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Foothill Boulevard is almost an extension of Cal Poly's campus, or, at least, it feels that way sometimes. The restaurants that line the street south of campus are usually filled with students, similar to much of the housing in the adjacent neighborhoods. Foothill food first-timers, here's a miniature guide to the cuisine that you can stuff your face with while saving a little change in your pocket.
793F Foothill Blvd.
What is it? If the sugary scent of doughnuts wafting in the air isn't enough of an indication of what's ahead, the giant decorative doughnuts hanging inside will clue you in. The 24/7 one-stop doughnuts-shop has sugar, spice, and everything fried.
Quality? All of the classics are present, but SLODOCO steps it up a notch with speciality doughnuts like barrelhouse milk chocolate stout, with beer-infused frosting and a pretzel rim. There's even vegan and gluten-free options to enjoy. And they're equal parts delicious and visually appealing.
Cost? Doughnuts run between $.50 and $3 a piece, depending on the kind.
Deals? If you buy a dozen doughnuts, it's a bit cheaper at $11.50. For the doughnut holes, cream puffs, and apple fritter bites, which are normally $.50 a piece, three are priced at $2.25.
—Erica Hudson
977 Foothill Blvd.
What is it? Kona's Deli's is a long-established local sandwich shop that serves up a variety of tasty sandwiches made with fresh ingredients. The deli is decorated in a kitschy Hawaiian surf-theme, and is a hot spot for hungry Cal Poly students.
Quality? This ain't no Subway. Kona's sandos are made from scratch with high quality ingredients. According to their website, they even use their own recipes to make the bread they use.
Cost? The deli's selection of specialty sandwiches cost about $7.50. You can build your own 6-inch sub for $7.50, or a foot-long for $10.90. Adding a drink, chips, cookie to make it combo costs a little more.
Deals? Students can get an "everyday sando" for $6.50 every day between 4 and 7 p.m. The deli also has a different deal for each day of the week, such as offering 10 percent off all sandwiches on Saturday before 11:30 a.m., and 30 percent off on Mondays if you show them your Cal Poly ID.
—Chris McGuinness
972 Foothill Blvd.
What is it? Hip, gastro pub fare. Think simple comfort food meets fancy eats.
Quality? Eh, it can be hit or miss. While they have an impressive 20-something beers on tap (many of which are local), the entrees can be pricy and don't always deliver (I'm looking at you, short rib mac n' cheese with the overcooked meat for a hefty $15). Maybe wait until Mom and Dad come to visit before hitting this one up.
Cost? Appetizers run $7 to $13, salads and sandwiches can cost $10 to $18, and entrees will set you back around $14 to $18.
Deals? During happy hour save $2 on cocktails and draft beer weekdays from 4 to 6 p.m. and score a small selection of apps on the cheap.
—Ryah Cooley
973 Foothill Blvd., No. 107
What is it? A delightful offering of cold pressed juices, acai bowls, and smoothies. This is where you go when you feel healthy AF after sweating out of every single pore in your body at Spark Yoga next door and you want to keep the good vibes going.
Quality? The juices are organic and the produce is sourced from high-quality suppliers and local farmers, according to the website.
Cost? It's pretty spendy. Expect to part with at least $5 or so for a smaller juice and double digits or close to it for an acai bowl.
Deals? If you want to get a pack of bottled juices for a juice cleanse, you can save a few dollars that way.
—Ryah Cooley
785 Foothill Blvd.
What is it? Yummy and affordable pizza and pasta, galore. Huzzah!
Quality? Solid. Nucci's is way fancier and better than say Domino's or Fatte's, but without the steep prices of say Giuseppe's. Now that's amore.
Cost? Appetizers like meatballs are only $4, pizzas run from $6.45 to $22.75, and sandwiches and pastas will set you back anywhere from $9 to $15.45. A tray of lasagna costs a whopping $45.
Deals? From 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. a slice of cheese pizza is only $3, and combos of different slices paired with a salad or sandwich range from $8.75 to $9.75. For dinner a two-topping 12-inch pizza with two salads is $21.95.
—Ryah Cooley
791 Foothill Blvd.
What is it? Mexican food
Quality? This is the perfect spot for huge portions of food—more bang for your buck. You could order just about any plate or combo, eat half and save the rest for lunch tomorrow. I ordered a taco salad with carne asada and it was huge. All the ingredients tasted fresh, and the salsa added a nice kick of spice with every bite. The restaurant is under construction so no outdoor seating, but there's plenty of space to chow down inside.
Cost? My taco salad was $7.99, well worth the price. You could walk into Chilie Peppers with about $12 and get a plate and drink.
Deals? Tuesday and Wednesday Chilie Peppers has dollar tacos. From 3 to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday burritos are $6.49.
—Karen Garcia
774 Foothill Blvd., SLO
What is it? It's a one-stop shop for booze of all kinds and a deli that serves everything from cold-cut sandwiches to burgers.
Quality? The service at the deli is pretty quick, and the cook along with the cashier were extremely friendly and attentive. They have different burgers, sandos, fried food, and salads to choose from. I went with the classic cheeseburger. It had all the trimmings: lettuce, tomato, onion, cheddar cheese (your choice), thousand island dressing and a quarter pound of beef, but it was no In-n-Out.
Cost? My cheeseburger came with fries and a drink and totaled about $7 plus tax. You could easily walk onto the deli with $10 and get the whole package—fries and a drink.
Deals? None.
—Karen Garcia
981 Foothill Blvd.
What is it? American/Mexican restaurant and bar
Quality? A dependably tasty, budget-friendly, comfort-food joint. Charlie's has all the breakfast classics, tacos, burgers, sandwiches, wings, burritos, salads—you name it—as well as great deals on drinks (yes, alcoholic drinks so bring your IDs). It's got a bar, an outdoor patio, and a fun atmosphere (check out the karaoke and trivia nights). Sure, the food isn't Novo or Luna Red, but it usually doesn't disappoint and your wallet stays intact.
Cost? Great value when compared to other restaurants/bars around SLO—at a recent breakfast visit, I got cinnamon French toast, bacon, and eggs for $10.
Deals? Sundays, bottomless mimosas are $14 per person. On Saturdays, bloody marys and screwdrivers are $5. Taco Tuesday is $1.25 tacos and $2.50 Coronas; Wing Wednesday is $.75 cent wings. Offers both morning and evening Happy Hours.
—Peter Johnson
795 Foothill Blvd.
What is it? Killer Indian food that you can have for lunch and dinner.
Quality? You might not always get the fastest service, but the food is top notch. The veggie samosas are flaky, savory, and delicious. I personally really like the vegetable pakora (deep fried, with savory Indian spices). The chicken tikka masala does not disappoint, and the buffet is not bad at all. Plus, the naan is fresh, hot, and comes in flavors from garlic to paneer.
Cost? Apps, soups, salad, and naan run from $1.95 to $7.95. Main dishes run from $8.95 to $17.95.
Deals? Daily lunch buffet and Tuesday dinner buffet. Δ
—Camillia Lanham