Steynberg Gallery Tea and Coffee House

Believe it or not, this is our 50th blog!  Three years ago today we met at Outspoken and launched the idea of getting together for coffee as often as we could and blogging about our experiences.  We had hoped to visit Outspoken again, but they are closed for now.  So we decided to go to our second blog spot, which was the Steynberg Gallery Tea and Coffee House at 1531 Monterey Street here in San Luis.  We normally go to coffee in the morning, but today we went in the late afternoon, which is why Sheila got a decaf iced coffee.  Iced, because it's ridiculously hot today, too.  Now Joan decided to go totally off the rails and got herself a glass of chardonnay. After all, we are celebrating our 50th slocoffeecrawl anniversary, so to speak. The coffee was $2.50 and the wine was $6.00.  On our first visit here they did not have wine and beer available but now they do.  They still have many coffee and tea options as well as some delicious menu items.  One fascinating thing about Steynberg's is that it is located in what used to be the Farmer Brothers Coffee Company distributorship building, built in 1934.  It remained Farmer Brothers for 50 years until the company moved to larger quarters in 1984.    The  company stayed in business throughout the depression, even hiring more employees, because coffee at that time was only 5 cents a cup and almost everyone could afford that.  Steynberg Gallery has been in the building since 1999.

Farmer Brothers Coffee Building

Steynberg Gallery Today

Local artists are featured.

Stage at the Gallery for speakers and musicians.

Think About It: This could be you without coffee!

Starbucks at Vons

So...today we went to what we believe is the last Starbucks location in San Luis Obispo on our coffee crawl,  which is in the Vons grocery store at the Marigold Center, 3900 Broad Street.  Vons and ambience are not two words usually used together, but it has a down home charm to it.  There is indoor and outdoor seating, and if you want to rent a movie, buy a gumball or a lottery ticket, or exchange your coins for dollar bills, these machines are only a few feet away from the table where you are enjoying your ever consistent Starbucks coffee.  Sheila had a regular tall cup of coffee which was not disappointing and cost $2.05.  Joan had a tall decaf toffee nut latte with soy milk, which was $4.05.  It was sweet and smooth. You can use your Vons rewards card at the Starbucks there, too!  We shared a blueberry scone, which was delicious and great for dipping.  There was a steady clientele, both in and out for morning coffee and those wanting a cup during grocery shopping.  Another option is to sit and read your paper and enjoy your coffee or other drink while your partner shops.  The parking is fabulous, and there is easy access to the many other shops at the Marigold Center.

 Think About It: Relax, you've arrived.