American in San Luis Obispo

Black Sheep Bar & Grill ★ 3.8

Black Sheep Bar & Grill keeps its kitchen open past midnight on Chorro Street, feeding San Luis Obispo burgers and garlic fries long after most rooms close.

OrderA burger and garlic fries, ideally during a televised Cal Poly game.

TipKitchen hours run later than almost anywhere downtown; Thursday to Saturday it serves until 01:00.

Del Monte Cafe ★ 3.9

Del Monte Cafe has run as a family diner in San Luis Obispo's Railroad District since 1981, cooking breakfast through dinner a block from the Amtrak depot.

OrderThe breakfast plates before an Amtrak departure two blocks away.

TipSunday service stops at 14:00; on weekdays it is one of the few diners serving dinner.

1865 Craft House & Kitchen ★ 3.9

1865 Craft House & Kitchen pairs modern American plates with a deep Central Coast tap list on Monterey Street, San Luis Obispo's motel-row gastropub.

OrderA smash burger with a flight of Central Coast taps.

TipWeekend brunch starts at 10:30; book ahead if you are bringing a group.

Madonna Inn Copper Cafe ★ 4.1

Madonna Inn Copper Cafe serves all-day diner classics under hammered copper and pink leather, with the famous cake case by the door in San Luis Obispo.

OrderAny diner classic followed by pink champagne cake from the bakery case.

TipThe bakery counter sells whole pink champagne cakes to travel; slices go fastest on weekend evenings.

Black Sheep Bar & Grill ★ 3.8

Black Sheep Bar & Grill grills burgers to midnight and beyond on Chorro Street, the rare San Luis Obispo bar with a real kitchen at closing time.

OrderBurgers and garlic fries

TipKitchen hours run later than almost anywhere downtown; Thursday to Saturday it serves until 01:00.

Del Monte Cafe ★ 3.9

Del Monte Cafe has cooked for San Luis Obispo's Railroad District since 1981, a family diner in the old workers' quarter by the Amtrak depot.

TipSunday service stops at 14:00; on weekdays it is one of the few diners serving dinner.