The Olive Tree Marketplace

The Olive Tree MarketplaceThe Olive Tree Marketplace
The Olive Tree MarketplaceThe Olive Tree Marketplace
Store

4805 Narragansett Ave
San Diego, California, 92107-3104
United States

(619) 224-0443 | map
PLACE STATS
Average:
4.5
Reviews:
49
Ratings:
69
pDev:
7.78%
View: Place Reviews
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by brewandbbq:
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Reviewed by brewandbbq from New Hampshire

3.9/5  rDev -13.3%
vibe: 3 | quality: 4.5 | service: 3 | selection: 4.5
Small corner store in Ocean Beach on the way to Sunset Cliffs. Easy parking right out front and maybe 3 minutes from Pizza Port OB.

The selection is not huge, but they pretty much carry the creme of the crop. Limited releases, Alpine, Ballast Point, Coronado, Deschuttes, Lost Abbey, etc. Prices were not bad, maybe a bit high.. A seperate rack houses the really limited stuff but had only a couple in it on my last visit, (Stoic, Coronado BA BW) and one is for imports. Sixers and the Alpine stuff is in the cooler, so points for that. No Pliney in the house. No service was volunteered, which I have no problem with. The place smelled like some seriously delicious fried chicken also.
A nice find in OB, but I'm just not seeing the extremely high marks for this place, maybe if you're a local you get some real gems or exceptional service.
Oct 12, 2011
More User Ratings:
Photo of mrcraft
Reviewed by mrcraft from California

4.33/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.25
This is a nice neighborhood market that sells craft beers in the Ocean Beach area. They had most beers in coolers and some on shelves. Their selection was nice. It's not as big as other bottle shops in San Diego, but if you're in this area, it's a solid place to pick up quality craft beers.

Nice visit.
Jul 26, 2017
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Reviewed by Franziskaner from Missouri

3.48/5  rDev -22.7%
vibe: 3.25 | quality: 3.75 | service: 3.75 | selection: 3
My first time hitting this place. I had already hit the alternate location for Krisp Beverages (C Street). The selection here seemed smaller and is definitely smaller than the main location for Krisp Beverages/BDBS. I've also previously visited BottleCraft both in North Park and Little Italy. I'll give them props for having some rare beers here, but I don't think this place compares to any of the other shops I had mentioned in terms of overall selection or overall number of rareties. I come to San Diego every few years and I won't be back here. My guess is the proximity to Sea World helps for some to swing by.
May 06, 2017
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Reviewed by Lobina from Arizona

4.4/5  rDev -2.2%
vibe: 4.25 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
Popped in here while staying in Pacfic Beach. A must stop. Great beer selection. Even had wine and cheese options for the wife. Loaded up on Modern Times Alpine etc.
May 15, 2016
 
Rated: 4.36 by nesarebad from Massachusetts

Jul 12, 2015
 
Rated: 3.93 by rawfish from California

Jun 03, 2015
 
Rated: 4.53 by Kylo76 from Colorado

Mar 03, 2015
 
Rated: 4.51 by Mike_Amps from California

Jan 09, 2015
 
Rated: 4.5 by HunterSBeerson from California

Dec 08, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by Soloveitchik from New York

Nov 29, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by cletusdog from California

Nov 23, 2014
 
Rated: 4.25 by JackNip from Delaware

Oct 24, 2014
 
Rated: 4.54 by wethorseblanket from California

Oct 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by Bung from Michigan

Oct 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.56 by taospowder from New Mexico

Sep 07, 2014
 
Rated: 4.28 by SimcoeKid from California

Jul 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4.75 by aoampm from Hawaii

Jul 26, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by greenspointexas from Texas

Apr 30, 2014
 
Rated: 4.5 by bennetj17 from Arizona

Mar 21, 2014
Photo of orangesol
Reviewed by orangesol from Pennsylvania

4.15/5  rDev -7.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.25 | service: 4 | selection: 4.25
Stopped in here on the way to Pizza Port since it was so close by. Similar feel to the BDBS in that it sort of feels like a corner bodega thanks to all the food they sell while still having a large selection of wine and beer sprinkled in. Atmosphere was decent enough. People coming in and grabbing supplies and quickly getting back to what they were doing. I noticed they had a taproom but it wasn’t open due to the purveyor being in Belgium, lucky guy. Service was pretty good. I was asked if I needed any help once, always nice. Quality was pretty good. Lots of different accouterments to enhance your beers or wines available. Selection was a little small compared to some of the other shops I have visited in the area but they had some really nice bottles so that more than made up for it. Prices were on par with all of the other places I have encountered. Overall a nice local bottle shop with some really nice bottles. Not something I would go out of my way to visit but if you are in the area it is definitely worth a stop to check out.
Feb 19, 2014
 
