Page 55 - SLO Visitors Guide Winter 2026

slovisitorsguide.com WINTER 2026 55
CayucosSausage.com
( (805 805) ) 900-5377 900-5377
Full-Service Deli & Meat Market
12 N. Ocean Ave. Ste. 121 12 N. Ocean Ave. Ste. 121
Cayucos, CA 93430 Cayucos, CA 93430
Cayucos
(805) 995-3883 | 171 N. Ocean Ave, Cayucos | SchoonersCayucos.com
lunch • dinner • full bar Join us at the beach!
The allure of Schooners—great food,
community, stunning views, and local talent
The laid-back vibes of Cayucos
blend perfectly with the relaxed
atmosphere of Schooners. Just steps
away from the beach, you can drop
your beach blanket in the car and
walk directly into the restaurant. It’s
all about the views and the seafood
for this Cayucos institution.
It’s been a favorite of both locals
and visitors since 1994, when
founder Bill Larkin purchased the
1930s building and transformed
it into the restaurant and bar it is
today. The famous upstairs bar was
once an apartment, and many lo-
cals still remember the woman who
lived there for many years.
Schooners has a space for
everyone. Diners can sit downstairs
in a covered patio and watch the
waves and beachgoers, or in the
dog-friendly outdoor patio, com-
plete with a water wheel. There’s
an indoor dining room for anyone
who wants to be out of the sun for
a while. Upstairs is the outdoor
deck overlooking the water and the
Cayucos pier. It’s absolutely stun-
ning. Diners can dig into a side of
calamari while watching the sunset.
If the ocean breeze is too much,
the overhead heaters keep the chill
at bay. Adjacent to the deck is the
famous bar. It’s small and cozy
and feels like you’ve stepped into a
beach town bar of old movies.
The current owner, Brendan
Fritzsche, bought Schooners in
2010. He had opened a restau-
rant in Hawaii, but the lure of the
Central Coast brought him and his
family back. However, his Hawaii
days are evident in the welcom-
ing and charming atmosphere at
Schooners, where he brought his
love of music. Locals and visitors
can belt out their favorite tunes at
the Wednesday, 7 p.m. open-mic
nights.
Free live music plays on
Saturday and Sunday from May
to October. “There’s a lot of great
talent,” says Fritzsche. He loves
supporting talented local and
traveling musicians. From Labor
‘The only trouble
is deciding what
to eat.’
Day to Memorial Day, guests can
enjoy happy hour specials. Schoo-
ners is famous for its bloody
marys and margaritas. They also
have craft cocktails, local wines,
and many draft beers.
The only trouble is deciding
what to eat. The menu is dialed in
with local favorites such as fish tacos
at lunch. Dinner favorites include
pan-seared halibut, Harris Ranch
steak, and lobster. Fritzsche says the
cioppino topped with crab legs is a
must-try. During the winter months,
does anything sound better than
watching the sunset over the ocean
with a seafood stew?
You can book wedding recep-
tions and rehearsal dinners year-
round.
Schooners is open late, so there’s
no excuse to miss this Cayucos gem!
Schooners is located at 171 N Ocean
Ave., Cayucos, across from the beach.
Open Sunday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
and Saturday-Sunday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.
Bar is open an hour later. For the menu,
reservations, or more information, visit
schoonerscayucos.com, or call
(805) 995-3883.
—Karen Lycan
Schooners is a favorite for locals and visitors.