Nick Hoover
Alas, college is finally here. You’ve got your graphing calculator, iPod and some killer new sandals because this place is like a permanent vacation. Now, there’s only one problem, where do you and your friends go to eat? Worry not, the Mustang Daily has the map that’ll guide you to the best-bargain places that make your stomach happy.
FIRESTONE GRILL, SAN LUIS OBISPO
1001 Higuera Street
Basically, there is no alternative. This is the best place to eat in town. You’ll see plenty of familiar faces, and there’s no shortage on options. Rated “Best for” in a number of categories by the Mustang Daily and “Best of” by New Times, Firestone offers addictive seasoned fries and a spectacular tri-tip sandwich. If the $8 price of the tri-tip is a little too high for your budget, there are a few other items to try on the menu. The chicken tacos only cost $3, a small price to pay for a 10″ diameter tortilla filled with barbecued chicken, cheese, salsa and lettuce. The grill has no shortage of hamburgers either. If you want to prove to your friends that you’re the biggest person in a 10-mile radius, you can try to take down the double patty monster burger, but if you decide to go more for style than brawn, give the avocado bacon cheeseburger a try. This burger is a fantastic way to start an evening downtown. Finally, if you want to go with more vegetable intake, try the chicken caesar or steak cobb salad. Just $4 for a small one topped with the perfect ingredients.
TIO ALBERTOS
1131 Broad
Famous for its burritos, Tio Albertos has a huge menu with plenty of treats. A classic carne asada burrito, packed with rice, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, onions, cilantro and crispy beef (they have chicken and pork as well) will tide you over for the rest of the day. Beware, these burritos are not designed for the amateur eater. Weighing in at two pounds, according to a non-scientific study, these bad boys will drop anchor in your stomach for a few hours. If you’re up for trying something new, try a special vegetarian burrito. With grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers and more) and a special sauce added to the mix, it’s a good backup if you’re looking for something lacking meat.
BIG SKY CAFA%
1121 Broad
The best San Luis Obispo restaurant, according to the New Times reader poll. If you’re used to slamming fake cheese nachos at Taco Bell, or a whopper that’s not so whopping anymore, then it’s about time you stepped into Big Sky, self proclaimed as “analog food for a digital world.” There are plenty of choices under $10, with menu items like the “really tasty turkey burger,” or “applewood chicken sandwich.” It’s no wonder the Los Angeles Times called Big Sky a “top-notch pick.” Breakfast is no mystery at the cafe either. Try the wheat pancakes if you want to start your day with a complete breakfast. Big Sky provides the food, atmosphere and the price to set you up with a successful eating mission.
GUS’S GROCERY AND DELI
1638 Osos
You’re making a huge mistake if you haven’t taken down a bomber sandwich with a few cold ones at the beautifully situated Gus’s Deli patio.
This corner market has a million options on the sandwich order form. There are three different size sandwiches to match your hunger level, homemade hot chips, potato wedges, brownies, cookies and other delectable goodies. If you’re over 21, you’ll be thrilled with the happy hour prices on draft beer, and even more thrilled at the selection of bottled beer. For the under-21 crowd, you’ll still be happy with options like guacamole, steamed tri-tip and that classic white paper-wrapped sandwich that you thought you wouldn’t be able to find ever again. Be sure to keep an eye on your friends if you get any mojo’s (potato wedges). They’re a popular item that may disappear from your plate.
WOODSTOCK’S PIZZA
1000 Higuera
Stop, don’t think that this is a typical pizza place. Woodstock’s is always bustling with crazy college kids, and there’s a reason for it: It’s good. It was rated tops in the Mustang Daily “Best for” edition, Tribune Reader’s poll and New Times. By the slice, customers can snag a good meal at $1.50. If you want to go big, make sure to mention you’re a student for the discount price. Woodstock’s also has a few tricks up its sleeve. The CinnaBread are baked to perfection. They look like a pizza, but instead of sauce and toppings there’s cinnamon and a sweet glaze.
On Wednesday nights, Woodstock’s offers pint night. Buy a glass and get cheap beer ($1 refills, $2 for premiums).
Beer and pizza always do mix, don’t they?
Their salads are just as good as the pizza.
Try out a Brother Tom salad with balsamic vinegar if you want to walk the green line. Topped with carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, crutons and mozzarella, you’ll be happy that the Mustang Daily knew where to send you.