Rated: 4 by StoutSnob40 from California

Dec 23, 2013
Photo of BMMillsy
Reviewed by BMMillsy from Florida

4.5/5  rDev 0%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Stopped in here while in town just to see what they had. I was blown away. Shelf turds like Fantome Extra Sour, Saison, Printemps, and 3 Fontenin’s Golden Blend, Cognac Brunch Weasel, Almanac. Picked up an Almanac Heirloom Pumpkin, Avery Rumpkin, Lost Abbey Cuvée de Tomme, and HotD Fred from the Wood (2009 vintage no less). As an east coaster this was awesome. Lots of other choices but shipping is getting expensive. Prices weren’t out of whack but not great either. Nice staff, also food and cheeses and wine. Apparently they also do beer tastings here. Neat spot and plenty of awesome brews (I am nice and left the last Rumpkin for someone else). Highly recommended.
Nov 22, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by BillRoth from Maryland

Oct 16, 2013
 
Rated: 4.25 by BeerMothaLova from California

Oct 15, 2013
 
Rated: 4 by marqoid from Arizona

Oct 14, 2013
 
Rated: 4.5 by bcerv-ca from California

Oct 10, 2013
Photo of EyePeeAyBryan
Reviewed by EyePeeAyBryan from Arizona

4.3/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
One of my favorite places to stop at when visiting the area. They alwasys have an excellent selection of cold and regular bottles plus something fun to try in the tasting room. Everyone working there seems to have a smile on their face and happy to assist. I have never left empty-handed and don't plan to in the future.
Sep 07, 2013
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Reviewed by JamLand from District of Columbia

4.3/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4.75 | quality: 4 | service: 4.25 | selection: 4.5
The wife and I stopped in here recently on our vacation to San Diego. One of the best things about this place, PARKING. We did not realize before we came to San Diego the dearth of the parking there would be in the city, but luckily Olive Tree has plenty of parking in the back of their shop.

Service was average for most bottle shops. Everyone left me alone and didn't offer any help. I bought about 10 bottles on my first stop there and they gave me wine box to carry everything. I always like when places offer this, so much easier than carrying in a bag.

Selection was great. During our visit they had probably the best selection of any place we visited. By the time we left San Diego, I think I bought eight bottles of Consecration from Olive Tree, and it was the only placed we stopped that had it. Other than that, large selection of California and Belgian beers to choose from. Olive Tree also has the bonus that it is a small grocery store and wine shop. So, in the unlikely event you need something besides beer, they can accommodate.
Jun 23, 2013
Photo of DoubleJ
Reviewed by DoubleJ from Wisconsin

4.3/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
Obviously, those 111 taps at Slater's 50/50 weren't enough of a beer orgy. Althought Marcelo was planning to purchase most of his American beers in New York before returing to Sampa, I offered to make a stop at a place I never had stopped by before. Ain't that crazy? Maybe there's something here that I can't find in other stores.

A decent quantity of parking spaces off the street. Walk inside, it's more of a small gourmet food market than a liquor store. No problem, as long as they got the booze. Which they do, and a lot of it. Roughly an equal number of bottles sitting on the store's floor and chilling in the long line of fridges. Bottles of Samichlaus, The Bruery, Firestone, Nogne O, 8 Wired, De Molen, Ballast Point, Unibroue, Jester King, Great Divide, and even a couple Swiss beers were included in the large inventory. The beers are labeled with pricetags, most before the sell-by dates, and with prices that were very fair.

Just another great beer store in San Diego, in a city filled with great beer stores. If you choose to come here, please use the bathroom before you arrive ;-)
Jul 09, 2012
Photo of sholland119
Reviewed by sholland119 from Pennsylvania

4.3/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5
In years of beer shopping while vacationing or traveling for work, I have learned that Rule #1 is: Buy everything you are interested in the first time you see it. You never know what the next place is going to look like.

Our itinerary for this day was KnB Wine Cellar, then Olive Tree. We saw tons of good stuff at KnB and stocked up. Glad we did as Olive Tree, while very lovely, did not have nearly the depth of selection.

Olive Tree is conveniently located less than a mile from Pizza Port Ocean Beach, making it a nice stop before lunch. A very nice corner market, with gourmet food, a nice wine selection and a good lineup of beer. We picked up some Kern River and a couple of odds and ends (as well as some of the house wines) to supplement our KnB extravaganza. Very nice people, very nice place.

HV
Apr 02, 2012
Photo of tobelerone
Reviewed by tobelerone from New Jersey

4.33/5  rDev -3.8%
vibe: 4.5 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
Stopped in while vacationing in San Diego this past Christmas and loved this place. I understand they have tasting events and the like on certain evenings but I just did an afternoon pop-in to the store. Lots of tasty food here, gourmet-deli style, so we got a bunch of delicious snacks to have with our beer.

