Hiking, Eating, and Drinking In and Around Paso Robles
We like to eat and drink to our heart's content, especially when we are in a place where celebrating food and wine are a integral part of the destination. We also like to fit into our clothes and enjoy the energy an endorphin rush brings to the day. Lucky for us Paso Robles has it all....
Breakfast/Brunch: For a hearty, down home breakfast, start your day at Cowgirl Cafe! If you're still needing a little fuel after grits, biscuits, and breakfast burritos, pick up an espresso at The Java Zone.
For a more leisurely and gourmet brunch head to Thomas Hill Organics Market Bistro & Wine Bar. We had a inspired Sunday brunch in their sunny courtyard and enjoyed fresh pressed coffee and juice, farm fresh eggs, with prosciutto, grilled peaches and corn bread. The menu changes daily based on what fresh ingredients are available and I am dying to return for dinner!
Hiking: To get the blood flowing, hop in the car for about 20 minutes and head to Los Padres National Forest. There is a beautiful hike that starts in the Cerro Alto camp ground and goes to the top of Cerro Alto. You have several choices in loops and distances, but if you want to go all the way to the top and take in 360 views of Point Sal, Pismo Beach, Morro Bay and Paso Robles, it's takes roughly an hour and is about 2.5 miles.
Dining: For dinner, Artisan, is still a favorite. In addition to it's delicious food and wine, the atmosphere is lively, open and chic - especially for Paso. We loved the Salmon Tartare, and the scallops, shrimp, clams, saffron, chorizo rioja. It was near impossible to choose which dessert to indulge in. The churros y chocolate won out and were amazing. Robert's is newer on the dining scene and definitely popular and bustling. Don't miss the "Beef Stroganoff" braise short ribs with creamy mushroom sauce and pappardelle. I would usually never think to order something so heavy, but I have to say it was awesome and worth it, but definitely share it! Also, at Robert's, request to sit at one of the brasserie tables in the bar section. They are by a window, and more intimate and cozy than the larger tables in the back of the restaurant.
Drinking and Dancing: After big meals both nights we chose to dance it off and people watch at some of the local watering holes. The Pine Hall Saloon, housed in one of the oldest buildings in town, is a cowboy bar with character. There is usually some kind of live entertainment happening, karaoke, band or locals in heated games of pool. The Crooked Kilt, is another no nonsense spot, located right on the square. We enjoyed wine and dancing to the latest hits in their outdoor area. Highly entertaining. For something quieter, have a night cap at Hotel Cheval's Pony Club.
Hiking aside, everything in Paso Robles is easy to walk to which creates a fun buzz in the town. Several wineries have tasting rooms in town and there are frequently art and wine festivals in the town square. It's the perfect road trip for a weekend!