US House Apothecary & Soap Shop
Neighborhood: Old Town

2765 San Diego Ave
San Diego, CA 92110

Anita L. writes: Housed in an old style apothecary, this little shop carries unique items you would use for your bath time pleasure. From vanilla coconut scented bath crystals to luxury soap items, this place has it.

San Diego Mesa College Bookstore
Neighborhood: Clairemont

7250 Mesa College Drive
Building H-100
San Diego, CA 92111

Steve R. writes: Other than the excessive price gouging it's not the worst bookstore I've had the pleasure to visit.

Your usual sundries (candy, gum, etc.) along with all your logo wear needs and school supplies can be found inside.

Once in a while good deals on…

Sanseido Books
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

4240 Kearny Mesa Road
San Diego, CA 92111

Casper G. writes: For comics I might recommend, Book Cafe J.  Used books, most definitely BookOff next door.  But for current issues of Japanese books and magazines, Sanseido in Mitsuwa Market is probably the most well stocked in San Diego.  They also have a small…

Liberty Tobacco
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

7341 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

brigette l. writes: Great selection of cigars here, I never knew this place existed...  I always end up in expensive cigar shops downtown or the Plaza that are a little to over the top trendy for me.  

Usually Denise and I only smoke on opening day when we are hopped up…

Ethan Allen Home Interiors
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

7341 Clairemont Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92111

Ryan T. writes: Actually, most EA stores are corporate although there are a few that are privately owned.  I think the quality here is superb and has not gone down at all.  They have recently introduced a lower priced collection that has a more modern and…

Book Cafe J
Neighborhood: Clairemont

3860 Convoy St
# 116
San Diego, CA 92111

Courtney S. writes: This place is not closing down!!! Most likely because I add to the employees future children's college funds, I like to support small family owned places since there are so few.. ::sigh..:: yes yes, I do love my real manga in Japanese... I should be…

Cutting Corners Fabrics
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

5150 Convoy St
San Diego, CA 92111

Jackie M. writes: This store is impossible to find, but its sheer immense size makes it feel worth it, even if you don't walk out with what you need.  There's also a crazy amount of parking (almost the area of a small town, specifically dedicated to this store) that I…

Cigarettes Cheaper
Neighborhood: Clairemont

5665 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111

Christy R. writes: You shouldn't smoke.  It's terrible for your health, and it stinks up you and everything you own.  That said, if you must smoke, there are cheaper places for a pack of cigs than the Cigarettes Cheaper in Clairemont.  I've never been particularly…

Albertsons
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

7715 Balboa Ave
San Diego, CA 92111

Steve R. writes: This is a very surreal Albertson's and that says a lot. Not including your usual eclectic mix of Clairemont/Kearny Mesa folks shopping here either.

The store used to have a fresh bakery right up front as you enter. On my last visit it had been closed…

Ferguson Enterprises, Inc.
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

4699 Mercury St
San Diego, CA 92111

Julie C. writes: Bathtubs, toilets, sinks and faucets for the bath plus high-end ranges, refrigerators, wine coolers, etc. for the kitchen.  A bit snobby at first (hello, you're slingin' toilets!) but once we were paired with a salesman, we were well taken care of.…

CVS Pharmacy
Neighborhood: City Heights

4404 El Cajon Blvd
San Diego, CA 92115

David O. writes: CVS recently bought out Sav-On.  As far as product selection is concerned, however, there ain't much of a difference.   It's not better, but it's not worse either.

CVS is convenient.  That's why we go there.  It's one of the few places where you know…

Discount Fabrics Laces & Trim
Neighborhood: Normal Heights

3580 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

Jackie M. writes: I could be wrong, but I think the fabric store at this location is actually called something like "Peter Pan's" or...yeah.  It still has "LACE" and "TRIM" out there, so I guess it's the right place.  Small shop full of different synthetic fabrics, so…

Stereotech
Neighborhood: Normal Heights

3401 Adams Ave Ste F
San Diego, CA 92116

John B. writes: Fred is kinda bizarre, but he does good work.