Excellent selection both cold and warm, singles, bombers, 750's, and sixers. They were out of PTE but I picked that up elsewhere so no disappointments. Lots of other stuff to choose from, and for an east coaster I was excited to say the least. Kern River Just Outstanding, Blind Pig, Maui Coconut porter, Bruery, New Belgium Lips of Faith series, lots of sours, and a host of other things you just can't get back home.

Very friendly staff, decent prices, a nice atmosphere, parking in the back. A no-brainer stop if you're in the area.
Mar 13, 2012
Photo of corby112
Reviewed by corby112 from Pennsylvania

4.58/5  rDev +1.8%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 5 | selection: 4.5
This place has a great reputation so I decided to check it out during a recent trip to San Diego. I'm glad that I did because they had the best selection of any store that I visited on my trip. I went back twice.

Located only a few blocks from Pizza Port OB, it is basically an upscale grocery store with a deli, bakery, produce, artisan cheeses and a nice selection of wine and beer. They have a decent sized parking lot in the back of the store and the place is really clean but there is no public restroom.

The selection and service were both very impressive. The beer guy Mike was very friendly and knowledgeable, answering all of my annoying questions. Also, when he found out that I was from out of town he started pulling out beers from the back that weren't on the shelf.

In addition to a wide range of quality locals, they had a lot of imports and a great selection of rarer beers including eclipse varieties, Pliny, blind pig, RR ations, Cuvee de Tomme, LA Deliverance, Marin BA Old Dipsea, Rayon Vert, Coronado BA Barleywine and many more.

Overall, this place is awesome. If I lived anywhere close I would spend a ton of money here. If you are visiting San Diego it is a must stop, especially if you are going to the nearby Pizza Port.
Jan 19, 2012
Photo of cbutova
Reviewed by cbutova from Massachusetts

4.44/5  rDev -1.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5
Only specialty bottle shop visited while I was in San Diego, didn't have time and I am glad I got to go here.

First off, the picture above does no justice, it almost makes it look like it's in a seedy area somewhere. I walked down here from the beach through a nice residential beach neighborhood. This place has a nice specialty wine/cheese/beer store. Tons of shelves holding bottles, a big cooler and a few snacks here and there. Not a massive selection but one that is well rounded and filled with world-class brews.

I didn't have a ton of time to look at bottle dates and what not but the beer on the shelves/cooled was a mix of fresh IPAs and stronger ales that had up to a year of age on them (no problems here). Nothing seemed like it was sitting there for too long. The employees were nice and I chatted with them a bit about being in San Diego for the first time and the MA beer scene. Nice people run this place. One thing I was thrown off/impressed by was the cooler selection. I am not used to this much beer being in the cooler in MA, especially bombers. A massive chilled selection. The one gripe I did have with the beer was the organization. It seemed like it was by brewery but then you would find a random beer a few rows/columns away. Not the easiest time finding stuff, I had to look over the coolers several time to be sure I didn't miss anything.

I ended up leaving with Alesmith Speedway Stout and Anvil, Midnight Sun Hop Dog, HOTD Doggie Claws and Blue Dot, maybe another bottle I can't remember right now.

Awesome bottle shop near Ocean Beach, which is a great place to take a stroll and check out some unique shops. Prices were on-par or slightly better than what I saw elsewhere.
Nov 23, 2011
Photo of Sebowski
Reviewed by Sebowski from California

4.9/5  rDev +8.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5 | food: 4
I Love this place. So glad it is within walking distance.

Mike has been at this long enough to get anything that ever makes its way to San Diego. The rare stuff goes quick, but it gets there, and it is priced in line with all the other pricing( Read: no price gouging! ) Seems like whenever I think Mike has maximized the space he has for beer, he finds a shelf or cooler he convert over. His most recent being trimming down Cola offering to make way for an all San Diego beer cooler. Awesome move there.

Then there is one of the city's best secrets: The Tasting Room. Rotating beer (and wine) flights priced at retail, not bar, prices. These flights always have interesting stuff from around the world. A great way to get your buddies/GF/Family into craft beer. They also do cheese trays to match your tastings, and special brewery nights (I've had an Abyss vertical and Black Tuesday among others at these brewery nights). The room is pretty small though, so don't bring too large a group. It is more of a nice area to sample some beers than a bar. Go to Pizza Port or Newport Pizza for that.

Might as well mention the market too. Always quality stuff from the produce to the pasta sauce and the cheese to the Bloody Mary mix ( Ballast Point, FTW!) The deli is all Boar's Head too which means always awesome sandwiches.

