15 Best Bars in San Luis Obispo

“The owner was extremely personable and her food recommendations were spot on. I had never had Peruvian cuisine and I enjoyed the whole experience and food. My table had a view of the creek. She gave me excellent recommendations of other places to eat during my stay.“

“Scenic rooftop bar with great drinks.“

“My wife love staying in the rooms there with the hot tub right in your room. We also like to use the hillside hot tubs. The gift shop is nice also.“

“Everything here is a 10! From the service to the drinks and tacos, no complaints here 🫶 the attentiveness and kindness of the staff is unmatched. And there’s no place that does complimentary chips and salsa anymore. But this place comes in clutch 👌“

“Shindig Cider is the kind of place that reminds you there is a whole world of craft beverages beyond beer. While many taprooms focus on the latest brewing trends, Shindig has mastered something that doesn't always get the recognition it deserves: exceptional ciders and meads.

What impressed me most was the creativity and quality of the drinks. The ciders and meads are flavorful, approachable, and incredibly fun to drink. Some are sweet and fruit-forward, almost like candy, while others offer more complexity and balance. Whether you're new to cider and mead or already a fan, there is something here that will surprise you.

Located in the treandy new neighborhood of San Luis Obispo, Shindig benefits from being part of one of the most exciting beverage destinations on the Central Coast. The area has evolved into a destination all its own, with breweries, tasting rooms, wineries, distilleries, food vendors, and even fitness studios all sharing the same energetic atmosphere. You can easily spend an entire afternoon or evening exploring the industrial warehouse logistics complex.

The taproom itself has a lively and welcoming vibe. There are TVs showing sports, plenty of space to relax, and a crowd that is there to have a good time. The tasting room is dog-friendly, making it a great place to bring your four-legged friends while enjoying a drink. Food trucks regularly stop by, giving visitors plenty of options to pair with their cider or mead.

One of the things that makes Shindig stand out is the atmosphere. The place feels like a true gathering spot, attracting a fun, energetic crowd and creating the kind of social environment that makes you want to stay for another round. Whether you're meeting friends, watching a game, bringing your dog, or simply enjoying a sunny afternoon, the experience feels more like a celebration than a typical tasting room visit.

Shindig Cider delivers exactly what a great craft beverage destination should: unique drinks, a welcoming environment, and a sense of fun that keeps people coming back. If you're visiting San Luis Obispo or looking for something different from the usual brewery experience, Shindig is absolutely worth a stop. It's a party atmosphere with great ciders, creative meads, and a crowd that knows how to enjoy both.“

“Delicious Mac n cheese and very good tri-tip, loved the breezy seating and friendly staff!“

“We loved swinging into the bar late at night! It was pretty empty, but the bartenders were fun and the drinks were good! We grabbed a slice of cake too, which was huge but not exactly what we were hoping for, but we couldn’t leave without trying the cake. We got the bees knees and raspberry lemon drop.“

“Good food Good service Good price Will be back!!!“

“Eric is a master of his craft. Knowledge and attention to detail like he possesses is very rare in the industry. My wife said one of his cocktails (Clover Club) was the best she's ever had, and I agree. He also gave us a detailed history of the cocktail as well. Super cool! If you appreciate great cocktails this is the best place in SLO, easy. And thank you Eric, for a fantastic experience! 👍“

“Headwaters at Hotel Cerro offers something unique that you won't find in the area - a rooftop pool bar with views of the best area on the central coast. The food and drinks are great, the staff are friendly, the vibe/atmosphere is inviting and relaxing, and the pool is always at a comfortable temperature. I would highly recommend checking this place out!“

“The July 4th Fried Chicken and Bubbles Event was awesome. Service was great and the fried chicken and bubbles was phenomenal. Making this an annual event.“

“No trip to San Luis Obispo is complete without a trip to Bull’s Tavern. My first drink here was in 1981 when I was a Senior at Cal Poly.“

“I haven't eaten here yet but the bartenders here are so spot on amazing it's unbelievable. They see me approaching and my drink set up is on the bar just the way I like it. I love it here and everybody is loads more fun than a barrel full of monkeys. I prefer the daytime/early evening cast of local characters and hard working folks who have manners, intelligence, and moral fiber, which is sorely lacking these days. McCarthy's is the shizzz!“

“Service was outstanding! Food and beer great as well. First time there and will go back.“

“Clean and comfortable rooms. Exceptionally hot shower. Friendly Staff. Free games in the restaurant (do yourself a favor and get a smashburger from there)!!!“