Spirit of San Luis
Airport restaurant a gem within a gem
The city of San Luis Obispo is an eclectic jewel of the Central California coast and a great stop for those looking to explore this nugget of the Golden State. Yet among all the sunny spots that draw the most visitors, the Spirit of San Luis restaurant at the SLO County Regional Airport (SBP) stands out as a must-visit.
Less than 15 minutes from Pismo Beach and Oceano Dunes State Park, the airport first opened in 1939 with a single hangar and dirt strip and is now a Class D airport with two runways, one 6,101 feet long and the other 2,500 feet, and is a vibrant part of the community.
Located directly on the ramp in full view of the runways, tower, and aircraft parking, the small restaurant’s walls are lined with photos from the airport’s history, and two sides are full windows looking out at the surrounding hills and both GA and regional airline traffic.
Spirit of San Luis advertises “fine dining and spirits,” which entails a locally sourced, varied breakfast and lunch menu with brunch on the weekends, highlighting themed options such as a “Wright Cheeseburger,” “Blue Max,” “Lindy’s Favorite Patty Melt,” and “Amelia’s Egg Sandwich.” Any choice is delightfully fresh, colorful, and aesthetically plated, and the bustling atmosphere and hometown-friendly staff are sure to brighten your day.
Transient GA parking directly in front of the restaurant windows feels close enough to touch, making this place a big hit with kids. Observing the steady stream of Cessnas, Pipers, and Robinsons from the local flight schools SunWest and Helipro doing pattern work is another great way to pass the time. (Nibbling on gourmet appetizers while judging landings with your friends? Sounds like a fun afternoon.)
The combo of great scenery and great food is worth a diversion or even a special trip, sure to make any pilot’s California dreamin’ a little bit brighter.
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