What I'm saying is, I love this place.
Aug 28, 2011
Photo of Armand
Reviewed by Armand from California

5/5  rDev +11.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
Awesome place. Olivetree is usually stocked up with good beer that flys off the shelf pretty quick. They have a few shelves displaying similar beers with one another. There is one that's usually stocked up with rare releases so grab them once they are there 'cause when it's gone it's gone. A long cooler with lots of nice bottles...too many to go over, but a nice selection. The owner knows what's up and he'll come around to talk to you about beer if he is there. Nice little place not too far from the beach.
Aug 16, 2011
Photo of IronKrausen
Reviewed by IronKrausen from California

5/5  rDev +11.1%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 5 | selection: 5
I have never bought anything here other than wine or beer.

Buuut.... ....Mike is the man! Always getting in bottles I want, and pricing them really well.

There are other great bottle shops in north county (HWC and PPBS), and some in south county (SBD), but olive tree really is the best bottle shop in San Diego county. The tasting room they opened is just the icing on the cake.

Mike has done very impressive things with a somewhat unassuming neighborhood market in OB. And is the only reason (sans pizza port) that i'll venture into OB.

keep up the good work.
Aug 16, 2011
Photo of flexabull
Reviewed by flexabull from California

4.3/5  rDev -4.4%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4
Stopped in here after visiting Pizza Port OB, just a few blocks away.

Looks like a cross between a nice liquor store and a mini mart.

Quality is quite good. Lots of locals (no Alpine though), some good foreign stuff including two New Zealand beers that I thought i would never see in USA. Also saw some stuff from east of here, like Jolly Pumpkin, Dogfish, and Allagash.

Service was kind of non existent until I inquired about the lack of Alpine. The employee was nice, explained why he didn't have any (they get small amounts, and it goes fast) and was cool to talk too. This is how I like it, no one bugging you while you shop, but happy to help when you need it.

Selection was good, not a ton of stuff, but what they had was good.

Prices were a bit high, but not bad.

All in all, a nice store. Not sure if this is a "destination", but it's well worth checking out if you are in the area.
Aug 08, 2011
Photo of snpub540
Reviewed by snpub540 from California

4.4/5  rDev -2.2%
vibe: 4 | quality: 4.5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 4.5 | food: 4
On my recent vacation to OB our bungalow was right around the corner from this awesome little neighborhood gem.

I walked in and could tell that the owners of this store cared about quality. There were locally baked fresh breads and a nice assortment of good cheeses (Humboldt Fog!), and plenty of other gourmet condiments all along the aisles.

The beer selection was amazing. I found 3 kinds of beers from Midnight Sun, which I have never seen in So Cal before. There was also plenty of San Diego brewerys represented like Stone, Green Flash, Lost Abbey, Alesmith, and others. I also found beers from Pretty Things, De Struise, The Bruery, and Stillwater. I ended up picking up a Pannepot '10 and a Sockeye Red IPA from Midnight Sun.

Since there will be atleast two more trips to San Diego before the year is over I will be returning to this store alot more frequently.
Jul 25, 2011
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Reviewed by BigDub from Missouri

4.74/5  rDev +5.3%
vibe: 4 | quality: 5 | service: 4.5 | selection: 5
Well, I travelled here just the other day armed with quite the list of beers I can't find in my home state of Missouri. Walked through the door and was surprised by a friendly staff that was kind of excited to have "travellers" in search of beers. So after a few minutes of talking turkey I got down to business and found some great selections. The staff were nice and looked through the back for some of my rarer requests. I left there with two large boxes of selections and a silly grin . Knowing that you can find hard to locate beers in a single location was cool. Also the Ocean beach area is kind of a nice throwback to simpler times in life. A really nice vibe relaxed and kind of detached from the bustle of the daily grind .

Pliny the elder was super fresh and scored some great selections from Alesmith, Maui brewing and too many others to mention.

Long of the short. Great place that will make you smile and a great staff to help out the beer nerd on a quest.
Jul 17, 2011
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Reviewed by FARGO619 from California

4.72/5  rDev +4.9%
vibe: 5 | quality: 5 | service: 4 | selection: 5
Been in here a few times and I feel like a kid in a cool candy store. They have a little of everything and sometimes stocked with hard to find gems. Always looking forward to coming back. When the owner is there he is always out to help out and answer questions. Fresh Pliney is nice and usually have it in stock, and it is fresh so that's a bonus. They have their beers stocked up in a cooler and usually keep a nice rack with limited releases that will go quick. When in San Diego check this place out...you will be happy.
Jun 18, 2011
The Olive Tree Marketplace in San Diego, CA
Place rating: 4.5 out of 5 with 69 ratings