about the customer service are just simple ignorance of the low-key, mellow OB style-no need to get offended or huffy about it. Go to Mexico, and those people are laid-back ! Go to Hawaii, and those people are laid-back and RUDE, too!
Therefore-taking that gripe out of the equation, The Black can be seen for what it truly is--like a tour of Juvenile Hall! When my teen-aged son starts asking about bong pipes and hookahs, I marched him and his buddies into the Black, and stuck close to them as they ohhhed-and-ahhed!
But having Mom around makes it not so cool-especially when Mom remembers herself going to the Black as a teen and scoping it out. I took all the intrigue and demystified the Black for them. Yes, I love their selection of cool jewelry and neat books and arty cards. If I was a BIG pot-smoker, I would probably appreciate their great selection of rolling papers and roach clips, but I just admire the artistry of those items and move on.
The Black is such a trip that it is a must-see for all OB visitors. I would be afraid to go in there REALLY High, because it might blow my mind.
I think the OB Historical Society should slap an OB Historical Designation on it, because of it's complete authenticity and uniqueness. I never spend a bunch of money there, and now I am digging that bead shop next door a lot, but still this is a great place to go..to complete your total OB experience! Go see for yourself-preferably not TOO High!
pretty much a lazier blazier Hot Topic w/ less parking and more dildos.
not sayin its bad, theirs good parts 2..... im a super chill mostly peacefull guy so i f****ing love ne place u can pick up a John Lemon beetles blanket, DOPE Martin Luther King poster, and the flag from Dukes of Hazards in 1 stop.
from the hemp hackysacks 2 this hilareous shirt thats all "F*** U U F****IN F***" everythings GENIEOUS plus mello as jello and ez 2 jack (dont feel bad the workers h8 helpin when u buy s*** ne way.)
u dont wanna go in 2 much tho cause after a few days strait these nappyheaded hippy mongrels u burned with in the alley will think there ur friends. i dont mind sharin a lil herb but srsly DONT F***ing HUG ME cause they dont stress test Axe stick or spray 4 b*****s who smell like m*****f***in kraken breth (AMBER u slow discusting h*.)
and jesus christ stfu.... ill work on my aura after u soak in a tub full of algaee eaters 4 a cycle or 2.
People thought this was:
This place was amusing! It completely fits the OB aura with it's array of chi enhancing candles and various pipes and hempy jewelry. It did remind me instantly of a chain we have back east called Newbury Comics, something I haven't seen yet out here.
I did enjoy the art books and magazines though. They had some pretty obscure stuff that I'd like to go back and peruse through again.
All in all it didn't surprise me though. I was more interested in the farmer's market that night anyway. I'm sure if I need a random knick-knack or novelty item and something changes I'll update this review. For now, it's just meh.
i can spend at least a good hour in this store... there's always a lot of really neat things to look at, from jewelry to pieces. Great place to find creative gifts and its not too expensive. They have a ton of books on really interesting topics. I also love the purses here too. very much a 'hippie' sort of store.
Definitely stop in if you're in O.B.
Every time I go to OB I have to stop in The Black to explore it's collection of oddities for sale. Well, maybe they aren't really oddities, eclecticties I think would be a better word if it were a real word.
First and foremost, The Black is a head shoppe. Adults Only! It even says so on Chief Wigwam who greets you when you walk in the front door. There's a lot of smoking paraphenalia if you are so inclined. They also have a lot of candles, perfumed oils, and incense, and the whole place smells like nag champa. In the back you will find books for the creative mind including a whole section on cultivating your own garden. Also, they have a wide selection of posters, greeting cards, and calenders back there.
The Black also sells clothes, with sayings and imagery not for the faint of heart. If you are old enough to remember those pages in comic books where you could buy toy novelties such as sea horses, and x-ray specks, they have that stuff too.
For the musician, the offer a wide variety of guitary stuff including sheet music for bands like Led Zepplin. And, if you truly want to go out in rock star style, they have a wide range of jewelry.
The Black is dark inside, and is just steps away from the OB pier. If you're ever craving some burgers from Hodad's or some paninis from Crave's make sure you stop in this gem of a store to be transported back to the 70's.
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I live in OB.
I'm only 42% Obecian by stereotypical standards.
Yet I go to the Black for necessities of the beach life like I go to the liquor store.
