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Mon-Wed. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
Thu-Sat. 11:00 a.m. - 11:00 p.m.
Sun. 11:00 a.m. - 10:00 p.m.
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The only thing to say is, FRENCH FRIES!!!!
I don't know what they use on these fries but MMMM so good! As other yelpers have stated, the tri-tip sandwich is what brings people in, but they have a lot of good sandwiches and salads. It is usually packed with a line not only out the door but down the block. They recently improved thier outdoor seating which is very nice with heaters and fire pits. Inside it is your basic sports bar with lots of big screen tvs and a bar that serves all the regular beers. But really if you come here get the large basket of fries cause if you are sitting with anyone else these will be gone within seconds!
If you've never been here, get the tri-tip.
If you've been here before, you probably got the tri-tip.
If you're here for the millionth time, it is probably because of the tri-tip.
Tri-tip sandwich: three words: nom nom nom
Good quality pub-style food. Hubby had the half chicken, which he loooooved. I had a chicken sandwich that was decent. The fries were good too.
The 5-star thing about this place: the prices. I don't know how they make any money with their prices being so low and their awesome (and huge) location.
The 3-star thing about this place: all the damn college kids. They make my 29-year-old ass look like a grandma!!
Hands down best tri-tip sandwich I have ever had. I've been coming to firestone for a long time now, and generally I try to save it for when friends come in to town because it is always the first place they want to go. The line is almost always out the door, but the cooks are remarkably efficient, and you will probably be surprised with how quickly you will get your food. Other notable choices include the ABC burger (something heavy), chicken sandwich (something light), steak tacos (something cheap), steak cobb salad (something slightly more healthy).
I have to say that Firestone Grill is starting to slip. I think the food quality, and surly service from the morons where you pick up the food are getting to not be worth the wait and price. I got such an attitude when I asked for extra ranch dreesing. You would think it comes out of his check to give me one more ranch! I complained to the manager and serously, the manager totally blew me off! I have always been a big fan of Firestone, but seriously my friends, you can miss it.
the ABC burger is mad delicious. also try the basket of fries i can never finish one myself. long lines but worth the wait. worth a trip to college town!
I like the fact that the grill is open until 23:00 on weekends. The tri-tip sandwich is to DIE FOR. Toasted, buttery bread with tender tri-tip oozing with sweet, tangy BBQ sauce in sandwich form. Their buffalo wings are breaded dry but definitely have a kick to them (since I felt it in the bathroom afterwards) but are delicious as well. Thank goodness they had bottomless refills on their soda aisle.
A great starter before heading out the bars!
They also have beer and a ton of LCD's mounted for all the sports going on.
A great spot that I wish was opened later after the bars close...
I WISH THEY HAD ONE IN LA!
Pros:
-I'm not usually a big fan of bbq sauces but this place is good.
-Lightly crispy on the outside and ohhh soooo.... MOIST on the inside baby back ribs.
-Tri-tip sandwich is perfect!
-Yummy baked beans.
-Simple great tasting food.
Cons:
-If you go there late, you might not get what you want.
-Overly crowded (a good thing for them).
-Tables are a bit dirty.
The only place I will eat at in Central CA.
Surprisingly, this must be one of SLO's gems for fast food joints. Everyone in our group of 10 was happy and satisfied with their sandwich of choice, which included the tender, sweet and tasty pulled pork. Split a batch of fries and enjoy a hefty portion of meat in your burger or sandwich to make your day.
Parking is available on the street and nearby lots. Service is friendly for taking your order and picking it up. Overall, it's worth a trip to grab lunch or dinner here especially if you're out of town.
The french fries here are a must -- special seasoning and perfectly crisp (never too well done or too soggy). Sandwiches and burgers are pretty good too...not the greatest I've ever had, but pretty good.
This is a great college hangout, but not really a place for, say, a family of four to enjoy a quiet evening on the town. I feel like people come here to hang out and watch sports for the most part... Great casual setting with great crowd energy. There are several big screen TV's and they're constantly tuned to ESPN, NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, etc.
