Located in the heart of downtown San Luis Obispo, our venue is just a stone’s throw away from some of the best food and drink spots the Central Coast has to offer. The Central Coast has become a destination for some of the finest wineries and breweries in the state. The beauty of our oak studded rolling hills and pristine beaches make the region the ultimate food and drink lovers paradise with set against the most gorgeous backdrop.
Downtown SLO Food Stroll
Start your morning off right with an iced latte or matcha at Field Day Coffee. Field Day sources their coffee, espresso, and tea from some of the countries most respected roasters and you can really taste the quality. Don’t sleep on their house made pastries and don’t even stop by their shop next door for some rad vintage goods and home decor.
For lunch don’t miss SLO’s iconic High Street Deli for the ultimate sando. The hype is real, everything High St touches is gold, and you can’t go wrong, but our staff favorites include the Dutch Punch and Mother Nature Veg, to name a few. They’ve also got a great selection of local brews to enjoy on their sun soaked patio.
For dinner and a drink head on over to our sister biz, Sidecar. Sidecar’s nationally recognized craft cocktail program offers unique yet approachable flavors with mentions in The New York Times, Forbes, Sunset Magazine, and more. Their chinese takeout with a twist is the perfect savory snack when imbibing. Whether you camp on our peaceful creekside patio or downstairs in our speakeasy style distillery den you’re sure to enjoy Sidecar’s delicious cocktails and amazing staff.
Winery and Brewery Tour
There are so many great places to imbibe in SLO County, but to narrow it down we’ve picked some of our favorite spots for a glass of wine or a brew.
Wine, Beer, and Cider tasting at Duncan Alley
With some great local options, we’re loving SLO’s newest hub to eat, drink, and linger. Home to small batch winemaker El Lugar, Shindig Cider, and craft beer bar Ancient Owl Beer Garden and more, the options to imbibe are endless. We love the focus on local makers here and its quickly becoming the ultimate weekend afternoon hangout spot.
Edna Valley Hot Spots
SLO’s own burgeoning wine region, Edna Valley is just a 10 minute drive from The Penny. There are so many options to choose from, but we love Malene’s delicious rose served from their vintage airstream trailer turned tasting room. The stunning Edna Valley location and laid back feel encapsulate the SLO town vibe perfectly. Just a few minutes down the road Biddle Ranch Vineyard and its gorgeous tasting room offer an effortless sophistication and more gorgeous valley views. On your way back to downtown don’t forget to hit up There Does Not Exist for their ever rotating line up of meticulously crafted beers and a fantastic lineup of local food trucks and pop ups.
An Oasis for Outdoor Lovers
From epic trails to jaw dropping beach sunsets, The Penny is surrounded by so many gorgeous natural gems. Our wedding clients love capturing golden hour at the Madonna Mountain trailhead about 6 blocks from the venue, but we highly recommend a scouting trip and hike to the peak on one of your planning visits. After your hike stop in to the ultimate icon of kitsch, The Madonna Inn, to reward yourself with a steak, martini, and world famous slice of pink champagne cake.
A trip to SLO is not complete without a day trip up Highway 1 to experience the beauty of our coastline and its surroundings. Heading north you’ll hit Morro Bay, a sleepy bayside town with a buzzing embarcadero and several infamous surf spots. Grab a coffee at the newest location of famed SLO cafe, Scout Coffee and cruise the bay in a kayak or boat rental and watch the adorable rafts of otter families. Continue north and you’ll hit Cayucos, home of the famed Brown Butter Cookie Company and the most delicious organically sourced faire at Hidden Kitchen,
Take your scratch made gluten free blue corn waffles to go and hike out on Estero Bluffs to take in the untouched views of the Pacific and some of the areas most abundant tidepools. Next on your northbound journey you’ll find the town of Cambria known for vibrant artist community and miles of beachside bluff hikes. But don’t stop there, just another 15 minutes up the road Hearst Castle beckons. This stunning property is well worth the winding trip up the mountain fo ra tour. Knowledgeable guides will help you explore rooms and grounds adorned with priceless European art and ancient artifacts and share the castles rich and sometimes scandalous history. After your tour cross over the 101 to San Simeon Cove for a waterfront glass of wine at the Hearst Winery tasting room paired with some tasty bites from Seaside Foods. As your afternoon winds down if you trek another 15 minutes up the pristine coastline you can catch the most epic sunset at Ragged Point, the launching pad to the greater Big Sur area!
