Hello, and welcome to the first foodie hideaways series!
For this three-part entry, 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.
Whether you're travelin' through or Cali-based, I've listed more than a handful of spots in multiple beach towns for you to explore.
These places may be sleepy, but your appetite doesn't have to be! 😉
Last week, I posted about the The Best All-Vegan Restaurants on the Central Coast of California. (If you're looking for restaurants that are 100% vegan, check that one out.) This week, I figured I'd stick with the theme and elaborate on some other awesome eats where you can still order plant-based food.
So, without further ado, here are some popular spots to still get your vegan kicks on the central coast!
GROVER BEACH.
For this three-part entry, 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.
 |
| Champagne sunset at Avila Beach |
These places may be sleepy, but your appetite doesn't have to be! 😉
Last week, I posted about the The Best All-Vegan Restaurants on the Central Coast of California. (If you're looking for restaurants that are 100% vegan, check that one out.) This week, I figured I'd stick with the theme and elaborate on some other awesome eats where you can still order plant-based food.
So, without further ado, here are some popular spots to still get your vegan kicks on the central coast!
GROVER BEACH.
Red Bee Coffee
278 W. Grand Ave.
Hours: Mon - Thurs 6:30 - 4:00 pm; Friday 6:30 - 5:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 - 5:00 pm; Sunday 7:00 - 4:00 pm
278 W. Grand Ave.
Hours: Mon - Thurs 6:30 - 4:00 pm; Friday 6:30 - 5:00 pm
Saturday 7:00 - 5:00 pm; Sunday 7:00 - 4:00 pm
 |
| Superfood Bites |
The friendliest and happiest baristas I've ever interacted with. They remember your face, even if it's been a while, and their coffee tastes the BEST in my opinion – and there's food! The veggie panini is vegan, but if you want more of a breakfast snack, you can always go for the $3 nut bar or the $1 superfood bites.
Garland's Hamburgers
701 W. Grand Ave.
Hours: 11am - 8pm Daily
701 W. Grand Ave.
Hours: 11am - 8pm Daily
 |
| Black Bean Burger, Fried Zuchinni, Fries |
The name sounds like a deterrent to most herbivores, but I promise you they have options!
You'll find this one on the main drag, or Grand Avenue, the strip on the way out to the beach – they have a black bean and a veggie burger basket option (just ask for no mayo).
The must-try, though, is their fried zuchinni – the freshest fried zuke chips you'll ever eat.
(After you're done at Garland's, walk next door and check out the California Cool thrift store.)
Sushi 805
460 W. Grand Ave.
Hours: 12pm - 10pm Daily (10:30pm Friday/Saturday)
"Wait - you can eat sushi?!"
YEP.
You can still be vegan and try the best sushi in town! Just go to Sushi 805 and order their veggie tempura roll, veggie roll, avocado roll, or veggie yaki soba. You'll be glad you tried some California sushi, belive you me.
You'll find this one on the main drag, or Grand Avenue, the strip on the way out to the beach – they have a black bean and a veggie burger basket option (just ask for no mayo).
The must-try, though, is their fried zuchinni – the freshest fried zuke chips you'll ever eat.
(After you're done at Garland's, walk next door and check out the California Cool thrift store.)
Sushi 805
460 W. Grand Ave.
Hours: 12pm - 10pm Daily (10:30pm Friday/Saturday)
 |
| Veggie Tempura Roll |
YEP.
You can still be vegan and try the best sushi in town! Just go to Sushi 805 and order their veggie tempura roll, veggie roll, avocado roll, or veggie yaki soba. You'll be glad you tried some California sushi, belive you me.
ARROYO GRANDE.
Branch Street Deli
203 E. Branch St.
Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 8:30 pm; Sunday 10am - 4pm
203 E. Branch St.
Hours: Mon - Sat 10am - 8:30 pm; Sunday 10am - 4pm
 |
| Photo by Wesley S. |
I know of this place because we would order from here for work production meetings. Here's another one of those instances where you'll have to ask for something sans some non-vegan items – but well worth it. Super fresh veggie sandwich with hummus, no swiss and no mayo.
