By Adam Montiel, Host of Up+Adam
If you’ve ever needed an excuse to eat out more, this is it.
SLO Restaurant Month is officially underway, and more than 60 local restaurants, cafes, wineries, and breweries across San Luis Obispo are showing up and showing off. From creative prix fixe menus to one-month-only dishes, January is the time to taste your way through the city and support the places that make it so flavorful.
The Heart Behind the Heat
As the host of Up+Adam, I’ve had the pleasure of sitting down with several of these chefs and owners to hear their stories firsthand. And trust me, there’s something special happening behind these kitchens.
At Old SLO BBQ, Matt Pearce is serving up a menu built on simplicity, quality, and consistency. With two locations in SLO, one downtown at Higuera and Nipomo, and another in the Marigold Center, Old SLO is a go-to for bold, smoky flavor and local pride. For SLO Restaurant Month, they’re offering a tri-tip smashburger, fries, and a drink for just $15, and Matt proudly invites you to stack that up against In-N-Out’s Double-Double any day.
My Friend Mike’s Pizza is doing things no one else is doing with sourdough, seasonal ingredients, and flavor combinations that will blow your mind. Mike’s approach is slow, intentional, and absolutely worth the bite. His SLO Restaurant Month special is the “cheap date” combo: a cheese pizza and salad for $30. He sources his produce from the same places our Michelin Star restaurants do. His salads are as delicious and as special as his pizza. You can make it a “happy ending” and add a bottle of his own locally made wine, which might just be the most SLO CAL move you make all month.
And Kiko’s Peruvian offers more than food. It’s a cultural experience layered with heart, history, and hospitality. Kiko’s story, and his food, will stay with you long after the meal ends. For Restaurant Month, guests can choose from a specially curated prix fixe menu featuring some of Kiko’s most loved signature dishes, all crafted to showcase the bold, soulful flavors of Peru right here in downtown SLO.
How to Get in on the Flavor
These are just a few examples. The full lineup is packed with local gems ready to be explored.
We’re a little more than halfway through the month, but there’s still plenty of time to jump in, try somewhere new, and make January count.
So, how do you get in on the flavor?
It’s easy:
1. Check out the full list of participating restaurants at SLO Restaurant Month.
Browse menus, plan your stops, and try something new each week. These specials are only here for January.
2. Dine out and look for the SLO Restaurant Month QR code.
You’ll see them in windows, menus, and signage at participating spots.
3. Scan the QR code with your phone and enter to win.
Each scan is a chance to win a $250 gift card to your favorite participating restaurant. No receipt, no app. Just scan, submit, and you’re in.
4. Repeat.
Yes, multiple entries are allowed. The more spots you hit, the better your chances.
Good Food, Good Timing
January is often a quieter time for restaurants, which is exactly why this program exists. It’s a win-win. You get amazing food, exclusive deals, and a chance to support local businesses when it matters most.
And let’s be honest. After the holidays, we could all use a reason to go out, treat ourselves, and reconnect over something delicious.
Whether you’re a regular, a first-timer, or someone who’s just looking to spice up a Tuesday night, SLO Restaurant Month has a table waiting for you.
Catch more stories and behind-the-scenes conversations on Up+Adam all month long. You’ll meet the chefs, the owners, and the humans behind the flavor.
Ready to dig in?