Jackson St Booksellers
Jackson Street has the best selection in Omaha by a longshot, and really it's good by any standard. The place is cram-jammed with books, but not so much that it's unpleasant to browse. Very helpful stadd. Omaha is lucky to have this shop.
Wine Steals
I've gone here to shop for bottles of wine a few times rather than to visit the wine bar. They always have at least a few nice picks. I do not understand the name -- the prices are no lower than at any other wine shop in the city.
Groundwork Bookstore
Unfortunately, few people not part of the UCSD community know about this place or venture onto the campus to visit it. Even the people who shop here for text books generally do not browse the general stock. They're missing out on a great general selection of books on a variety of political, historical, and cultural topics. Most of this stuff you will not find at the chain stores.
Bound Together Book Collective
Great selection of books with a radical focus. Don't miss the discount table or the used books on the two shelves under the cash register, sales of which benefit a local books-to-prisoners program.
Modern Times Bookstore
I agree with the other reviews but they might make it sound like the selection is more heavily political than it actually is. Don't get me wrong, it's a great resource for books on many topics that are political in one way or another, but they also have the basis of a good, well-rounded selection, not unlike City Lights.
Amoeba Music
Amoeba is known for their huge selection and they don't disappoint in that respect. Few of the titles are really incredibly rare things, though, and I generally find their prices high, especially on used items. I've been a music shopper most of my life and have never seen so many $10-$11 used CDs anywhere else. They can get away with this markup because of their location in the Haight. Nonetheless, I enjoy browsing there and I usually walk away with at least a couple of things worth the prices.
Thirsty Moon Records
Very small, but in a good way. The staff has carefully chosen the selection and they know the stuff inside out. They typically have a lot of these pieces in their own collections, and they seem to enjoy answering questions and giving recommendations to people looking to explore something new. They specialize in psych, garage, krautrock, funk, metal, punk, soul, jazz, and reggae. They have a lot of things you won't find in any other stores in San Diego.
Harar Ethiopian Restaurant
I've eaten here twice, perhaps three times. It is definitely not the best Ethiopian food I've ever had, but choices are pretty few in San Diego and I'm thankful it's here. The staff seemed fine -- I don't really understand the other reviewer's complaint.
Ranchos Cocina
Great menu. Excellent vegetarian options, and I've eaten here with people who ordered non-veg items and they were very satisfied.
If you go to the North Park location try to stop by the grocery store next door -- separate but under the same ownership, I believe. They have a lot of excellent produce and other good stuff.
Blue Stocking Books & Bindery
This place (along with Adams Ave Books, and Wahrenbrock's) is a real book institution of the city. Good selection, and a very friendly and helpful staff. They've done a lot for the community by supporting local authors and book groups and by planning valuable local events.
A caveat for those looking to sell books: they only offer trade. For trade, though, I recommend them. The amount they offer has always been fair.
