Looking for an easy and yummy lunch to take to the beach or on your hike this summer? Here are a few of my favorite sandwich places in the Five Cities: House of the Rising Buns 🥪Located just a couple blocks from the Pismo Pier, House of the Rising Buns is the place to go…
It’s that time of year again: the Mid-State Fair is back! Head over to the Paso Robles Fairgrounds July 15-26, 2026 for a day of fun! If you haven’t been to the Mid-State Fair, you should definitely go this summer. Tickets are $15 at the gate for adults, and $10 for kids. If you love…
Looking for the coziest Italian home cooking in the Five Cities? Check out Jimmy D’s Spaghetti Joint! Located on the corner of Grand and 13th, Jimmy D’s is the definition of cozy. The restaurant itself has a very casual atmosphere, and the staff is friendly and welcoming so you feel right at home. Every pasta…
Want to support local students and have some delicious BBQ at the same time? Head over to the Arroyo Grande Community Center for the Arroyo Grande High School Interact Club fundraiser BBQ! On May 2, 2026, the Pismo Beach Rotary Club will be cooking up tri-tip dinners to raise money for the AGHS Interact Club’s…
Fans of Corazon Cafe in SLO will be happy to hear about Chef Chencho’s newest restaurant, La Pizca! Right on the edge of Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach, La Pizca is not to be missed. Featuring cuisine from Southern Mexico, La Pizca brings a few of your favorite Corazon Cafe dishes along with several new…
Calling all cat lovers! Can you imagine anything better than curling up with a coffee and a cat? At the Caffeinated Cat Cafe, you can enjoy a delicious hot drink and pastry while surrounded by adoptable cats! Reservations are recommended, but walk-ins are allowed if there are spots available! Space is limited to not overwhelm…
The 7th annual Central Coast Craft Beer Fest is March 21st, 2026! Head over to the beautiful Sunken Gardens in Atascadero for tastings from local breweries, wineries, and much more. When you arrive at the festival–VIP ticketholders get in an hour early!–you’ll receive a souvenir glass and access to samples from more than 55 craft…
The newest restaurant from the owners of Mistura and Mama’s Meatball, Nicola is the place to go for a wonderful dinner. Nicola is the namesake restaurant of head chef Nicola Allegretta and features Bachiche cuisine that is absolutely delicious. “Bachiche” refers to the fusion of Peruvian and Italian traditions that originated in the 1800s as…
Located on the corner of Tank Farm Road and South Higuera Street, SLO Public Market truly has something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for delicious food, boutique shopping, or even dance lessons, SLO Public Market has it! Here are just a few of the wonderful businesses you can find there: Baht 🍴Street-style Thai food inspired…
At the end of Grand Avenue sits Grover Beach Sourdough, the sourdough lover’s dream bakery! It’s your one stop shop for everything from bagels to loaves of bread to delicious sandwiches and even cheesecake! Fans of the dearly (and hopefully temporarily!) departed Spoon Trade will recognize a few of your Spoon Trade favorites, like brown…
Since it’s finally getting cold here on the Central Coast, there’s nothing better than a hot drink, and no one can beat Tribe Coffeehouse! You’ll feel at home as soon as you walk through the door and are greeted by the wonderful staff. My coffee-drinking family will tell you that Tribe has some of the…
We’re officially less than two months away from the new year, which means it’s time to decide how you want to ring in 2026! Of course, you could always stay home and watch the ball drop with friends and family, or there are lots of events going on across the county! Here are just a…
Tucked away in the Granada Hotel, Nightcap is the cutest speakeasy cocktail bar you’ll ever see. Walking in, you’re greeted by lush velvet, exposed brick, and a mirrored ceiling. Take a seat at the bar for a front-row view, or bring a few friends and feel like a VIP in the very private-feeling booths. Thus…
If you’re looking for the best, freshest sushi in San Luis Obispo, you should really check out Goshi. Tucked back in the Creamery in downtown SLO–with another location coming soon in the SLO Public Market–Goshi is sure to be your new favorite restaurant. Their menu doesn’t feature many of the complicated rolls that we often…
Giuseppe’s Express has moved, and is better than ever! Located right across the street from their old location, and right next door to the Pismo Giuseppe’s, Giuseppe’s Express is the perfect lunch spot. Or, with their brand-new bar, it’s also a great choice for dinner and a drink! I got the Italiana Flatbread Sandwich, and…
Two SLO county restaurants have earned a coveted Michelin Star this year: Six Test Kitchen and The Restaurant at Justin, marking them as the county’s finest dining experiences. Five more restaurants were featured in the Michelin Guide California: Ox + Anchor, Nate’s on Marsh, Ember, Les Petites Canailles, and The Hatch. Six Test Kitchen The…
