Where to eat in SLO County: These restaurants are serving on patios, decks and the street
Editor’s note: This list will be updated Mondays each week, as long as local indoor dining operations are prohibited. Last updated Aug. 10.
Closed. Open for takeout. Fully reopened. Closed for indoor dining again.
The past few months have been a roller coaster for local restaurants, as ever-changing coronavirus restrictions have kept business owners on their toes.
In the latest twist — or perhaps drop — restaurants across the state were ordered July 13 to shut down their indoor dining rooms in an effort to halt the continuing spread of COVID-19 throughout California. The good news: They could continue operations on outdoor patios and seating areas.
In response, cities across the state and San Luis Obispo County rushed to set up new outdoor dining areas for restaurants, blocking off streets and approving parklets to add much-needed outdoor seating and keep those businesses open.
While some have chosen to shutter their doors for the time being or focus entirely on takeout, many local restaurants have set up or expanded their outdoor dining options.
Below is a list of some of those restaurants, organized by region. To add your restaurant, please click here.
San Luis Obispo
1865 Craft House & Kitchen has two patios with socially distanced tables and the ability to seat more than 100 guests. Kitchen hours are Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday, 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., with the bar staying open until 9 p.m. On Friday and Saturday, kitchen hours are 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. with the bar staying open until 10 p.m. Takeout also available. 805-439-3739. www.1865slo.com.
Beda’s Biergarten has outdoor seating available. Takeout is also available. 805-439-2729. bedasbiergarten.com.
Big Sky Cafe has an outdoor patio plus a parklet and sidewalk tables. Takeout is also available, at a 15% discount. Wine is available at 50% off Sundays through Thursdays. 805-545-5401. www.bigskycafe.com.
Black Sheep Bar & Grill has a backyard patio and newly acquired front garden “terrasse café.” Guests are asked to wear a mask until you are seated. All tables are 6 feet apart. Takeout also available. 805-544-7433. www.blacksheepslo.com.
Blaze Pizza has a shaded patio that can seat up to 30 people. Takeout also available. www.blazepizza.com/order.
Bliss Cafe has an outdoor patio as well as a parklet. Full menu is available at both outdoor seating areas; can be ordered online, by phone or inside the restaurant (face coverings and physical distancing required). Takeout also available. 805-547-0108. www.blisscafeslo.com.
Bon Temps Creole Cafe has a garden patio with tables at least 6 feet apart and misters. Takeout also available. 805-544-2100. www.bontempscreolecafe.com.
Broad Street Giant Grinder has a patio open for seating, though more limited than before due to spacing the tables further apart. Takeout also available. 805-543-6700. www.giantgrinderslo.com.
Budget Cafe has two outdoor pods by Boxkite Barnyard as well as seating in front of the cafe. Takeout also available. 805-543-5024. budgetcafeslo.com.
Buona Tavola has outdoor seating on an Italian-style patio that is protected from the wind and can be covered if it rains. Heaters are also placed around the patio. Takeout also available. 805-545-8000. btslo.com/san-luis-obispo.
Cafe Roma is open for outdoor dining on its heated patio. It’s also offering no-contact curbside pickup with prices 25% off its regular menu and 35% off bottles of wine. caferomaslo.com. 805-541-6800.
The Carissa is open for dine-in service on the creek. Creekside hours are Wednesday and Thursday, 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 6 p.m. Masks are required in lines and common spaces. Takeout also available. 805-543-1843. thecarrisa.com.
Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab in San Luis Obispo has four tables with umbrellas located outside of its store for customers. 805-710-1828. www.docburnsteins.com.
Finney’s Crafthouse is serving food and drinks at tables set up on Monterey Street, as well as shared seating with Giueseppe’s in Rose Alley. 805-439-2556. www.finneyscrafthouse.com.
Firestone Grill is open for patio dining and pickup. 805-783-1001. www.firestonegrill.com.
Flour House offers outdoor seating along Higuera Street. You can also order food for pickup. 805-544-5282. www.flourhouseslo.com.
Gino’s Pizza has outdoor seating with tables separated 6 feet from each other. Customers are asked to wear a mask when coming inside to order. Those with health conditions can get a to-go menu and call in their order to be delivered to their table. 805-752-1333. www.ginospizzaslo.com.
Giuseppe’s has outdoor patio seating available on a closed portion of Monterey Street. Takeout also available. 805-541-9922. www.giuseppesrestaurant.com.
Golden Gong Chinese Restaurant has an outdoor patio. Takeout also available. 805-541-0226. www.goldengongslo.com/.
