Avoid this place at all costs. I understand the reviewer below saying this is a 'country' store for the locals. Good thing there are plenty of alternatives in Pescadero and Half Moon Bay. The General Store has surly staff and an active interest in driving away customers. I'm pretty certain they jack up the prices for cyclists since my total kept changing (up and down) for the same items week over week. Easy when they don't post the prices for anything. Try the Pescadero Bakery a few miles south for great service, hot fresh baked goods and plenty of cold drinks. If you are cycling, the Bike Hut on Tunitas has water, coffee, tea, dried fruits and nuts all for a small donation. No need to use a hose. Can't beat it! I'll come back to the General Store when I see a "Under New Management" sign the next time I ride by. read more

I love this store. We always hit in on our way to the beach. They have the most random products in there, including a very eclectic array of hats. My boyfriend and I always hit them up for their yummy sandwiches, string cheese, homemade cookies, and bottled beverages. We have even hit up the bar on the rare occasion. They make a great hot chocolate. Yes they are a little pricey but I have never had anything but exceptional service. read more

Come on down to the store! sorry the bike riders don't like the pitcher of water but there's always the hose out back. To the folks from over the hill, remember this is a country bar, country store and if you behave yourself you might learn something about ranching, cattle or horses from the locals. No fancy drinks, great bloody marys, terrible sandwiches, but the music is free and no extra charge for the mud on your boots. Sit outside on a nice day and look around, enjoy the view, smell the fresh air, life doesn't get much better! Aloha George! read more

Live Jazz and bikers and cyclists, Oh My! This is the crossroads of coastside culture. A little hippie, a little yuppie, a little bikey, a little jazzy. They have a nice array of snacks, cold drinks, crafts, crazy merchandise, and often a live jazz band playing on the weekends. Good place to recaffeinate, rehydrate, or recover from a ride or a drive on the coast. This is just off highway 1 near San Gregorio Beach. I won't mention all the frontal and backal nugity on San Gregorio beach, by the way, so don't look for it here. read more

The store is fun, but the real winner is the music. Stop by and enjoy!

Stopped in on the way to Dominic's (the old Italian guy) awesome pumpkin patch up the road. San Gregorio General Store is a very charming building; my experience with the owner/staff was not charming. I asked a simple/common question in a friendly manner, was greeted with a short answer and a sneer. Staff/owner seemed sadly embittered at the world. There are several books near the front that apparently push the owner's philosophies about various things. Why would anyone want to read them if the result is turning oneself into a grumpy soul? If the objective of life is to be happy, the folks at the San Gregorio General Store are way off course. read more

They have great taste in hats, t-shirts, ceramics, cast iron. Slightly off the beaten path, literally and figuratively.

Bad place for children. Tons of imported crap from China. My daughter rolled a toy car across the front counter, and an old hag working there this morning snatched it away from her saying she didn't want her to break it. Oh, you sell toys that would break if a child used it for its intended purpose? Bad business. BAD business. It's sad cause we were having such a nice, quiet family morning. read more

I come here as a pit stop on my motorcycle rides. I pull over have a beer look at all the cool merchandise listen to the local bands and hit the road. If you need a quick drink soda or snack this is the place to go. read more

Great place, makes me nostalgic. I used to ride on the back of my fathers motorcycle and we would stop here for Sasparilla and sandwiches when I was a kid. They have a little bit of everything for a town of 27 people. Nice people and good service. read more

Not a local or regular? Steer clear then. Stopped in just to check the place out and grab a snack, maybe even buy a couple pairs of jeans. First of all, we could barely get in the front door because there were a bunch of people crowded around by it and didn't seem to want to move out of the way. Went in anyway and walked past a couple sitting down and literally got stared down by both of them! We'll never go back. read more

Unbelievably rude, downright hostile staff. Have no idea why they are this way, whether I stop by via car or moto. Compared to places in nearby Pescadero, or in Half Moon Bay, these folks think they have you at disadvantage. And so they squeeze. Rudeness. Dirty facilities. Unusable bathroom. Poor food taste, and preparation-packaging. My girlfriend will only go to the coast, if we don't stop here, even if we are desperate. Other people commented they hope the place goes bankrupt. Then actual human beings could buy it. Would be nice to have this place be decent. It could be good with all the [now wasted] potential of it's locale and building. read more

