Hey, Aztecs, What’s Your Off-Campus Hangout?
In the spring, SDSU Magazine ranked the most popular student hangouts over the decades. By popular demand, here’s Part 2. See if yours made the list.
Never underestimate the unwavering loyalty to a local sandwich shop, pizza joint or dive bar. “SDSU’s Top 10 Off-Campus Hangouts Over the Years,” a story in the spring web edition of SDSU Magazine, proved that to be true. My initial foray into lauding leisure locales of the past was met with an onslaught of opinions on social media and in my inbox. Though readers relayed rave reviews of more than 50 different historical hangouts, 10 in particular—in order here by the number of votes received—stood out as undisputed favorites to augment the magazine’s previous list.
Two-Bit Sandwich Shop
5930 Hardy Way
From the late ’60s to the ’80s, Two-Bit Sandwich Shop enthralled devoted patrons with subs, chili, malts, soft drinks, beer and, in the later years, video game arcade machines and Mexican food. Led by owner Frank Castro, Two-Bit, located just south of campus, was the runaway vote-getter, echoing sentiments in the October 11, 1984, edition of the Daily Aztec that proclaimed it to be “SDSU’s unofficial off-campus, campus hangout.”
Square Pan Pizza
5119 College Ave.
Coming in a close second was Square Pan Pizza of the ’70s and ’80s. Known first as “Our Perry’s Pizza”—which is featured in the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High”—Square Pan was so popular that on days when the Daily Aztec ran a coupon for its $1.49 two-slice, side salad and soft drink deal, opportunistic students would grab 20 to 30 copies at a time to redeem throughout the month.
Woodstock’s Pizza
6145 El Cajon Blvd. (previously 6548 El Cajon Blvd.)
For part one of the top hangouts, restaurants, like Woodstock’s Pizza, that were recently featured in SDSU Magazine weren’t eligible. But this is a democracy. According to numerous alumni from the mid-’80s until now, Woodstock’s successfully established itself as “SDSU’s favorite hangout.” The restaurant, owned by SDSU alumna Laura Ambrose (’89), gained great loyalty by offering student discounts all year and routinely hosted university fundraisers.
Aspen Mine Company
5880 El Cajon Blvd.
In the ’70s and ’80s, Aspen Mining Company was one of few San Diego State hotspots that could boast that it was ideal for both bringing a date and finding a date. The Celebrity Bartenders program—which featured famous SDSU personas guest bartending for university benefits or its unforgettable Halloween parties—was just one of the many draws to this restaurant.
Chuck Wagon Buffet
6205 El Cajon Blvd.
When it comes to the quantity of food consumed over the years, the Chuck Wagon Buffet—aka the Campus Chuck Wagon—undoubtedly wins the crown. This all-you-can-eat restaurant literally provided tons of food to hungry Aztecs during the ’60s and ’70s. Rumors still abound about how the SDSU football team would pay for six players to eat and then secretly rotate players in matching outfits until the whole team had feasted.
Effin’s Pub & Grill
6164 El Cajon Blvd.
Few hangouts were more adored by the SDSU faithful from 1996 to 2020 than the no-frills Effin’s Pub & Grill. Lauded by the San Diego Reader as “Best Student Hangout” in 2003, Effin’s hosted live music, served wings that people still discuss at length and supported SDSU with fundraisers. The pub’s name inspired a variety of intramural teams and even worked its way into the local vernacular with the phrase, “Let’s go have an effin good time,” which owner Zachary Cotler eluded to in his farewell on social media in 2020.
Quaff Barrel/Kelly’s Pub/etc.
6344 El Cajon Blvd.
No spot has hosted more venues for Aztecs to enjoy than 6344 El Cajon Blvd., which has had a remarkable series of popular pubs for over half a century. While the Quaff Barrel started the fun in the ’50s, Kelly’s Pub took the area by storm in the ’80s—fueled by its spectacular rolled tacos by Señor Jose’s—and was followed by a host of other fan-favorite watering holes.
Andy’s Diner/Saloon
7149 El Cajon Blvd.
The history of Andy’s Diner/Saloon goes back to the 1930s. Early generations of Aztecs made regular trips for the burgers and chili and extolled the generosity and photographic memory of owner Katherine “Katie” Dorris. When the venue closed after about 50 years of business, the loyal patrons declared “it was as though they had lost a good friend.”
Don Jose’s
4247 El Cajon Blvd./4551 El Cajon Blvd
From 1950 to 1996, the Ross family owned and operated Don Jose’s Mexican Restaurant, first in Teralta West on El Cajon and later across from Hoover High School on The Boulevard. Alumni still drool at the thought of Don Jose’s wet burrito sauce and avow that no other Mexican restaurant in town was ever better.
Pernicano’s
5522 El Cajon Blvd./5524 El Cajon Blvd.
Pernicano’s Pizza, founded in 1947 by the late George Pernicano, a former minority owner of the San Diego Chargers, is a San Diego mainstay. While the original location in Hillcrest has long since closed, there are still two open today—one in Poway and the other in El Cajon, which is owned by George’s son Gary. George’s brother Frank owned the El Cajon Boulevard location that drew SDSU students in through the ’60s and ’70s.