Buffalo Pub and Grill - San Luis Obispo

Sometimes bar food will surprise you, and this time it delighted me. I found that day or night, a visit to Buffalo Pub and Grill is always a refreshing and pleasant experience.  It gently takes you back in time with its antique, western decor, and the food was excellent at each visit. I first visited with my daughter for lunch and was thoroughly enjoyed the Buffalo Nachos, though she told me I didn’t have to order bar food. The Nachos were heaped high with grilled chicken, chili beans, diced tomatoes, onions, and jalapeños grilled with melted cheese and then dolloped with sour cream and fresh guacamole. My daughter had the pan seared fish tacos. They were layered with local cod, cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion and shredded cabbage. Served on two corn tortillas (you know why you get two? So you can use the bottom on to catch all that falls out of your taco when eating it). The side of green salsa was hot and tasty I love tomatillo sauce. 

We came back for an after show bite and found that Buffalo’s casual atmosphere, friendly staff, beautiful décor made us all feel at home. The service is impeccable, friendly and prompt. We all tried one of their icy hand crafted martinis, except my daughter who ordered the Bloody Mary. It was a drink entirely handcrafted with a huge slab of bacon and a ton of vegetables. It was an outstanding Bloody Mary.

I talked with owner Myriam Olaizola and she told me that the Pub used to be Le Fandango Bistro serving Basque and French food. They switched to the Buffalo in 2008, with a more bar atmosphere but the same great food. 

We started by sharing the Charbroiled Fresh Artichoke, that was steamed and grilled and served with a house made garlic aioli. We all dug in and fought for the heart. Gary started with the Sweet Buffalo Balls with decadent vanilla and chocolate ice cream topped with whipped cream, roasted almond and a special buffalo trace bourbon/Kahlua chocolate sauce.  Defiantly a dessert for grown children. 

Dinner was Lobster Tacos with popcorn lobster pieces grilled with butter and served with cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion and shredded cabbage. It was the special that night and was mouthwatering. I had the Carnita’s Tacos, with succulent slow cocked pork shoulder meat with cilantro, tomatoes, jalapeño, red onion and shredded cabbage and that amazing green salsa. I would drive to SLO just for these tacos, they were that virtuous. Gary had the Buffalo Meat Burger that is made from 100% buffalo meat, which is much leaner than cow. It was served with the usual fixings on a toasted bun. 

Acclaimed by locals and tourists alike as the new “hot spot” in downtown San Luis Obispo, Buffalo Pub and Grill has fast become a downtown SLO landmark. Whether you need to take a short break during or after a long day at work, have a business lunch, just crave a quick bite or cocktail, Buffalo is the place to go. Buffalo Pub and Grill is located at 717 Higuera Street in San Luis Obispo, call them at (805) 544-5515.