A neighboring fire in the summer of 2011 temporarily closed this Hillcrest standby, but it should reopen better than ever. Already a favorite due to its prime location between Flicks and Rich's, across from the Uptown shopping center, Obelisk is as much fun to browse while killing time as the gay-centric Ace Hardware just down the block (it's a lot more than hammers and nails in there, so check it out until Obelisk is rebuilt). For the gay community, the books, gifts, and tickets to events like Pride have almost been taken for granted as San Diegans stroll in and out of here during walks through Hillcrest (or between bars). Now that it's closed, perhaps the residents will appreciate it even more when it re-opens.