Santa Cruz is an interesting place. Walk into the wrong diner and request an egg white-only omelette and the world will literally cease to spin and they won't know what to do with themselves and you'll have to leave hungry and cranky and deal with your equally caffeinated crackhead trip buddies. If you're us, you will face miles and miles of beautiful coastline, exceptional scenery and not a bite of food to be found for miles...until you take the La Honda turn-off and find yourself in this wild little bar/post office/lunch spot (sammiches in the fridge in the back, kids...), and general store which sells everything from "Sorority Sluts" postcards to yoga bags to "Surrounded by Asses", a delightfully titled calendar featuring 12 months of donkeys. I am still regretting not making that purchase. I figured that as I am used to being surrounded by asses in my everyday life, buying the silly thing would be redundant. Boy was I wrong. The real draw here is the adorable bar featuring famous bloody marys and hot buttered rum. Drink the bloody maries. They will bring your loved ones back to life, they're so damn good. And miss barmisstress's sandwiches were surprisingly good and the atmosphere is so cool you don't even mind that you're not at some fancy pants lunch spot on the water or a typical breakfast place noshing on scrambles and lox. Highly reccommended if you happen to be in the area. The locals seem to like the bloody marys too. And there were quite a few locals when we found ourselves here. Good times, good times and I'm looking forward to my next visit. I will come prepared and I will drink Bloody Marys all day. read more

Such a gem, this little store. An oasis just off Hwy 1 on the long drive down to Santa Cruz. Located in a historic building, that has retained all it's charm, and usefulness, still serving as the post office, pub, and general store for the one of San Mateo County's last true farm towns. You will find a bit of everything in their retail area, from books and board games, to brooms and rubber boots. There's also a fantastic selection of hats, postcards and local crafts. It is a great place to for gift shopping, as you will surely find something unique. There's live music there every weekend, usually local folk or blues artists. If it's not too crowded, warm up by their potbelly stove, with a nice beer, and give it a listen. You will feel transported back in time. I also recommend trying their cookies, there's several kinds available at the counter, they are always fresh, and very tasty. read more

I absolutely adore this place. I've been going here since the early 90's. First stop, the bar for a glass of wine to aid my leisurely shopping expedition. It's nice when they have live music on the weekends. This store has lots of things, but I go to check out the hats and they also have great greeting cards. They also have items from local artisans, which is really cool. read more

Crappy, rude service. Their food sucks and is overpriced. Better to visit the store in Pescadero. read more

Stopped here on a recent bike ride. While certainly very eclectic with a shabby chic, cool vibe, it's clear that it survives because there is nothing else around. Virtually un-peel able hard-boiled eggs, stale cookies, scary sandwiches and hard-to-find help even when you are the only customer in the store. I did like the commercial that featured the store last year. read more

i'm writing this review because I love this place. I just read the other reviews and was really surprised to see so many negative comments. Of course, no place is perfect, but I wondered if the writers and I were actually visiting the same place. I found it sad but funny to read the impressions of people that say the store is run by, among other descriptions, duck hunters and republicans. I think maybe they ran into some of the neighbors and not the actual store people. Never, ever, has a staff person been rude, surly, aloof, or nasty to me in anyway. Sometimes you may have to wait a little if it's crowded, but the coffee is hand-brewed, and the drinks are not poured out of a computerized gun. The actual beauty of this place is that bicyclists, car aficionados, motorcyclists, country-people, armchair philosophers, retirees, old and new hippies, young families, and people who might not necessarily be speaking English, all find their way here. Plus, don't forget musicians and music lovers! Tattoos are welcome but not required. It's just a general store, with general items of interest for a lot of different kinds of people. Pick what you want- shopping, a bottle of water, a cup of coffee, a drink, read a book, people-watch, listen to some music... there is no cover, no minimum, and a nice warm wood stove. Alas, one size is not ever going to fit all, but you can easily combine a visit to the San Gregorio General Store with other stops on your way up or down the coast. Pet peeve: That anyone would complain that bicyclists have to take their cleats off and walk in their socks. It's a hardwood floor, for goodness sake! read more

There can be a few "critters" stewing around on the weekends, during music time, but giving this place anything less than 5... no way. San Mateo County history that is still alive and unchanged. read more

While taking a back route back to the 1 freeway from Pescadero, we stumbled across San Gregorio and this charming General Store. There's a bar inside, they have live music, and sell pretty much everything to every demographic. It seems to be a favorite for cyclists who need a pit stop and refueling break. But it's entertaining enough for anyone to stop in and take a look around. read more

