Small and set off to the side, these mini murals don’t get near the attention as their larger, building-sized counterparts. No one is posing for photos or hashtagging them on Instagram. And yet, when you take a moment to view them up close—as opposed to outside the window of a moving car—you’ll be amazed at how much artistry these formerly mundane city fixtures contain.

While I’m sure a few boxes are the result of artistic vigilantism, most are commissioned by neighborhood groups, businesses, and even residents. Muralist Isabel Garcia is the proud owner of two utility box designs, one on the corner of 30th Street and El Cajon Boulevard in North Park and another on Palm Avenue in Chula Vista. Her goal in painting them was simple: give people something pretty to look at.

“It’s a form of beautification that also gives space to street art,” she said. “Honestly, I just wanted to make something cool and visually engaging.”

Mission accomplished.

If you want to pay homage to the micro-murals of San Diego, below are six streets lined with inspirational, creative, and quirky designs that every public art connoisseur can appreciate.

North Park: 30th Street

If there was one neighborhood where utility box murals were guaranteed, it’s North Park. This ultra-hip, ultra-artsy community is home to dozens of these miniature masterpieces, including three by artist Collin Vowels, who goes by the name Blue Funk. His bold palette and signature eyes that appear across most of his work are unmistakable, even on a small scale.

“I’m partially colorblind, so I like using vibrant colors that are easy for me to see,” he said. “I like to paint stuff without a full-on idea and just let creativity take over and see what comes out of it.”

To see pieces by Blue Funk and other local creatives, head down to 30th Street. Between Gunn Street and El Cajon Boulevard, you’ll find a mix of alien-like creatures, abstract shapes, and positive messages. You can also veer off down University Avenue in either direction to hunt for more eye-catching designs.

Mira Mesa: Mira Mesa Community Park

Drive a little further inland, and you’ll find a substantial collection surrounding Mira Mesa Community Park. Walking the loop from Mira Mesa Boulevard to Camino Ruiz puts you on the path of many whimsical designs. The above piece created by artist Deanna Nguyen was her first-ever foray into mural painting, making me an even bigger fan.

“When I was younger, I used to really love doing crafts and being creative,” she said. “I think when you grow up, there’s not a lot of space for that. Over the past few years, I’ve been trying to reconnect with that sense of play.”

So, she set a New Year’s Resolution in 2023 to do one public art piece. That goal just so happened to coincide with local art teacher Leo Angelo Reyes’ ongoing effort to beautify local streets via the Public Art Committee of the Mira Mesa Town Council. He’s responsible for both organizing these roadside museums and painting some one-of-a-kind utility boxes himself. His little library across the street from the actual Mira Mesa Library is my personal favorite.

Barrio Logan: Cesar E. Chavez Parkway

We can’t have a conversation about street art without mentioning Barrio Logan. While you’ll definitely subject yourself to multiple sky-high murals in this mecca of public self-expression, keep your eye out for those smaller gems—especially considering the big names behind them.

Amongst the mini sidewalk gallery that lies at the intersection of Cesar E. Chavez Parkway and Newton Avenue, you’ll find the above black and white piece by political cartoonist Joaquin Junco Jr., A.K.A., Junco Canché. His heavy-hitting statements on current events, history, and contemporary pop culture were a mainstay of the now-defunct San Diego Free Press and the Latino news satire magazine Pocho.

While he’s been somewhat off the grid for the past couple of years, his Twitter account says that he still works as an assistant cartoonist for Lalo Alcaraz. Alcaraz is an award-winning editorial cartoonist from San Diego who created the syndicated daily comic strip “La Cucaracha.”

Ocean Beach, Point Loma: Voltaire Street

There are quite a few parrot- and sunset-themed utility boxes dotting the blocks down this bustling road, which is to be expected when you’re in OB. But as you make your way past the unofficial Point Loma neighborhood line (which I personally believe to be Nimitz Boulevard), the themes become more and more whimsical. Artist Mackie Mason’s reimagined fairytale is one standout example.

Commissioned by the Point Loma Association—which is responsible for funding 50 transformer box murals in the neighborhood—the goal of her piece was to align with the Point Loma/Hervey Library across the street. So she took the classic, slightly morbid tale of Little Red Riding Hood and gave it a new ending: Little Red and the Wolf bond over books, share the cookies, and become best friends.

“I wanted to include a positive message for all the kids in the neighborhood since a ton of kids walk past this box on their way to and from school,” Mason said. That message? “Despite their differences in the story, these two [characters] could still be friends.”

Normal Heights, University Heights, Kensington: Adams Avenue

Anyone who’s walked down Adams Avenue has likely stumbled across at least one utility box-turned-canvas. From the intersection at Marlborough Drive in Kensington all the way until the road dead-ends in University Heights, you’re bound to find multiple murals that embody the unique personality of whichever neighborhood you’re in. But you’ll find an especially large flurry of eye-catching pieces in the center of it all: Normal Heights.