Outdoor seating here is nice on a warm day.
If you want simple, tasty American food, this is the place for you. Fun atmosphere, definitely kid friendly and the staff is very nice.
Delicious food doesn't hurt either!
Holy smokes, best veggie burger on the face of the planet. Avocado, sprouts, BBQ sauce, awesome patty...
I know the point of coming here is obviously not for the veggie burgers, and I do eat meat, but they are SO DAMN GOOD.
Lines move quick, don't be deterred, get some BBQ sauce for the road!
Tri-Tip Sandwich. That is all that really needs to be said but...
The first bite is always the best... the meat is soooo tender... like biting through a stick of butter... and the memories of college years past that it brings to mind... This is always my first stop whenever I roll into town, and I'll usually skip breakfast just to prepare myself for this meal.
Don't forget the basket of fries and pint of beer!
Great BBQ! For $10 you can get a huge order of pork ribs, beans and garlic bread. More than enough for 2 people. The only negatives are the constant smell of windex from the workers cleaning the tables and their choice of music.
We were driving through SLO and a buddy of mine really wanted BBQ so after a bit of Yelping and figuring out the "best BBQ" to go in SLO, we decided on Firestone Grill. It wasn't one of the best BBQ places that I've been to but it wasn't one of the worst either. Too bad Yelp doesn't allow half stars yet because I'd give them a solid 3.5.
To sum it up:
Pork ribs: don't recommend
Tri tip sandwich: recommend
Slab of beef ribs: highly recommend (you get a lot of food for $14 here)
This definitely is the spot where a lot of the local college kids go to as it has a pretty college feel atmosphere and there is a little bit for everyone here whether you want to watch some sports, hit up the bar, or bring a big group of people to have some SLO BBQ.
We stumbled upon this place by accident last Sunday and we were not disappointed. Originally, we wanted to try Mo's BBQ but they close at 9pm so we walked for a few blocks and Firestone Grill was still open (yey!).
The portions were HUGE and the meat was really tasty. We had their trip tip and pig sandwiches with a side of the seasoned fries. together with a large soda, our dinner was not even $20! Such a good deal for really great food.
Not bad at all! Try their tri tip sandwich!
If you're not into the college scene at all or if you're over it, why go dine in SLO, right?! So you can't bitch and moan about the frat house feel to this place! it is what it is. It's really not that bad! Give it a try!
The best Tri Tip around. I am not sure what crack they sprinkle on this sandwich, but I can't get it out of my head. No Tri Tip has really come close to comparison since I went to school here. If you go to school in SLO, eat up my friends, becuase you'll miss this place when you're gone!!!
One of the most overrated places EVER!!! So a group of my friends and I ventured here this past Friday on our way to Pismo Beach. My boy, Ken N., highly recommended this place so i figured it must be good. Well to be honest its like...ok whats the hype about.
This place doesnt even come close to good BBQ. The infamous tri-tip sandwich was cotton mouth dry! My ribs i ordered were chewy as hell. I dont see how everyone can rate this so high, normally when you have these mass scale BBQ joints the output of food isnt that great. I will stick to that philosophy until proven wrong. Save urself the time and money ppl and go visit a mom and pop BBQ shop that can give you some real quality.
Cue..... Wooooo hoo??
Not a bad place, but not as good as it used to be. I found that my ribs were glazed in a sauce that was sweeter than I remember, and the music was (a) terrible and (b) too damn loud to ignore.
Just made the the experience tough to enjoy. But still good food, done fast, with good cold beer. Not bad, but just not like it was.
'CUE!!!!
Ribs, burgers, tri-tip, and great service! It really is a killer joint to hit up while you…
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OMG - the best tri tip sandwich ever! And what is IN that BBQ sauce? I'm still drooling.....
Everytime I came to SLO to visit, we ALWAYS went to Firestone. Even when my friend was sick of this place because he went there all the time, I still dragged him here so I could get the tri-tip. BEST TRI-TIP SANDWICH EVER, this is not just a bold statement. SLO raises some damn good cows because that tri-tip is so amazing. I always got extra BBQ sauce and a side of fries (the fries are SEASONED!). The cobb salad is pretty good too, they put tri-tip in the salad. Get a small to-go because it's the same size as if you get a large to-go.
