Seven varieties of mac & cheese and 2025’s ‘Best Bloody Mary in SLO’

—Stepping into Black Sheep Bar & Grill is like visiting a European pub, except instead of hobbling over cobbled streets, it’s in downtown San Luis Obispo. The European vibe is a nod to owner Myriam Olaizola’s childhood in Auvergne, France. Her grandmother would make her favorite comfort food, noodles with a local cheese called cantal, and serve it au gratin. That childhood favorite has grown to grace the menu of Black Sheep Bar & Grill with award-winning mac ‘n’ cheese, Guinness braised burgers, nachos, fresh salads, and craft cocktails. The bloody mary was voted Best in San Luis Obispo in 2025.

Myriam says, “I remember that feeling of comfort and togetherness when we would gather around the table to enjoy our ‘nouilles au cantal’ (noodles with Cantal cheese), and I wanted to recreate that same feeling at Black Sheep.” The original pub mac ‘n’ cheese that she brought to SLO now also has seven different versions and a build-your-own option for the adventurous. She even offers gluten-free noodles so everyone can enjoy the famous mac ‘n’ cheese.

The dreams of a family rebel

Myriam was the black sheep in her family of doctors and bankers. Her best friend’s family owned a high-end restaurant at a local hotel, and instead of studying medicine or finance like the rest of her family, she took a job as a server and bartender. She was only 14 years old, but she realized she wanted something different.

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“I loved serving food and drinks to people and making them smile, and dreamed that one day I would have my own place.” It’s not surprising that when she left for university, her apartment became the hangout spot for friends. Even on a tight budget, she would whip up meringues, gratins, and, of course, her mac ‘n’ cheese. Friends would bring random ingredients, and she’d create something new and delicious. It was in this tiny apartment that she began to experiment with her own mac ‘n’ cheese recipes.

“It was kind of my first restaurant, where I was the host, bartender, server, cook, and all, except it was at my place. I thought that one of these days I would actually open my own place, and provide a beautiful haven for all to gather and share meals and drinks.” With that dream in mind, she took pictures of beautiful bars and bistros when she traveled in France, England, Spain, and Italy.

Comfortable old-world with an American twist

In 2000, she moved from France to California. She thought she’d end up in San Francisco, but after visiting San Luis Obispo, she fell in love with the Central Coast. In 2003, the downtown San Luis Obispo location became available, and it felt like a dream come true. She’d been waiting to open a European-style bistro since that first job at 14 years old.

She exclusively hired local artisans to create the bar and give it “a comfortable European old-world feel with a little American twist.” She wanted people to feel like it was a cozy home away from home. Her childhood dream was realized when Black Sheep Bar & Grill opened in 2005.

She’s grown close to her staff over the years. They affectionately call her mama sheep, and she calls them her baby sheepies. They even crafted a signature Mama Sheep cocktail on the menu as a sweet, floral tribute to her with St Germain elderflower liqueur, botanical rose Kettle One Vodka, champagne, and fresh-squeezed juices. Myriam says, “We are known as the house of heavy pours. We’re generous with our portions, both food and alcohol. But our key ingredients are love, care, and daily consistency.”

Black Sheep Bar & Grill is located at 1117 Chorro St. in San Luis Obispo. Open daily at 11 a.m. For more information and online orders, visit blacksheepslo.com, or call (805) 544-7433.

—Karen Lycan