I have been coming to Essential Nails and seeing Tammy and the girls for close to 11 years! I'm a loyalist especially if I find a place that has amazing service, quality, and pricing! This is a no-frills nail salon, but Jessica, Tammy, Amy, and Hong will always do you right! I started with the basic mani/pedi ($39) b/c my nails grow so fast and I wasn't really wanting to pay more. Over the last several months, I've transitioned to a gel manicure ($35)/regular pedicure ($25) which is $60 total. A gel pedicure is $38 so total for gel mani/pedi is $73. I don't do the gel pedi b/c I don't have chipping and it lasts, so I still do the regular. When I chat with other girls about how much they spend on their nails, it's mind-blowing to me and half the time, they say their nails aren't what they wanted. I am sure that you will get the best pricing here and have the same quality if not better, and your nails will always last! They always get new colors too to stay with the season and on trend. The quality and pricing is so good that I use it as a monthly "spa" treatment. They don't have all the expensive massage chairs, but these girls give fabulous massages that's just as good, if not better! I always chat with girls while I'm here and a majority of them have also been coming to Essential Nails for years! If you're looking for top level quality, service at unbeatable prices for nails that will last and always look fresh, these girls at Essential Nails will do you right! read more

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They're so nice here! Highly recommend. Really kind and always have had a good experience

Thank you amy! She asked multiple times if everything is okay. She did a great job on my pedicure. I got white color. I asked her some questions too and she was very happy to answer. These ladies are really sweet. Just a heads up prices did go up in November 2024. Pedi is now $25. read more

Wow! This place is a gem. Wasn't planning on getting nails done in this area but was at the beach and noticed my nails needed some love...so I did a Yelp search and thank you fellow yelpers! Ms. Amy is a pedicure master. I haven't had one this great in years! She is very attentive and gives you a quality massage. Ms. Jessica did my manicure and she was also attentive and gives a great massage. Love my gel mani and pedi. These ladies are sweet, kind, and gives off positive energy. Oh how I wished I lived in SD already so I can see them all the time! And the topper is the pricing! You can't beat it for the exceptional service that they provide. read more

They are great! Personable, friendly, thorough, excellent! Been going there for years! When I get a pedicure, they do a nice leg massage too! It's great!! read more

I hadn't gotten a professional manicure in years because even gel polish never seemed to last on me. My sister-in-law raved about this place, saying their gel actually stays, so I finally gave it a try. I attempted to walk in a few years ago but didn't get in--this time, I called ahead and was able to snag an appointment. I didn't have to wait long, and Lana took care of me. She was friendly, kind, and super efficient! I decided to go with the chrome option, and I loved how thorough she was. Unlike other salons where they use just one lamp, here they used two, which meant a lot of back-and-forth but also made the process feel quicker. The location is great, with plenty of food spots nearby, and parking wasn't bad at all around 5:30 PM on a Thursday. Pricing was reasonable--$35 for a gel manicure plus $6 for the chrome. Totally worth it! I'm really happy with how my nails turned out and will definitely be back. read more

Best quality and price in San Diego. These ladies are hard working and friendly and do a very good gel mani/pedi. Usually last me without any chips up to 6 weeks seriously. Here are mine now that I got done for my graduation at Essential Nails on May 10, 2024! read more

Essential Nails - Over a month old - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

I got a gel Manicure done by Lana and it was amazing she did such a great job and is very good at what she does. My nails look absolutely perfect! She is so friendly and attentive to detail. All the ladies that work here are so friendly and welcoming it is such a good environment. Would definitely recommend coming here 10/10. read more

Essential Nails - Gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Amy was ready for my appointment and took the time to take great care of me. Very attentive and kind! read more

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Amazing service! They really pay attention to the details and make sure you leave a happy customer! Totally recommend this hidden gem in PB.