Resurrected Furniture & Consignment Gallery
Neighborhood: University Heights

2814 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

Jackie M. writes: Some cool or unique pieces, but not a lot stands out.  If you're looking for furniture, most of the better pieces are full of smaller goods, so it's hard to imagine taking any of it (well, this display and the price tag, too).  Maybe a fun place just…

Zac's Attic
Neighborhood: University Heights

2922 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

Jackie M. writes: I didn't really find anything I was looking for (I'm more of a furniture-hunter than a knick-knacks/dishes/paper goods gatherer) but I had to review it with at least three stars for the sweet woman who works here.  She offers help but also just lets…

Miscellanea
Neighborhood: University Heights

4610 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92116

Jackie M. writes: This place is actually at 4608, but you'd find that out quickly.  It's a tiny shop with mostly books and some chairs and other lightweight stuff, but not the place to go for furniture, it seems.  The old lady that works there seemed really nice and…

Bee Essential
Neighborhood: University Heights

4657 Park Blvd
San Diego, CA 92116

Edenista M. writes: I just love to roll in a new candle shop.  This one is cozily decorated, and tiers of burning wax perfume it nicely.  The Cabernet scented ones are my favorites, but I unfortunately didn't find a lot of other scents fragranced enough, even by…

A Second Chance
Neighborhood: Normal Heights

3439 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

john m. writes: A great place to shop great prices owners are friendly and more then willing to help. Everything is clean and the quaility is great. Dan and Bridgett are great host take my word for it and you won't be disapointed

Camera Exposure
Neighborhood: University Heights

2703 Adams Ave
San Diego, CA 92116

Kim D. writes: EDIT: Okay, ignore this review and check out their website.  It looks like they're moving and closing out their merchandise.  The website promises big sales on equipment!

Camera Exposure is known to photographers and other photography store's…

Rite Aid
Neighborhood: Clairemont

3081 Clairemont Dr
San Diego, CA 92117

Jennifer A. writes: I love Rite Aid because of their Thrify brand ice cream (remember when it used to be Thrifty's?)  Chocolate Malted Crunch is my all time favorite.  Single scoop cone only 99 cents~

Troy's Family Restaurant & Coffee Shop
Neighborhood: Clairemont

4827 Clairemont Drive
San Diego, CA 92117

Alissandra L. writes: I was always a little afraid of Troy's. I'd grown up in the neighborhood, passing by often because it's located in "the square," and I'd always see old people go into Troy's, but never see them come back out again. Eerie.

So, I went with a friend,…

Standards of Excellence

2620 Financial Ct
San Diego, CA 92117

Scott C. writes: Good: pretty much every rad high-end appliance and more stainless steel than you thought existed in one place.  Prices are actually pretty good too, especially if you can score a demo unit.

Bad: snooty salespeople, almost nothing in stock (you have to…

Marshalls
Neighborhood: Clairemont

4209 Genesee Avenue
San Diego, CA 92117

Christy R. writes: I think we're all familiar with the Marshalls-style store.  Overstocked and slightly defective items (including designer brands) are sold at a discount price.  Unfortunately, it seems like the original prices of most of this store's merchandise were…

Rock Island Gallery
Neighborhood: Coronado

928 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118

Edenista M. writes: Rock Island gallery encompasses handmade jewelry, which honestly looks like it comes from Mundi for twice the price, and artworks whose degree of relevance is low, besides that of Daniella Foletto. Her works, particularly the giclee copies of her…

The Armoire
Neighborhood: Coronado

976 Orange Ave
Coronado, CA 92118

Edenista M. writes: The armoire is for an older clientele. Based on the Brighton line's accessory display and fragrances, I think it is definitely fair to say that.  Fringes, appliques, and a stale inventory with a slight touristic undertone are the key elements of this…