It's a store with 40% bullshit stuff to sell to tourists, 25% headshop and 35% full of things that most counter-culturists would find awesome.
Where else can you swing by for a couple books by Tom Robbins, Hunter S. Thompson and Noam Chomsky, a bit of oil that makes everyone ask you what perfume you're wearing cause dear god how you smell makes me want to lick peach nectar from your eyelids, some incense, a gift for your friend who is "too scared to go into a headshop to buy paraphernalia because I don't want people to know I smoke" and a belt buckle?
Nowhere I can think of. Cept the Black.
People thought this was:
The Black is a great store that has been a landmark headshop in OB for ages. Tons of fun stuff to browse through and you can always find that strange gift for that hard to shop for person.
A good selection of racy cards and irreverent books. If you are paranoid about buying the Anarchist Cookbook or pot growing books online and want to engage in some questionable activities you can stop here and get most of what you need. An OK selection of glassware but a little overpriced from what I've seen.
Whenever I'm in OB walking down Newport I ALWAYS stop in here and pick up something- usually some stinky incense that I regret later, but what the hell. The Disneyland of headshops is a must when you are down in this area and I truly believe that OB wouldn't be what it is without this gem.
Even if you don't smoke weed, you will find something interesting be it a book, poster or greeting card. Just don't use the "B" word or you WILL be asked to leave the store. No joke!
People thought this was:
I have to give the Black a four-star rating more for the novelty of it than anything else. Because really, who can picture OB without thinking of the Black? It's a local staple. They might not sell the highest quality gifts, but they do stock a wide variety of items -- clothes, jewelry, incense, musical instruments, cards, bumper stickers, sex toys, an abundance of pipes...
Let's be honest: Newport wouldn't be the same without it.
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Glen E Friedman.
If you're into Hip Hop/Rap, Skating or Punk music from 1976-1991 pick up his books Fu** You Heroes and Fu** You Too. He's officially my photography idol. You might better know him as the "Official" photographer of the Z-Boys.
Why do I mention this? I found his books at The Black and haven't seen them anywhere else since then. So for introducing me to a photographer that I really enjoy, 5 stars.
If you're into photography, he's also got a book called "The Idealist" which is just artsy shots of nature, women and buildings. Good Times.
People thought this was:
You can make a gravity bong out of a 2-liter bottle of coke that will get you just as high as any 300 dollar "water pipe" fashioned from artisan glassware. That's what I don't understand about head shops like The Black. They expect you to pay top dollar for a smoking device that is intended to somehow "enhance" the experience. Whoaaaaa, you're harshin' my mellow, bra! Listen, Cheech: ten minutes after you are done smoking you are not going to suddenly say "DAMN, THAT BONG WAS GREAT!" You are gonna be saying "Damn, where'd I put the Cheetos?". Weed is weed. It doesn't matter how it gets to your brain. You don't see crackheads going out and buying deluxe crack pipes. They'll use anything that is hollow, made of glass, and can withstand some heat. Same goes for cokeheads with their snorting devices, and heroin addicts with their syringes. I'm not comparing marijuana to any of these drugs, I'm just saying that dopamine fiends are much more economical (and practical) about their routes of administration .
I guess it is all about the ritual. If you surround yourself with enough Bob Marley posters and ornate smoking devices, you will get much, much higher. Well, come to The Black then because they offer many of these fantastic weed accessories. Or maybe you need one of those novelty Rasta Man hats with the fake dreads attached. The Black has got those, too. YA MON! Now I can finally fit in at Winston's! PRAISE JA!
This place is pretty much like a Spencer's Gifts: OB style. My roommate bought one of those pipes that are painted to look cigarettes from here. CLEVER!!!!! I like to pretend she is a Russian spy whenever she uses that nifty little gadget. Another cool thing I discovered about The Black is that they ARE willing to fill up your zippo with some fuel if you are running low.
So come here for gifts if you are in OB, but don't expect to find anything better than an ashtray, an incense holder, or a tie-dyed t-shirt. NOVELTY RULEZ!
People thought this was:
Yea, methinks NOT. I've done a lot of smoke shop shopping in the past few years in the SD area. Of all the ones I've been to, this is the LAST PLACE I WOULD GO - except I wouldn't even go here at all.
Some interesting trinkets are probably the only attraction. If you're into the typical smoke shop souvenirs, then this place has a nice selection. But because of the SHITTY SERVICE I wouldn't even bother for that.