Nick Hoover
mustang daily
Alas, college is finally here. You’ve got your graphing calculator, iPod and some killer new sandals because this place is like a permanent vacation. Now, there’s only one problem, where do you and your friends go to eat? Worry not, the Mustang Daily has the map that’ll guide you to the best-bargain places that make your stomach happy.
FIRESTONE GRILL, SAN LUIS OBISPO
1001 Higuera Street
Basically, there is no alternative. This is the best place to eat in town. You’ll see plenty of familiar faces, and there’s no shortage on options. Rated “Best for” in a number of categories by the Mustang Daily and “Best of” by New Times, Firestone offers addictive seasoned fries and a spectacular tri-tip sandwich. If the $8 price of the tri-tip is a little too high for your budget, there are a few other items to try on the menu. The chicken tacos only cost $3, a small price to pay for a 10″ diameter tortilla filled with barbecued chicken, cheese, salsa and lettuce. The grill has no shortage of hamburgers either. If you want to prove to your friends that you’re the biggest person in a 10-mile radius, you can try to take down the double patty monster burger, but if you decide to go more for style than brawn, give the avocado bacon cheeseburger a try. This burger is a fantastic way to start an evening downtown. Finally, if you want to go with more vegetable intake, try the chicken caesar or steak cobb salad. Just $4 for a small one topped with the perfect ingredients.
TIO ALBERTOS
1131 Broad
Famous for its burritos, Tio Albertos has a huge menu with plenty of treats. A classic carne asada burrito, packed with rice, beans, cheese, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, onions, cilantro and crispy beef (they have chicken and pork as well) will tide you over for the rest of the day. Beware, these burritos are not designed for the amateur eater. Weighing in at two pounds, according to a non-scientific study, these bad boys will drop anchor in your stomach for a few hours. If you’re up for trying something new, try a special vegetarian burrito. With grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers and more) and a special sauce added to the mix, it’s a good backup if you’re looking for something lacking meat.
BIG SKY CAFA%
1121 Broad
The best San Luis Obispo restaurant, according to the New Times reader poll. If you’re used to slamming fake cheese nachos at Taco Bell, or a whopper that’s not so whopping anymore, then it’s about time you stepped into Big Sky, self proclaimed as “analog food for a digital world.” There are plenty of choices under $10, with menu items like the “really tasty turkey burger,” or “applewood chicken sandwich.” It’s no wonder the Los Angeles Times called Big Sky a “top-notch pick.” Breakfast is no mystery at the cafe either. Try the wheat pancakes if you want to start your day with a complete breakfast. Big Sky provides the food, atmosphere and the price to set you up with a successful eating mission.
GUS’S GROCERY AND DELI
1638 Osos
You’re making a huge mistake if you haven’t taken down a bomber sandwich with a few cold ones at the beautifully situated Gus’s Deli patio.
This corner market has a million options on the sandwich order form. There are three different size sandwiches to match your hunger level, homemade hot chips, potato wedges, brownies, cookies and other delectable goodies. If you’re over 21, you’ll be thrilled with the happy hour prices on draft beer, and even more thrilled at the selection of bottled beer. For the under-21 crowd, you’ll still be happy with options like guacamole, steamed tri-tip and that classic white paper-wrapped sandwich that you thought you wouldn’t be able to find ever again. Be sure to keep an eye on your friends if you get any mojo’s (potato wedges). They’re a popular item that may disappear from your plate.
WOODSTOCK’S PIZZA
1000 Higuera
Stop, don’t think that this is a typical pizza place. Woodstock’s is always bustling with crazy college kids, and there’s a reason for it: It’s good. It was rated tops in the Mustang Daily “Best for” edition, Tribune Reader’s poll and New Times. By the slice, customers can snag a good meal at $1.50. If you want to go big, make sure to mention you’re a student for the discount price. Woodstock’s also has a few tricks up its sleeve. The CinnaBread are baked to perfection. They look like a pizza, but instead of sauce and toppings there’s cinnamon and a sweet glaze.
On Wednesday nights, Woodstock’s offers pint night. Buy a glass and get cheap beer ($1 refills, $2 for premiums).
Beer and pizza always do mix, don’t they?
Their salads are just as good as the pizza.
Try out a Brother Tom salad with balsamic vinegar if you want to walk the green line. Topped with carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, crutons and mozzarella, you’ll be happy that the Mustang Daily knew where to send you.