Normal Heights is a pocket of central San Diego that boasts an eclectic collection of businesses and residences that keep with the old feel of the neighborhood. The Adams Avenue Business Association, Normal Heights Cultural Council and other local groups help keep the neighborhood alive while respecting its history. The Antique Row has a variety of stores to peruse, and is one of the more historic elements of the area. The main street is peppered with all sorts of restaurants, coffee shops and friendly neighborhood pubs alongside used book stores, specialty shops and other small businesses

The area that was organized in 1906 by the University Heights Syndicate has been home to one of the most diverse groups of people and cultures in the last century. Bordered by University Heights, City Heights, North Park and Kensington, it is truly a mid-city neighborhood. The Adams Avenue main street has seen a wide array of businesses since its early days. And while the old theatre may have been converted to a commercial store since its heyday, the marquee still announces community events and pays homage to the neighborhood’s roots.

San Diego’s Normal Heights is a prime example of the benefits of revitalizing a historic neighborhood. Celebrating its 100th birthday this year, Normal Heights is a neighborhood rich with history and full of friendly faces.

The neighborhood is becoming a more desirable place to live each day. A new elementary school was recently added, condominiums are continuously being built and sold, and older buildings are being restored. The annual festivals held on Adams Avenue, such as the Street Fair and Holiday on the Ave, are getting bigger each year as well.

Following is a sampling of the neighborhoods businesses, but there are many more to discover.

RESTAURANTS

Antique Row Café
3002 Adams Ave.
San Diego, ca. 92116
619-282-9750
This funky, retro diner on the edge of the historic Antique Row only serves breakfast and lunch. Standard diner food is infused with a California attitude, with dishes such as tofu breakfast burritos as well as classic bacon and eggs. The place is decorated with 1950s memorabilia and the speakers pump out oldies. If you’re looking for a Sunday morning meal, plan on waiting a while, because the place gets packed. They do offer coffee and snacks to those waiting, though.

Jyoti Bihanga
3351 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-282-4116
This is one of the oldest vegetarian restaurants in California. Owned and operated by followers of Sri Chimnoy’s practice of meditation, the space is relaxed and serene. Soft music fills the area surrounded by blue walls, high windows and inspirational designs. They prefer that cell phones are not used inside, to ensure a tranquil atmosphere. The fare is all vegetarian, but vegans and carnivores alike eat here because the food speaks for itself. The cuisine includes Eastern and American inspired choices, such as the PLB burger (peace, love and bliss), neat loaf, and a variety of wraps, soups and salads.

Dimilles
3492 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-283-3153
This Italian restaurant lies right on the corner of 35th and Adams. They offer standard Italian fair such as pizza, pasta, sandwiches and deserts in a fairly casual atmosphere. Delivery is also available for locals.

NIGHTLIFE/PUBS

Ould Sod
3373 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-284-6594
Established in 1987, the Ould Sod has seen Normal Heights through its current revitalization, and has been recently remodeled itself. They’ve got stiff drinks from Irish bartenders and a good jukebox during the day, as well as live entertainment most nights of the week. The performances are often of the traditional Irish variety, as well as some modern rock acts. The karaoke hosted by Alex on Thursdays Saturdays is the one of the more popular activities, and usually results in a packed house.

Lestat’s West
3343 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-282-0437
This is an all-ages venue for live music, located directly next door to Lestat’s Coffee House. Most of the performers fall into rock or folk categories. You never really know what to expect with the cast of characters that frequent this spot, but you’ll always be able to get a cup of coffee or a tasty treat to go with show.

Rosie O’Grady’s
3402 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-284-7666
This may look like just another Irish pub, but Rosie O’Grady’s has some unusual features. Food is served, such as their Sunday brunch, and there’s also a separate wine and tapas bar attached with a mellower atmosphere. Live blues music is a regular feature on most weekend nights, as well as various live entertainment or sports viewing during the week.

SHOPPING

Folk Arts Rare Records
2881 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-282-7833
This is one of the last real record stores, with vinyl albums in all genres of music. Whether it’s R&B, Country, Rock & Roll or Classical that you’re looking for, there are records here for anyone with the tools to play them. Owner Lou Curtiss has lived in San Diego for over 50 years and has plenty of knowledge to share about music and Normal Heights, if you should get a chance to talk to him.

Timeless Collectibles
2604 Adams Ave
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619 683-7830
The murals covering the outside of this distinctive commercial building make it hard to miss. One of the more fashionable antique shops on historic Antique Row, Timeless Collectibles offers unique items from all eras, as well as modern, unique, exotic and erotic merchandise. They also house the Retro Café, with a full service espresso bar.

Adams Avenue Bookstore
3502 Adams Ave.
San Diego, Ca. 92116
619-281-3330
This is a cozy old bookstore with tons of new and used books on every topic; fiction or non-fiction. There are plenty of used bookstores down the Avenue, but this is one of the oldest and largest. The stacks of paperbacks and hardbacks may seem daunting, but the staff is knowledgeable. If you’re lucky, the store cats may let you pet them.

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