Buffy S.'s Profile

The only thing I enjoy about this place is that I don't have to take a freeway for 20 minutes to get there, like any of the other Petco locations in San Diego.

The catch is that the prices are marked up quite significantly.  I guess technically you'll end up spending that extra money on gas to get to Petco, anyway, so you might as well not drive as far.

And just to be extra nit-picky, the parking lot at this place is gnarly.  If you want to go east on Washington, you either have to make an awkward u-turn or head down the alley towards UCSD hospital only to turn back onto 4th.  It's just all a little weird.

The staff there is super friendly, though, which makes up for parking lot weirdness and moderate overpricing.  They are always ready to help carry those heavy food bags and answer any questions you may have about, say, doggy toothpaste and toothbrushes cause for your entire life you've always thought brushing your dogs teeth was silly but you just can't deal with that stinky breath and her teeth are looking kind of yellow...

Anyway, yeah I shop at Unleashed.  Oh well.

I have no idea why I was ever in this bar.

Oh wait, it's because my friends are good people - with the exception of the fact that they asked me to go to this bar.

It was a Friday night, around 10:30, and I was baffled to find that there was a cover.  No DJ, no band, no packed bar.  Just a few stragglers that I guess couldn't afford the covers in Gaslamp.

I basically refused to pay the cover, and the lady let me in anyway, perhaps out of solidarity.  Or maybe Plum Crazy is one of those "ladies get in free!" places, which always sketch me out.  It's like, does this mean I owe you something for letting me into your crappy bar for free?

And there were JELLO SHOTS.  Call me crazy, but I'm not in college anymore and I'm pretty sure PB is NOT an SDSU dorm, but I could be wrong.  When a strained-looking waitress approached me carrying a tray of bright red jello shots, I almost laughed.  Are you serious?

My friends are lucky I enjoy their company so much.

JALAPENO MACARONI AND CHEESE.

That's really all I have to say.  But I'll go on.

The menu is great, they serve cucumber slices in the water, and the beer menu includes in-depth descriptions of what's available.  Neat.

This place is a little hard to get to if you don't live in East Village, which is one reason why I don't frequent it.  Great for pre-gaming, especially if you want to avoid overcrowding near Petco. It's not for people who prefer dives, as the environment is modern and geometric (like much of East Village), but it's casual enough that you certainly won't feel underdressed in jeans.  But a shirt without holes in it is a good call.

If I ever find myself in East Village, I try to make it a point to visit Neighborhood.  You should, too!

The Yelp-sponsored description of 3 stars says it perfectly: A-OK.

On my way to the bathroom at this too-bright, too-clean, and too-loud bar was a merchandise display featuring t shirts which stated: "Too Bright, Too Clean, Too Loud".  I wouldn't exactly shout that on the rooftop if I owned this establishment, but whatever.

Yes, Toronado features an excellent beer selection, arguably one of the best in San Diego.  And I appreciate that.  I'm also into the special glasses provided for each beer - presentation can be everything.

What I don't appreciate is being kicked out at 11:45 PM on a Friday night by a hurried man with a mop.  I'm also not into the cafeteria feel of the wooden benches and bright fluorescents.  With the superb bar offerings of the surrounding areas, the only reason I could argue going to Toronado would be convenience - or laziness.

In conclusion, yeah sure I'll go here again.  But only if I wanna call it an early night.

How do I even start?

Upon moving back to San Diego in 2007, I moved back to my old neighborhood of South Park.  After being gone 5 years, boy has it changed.

One place I never experienced as a kid growing up (obviously) was Hamilton's Tavern.  I ended up moving down the street from this bar and figured - why not?  It was a Tuesday around 6 PM and I walked in to find a giant, mopey boxer sprawled on the pool table.  I knew immediately this place was for me.

Since 2007, Hamiltons has blossomed into a full function, fried-sandwich-serving, AC-having metro San Diego icon.  Typically this place is too packed now to have 75 lb dogs lying around, but you'll often see pups sitting obediently at the feet of their masters.  Or in their laps.

