Location: San Luis Obispo
Top Restaurants in San Luis Obispo
Top Things to do in San Luis Obispo
Best American food near San Luis Obispo, California, United States
Reviews on American food in San Luis Obispo, California, United States. Halfway between San Francisco and L.A., San Luis Obispo can be a relaxing getaway or a buzz of activity. For serenity, pack a lunch and head to one of dozens of wineries or take a drive to the beach for a leisurely swim. For a dose of history, visit the heart of the city at the beautiful Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. Kids will love the Children’s Museum or Skate Park. Be sure to stroll along the creek downtown, where there are breweries, wine bars, restaurants and shopping for all tastes.
Things to do in San Luis Obispo
10. Koberl At Blue
Overall Ratings
4 based on 199 reviews
Reviewed By BSA1944
Greeted warmly by a friendly hostess, we were seated in the bar while we waited for our entire party to arrive. The ambience of the establishment, in an historic building, adds a positive dimension to the experience.We were seated promptly at our reservation time in the dining room, and greeted by a friendly and knowledgeable server who remained so throughout the evening. We began with an octopus appetizer, which had so little octopus that we could hardly find it, but that was the only downside of the food.I especially enjoyed the Poached Beet and Goat Cheese Salad and was delighted with the Sautéed Veal Liver--such a pleasant surprise to find liver on a fine dining menu--well prepared and delicious. The Mixed Berry Cobbler, served hot, with a scoop of ice cream was a mouthwatering end to a very pleasing dining experience.I definitely recommend Koberl At Blue for a pleasant dinner with friends or an evening out with a significant other, but probably not so much for a family with children.
9. Madonna Inn Copper Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 667 reviews
The Famous Copper Cafe is popular with tourists and locals alike for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, all served in a continental atmosphere. Elaborate woodcarvings, red leather seats, and hand-painted walls create a memorable, unique experience. Adjacent th
Reviewed By tucsonjan
Waited years to come to he Madonna Inn and left feeling very disappointed. Our server was not good - even failed to mention the daily special - and the gal that served the wine needed a lesson in etiquette. Plus our food was nothing special. Definitely very over rated. Glad we didn't go there for dinner - the dining room is so garish with fake dirty flowers if would make you sick. The kicker - as a person with a disability I could not get to the gift shops - up a lot of stairs and they have no elevator. The one thing I really wanted to do there and was discriminated against to do it..........
8. Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House
Overall Ratings
4 based on 347 reviews
Located at Madonna Inn, the Alex Madonna's Gold Rush Steak House is a landmark destination for its whimsical décor and classic menu. Featuring outstanding oak-pit barbequed steaks, a superb wine list, world-famous cakes and pies, and outstanding service.
Reviewed By originaldrastic
Why is this place so busy? The food is miserable, prices are high, the decor is painfully ugly, and the service can be slow because the restaurant is chronically under-staffed. I suspect it's the lure of a traffic accident that you can't look away from. Yet visitors from afar get sucked into this vortex of horror by skillful marketing and word-of-mouth like "You have to see the weird bathrooms". I live in SLO and can tell you there are so many excellent restaurants here, why wouldn't you check those out?
7. Apple Farm
Overall Ratings
4 based on 844 reviews
The Apple Farm Restaurant & Bakery has been a favorite spot for decades for locals as well as the traveler on a weekend getaway. Our hearty homestyle food, fresh pastries, and pies are world famous! We serve breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Reviewed By Robin_CAA
Last time I was here was over 20 years ago and looked forward to returning. We enjoyed lunch on the patio. My husband said his burger was good....asked for mayo....felt like it took an eternity before it came. And restaurant was not crowded, not busy. I had the special....tri-tip sandwich which was fairly boring until the barbecue sauce came. The bread fell apart. I really wanted to like everything more than I did but would consider returning and try something else.Thank you for sharing you experience, Robin_CAA. Please know we take every comment to heart. I have sent this review on to restaurant management and I apologize for the wait time with service. We do hope you come back and try out our many menu choices.
