Opening this weekend in the space that long housed Cheswick's West in San Diego's Ocean Beach neighborhood is a new dive bar called Kustom Kulture.
In 1983, Ocean Beach resident Dean Hall opened Cheswicks West, a tiny biker bar with a big window. Over the more than 40 years in business, the dive bar has hosted eclectic blend of patrons ranging from bikers, to surfers, to hippies and musicians, and everyone in between.The founder and owner for the past 40 years, Ralph Hall, passed in 2021 and he left the bar to his longtime manager, Michelle Driscoll, who due to illness had to retire.
Last year, a large brawl occurred outside of Cheswick's, resulting in a stabbing and multiple people injured. Reportedly 17 Hells Angels were indicted connected with the incident. Following the fight, the bar was put up for sale late last year. The space was previously eyed by a group of investor that included Miles Doughty, the frontman for San Diego-born rock band Slightly Stoopid, but they ultimately purchased nearby The Harp.
The 1,400 square-foot space is now ready to reopen as a new dive bar named Kustom Kulture. Now owned by Julius & Kimberlly Ulrich, Francesca Lawrence and Annamarie Spenner, the renovated interior offers free pool, a full bar with cocktails and multiple tap handles, and capacity for 49 people inside with additional outside curbside seating.
Kustom Kulture grand opens on September 7 at 5038 Newport Avenue in San Diego's Ocean Beach. For more information, visit kustomkulture.com.
Kustom Kulture grand opens on September 7 at 5038 Newport Avenue in San Diego's Ocean Beach. For more information, visit kustomkulture.com.