Mor Furniture For Less
Neighborhood: Miramar

7069 Consolidated Way
San Diego, CA 92121

L a r i s a H. writes: A massive, multilevel furniture store, Mor is aptly named. I didn't find the prices lived up to the "For Less" part of their title, though. Similar in it's selection of styles and quality to Ashley or Jerome's, Mor unfortunately has a high-pressure,…

Apple Computer Store

4505 La Jolla Village Dr
University Town Center
San Diego, CA 92122

Sarah L. writes: walking into the store, i smelled my brother's strangely familiar dork odor and visions of nerds and technology danced in my head. every corner of the store was filled with consumers, lined up to buy today's hottest gadgets- myself included. my…

Dollar Tree

3398 Murphy Canyon Rd
San Diego, CA 92123

Erich L. writes: A poor man's 99 cents only store. They don't have the variety and the selection, but then again dollar store content usually is hit or miss. The one advantage I will give this particular Dollar Tree credit though is it was very clean. Maybe I'll give…

San Diego Hardware Company
Neighborhood: Kearny Mesa

5710 Kearny Villa Rd
Suite A
San Diego, CA 92123

Bill H. writes: The cashier referenced in Irene's review has not worked at San Diego Hardware since 2006. She was a creep, no question!

Vons
Neighborhood: Mira Mesa

8310 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

Jennifer A. writes: Von's usually has pretty good sales and in general lower prices.  Their deli and soups are pretty good.  I also like how if I use my card for the Starbucks in there I get my eighth cup free.

...HOWEVER...

They discontinued their double coupon program!…

Rite Aid
Neighborhood: Mira Mesa

8985 Mira Mesa Blvd
San Diego, CA 92126

Amy G. writes: Dear Rite Aid Headquarters,

This letter of concern falls upon your desk after many desperate and embarrassing attempts to purchase No Doz over the counter caffeine stimulants across the county of San Diego. Please accept this note as a friendly…

Dollar Mart
Neighborhood: Miramar

7092 Miramar Road
San Diego, CA 92126

Erich L. writes: Nothing really special to find in here, and their prices have been going up slightly as of late. However, it's not a bad place to break some change, and they got lotto and smoke there if you like. At least the owners here are fairly friendly.

Geek Squad
Neighborhood: Mira Mesa

San Diego, CA 92126

Courtney W. writes: Some of the NICEST people ever! =)
They're here to help, not steal your money.
What a first, huh?

I needed my laptop opened, and I don't have
a screw driver small enough to open it --
I brought it here to ask if I could just borrow it for a quick
sec, and…

Barnes & Noble

12835 El Camino Real
San Diego, CA 92130

Pearl L. writes: This Barnes and Noble location is the closest to me.  Like Steve R. noted, it's miniscule compared to the location in Mira Mesa (but good luck finding parking in that plaza).  I've never had an issue with this location, as books that I've wanted have…

Fed Ex Kinko's

3435 Del Mar Heights Rd
Suite D1
San Diego, CA 92130

Steve R. writes: Nothing really special here. Tons of self-serve copiers both B&W and color and everything is charged directly to a credit or debit card.

Fax service and full service counter available with a staff that ranks at least adequate. Again nothing special…

Vons

3850 Valley Centre Dr
San Diego, CA 92130

Julie T. writes: The Solana Beach of grocery stores. Ample space, nice range of products, including a huge drug store and greeting card section, a great health food aisle, good produce, and, most importantly, surroundings that seem to venture a good way from the…

CVS Pharmacy
Neighborhood: Otay Mesa

3320 Palm Ave
San Diego, CA 92154

Joel G. writes: pros...this place is very empty, so if you are looking for anything a normal pharmacy would stock this place is great.  it is a rather big place and the a/c is just killer.  it is great place to hang out if you don't have a/c in your house.  just sit…

Adidas Retail Store
Neighborhood: San Ysidro

4201 Camino De La Plaza
San Diego, CA 92173

scott p. writes: I stop by the downtown adidas store on a regular basis, so I was interested in checking out the Outlet version at Las Americas.  They biggest suprise was the mutliple racks of random xxl and xl adidas "Fashion" items of the kind you would see…