6. Eureka!
Overall Ratings
4 based on 188 reviews
Reviewed By MrGaucho1987
Donât let the friendly hipster waitstaff put you off, Eureka offers quality fare and college town prices. Weâre very glad we dined there. The room is large, comfortable and well decorated. Iâd call it a casual date spot perfect for meeting friends. Itâs not fancy. The service was good. We wanted for nothing. No issue. As for the food, it was good all around. The vegetarian in our party enjoyed the cauliflower bites, and we all like the house-specialty mac and cheese balls. My chicken sandwich was a good portion and flavorful. I heard no complaints about the salads either. All told, this is a popular casual food restaurant for a reason...good food at good prices. We will return.
5. Taste Craft Eatery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 142 reviews
Brick and Mortar est. 2003. Thoughtfully crafted eats since 1999. Located at 2900 Broad street in beautiful San Luis Obispo, CA. Taste is "your local eatery"
Reviewed By DutchDoc1
We spent a day in San Luis Obispo and wanted a casual place to eat and have a beer with our meal. Taste came up on TA and seemed like a good choice. We were very happy with the choice. We each had a trio (mine: black and blue burger, Cuban I and Italian sprouts; spouse: Gouda burger, garlic fries, and French Brussels). Mine were all excellent. Spouse said her Brussels were the best, but fries could have been crispier. We each had the draft IPA which was excellent. Although the place looks like controlled chaos, Micaela, our server was attentive, efficient and friendly. All wait staff seemed organized and collegial. Taste clearly met our expectations.
4. Splash Cafe and Artisan Bakery
Overall Ratings
4 based on 527 reviews
Splash Cafe ~ Artisan Bakery is located in San Luis Obispo, CA. In 2005, we opened this second location in San Luis Obispo and expanded to include an artisan bakery too! The bakery features artisan breads, pastries & desserts baked fresh daily. Each item
Reviewed By Alwaysmoving55
The queue outside the day before told us we had to fit this place in. Excellent choice of pastries - would recommend the almond & raspberry one! My son couldnât finish his French toast so I sampled it too. Very tasty but filling. Good service and friendly girls.
3. Big Sky Cafe
Overall Ratings
4 based on 923 reviews
Reviewed By Richard N
Came here with my wife and son after a college tour of SLO. We often struggle to find locations that meet my vegan needs and the carnivore needs of the rest of the family. However, Bug Sky was the effect fit for us. To begin we split the sampler plate where I enjoyed the hummus, olives and chickpeas while the others enjoyed the cheese balls and crab cake. I had the vegan paella for my entree which was huge and so delicious. I took half to go and it was equally enjoyable as leftovers the next day. My son really enjoyed his seafood noodle soup and my wife loved the full on paella. I washed my dinner down with an excellent local brew. There was a huge beer and local wine list. Also a great atmosphere, particularly with the front of the restaurant fully opening to the street. A great place and well priced too!!
2. Novo Restaurant & Lounge
Overall Ratings
4 based on 1188 reviews
Set against a rich eclectic backdrop, Novo's international flavors are the leading ingredients in an exotic dining experience. Located downtown San Luis Obispo in a historic turn of the century building with spectacular creekside dining. Multi award winni
Reviewed By BelleRod29
Came in for an early dinner with a plus 1. We were seated almost immediately. Noah was our waiter and he did a great job. Attentive and friendly. We ordered 2 of the strawberry basil gimlet. It is absolutely refreshing and crisp. The right amount of basil added into this drink made it one of the best strawberry drinks I've had. We then ordered the Chèvre which consists of warmed goat cheese, fresh tyme, marinated olives, and olive bread toast. Also, a savory ate to compliment the weather. We then ordered our entrees which were the Novo lettuce wraps and the Ahi nachos. Melt in your mouth poke, so delicious!!! This is a must stop whenever in downtown SLO. We will come again! Thank you for the great experience! We're glad you had a great evening with us! We saw your review on Yelp too, thanks again! We'll see you again soon!
1. High Street Market & Deli
Overall Ratings
4 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By curtyboyfromSLO
Nice Deli type eatery, food takes a bit as it is very busy with all ages of people.The food is worth the wait, go in hungry. They serve all types of sandos both hot and cold and have a selection of salads, chips, large selection of beer and wine. Staff is very friendly and Mommy T will check you out with her bubbly personality.
Where to Eat in San Luis Obispo: The Best Restaurants and Bars
