United Oil 76

Newly updated facilities, so nice! The lot is a little difficult to get in/​out of on that corner, and there aren’t enough parking spaces if you just want to grab a soda, but it remains cheaper than the Shell down the street.

I give this place two stars because:
1) They supply gasoline like a gas station should.
and
2) I received the correct information from the attendant — which was that she could not help me.
I went here looking to refill a propane tank because I was mistakenly told to fill it there by my landlords («Yeah just take it to the ‘76’ on West Point Loma, they refill my propane all the time»). It turns out they were referring to a ‘76’ two blocks up on West Point Loma, but I digress.
I went in there asking about it and the girl at the counter said they didn’t refill propane. I said, «OK, but I was told to come here, is there anywhere else I can refill my propane?» Instead of telling me about the other ‘76’ right up the road where, incidentally, I got my propane refilled later, she proceeds to give me an impatient stare and says «no.» Then rolls her eyes at the few other questions I give her and is very impatient and unhelpful. Did she really not know there was another 76 less than a minute’s drive away that refills propane?
This happened a couple weeks ago, and the girl looked to be in her late 20’s, but I’ll never go there again just because she was so rude to me.

I’m writing this review since I really believe this place deserves the 5 star rating. They have very reasonably priced gas especially for Shell (I realize reasonably priced gas is an oxy-​moron), they’re price competitive with the other lower brand gas stations in OB and for a week or two when California had the gas shortage they had by far the lowest prices. But the real reason I keep coming back even though I’ve moved a little further away is that they have the best price on cigarettes of any places I’ve seen in San Diego. That and the service is good, Ashleigh is really sweet and nice, especially considering all the people, and ocassional crazy, she has to deal with, she still usually brightens may day up a little. Yes, they do have a short shift change at night (midnight I think) that can be a little inconvenient, but once I knew about it I would just make sure to go before or after. They deserve a little slack, open 24-​hours and probably sell more cigarettes than any gas station in San Diego.

Convenient location

I love this gas station! It has now become the only place I go to get gas in the Ocean beach/Pt.Loma area. It’s always clean and I never have to look around for a squeegee. There is always one in the bucket along with plenty of paper towels. The $ 1.50 Rockstars got me coming here but the super friendly staff is what keeps me coming back. The lady that works in the morning always seems to be so bright and happy. The youger girl that works in the afternoon offered to let my dog walk in with me AND gave him a treat. The awesome customer service is what won me over here. I wish more businesses realized that happy employees will increase your return business.

Typically, overpriced. But they have been getting more and more reasonable (reasonable I mean comparable to ARCO). The best thing about this place is the location — right on the corner of Sunset Cliffs and W. Point Loma Blvd! Makes is a really easy place to stop — right across the street from Chris’ Liquor and Deli.
The reason this place gets docked so many stars is their «shift change» that happens for 30 minutes each night. They totally shut down the gas station to count cigarettes and other BS while people sit there and wait to dish out their money. It is totally ridiculous and people get CRAZY… bums spitting on the windows, tools screaming bloody murder at and pounding on the glass. It really is quite a scene and more than annoying. They put this silly little piece of paper on the window that says «closed for shift change». I just don’t get it…

I suppose I am reviewing a gas station… But this place deserves at least four stars! Sure, gas prices are going up… And at some places *cough*Shell*cough* they’ve been high for a LONG time. This place seems to have fairly priced gas (at least comparatively ;) and is always the cheapest in all of OB. Honestly, it even compares to the United station I sometimes hit when I’m up in PQ visiting family. Anyway, I’ll keep coming here, especially since gas is over $ 4, I’d love to save as many pennies as I can by going to the cheapest place!
OH, and one of the girls who works here is really nice & helpful! One night I almost got hit by a car in their parking lot (!!!) and it was nice to commiserate with her. ;)

Second to last gas station on your way out of OB. Not the cheapest gas, but they don’t take an arm and a leg.
I like this place because they always give me free air for my beach cruiser :).

Used to be an Arco and maybe even an Exxon at one time, along with Ocean Beach Gas. That last one-​OB Gas even had people who could fix your car there. Now, since summer 2010, Union 76 has taken over this prime spot to gas up at before you hit the freeway entrances out of Ocean Beach. Even though Union 76 is pricier than some of the other local stations and independent dealers, it really is a good gas to use. They put some kind of enrichment in the gas formula and my car really likes it. I call it car crack.
Therefore, I cannot help but give this place at least 4 stars for being convenient, having some good snacks to grab when you’re in a hurry, and for just general keeping it real in OB. You got the standard homeless who wander by since they hang out right around the corner on the picnic tables at Dusty Rhodes Park.
I have nearly been run over by people pulling out of the Union 76 parking lot, when I cruise by on my bike. And even though Union 76 is a BIG CORPORATION and can be somewhat considered a polluter of sorts, well-​ANY OIL COMPANY CAN BE, they managed to take over this gas station location quietly and under the radar. So far I am unaware of any OB hippie hackles or flaky feathers being ruffled by THE MAN – Union 76– here on Sunset Cliffs Blvd.
So for now, I will only be able to offer 4 Unilocal STARS in order to keep my OB Street Cred & unofficial anti-​corporate protest image in tact.