I recently discovered this place as I live in the neighborhood and I love it! Everyone there is very nice, pricing is excellent, and they have a lot of colors to choose from! I love supporting small businesses and getting to know all the techs individually! They are cheaper than I have seen around and do a great job! I usually call day of and they always fit me in. 10/10 recommend! read more

Very luxurious treatment I wouldn't mind doing every now and then. I didn't get the gals name who did my nails but she spoke great English and listened to me when I said I was picky and particular. She was amazing! Even got to enjoy some wine and my mother in law got to enjoy some champagne! read more

Essential Nails - On vacation and accidentally stumbled across this nail salon. - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

These ladies are the best! Great pricing and they are super nice. I've been a many times and my nails always look great and last a long time

Shoutout almost 2 years later to my favorite nail salon in San Diego! I love you guys. Such good quality gel, a very simple gel experience but amazing company by your nail techs and always an entertaining show on the tv. They do such a good job on your nails and are always willing to help if you ever need a fix. Be sure to call and schedule an appointment in advance :) read more

Essential Nails - gel manicure - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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This is now my go to place. I have been here several times, typically for gel manicures. I drive half an hour to PB just to go here. Today I got an acrylic set. I was so happy with the results. Amy took her time and did an amazing job and was super sweet. We were actually late for our appointment and they were still happy to take the two of us. I would definitely recommend this place. The prices are also cheaper than anywhere else I've been. I also would recommend making an appointment instead of walk in. read more

Essential Nails - Acrylic set - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Had a great experience at Essential Nails! The prices are incredibly fair and the ladies are AMAZING. I had Amy and she was just the sweetest. I set an appointment a week in advance and everything went well. Great customer service here! My little cousin even messed up a bit of her manicure and the ladies were nice enough to fix it for her. Highly recommend this establishment to anyone! read more

I was able to get an appointment within the hour. The ladies are so nice! And they did such a good job for a good price. I will definitely come here again when I'm back in the PB area! read more

We are from out of town and went here based on reviews. This is a gem of a spot. Such wonderful service and very good prices. I went with my aunt and mother who are in their 80's. I feel like we have new friends. read more

Got a pedicure here today with Amy and had a great experience! They don't have the fancy pedicure chairs but they provide great service, detailed work and fair prices! Every nail place has nearly doubled in price and just as I was about to give up on finding a reasonable and good spot in PB, I found essential nails! Try it out! read more

This was my first time getting my nails done at Essential Nails. When I initially came in for my appointment to get a pink fill, my manicurist Amy started to work on my nails (done by a different company) and told me that they might fall off due to the poor quality of the nails that the other company had put on. Amy said she didn't want to waste my money and offered me to come back another time and she would put on a fresh acrylic set for me, at the same price as a pink fill. When I came back and got a fresh set with the gold French tip, Amy honored the original price and did a meticulous job, paying detailed attention to each step and stroke. When I asked her to add a 25% tip to the total bill, she looked at me and asked "are you sure?" It was so special and unique to have a manicurist genuinely care about helping you save money while also doing a fantastic job and being so kind along the way. I will be back again. Thank you Amy!! read more

Essential Nails - Full acrylic set with gold French tip - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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They do not take walk ins so don't try to walk in. Not sure how they have so many reviews

Wow! What a great job from Lana! Never had my toes so cute! Highly recommend these ladies ;) Thank you again read more

Essential Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

PB's best kept secret! Excellent service, lovely ladies and extremely reasonable prices. Love Amy and Lana! First visit was in 2003- 20 years and still going strong! Bravo!! read more

All of the women here are the sweetest and best at what they do. I've never been to nail salon consistently like I have with this one. It's now been years of coming every 4-6 weeks and I'm still as happy as ever when I leave with my fancy AF nails. I generally call ahead to set-up an appointment and get gel nails/pedicure as they can be very busy. read more

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I called and got an after work appointment same day. I'm not sure who gave me my pedicure, but she was amazing. Other nail places set a timer for the calf massage, but this place doesn't. They had a tv playing movies that were entertaining to watch. A gel pedicure was $27. I'm used to my other place being $35 for spa pedicure with callus removal. Because the place is very reasonable I tip them as if went to my other one. I think it's a well spent $40 and hoping it last weeks. Will definitely be coming back here. The staff all seem so welcoming, nice and friendly. read more

