Compared to other similar beach dives, Beachcomber is difficult to get to. Located at the south end of Mission Beach’s main drag Mission Boulevard, there’s never any parking, and it’s a long walk on tired feet back to Pacific Beach, where there is. Yet Beachcomber pulls in the college-age crowd nightly with enthralling force and consistency. It's even the several-time winner of Best Dive awards from multiple publications. What is the source of Beachcomber’s power?

Drink prices, for one. On certain nights, cocktails can be purchased for a clinking of quarters, and big, sloshy pitchers of cheap ale are only a few dollars more. Intoxicating oneself at Beachcomber doesn’t cost must more than it would at home, pouring shots out of a handle from Ralph’s. Physically, Beachcomber is not too fair, but then again, it’s not looks these fraternity-type patrons are after. At least, not when it comes to interior decoration.

But they know the truth: that there’s nothing more relaxing than coming straight off the beach in board shorts or a bikini top, and shooting some pool over ice-cold beers, all pretensions dropped outside the door. Of course, free popcorn is a big plus, too.

Photo by: Bradley Schweit