Ryan ChartrandBon Temps Creole Caf‚
1000 Olive St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-2100
Cuisine: Cajun, Creole
Hours: Daily, 7 a.m. – 2 p.m., 5 p.m. – 9 p.m.
House Specialty: Gumbo and red beans and rice
Student Special: Steak and egg special before 9 a.m. for $5.99
About Us: This traditional Louisiana style restaurant offers unique meals like jambalaya, eggs benedict, corn bread and boiled peanuts for affordable prices. They can seat large parties and they cater for big events.
$
California Pizza Kitchen
876 Marsh St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 784-0790
Cuisine: Pizza, Italian
Hours: Sunday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 11 p.m.
House Specialty: Barbecue Chicken Pizza
About Us: California Pizza Kitchen just opened in August 2006 and includes a full service counter bar with specialty drinks in addition to the distinct CPK pizza favorites.
$$
Chino’s Mexican Bistro
892 Marsh St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-8686
Cuisine: Mexican
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. – 10 p.m.
House Specialty: Tostada supreme and fish tacos
Student Special: Game nights and other student specials coming soon
About Us: Chino’s Mexican Bistro opened in July 2006 and is family owned and operated.
$
Cork ‘n’ Bottle Liquor Store
774 Foothill Blvd.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-8637
Cuisine: Hamburgers, deli sandwiches, liquor
Hours: Weekdays, 7 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Weekends, 7 a.m. – 2 a.m.
House Specialty: Cheeseburger special with fries and a drink for $3.99
About Us: Cork ‘n’ Bottle has the best prices and selection of kegs around but they will ID, confiscate fake ID’s and prosecute offenders.
$
Crushed Grape Wine & Gifts
319 Madonna Rd.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-4449
Cuisine: Deli
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. – 6 p.m.
House Specialty: Hot pastrami and turkey melt
Student Special: $1 off each sandwich with student ID
About Us: The Crushed Grape offers gift baskets of cookies, sandwiches and other specialities that they deliver to Cal Poly’s campus.
$-$$
Cuginis Pizzeria & Ristorante
3810 Broad St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 784-9999
www.cuginispizza.com
Cuisine: Italian, pizza
Hours: Monday – Thursday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 9:30 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
House Specialty: Slice of pizza, salad and drink for $7
About Us: Cuginis features fast homemade Italian food for affordable prices. They also cater large parties.
$
EP Koberl at Blue
998 Monterey
San Luis Obispo
(805) 783-1135
Cuisine: Asian, Mediterranean, Californian
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 11:30 – Midnight; Thursday – Friday, 11:30 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Saturday – Sunday, 4 p.m. – 2 a.m.
House Specialty: Seared ahi with a miso-honey glaze and “blue fried rice” glossed with a wasabi beurre blanc
Student Special: Nightly specials, 10 p.m. until closing
About Us: Owner and chef Erich Koberl, the former executive chef at Donald Trump’s Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, has created a contemporary dining experience featuring live music four nights a week and a “terroir cuisine,” made up of the finest ingredients and wines from around the world.
$$$
Gus’s Grocery & Deli
1638 Osos St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-8165
Cuisine: Deli sandwiches
Hours: Monday – Friday, 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.; Saturday, 8 a.m. – 9 p.m.; Sunday, 8 a.m. – 7:30 p.m.
House Specialty: Chicken teriyaki sandwich on Tuesdays and hot tri-tip with salsa sandwich on Wednesdays
Student Special: Coupons available through Cal Poly coupon books
About Us: Gus’s has been voted “Best Deli” for the past 17 years by the New Times for serving their sliced, fresh to-order sandwiches.
$
High Street Market & Deli
350 High St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-4738
Cuisine: Deli sandwiches
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
House Specialty: California turkey sandwich and spring club sandwich
Student Special: 4:20 special, all sandwiches are $4.20 after that time daily
About Us: High Street Deli serves specialty meats and cheeses fresh daily to the tune of great music.
$
Hofbrau Restaurant
571 Embarcadero
Morro Bay
(805) 772-2411
Cuisine: Sandwiches, salads, soup
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m.
House Specialty: Hand carved roast beef sandwiches and fish and chips
About Us: This Morro Bay restaurant & deli has been serving Cal Poly students for over 35 years. Their pastrami, turkey, ham and roast beef French dips are completed with a view of Morro Bay and the Morro Rock from their waterfront dining room.
$
Laguna BBQ & Brew
11560 Los Oso Valley Rd.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 547-1485
Cuisine: Barbecue
Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 12 p.m.
House Specialty: Cheeseburgers and tri-tip sandwiches
Student Special: $2 pitchers of beer on Wednesdays from 7 p.m. tp 10 p.m.
About Us: The Laguna BBQ & Brew offers delicious hamburgers, sandwiches and BBQ items and a big screen television.
$
Le Ciel Crepe Caf‚
3211 Broad St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 783-2013
www.lecielcrepes.com
Cuisine: Savory crepes
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. – 8:30 p.m.
