Heard it was closing and had to stop by! I've loved this place for years. It's the type of place that makes ya sad is gone. Everyone is always so nice and last night was no different! Still plenty of stuff left! Get down there. read more

The Black - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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I remember enjoying going to the black many years back when I lived in Ocean Beach. Generally the employees were cool. They weren't this time. Sadly I walked in... happy to be returning to a cool place from my past. The moment I walked in I was greeted with rudeness and dismissive treatment. I was polite and friendly but was received as though I failed some unknown test. One 'lurch-like' skinny ghoul back at the rear register was counting change dropping it into the change drawer with attitude glaring at me as though I committed a crime for coming in... and was absolutely un friendly. Picking up on this vibe... I checked my watch. 15 minutes til closing. I exited immediately. Here's a thought... do your drawer counts after closing or close the store a half hour earlier instead of blaming customers from walking in when you are posting open hours. It was a ridiculous reception. So I went back the next morning to look for a couple things and was treated rudely by another woman behind the counter. Finally a guy back by the music area was actually kind and welcoming and I gladly purchased from him. Thank you for being cool sir. Nobody else was. read more

We have been visiting The Black for many years and love all the subculture merch and vibe. Today we visited and saw they are going out of business and there was a sale. My daughter bought several things and asked the cashier if they were all on sale. The cashier replied that the whole store was on sale. Then she rang her up at full price and did not give her a receipt. We stepped out of the store and went back in and the cashier denied that " everything" was on sale. She then refused to refund her purchase because she had no receipt, even though it was mere moments since she made the transaction. Buyer beware. This is a scam. read more

Feeling really dupped!! Went down to support the owner and store. Now finding out they had sold business. The owner just wanted to take advantage of the community. Shame on you!! read more

This is an amazing store and excellent customer service and I love it. Also my girlfriend loves it too and it's her GOTO place when she visits me here in OB. Also we have to see our favorite worker Rosie she is an amazing woman who is positive, friendly, and beautiful soul angel . If you go in there to visit the Black and get a chance to meet her you will leave knowing she brighten your day. This is a true and honest review on how I feel about her. She worked somewhere else before I'm glad she is working here. The Black is best suited for her and I feel she is happy there. read more

Shout out to these guys at the black store very nice people very knowledgeable on music and T-shirts and memorabilia. Also they have some really good T-shirts with Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Metallica, slipknot and all the old-school bands. You can't hardly find anywhere else. I highly recommend you check this place out if you're in California. read more

The Black is an institution in OB. Not just for the stoner crowd . LOL! The Black has something for everyone. The Black is still a head shop, but oh, so much more! T-shirts, hats, souvenirs, gag gifts, guitars, ukes. They carry some kitschy foreign made stuff, but also some really unique and fun local items. We try to pop in every time we are in OB. We've always found the staff to be very friendly, helpful and welcoming. This time around I found a bad ass old school Judas Priest "Screaming For Vengeance" t-shirt. read more

The Black - Rad Judas Priest "Screaming for Vengeance" tee. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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Was there Tuesday before Thanksgiving. It was 6:40 and the store was closed. The employees were there but refused to open the door. They close at 7. I went there all the time. Won't anymore. We knocked at the door, and she refused to let us in. She was counting at the register. We went to another store which is now my go to store. Never again. Don't waste your time. Rude!! read more

Been going here since I was 7. There is no other shop like this in the USA. It brings back major memories and has plenty of items to purchase. If ever in OB, make it a must visit store. read more

This is a cool store in OB that sells a variety of things. Shirts, sweaters, hats, smoking glass (pipes and bongs), guitars, ukuleles, incense, candles, ashtrays, beautifully carved wooden boxes, stickers, tapestries, and more! It's just a cool place to check out. The employees aren't the type to greet you coming inside, but they will answer questions if you ask. read more

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The guy at the register forgot to put one of our items in the bag. Called to have it shipped because we were on vacation from KY and had already left. Guy said he would ship it never did. Spoke to Mark, the owner, he said he would ship it; never received. Called and left a message for owner to call back; never did.​ read more

Usually the employees are really kind. I went in today looking for body jewelry and the lady that worked at the front register was nothing but rude. She had dark curly hair, playing on her phone. I asked her where I could find nose rings.. she rolled her eyes and said "you don't see them right there?" I said no.. I looked and didn't see any. She SHRUGGED and then a friend of hers walked in so she ignored me and was zero help. read more

I have been going to the Black since 1977. Great customer service and knowledgeable staff. Thanks for the long ride!!!

