WOW this a great find! Very friendly staff and the hotdogs are delicious. We ate lunch outside and it was perfect weather. Next time we're in town I'm going to grab some of their delicious looking gelato read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Jumbo FAMOUS CHICAGO DOG - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

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This place is a hole in the wall. But everything was awesome. Chicago beef was fantastic. Chicago style hotdog is true to its name. Meatballs are good, I've had better but no complaints. Need to go back and try the homemade pasta. I will recommend this place and be going back for sure. Oh also great gelato and that was unexpected surprise! read more

I've only had the meatballs and pasta from this tiny establishment just 2 blks east of 101@ Tefft Ave. I grew up in a 'little Italy' neighborhood south of downtown San Jose and ate plenty of local deli and restaurant plus home cooked Italian meals. These meatballs remind me of those days! These are fine textured, tender and juicy with plenty of meaty flavor. The sauce (or gravy) was JUST like my friends' Nonnas, and rivals the iconic La Villa Deli sauce, seasoned with a delicate touch and not oversalted. I 'll try some of the other Italian sandwiches, incl the Pastrami dip, which was a childhood favorite. Very friendly staff and they do a steady takeout trade, so call in if you're in a time crunch. read more

The owner has no idea when it comes to people waiting for a hot dog and you just bullshitting with this customer. A couple came in there had no idea what they wanted to order. Literally it took 15 minutes for them to order one hotdog to share. But what the most upsetting was as I was waiting behind them he's talking to the owner about the business, then the owner asked them what are their plans for today, blah blah blah, and I'm waiting patiently to order my one hotdog. Literally took almost 30 minutes from the time that I got there and and only one couple in front of me. If you don't mind waiting 30 minutes for one hotdog and it's not even busy, this is a place to be. I'd rather go to Costco for only $1.50 and receive instant gratification, and that comes with a bottomless fountain drink. Oh, and they're never consistent with their hours of operation. read more

Ok, let me preface this by saying this review is *strictly for the pizza*. I have not had any of their sandwiches, hot dogs, or anything else. I was browsing their menu when I saw "Chicago Tavern Style Pizza". Now, I've been to Chicago, but when I was there I didn't get to try this "tavern style". I tried the deep dish like a dumb tourist, but I always heard that the locals there were all about this "tavern style". So I thought that I'll finally get to check a box off my list. Also, the picture of it on their menu looked pretty good! I ordered it online, and went to go pick it up. I arrive, and the guy behind the counter tells me 5 more minutes. No problem at all there. I see they have italian ice. I order a kids size italian ice (Cherry/Pineapple flavor..it was fine) to eat while I wait. The pizza comes out, and the box feels hot in my hand. I'm stoked to get this baby home and eat till I'm ready to pass out. When I get in the car, I can't help but take a peek at this beauti----WHAT THE FUCK IS THAT? Nooooooooo. First off all, there's wayyyyyyyyyy too much cheese on this thing. Like, even if you ordered extra cheese (I did not), it would be too much. Secondly there was no pepperoni. I breathe a sigh of relief...I got someone else's pizza. Someone else ordered this monstrosity. Cool. I take the pizza back into the store, and tell the man "Hey, man. I think I got the wrong pizza. I ordered a pepperoni". He smiles and says "The pepperoni is under the cheese!". Whyyyyyyyyyyyyy? Why would you do that? Now I'm going to be eating a congealed mound of cheese sitting atop a layer of impotent pepperoni. I decide, you know what. I'm gonna give it a chance. Maybe this will blow my mind. I take it home, I eat the little corner piece. Ok..not great, not the worst thing ever. It tastes about frozen pizza quality, which I'm not above. Not worth $20, but I'll just suck it up and eat it. I put some chili flakes on half of it. That always helps, right? I eat one slice...somethings starting to really taste off. I eat another one...ooof this is getting worse, but why? I make it halfway through a third slice before I can't take anymore. What is that taste? Then I realized it's an overpowering amount of oregano. I peel the cheese back from the crust. Guys. I have never seen that much oregano in one place in my life. Not even in my oregano shaker. At that point, I decide I have to chuck this thing in the trash. My advice to anyone out there: Maybe Stefono's hot dogs and sandwiches are good. I have no idea. But do NOT, under any circumstance, order what they're calling a pizza. My words of advice to Stefono's: Watch a Youtube video on how to properly assemble a pizza, or refrain from serving pizza altogether. If you keep serving these oreganobombs, it's only gonna lead to trouble read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Tried to save this pizza with some chili flakes, but alas, she couldn't be fixed :( - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

