“In wine there is wisdom, beer there is freedom and water there is bacteria” stated wisely by Benjamin Franklin and used with other bits of wisdom at Eureka Burger in San Luis Obispo. Following their mantra of Eureka, used as an exclamation of triumph at a discovery, I agree. I had avoided this place because of the long waits and burger centric meals, but I became a fan on the first night, a convert on the second meal. There is a talent to creating a menu that will sustain and intrigue the college crowd, yet make the locals (and grownups) come back again and again. Eureka has accomplished this with a full and unique drink items and delectable food staples. Those that truly appreciate great food, craft beer and artisan liquor like me are discovering a better restaurant experience at Eureka in downtown San Luis Obispo.
Our first night there we sat at the bar and received some of the best service I have had a casual restaurant. The bartender made Mr. Bayus an Old Fashioned that loosened his retrieve and made him swear to come here every night. They he presented him with the Butterscotch Rum Pudding that was pronounced “Green Mile” worthy, a first for a dessert, and this one was topped with homemade whipped cream, caramel sauce and flaky sea salt. He inhaled it; I didn’t get to try even a bite. He has since returned over ten times for this after-work treat of liquor and pudding. 
I started with the Fried Chicken Sliders that surprised and delighted me. The perfectly fried chicken was shaped into a small patty then put on a biscuit slathered with tomato jam, a crisp and delicious housemaid pickles and served with signature hand cut fries. The biscuit/bun had me puzzled, as it was familiar and yet not something you get in a restaurant. When I asked the manager about it, he sneakily whispered that they were Pillsbury biscuits. Brilliant! Comfort food, wrapped in comfort food. Then there were those fries. I am usually not a fan, but these were so good, I ate them all and ordered more for dessert. I choose the buffalo dipping sauce as a fantastic alternative to ketchup. It was our first time there and I had to tell the server about how please and surprised I was. He instantly bought us another dessert, the Chocolate Espresso Soufflé Coffee Cup Cake that was a dark chocolate soufflé with homemade whipped cream and a vanilla bean ice cream. Next we came back for Happy Hour and I was delighted at all the offerings. Shishito Peppers that were grilled and topped with tobiko (fish eggs) and fresh lemon juice. The Pacific White Fish Tacos that were
blackened and sautéed tilapia with cabbage, avocado aioli, mango salsa, and cilantro all served within two corn tortillas. It was fantastic. The Lollipop Corn Dogs made Gary happy with his rare IPA beer. They consisted of a Polish sausage saturated in a sweet corn batter then fired. They are dipped into spicy porter mustard, homemade ketchup or ranch. He proclaimed it the top “Men Food” as he grunted and watched sports on the big screen TV’s.
I finished it off with Watermelon Salad that was crisp and refreshing. It consisted of arugula, kale, lemon vinaigrette, homemade quinoa, watermelon, feta, toasted walnuts and a balsamic glaze. Again, the service was outstanding as my wine got toppled over that they refilled it for free. Eureka exudes the benefits of handmade food, locally sourced produce and fresh baked breads found throughout the menu. You’ll find an authentic, one-of-a-kind experience serving a wide selection of all natural beef burgers, signature hand cut fries, gourmet salads, delectable sandwiches and delicious desserts. They strive to treat each guest as an important individual and prepare each plate with the pursuit of perfection in mind.
Eureka is located in San Luis Obispo
1141 Chorro Street, call them at (805) 903-1141, they are open everyday for lunch and dinner.
1141 Chorro Street, call them at (805) 903-1141, they are open everyday for lunch and dinner.