Granada Bistro has outdoor seating. Takeout also available, with free local delivery in San Luis Obispo. 805-544-9100. www.granadahotelandbistro.com.
Laguna Grill has patio and parking lot seating. Takeout also available. 805-547-1485. lagunagrillslo.com.
Libertine Brewing Company has patio seating. Takeout also available. 805-548-2337. libertinebrewing.com.
Lotus, which recently moved from Broad Street to the Mission Mall on Higuera Street, has tables on its back patio and in the mall itself. Takeout is available. 805-439-1188. lotusslo.com.
Luna Red has an outdoor patio next to Mission San Luis Obispo de Tolosa. The patio features colorful umbrellas, heating lamps and table-side service. Takeout also available. 805-540-5243. www.lunaredslo.com.
Madonna Inn Copper Cafe and Alex Madonna’s Gold Rush Steak House have converted a portion of the paved parking lot into a European-style dining patio with pink umbrellas, portable heaters, music and strung bistro lights. Guests are encouraged to bring sunglasses, hats and light jackets or blankets for optimum comfort. Takeout also available. 805-543-3000. www.madonnainn.com.
Mandarin Gourmet has a covered tent with seating on sidewalk in front of the restaurant. Takeout also available. 805-541-4590. mandaringourmetslo.com.
Mint + Craft has an open-air patio in downtown San Luis Obispo. Takeout also available. 805-632-9191. mintandcraft.com.
MO’s Smokehouse BBQ has outdoor seating available. Takeout also available. 805-544-6193. mosbbq.com.
Monterey Street Market has outdoor dining on a patio. Takeout also available. 805-548-8518. montereystmarket.com.
Nautical Bean has parking lot tent seating. Takeout also available. 805-543-3559. nauticalcafecoffeehouse.com.
Novo Restaurant and Lounge has outdoor seating along San Luis Obispo Creek. Takeout also available. 805-543-3986. www.novorestaurant.com.
Oak and Otter Brewing Co. has tables distanced 6 feet apart on an extended patio with umbrellas and heaters, as well as three converted spaces in the parking lot. Takeout is available as well. 805-439-2529. www.oakandotterbrewing.com/.
Oki Momo Asian Grill has limited patio seating available on a first-come, first-served basis. Outdoor tables are regularly cleaned and sanitized, but table service is not provided. Takeout also available. 805-439-4198. okimomo.com.
Old San Luis Barbecue Co. has outdoor patios with tables distanced 6 feet apart at both of its locations. Takeout also available. 805-285-2473. oldsanluisbbq.com.
Rod & Hammer’s SLO Stills tasting room in San Luis Obispo has outdoor patio seating Wednesday and Thursday from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday from noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday noon to 6 p.m. Guests must wear masks in lines and in common spaces and are asked to stay seated with their group. Tables are spaced 6 feet apart and are available first-come, first-serve. Menus are printed on each table. 805-543-1843. slostills.com.
Sequoia Sandwich Company in San Luis Obispo has outdoor seating covered with umbrellas. The restaurant disinfects all tables every 15 minutes or after each use. Takeout also available. 805-439-3976. sequoiasandwichco.com.
Sidecar has a large outdoor parklet on Broad Street as well as an attached patio. The seating areas have umbrellas to protect from the sunshine, heaters for when it cools off in the evening and a variety of seating options ranging from standard dining tables to more “lounge” style seating. Takeout is also available. 805-439-3563. www.sidecarslo.com.
SLO Brew Rock in San Luis Obispo has patio seating. Guests must wear masks in lines and common spaces and are asked to stay seated with their group. Taproom capacity is limited to seated customers only. Tables are spaced 6-feet a part and available first-come, first-served. “All Clear” signage indicates that a table is safe to sit. Pets are welcome. Barbecue and craft spirits to-go also offered. 805-543-1843. www.slobrew.com/the-rock.
SLO Provisions has outdoor seating. Takeout also available. 805-439-4298. www.sloprovisions.com.
Snofari Frozen Yogurt has storefront sidewalk seating. Takeout also available. 805-787-0190. snofarifroyo.com.
Spirit of San Luis has two outdoor patios. Takeout also available. 805-549-9466. thespiritofslo.com/.
Splash Cafe has two outdoor patios and a separate takeout pickup area. 805-544-7567. www.splashcafe.com.
Sushiya Japanese Restaurant has storefront sidewalk seating and parking lot tent seating. Takeout also available. 805-595-1500.
Taco Roco has outside patio seating and parking lot tent seating. Takeout also available. 805-545-9558. tacorocoslo.com.
