Say hello to SLO’s tastiest annual tradition, the Eat Local Bonus. (Or maybe “welcome back!”) Every January, the City and SLO Chamber team up to reward residents and travelers alike for dining at local restaurants. It’s the perfect excuse to eat and drink your way through San Luis Obispo while enjoying the mild Central Coast winter weather.
Earning your bonus is simple. The hard part? Deciding where you’ll dine. This year, we’re excited to hold the first-ever SLO Restaurant Week! Our city is jam-packed with cool, cozy and oh-so-classy cuisine options. In fact, in just one day, you can brunch by a burbling creek, nosh at a Michelin-recognized restaurant and raise a glass at bars bursting with live music and good vibes.
It’s just another delicious part of living the SLO life. To help you get started, here are nine unique edible experiences you won’t want to miss during your stay.
Three Magical Date Night Spots
Dining at contemporary/American Nate’s on Marsh feels a lot like going to a friend’s house for dinner – a friend with a flair for interior design and critically acclaimed cooking skills, that is. This local gem is tucked away in a converted residence outside of downtown SLO. It’s the latest San Luis Obispo restaurant to earn Michelin recognition, but in their own words, they aren’t fussy.
Another SLO restaurant that’s earned its Michelin nod, Ox + Anchor is a feature of the always-stylish Hotel San Luis Obispo. This classic steakhouse boasts a sizable wine library and puts diners close to the city’s historic Chinatown. (Although, if we could suggest a pairing – room reservations go great with dinner reservations. You won’t want to miss their in-house spa and rooftop bar with bocce ball.)
Koberl at Blue is a brick-lined, white tablecloth affair tucked into a quaint street corner in downtown SLO. They specialize in Central Coast wine – not just the taste, but the experience of what’s in your glass, emphasized by thoughtfully chosen menu pairings and seasonal ingredients. The dining room is a charming backdrop for any night out, but don’t rule out seats at the ornate and well-stocked bar.
Three Outdoor Dining Oases
When you grab breakfast at fast-casual Kitchen & Vine, you’ll feel right at home. Maybe because it’s situated in a restored 1800s farmhouse, or maybe because their deceitfully simple menu is chock-full of fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Either way, brunching on their spacious open-air patio is a great way to start your day, whether you’re an early riser or a late sleeper.
It’s easy to see why Novo pops up on so many “best of SLO” lists. Their iconic downtown location in the historic Cigar Factory, along with their breathtaking creekside dining area, make them a popular destination for locals and longtime residents alike. Soak up the mellow Central Coast winter sun during breakfast or lunch, or cuddle up by the patio heaters with a glass of wine around dinnertime.
The closest you’ll get to the Alps around here is Cerro San Luis Obispo. But you don’t have to go far to enjoy traditional German food and fresh air: just head over to Beda’s Biergarten, a warm, welcoming, family-friendly Deutsche eatery with a big covered patio and bigger menu. You won’t go wrong with a glass of whatever’s on draft and a recommendation from their library of family recipes.
Three Places to Eat, Drink & Be Merry
Whether you lean sweet or savory, you’ll find something to love at Bang the Drum. Grab a pint of craft beer and order from the Scottish pub-inspired menu, but be careful – it’s so easy to fill up on their buttery dinner pies, you might run out of room for dessert. Good news: their live music and events schedule is a treat all its own, with open mic nights, dancing and trivia throughout the year.
Sidecar is easily one of the most original places to quench your thirst in San Luis Obispo. Each of their original cocktails has its own unique theme, carefully selected ingredients and tasting notes to help you meet your match made in moonshine heaven. They regularly host local musicians and seasonal events, too, so keep your ears open for jazz, dancing and rock n’ roll on the rocks.
Don’t head out without dropping in for a drink and barbecue at SLO Brew Rock, a brewery-distillery located conveniently in the Airport District. It’s where the locals gather to enjoy the best of San Luis Obispo: mild weather, craft brew, smokehouse cuisine and live music in an immaculately landscaped beer garden. Past musical guests include Neil Young, Snoop Dogg and Sublime.
There’s more to see, do and taste in San Luis Obispo. Experience more signature SLO dining by booking your stay near downtown’s most iconic restaurants, or head out to the countryside for farm-fresh eats and exploration. Just be sure to share your favorite flavors with #ShareSLO.