Unfortunately, everyone I know in SLO is now gone, but luckily, my roommate still has friends there, so everytime she goes to visit, she brings me back a tri-tip, extra sauce, and fries.
Another place I'd like to visit the next time I'm in SLO town is Firestone Grill. I didn't know that they were famous for their tri-tip sandwiches - I will definitely have to try that next time.
I did however ordered the "ABC Burger" - which is Avocado, Bacon, Cheese. It was SO GOOD that you know it's SO BAD to eat!!! The patty was different than most patties I've had. I inhaled the sandwich and left the place with food coma. Perfect with a glass of beer. I also had a side order of fries & onion rings.
The tri-tip sandwich I ate here is probably THE best I've had from the area! Admittedly, I was expecting to eat it with salsa, but the BBQ sauce was just as delicious. Perfectly sweet, but not too sweet. The meat is tender and juicy, and the sandwich held up perfectly with each bite (as a perfectly created sandwich should be). The fries were good also. It also looks like a great place to hang out with friends and watch a game or two.
Three words. Tri tip sandwich. Awesome! I ordered that and a basket of fries and had to fight to put it all away but succeeded! Basically your eating meat on bread with BBQ sauce and fries and it gets 5 stars deservedly so. Wow, this place was very highly rated and didn't disappoint. I would go back when I'm in town more than I'd care to admit!
Terrific place for a burger and a beer.
NOISY atmosphere with constant number order calling, loud conversations, several sports channel tvs going and the clatter that is part of flat walls and no carpeting.
The bbq pork sanwich is great except the sauce is too too sweet for my taste. BBQ sauce is already 51% sugar, but I think they doubled it on this sauce.
Best bet is the cobb salad in my opinion!
Went here again yesterday - ordered the rib meal - baby backs with no sauce. Nothing has changed - still awesome. Cooked, seasoned, and served to me perfectly at the bar. The consistency here blows me away. The BBQ sauce is still awesome too. I kept eating the ribs (although I was full a little more than half way in to the meal) because they tasted so darn good - the portion is plenty and priced right - rolled out of here with food coma because I was beyond full. Servers here are great and when I left, this place had a line out to the street - for lunch. I asked the bartender if I could get a jar of the seasoning to go - absolutely not - it is a family private recipe - darn it. Still the best BBQ I've had in California so far.
The Best BBQ in California - hands down - anywhere. The ribs here are off the hook and they run out… Read more »
This was my first time in San Luis Obispo and as I was walking around I picked up one of the most amazing scents I have ever had the pleasure of smelling.
Like tucan sam, I followed my nose and it led me to Firestone grill. Unfortunately it was only 10 am and had to still wait an hour for them to open. This gave me an opportunity to walk around and get to know the city so it kind of worked out.
However, when 11 am came around I made my way back to Firestone grill. As soon as I walked in I was attended. I only ordered the trip tip sandwich, which is absolutely amazing. I am not a red meat kind of guy, I prefer chicken, fish, turkey etc.
The bread was warm and crunchy and the meat was tender and juicy. I only had a couple gripes, I wish they put more BBQ sauce on the sandwich. Also you had to go to the bar to buy a beer, which was a minor inconvenience.
Also their beer selection wasn't all that too many damn ales, and domestics. They need to add some good lagers to the mix especially for summer.
The service was really good, they all smiled and were very friendly. If you are in San Luis Obispo definitely stop by this place you will not be disappointed.
Ok, obviously this place is good. The tri-tip makes my mouth water when i think of it... I've been here many times, and I think they have other food here, but the tri-tip steak sandwhich... oh my.