Taco Temple has limited outdoor seating with full service. Available on a first-come, first-served basis. Takeout also available. The Morro Bay location also has seating on its patio. 805-439-2856. tacotemple.com.
Taste! Craft Eatery has outdoor seating in its parking lot with umbrellas and hand sanitizer provided. Takeout also available. 805-200-2978. www.taste2900.com.
Woodstock’s Pizza in San Luis Obispo has sidewalk and parklet seating. Call or use Open Table to reserve. Takeout also available. 805-541-4420. www.woodstocksslo.com.
South County
Ada’s Fish House in Pismo Beach is taking reservations for outdoor dining. Walk-ins will be seated if outside space is available. Features heaters and umbrellas, but customers are encouraged to dress and be prepared for quick-changing weather. Takeout also available. 805-556-3077. www.adasfishhouse.com.
Avila Market Restaurant & Mercantile has outdoor seating along the store front and on a patio. Takeout also available. 805-439-4124. theavilamarket.com.
Blaze Pizza in Arroyo Grande has a shaded patio that can seat up to 25 people. Takeout also available. www.blazepizza.com/order.
Cracked Crab in Pismo Beach has an outdoor patio, open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m Friday and Saturday. During peak business hours guests are encouraged to check in an hour before they wish to dine to ensure seating. Takeout also available. 805-773-2722. www.crackedcrab.com.
Fat Cats Cafe in Avila Beach has two outdoor patios with a view of the Pacific Ocean and Port San Luis. Open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. 805-595-2204. fatcatscafe.com.
Giuseppe’s in Pismo Beach has outdoor patio seating available. Takeout also available. 805-773-2870. www.giuseppesrestaurant.com.
Humdinger Brewing in Arroyo Grande has partially shaded outdoor sidewalk seating. Customers are asked to wear masks when not seated at their tables. Takeout also available. 805-619-0808. www.humdingerbrewing.com.
Kanpai Sushi in Pismo Beach has a patio and courtyard with lights, heaters and 10 tables. The restaurant is offering a free corkage fee for local wine, limited to one bottle per party. Takeout also available. 805-295-6636. kanpaibythesea.com.
Oasis Restaurant & Catering in Pismo Beach has outdoor seating available. Takeout also available. 805-295-6826. www.oasispismo.com.
Old Custom House in Avila Beach has an open-air outdoor patio with socially distanced tables. Food can also be picked up and enjoyed at picnic benches along Avila Beach promenade. All food items are placed in takeout containers for convenience. Guests are asked to wear face coverings when ordering, walking to tables and picking up food. Outdoor tables are cleaned and sanitized after each seating. Open daily 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for in-person orders only; no online or phone orders. 805-595-7655. oldcustomhouse.com.
Old Juan’s Cantina in Oceano has an outdoor patio as well as “The Cabana at OJC,” which features additional outdoor seating and an outdoor bar. Takeout also available with restaurant’s express menu. 805-486-5680. www.oldjuanscantina.com.
Poke Morro in Arroyo Grande has four outdoor tables with umbrellas. Takeout also available. 805-270-4335. pokemorroca.com.
The Quarterdeck Seafood Restaurant in Arroyo Grande has patio with 10 tables and a bar with bar stools. Includes awnings for the sun and heaters for those needing more warmth. Full bar and full menu being offered 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Breakfast available Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Takeout also available. 805-481-3473. quarterdeckseafood.com.
Quintessa Coffee Roasters in Oceano has seating available on a back patio, though it does not offer patio service. Customers may take drinks to the patio, where they are encouraged to continue social distancing. Takeout also available. 805-270-4744. quintessacoffeeroasters.com.
Rosa’s Italian Restaurant in Pismo Beach has outdoor seating with some heaters. Customers are encouraged to bring jackets. Takeout also available, with to-go cocktails, beer and wine for 20% off. 805-773-0551.
Scotty’s Bar and Grill in Pismo Beach has outdoor seating. Takeout also available. 805-773-1922.
Sea Venture in Pismo Beach has outdoor seating on its two third-floor beach-view patios. Reservations are recommended. 805-773-3463. seaventure.com.
Spyglass Inn Restaurant in Shell Beach has outdoor seating. Customers must enter with a mask and can remove it once they are seated. The restaurant is serving its full menu and bar menu. Tables are on a first-come, first-served basis and diners are not encouraged to stay for more than two hours. 805-773-1222. spyglassinnrestaurant.com.