This place is LAME! So I was excited to check out this smoke shop place in OB. They have nice novelty items From books, paraphernalia, posters, musical instruments, incense, tshirts, jewelry- etc. Lots of cool stuff but I noticed there were Insanely overpriced. Plus RUDE! Bad Customer service. The older lady that is in charge of the clothes/jewelry, however, has a serious attitude problem. I really wanted to buy something but her attitude sucks! I don't know what's her problem, LOL! Oh well I just walked out and I will never shop here again! Their merchandise is extremely overpriced anyway! What a shame overcharging the locals and tourists? And no taking pictures is allowed!!! Grouchy lady!!! seriously you need some Jesus in your life! When you are around someone who gives off bad vibes, try to get away from them.Run as much as you can , Lol! Good thing I always bring my spray bottles (one with lavender and one with Rose petals) and I sprayed it around my face. I don't want that negativity in my Life, LOL! I don't have the time or energy to deal with other people's drama. Period. Anyways, please do not come waste your time and money here. Not worth it!!! And I hope this business reads all their bad reviews. read more

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My first visit since my boyfriend has been talking about this shop forever. It was so cool I could have spent a whole day browsing! I picked up an awesome book and I would have probably spent more but my time was limited. I will definitely go back!!! Richard was a great help at the checkout- super nice guy. read more

Avoid this store while on vacation!!!! The OLDER guy behind the counter stole my credit card information when he ran my card he runs your card below the counter out of your view the next day he went to 7-Eleven and withdrew $180 and then tried to withdraw $140 right after don't go to this store they can ruin your vacation read more

awesome store! Got a massive tapestry here for $30 - good quality & cheaper than other stores! Lots of cool stuff. Books, amethyst clusters, jewelry, pipes, incense, shot glasses, clothes, etc. the staff was very friendly & helpful! read more

The Black - Amethyst cluster - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

I used to go to the Black when I lived in southern California, loved it, and loved shopping there for my tie-dye tank tops! They always had the best selection and all sizes. Would love to shop with them again by phone to ship to my house in Meridian, Idaho now! read more

Fun store to walk around with friends, even if you aren't into the New Age stuff. Every few steps there's something to point out and either chuckle at or "ooh at". I especially like the interesting book section, as well as the amusing set of false Pringles cans and other paraphernalia storage devices. Also if you're into poi spinning, they had a whole display full of the basic ball type poi. read more

The Black - A whole rack of LED poi! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

Such a badass store. A blast from the past. Many stores like this have shut down. You can find anything there. Clothes, gifts, patches, jewelry, books, dildos, knives, posters, guitars, tattoo supplies. And the people who work there are all rad af. Go there. Buy lots of stuff. Keep supporting small business. F corporate america. read more

I have been coming to The Black for years and years. As stated in another review what is great about The Black is what is great about Ocean Beach. You can be gone for several years and nothing changes. The Black is no different. I paid The Black a visit after a feast at Hodad's. I currently live in L.A. but born and raised in OB and I miss it. I took a friend to The Black who found items for cool little gifts and cards that you couldn't find anywhere else. If you were looking for the items The Black sells you might have to travel to 1,000 stores in various different countries. I dig this is our little Haight & Ashbury district of San Diego. I dig the dog wondering the store friendly as can be. I love that it is our local head shop. I love that they still have a back room that sells everything you can imagine. I love how the employees are straight chill and not following you around to see if you need help. I love that you can buy clothing, jewelry, a bong, incense, candles, how to grow grass (not the kind for your front lawn), a Frisbee, home-made hats (which I just purchased Empress Anne's Creations) bad a$$ hats check her out on Google. I remember the days of spending the day in the wood, the OB arcade and The Black and calling that an awesome day. I hope 10-15-20 years from now I come back and find The Black in the same spot selling the same stuff. I will be the old dude telling the young whipper-snappers, I remember when I was your age and hoping they carry on the tradition f supporting local OB businesses. Thank you The Black for years and years of memories. read more

Cool head shop in the Ocean Point area. It reminded me of Hot Topics but with a lot more interesting stuff. We bought some shirts among other things. The people here were friendly with the exception of the one who I assumed was the owner. He tripped out on me because I was taking pictures of the water pipes. I read reviews of other people getting booted from the store for calling them "bongs" Im pretty sure if I didn't have all those shirts and stuff on the counter to pay for I would've got booted too hahaha! just a warning: Dont take pictures. Dont say the word bong if you dont want to get the boot. read more