Get a real bartender. One who knows how to pour a proper beer. Please. Please please. Don't drink my beer. Gross. read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Really sad pour excuse for a beer. Gimme head. #nofoam - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

Wow I am from chgo Italian beef is one of my fave and they do it right I felt like I was on Taylor Street with Uncle Tony I can't say enough about the quality. Service was excellent as well U will b glad u went when u go read more

Located in Old Town Nipomo, in the old RX shopping center, is Sapori's. You walk into the small shop, are greeted and see gelato and picture's of all the different Chicago sandwiches and hotdogs. We only got gelato. I ordered the Blackberry Cheesecake Gelato. It was super soft and creamy, as gelato should be. It had a beautiful mix of sweet and tartness. The little chunks of soft graham crackers, made for a nice texture change and burst. We want to go back and try the Pub Pizza and hotdogs. read more

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My girlfriend raved about this place and their Chicago Beef sandwich. She said it's authentic Chicago. It was very good, they have a lot to choose from. I could not eat my whole sandwich, so they wrapped in foil for me, so service was good. I want to try their a couple of the different Chicago dogs. We sat outside as it is a small place. They also serve gelato and Italian ice. read more

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I love the pastrami dip sandwich! My son likes the hotdogs and gelato. I could eat here once a week.

Incredible The food is So Good The Sandwiches are huge I got a Meatball and my wife got a pastrami sandwich both were so Good

We been so excited to finally try Stefano's. I'm very disappointed that we waited forty-five for Al Capone and French Fries. Everyone that came after us got their food before us. I feel you need to treat every guest the same.! I The Hot Dog was delicious but to wait for that long.! read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

Lil spot with a lot of heat in the kitchen. Looked to be family owned which was something I could appreciate. I got the Chicago Italian beef with sweet peppers and the Cajun pasta with sausage. I recommend the sandwich with both sweet and hot peppers tho! read more

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This place used to be in Santa Maria at a little walk up area and I loved it. My husband and I went often four slices of pizza and they're delicious hotdogs. Everything was wonderful and I really enjoyed going there. My four star review is for how it used to be in Santa Maria. Sadly, it is moved to Nipomo, which isn't too far from the Santa Maria/Orcutt area however, because of work schedules we have been unable to make it out since. I will 100% recommend their pizza. It is amazing and it's one of the best tasting pizzas in the area. The hotdogs are authentic and definitely tastes like something you get on the East Coast. Give them a try. read more

so yummy! i love their chicago dog. good service and some outdoor seating. they're normally pretty quick with the orders. this has become a new fav read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - FAMOUS CHICAGO DOG - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

I always order the hot Italian beef sandwich which has a generous portion of beef with salsa, peppers,tomato, and other stuff on a soft Italian bread bun. very yummy. I take it to go. read more

Delicious! Owner is very nice. He didn't charge me for an extra pickle & gave me 2 instead of the 1 I asked for. Good service!!

Used to be in Santa Maria, now they are in Nipomo. This spot is better than ever. We got the Al Capone jumbo spicy dog, Famous Chicago dog, meatball sandwich, and some gelato and cannoli. All of it was amazing. Can't wait to try the italian beef sub and everything else on their menu. The food truck is no longer in service but it is for sale if anyone wants to buy it! read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Famous Chicago dog - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

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I have been eating here since 2023, It is great! The staff is always friendly and the food is always so good. Recently, I took a friend who is well traveled in delicacies; I told him I would take him to eat really good Chicago Dogs, and he scoffed and expected it to be a cheap version. To his surprise it was in fact a Chicago Dog, and a really good one. You have gained another patron. Thank you! read more