Ventana Grill in Pismo Beach has cliff-side dining featuring socially distanced tables on two balcony levels overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Heaters are available, but not all tables are near one, so guests are encouraged to bring warm clothing. Full-service balcony dining and takeout orders are offered. No reservations accepted at this time. Outdoor tables are cleaned and sanitized after each seating. Guests are asked to wear face coverings walking to their tables. Lunch is available daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.; dinner is served Sunday through Thursday, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., and Friday and Saturday from 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. Takeout is also offered. 805-773-0000. ventanagrill.com.
Ventanitas “Little Window” in Pismo Beach is Ventana Grill’s takeout-specific mini-restaurant, offering cantina-style meals like tacos, nachos, burritos, beer and wine in the Ventana Grill parking lot. Socially distanced picnic tables available. Outdoor tables are cleaned and sanitized after each seating. Guests are asked to wear face coverings when ordering, walking to tables and picking up food. Open daily noon to 6 p.m. 805-773-0000. ventanagrill.com.
Wooly’s in Pismo Beach has an outdoor patio with socially distanced tables. Full food and beverage menu offered and served in takeout packaging for your convenience. Guests are asked to wear face coverings when ordering, walking to tables and picking up food. Outdoor tables are cleaned and sanitized after each seating. Open daily 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. In-person orders only, no online or phone orders. Takeout also available. 805-295-5100. woolyspismobeach.com.
North County
15 degrees C Wine Shop & Bar in Templeton has an outdoor patio with couches, picnic tables and bistros; street dining; and breezeway. Takeout also available. 805-434-1554. www.15degreescwines.com.
Barton’s Kitchen at Grey Wolf Cellars in Paso Robles has outdoor seating. It is offering tastings and a food menu Thursday through Monday. Takeout also available. 805-237-0771. www.bartonfamilywines.com/.
The Bistro at Vina Robles in Paso Robles serves lunch al fresco on its Jardine Court patio. Wine tasting also available. Reservations are required. 805-227-4812. vinarobles.com.
Buona Tavola in Paso Robles has outdoor dining. Takeout also available. 805-237-0600. www.btslo.com.
Brunch in Paso Robles has outdoor dining. Takeout also available. 805-762-4433. www.brunchpaso.com/
The Cafe at CASS Winery in Paso Robles has a covered veranda and seating underneath an ancient oak tree. Reservations required for groups of six to 10 people (no groups larger than 10 being accepted at this time). All other socially distanced and outdoor cafe dining tables are offered on a first-come, first-served basis. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Takeout also available. 805-239-1730. casswines.com.
Cali Grill in Paso Robles has patio dine-in seating under a great oak tree with shade for all tables. Tables are spaced 6 feet or more apart. Takeout also available. 805-369-2161. Caligrillpaso.com.
Colony Market and Deli in Atascadero has outdoor dining on its patio serving food, beer and wine. Hours are 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Sunday through Thursday and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Special menu with appetizers available from 5 p.m. to closing. Takeout also available. 805-460-6252. www.colonymarketanddeli.com.
Dan’s Grub Shack in Atascadero has three outdoor tables available for seating. Masks are appreciated until customers sit at a table. Takeout also available. 805-464-2220. www.dansgrubshack.com.
Fish Guacho in Paso Robles has outdoor parklet seating with heaters and shade. Customers are encouraged to bring warm clothing for shifts in the weather. Reservations are available and highly encouraged for up to two weeks in advance for parties of up to 10 guests. Guests without reservations are asked to call ahead to be put on the wait list. They’ll be notified via text when tables become available. Face coverings are required.
Il Cortile Ristorante in Paso Robles has seating in its courtyard, the Piccolo hotel courtyard, on the sidewalk and in a parklet. Takeout also available. 805-226-0300. www.ilcortileristorante.com.
Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ in Paso Robles has outdoor dining in its courtyard. Takeout also available. 805-369-2132. www.jeffryswinecountrybbq.com.
Just Baked Cake Studio in Paso Robles and Santa Margarita has both sunny and shaded outdoor seating. Takeout also available. 805-242-5948. www.justbakedslo.com.
La Cosecha Bar and Restaurant in Paso Robles has physically distanced sidewalk and parklet seating on 12th Street, next to Downtown Park. Special takeout packages are available for lunch and dinner. 805-237-0019. www.lacosechabr.com.
Nautical Cowboy in Atascadero has outdoor dining on a terrace patio as well as bistro style along the exterior of the historic Carlton Hotel. Takeout also available. 805-461-5100. www.NauticalCowboy.com.
Odyssey World Cafe in Paso Robles has socially distance outdoor seating in front of the restaurant as well as a shaded patio in the back. On Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, offers a dinner special which includes a glass of house wine. Open Sunday through Thursday from 11:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Friday and Saturday from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Takeout also available. 805-237-7516. www.odysseyworldcafe.com.