$7.99 for the pure bliss tri-tip sandwhich, $1.69 for a side of seasoned fries. When your number gets called, make sure you ask for a side of bbq sauce because there isn't enough on the sandwhich anymore... for some reason I always need an extra dipping sauce here, and it will enhance your experience for sure. This is my order. I don't mind the line which can be nothing or go out the door, I don't mid that sometimes I have to eat outside because it gets too packed inside and there are no more seats.
$5.19 for a small Steak Cobb Salad (steak, lettuce, tomato, onion, bell pepper, your choice of dressing) is a good choice for people that are in to salads and don't want the blissful tri-tip sandwhich. People I know also like the ribs which are pretty good, or the pulled pork which I think is so-so. If someone else has ordered it, I've tried it, but I always order the same thing.
Other stuff: parking is a little tough... search like everyone else for a spot on the street, maybe the lot, if it's late enough or a Sunday the bank is good. Also, it has a sports bar like feel with multiple tvs in the back bar area. Generally there is just music playing, but if there is a really big game or fight that everyone wants to see, they'll turn the music down the tv up, but it gets packed. Outside is really nice, but can get chilly in SLO so have a jacket handy. College atmosphere, but families and locals go here as well... but once that sandwhich is in your hands. Oh man.
The food at firstone's is better than average. Their tri-tip sandwich is what they're known for, I prefer their salmon or Beef Ribs. They are great on a big sports night/day. Tons of big screen tvs and screaming fans.
The fries are awesome! Order them first and separate to get them quickly.
I have been going to firestones since 2000 and have loved it since. The tri tip sandwich with homemade BBQ sauce is to die for. Another thing that is very good are the fries with ranch.
This place is awesome and I recommend it to anyone who wants really good BBQ.
they have an awesome beer selection.
one thing not to do:
arrive right at lunch time because than you will have to put up with a long line and no where to sit. pain in the butt. very popular plae for the locals and the cal poly students.
I was super pumped to come back to good ole SLO town to see old friends, grab a shot at Bull's, and of course, Firestones. 1 out of 3 lived up to my expectation. Bull's is not the Bull's I remembered(they moved and remodeled), and Firestone's service was well.....read below
Soda Natzi's work here. I purchased an ass load of food here this past weekend, including a large soda for my gf and I. When I purchased my Large soda, I asked the cashier if it would be ok if I used a water cup for my share of the soda, since my gf had been super sick. She didn't care.
As I was sippin on some ice tea and waitin for my food, I had 4 employees tell me I was stealing. One prick that worked there asked me to dump out my drink and told me "not to be cheap". Cheap?? I just spent 30 bucks on a soda, sandwich, and 2 salads for 2 people. Seriously!!!?? Then he had the manager come over. Manager heard me out and apologized. Wow, this place was packed and this douche wanted to call me out for ice tea. OMFG!!! You get paid minimum wage dude. Chill the F out!
Best Tri Tip sandwich on the planet. Love this place.
Pros-Everything-Super fatty, butter toasted…
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great food, great service, nice bar.... this place is my must stop everytime i roll through SLO. first stop, in between stop and last stop with some to go TriTips...
Going to school here for 5 years.. the tri-tip started at like 4.75, but now is like 9.00.. . dotn know if it's worth that much.. but they definitely give you tons of meat.. i used to kill a whole sandwich easily. but now i have a hard time eating half.. maybe i'm getting old?? hahhaa
BEST TRI TIP SANDWICH.
My girlfriend took me here on our sf-heart-slo-la road trip. Tri tip was perfect and moist. So moist and tender that I thought for a minute it was a better cut of meat. I think they might broil the meat... or maybe they're bbq masters. i sure cant bbq tritip like that.
BBQ sauce is not overly sweet either. Good sauce texture too. Bread is a softroll... not my favorite but this is one sammish that doesnt need a better bread.
as a bonus, beer on tap was like 2.50. 2.50!!!!
self seating and tables are hard to come by... have your sidekick/loveedone/girlfriend swoop a table while you order.
It's been a few years since I've been back to Firestone Grill so I was stoked to visit again on a trip to SLO. This place normally gets 4 stars so the rating of 2 stars for this post if for the experience of that day.
