The most popular BBQ joint that San Luis Obispo County has to offer is Old SLO BBQ! With authentic Santa Maria style family recipes dating back nearly a century, Old San Luis has multiple awards from Best of SLO as the Best BBQ in San Luis Obispo. With the addition of a pay-per-pour beer wall and multiple new dining areas, expand your beer palette along with the ultimate BBQ for a unique downtown SLO experience! They didn’t forget about wine and cider lovers either — find various options on their draft wall, as well!
The Food
Simplicity at its finest – four sandwich options perfectly paired with homemade BBQ sauce complimented by the sides of your choice. Whether you opt-in to the red oak grilled tri-tip sandwich or are feeling peppery for linguica, there’s an order for that. You can also add their famous tri-tip to a strawberry field salad, topped with Gorgonzola cheese, candied pecans, and more. Old SLO BBQ master chefs recently changed their way of frying sliced potatoes to bring you softly textured and perfectly salted fries as a side — and they didn’t forget about sweet potato fries either. If you’re as obsessed as we are, request the Best BBQ of SLO County to cater your next event, or be the catered lunch for your next wine tour!
The Beer
Staying on top of what’s trending in the beverage industry, Old San Luis added a beer wall to its joint in 2017. With 38 different beers, there is ample opportunity to venture out of your pilsner zone and try something new. Pay-per-ounce makes this venture even easier –and cheaper- if it’s not quite your style. Many featured beers are local – SLO Brew, Firestone, and Naughty Oak to name a few, while also featuring some out-of-staters like Deschutes, Goose Island, and Maine Beer Company. Either way, grab a chilled glass, tilt, and pour! For those who are new to this restaurant, keep the beer card in the slot for the duration of pouring (we know every beer wall is different!)
The Ambiance
Food and beer may make you happy, but the ambiance says it all. The desire for delicious BBQ is fed fast with quick-service, whether you order at the cashier, or at the walk-up window. Their location on Higuera offers indoor and outdoor seating for our beautiful Central Coast days. Similarly, their proximity to downtown SLO allows for a full adventure to surround the eating experience! Check out the back wall in the dining room for games, such as Cards Against Humanity, Sorry, and if you plan on eating two dinners — Settlers of Katan.
The Owners
Cal Poly graduate Matt Pearce remains community focused, offering fundraising opportunities and special events. Through a partnership with SLO Safe Ride, Old SLO BBQ has shown their devotion to keeping their satisfied customers safe, while getting thousands of reach via moving billboards – our vehicles! Danae Pearce is also a local wedding planner who utilizes the delicious catering of Old San Luis BBQ to complete many of her orders, which embodies the teamwork and unity that the restaurant embodies. Go old SLO!
