OB Surf Lodge Makes Waterfront Landing

Local restaurant group Social Syndicate has fully launched its sixth eatery in San Diego, OB Surf Lodge, which gives the hospitality group even more prime real estate on Ocean Beach’s Santa Monica Avenue. Social Syndicate, which also runs Bootlegger, The Local, The Local PB and The Rabbit Hole, opened Wonderland Ocean Pub on the beachside thoroughfare back in 2013 and OB Surf Lodge sits just below it, in the space formerly held by Shades Oceanfront Bistro. Wonderland Ocean Pub also has a new outpost in Petco Park, where house beers from Resident Brewery are also served.

Managing partners Mina Desiderio, Brendan Huffman and Hoffman Leung just completed an outdoor patio that now gives OB Surf Lodge a 200-person capacity, with most of the tables coming with a view of the ocean and Ocean Beach’s landmark pier. The restaurant’s “California comfort food” menu is being overseen by Louisiana-born Nick Brune, who helped create Hillcrest’s Local Habit and also runs SoCal catering firm Eco Caters. The chef is also co-launching a new outdoor event venue in Hotel Circle. Brune’s menu for the restaurant includes a fried chicken sandwich on a housemade biscuit, slow-roasted pork shoulder and poblano avocado toast to pair with bar offerings ranging from craft beer, wine and beach-inspired cocktails.