Cal Poly SLO (San Luis Obispo) -- lunch recs?

[aprmayjun]

I'm heading up to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo tomorrow and am looking for a lunch spot. Something that won't break the bank and great taste -- maybe something I can't find in OC/LA area. Any recs will be helpful and the closer to the university, the better.

Thanks!

[whitecorn]

Sandwiches: High Street
Mexican: Chachos (Oceanco), in town, probably Taco Roco
American: Firestone's Tri-Tip hard to beat

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High Street Cafe
1873 N High St, Lakeport, CA 95453

[nancyhudson]

I'm pretty sure there are Chick-Fil-A restaurants in OC/LA ;-)

My CP student swears by Gus's and High Street delis. We've grabbed sammies and hung out on the grounds around the Mission for a picnic. We also like Natural Cafe - casual, but fresh and tasty.

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High Street Cafe
1873 N High St, Lakeport, CA 95453

[chow_eb]

Gus's: sandwiches. A funky grocery store with a deli counter. Great sandwiches. Sit outside if the weather is nice.

Firestone Grill: BBQ. Great menu (including salads), great BBQ, great prices.

Petra, Mediterranean. Falafel, hummus, salads, gyros, shawarma plates, they've got it all. Along with the best pita bread in the world.

Splash Cafe, seafood and bakery. Chowder, fish/clams/calamari/shrimp and chips, burgers, etc.

Shalimar, Indian. Great buffet lunch. Great flavors.

Novo, "nice restaurant". Great menu, good food, nice atmosphere.

Forget chick-fil-a and Frank's.

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Firestone Grill
1001 Higuera St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Shalimar Restaurant
2115 Broad St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

[aprmayjun]

Wow, thanks for the responses! I'm doing a bit more research on your recs and I'll keep you posted on what happens.

[toodie jane]

chick fil a ?? Firestone Grill is downtown and a typical student suds-and-sandwich spot. Franks went downhill when it sold a couple of years ago, but is great for a grab-n-go lunch. Splash is OK. Can be very crowded at lunch.

For non-student food, try Neon Carrot on South Higuera between Tank Farm and Prado Rd (10 minutes from Poly), and Mee Heng Low Chop Suey House around the corner from the Mission on Palm Street. The former is the newest venue for outstanding local chef Megan Loring. Wonderful food. Great housemade Everything.

Mee Heng Low is a new twist on Chinese food by one of the first (1980's) pioneer chefs of "local&fresh" in the area , Paul Kwong. Great daily specials. Very informal tiny room. Try the Black Pearl teas. Outstanding. Perfect with the housemade almond cookies.

[monku]

Chick-Fil-A is the best chicken sandwich around.
Frank's has the best hot dogs around.

[toodie jane]

one thing I've found about battered and fried meats is that the meat is invariably overcooked in the quest to crunch-ify the batter coating.

Pounded and seasoned breast cooked till it's still moist is the ideal chicken sandwich to me. Like they serve at the Village Grill in Arroyo Grande. I love the sourdough bread they serve it on. With jack cheese and green chili, it's heaven.

[monku]

Chick-Fil-A is not dry and they fry in peanut oil. Try it once, you'll bee surprised.

[toodie jane]

sorry, not big on fried foods. But you get A+ for effort in trying to convince me! :-)

[monku]

On campus Chick-Fil-A.
Off campus students seem to like Stonefire Grill.
I'm partial to Splash Cafe for their clam chowder and across the street Frank's Famous Hot dogs.