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.
You can see more diner reviews here.
Questions for you:
Have you tried creole food before? What is your favorite dish?
What is your favorite brunch item?