Edna Valley Market San Luis Obispo

Some of the best food in SLO from a gas station?

I have to admit until about 5 months ago I did not know about the Edna Valley Market in San Luis Obispo. I had heard of it but had never been and had no idea it was located inside the Shell gas station. Located at Tank Farm and Broad you will recognize the car wash with the grass growing on the roof. It’s diagonally right across from the Marigold Center in SLO. This place is has a hidden surprise as not only is it a gas station, car wash, and mini mart inside it also has some of the best food for lunch in San Luis Obispo and I am not kidding.

The Digs:
Edna Valley Market
4021 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

The Scoop:
Edna Valley Market serves everything from salad to sandwiches to mexican food and they even have a great breakfast menu. What I love best about this place is they are always changing it up. If you subscribe to their email list you will get a weekly update of their specials for the week and it can be anything from a Chile Verde Breakfast Burrito or Cinnamon Roll French Toast for breakfast to an Asian Chicken Wrap or Albondigas soup or Coconut Shrimp for lunch. Wow! At a gas station?

What Rocks:
I don’t know where to start but to say every single thing I have had here has been fantastic. I am especially fond of the Cobb Salad as it huge and always so fresh. I have also had the sandwiches as well as a burger and fries and its all done very well. This is a place I can safely say you can order anything on the menu and you will not be disappointed. They do a great job and the staff is pretty friendly and there is a great outdoor patio area in the back to eat. You will be shocked how busy it gets as the word is out how good it is.

What Sucks:
Well, it’s in a gas station but other than that nothing. The prices are reasonable and there is a great selection. It does get a bit windy out on the patio sometimes but I really have no complaints here.  Would be very cool if they had a couple beers on tap and you could hang out after work with a pitcher and food.

The Moolah:
Salads are $5.75-7.75. Sandwiches and burgers are $6.50-7.50.

Muzio’s Grocery & Deli

Old town grocery charm with pricey but good sandwiches

Right downtown on Monterey Street Muzio’s Grocery and Deli has been adding its delightful presence to our town. It used to be more of an old fashioned market when I used to go there 25+ years ago but now its focused mainly on the lunch crowd serving up a fantastic variety of deli sandwiches.

The Digs:
Muzio’s Grocery & Deli

870 Monterey St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

The Scoop:
A great variety of sandwiches to satisfy anyone. People usually come in knowing exactly what number they want as its all listed by number on the boards written above  you.  The store has an old world charm to it and while it’s not what it was back in the day it’s still a lot of fun to go and hang out and grab a bite to eat.  If you are new to San Luis Obispo or just coming back after a long visit it’s almost a must that you have lunch here.

What Rocks:
The hot roast beef with Ortega chiles. My ultimate fav.

What Sucks:
The price. No matter what you order the sandwich is about 10 bucks and add a drink and you are at $12 for lunch for one person. A bit high in my opinion. The food is great but the price is what keeps me from making it a daily stop.

The Moolah:
Sandwiches vary in price but most are around $10.

SLO Fresh Market

Cute little grocery store with a fabulous hidden deli.

You have to know San Luis Obispo to head over to Laurel Lane but those who do love SLO Fresh Market. The deli in the back serves up amazing sandwiches every day featuring Boars Head Meats.

The Digs:
SLO Fresh Market
1285 Laurel Lane
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

The Scoop:
It’s a small town local grocery store at its finest. It’s not fancy at all but has some of everything. Its prize jewel is the deli in the back.  Staff is extremely friendly every time I have been and its quickly becoming a favorite stop for lunch.

What Rocks:
The Boars Head Meats are great and they have some fun varieties. Great smoked turkey breast and a fantastic parmesan ham. Get it with the Gruyere cheese. I promise you will not be disappointed.  You can also sit outside at the tables if you choose or take it to go. It’s a really cute place.

What Sucks:
There is nothing fancy about this place but the best places are like this. Prices may be slightly high for a sandwich but it’s so good you won’t complain about it much.

The Moolah:
A sandwich and a drink will set you back about $8-9. Not outrageous but on the high end. Plenty of drink and snack selections since it’s a full grocery store.

The Broad Street Grinder Shop

Little shop serves up a BIG grinder!

The Digs:
The Broad Streen Giant Grinder Shop
1901 Broad Street
San Luis Obispo
CA, 93401

The Scoop:
This is a fun place. Tiny building on the corner. Husband and wife team are literally working their tail off and they make a mean grinder!

What Rocks:
The sandwiches are HUGE? They do a lite, half and whole. The lite and half are the same massive size but the lite has 1/4 lb of meat and the half has

What Sucks:
Tiny shop makes for a very cramped space and during lunch hour its a bit of a problem and a long wait. Go on hours other than 12-1 if you can.

The Moolah:
$6-$15 depending on the size of sandwich you get. If you get the Whole, bring friends.