The hot dogs are real! The service is quick to order, slow to serve. I appreciate that, because they do ea order individually and the results of the extra 5 minutes are outstanding. And I am saying this about a hot dog stand! But it's more. French fries, pizza sandwiches. Plus. All really really yummy. Not inexpensive, but not $$$$$ either. Go, try. I bet you will be back. read more

Local Take on the "John Gotti Dog" or "What da matter U?: Since I was rather famished after doing another Mobile Vaccine Clinic, at a senior care home nearby in Nipomo, I had an urge to try out this new Stefono's endeavor just down the road from the 101. As some know, Stefono has been doing either a food stand and/or food truck for years in Santa Maria [just across from a Quest Labs & near the South Broadway Walgreens in a buisness complex]. Stefono has offered Chicago & NYC type of fare for years, but unless you are in Santa Maria, at certain hours, it is easy to miss. The Santa Maria location seems to have more choices, including Pizza, Sandwiches, Italian Ices, Hot Dogs, & more. The new Nipomo location has less, but it is new & will likely ramp up...and are open more hours. While I did want to try both a hot dog & Italian Ice, since they were close to closing at 5PM, I needed to settle for one, especially since they told me that they had Gelato, but not my coveted Italian Ices, that I last had as a kid in Brooklyn. I did decide upon a ONE FOOT "GOTTI" hot dog, smothered in sautéed cooked onions that was made in Chicago. It was a real steal for the price and is super-rare on the Central Coast. The onions were actually better than the overcooked ones that I recalled from the hot dog vendors in NYC. The hot dog was really ONE FOOT long and was more like a American style Kelbasa in length. The snap of the casing, the meat, the onions, the Dijon Mustard [upon request], & the soft bun all complemented each other and took me back to a bygone era. The only drawback for me was that this particular dog had a bit too much salt for my liking in this presentation. I think next time I will try one of their other versions of hot dogs to see if another has less sodium. The hot dog did taste like an real beef dog. Since they were closing, I had to walk around outside, while I had to try to deal with this monster of a hot dog. It reminded me of how it is with street food in NYC...where it is rare to find someplace to sit. On the other hand, when they are fully open, they do have some nice tables and chairs outside or you can also take your eats home. While I was trying to wrangle this monster dog, a bunch of onions somehow slid into my shirt pocket on top of my newish iPhone 12Pro....which was a first for me. Fortunately, the onions somehow missed the lens and cleaning it later was no problem. So be aware that it takes some skill to wrangle a foot long dog. While I was really interested in either their current Gelato selection or even better, their Italian Ice future selection, that would have to wait for another day. I totally forgot to do a tasting, but they did look great. The store itself is a humble affair and unless you know that it is there, it is all too easy to miss. The only way I had advanced information that this new shop was there was via social media, which in this rare case was fairly accurate as opposed to the copious dangerous nonsense surrounding all things COVID. As far a safety is concerned, this shop is only for take out or eating outside, so time spent inside is minimal. Service was quite friendly and helpful. They went out of their way to make me feel welcome & offered all kinds of interesting toppings for my dog. I really love local shops that are owned & run by friendly locals...especially when they have nothing to do with big chains. While I did see a few locals, I did not see kids nor tourists, but I feel this would be an ideal stop off near the 101 for all people who want a reasonably priced good quality snack. They also have sandwiches and of course the cool gangster oriented names for many of their creations....which as a former NYer, I Ioved. What's da matter U? You try...OK? Ref. from Wikipedia: John Joseph Gotti Jr... October 27, 1940 - June 10, 2002) was an American gangster and boss of the Gambino crime family in New York City... Gotti and his brothers grew up in poverty and turned to a life of crime at an early age...At his peak, Gotti was one of the most powerful and dangerous crime bosses in the United States. During his era he became widely he became widely known for his outspoken personality and flamboyant style, which gained him favor with some of the general public. While his peers avoided attracting attention, especially from the media, Gotti became known as "The Dapper Don", for his expensive clothes and personality in front of news cameras..." read more

