Businesses in San Diego Standing for Freedom

This week many businesses will lift mask requirements in an attempt to follow the ever-changing moods of Gavin Newsom and the people at the CA Department of Public Health. As these requirements are lifted throughout CA, it’s a good time to remind citizens of those businesses that took a stand for their freedom when it wasn’t easy or convenient. With this knowledge, we can continue to vote with our dollars and support them and their families. 

All businesses listed I have personally visited from March of 2020 or later. Most of these are in San Diego, but all are in So Cal. When I say “standing for freedom” I mean that they are not requiring their employees to wear masks and they are not requiring their customers to wear masks or present vaccine cards. Many of these I found through the PublicSq app, while others I found through word of mouth or trial and error. The PublicSq app connects people with businesses that value freedom, and there are way more businesses on the app than I list here and that list is constantly growing.

Awaken Church, All Campuses in San Diego

I know a church is not a business, but this church has been a beacon of freedom since August 2020, so I had to include it on this list.

El Avocado, La Jolla

My favorites so far are the Veggie sandwich and the Mango Madness smoothie. There’s also ocean views if you sit outside.

Everbowl, Mission Valley

The service here is friendly, just how I like it.

Gio’s Pizzeria, Lake Elsinore

This place has the kindest workers and I make a point to get pizza here when I’m in town.

Hot Seat Salon, El Cajon

The owners Heather and her husband Daniel are two of the warmest, loving people you would ever hope to meet. There are many amazing stylists here too. Check this place out if you want to feel pampered.

Koffie, Escondido

The owner David has received quite a bit of press for his public stance on freedom in the past couple years. I know him personally and he is one of the most passionate, freedom-loving, family-oriented people I know. Oh and their waffles are to die for.

Jose’s Courtroom, La Jolla

This place has fast service and ocean views if you sit outside. You can’t go wrong with the Shrimp Tacos.

Little Italy Farmers’ Market

There’s a good amount of variety here and it always feels good to support small businesses that have perfected their craft to share with the world.

The Promiscuous Fork, La Jolla

If you like bacon, you have to try the BBBLT with coconut-jalapeño rice on the side.

Santee Drive-In

Here you get 2 movies for the price of 1.

STP Bar-n-Grill, Clairemont

This place has the coolest décor and the owners and servers are all friendly and awesome. I love their burgers and fries.

The Village, North Park

Here vegan doesn’t mean flavorless. Even the complimentary chips and salsa can compete with the best of them.

Below I have also commented some businesses that are not necessarily standing for freedom (maybe they have a sign on their door that says “mask required”), but they have not harassed customers for not wearing a mask, or maybe they require their employees to wear masks, but not their customers. I have also commented those businesses that have refused service, yelled at, shamed, or otherwise discriminated against customers who choose not to wear masks. I have visited all of these myself. 

Which businesses that are standing for freedom would you add to this list? Which ones would you advise to avoid? Comment your recommendations below.