Central Coast - Coastal California - page 721

The county's biggest and best weekly farmers market turns downtown SLO's Higuera St
into a giant street party, with smokin' barbecues, overflowing fruit and veggie stands, live
music and free sidewalk entertainment, from salvation peddlers to wackadoodle political
activists. Rain cancels it.

Firestone Grill BARBECUE
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.firestonegrill.com ; 1001 Higuera St; dishes $4-10; 11am-10pm Sun-

Wed, to 11pm Thu-Sat; )
If you can stomach huge lines, long waits for a table, and sports-bar-style service, you'll
get to sink your teeth into an authentic Santa Maria-style tri-tip steak sandwich on a
toasted garlic roll and a basket of super-crispy fries.

SLO Donut Company SNACKS
( GOOGLE MAP ; www.slodoco.com ; 793 E Foothill Blvd; snacks from $2; 24hr; )
Home of unusually good flavor combos like bacon-maple and mint-chip donuts, served
with cups of organic, fair-trade, locally roasted coffee. It's northwest of downtown off
Santa Rosa St (Hwy 1).

Whole Foods GROCERIES, FAST FOOD

( www.wholefoodsmarket.com ; 1531 Froom Ranch Way; 8am-9pm)
For organic groceries, deli picnic meals and a hot-and-cold salad bar. It's 4 miles southw-
est of downtown via Hwy 101 (exit Los Osos Valley Rd).

Meze Wine Bar & Bistro MEDITERRANEAN
( MAP GOOGLE MAP ; www.mezewinebar.com ; 1880 Santa Barbara Ave; mains $10-20;
11am-9pm Mon-Wed, to 10pm Thu-Sat)
Hidden downhill from the Amtrak station, this tiny wine shop, gourmet market and tapas-
style bar is an eclectic gem. Gather with friends around the cheese and charcuterie board,
or stop in for a hand-crafted sandwich with a quinoa salad.

Big Sky Café CALIFORNIAN