Glass/piece selection is nothing special. Service is rude. Spend your money and time somewhere else, even Illlusions is a nicer atmosphere and overall if you're looking at smokeshops, PB/Garnet Ave is the place to go - you can walk to 5 different shops and make your pick.
People thought this was:
Russell M., with all due respect, you've got it ALL WRONG. The Black is one of the oldest establishments in Ocean Beach and it personifies the community. Judging by the probable average age of the typical Yelper, you just haven't been around long enough to know that.
People thought this was:
this place is good :)
i bought my friend a hookah here and we still use it.
i need to get a new pipe here. they have nice shit.
loves it!!!!!!!!
I like the Black.
It greatly amuses me that you can point to a 9 foot tall bong and say, "I'd like to purchase that water pipe in the rainbow colors with a life size picture of Bob Marley smokin' a spiff on the side of it, please" and they will smile and wrap it up for you.
But if you actually say the word "bong," they will throw yer ass outta there.
Lest you get the wrong impression, I only come here for the tube socks.
People thought this was:
If you revert to look at review #1, they are on it, Head Shop.
This place to add to the rest of the folks here, has everything that a local Obecian could want or need. They have clothes (flip flops, t shirts, belts, sweatshirts, local tourist shirts fun stuff), jewelery (body jewels, neat silver rings etc), towels (for the beach goers), good variety of incense, random gifts, funny gifts like the rubber chicken catapult that everyone can purchase for thier siblings.
No one seemed to mention their stationary section either... they have a great variety of cards you will not find at Hallmark, and for all occasions. There are also a variety of Art Books, which is why I loved going in here when I lived in OB. They have some books you will not find at Borders or B&N to say the least. They also carry a variety of Guitars, and other musical instruments perfect for the beach goers. I think I have it covered... incense, gifts, shirts, books, cards, lighters, jewelery... big selection of studded belts... oh and the infamous OB sticker for your back window. They have those here.
It's a landmark. If you are in the area, it's a fun place to go.
People thought this was:
The Black is an Ocean Beach staple. Good to see it's still an ongoing concern...as it's been a couple of years since I've been back. A lot of the head shop novelties they sell remind me of childhood. Yes, most of the stuff is tacky, but so what......this place is a time capsule, and ya never know when you might need a new flask or a "steal your face" poster.
San Diego in general and OB in particular are what exemplify the California of popular imagination. Every time I try and do the New England thing by sitting in a bar and minding my own business, I always meet cool people. At their insistence. I've had San Diego State students inviting me to clam bakes, shared cab rides to TJ with beautiful California Girls, and made proper counter culture connections.
Forget the Haight and head to OB. Truth to power.
People thought this was:
4 Star for all those headbangers and heads out there or for the Man-Tourist.
Man-Tourist seems to love this, if they smoke (cigs), they love it even more. Even if they are not ganja fans they love that I can bring my dog in here, and the store clerks even encourage it.
Yes it's not your average smoke shop you'll realize this when you walk to the back and see the hats with the title "F*ck you, You F*ckin' F*ck!". There are the regular posters of Jimi Hendrix and controversial books in the back, with lots of gross incense holders for hiding all the green air that all those OBecians smoke up.
But really you can spend hours in this place and not see everything, too much stimuliiiii!
But still, your glass pipes and your other stuff which I'm sorry I'm not too versed on, (tangent: not being a pot head my self, however, I'm not a hater, just not into it myself), it's all there.
Still like I said Man-Tourist loves this place, and they like even more if yous end them a Christmas gift with the store name on it, great gift for Man-Tourist.
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I love browsing this place! Where else can you find kids clothing, cool jewelry, drug paraphernalia, souvineirs and sex toys all in one venue? I always bring out of towners here and they always love it!
If you want to take a walk a few years back head to the Black in OB. Its all about atmosphere baby and it dont get more laid back. After buying a groovy new piece or a book on fairies I suggest you head to Theo's on the same side of the road heading East. They have the best GYRO'S I have ever had.
Oh and if your wondering why I gave it 5 stars it is because I have never been in a store like that before. -Its huge!!
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If you think The Black is good, it's just because you've never been in a nice shop. . . seriously. Their stuff is tacky and outdated. They had dead bugs in their displays when I was there. Their tobacco accessories are REALLY overpriced and cheaply made. . . oh, and the staff is surly.