Not every San Diego community is fortunate enough to have a fervent group of people dedicated to creating and maintaining public art. But Normal Heights does—and it shows. Normal Heights Urban Arts is a volunteer organization that’s been bringing together local artists to literally paint the town red (amongst other colors) since 2016.

This collective is responsible for projects like the utility box butterfly garden that surrounds the Adams Recreation Center, as well as many others throughout the neighborhood. They’re currently expanding the project by installing a mosaic mural titled “Kaleidoscope of Butterflies” on one of the center’s exterior walls, which should be completed this year.

La Mesa: University Avenue

Aptly nicknamed the “jewel of the hills,” La Mesa is unsurprisingly home to many utility box gems. They’re a little more spread out than other neighborhoods, but they seem to be strategically placed on University Avenue as a way to brighten the day (and the commute) of anyone who passes by. At least that’s the case with artist Becca Dwyer’s trio of floral-themed pep talks that sit in front of La Mesa Lumber & Hardware.

“I wanted it to be short so people could kind of glance over while they were driving,” she said, adding that the mural was inspired by a sticker she designed. She even handed out a few to people who walked by while she was painting.

Though Dwyer has always been artistic, it wasn’t until she got laid off from her job during the COVID-19 pandemic that she got into mural painting. She used her first utility box in Vista as a way to get comfortable with the uncomfortable practice of putting yourself out there—and it worked. “When I was painting, I got several ‘good jobs’ or ‘I love it’ as people were driving by,” she said. “It was like an immediate positive impact.”

Design Your Own Utility Box

For as many utility box murals as I came across, there were just as many blank canvases awaiting their transformation. If you have an idea in mind for one of these mini-murals, look into your neighborhood’s business improvement organization.

These groups are responsible for taking care of the maintenance, beautification, and growth of certain commercial corridors. If you want to commission a piece or get involved in their murals program, they’re the ones to contact first.

Outside of neighborhood approval, Dwyer says the only other person you need to give permission to is yourself. “If you see an ugly utility box in your town, you can paint it,” said Dwyer, who has a step-by-step guide on her blog. “You don’t have to be a renowned artist. You just have to fill out an application.”

The post 6 Local Artists Designing Utility Box Murals in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.

Sure, you could grab a hefty Italian or a classic club with all the fixings from a sub shop or deli (of which San Diego has plenty). But I’ve found that the most mouth-watering morsels come not from the usual suspects but rather from my local liquor store.

It may be a weird OB thing (as many OB things are), but the deli counters tucked away between shelves of spirits are on another level. Decent prices, high-quality meat, and the quintessential quirky sandwich names make them a staple in every neighborhood. Without them, society as we know it would collapse.

Like all San Diegians, I’m very partial to the shops that are within walking distance of my house. But I recently decided to venture out of my neighborhood and see what other delicious sandwiches the local liquor store scene has to offer.

Here are the 12 best liquor store sandwiches in San Diego, based solely on what my own personal taste buds decide for me:

Chris’ Liquor & Deli

Godfather Sandwich

Okay, you caught me. I didn’t venture far at first. But I’d be remiss if I didn’t shout out Chris’ Liquor in Ocean Beach. You can’t go wrong with any of their sandwiches—including their morning menu (legend has it that even New Yorkers approve of this place). Grabbing my favorite combo of dry salami, capicola, provolone cheese, diced pepperoncini, oil, and vinegar on an Italian roll is an integral part of my weekend routine.

2275 Sunset Cliffs Boulevard, Ocean Beach

Sea Trader Liquor & Deli

Nuclear Sandwich

I promise this is the last OB joint I’ll mention. Sea Trader Liquor & Deli is a great pit stop on your way to Sunset Cliffs, and you’ll find some unique creations like the Bum Steer and the Nuclear. Go with the latter if you love warm, cheesy goodness like melted pepper jack cheese mixed with coleslaw, sliced turkey breast, tangy BBQ pork and hot sauce.

1403 Ebers Street, Ocean Beach

Central Liquor & Deli

Giant Hot Pastrami

On the other side of the island, closer to where the Coronado Ferry docks, you’ll find Central Liquor. A favorite amongst locals and out-of-towners alike, this place is somehow always packed. Be prepared to wait, but their generous portions of pastrami, corn beef and melted swiss snuggled up in a toasted bun are worth it. There’s a reason why words like “giant” and “jumbo” are all over their menu.

178 Orange Avenue, Coronado

Mixon Liquor & Deli

Construction Sandwich

Since 1933, this downtown establishment has been serving up ample and flavorful sandwiches like the High-Rise and the Construction. According to Mixon Liquor & Deli’s general manager Thomas Gilmore, the combination of turkey, cheddar, avocado, bacon, sprouts, tomato and mayonnaise is fittingly a big hit amongst the construction worker crowd that makes up a large part of their clientele.

