University Square Shopping Center, SLO

Note: This plaza has a drug problem in recent years. Update 2024: Now that the Boise law of 2018 has been overturned, people are being arrested finally. I saw a lady who had slept on a bench and was screaming out in drug-induced mania be taken away by police a few weeks ago.

University Square is a pretty shopping center with views of a mountain with rocky outcroppings. It is lovely to sit outside at Scout Coffee, sipping a drink and gazing at the green mountain. There is always a cool, pleasant breeze. Inside, Scout Coffee is also appealing, with adorable pale-colored decor, huge windows, high ceilings, friendly staff, and plenty of space. Come early to get seating outside. In winter, it is cold inside because they keep the big roller door open. During the academic year, it is extremely crowded and loud inside, but during college holidays you can easily find a chair.
There is also a Lassens Natural Foods here, with a good variety of foods to try, sometimes on special with good prices at that time. 
A boba tea and ice cream store called Milk In it (not very friendly), Pokirito Poke Bowls, Blaze Pizza, sports bar Milestone Tavern, and Mexican cafe called Taqueria Santa Cruz, add more options for eating out.
Across Foothill Blvd are many more places to try: Insomnia Cookies, Monika's Macarons, SloDoCo Donuts, Raku Ramen, Nucci's Pizza (good), Neighborhood Acai, and more. The seating at SloDoCo Donuts looks dark and grim, but if you go inside to the right side there is lovely seating with calm music. Their donuts are cooked with a healthy choice for oil (beef tallow- except for the vegan ones), and the plain cake donut is not too sweet like the others. They also have ham and cheese croissants, in case you're hungry for a meal.
This is the main food area closest to Cal Poly University, which is why there are many young people and a happy atmosphere. 
After your coffee, walk south on Broad Street or Chorro Street past historic homes with views of the two peaks: Cerro San Luis and Bishop Peak! It's one of my favorite walks in SLO, in the Foothill neighborhood. Another nice walk is along Patricia Drive from end to end. This street also has good views of the two mountains, though no historic homes.

Directions

University Square is located at 880 Foothill Blvd, San Luis Obispo CA 93405. There is plenty of free parking in the large parking lot.

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