What a funky little place - super original and definitely SLOcal! Needed some sandwiches for a road trip, was in the area and thought I'd give the Sidewalk Market a try. I'm so glad I did! The exterior is definitely unassuming to say the least, I mean it is a functioning liquor store next to a public park. Once inside, you'll see everything you'd see in a 7/11, but with a much more quality selection of liquor. If I'm looking for a bottle of high-quality bourbon or whiskey, I'll certainly come here next time. But I scooted past that vast selection, because 1) it was lunchtime and 2) I was looking for food. =) I ordered a Mediterranean wrap and a Gyro pita from the little counter in the middle of the shop. I chatted a little with the chef, who was super sweet and helpful to pack my order with sauces on the side so nothing would get soggy before we ate it. Within a few minutes, everything was packed and ready, I paid with credit card and left for our road trip adventure. When we opened the lunch pack, we were greeted by amazing smells and great tastes! Especially the Mediterranean wrap was delicious! It's all a little pricey at $11 for a sandwich, but they're huge and so tasty, that you should skip any of the cheap offers from Subway and Co. to eat here! It's unique, local and delicious! read more

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You may just think of this as a liquor store, but it's actually quite a bit more. This place is a hidden gem of some of the best craft beer for sale anywhere on the Central Coast. Seriously! From racks and racks of beers from Anchor, Founders, Dogfish Head, Stone, Oskar Blues, and tons more. They have specialty bottles of barrel aged, anniversary beers, hard to find brands too. They have a large wall of refrigerators for a load of cold beer too. But I'm not kidding you'll come in here, walk to the back and just feel blown away that you didn't know this selection existed. In addition to the beer, they have a deli where you can order everything from sandwiches and gyros to burritos and schwarma. Serious! The sandwich I had from here was okay, not amazing. I'd still come back to try the gyro though. Of course they have chips and drinks and lots of liquor too. Every time I've ever come in the cashiers have been super cool, laid back and really friendly. Just stop by and wander around, you'll find something you didn't know you want for sure. read more

Sidewalk Market - The Nona. - Grocery Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

This place deserve zero stars, I bought a bottle pf lemon juice when i got home I found it was expired. When I tried to return it the chasier said i can't do anything about it. I mean these people have lost their shame. Never coming back! read more

Best tacos. However the owner or manager (white gentleman) was not wearing a mask. He was walking around the store talking loudly to one of his vendors (who was masked). I said to him that I felt very unsafe in his store because he wasn't wearing a face covering. His reply: "I feel for you." Outrageous response. He then put on a mask. His colleague behind the register had his mask under his chin. Our small businesses need support now more than ever. Had I known that going into the store (and before placing my order), I would have gone somewhere who was respecting the protocols and the law. It should not have arrived to the point that I had to call him out. A customer should never be put in that position with an employee, owner, manager, etc. of a store. Just be aware. read more

It may be tiny but this market packs a punch! Convenient location, ample parking, fair prices and a great selection of snacks, drinks, candy, and even wine! Catch them at the right time and you might get lucky enough to pick something delicious up from their homestyle deli! Late hours too mostly... read more

Sidewalk Market - Open as always on this rainy day! - Grocery Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Great sandwiches in a town of great sandwiches! They put special extras like basil and pepper sauce that make me crave their sandwiches specifically. I also like that their bread is not too thick, so it doesn't get in the way. Sidewalk Market also has a surprisingly large and eclectic selection of beer and ethnic foods that are hard to find. Go there and support a nice family that will remember your name next time you're there! read more

Sidewalk Market - Grocery Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Great deal on a very tasty sandwich. Even loaded with all the fixins, it wasn't too soggy. The dressing and the banana peppers give it a nice flavor punch. Good selection of beers as well. Grab a sandwich and go devour it at Mitchell Park. Also close to the SLO Amtrak station for those looking for a bite to eat before or after a long train ride. read more

Sidewalk Market - The Sicilian sandwich - Grocery Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

A local gem! Dropped in to try the beef pita... Mmmmmmm Perfect! Huge selection of market items. Sure do miss the times when it was only neighborhood markets. Employees are extremely friendly and welcoming. read more

These five stars are for the happy belly deli that resides within the sidewalk market. The sandwiches we ordered are now apart of the clean plate club. Support local owned business and try their delicious sandwiches! read more

Saw on Yelp this was a great place for wide selection of beer. Meh. I must be jaded because where I live in Colorado and craft beer is a way of life. But I guess on the bright side at least in California you can buy alcohol in grocery stores! read more