1427 First Avenue, Downtown

Park Place Liquor & Deli

El Diablo

Nestled in the heart of Coronado’s main drag sits a very unassuming and very delicious little deli. Those with a taste for spicy foods should order El Diablo—a juicy chicken filet layered with melted jack and cheddar cheeses, crispy bacon, lettuce and homemade spicy chipotle sauce on a torta—which the staff at Park Place Liquor & Deli said was easily their most popular choice. I’m a baby, so I went with the Park Chicken Ciabatta. But let me tell you, it was a decision I did not regret.

1000 Park Place, Coronado

Clem’s Bottle House Deli

San Diegan Sandwich

With sidewalk seating, friendly staff, and a bottle opener situated conveniently next to the door, Clem’s Bottle House has all the makings of a classic liquor store deli, only cooler. It is in Kensington, after all. While their menu is a little lighter than most, locally-named sandwiches like the Padre and the Charger make up for it (and the free pickle doesn’t hurt). Come for the vibes, but stay for the scrumptious mess of their best seller: ham, turkey breast, and avocado topped with jack and cheddar cheeses.

4100 Adams Avenue, North Park

Fatboy’s Deli & Spirits

Hot Poppa Sandwich

Another hot spot, this family owned-staple has been serving up sandwich goodness for 10 years. Brigitte Brikho-Alfares, who co-owns Fatboy’s Deli & Spirits‘ El Cajon location with her brother, says going into the sandwich biz was in their blood. Their parents owned Big E Wine & Liquor in La Mesa when they were kids. According to Brikho-Alfares, adding the deli seemed like a natural fit: “Our motto is ‘if you wouldn’t eat it, then you wouldn’t sell it.'” And who wouldn’t want to eat their popular combo of turkey breast, pepper jack, cream cheese, jalapeños and Flaming Hot Cheetos?

3050 University Avenue, North Park | 13305 Hwy 8 Business, El Cajon

Whispering Trees Market Deli

Philly Cheesesteak Sandwich

Head south, and you’ll stumble upon a little gem known for massive portions. Whispering Trees is a frequent lunch spot for many due to not only their ultra-large sandwiches but also their ultra-large pizza slices. With more variety on their menu than your standard liquor store deli, there’s likely something for everyone—especially their Philly cheesesteak with a classic blend of thinly sliced ribeye steak, caramelized onion, and provolone cheese.

88 Bonita Road, Bonita

Cozines Liquor and Deli

Jack’s Club

Cozines is less of a liquor store and more of a National City institution. Partly because it’s been around for nearly a century and partly because of the hospitality of its current owner, Jack Bazzi. When asked how the shop has managed to survive all these years, he said it takes three things: resiliency, putting customers first, and “being the nicest guy God ever made.” Folks may come for the sandwiches, but it’s Bazzi’s charm (and his namesake sandwich made of turkey, black forest ham, and four slices of smoked bacon) that keeps them coming back.

402 Civic Center Drive, National City

The Local Bottle Shop & The Local Bite

Poway Portobello

Since grab-and-go tends to be the move at these establishments, most don’t offer seating beyond a few patio tables—except for this Poway spot. Off to the side, you’ll find a small, dedicated patio complete with umbrellas and string lights. The perfect ambiance to enjoy one of their creative sandwiches like the Turkey & Brie or the Pizza Bite. Even carnivores will love The Local Bottle Shop‘s Poway Portobello, a veggie-forward recipe of balsamic-glazed grilled portobello, roasted garlic and herbed goat cheese, sun-dried tomato aioli, baby spinach and tomato.

13530 Pomerado Road, Poway

Cheers Delicatessen & Liquor

New Orleans Muffuletta Sandwich (or whatever the daily special is)

While we may not be on a first-name basis yet, I definitely got the vibe from the staff at Cheers that we could get there. Owner Manny Keriakos of Cheers Deli & Liquor has run this delicatessen for 34 years, and after just one bite of the Italian salami, cotto salami, capocollo, pepperoni, provolone cheese, olive tapenade and tomato served on their herb-y focaccia bread, it’s easy to see why (though you may need to special request this one). There’s also a decent amount of seating in this San Carlos spot, and Keriakos says he hopes to open a larger patio sometime in the near future.

6983 Navajo Road, San Carlos

Del Mar Liquor And Deli

Classic BLT

Most of the eateries in Del Mar are of the high-end variety. But nestled between the bistros and cafes that dot Camino Del Mar, you’ll find a friendly deli that fills the gap between grab-and-go and gourmet. While Del Mar Liquor & Deli is revered for their breakfast burritos, their refusal to skimp on prime ingredients like bacon, lettuce, and tomatoes makes their BLT just as crave-worthy.

1149 Camino Del Mar, Del Mar

The post The Best Liquor Store Sandwiches in San Diego appeared first on San Diego Magazine.