While visiting San Luis Obispo, we attended the inaugural Fall Fest Stroll, run by Downtown SLO. The walk included cider, beer or spirits and bites offered at about 20 shops, followed by a short terrace reception. The net proceeds of the event benefited their clean and safe program.

After the event, which featured lots more spirits than food, we headed over to Luna Red on Mission Plaza to share the paella their globally inspired menu is famous for. We shared the de la luna ($52) with housemade aji amarillo-seasoned chicken, chorizo, soft-cooked eggs and English peas over a layer of soccarat — the caramelized, crispy rice — on the bottom of the pan, with sofrito (onion, tomato, sweet pepper and herbs) and salsa criolla (red onion salsa). Yum.

Downtown SLO’s next event will be Sip ‘n’ Saunter on the afternoon of Sunday, May 4, 2025. Local wineries, breweries, restaurants, and caterers will serve tastings and small bites at downtown retail locations. Attendees can “Sip ‘n’ Saunter” through downtown San Luis Obispo’s streets, sample some of the Central Coast’s finest food and drink, enjoy live music and shop at participating retailers. Tickets for this event will go on sale in the first quarter of 2025 at DowntownSLO.com.

Luna Red
Mission Plaza
1023 Chorro St
San Luis Obispo, CA 93401
(805) 540-5243
lunaredslo.com/