Nestled in the heart of Arroyo Grande, It’s Really Yogurt has been serving up smoothies and frozen yogurt for nearly 30 years. As a former AG Eagle, my first It’s Really Yogurt experience was during my senior year of high school, when students with good grades were treated to our namesake AG Eagle smoothie. I’ve…
Cal Poly graduation and Father’s Day are coming up! They both fall on the weekend of June 15, making that the ideal time to celebrate both dads and grads! Head on over to The Cliffs Hotel and Spa in Shell Beach for an oceanfront brunch buffet perfect for any celebration. Enjoy the fresh coastal air,…
Pismo Beach, nestled along California’s stunning Central Coast, isn’t just a haven for surfers and sun-seekers—it’s a food lover’s paradise. Whether you’re craving fresh seafood, locally sourced ingredients, or unique culinary experiences, this beach town offers a smorgasbord of dining options. Here are our top picks for restaurants in Pismo Beach that you absolutely must…
San Luis Obispo County offers an array of festive activities for Independence Day, ensuring a memorable celebration for all ages. From spectacular fireworks to charming parades, here’s a roundup of the key events happening across the county. Pismo Beach Centennial and 4th of July Celebration The July 4th Celebration at the Pismo Beach Pier Plaza…
Let the Good Times Roll! Here’s your guide to Celebrating Memorial Weekend this year in San Luis Obispo County. Get ready to kick off the summer season with a bang as San Luis Obispo County hosts a lineup of fun-filled events that promise something for everyone. From art enthusiasts to wine aficionados, music lovers to…
Nestled in Grover Beach, California, Pono Pacific Kitchen promises a culinary adventure bursting with freshness, flavor, and good vibes. This spot isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a celebration of all things seafood, served up with a side of coastal charm. Step inside and you’re greeted with a laid-back vibe that instantly puts you at ease.…
As a local on the Central Coast, I can’t get enough of Steaming Bean. Tucked away in the heart of our beloved Shell Beach, CA, this café is a true treasure. Sure, the coffee is fantastic—bold, aromatic, and expertly brewed—but let’s talk about the food. Oh, the food! From the moment you step inside, the…
Nestled in the charming town of Orcutt, Trattoria Uliveto is a culinary gem that transports diners to the heart of Italy. With its inviting ambiance, warm hospitality, and a menu that boasts authentic Italian flavors, this restaurant has become a beloved dining destination for those seeking a taste of Italy on the Central Coast. I’ll…
My husband and I have been going to Celia’s Garden Café in Los Osos since it opened 18 years ago. Celia and her staff have always been so friendly and welcoming to their customers, and the food has always been delicious! My favorite is the Los Osos Scramble. But Celia decided to retire. Theresa-Marie Wilson…
If you’re in the San Luis Obispo area on October 7, 2023 between 11:00am-4:00pm stop by and join the preview celebration of the SLO Ranch Farms & Marketplace. San Luis Ranch neighbors and the community will get a chance to come together for tours of the center, raffles and giveaways, games, hay bale stacks and…
Central Coast animal lovers have the chance to support the Woods Humane Society on June 24th from 2-6pm at the Avila Beach Golf Resort while trying out mac and cheese creations as local chefs compete for the title of “Best Mac and Cheese on the Central Coast!” Proceeds for the 10th Annual Macaroni & Cheese…
We recently had an opportunity to try this delicious Santa Maria staple in the heart of middle Broadway! Upon entering you are greeted with a lovely outdoor seating area in a lush tropical garden complete with water features and an open bar – very tropical vibe. Instantly the mood is set – like you are…
We stumbled into this yummy pitstop during the peak of the Covid shutdown – searching for time outside in our Jeep we had just come back from some trails off of 166. We immediately were lured in with a band playing, and plenty of outdoor seating. The bar area has large doors open to the…
Summer Days – Summer Glaze! Summer is among us and to me summer days means it is time for barbecues and friends! Barbecuing can be so fun and rewarding and you can do it in so many different places – the beach, the lake, your home, the park, even on the back of a tailgate…
In our household it is a rarity for my husband and I to disagree on things. However, our weekly conversations on what food to buy and meals to make, occasionally are a heated topic. While I am the kind of person who would be fine on a diet of mostly veggies, my other half doesn’t…
Oyster Loft with Executive Chef, Jared Hurst Dinner with a view of The Pismo Pier! Listen to the waves crashing while sipping one of their amazing specialty drinks. Last week I enjoyed a delicious tequila-based cocktail with a hibiscus “bubble”, then watched as it popped with a beautiful puff of smoke sprinkling magic all over…
Pismo Beach is starting to cool down and Summer weather has made way to Fall. There is no better time than now to start hiking. Not only is it a great way to get out and enjoy the wonderful place we live, it’s also a good way to start a routine before the “eating holidays”…
