Roam Close to Home: Paso Robles

Roam Close to Home: Paso

Story & Photos by Lifestyle Staff

Paso Robles is a popular wine destination and pass-through for travelers heading to nearby beaches on the Central Coast. Yet, the city holds hidden gems for the visitor that takes time to discover them—over the course of a day or a whole weekend.

From the first commercial winery in the 1880s, to the hot mineral springs bath house attracting dignitaries in the 20s and 30s as a “health resort getaway,” Paso Robles is known to many as a spot for relaxation and leisure. The city of 30,000 (grown from 827 in 1890!) boasts a vibrant downtown with various restaurants, wine-tasting rooms, shops and events.

Tin City

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With over 25 tasting rooms for wine, beer and spirits, it’s hard to believe Tin City, made up of local artisans passionate about their craft, is relatively unknown to most wine country travelers. The chic warehouse district includes more than just sips sprinkled throughout the trail. You’ll find live music, ice cream, olive oil tasting, a pasta shop and eateries including the only Michelin star restaurant in San Luis Obispo County: Six Test Kitchen. “Park and just start walking” is the invitation from the district’s website.

Paso Market Walk

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When planning a wine tasting trip, consider staying at The Lofts at Paso Market Walk—a marketplace consisting of sustainably-minded, small-scale food purveyors and a restored 1890s Victorian home, used as a garden nursery before it was turned into a restaurant. Imagine waking up steps away from the city’s best artisanal breakfast and coffee offerings before heading to wineries, then coming back to enjoy onsite breweries, eateries and a music series during the summer.

Cheese Shops

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If you’re a turophile (a connoisseur or lover of cheese), Paso Robles will not disappoint. One shop, Vivant Fine Cheese, carries over 100 cheese varieties. Enjoy a cheese flight with wine pairings on the patio or grab a charcuterie platter or picnic box to go. Another shop, Di Raimondos Italian Market & Cheese Shop, carries imported and domestic cheese, meats, breads and other select market products. Order an Italianstyle sub to go or shop their market filled with hard-to-find items, such as San Marzano tomatoes.

Pasolivo Ranch Olive Oil Tasting Room

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Some of the world’s best olive oils are produced on the Central Coast due to the area’s unique microclimate and soil. One producer from Paso Robles, Pasolivo Ranch, won gold at the New York International Olive Oil Competition in 2020. While in the tasting room, one can enjoy tranquil and scenic views of towering oak trees, wild turkeys and families of deer. Fun fact: the property was once owned by Hollywood director and producer, King Vidor, who directed War & Peace and the black-and white version of Wizard of Oz.

Libretto

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Though its name pays homage to the old opera house, circa 1919, today it’s an underground wine and jazz lounge. The intimate atmosphere is styled with black leather booths, moody lighting, a sleek bar, members’ personal wine lockers and a Steinway model D concert grand piano that was once played by world-renowned pianists at the Hollywood Bowl. Enjoy tapas, desserts, champagne, wine or beer while listening to some of the best studio and concert musicians traveling from all over to entertain. Be sure to make a reservation in advance.

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ

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It’s easy to miss Jeffry’s if you’re not ‘in the know’ when visiting Downtown Paso Robles. The entrance, located off an alley, welcomes you into an enclosed outdoor (and dog-friendly) patio with charming string lights and cozy, oblong fire tables. It offers counter service and casual seating with BBQ options that do not disappoint. Not only were they voted the best BBQ spot in North SLO County this year, but they are also home to award-winning paella that is known to sell out early.

The Backyard on Thirteenth

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Inspired by traditional Bavarian-style neighborhood beer gardens, the owners created an open-air venue (the first of its kind) that allows guests to enjoy the beautiful weather year-round. The modern-urban-aesthetic venue, located adjacent to a railroad, includes shipping containers repurposed as food and beer service stations plus an indoor lounge. The onsite restaurant serves up smash burgers, lobster rolls and lobster mac & cheese. Eat and be entertained by music and games in a casual environment.

General Store Paso

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Revamped the Collection | 1320 B Pine Street Stumbling into a shop filled with one-of-a-kind finds can satisfy almost any tourist’s curiosity. General Store Paso was created to showcase the hard work of local makers. Find a variety of items from food to housewares to gift items. Revamped the Collection carries vintage, found and handcrafted items that were curated with the customer in mind. The mother-daughter duo carries items like hard-to-find vintage glassware and reimagined and modernized vintage furnishings.