I can’t believe I waited until my last week in SLO to visit Lincoln Market Deli. I liked it so much that on that day, I went twice… (once to get a sandwich and once to get some locally sourced charcuterie meat and cheese for a beach picnic 😉 )
Lincoln Market Deli has a prominent history in the city of San Luis Obispo. It was originally built in 1941 and known as “Ellsworth’s Market,” the San Luis Obispo’s original grocer and butcher. Nowadays their market features delicious make-and-order hot and cold deli sandwiches, refrigerated products including bliss cafe desserts, beer and cider on tap, and so much more.
If I were to have to pick my favorite part of Lincoln Deli it would be challenging. But I think I would have to go with the lazy/funky and chill atmosphere which is so truly a local “San Luis Obispo” feeling. Even their craft beer and wine selection is incredibly diverse and primarily local. In fact, the market is mostly locally sourced items from their meats, to their cheeses, to their cal poly eggs, even to the wine from the Edna Valley. Locally made artwork is displayed for purchase.
One of Lincoln Deli’s unique features includes a “tater tot” nacho menu with a generous selection of tot nachos buried in toppings like bacon, jalapeños, onions, cheeses of course, and so much more. As if that’s not enough to choose from, don’t forget to check out their SECRET MENU 😉
There are usually plenty of seats available at tables to eat inside, as well as on their outdoor patio to soak up the sunshine on a warm SLO day. Taryn and I ate outdoors and watched the bustle of the busy intersection on the corner. I enjoyed a turkey sandwich with all the fixin’s and added avocado on marbled rye… it was stuffed full. I couldn’t even finish the whole thing. We also got Golden State hard ciders which are available on tap and they came out in really cute mason jars to drink.
Lincoln Deli is located in a residential area, right on the corner of Broad and Lincoln Street by the entrance to the 101 at the base of Madonna mountain. It’s open from 8am-7pm Monday-Saturday and closes at 6pm on Sundays.
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