House Specialty: Crepes
Students Special: Discount with SLO Passport
About Us: Le Ciel is a quaint, French-style caf‚ that serves California-inspired cusine using flavors from around the world ranging from Latin to Thai. They also serve sandwiches, salads, soup and gelato. All crepes are served with roasted rosemary potatoes and a choice of salad or soup.
$-$$
Louisa’s Place
964 Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-0227
Cuisine: Homestyle breakfast and lunch
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. – 3 p.m.
House Specialty: Omelettes
About Us: Lousia’s has been serving omelettes since the 1950s. The menu features more than 25 different omelettes, French toast, country-fried steak and pancakes for breakfast and burgers, soup and sandwiches for lunch. Breakfast is served until 3 p.m. daily.
$
Mission Grill
1023 Chorro St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 547-5544
www.missiongrill.com
Cuisine: California
Hours: Lunch: Monday – Saturday: 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m.; Dinner: Sunday – Wednesday, 5 p.m. – 9 p.m., Thursday – Saturday, 5 p.m. – 10 p.m.; Sunday brunch, 10:30 – 3:00
House Specialty: Fresh fish, steak
Student Special: Happy hour with half price drinks, $4 cocktails and half price appetizers, Monday – Friday, 2 p.m. – 6 p.m. and all day Thursday
About Us: Located next door to the Mission de Tolosa the Mission Grill offers views of the Mission Plaza and the San Luis Creek. The award-winning restaurant has been featured in Sunset Magazine, Wine Spectator, The New York Times and Elmer Dills.
$$-$$$
Natural Caf‚
698 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo
(805) 546-9200
www.thenaturalcafe.com
Cuisine: California fusion
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
House Specials: Try the daily special or a house favorite such as the chicken enchiladas or the Natural Caesar salad.
About us: Reasons to eat at the Natural Caf‚. #72: “Your mother told you, ‘Eat your vegetables.’”
The Natural Caf‚ cooks up healthy alternatives to the generic burger and fries. While most of the dishes are (red) meatless, students are sure to find something both delicious and nutritious at this vegetarian hot spot. The menu features a plethora of soups, sandwiches and salads loaded with organic veggies and flavorful spices.
$$
Nautical Bean (Espresso Caf‚)
11560 Los Osos Valley Rd.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-3559
www.nauticalbean.com
Cuisine: Coffee shop
Hours: Daily, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
House Special: “Our butterscotch mocha is really good. It’s made with homemade butterscotch,” Jones said. He also mentioned the organic jerk coffees as a house favorite.
About Us: “Venti? We have small, medium and large…”
Located in the Laguna Village shopping center, this hometown coffee shop books the latest musical performers and cooks some of the best breakfast food in town.
“Our breakfast food is really popular,” owner Brett Jones said. “We have a great breakfast burrito, and then for lunch, our pesto turkey sandwich is one everyone loves.”
$
Oasis
675 Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-1155
Cuisine: Moroccan
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
House Special: The Moroccan wraps made popular at Farmer’s Market. And for a display of tea-pouring prowess, try the jasmine mint tea.
About Us: Escape to a faraway land of mysterious belly dancers and sand at Oasis, San Luis Obispo’s most well-known Moroccan restaurant. Dine under a Middle Eastern ‘tent’ while enjoying Oasis’s popular lamb curry and watching the SLO Beledi Dancers twist and turn to the music.
$$$
Old Vienna Restaurant and Beer Garden
1527 Shell Beach Rd.
Pismo Beach
(805) 773-4521
www.oldvienna-usa.net
Cuisine: German and Austrian
Hours: Tuesday – Saturday, 4 – 11 p.m. (Happy Hour: 4 – 6 p.m.)
House Special: The Old Vienna Sampler showcases all of the house specialties including Sauerbraten, Smoked Pork Loin, Goulash and Rouladen.
And according to the restaurant’s Web site, www.oldvienna-usa.net, “From Pilsner to Oktoberfest; from dark beer to wheat beer, (Old Vienna’s) selection is large and varied. (They) have a full service bar for your favorite mixed drinks or try some of (their) very own.”
Student Special: None, but there is live Austrian accordion music on Saturday nights.
About Us: Owners Oma and Opa (Anna and Willi Reithofer) serve some favorite family recipes and some new inventions at this European delight in Shell Beach. The bar also has all different kinds of German and Austrian beers on tap, as well has an extensive wine list.
$$
Otter Rock Caf‚
885 Embarcadero
Morro Bay
(805) 772-1420
www.morrobay.com/otterrockcafe/
Cuisine: Seafood
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. (bar closes at 2 a.m.)
House Special: Fish special
Student Special: Karaoke Night on Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Ladies Night on Thursdays beginning at 7 p.m.