Essential Nails - Gel pedicure - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Absolute BEST nail salon in Pacific beach!! This place has been here since the 90s and is such a cool vibe! The ladies here were so incredibly kind to me and made me so comfortable and relaxed! Anytime I'm visiting pacific beach I will make sure to stop here!! read more

Got a pedicure. Well done. Lana was excellent. Friendly. Relaxed atmosphere. Small low tech place. Will return when I'm in town same time next year. read more

I never take time to write reviews, but this little gem of a nail salon is turning 25 this June and I have been going to them for almost all of those years. Their pedicures can last so long that it's only nail growth that makes me go back sooner. The ambiance is chill, like a little oasis in the middle of PB chaos. Chick flicks playing on the tv, long-time customers stopping by to say Hi, it's cool if you want to chat and it's cool if you want to zone out in silence while they give your legs and feet a dynamite massage. Can't recommend them enough. read more

I was unexpectedly in the area and called for a last minute appointment. Super happy with what I got! I would come here again.

Literally the most perfect nail place you could ever find in San Diego. Prices are so good for how well they do nails!! I love Jessica and she's always so sweet and soooo good with my nails. Almost every other salon I've gone to has cut up my cuticle when they file it down but I've never once been cut here. Go here if you're looking for a good nail salon for super good prices!! read more

Essential Nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Won't go anywhere else in PB! They are the sweetest group of women and have great prices, and they always take their time to make sure everything is perfect. read more

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Absolute best nail salon in PB. Affordable AND they do wonderful clean work!!!!!! I absolutely love Amy and Jessica! Can't recommend them enough. read more

This place is GREAT. I've been going for almost 2 years now and I often overhear other customers talking about how they've moved away and will still book an appointment with these wonderful ladies any time they are back in SD. I always work with Amy and she just does an amazing job every time, but I am certain you cannot go wrong with any of the girls here. It's excellent quality, you will not be disappointed. Call ahead, sometimes they are busy and can't always accommodate walk ins + leave some time for beach traffic and/or parking. I love my time spent here, I've always left impressed and people always compliment my nails. read more

Best nail place hands down! I have been to many nail places and this is by far my favorite.

I've been coming to essential nails, every 2 weeks, since I moved to San Diego 7 years ago. I receive an exceptional service every single time. I moved from PB to mission valley few year ago so decided to try couple of other places closer to where I lived. Ended up coming back to Essential Nails every time. I've moved twice more since then their great work is the only reason I fight the PB traffic every two weeks. read more

Essential Nails - Another great experience - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

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Jessica has been doing my acrylic gel nails for years now and I'm never disappointed. They always last me about a month, she's great at simple designs and she is super sweet! Good prices and great service. 10/10 read more

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I've been going to Essential Nails for the past ~3 years and usually see Amy, but if she's not available everyone else does an amazing job and are so kind as well! I get gel polish every time and they have all of the standard colors and the fun, weird, bright colors that I like too :-) can't recommend them more--they're the sweetest! read more

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So hard to chose a good nail salon in this area, but the gal who did my nails took great care doing my nails and added extra coats of polish and top coat. My nails lasted over a week without a chip or crack! This is a small and unassuming salon, but don't let it fool you! read more

Love this place. They kill it every time. Ive gotten dip and gel manicures and a pedis. I leave happy every time. read more

Essential Nails - Dip nails - Nail Salons Near Me - San Diego, California

Such a cute little spot! They've been around for a long time and located in a central spot. Watch out for parking cause it might be a little tough but you shouldn't have a problem. I decided to cut my nails that I've been growing for a long time so I was a little nervous but Amy was so sweet and accommodating. My nails look great and it's been 3 weeks and not a chip or anything with my gel nails. They play Netflix while you get your nails done and it's THE vibe. read more