Old San Luis BBQ Co. in San Luis Obispo

At Thursday's farmers market in downtown SLO, the booth for Old San Luis BBQ Company was handing out sample tastes of its tri-tip. Pink in the middle, tender, gently seasoned, and beefy . . . and I made a mental note to come back to get a plate to take home on my way out of town.

Started as a true hole-in-the-wall, food orders are taken at the walk-up window. Outside there's some seating. It looks like the place has expanded to have indoor tables and chairs in the adjoining space too, but still there's a sign to order food at the take-out window.

After explaining that my food would need to travel and be reheated some hours later, I was guided to the tri-tip pit plate with two sides, $10.75. The tri-tip was portioned as a solid hunk to hold in the juices for the ride and make it easier to reheat without overcooking. This worked quite well, as can be seen from the medium, pink slices after reheating. We liked the simplicity of the tri-tip, allowing the notes from grilling over oak to shine through. While barbecue sauce was provided, i only used the tomato salsa that had a nice kick to it.

For sides, the cowboy corn pie was very rich and unique. If you like cornbread stuffing and corn casserole, this is for you. Buttery tasting, cheddar-cheesy, and enough jalapeño to register a nice warmth in the mouth. Pinquito beans were very tasty too.

We were quite happy with this rendition of traditional Santa Maria style barbecue and the value. Old San Luis BBQ is definitely worth checking out.

Old SLO BBQ Co.
670 Higuera St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 285-2473

Old San Luis BBQ Company

Serving up the best BBQ in SLO County! Old San Luis BBQ takes grilling to the next level with their tri tip and Santa Maria style BBQ!

oldsanluisbbq.com