Robin’s Restaurant in Cambria has atrium and garden seating open for table-side service. Takeout is also available. 805-927-5007. www.robinsrestaurant.com.
Sculpterra Winery in Paso Robles is holding tastings in its outdoor sculpture garden. Reservations are recommended. 805-226-8881. www.sculpterra.com.
Six Test Kitchen in Paso Robles has outdoor seating by reservation only. The restaurant is currently running a special with a six-course course menu ($80) and a wine pairing option ($65). sixtestkitchen.com.
The Steakhouse at the Paso Robles Inn has expanded outdoor seating in a garden with oak trees, koi ponds and roses. Patio seating also available. Reservations are recommended. Takeout also available. 805-226-4925. www.pasoroblesinn.com/steakhouse.
Sylvester’s Burgers in Atascadero has seating on its deck looking out at Sunken Gardens. Takeout is also available. 805-466-7591. www.sylvestersburgers.com.
Taco Roco in Paso Robles has outdoor tables, chairs and umbrellas. Takeout also available. 805-221-5791. www.tacoroco.com.
TASTE! Craft Eatery in Paso Robles has outdoor garden seating, patio seating, sidewalk and parklet seating. Takeout also available. 805-200-2978. www.taste2900.com.
Thomas Hill Organics in Paso Robles has two patios for outdoor dining. One is located in the center of the restaurant and the other is behind. Takeout also available, with a 15% discount for Dine in the Park. 805-226-5888. www.thomashillorganics.com.
Vivant Fine Cheese in Paso Robles has patio seating. Takeout also available. 805-226-5530. www.vivantfinecheese.com.
North Coast
Bayside Cafe at the Marina in Morro Bay has limited table seating outside. No reservations. A mask is required to enter and exit dinning areas. All tables and seating sanitized before seating next customers. Takeout also available. 805-772-1465. baysidecafe.com.
Cambria Pines Lodge has moved dining into its garden and patio area. Reservations are required, and covered patio dining is not guaranteed. Heaters are scattered throughout the area, and sanitized blankets are available to guests. Takeout is also available. 805-927-4200. www.cambriapineslodge.com.
Creekside Gardens Cafe in Cambria has outdoor seating. Takeout is also available. 805-927-8646. creeksidecafecambria.com.
DiStasio’s on the Bay in Morro Bay has dog-friendly patio dining available. Reservations are suggested. Takeout also available. 805-771-8760. www.distasios.com.
Dutchman’s Seafood House has a bay-side heated patio and plaza. Takeout also available. 805-772-2269. dutchmansseafoodhouse.com.
The Galley Seafood Grill & Bar in Morro Bay has a new outdoor patio on the south side of the restaurant featuring outdoor tables, mostly for parties of two, as well as heaters and ambient lighting. Outdoor hours are 11:30 am to 8:00 p.m. daily. 805-772-7777. www.galleymorrobay.com.
The Hidden Kitchen in Cambria has a large beach-front patio featuring socially-distanced tables with seating for groups as large as eight guests on a first-come, first-served basis. Orders are placed through a walk-up window on Ocean Avenue. Masks are required, and tables are sanitized between guests. Takeout also available. 805-395-7029. www.hiddenkitchencalifornia.com.
Indigo Moon in Cambria has a private garden and open air patios for seating. All tables are distanced. Reservations are suggested and masks required upon entry. Takeout also available, with 10% off curbside pickup. 805-927-2911. www.indigomoonrestaurant.com.
Linn’s Easy as Pie Cafe in Cambria has an outdoor seating space. Takeout also available. 805-924-3050.
Linn’s Restaurant on Main Street in Cambria has outdoor space with shade, lighting and heaters. Takeout also available. 805-927-0371. www.linnsfruitbin.com.
Lombardi’s Pasta and Pizza in Cambria has outdoor dining. Takeout also available. 805-927-0777.
Madeline’s Restaurant in Cambria has patio seating. Reservations are recommended. Takeout also available. 805-927-4175. madelinescambria.com.
Moonstone Beach Bar and Grill in Cambria is serving on its ocean-view patio. www.moonstonebeach.com. 805-927-3859.
Pizza Port in Morro Bay has outdoor dining on its back deck and large fenced yard. Customers are asked to follow distancing and face mask requirements. Takeout also available. 805-772-9540. pizzaportmorrobay.com.
Tognazzini’s Dockside Restaurant and Fish Market in Morro Bay has outdoor dining. Takeout also available. 805-772-8100.
This story was originally published July 29, 2020 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Where to eat in SLO County: These restaurants are serving on patios, decks and the street."
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