Bon Temps Creole Cafe (San Luis Obispo)

While in San Luis Obispo, I went to the Bon Temps Creole Cafe, San Luis Obispo’s first Creole Cafe. While not technically a diner, I think it’s “close enough.” I don’t know the last time, if ever, I’ve been to a Creole Cafe, so I was super excited to try something new.

Bon Temps Creole Cafe Atmosphere: A

The restaurant is located close to the main downtown and near the railroad. It’s nice because there is usually more parking than the actual downtown. Even when we went on a Saturday morning for brunch, we easily found parking, and it wasn’t too busy. Many restaurants downtown had a long wait.

The Bon Temps Creole Cafe actually has both indoor and outdoor seating. Inside there are plenty of booths and tables. They pack a lot more seats and booths than I was expecting. I was surprised to find a small outside seating area with just as many tables. I had no idea! While not a typical metallic diner, it’s well kept and has several fun-themed creole photos and posters.

Coffee: A

The coffee was brewed hot and fresh, and I have no complaints. I appreciated the bottomless refills, and our waiter brought plenty.

Bon Temps Creole Cafe Food: A

As the name suggests, the Bon Temps Creole Cafe specializes in Creole Food. It was the first Creole restaurant in San Luis Obispo. They are open from 8-2 pm, with breakfast being served 8-11 and lunch 11-2. There are so many options, and it took me a while to figure out what I wanted. Some of the items on the Bon Temps Creole Cafe menu that stuck out include:

Creole Omelet: Filled with melted cheese and spicy Creole Sauce.
Ash Wednesday Omelet: Filled with melted cheese, artichoke hearts, and Cajun Creamed Spinach.
Cajun Breakfast: Creole red beans topped with two poached eggs and Hollandaise sauce, served with grits and buttermilk biscuits.
Fried Green Tomato Benedict: English muffin halves with fried green tomatoes, poached eggs, and hollandaise sauce with hash browns or grits
Shrimp Creole: The most famous shrimp dish of them all. Plump shrimp in spicy Creole tomato sauce with white rice.
Pasta Jambalaya: With Shrimp & Andouille sausage, creole sauce, and cream. Tossed with Penne pasta (instead of rice).

You can see the full Bon Temps Creole Cafe menu here.

I decided to order the Ash Wednesday Omelet with a biscuit and grits. It was a lot spicier than I anticipated, but it was good. The omelet was packed with cajun creamed spinach and artichoke hearts. The buttermilk biscuit was delicious, and I have no regrets with my choice. I would order it again.

Bon Temps Creole Cafe Service: A

Our food came out quickly, and we always had refills with drinks and water. I have no complaints.

Cost: $$

For my coffee and omelet, it was $17. I was surprised to learn the coffee was $4.

Overall Thoughts/Would I Come Back to the Bon Temps Creole Cafe?

Yes, I really enjoyed the Bon Temps Creole Cafe. While not the typical diner, it was a fun brunch spot, and I would definitely go back. I appreciate that it’s located off the main downtown, so it’s not as crowded as other spots, and it’s easier to find parking.

There are definitely some fun lunch options that I want to try next. I am excited to try the Shrimp Creole next.