So I am attending the Firestone Walker Invitational. Driving from LA to Paso Robles. Are there any places that I must hit up along the way? Food reccomendations also welcomed.
My suggestion to get out of LA as fast as possible. I would take the 5 to the 46 instead of the 101 all the way up. A worse drive, but much quicker.
Jocko's in Nipomo (just north of Santa Maria) has delicious steaks for lunch and dinner. DON'T go to Little Jocko's...it's just a fast-food burger joint.
If you take the 101, then I would recommend stopping at Ladyface Ale House in Agoura Hills. Good eats and good beers. Fill a growler and hit the road.
If you're taking the 101, there are a few places in Ventura Co. Ladyface and The Lab are right down the street from each other in Agoura Hills. Surf Brewing in Ventura is making some very tasty beers. Hollister seems to be the place to hit up in Santa Barbara, although I personally haven't been. The Figueroa Mtn. Brewing tasting room is a really cool spot in Buellton.
Food recommendation: If you like clam chowder, hit up Splash Cafe in Pismo beach or downtown San Luis Obispo (both along highway 101). Best clam chowder ever. This place will ruin your opinion of every clam chowder you have after it. On the way back you can even pick up a frozen quart to bring home with you. A word of caution though, be careful when driving up to Paso Robles after, this stuff will put you in a food coma.
