Old San Luis BBQ Co.

EXPERIENCE DESCRIPTION

Old San Luis BBQ Co. is the downtown anchor for Santa Maria-style barbecue, the 150-year-old Central Coast tradition of tri-tip grilled over native red oak. The family-owned restaurant uses hand-trimmed Angus beef, locally farmed organic produce, and artisan sausages from Cattaneo Bros. in San Luis Obispo. On Higuera Street in the heart of downtown, it draws locals and visitors equally and participates in the Thursday Night Farmers Market with a dedicated window and street prices.

OPERATOR STORY

Old San Luis BBQ Co. was founded in 2010 as a catering operation before opening on Higuera Street in 2012. The family-owned business has grown to multiple SLO locations while staying rooted in Central Coast ingredients. Santa Maria-style BBQ is a 150-year-old tradition born on local ranches, and Old San Luis keeps it alive with family recipes that predate the restaurant by nearly a century.