Cafe Andreini
131 E. Branch St.
Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm
Saturday 7am - 6pm; Sunday 7am - 4pm
131 E. Branch St.
Hours: Monday - Friday 6am - 6pm
Saturday 7am - 6pm; Sunday 7am - 4pm
 |
| Wake Me Up Toast |
Cafe Andreini is a must-visit. They have such a cool vibe, and they offer wine and beer, as well as coffee drinks and kombucha. When I questioned the cashier for what I could have that is vegan, she recommended the “Wake Me Up” avocado toast.
Bruh.
Let me tell you... you may think you can make avocado toast at home. But you're wrong.
When in California, let the Californians handle your avocado dishes. They'll never steer you wrong. Topped with tomatoes, microgreens, lemon pepper, and balsamic drizzle, I squeezed a lemon over top and felt so effing fancy. For how much? $7.25. They consider it an open-faced sandwich, so you can't be mad about a $7 sandwich. Trust me.
Bruh.
Let me tell you... you may think you can make avocado toast at home. But you're wrong.
When in California, let the Californians handle your avocado dishes. They'll never steer you wrong. Topped with tomatoes, microgreens, lemon pepper, and balsamic drizzle, I squeezed a lemon over top and felt so effing fancy. For how much? $7.25. They consider it an open-faced sandwich, so you can't be mad about a $7 sandwich. Trust me.
Alphy's Broiler
130 W. Branch St.
Hours: Mon - Sat 6:30am - 7:00pm; Sunday 6:30am - 3:00pm
130 W. Branch St.
Hours: Mon - Sat 6:30am - 7:00pm; Sunday 6:30am - 3:00pm
 |
| Menu Photo by Ollie M. |
A funny little counter service place with a giant patio and maybe two tables indoors – great for patio sitting, I'm sure, but I've only ordered to-go for lunch meetings.
I've never been so obsessed with a salad in my life.
They PACK it in a large (compostable) to-go container, throw on half an avocado, and give you two giant “croutons”... which are more like bread loaf ends, in size! The salad name: The Veggie. Ask for no blue cheese, and get it with balsamic. Mmmhmmm.
I've never been so obsessed with a salad in my life.
They PACK it in a large (compostable) to-go container, throw on half an avocado, and give you two giant “croutons”... which are more like bread loaf ends, in size! The salad name: The Veggie. Ask for no blue cheese, and get it with balsamic. Mmmhmmm.
OCEANO.
Not much to mention in the dusty little town of Oceano right by the dunes... however, if you stop in at the Melodrama (shout-out! My former work place) to see a show, you can definitely ask for some vegan-friendly items there (the "Ole Ole", popcorn, and a few other snacks) – but if you're looking to go for dinner before or after a show, stop next door at Sylvester's and get their black bean burger and fries. They'll even offer you a free burger basket on your birthday!
Great American Melodrama
1863 Front Street
Hours: 11am - 6pm (Box Office)
Shows: See Calendar.
Sylvesters Burgers
1875 Front Street
Hours: 11am - 9pm Daily
www.sylvestersburgers.com
This concludes Part One of foodie hideaways for this round of beach-y eats!
Because you've read this far (woo-hoo!) I'll let you in on what's to come:
Part Two will cover hot spots in Pismo Beach, and Part Three San Luis Obispo.
Stick with me 'til next week, and I'll let you in on the best hidden places to go with your non-vegan friends or family while you're in, or may be planning to go to, the central coast.
Happy Eats, Friends!
Great American Melodrama
1863 Front Street
Hours: 11am - 6pm (Box Office)
Shows: See Calendar.
 |
| Preset stage for A Christmas Carol |
Sylvesters Burgers
1875 Front Street
 |
| Photo by Rigs R. - garlic fries |
www.sylvestersburgers.com
This concludes Part One of foodie hideaways for this round of beach-y eats!
Because you've read this far (woo-hoo!) I'll let you in on what's to come:
Part Two will cover hot spots in Pismo Beach, and Part Three San Luis Obispo.
Stick with me 'til next week, and I'll let you in on the best hidden places to go with your non-vegan friends or family while you're in, or may be planning to go to, the central coast.
Happy Eats, Friends!
 |
| Kyle at SLO Brew - The Rock's $2 Pint Night |
No comments:
Post a Comment