Freak Factory Smoke Shop & The Freaky Boutiki

I’ve been coming here ever since I was a kid. I know a bit weird for a smoke shop but my uncle lives right on mission blvd so whenever we would walk to the roller coaster my older cousins would want to stop here. The owner always remembers me and is so friendly. I never think of the store as a smoke shop because there’s so much cool stuff in it! Lots of stickers, posters, bags, band tees like the Doors, Led Zeppelin and the Grateful Dead. And make sure you smell the incenses, they’re amazing and cheap. I never leave San Diego without visiting this place.

Has an amazing selection of pipes and vapes, the owner was really friendly and helpful. Much more personable than some of the other smoke shops around here.

Bought 3 great cigar signs and 2 actual cigars… oh yeah and a Tiki cup… Great place!!!

My husband and I have to make a stop here every time we head to San Diego! It is a must!!! Very friendly owner, and always so much to see!!! (And Buy)!!! Lots of Tiki’s!!!

Love this place :) The owner is awesome and he has super cool and interesting stuff!

I love this store! :) The cashier is super nice and laid back. Plus, they have a lot of cool things to explore. They primarily sell tobacco-​related items… but you can buy shirts, stickers, and incents if you like.
What really makes this store stand out from other smoke stores is their customer service. They’re really welcoming and informative. And unlike other stores, they’re not forcing you to buy the most expensive item in the store (just highlighting items that they think you might like).

The freak Factory is just a local jem! I don’t think there’s anything like this shop in San Diego. This is Tiki central! You feel like you’re in a tiki hut somewhere in the south pacific. The owner, Hank, is an absolute delight to talk to. You can find all kinds of original apparel such as Wikitiki stuff, Bob Marley posters, sandals, tiki carvings, tiki art, cigars and much more things that I can remember. So, check it out and support the special places like this one in San Diego.

Awesome. Check out the totem pole wall on the outside of the building.
Got some Sublime stickers.

The Freaky Boutiki is the gem of Mission Beach. It was one of my first destinations after my move from the East coast in search of that Southern California vibe. But even amongst San Diego’s beachy scenes it’s unique. When you see the giant Tiki god smiling upon you from the building’s side or people working away at big wooden carvings out front, you know you’ve found a special spot before you even enter. Once inside, you’re privy to a fine collection of Polynesian Pop art. From posters and prints, records and books to handmade jewelry and the ever alluring Tiki mugs, I always walk outta here with some unique piece even when I think I’m just going in to browse. They regularly get in new mugs and always have ones that I never see anywhere else. We’re not talking tacky souvenirs here, these reasonably priced rum-​ready sculptures are true works of art! You’re bound to find some excuse to treat yourself or the Tiki enthusiast in your life. Nice selection of bags and beachwear too and while I don’t smoke, I still like checking out the variety of really cool looking pipes and such. The best part of all though is the staff. Everyone’s very friendly and welcoming. The owner, Hank is a super nice guy and always supplies a good story, recommendation or just some friendly banter. All around, this is a laid back little shop that’s nice to hang out in and always fun to explore.

I was touring SoCal for micro brews and Tiki, and was lucky enough to drop into Freaky Boutiki yesterday. Parking was a hassle, and the neighborhood was more of «Tacos and Tatoo shops than an art gallery, but one should never be too quick to judge these things.
Hank (Hodad Hank to you) is the owner, and he is a happy chappy… quite nice and helpfull. I think lots of people go there to «hang out» so when we started chatting about tribal art, he blossomed. I spend a few hours there, and like a magician, he kept pulling pieces and books out from nooks for me.
He is not a snob and is very friendly (I am a snob, and don’t mix well with browsers) so I will interject that his warmth and patience is almost superhuman.
Besides the original pieces I purchased, I loved his wide array of really funny stickers (shag, flying eyeball, surf etc) and tiki stuff. He even had some mugs I had never seen (Sam Gambino) for about half the price I expected to pay.
I had quite a good visit, and could drop by and spend another afternoon there and see more.
There is quite a lot of stuff that does not interest me, but I don’t get bothered in the feminin or catfood aisle at Safeway, I just know that stuff is not there for me either. I do wish he had more gallery space.
Worth a visit for anybody into retro culture, tribal art, poly[pop jackassery and tiki stuff

Hank is the best! Always fun to check out new tiki’s and local shirts from our neighborhood peeps! Many trinkets and island style diggs… never leave empty handed.
If you haven’t checked this place out, you are seriously missing out.
So go already!!!

Ive been going here for a long time ever since they first open. It never gets boring at Freak Factory because everytime I come here they always have something different and unique on the self that makes me want to buy! Hank there is a very nice guy he’ll take care of you everytime you come in. Just like Guy B. says Hank has every tiki stuff there you can think of. So if youre ever in Mission beach, PB or even San DIego you cant leave unless you check out Freak Factory its the most unique store in all of SD.

Correction: This place is in Mission Beach, not PB as the previous Unilocaler noted. Located right on Mission Blvd., about ½ mile north of Belmont Park.
I love this place. They sell all types off items here, not just «tobacco related» items. From really cool hand-​carved wood crafts, to little artsy knick-​knack items, bags, candles, wood boxes, and the rest of basic «head shop» type items. But they keep it all in good taste, instead of having the place decked out in black-​light posters and smelling of patchouli.
In the back is their glass shop and they only carry the highest quality glass. It’s all reasonably priced, and they are very knowledgeable and passionate about their selection. They even have some art pieces for sale that cost over a thousand dollars. They have the best selection of RooR’s (US) that I know of, with maybe the exception of The Godfather in PB. It’s the service that really stands out here. They are so friendly and patient. They will also tell you where each piece is blown and any information about the artist. Highly recommend if you’re in the market for a new toy for 2009!

The Freak Factory rocks. They have a great selection of glass, plus Hank and Rita are just as nice and attentive as they can be. They bounced back after a fire a while ago. They’re in PB, along with a lot of other shops, but their service really makes them stand out.