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Quaint little place they have a variety of foods I got a gyro it was a bit salty but was a big portion. The cashier was friendly. They have tables to sit outside. I would be back to try some of their other foods. read more

Be careful. They taxed me twice. Once on before so the prices were higher and then taxed the

If you've been to Portillo's in Chicago, you'll be reminded of them when you're at Stefano's. Authentic Chicago-style eats. The Italian Beef is just like you'd find in the Loop. To describe service as a bit slow would be kind - don't go if you're in a hurry - but it's well worth the wait. read more

Being a big fan of The Bear, I had to try the Famous Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich to see what all the hype was about. That sandwich is..for real. So tasty. I get mine hot and wet which means with spicy giardiniera and with more au jus on the beef but you can get it with sweet peppers and dry or dipped right into the jus if that's your style. You can also get a Famous Italian Sausage Sandwich with those same options or a combo of the two with sausage and beef which are fantastic. Have also really enjoyed their Famous Chicago Dog and their Italian Beef & Combo Bowl (beef + hot or sweet peppers + mozerella) is great if you need to cut carbs. The service is always fast and friendly and you feel like you really stepped into a small Chicago eatery when you go here. read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - The Famous Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

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Good eats! Great and authentic Chicago style food. Highly recommended friendly staff and good prices.

I REALLY wanted to like this place, when I was foretold of Chicago sandwiches. Save you'r anticipation and high hopes that this place will deliver on Chicago style anything. First off the staff is literally incompetent, they are unaware of the menu and their options. to make it worse the menu is a bunch of pictures taped to the back wall that is difficult to read. There is a menu on line which is much better. I Ordered the Italian beef sandwich very typical Chicago style, wet and with peppers. The cashier had no idea what I was talking about although it was clearly an option listed on one of the pictures taped to the wall. I had to stick my face into the kitchen to tell the cook how to make it. WTF! This is a flag ship Chicago sandwich. Overall the sandwich was fair, the bun was a soft herb bun which isn't Chicago style but probably saved the rest of the sandwich because it was tasty. The beef was fair and there was a lot of it. What else is Chicago know for..... Pizza! so I went for it after reading someones else's review about them having an amazing pizza, this is a total fabrication. Soooooo disappointing, the crust was a pre-made store bought item the sausage came out of a frozen bag, the cheese & sauce were both unremarkable and the whole thing was underbaked. Total Yuck, take that off your menu because your not doing your business any favors. read more

Will not be back to Stefono's in Nipomo. We like to support local but with service like we just recieved, we will go somewhere else. We ordered and paid for three hotdogs and a jumbo fries. The order was written on the outside of the brown bag. The guy who we paid did not give us a reciept when we paid. We were handed our order and went home. When opening it at home, it was missing one plain hotdog. I called and explained the situation several times and the guy at the counter kept insisting we only paid for two hot dogs and a fries. And only ordered one plain hotdog. When I kept saying then why was it written on the bag? the phone went dead. I called back and asked "did you hang up on me" he said "I don't know what happened". He still would not accept we were missing part of the order. I started to ask for the manager and the phone went dead again. First, if he only charged for one, we would know that if he had given a reciept. Second, why was it written correctly on the bag by him? Third, he was extremely rude and to hang up is couredly and very bad buisness. Attached is the pict of the bag and the order that was placed. I will not support a buisness that has this type of customer service and you can decide for yourself if you want to or not. The food was good and a good price. Service is why we won't be back. read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

YUM!! I just had the meatball sub of my dreams. Every time I get a meatball sub somewhere I feel disappointed. Not any more! The sandwich was huge w/ 3 large meatballs, mozz, parm, sauce. Perfetto! I should have stopped after eating the first 3rd of the sandwich but I stuffed the second 3rd in. I had to take the last 3rd home. I'm seriously looking forward to eating it this evening when I finally have room again. Don't judge me! My guy got their Italian sausage dog and thought it was also delicious. My adult kid got the dip, which she enjoyed, although it was their Italian beef au jus, which wasn't the flavor profile she was used to. We got a pint of gelato to go. Looking forward to it! read more

