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Hello Dakka!

This week I am leaving for a road trip to Sunny San Diego CA! I expect to be there Friday and over the weekend. I'd love to hear from the dakka community what there is to see!

I have a few things I would like to do. What is the best game store, and if they have open gaming on Friday, Saturday or SUnday when? Anyone out there interested in a 40k game?

I am also looking for a model shop that imports Japanese kits, and an Anime store, and possibly a comic book store. Or all 3 if such a place exists.

I'd like to go have Banto style lunches and or Sushi at least one day, possibly more, wheres the best place(s) to go in San Diego.

I want to have seafood (not japanese style also) reccomendations?

Whats the best NON Gaming thing to do in San Diego?

I would consider driving up to LA for a day, I will have a car.

I will probably make maps on google maps for the best spots! So any help would be appreciuated, if you have a club in the San Diego or LA area I'd love to come and meet ya and see whats going on in the CA gaming scene!

Thanks!

When I was living there, my store of choice was: http://www.gameempire.com

Sadly, I can't remember the names of the comic/anime shops I used to frequent.

Thank you,

anyone else?

I'm way north of SD, up in LA / OC.

But if you're on the way up, be sure to stop by Brookhurst Hobbies - most of the SD guys swing by there when they go to LA / OC events. They're a full-service hobby shop with lots of different minis lines, model kits, etc.

There's also a Battle Bunker in Westiminster, CA. It's got a lot of play space, and a neat set of Middenheim terrain from the Storm of Chaos.

The real treat in Westminster is the Art Supply store across the street from the Bunker. It's where I bought my brushes - they have a good selection of brushes and other stuff that's worth you poking your head inside to check out.

For Gundam kits, Downtown LA Chinatown has a decent selection - I like the store in the plaza as Empress Pavillion (great choice for Cantonese dim sum, BTW).

For J-stuffs, downtown LA has a J-town, so there's lots to see over there. For inexpensive *authentic* J-food, Usui isn't bad for the money.

For sushi, I prefer the Korean-run places, as they're more conveinently located. Kabuki has many locations and has very good sushi for the reasonable price.

For seafood, I'm a little partial to the Fish Company in Los Alamitos - it's a local joint, and far better value than McCormick & Schmicks. Next best would be Gladstone's or Blue Water Grille, which are regional.

Good luck!

Augustus wrote:I would consider driving up to LA for a day, I will have a car.

The only signs that you've left San Diego and are heading into LA are the nuclear power plant and the marine base you drive by. Other than that, the urban sprawl isn't interrupted. I suppose there might be a sign up somewhere that mentions it too, but if there is, it isn't prominently displayed.

JohnHwangDD wrote:I'm way north of SD, up in LA / OC.

And by that he means a 1.5 to 2 hour drive up the 5 freeway.

But if you're on the way up, be sure to stop by Brookhurst Hobbies - most of the SD guys swing by there when they go to LA / OC events. They're a full-service hobby shop with lots of different minis lines, model kits, etc.

An excellent place for a variety of models, GW and otherwise. Last time I checked they had gundam stuff there but that was a while ago.

There's also a Battle Bunker in Westiminster, CA.

Probably the best place in the greater LA area to play. Lots of people, lots of tables, lots of terrain. The folks that work there are nice people too (if a bit over enthusiastic sometimes). You get a good mix of vets and new commers there too so you got a good selection of opponents. If you know when you are going to be there, send me a private message and we can work out the details of setting up a game.

For Gundam kits, Downtown LA Chinatown has a decent selection - I like the store in the plaza as Empress Pavillion (great choice for Cantonese dim sum, BTW).
For J-stuffs, downtown LA has a J-town, so there's lots to see over there. For inexpensive *authentic* J-food, Usui isn't bad for the money.

The stuff in J-Town around Yohan Plaza (down town LA) has everything you're looking for. You can find all kinds of crazy imports down there from movies, to models, to toys to books, to appliances. Back in my Jr. High days, I spent most of a summer down there "reading" manga before the internet and fan translators started making the stuff really accessible.

For food and what not, you are best off looking around the San Diego area for what you want, that way you can focus on gaming in LA if you head up this way.

Go see the Star Of India.

Drop by the Device Gallery. I think you'd like it.

http://www.devicegallery.com/
7881 Drury Lane • La Jolla, CA 92037
On the corner of Prospect and Drury Lane (Drury lane is the alley between Girard Ave. and Fay Ave. phone:858.454.1301

I knew Greg Brotherton(the owner) back in the late 80's when he was getting his Art degree. Tell him I said hi.

When in the San Diego area be sure to have a Carne Asada Burrito and some Fish Tacos.

I lived in the area for 6 years, moved away 6 years ago, and I miss these things still...

JohnHwangDD wrote:
There's also a Battle Bunker in Westiminster, CA. It's got a lot of play space, and a neat set of Middenheim terrain from the Storm of Chaos. ...

Good luck!

Thanks, Im going to be up there either friday or Saturday night, depending on trip details I don't know yet. I plan on bringing my workhorse army!

Much appreciated to everyone for the advice!