Downtown Delights
Visit Historic Downtown Paso Robles for Food, Drinks, and Shopping
Behold Paso Robles’ historic-meets-modern downtown. At the center of it all: Downtown City Park, surrounded by chic and down-to-earth food + drink establishments, beautiful mural art, and stores unique to Paso's creative roots.
The spacious and welcoming park is punctuated by the architecturally impressive Carnegie Library (built in the years 1907 and 1908, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places). A large playground delights kids, and a sweet dog statue with a water fountain for filling bowls celebrates four-legged family members, too.
The stores feel unique to Paso Robles’ roots and creative instincts. The General Store is one of the many small but mighty businesses with all kinds of provisions, from locally produced spices to cookbooks, home décor, pantry staples, fun magnets and pins, art deco, handbags, quirky socks, and more.
Stroll the park and enjoy popping in and out of shops, while passing murals and iconic structures like the Acorn building (you’ll know it when you see it). Ahem...
Paso Robles has emerged as a true foodie haven. The chic and upscale Alchemists' Garden has a diverse menu from Yellowfin Tostadas to Charred Cabbage and an 8-ounce Skirt Steak. If you like mocktails, you’ll delight in the creative concoctions by the bar staff. If you like cocktails you'll find an array of tasty ones (the mezcal infused Fifth Heaven with dragonfruit will put you on Cloud 9). There’s a stellar wine menu (this is wine country, after all). After you’ve dined, we recommend heading into Alchemist’s cozy and arty lounge, Remedy, for a digestif.
At downtown’s Fish Gaucho, there’s a food menu and a tequila menu. Both are outstanding. Fish Gaucho is a buzzing restaurant serving creative Mexican cuisine and pouring world-class tequila. The massive backbar wall is dedicated entirely to curated tequilas—there’s no other bar like it in California.
You can do tequila tastings in the order of 101 intro-style or the 301 private stash (!). Take it to eleven with a Mezcal tasting. Or order a Jalapine Margarita (happy hour prices give the cocktail extra spice). The menu features everything from Enchilada Soup to Mahi Prawns, Wagyu Tartare, and Carnitas Tacos.
WHERE TO STAY: Paso Robles has plenty of excellent lodging options at a variety of price points. You're going to find something special that fits your budget!
If location to Downtown City Park is paramount, and you like firepits, a pool, modern rooms, an on-site restaurant, and dog-friendliness, the Paso Robles Inn checks the boxes. Historic yet modernized and relaxed, the Inn has lovely grounds for strolling and kicking back at the end of the day. From suites to garden rooms, there’s an overall tranquil ambience. The steakhouse and lounge here are frequented by locals and visitors alike. And the casual on-site coffee shop is convenient for perking up in the morning, before setting out on adventures. Walk across the street and you’ll be in Paso’s historic Downtown City Park.