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I came in looking for oils on Father's day. They are a bit expensive but smell lovely! I am not sure that I really like coming in here. I feel really awkward here. I think that most of the employees here are rude except for the lady she was really nice. I made the mistake of smelling an Indian soap bowl lid too close and I got stuck with a nasty smell in my nose for over half of an hour. I only come here maybe once a year just because I do not like it here. read more

The Black - Spiritual Shzi 1/4 fl oz. $6.95 - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

4 Star for all those headbangers and heads out there or for the Man-Tourist. Man-Tourist seems to love this, if they smoke (cigs), they love it even more. Even if they are not ganja fans they love that I can bring my dog in here, and the store clerks even encourage it. Yes it's not your average smoke shop you'll realize this when you walk to the back and see the hats with the title "F*ck you, You F*ckin' F*ck!". There are the regular posters of Jimi Hendrix and controversial books in the back, with lots of gross incense holders for hiding all the green air that all those OBecians smoke up. But really you can spend hours in this place and not see everything, too much stimuliiiii! But still, your glass pipes and your other stuff which I'm sorry I'm not too versed on, (tangent: not being a pot head my self, however, I'm not a hater, just not into it myself), it's all there. Still like I said Man-Tourist loves this place, and they like even more if yous end them a Christmas gift with the store name on it, great gift for Man-Tourist. read more

The Black - The Black! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

If you revert to look at review #1, they are on it, Head Shop. This place to add to the rest of the folks here, has everything that a local Obecian could want or need. They have clothes (flip flops, t shirts, belts, sweatshirts, local tourist shirts fun stuff), jewelery (body jewels, neat silver rings etc), towels (for the beach goers), good variety of incense, random gifts, funny gifts like the rubber chicken catapult that everyone can purchase for thier siblings. No one seemed to mention their stationary section either... they have a great variety of cards you will not find at Hallmark, and for all occasions. There are also a variety of Art Books, which is why I loved going in here when I lived in OB. They have some books you will not find at Borders or B&N to say the least. They also carry a variety of Guitars, and other musical instruments perfect for the beach goers. I think I have it covered... incense, gifts, shirts, books, cards, lighters, jewelery... big selection of studded belts... oh and the infamous OB sticker for your back window. They have those here. It's a landmark. If you are in the area, it's a fun place to go. read more

With an abundance of good products at affordable prices makes this shop the !#1 smoke shop in OB. With a bonus added ,i can pick up my guitar strings with no wait as opposed to driving a way to wait in a long line at a Big Box Store. I appreciate your store!!! read more

Some things never, ever change. I have visited The Black very infrequently, off and on, sometimes years between visits, for 20 years or so. And it looks the same to me every time. Even if you are not into pot culture-which is what the shop is all about-- it's worth a look-see if you are in the area. The books and novelties are highly amusing, as long as you are not easily offended. You could easily kill an hour here checking out the crazy how-to-do illegal-stuff books, naughty greeting cards and posters and other weird items. The customers are an interesting mix, too, as you might imagine. The Black is a very interesting place, to say the least. And even though some might be offended at what is sold here, the vibe is good and it's fun to browse, if nothing else. Again, not for the easily offended. And don't use the word "bong." read more

This store reminds me of a store in Santa Cruz but bigger and slightly better. There's a huge selection of touristy items (like post cards) and other things like tobacco products, music decor, music, books, etc. Very cool place. Reasonably priced items. Good customer service. read more

The Black is still as vibrant as ever. As part of San Diego's native creative class, tobacco free yet hungry for all things Bohemian, coastal, hippie, fun, global and quite frankly, super unique, I find myself, before a big project or season, carving time to spend in Ocean Beach. A time machine would have me in San Francisco's legendary "Does Your Mother Know?" shop, however, I am here in San Diego. I walk Newport, get inspired, talk to the shop keepers, listen to the music and basically replenish my soul. It's important to me. (This week, David Bowie's deeper cuts were embracing my old corazon.) The merchandise is for the reader, traveler, dancer, artist, gift giver, lover and sensualist. I cannot imagine living here and never connecting to such mythic places. Life goal: know them all. I was taken here as a teenager by my uncles and am a life long customer, promoter. I will need to say this to the very dear keepers of this flame: I know times have been difficult. I know Ocean Beach has had it's share of good times and bad times. Please always know that I am a client, not a criminal. I never appreciate the assumption that I will steal and require the stink eye to keep my visual feasting in check. My photo will not be a capital offense, your honor. Have I intruded upon your living room shire of your precious craft? Did I interrupt the coven's board meeting? I know. I really do. Everything is hard, even 10:30am. A simple "hey" or a crooked smile or a nod to your loyal base will do as I come by to visit, smell the roses, browse the book titles, voodoo toys and purchase my ocean oil. I am your friend. These stars align for your things. read more

