An Ocean Beach institution is ending its run after 30 years of serving locals and visitors alike from its unique location on San Diego's now-closed OB pier.
Walking on Water Café, co-owned by Chuck Fisher and his wife, has been a fixture on the Ocean Beach Pier since 1993. Over the years, the cafe gained a loyal following for its signature fish and chips, lobster tacos, and beloved pancakes. The Fishers took over the lease with the goal of providing delicious comfort food in a one-of-a-kind setting, earning the eatery accolades and cementing its place in the community's heart.
After three decades of operation, Walking on Water Cafe is permanently closing. At 70 years of age, Fisher expressed that it was time for him to step back from the business, especially with the restaurant's frequent forced closures in recent years due to the deteriorating condition of the pier.
The final blow for Walking on Water Cafe came in December when a winter storm's massive waves damaged one of the pier's support pilings, leading to the closure of the pier for public safety. In August, the City of San Diego announced that repairing the pier was no longer a viable option, and plans to replace the 58-year-old structure are now in the works. The City and the Fishers agreed to end the cafe's lease, marking the end of an era for the beloved eatery.
Fisher has been spending the last few weeks cleaning out the space and preparing to remove furniture and equipment. Despite the bittersweet moment, Fisher looks back fondly on the extra decade of operation they had beyond the pier's expected lifespan and remains grateful for the memories made over the years.
Walking on Water Café will officially close within the coming weeks, marking the end of a cherished chapter for Ocean Beach. For more information, visit walkingonwatercafe.com.