About Us: Otter Rock Cafe, overlooking Morro Bay’s scenic harbor, features fine food, a full bar and live entertainment. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner, Otter Rock features an extensive Kids’ menu, steaks and seafood dishes you can enjoy in the comfort of our outdoor patio,” states the restaurant’s Web site, www.morrobay.com/otterrockcafe/.
$$
Panolivo
1009 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 545-8700
www.panolivo.com
Cuisine: French, Mediterranean
Hours: Daily, 8 a.m to 10 p.m.
House Special: Chicken Cordon Bleu
Student Special: Continental breakfast served Monday through Saturday at the bakery counter 9:30 – 11 a.m.
About Us: “Just like in Paris!”
This “upscale French bistro . with a California flare” has a full bar and bakery packed with more than 140 French and San Luis Obispo County wines and gourmet house-made pastries and desserts. While the menu ranges on the more expensive side, Panolivo is the perfect place to go on a romantic date and Sunday champagne brunch.
$$$
The Pita Pit
858 E Foothill Blvd.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-7482
www.pitapitusa.com
Cuisine: Fresh pita sandwiches and drinks
Hours: Daily, 11 – 3 a.m.
House Special: Special Sauce (it’s a house secret) on a build-your-own pita.
Student Special: Pita Pit has discounts for large catering events and it sometimes has a joint program with Domino’s it which it gives away free pitas.
About Us: Originally a Canadian invention, this new “Fresh thinking, healthy eating” location is a late night favorite among Cal Poly students. The Pita Pit also offers home delivery and event catering.
$
Pizza Solo
891 Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-8786
Cuisine: Italian
Hours: Daily, 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
House Special: Cheesy garlic breadsticks and the calzones are all the rave at this college favorite.
Student Special: While there is no student discount at Pizza Solo, downtown area employees do receive a 10 percent discount.
About Us: Looking for some reasonably priced Italian food? Try Pizza Solo in the downtown shopping center next to Downtown Centre Cinema. The restaurant’s atmosphere is a cross between an Italian bistro and a neighborhood sports bar.
$
Splash Caf‚
1491 Monterey St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 544-7567
www.splashbakery.com
And
Pismo Beach
197 Pomeroy
(805) 773-4653
www.splashcafe.com
Hours: Daily, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (depends on season)
House Special: New England clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl
Student Special: Splash Caf‚ doesn’t offer discounts, but it does post some of its most popular recipes online at www.splashcafe.com, which are great for college students who are trying to save money by eating in.
About Us: Splash Caf‚ has been a Central Coast favorite since its grand opening in 1989. With its award-winning clam chowder, fried calamari and fresh baked bread, Splash caters to all ages and all tastes. The restaurant’s popularity even spawned a second location in San Luis Obispo.
$
Taco Roco
281 Santa Rosa St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-2810
www.tacoroco.com
Cuisine: Mexican
Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
House Special: Carne Asada burrito
Student Specials: There is a list of promotions and coupons on Taco Roco’s Web site, www.tacoroco.com.
About Us: Taco Roco is home to some of the cheapest Mexican food in town. Its menu includes classic south of the border favorites such as: Carnitas, chile relleno, chicken fajitas, nachos and enchiladas. Taco Roco also has a full breakfast menu and an assortment of drinks.
$
Taj Palace
795 Foothill Blvd.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 543-0722
Cuisine: Indian
Hours: Daily, Breakfast/lunch 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.; Dinner 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.
House Special: Any of the curries, Tandoori chicken and Tandoori breads (especially the garlic naan).
Student specials: For under $6, the lunch buffet is a must.
About Us: Taj Palace is a family owned Indian food restaurant located a couple miles west of the Cal Poly Campus on Foothill Blvd. The restaurant has an intimate atmosphere and plenty of seating for large groups.
$$
Woodstock’s Pizza
1000 Higuera St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-4420
www.woodstocksslo.com
Cuisine: Pizza, salads
Hours: Monday – Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 1 a.m.; Thursday – Saturday, 11 a.m. – 2 a.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m. – midnight
House Special: “The BBQ Bird Pizza loaded with barbecued chicken, red onions, bacon, extra cheese and barbecue sauce.
Student Special: Check of the Web site for Mustang Deals and coupons.
About Us: Located right in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, Woodstock’s Pizza is one of the restaurants in a small family-owned chain that dots the California coast. A local hangout for college students and families alike, this neighborhood favorite specializes in unusual pizzas and cold beers on tap.
$$
Yanagi Sushi
1203 Marsh St.
San Luis Obispo
(805) 541-5282
Cuisine: Sushi
Hours: Monday – Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., 5 – 10 p.m.; Sunday, 4:30 – 9:30 p.m.
House Special: Any of the house rolls are worth a try, especially the Crunchy Dragon roll.
Student Special: There is no student discount, but the dinner combination gives diners a choice of a special roll and house nigiri for about $20.
About Us: Check out Yanagi Sushi in the Scolari’s shopping center for some killer sushi. While the menu may seem a little pricey, having fresh fish and vegetables is worth the extra buck. Yanagi doesn’t accept reservations so show up early for a seat at one of San Luis Obispo’s most popular restaurants.
$$-$$$