Welcome to the second part of the Foodie Hideaways series!
For this three-part series, I'm going to walk you through all of the tucked away gems on the central coast that are just begging you to stop in and find their yummy plant-based menu options among their "regular", omnivorous items.
(See my last blog entry for Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Oceano must-stop spots.)
Let's jump right into Round Two, shall we?
For this three-part series, I'm going to walk you through all of the tucked away gems on the central coast that are just begging you to stop in and find their yummy plant-based menu options among their "regular", omnivorous items.
(See my last blog entry for Grover Beach, Arroyo Grande, and Oceano must-stop spots.)
Let's jump right into Round Two, shall we?
PISMO BEACH.
Cool Cat Cafe
198 Pomeroy Ave
198 Pomeroy Ave
I strayed from this place for nearly nine months before believing that they offered a vegan burger – but THEY DO. And guess what? It's mouthwatering. Just let them know you're vegan and they'll hook you up. I got mine with BBQ and an onion ring. Because, why not?
Cool Cat Hours: Sun - Thurs 10:30am - 9:30pm
Fri - Sat 10:30am - 10:30pm
Cool Cat Hours: Sun - Thurs 10:30am - 9:30pm
Fri - Sat 10:30am - 10:30pm
Chipwrecked
246 Pomeroy Ave
Signs boast their vegan options, and although they are few, they are delicious. You're gonna want to go for the Port Banes (website lists that it's only vegetarian, but the owner has made it vegan for me twice – just ask nice!) and if they're out of plantains, then the Port Margherita or Port Bella Bella are available in vegan style as well! And don't forget a side of their famous chips. Mmmm. Grab a Lacroix from their fridge and it's the perfect to-go lunch for a beach picnic off the pier.
Chipwrecked Hours: Sun - Tues & Thurs 11:30am - 5:00pm
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| Storefront Photo by David G. |
Closed Wednesdays
Friday - Saturday 11:30am - 7:00pm
California Fresh Market
555 Five Cities Drive
555 Five Cities Drive
Okay, so technically this is a grocery store BUT hear me out! Inside, they have a coffee bar. Their lovely staff will gladly hook you up with many-a-vegan option from their juice, smoothie, or coffee items. (They use a vegan brown rice protein, and even make their own almond milk in-house!)
Aside from getting to visit the boyfriend at his work, this was a great place to sit down and handle some online tasks while sipping their Energy Smoothie with a shot of espresso added, and sometimes extra banana. Then when you get hangry? Take a break and walk over to their fresh-ass salad bar. It's by the pound, and they even have tofu and vegan soups available.
If you're staying in a hotel, this is also a great place to get your vegan grocery snack haul while getting your caffeine or quick meal on the go. (And say hi to my friend Mia, while you're there!)
Cal Fresh Hours: 6am - 11pm Daily
Aside from getting to visit the boyfriend at his work, this was a great place to sit down and handle some online tasks while sipping their Energy Smoothie with a shot of espresso added, and sometimes extra banana. Then when you get hangry? Take a break and walk over to their fresh-ass salad bar. It's by the pound, and they even have tofu and vegan soups available.
If you're staying in a hotel, this is also a great place to get your vegan grocery snack haul while getting your caffeine or quick meal on the go. (And say hi to my friend Mia, while you're there!)
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| Photo by Mia B. - California Fresh Juice Bar |
Cal Fresh Hours: 6am - 11pm Daily
Thai Elephant Restaurant
561 Five Cities Drive
Right next door to California Fresh, you'll run into Thai Elephant Restaurant. The best vegan thai options in the area, hands down. And super friendly service.
Thai Hours: Sunday 11:30am - 9:30pm; Closed Mondays
Tues - Thurs 11am - 3pm / 4pm - 9pm
Friday 11am - 3pm / 4pm - 9:30pm
Saturday 11:30am - 9:30pm
561 Five Cities Drive
Right next door to California Fresh, you'll run into Thai Elephant Restaurant. The best vegan thai options in the area, hands down. And super friendly service.
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| Photo by Mia B. |
Thai Hours: Sunday 11:30am - 9:30pm; Closed Mondays
Tues - Thurs 11am - 3pm / 4pm - 9pm
Friday 11am - 3pm / 4pm - 9:30pm
Saturday 11:30am - 9:30pm
Hapy
821 Oak Park Blvd
Falafel Burger Heaven.
Pro-tip: be sure to order NO tzaziki. For some reason, they actually do use dairy in their tzaziki, so steer clear. Not to worry, though, it won't be a dry sandwich - they really pile on the hummus and LTOP for you. This one will definitely fill you up and please your palate!
821 Oak Park Blvd
Falafel Burger Heaven.
Pro-tip: be sure to order NO tzaziki. For some reason, they actually do use dairy in their tzaziki, so steer clear. Not to worry, though, it won't be a dry sandwich - they really pile on the hummus and LTOP for you. This one will definitely fill you up and please your palate!
Hapy Hours: Sunday 11am - 9pm; Mon - Wed 11am - 9:30pm;
Thurs - Sat 11am - 10pm
Thurs - Sat 11am - 10pm
Gino's Pizza
533 Five Cities Drive
On the opposite side of California Fresh, you'll find Gino's Pizza. Everybody loves Gino's! And what's not to love? It's got a low-key Chicago or New York vibe with the Italian family-style setting, local beer on tap, and tasty pizza and pasta. I typically prefer pizza over pasta, but I 10/10 recommend their spaghetti marinara. You can't go wrong with this simple dish at Gino's.
Gino's Hours: 11am - 9pm Daily
533 Five Cities Drive
On the opposite side of California Fresh, you'll find Gino's Pizza. Everybody loves Gino's! And what's not to love? It's got a low-key Chicago or New York vibe with the Italian family-style setting, local beer on tap, and tasty pizza and pasta. I typically prefer pizza over pasta, but I 10/10 recommend their spaghetti marinara. You can't go wrong with this simple dish at Gino's.
Gino's Hours: 11am - 9pm Daily
Last, but certainly not least...
Old West Cinnamon Roll
861 Dolliver St.
861 Dolliver St.
Old West cinnamon rolls (without the cream cheese frosting) are - here are the million dollar words - accidentally vegan! I know, I could hardly believe it myself.
The ingredients for their rolls are listed on a giant board as you walk in. People come from all over to eat here. These are the best cinnamon rolls of your life... Pecan, Walnut, Raisin, Original, Almond... and they DO offer non-dairy milk in their coffees/lattes, if you ask. It's a MUST. STOP.
You're welcome.
Old West Hours: 6:30am - 5:30pm Daily
The ingredients for their rolls are listed on a giant board as you walk in. People come from all over to eat here. These are the best cinnamon rolls of your life... Pecan, Walnut, Raisin, Original, Almond... and they DO offer non-dairy milk in their coffees/lattes, if you ask. It's a MUST. STOP.
You're welcome.
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| Photo by B.J. - almond cinnamon roll at Pismo Pier |
That wraps up Pismo Beach and Part Two of this Foodie Hideaways series. Check in next week for Part Three: San Luis Obispo. You're definitely going to want to hit up this quirky college town for their eats - and the people, considering it's voted one of the happiest places in the country!
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| Sunset at Pismo Pier |
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