SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - In 1933, when prohibition ended in San Diego, the first liquor license issued may have been the result of a back-alley political deal.
"The owners at that time were Chaffee Grant, who was the grandson of Ulysses Grant, and Claire Blakely, and they opened up the bar. I think they had an in for the liquor license," Nancy Nichols said.
It's been in Nancy's family for the past 38 years. Today, The Waterfront on Kettner in Little Italy celebrates its 78th anniversary and its preeminent place in pub history.
"The Waterfront is part of the old San Diego and part of the new San Diego," Nancy said.
This is San Diego's Cheers, and through the years, a colorful cast of characters have bent elbows at this bar.
"There have been sports figures, politicians, actors, mechanics, a lot of fishermen. All walks of life, which makes it really fun," Nancy said.
The Waterfront's regulars come often, and they come early.
"We open at 6 a.m., every morning for breakfast, even on Christmas," Nancy said.
They come for the conversation and stay for the award-winning burgers. The Waterfront is now run by Nancy's grandsons. Chad Kline is part of the fourth generation to cover The Waterfront.
"I think that the place has so much character that it attracts characters," Chad said.
Customers concur.
"It's appealing from the outside, but once you get inside, then the fun begins. It's just nice," a customer said.
"I just feel like everyone makes an attempt to make you feel like you belong, and that's really rare," another customer said.
In honor of their 78th anniversary, The Waterfront is holding a fundraiser until 10 p.m. Tuesday night to raise money for the Marine Family Christmas Fund. For a $10 donation, all beers and all burgers are $1 each.
At The Waterfront, they gather together to celebrate friendship, history and political malfeasance.
The Waterfront
2044 Kettner Boulevard
San Diego, CA 92101
(619) 232-9656