A bit off the beaten path, but a perfect spot to go on a Sunday. I love the general store, the bar, and live music. Jeff and I usually visit the store while on our way home from Duarte's. I love this little trek to the coast. Can't wait for the next time. read more

for a fun easy day, this is a great place. A myriad of eclectic "junk" and good useful products. Sit up at the bar for a sandwich and drink. Yes, it is difficult to get "help" and the locals kinda stick together at the bar at times, but this never bothered me. I have fun trying on hats and clothes and reading the crazy silly cards. Books to read and kids toys too. Music and laid back and an old graveyard close by. The ride down the coast to the store is worth the visit. Have fun! read more

I have been coming here for my cast-iron, haberdashery and Russian Lit needs for nigh unto 20 years. It is a great place to chat up locals and have a beer, while checking out the outlandish reading offerings. It is fairly child-friendly and the stove is a nice warm thing on a blustery day. The only bummer is that it closes at 6. read more

Quirky local stop. Shop for cards or clothes. Order a beer at the bar or coffee. Great chill band.

Love it, it's my favorite place mostly when the new shipments are in, hope to be able to be there on the right time eventually

I'd been here a few years back and thought it was a great find; Cool old buildng, funky kitschy, great old time bar, good books, quirky humor, cool t-shirts, great selection of hat,from the silly to the practical. We were going to do a day trip meandering down the coast from San Francisco on a glorious 70 degree January day and intended to stop by. As my wife drove I looked at Yelp reviews. I was stunned to read the virulent comments of a number of Yelpers about the reported hostility of the staff. I entered the establishment with some reticence. When i saw the tattooed woman behind the bar I expected to be either neglected, destained or growled at. I can happily report none of the above. She greeted us immediately and was warm and welcoming. after she poured my individually dripped coffee, my wife mentioned that she could use a lightly caffeinated coffee, the bar tender told her their was some left over of mine and offered to pour some more hot water. The folks at the bar seemed to be having a great time with her laughing and chatting. When we bought a hat later her service prompt and personal. When I called back later in the day to inquire about lost keys., she remembered who we were, what we had bought and offered to go across the large store to see if we had left them where we had found our hats. When she got back on the phone she took offered to take my number and seemed genuinely empathetic about our losing the keys. Its definitely worth a pit stop and don't forget to go to the endless beach at San Gregorio with sea wood yurts, sculptures and forts. (p.s. The General Store is about a mile inland from the coast.) read more

Stopped in Saturday to listen to the music...always good stuff. The woman bartender, though, has no personality and frankly, a little rude. She's waited on me and my friends before. She's almost enough to keep me from stopping in there anymore:(( It should be a fun place to visit. The young guy bartender who throws a mean yo-yo is very nice read more

What a disappointment. Staff was rude. I got the feeling they only want locals there. Food selection is poor. Go to Pescadero & skip this place. read more

t's a store. It's a bar. It's a music venue. I'm not really sure what it is. Sometimes when you try to be too many things you don't do any of them very well. The store is way to expensive to purchase anything. It's a very small bar and the drinks are overpriced as well. The music is free and usually simple country/bluegrass/folk type music and that's the real gem. If you are the sensitive type you could get the "leave your cash and take your trash" vibe. It's a small town snobbish thing and I don't let it bother me. I am a white guy so it's not likely racism as others have suggested. I think they treat anybody who is not from there that way. If you don't need anything from the store (who does) and you are down for some good music (who isn't), this is a good place to go. if you must drink, BYO and drink it in your truck. read more

Fun place. We stopped here on the way to Carmel. Lots of beat era books. Seems like the kind of place where Japhy Ryder would hang out and drink strong tea. Wish I would have had a shot of their whiskey. Old wooden floors creak while you browse the books. Lots of interesting hats and Tshirts. Bike (the kind with pedals and the kind without) riders hang out in the parking lot and inside. I peed in the restroom which smelled like old fruit kept in a barn. My beautiful companion bought cigarettes. I hope to go back some day. read more

Stop by here when ever in the area. Great vibe, sometimes musicians playing. Very. Cool place for a drink or just browsing. A must stop

This place is so amazing so many memories, and the owner supports local musicians, local schools, and he is very well loved respected. I bring my children here to listen to music all the time. I have read the negative review from bike riders which saddens me, but may I add we are all entitled to our opinion.....if you are looking for Rockstar service go to a 4 star hotel, but if you want a taste of the old west come here, watch Deadwood the series, and belly up to the bar, bikers, and pedal bikers alike. yeehaw! read more