This place is obviously known for their incredible beer selection, which is constantly updated (follow them on Twitter for an up-to-the-minute tap list) and always varied.   The bartenders are usually more than willing to give you a taste if you are unsure of a new beer, and the chalkboard beer menu includes the alcohol content of each beer, which is important when dealing with unfamiliar microbrews - you never know what you could be getting yourself into.

The grilled cheese sandwiches are perfect beer food and the fries, though sometimes overseasoned, are just as good.  The jukebox is killer and there are just enough flat screens to please sports junkies but not overwhelm those who'd rather chat it up with friends.

Hamilton's is no longer a neighborhood secret.  That may or may not be a good thing, but it's certainly a good thing for the good people who run a great bar.

I am a sucker for any place with voodoo decor.

But in all seriousness, this salon is one the last places around where you can get a cut for under $45.  I have been seeing Aimee for maybe 8 months and every cut is great - she has an eye for style.  I've recommended her to others and I've noticed she always cuts hair for the client - mending the cut to match the clients own personal style.  She also does free bang trims!

An extra perk is the excellent music and videos.  Overall a kickass place!

After my stunning victory at Pop Culture Trivia recently, I have to give Whistle Stop another 5 stars.  Does that make for a total of 10?

Even before I got a dog, I used to come to this beach and scope out the doggies to get a feel for the different breeds.  

People sometimes complain about the length between the street and the shore but I find that to be one of Coronado's qualities.  You really feel like you're far away from everything when you're there, very relaxing.  The length and lack of a proper boardwalk ensures that there are no obnoxious crowds of tourists on wheels.  

The only downside to this beach is the occasional military flyover, as the air force base is right there.  Other than that, this is *the* beach to take your doggies to.  Or your people to if you're still scoping out breeds.

Everyone's all up ons Manic Monday and I have to say I've never been.  That's next on my list.

I have, however, been to Sabado En Fuego which is their latin night.  On Saturdays.  Obviously.  There is a $7 cover, which is a bit more than I'm used to (cheapass), but worth the fun to be had inside.

Anyway, this place is NOT what I thought.  For some reason as a teen I always got the feeling Brass Rail was dingy, dark, divey.  Turns out it's actually pretty nice on the inside.  I hear it was revamped a few years back.  Anyway, there are some comfy chairs and couches in a lounge area, a good sized dance floor and two bars.  Even when the place filled up, there was still room to dance!

I see why there complaints from my fellow Yelpers, however.  The bartenders flirt with EVERYONE, and I could see how that could be obnoxious for a gay man at a "gay bar" to see male bartenders flirting with their hags.   Of course, Brass Rail is straight friendly (hence the Manic Mondayers!) and all are welcome, but generally speaking this is a gay establishment and you kind of expect bartenders to play the part, gay or not.  On top of that, the bartenders weren't even good at flirting, I felt skeezed upon.  I ain't your "baby"!

Regardless, Sabado is most certainly en fuego.  The music was a campy mix of top 40, latino favorites and some random 80s songs.  The dance floor was packed which was a good thing because it obscures how bad you (me) really are at dancing.  Will have to try that Manic Monday thing soon...

The only reason why I'm knocking 'em down one star is due to the fact that either the AC was broken or just crappy because it was hotter than hell inside this place.  Ended up sitting on the porch, but the lighting out there is mega bright and kinda gave me a headache.  Lucha: invest in some softer lighting!

In spite of all that, I can see why this place has become a cult classic, so to speak.  The decor is great - lots of lucha masks, photos, newspaper clippings, a trash can with a Ron Burgundy screen shot, tons of bright colors.  The food is on point as well.  I had a carne asada taco and although I was a little disappointed at an unfried tortilla, I have to say the meat itself was juicy and delicious.  The salsa was just spicy enough and the avocado was a great addition.  They have an amazing selection of self-serve salsas to try with their chips - I had the pineapple salsa and it was great.

Overall a great gem of a spot.