By Samantha Mason
If there’s one thing we all love about the lovely village of Ocean Beach, it’s the diversity and uniqueness. A little coastal town made up of interesting characters, beach culture, amazing food, and even better drinks. I think the diversity of OB is best showcased through all of the types of stores and businesses you find on every corner. From thrift shops to jewelry shops to hole-in-the-wall eateries, there truly is something for everyone.
I decided to head down to Newport Avenue to check out some of the businesses and see what I could find. My sister recently relocated to San Diego from the central coast, and I figured showing her around OB would be the perfect start to her San Diego tenure. I was correct!
Scoops (4994 Newport Ave)
Our first stop was Scoops, where you can enjoy a myriad of delicious ice creams, coffees, crepes, and more. Your standard ice cream parlor, the decor made for an overall beachy vibe. I was immediately welcomed by the smell of fresh waffle cones. This location has only been open for a few months; they have two other storefronts in La Jolla.
I had the pleasure of speaking to one of their employees, Ali. Ali was kind enough to tell me all about their best-selling flavors (Peanut Butter Brownie Honeycomb). When asked about the best parts of working at Scoops, Ali mentioned the beachy location and all of the wonderful employees who Staff scoops. I will definitely be back to try all of Scoops’ flavors! More details can be found on their website, https://www.scoopslajolla.com.
Brew Wave Coffee (4967 Newport Ave)
We popped in to Brew Wave Coffee next. It’s a typical coffee shop, with all sorts of coffee drinks and pastries available. There were some patrons in there working; it was overall very peaceful in the store. They also have a wall of art prints by local artists for sale, which immediately caught my attention; I admire when small businesses help each other out like that. I was unfortunately already at my caffeine limit for the day, but Blue Wave is for sure on my list of places to stop at the next time I return to Newport Ave.
Humble Heart (4873 Newport Ave)
Next on my list was Humble Heart, a thrift store and music venue. I met Christina, one of the co-owners, who was able to share a lot about this unique spot. Born and raised in San Diego, Christine and her partner opened Humble Heart in Poway before relocating it to Newport Ave. Most people don’t know that the thrift store is also a live music venue, and they also offer music lessons. More information about the musical aspect of Humble Heart can be found on their website, https://www.theheartob.com/.
When I asked Christine what she loved most about working in OB, she said the uniqueness of the community was her favorite. I definitely agree, and believe Humble Heart is the perfect addition to the lineup of quirky storefronts on Newport.
Shore Thing Pet Supply (4836 Newport Ave)
Another spot on my list was Shore Thing Pet Supply. Another new addition to the main drag, they have anything you’d ever need for your pets. I was impressed by their inventory of both affordable and high-end pet products. I took an interest in their Ruffwear section; it’s a brand I rely on for my Labrador. I didn’t get the chance to speak with anyone while inside, but I think having a one-stop shop like it in the area is beneficial. I don’t know of any similar stores on the block. If you’re in the area and are looking to spoil your pets, make sure to stop by!
Shawarma House (4884 Newport Ave)
Without a doubt, my favorite stop on Newport Avenue was Shawarama House. The family business first opened its doors in January, and offers an enticing lineup of shawarma plates, pita wraps, salads, rice, hummus, and baklava. The store is comfy and welcoming. I had the absolute privilege of meeting Mais, who greeted me with a smile and was more than willing to tell me about her family business. She insisted I try some food and stay for lunch, to which we were much obliged.
We tried both the steak and chicken shawarma plates, which are served with meat, rice, tabouli, and pita bread, paired with garlic sauce and their homemade hot sauce. They were also so kind as to let us try their chicken and steak, shawarma egg rolls and some drinks on the house. We were truly blown away. Mais told us, “we like to let the food speak for itself,” and it definitely did. Nothing tops a warm, fresh, homemade meal. We thoroughly enjoyed our experience.
Shawarma house took the cake for me by far today. Not only was I served a quality meal, but the hospitality and kindness were unmatched. The staff were friendly and made sure our experience was top-tier. When it was time to go, Mais let us know that we’re “part of the family now.” If you’re ever on Newport Ave., make sure to give this spot a try!
All in all, the character of Ocean Beach shines through in the people and places and comprise it. Whether you’re looking for a delicious treat, funky art, or just a new experience, make sure to get out there and explore!
Samantha Mason is a journalist based out of North County. An alum of San Diego State University, she has written for Coast News, the San Diego Gulls and more. When she’s not chasing a good story, you can find her trying out a new brewery or walking her 3-year-old lab, Clover. Follow her on X @samantha3mason.
I love Ocean Beach! There is an upcoming sitcom using OB locations:
“Ocean Beach is about to have its own sitcom. … “The first episode includes scenes at neighborhood favorites like OB Beans, Raglan Public House, Humble Heart and Hodads, and Dyer said the concept came together the more they focused on making OB its own character in the show.”
If anyone would like to be in a segment yet to be filmed, read about it here:
https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-san-diego-a48d366e-9336-422e-a968-792dd9f188bb.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=newsletter_axioslocal_sandiego&stream=top
Good story, Samantha, welcome to The Rag.
As will often happen, you will be hearing from people about what you’ve written. Much of it will be good. Some bad. Some just offering an opposing opinion or correcting. I fall into this latter category.
Scoops Ice Cream is a newcomer to OB, they haven’t been here a full year yet. OB’s long-time ice cream shop finally reopened after being shuttered for about two years because of a devastating fire, Lighthouse Ice Cream.
They reopened in May of this year. https://obrag.org/?s=ice+cream.
For me, Scoops may be a great place as well, but it will need to put in the time before it’s part of OB.
I thought I knew OB, not like citizen Geoff but as an interested tourist. Your story has awakened my OB sensors for ice cream and chicken shawarma. Nice job, variety of subjects, interesting elements–good story
Congratulations for your on boarding at the OBrag. A wonderful public square for reporters and citizens. I wish you excessive success in this honorable profession you have joined –excessive success since you are an Aztec grad.
Thx much for sharing this info. It’s very helpful for us non-OB residents who are looking for good spots to eat, shop, etc. Looking forward to more guidance!
I’ve concluded that voters should prioritize where
& on what they pay the most attention to. Local politics/politicians affect us the most & that’s where as voters we can do the most good, be the most effective.