I live right next door to this joint and have been there countless times. Positive: very good beer selection for such a small market/deli Negatives: A bit overpriced; you'll pay $1-2 more than you probably would at most places for a sixer. Worse though, the older gray-haired gentleman that works the cashier is crazy shady. Yes, he smiles and is very friendly, but the guy will try to pull a fast one on you to get extra cash. He's done so three times with my roommate and I: - I came into the store to buy a bag of chips while on the phone. I bring it up to the register (still on the phone) and he rings up something like $11+ for the chips. I'm sure he was thinking I wasn't paying attention and would just swipe my card. So I look at the price on the register and give him a look like "c'mon...what is this?" and he quickly rings up the right price. - Recently, I went and bought a six-pack that was marked $7.99 and even had its own isle bumper section where it was all stacked, with a huge sign noting the special price. I take it to the register and he rings up $11.99. Obviously, I tell him the price that its listed for and he acts completely shocked and in disbelief, asking me if I grabbed the right one. I try to get him to follow me to show him where the beer was and the price they were selling it for, but he won't follow me or even look. He finally gives it to me for the $7.99 price and tries to give me this sad tone like "okay, my friend, I'll give it to you for that price this one time as a favor." - Just today (the reason why I'm finally writing a review), my roommate went in to buy a cheapy four-pack of toilet paper, which is roughly $2.50. My roommate gives him a $20 bill and the guy tries handing him back $4 in change. Bottomline, if you do choose to come here, make sure you ask for a receipt and know the price of the item you're buying. read more

I'll start by saying I'm definitely a loyal customer to this location and also eat often from the kitchen / deli that is located in the store itself; not only is this one of the best convenient stores in the town of San Luis Obispo (besides Beverage & More located at Higuera and South street..) but they also have opened the kitchen inside to a new owner who is super experienced in the kitchen & will completely knock your socks off with his menu and cooking skills. Some of the best priced meals, from breakfast to dinner style. You name it he will most likely have thee ingredients, if not his own style or personal recipes; the seasonings used are very meticulously perfected by the cook himself; you will notice when you taste your meal. I completely support the store itself and usually stop in daily, but now the food inside being freshly made to order is definitely the icing on the cake! From the clerks to the cook you can't go wrong; good quality food at good prices and also great employees that never be nothing less than professional & friendly to ANY customer!! Highly suggest checking out the new cook & enjoy some amazing grub! Just take a peak at this sandwich I had made, on the spot, the other day! Better than any deli/ restaurant I've been in in this area! read more

Sidewalk Market - Best stacked club sandwich you'd get around town - Grocery Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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I stopped by here to revisit this deli. I had not been here for years. Looks like they changed hands since then. It is now Mexican food. I tried the Birria Torta and it was magnificent. The bread must be from a local bakery. It was really light and delicious. The birria had a good range of mild spices in it. The tomato and lettuce was really fresh. There are only four tables inside, but they have tables outside too. If you eat inside, then you'll enjoy watching people coming inside to buy stuff from the local market that surrounds you. I recommend it highly for a quick lunch, friendly staff, and people watching. read more

The new deli folks are very helpful and friendly. Sadly, they use MSG (monosodium glutimate) seasoning on all of their meat products to enhance the flavors, except for the carne asada. Good news is that unlike some places that don't know or won't tell you the ingredients, they were knowledgeable and forthcoming. I'll go back for the carne asada tacos and just avoid the other items. read more

Been in SLO 10 years and just now visited this liquor store and deli. Boy was I surprised, the sandwiches are exceptional and the beer selection is probably the best in town. I can't wait to go back and try some other sandwiches. read more

Decent selection of wines and beers. There is something within every price range. A good go-to spot for a $20-25 bottle of champagne, a 6 pack of beer, or a decent $15ish bottle of red wine. Sometimes there are great deals to be had here (a wine I loved was $20 at the winery but only $13 here). I have had a bottle of one of my favorite red blends here that tasted a little off- not bad, but sort of like it had gotten too hot in storage. Possibly not their fault, maybe a distribution issue. I will still stop by for decent priced booze when in the area. read more

Another SLO secret. Hands down, the best sandwich ever. Crave that special pepper sauce. Take it to go. . . and go outside and enjoy. Just outside the door, or across the street in the park, or hide in your car so you don't have to share with anyone. read more

What a delight to find that this place is so much more than a liquor store and sandwich counter. The Mediterranean dish we had was perfect. Tasty, tender, juicy, fresh vegetables and made with a smile. I am coming back, and with Mitchell park across the street, I know where I am going on a sunny day! read more

Jack has a big selection of wine and alcohol and it's cheaper than in other places. Highly recommended!

Definitely a surprise! It's like a little BevMo in there! The shawarma sandwiches are my husbands and I favorite. But please PLEASE eat a mint right afterwards. The pastries are very VERY delicious!~ read more

The holy grail of lunch faire! Just strolled into this non-description market and ordered up the Beef Shawarma in a pita. Incredible food. There are so many mediocre lunch options in SLO but this place delivers a mouth watering must-have. read more

I was searching for pickled grape leaves to make my own wrapped grape leaves with meat and rice ( called dolmas/sarmas ) Petra had them for $10.00 16 oz jar. VONS has them $5.99 8 oz, but this place, there $7.99 16 oz, so I am fan of here. The person working the register was very friendly. Place was clean. read more

Less expensive than other places around town. Great variety. My new go to place for a brew after work!