Food [4 stars normally, 2 stars for this visit]
1. Tri-tip sammy
+ Stacked with meat and bbq sauce, not skimming ya there
- Meat's a little dry, depending on where they cut it
- Bread can be overly buttered
2. Veggie Burger
+ Sprouts and tomatoes go nicely with the hot patty
- Wheat bread is a bit dry
3. Firestone's Salad
+ Feta, peppers, tomatoes = super fresh, flavors dripping in the juice
-- Two negative signs because there was a piece of meat in the
salad (this was ordered for a vegetarian friend, yikes!)
4. Onion rings
+ Yummy batter
- Too much batter:onion ratio
Service [2 stars]
- tables outside needed to be cleaned more often
+ Props for working those huge crowds with such efficiency though!
Final Call:
Don't get me wrong, Firestone's is a good place to grub (especially if you're into tri-tip or just good, grilled food). They just cross-contaminated a vegetarian dish with meat which is a no-no for veg-heads. I'll visit again, but not with my vegetarian friends.
Okay, the only reason why a star is missing is cause for me personally, the yum factor is inconsistent. Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this joint. But it's more of a 4.5 for me.
I always order the tri-tip sandwich. Tried other stuff on the menu, but nothing else sticks out. Problem is, I can never finish the dang thing. I'm sure that's not a problem for most dudes, but I'm a chick. The meat chunks are really thick, and the sanwich is huge. Sometimes the meat is dry and you absolutely need to get extra sauce. Other times it's perfect as is.
A bit of warning - the bread is dunked in butter and toasted, so do NOT wipe your hands on your jeans after eating. Trust me. I usually feel really guilty eating that much grease, but for whatever reason I forget all that health crap when I bite into it. And don't forget the fries. SO GOOD.
As I wipe the drool from my chin, I smack myself for not going there last weekend. How did we run out of time?! We'll definitely have to make up for it next time.
Been to this place twice and seperate occasions going up from L.A. to Monterey for the MOTOGP races. I gotta say..thanks to one of my buddies for this one. After being stuck in the STUPID NEVERENDING Santa Barbara traffic...this was the perfect midpoint stopoff for a meal.
The cashiers are cute (must be from Cal Poly SLO), the BBQs are great and the seating's pretty good too. I ordered the tritip sandwich which was great...and when I had the half BBQ chicken, that was good too....but a bit too dry.
Great times in little SLO!
Yes, it is worth the detour and take an extra 2 hours from your road trip to stop here and taste their yummy tri-tip sandwiches. While we chowed down on our lunch, it was so good that between the four of us, we also ordered 16 extra sandwiches to take home! Yikes!
What makes it so good? Flavorful tender beef piled neatly high on a buttered french roll. The meat is tender enough that when you bite into the sandwich, it doesn't fall apart or slide! I was watching the carver slice so many of these meats... guess what - they don't put any of the ends of the tritip on the sandwichs! So yummy and cheap!!
Dropped a star after sampling their much hyped Tri Tip Sandwich that was average at best--kinda dry and non-eventful. Also--their BBQ items are quite dry and average.
Great place for chicken strips and burgers--but much of the menu I now can say is a bit average.
***SIDE NOTE and another reason to drop a star--the college kids in this town--there is a reason it is called SLO..........possibly the dumbest crowd of college kids on earth........just stand in line with them or be shoved in a corner table next to a group...I lost a few IQ points just breathing the air up in here today......
On my way up north I ALWAYS try to stop and eat here--it IS that good. Simple food like chicken… Read more »
I think I'm getting old, because the ambiance just didn't do it for me. It kind of felt like walking into a frat house. Lots of beer, loud music, and a lot of disorder. The food was pretty good though. The tri tip sandwich was tasty and tender and the ribs we ordered disappeared pretty quickly. The fries were ok, but nothing super special. We sat on the outside patio and it was a bit chilly. They had several outdoor fireplaces, but none were fired up. It was all good though, because between us and our friends we had 5 kids with us and they were able to wreak havoc pretty much unnoticed. Overall, a pretty good meal.
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