Fall has always been my favorite time of year. Not only does the weather transition from warm to cool but the color of the trees’ leaves transition from green to auburn and yellow. It’s a reminder that the year will soon be over with the ramping up for the holiday season about to begin. My…
If you are ready to grab a great bite out and try somewhere new to eat, check out the Olde Ale House in Los Osos! Located next to Rexall’s on Los Osos Valley Road on the way to Montana De Oro State Park, this is the perfect stop for a local beer after a long…
Dinner? Check. Gifts? Check. Table Décor? Check Check Check! While the Pismo Beach Homes Team is grateful to be experiencing a successful year due to a robust market, we feel compelled to make sure to support the community that supports us – and hopefully ensure that our favorite restaurants and small businesses survive this last…
Living in Pismo Beach, where we connect you with some of our favorite people who live and work on the Central Coast. Those community and business leaders who make living on the Coast such a unique and diverse experience. Episode #17 Brooke Town owner of the spoon trade Brooke Town owner of the spoon…
Living in Pismo Beach, where we connect you with some of our favorite people who live and work on the Central Coast. Those community and business leaders who make living on the Coast such a unique and diverse experience. Episode #8 Josh Klapper Winemaker & Owner of Timbre Winery in Arroyo Grande, CA Josh…
Living in Pismo Beach, where we connect you with some of our favorite people who live and work on the Central Coast. Those community and business leaders who make living on the Coast such a unique and diverse experience. Episode #7 Brian Collins Chef & Owner of Ember in Arroyo Grande, CA Brian Collins…
Living in Pismo Beach, where we connect you with some of our favorite people who live and work on the Central Coast. Those community and business leaders who make living on the Coast such a unique and diverse experience. Episode #3 Charlie Puffer Owner of Puffers of Pismo Charlie Puffer the Owner of Puffers…
A word that has been frequently thrown about since that fateful week in mid-March when California shut down to flatten the curve is “pivot”. Business owners are encouraged to embrace the new normal, shift their practices and “pivot” to a new direction embracing the current “situation” and restrictions. Watching our favorite business owners grapple with…
Although the final results of the COVID-19 induced economic shutdown will not be fully understood for months to come, the immediate impact on the restaurant industry has put a spotlight on the ripple effect of shutting down that segment of our local market. Nationwide the restaurant industry employs 11 million Americans. Beyond that however are…
As the Shelter at Home order began to take effect across the Central Coast in mid-March, restaurants were having to decide whether to stay open in a limited capacity or shut down for the time being. Given that most folks in the community a) love to eat out b) want to support local businesses c)…
The annual Valentine’s Day Wine Walk is back and better than ever! With Valentine’s falling on a Friday this year, the Pismo Beach Chamber folks have redesigned the Wine Walk for the weekend! No need to agonize over expensive and elaborate plans for your Valentine! Unlike previous Wine Walks hosted by the Pismo Beach Chamber…
The second year of the Pismo Beach Chamber of Commerce’s quarterly lunch series entitled “The Mayor’s Lunch” will feature Mayors from three local cities who share borders. Mayor Ed Waage, the quarterly host of this series will be a panelist along with Arroyo Grande Mayor Pro Tem Keith Storton and Grover Beach Mayor Jeff Lee.…
CALLING ALL FOODIES! Sound the alarm! There are just two weeks left to take advantage of SLO County’s “Restaurant Month!” This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy a three-course fixed menu at many participating restaurants around the county for the low, low price of $30 per person! Plus, many restaurants also offer a wine pairing…
The central coast has gained another Kraken Coffee and it is just what Pismo Beach needed! Comfortable seating and freshly roasted coffee with the bonus of ocean views gave me a refreshing start to my morning. If you need a little bit more sustenance to start your day, then they offer up delicious handmade breakfast…
Shell Beach has a brand-new restaurant you won’t want to miss — Cape Cod Eatery, located at 1127 Shell Beach Road, recently opened it’s doors and has instantly become a new hot spot! The Cape Cod Eatery & Taphouse gets its name from the building where it makes its home — previously “The Cape Cod…
If you live in or have visited Pismo Beach then you have been to Rosa’s Ristorante Italiano. This cornerstone of the city restaurant scene has been at the southern entrance of Pismo for 30 years. Chef Doug MacMillan’s parents opened the restaurant – a homage to his mother, Rosa, who was born in Bonito, Italy.…
As I type my mouth is already watering and it’s barely past breakfast! While Poke has been a staple of the local diet in Hawaii, it has slowly made its way across the Pacific and hit our shores hard – so much so that you can find it in the supermarket! But not all Poke…