We love sidewalk. Super bomb sandos, super sweet staff. Lots of random shit. They have a bathroom, don't tell them that I told you, it's for employees only. They sell shisha, which is totally a lifesaver. Outside seating, lovely decor. Rare liquor, it's on the top self. read more

The best corner store in town. Go there and tell me you are not impressed by their massive beer selection. Staff are super nice guys. Its right across from Mictchell Park so its convenient for hipsters who think that this is like San Francisco or something. Prices aren't so bad for beer either. its about what you would pay (maybe a little cheaper) than going across town to BevMo. Haven't tried their sandwiches yet. read more

I watched the movie the Avengers, and at the end, Thor, Iron Man, The Black Widow, and the Hulk, are eating at a Shawarma restaurant after just saving Earth from an Alien race, and as I was passing by Sidewalk Market Deli & Liquor in San Luis Obispo, I noticed a Shawarma sign, so I thought I would try it for once in for all. The Beef Shawarma was delicious and low in fat, the tasty secret orange sauce is tangy yet not so spicy that it would give you an ulcer, and the Hummus was fresh, homemade, and absolutely delicious. It was one of the best meals I have had in well over a month, and yet still affordably priced. Next time I am in the area I am trying the Felafel's which also look delicious. My only gripe is that the San Luis Obispo County doesn't yet have a Calfresh program to allow the homeless to use their food stamps to buy a hot meal now and then as they do in New York and in Santa Clara County. read more

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Review is purely on beer selection. I was driving around hoping to find a 6 pack of craft beer for a chill night and happened to drive by Sidewalk. I lived in SLO for 5 years and never came here, and it was on the way to my friend's house so I figured I'd go in and see what was up. I was pleasantly surprised by the rows and rows of international, craft, and micro brews. The prices are a little bit high but the fact that this small grocery shop had so much was worth it. Easily one of the best I've seen in slo other than bevmo. Plus I l.ike helping out local, small businesses. They should definitely advertise their extensive beer collection because I never would have waltzed in there if not for an intuition. If you like American and international craft beer definitely check this place out. Cheers. read more

Don't let the outside fool you - inside this humble little corner store is a wonderful craft beer/microbrew section that'll blow you away. Small wine section with some of the local vines as well. read more

A three minute drive from my work, I stopped in on my lunch break seeking out the beverage that gets me thru the last half of my shift: KOMBUCHA... Although this place does not carry kombucha, (if they do, I didn't find it, but that's ok) I will not be a stranger here. As I walked the aisles, people were milling in and out purchasing their "forties", bottles of water, smokes, whatev, and the owner was very personable with all of them. Whether they were regulars or first timers (like me), he cracked jokes as he asked for ID when needed. When I got to the counter, he made small talk, which had me telling him I was a Chef. He said that sounds like more fun than selling alcohol and cigarettes, and I told him I had sold alcohol and cigarettes within my working lifetime as well. He then pointed to his A grade secret shopper report card he has hanging front and center, props to you kind sir!!! I wouldn't want to see you lose your liquor and or tobacco license, you are too nice of a man!!! Next time I'm in, I'm trying the beef schwarma, my favorite Greek food dish!!! read more

Such a great deli! You might think it's a little sketch because it's inside a liquor store but this is defintely my go-to deli. Every Friday the bf and I get some sando's during my lunch break: the Nona, the albacore tuna and Pover boy sando's are our top 3. Staff is super nice, and sandwhiches have quality ingredients. You can sit outside or go across the street and have a picnic at Mitchell Park. Mmm full from my Pover boy sando that I just ate, yum! read more

Really friendly people who own it. Tasty sandos that are affordable and filling. Good beer and wine selection. Ethnic food section has some gems. Best convenience store in town with out a doubt. read more

Ahhh, gotta love these guys. I live around the corner so we see a lot of them. Love the meatball sandwich. Killer beer and wine selection and ben and jerry's section more importantly! Definitely makes me enjoy the neighborhood I live in :) read more

While there are a number of Middle Eastern eateries in San Luis Obispo (Petra Cafe, Jaffa Cafe, Fattoush, Oasis), this little Syrian-owned market and liquor store produces by far the best shawarma in town. They also have delicious homemade falafel, hummus, mutabal (baba ganoush) and pastries. They do deli sandwiches, too. read more

Friendly family owned store. A favorite place for a quick lunch in SLO. Very good liquor & beer selection.

ooooh good lord their new menu is AMAZING! We tried their felafel pita sandwich, and their chicken pita sandwiches and were blown away!! There is so much amazing flavor and just the right ingredients. Great food. Great price. Great Service. We were amazed and will definitely be back! read more

I think it's best food for the price in town. I always get the chicken shawarma plate and I am never disappointed. Only downside is that their open hours are somewhat inconsistent. read more