The Black - Rasta bands. The colors of The Black, Ocean Beach - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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Never going back to this place again. Very rude employees and especially the owner. He was really nasty to me and my son for a price sticker falling off of a hacky sack, it was uncalled for. They also no longer carry many things I was looking for. So I checked online for a specific tapestry, turns out none of their stuff is unique or hard to find at all. In fact everything I couldn't find in the store I found online or in other stores for literally at least 50% less than what they sell it for. This store is a huge rip-off and they don't treat customers well. read more

Year after year, these O.B. employees have always been rude. They think that they are cooler than you. I have lived in San Diego for 30 years, and let me promise you that this image is just what it is. An image. Want to spend lots of money on tourist stuff, then this is the place for you. read more

I love coming to the Black each time we come to OB; they have great band stuff. Their prices are very fair, I compare them to what I pay on Ebay for similar items and they're spot on. Got awesome Beatles salt/pepper shakers, t-shirts, unique items like lunchboxes and tiny guitars w/bands on them! Kinda run-of-the-mill Chili Peppers stuff, unfortunately, but still nice they carry some at all. I don't interact w/the staff much so not sure what others are talking about, but we always enjoy coming here and will continue to do so. read more

Looking for something unique? come here! they have a lot of cool stuff that you sometimes just DON'T need! I love coming here after going to the beach, or coming here after a nice hefty meal from HODAD'S! A lot of their items have to deal with Bob Marley and Bong stuff, which I apparently don't do. LOL They have a lot of authentic stuff though! I bought a 'rice' bag here for $18 straight up from Nepal! and I've been wanting it forever, and I finally got it a few days ago! I LOVE IT! The ladies that work here, seem to RUSH you..and I hate that, I mean sure there are other customers but that doesn't mean you have to rush us, I mean c'mon we're WOMEN who always have to "try before you buy"! Anyway, I love coming here just to look at the awesome items they sell here, I just can't seem to leave this place empty handed though! I'm def. going back to buy that $10 Bob Marley beanie! DOPE status! (no pun intended) read more

The Black - My awesome 'rice' bag from Nepal for $18 - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

It's like Hot Topic, Spencer's Gifts, and your average Head shop had a baby, and then that baby went on to do steroids. Grooviest shopping spot ever! Customer service is a bit lacking, but total variety of merchandise totally makes up for it! You could spend all day in this store looking at stuff and still not see everything. Books. Jewelry. Statues. Art. Posters. Music merch. Clothes. Novelties. Just about anything you could think of. read more

The Black on Facebook has kept me pretty well connected to home & OB since we moved to Texas & I warned the social media director I would be in town. brought my kids (one very pregnant) & found everything we were looking for & more. thanks for not really changing. it's like coming home. read more

The Black - just another Tuesday afternoon in OB. - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

I've been here once, about a year ago with a girl friend of mine. I loved the shop, and didn't want to leave. I had my arms FULL of things that I wanted to buy. I ended up with a simple lotus candle holder, but it is by far my favorite. I can't wait for my next trip to OB so that I can come here again. read more

This place is amazing! You have to stop here it's one of a kind right next to the beach! We love this place and go here all the time it's everything California! read more

The Black - This is a must stopat this amazing ocean beach shop! - Tobacco Shops Near Me - San Diego, California

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dope stuff here but a worker by the patches who was twice my age made a comment about our age difference in a sexual way and now i'm scared to go back read more

Very interesting shop with a lot of hippie goodies. Very friendly staff and not pushy at all. Only reason I'm not giving a 5 star is because their shirts stop at size 2X. Plenty of men need a 3X. read more

Overpriced everything here is Chinese made and unfriendly employees does not give paying customers good service and very sketchy