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R.I.P.: Mike “Bossman” Hardin

The San Diego restaurant scene lost a legend last week when Mike “Bossman” Hardin—known to everyone in Ocean Beach as the owner/patron saint punk of Hodad’s—passed away. He had tattoos everywhere. A businessman encountering Bossman on the street might pick up his pace. But as soon as he opened his mouth, it was pure grace. […]

By Troy Johnson February 9, 2015

NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDES Know the Neighborhood Where to eat, where to drink, and what it's like to live there. EXPLORE THE GUIDES

The San Diego restaurant scene lost a legend last week when Mike “Bossman” Hardin—known to everyone in Ocean Beach as the owner/patron saint punk of Hodad’s—passed away. He had tattoos everywhere. A businessman encountering Bossman on the street might pick up his pace. But as soon as he opened his mouth, it was pure grace. One of the most humble, giving men around who built a place where musicians, punks, creative of all sorts could get a job and a home. He once told me, “Troy, when I die I’d like to come back as me—I’m one lucky SOB.” I didn’t know him well. But he always struck me as a man who appreciated everything he got in this life, and every moment he got to live it.