For the love of all that's holy, hop over to Vishions or The Sacred & The Profane. . .
People thought this was:
Pretty cool place, good selections, chill prices.
Really reminded me of a Haight St., SF type of place. Which is totally a good thing in my book, brings me back to my hippie roots. I enjoy the chill vibe with candles and draperies more than a head shop with a bunch of corney shit all over the place. Me and my buddie actually stopped in here because he had heard that they changed the laws in San Diego to sell piecies.. but the guy working at Black said that was a load of elephant poop.
Anyway.. I was heading to my buddies shop on Garnet last weekend and aaaaallll his inventory was out... I don't know whats going on in this town! haha. I guess were spoiled in SF where you can basically smoke a joint infront of a cop and still get a wave hello.
:) Cool place.
I bought a lip ring for 10 bucks.. average price.
The Black is hard to categorize. I guess you could say it's a smoke shop, but that is not really doing justice to the place. It would be fair and accurate, however, to say this is the greatest smoke shop in the Entire World.
David mentioned the book selection, and I'm glad he did because that is probably the highlight of this place. Their collection of cool biographies and pop philosophy/poetry is stellar. Yeah, sure you could call it Stoner Lit., but I'd just call it Lay Lit, because the Black carries the sorts of books (Bukowski, Vonnegut, Klosterman, Robbins) that will get your Daily-Show-watching-but-no-time-to-read friends interested in literature again.
They also have a huge selection of clothes, posters, candles, incense, and, of course, bongs -- er, I mean waterpipes.
AV
People thought this was:
I usually do some Christmas shopping here as they got something for everyone on my list and a good selection of crude and pornographic greeting cards. I use to come in all the time in middle school just to check out this strangely attractive girl that worked there. She had braided armpit hair with rasta beads dangling in her musty patchouli oiled pits. I'm sure she's long gone and shaved up by now but if you happen to read this, I'm still interested.
People thought this was:
Looking to but some children's cloths and bong? Well then The Black in OB has got ya covered. The eclectic store sells just about everything, but none if it is fashionable, at least not to anyone who doesn't go through each day in a constant THC-enduced fog.
The gaudy store is not that much different than an Imagination. It sells smoking accaesseory, black-light posters and jewely. Plus, there are a lot of ugly clothes on hand for shopper to take advantage of, including outfits for little tykes.
Yeah, the Black might get a lot of patronage in OB, but the store's sellection is pretty out-dated and it ain't that cheap either.
What can I say, this is the Smoke-Mart of smoke shops. They have a great selection and the customer service is cool. Believe me I have had some DUMB questions in my time. I never felt out of place here, yeah this is a Good place.
Cool place to stop by and get cool or funny gifts. When I go to OB, I stop by here for sure!
i always end up wandering around in here when I'm in OB. Even though I have no need to patronize their Wall of Bongs, I always end up buying too much useless merchandise nevertheless.
People thought this was:
Just read the other reviewers comments. I think the Black is a cool store. Yea, they sell stuff thats aimed at tourists and I would do the exact same thing.I dont think its a sell-out, just good business sense. Look how long they've been around, I mean, I think my first time here was in the late 80's, back in jr high. Whats funny is they probably still have merchandise for sale from the 80's. But I do agree that alot of stuff are a bit overpriced but keep in mind, the tourists thinks its a bargain and will buy it up.
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I would definetly go there without my 9 and 12 year old boys. My 2 year old daughter is fine because she's not gonna really remember or even know or care about many of the things in there. Great gag gifts. Incenses. Coffee table books. Interesting knick knacks. Fashion for the potheads. Fun shop.
People thought this was:
The other reviewers are so right on about this place. I love to stop in when I'm in SD, but I am usually disappointed when I am shopping for something specific, like kids clothes, jewelry, and pipes. Still, I can spend an endless amount of time in there. Then I go next door to The Black Bead...
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Rightous is an understatment. I can get that obnoxious card for mom and a new glass piece all in one easy stop. thank the lord!!!!
This is a cool Head shop in OB. It's always fun to browse around the store.
The obligatory head shop in Ocean Beach--someone had to do it. Just like any other head shop, The Black offers quite a selection of stoner gear and those political bumper stickers that I love to hate.
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