I took some friends from Bosnia here and they said it felt like home. I've also taken people from Paris and Baton Rouge by and they ALL have walked in and saw the walls and floor and heard the music and said, yeah, this is just like home. The place has a feel to it that's warm and edgy, that's timeless and prickly. Best general store Northern California. read more

this is a totally random store. it carries some of everything. random things--toy science kits, fishing gear, salad dressing, feminist buttons, funny hats. i felt like i was in some small town in middle america. or at a shop at disneyland that tried to mimic a general store in small town america. hmm. i felt far, far, away from san francisco. read more

We have stopped at this mixed bag of a gem off and on over the years going to our friends down the road and in Pescadaro, Pasterini's, and so forth. I love the live bands and solo singers, as well as assortments of treats, nicnacs, food, and beverages, and the wonderful employees and customers alike, giving its small town feel. Yesterday, there was a beautiful blond in cowboy boots and a dress singing who rocked the house while we looked at buttons and horse accessories. So, for your market, restaurant, bar, music venu, nicnac store, and post office rolled into one, the San Gregorio General Store cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.! read more

used to think this would be a great [place to stop on my bike rides but over the past few years, I have avoided the store due to the attitudes given by the patrons and esp the staff. having driven to the store and ridden there, there is a huge difference in the attitude to you. Kinda sad. So, if you want to go there, don't' cycle there, drive or ride your motorcycle. you'll have a better experience So, I opt to ride/ drive to the Pescadero Bakery now. the reception there is always friendly, Great inexpensive baked goods, Great sandwiches and they even have a picnic area @ the back of the store to hang out in where cyclists and others mingle. Nice! read more

I have been to the General Store several times in the past, but today it was a terrible experience! The problem was the patrons. I was in a group of 6 friends (techies from over the hill) and we stopped in for a few drinks and music. I tried to make friendly convo with the man next to me(he was 40 plus years my senior) and his buddies made it known that they were not the friendly type. I went on about my business when one of the buddies hissed at me to "just leave". I gathered up my friends, 6 attractive women in our 30's, and we decided that the scowls weren't worth it. We quietly left before we finished our drinks because of the hostile environment. What gives? read more

I've had a love/hate relationship with this place for years. I love the concept: An old-timey general store with snacks, souvenirs, oddities, unique clothing and a wonderful collection of classic books. It's like it was made for me. And yet I have never, not even once, walked in and felt comfortable. If I buy something I place it on the bar, and then I wait until the employee deigns to take my money. If he happens to be busy (besides talking to a bar patron) there's never a "I'll be right with you." Nor is there ever a greeting or a smile. And it's always been this way, no matter who is working there. I take that back. One time, several years ago, there was a woman behind the bar who was as cheerful and friendly as can be. I never saw her there again. I'm writing this today because I just got back and while I was waiting to pay for my stuff a drunk at that bar started talking to me, getting more and more aggressive. When I asked him what he was drinking he said, "What the f*** does it look like I'm drinking?" Then he started talking about how my people killed his president, which was Kennedy. My people, it turned out, were the English. He later revised that to English-Jewish. I am neither. I got out of there as soon as I could, stopping only when the employee called me to hand me the bag I had asked for. The employee seemed annoyed by that, too. This store had the potential be one of my favorite places, a must-see to take out-of-town visitors, but it's not. In fact, many times I've skipped it completely and drove the extra 20 miles round-trip to Pescadero, even if it was just to get a snack or soda. Too bad. This could be a fun place, but after going there intermittently for almost twenty years, I'm not holding my breath. read more

I went in with my kids and husband the other day and got totally vibed by the 2 A-holes working behind the bar... They were a couple of burn-outs acting all sketchy, like we were undercover cops or something! We witnessed them treat the couple ahead of us like sh*t, yet when we were exiting the store, one of the workers suddenly had a personality change when he greeted a "regular" with a high five and a "Oh hey how ya doing? Nice to see ya man!" Localism sucks!! read more

Stop at the San Gregorio General Store after making the run out route 84 to pick up a flat of strawberries at the farm just up the road. I first made the drive to San Gregorio beach when I moved out here in 2000 and its still one of my favorite memories of that first summer. The drive is, of course, great, but the places to stop along the way are equally good. We picked up a half flat of strawberries yesterday (that's 6 baskets) at the farm for $8 (!!!!!) and then stopped at the General Store for some sodas and chips. A couple of folk guitarists were tuning up as we walked around the store, and it would have been a great place to spend the rest of the afternoon. We spent a bit of time listening to the musicians tuning up and looking at the huge array of working clothes on display -- I especially liked the selection of "shrink to fit" 501 jeans and shirts with snaps -- then got back on the road. Next stop: Tres Amigos in Half Moon Bay for lunch! read more