Who knew that a little bit of Eatery HEAVEN is right down the street! Stefono's Sapporo D'Italia located in Nipomo,CA is our latest "discovery". Probably should have discovered it sooner since our home is on the same street but...better late than never! Stefono's is a small eatery, but plenty of outdoor seating is available. Once inside...you will find yourself standing in front of the Gelato Floor Display Freezer and in back of that, you will be able to view the Menu Board. Various offerings of "Styled" Hot Dogs, Italian Sandwiches, No-Bread Bowls (for the "meat-minded"), Gyros (Lamb, Beef, or Chicken) and even N.Y. Style Giant Pretzels are available for order...depending only on your mood. Our order a Famous Chicago Italian Beef Sandwich w/ Sweet Peppers (5/5) and a Big Mob Boss Beef and Meatball Italian Sandwich (5/5)! Both were stunningly "flavorful". The Beef and Meatball Sandwich provided for 2 meals (it was quite large), so that checked "the value" box as well. The service was cordial, friendly and our sandwiches didn't take long to be served. Everything fell into place seamlessly. Needless to say at Stefono's..."the Juice is worth the squeeze" and therefore in this Yelper's opinion, on this occasion, Stefono's Sapporo D'Italia in Nipomo definitely earned this "highly recommend" 5 Star review. read more

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Unfortunately the customer service is terrible. First visit, the order was wrong. The sandwich was fine. Gave them a second try and this time the service was worse. Order was wrong and they did not care. Just basically said oh well and ignored me. I was shocked. No manager nothing. Will never go again or recommend Only give one star so I can post this review read more

Had the spicy sausage with pasta really good and decent price for this new " economy "

This is great. I had high hopes and the Italian beef was just what I wanted. Wife got the Chicago dog and it hits all the marks it needs to. Iridescent relish, snappy frank, and poppy seed roll. Simple and delicious. read more

Seems to have gone down hill in a big way. Ordered a big beef with sweet peppers and grilled onions, paid over $16. Sandwich looked the the reg beef. No grilled onions and hardly any sweet peppers.Either they changed the serving size or they butchered my order. I called them up and they claimed they misheard the order but I then I asked why was I charged for what I thought I ordered. I don't know if they put me on hold or something but they wouldn't respond so I gave up and hung up. Terrible service, bad product, outrageously overpriced for what you get. Easy avoid. read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - "Big Beef" in 2024. Way smaller, no toppings, $16+ - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

I've seen people order a second bun and share a dog -- they are quite large and easily shared. But why would I ever want to share my Al Capone Jumbo Spicy?!?! The Chicago dogs, Polish, all tasty down to the last poppyseed. The Beef Sandwiches are tender and oh so good messy when well mustard'd. The staff is friendly and quick even when the line is out the door. The cafe tables are a nice change if you are a lunch eater-driver like me. read more

Wow. I'm a out of town individual here for work and MAN the hotdog was amazing and great in value! Great work I will be coming back over and over again when I'm in town! read more

Stefono’s Sapori D’ Italia - Hot Dogs Near Me - Nipomo, California

Mixed bag at this establishment. I had the Chicago Italian Beef and it was delicious. I'd give it 4.5 stars on its own, but unfortunately other factors bring the overall score down to a 3. First, the place is uncomfortable - small, cramped, noisy (loud music playing), no indoor seating, and a couple of rickety tables outside. Second, customer service is a bit problematic. There's one guy (probably the owner) who seems to do everything here. I had to wait for him to finish up in the kitchen and come to the front to take my order, even though there were several other people standing behind the counter apparently doing nothing! Third, I don't appreciate hidden extra charges. An Italian Beef should come with either hot/sweet peppers or giardiniera on it. That's just the way the dish is traditionally served. At Stefono's they upcharge for the peppers and that just didn't sit right. Look, I'm already paying a premium price for the sandwich ($13.95) - the last thing I need is to be nickel-and-dimed for condiments that should come with the dish. BTW, an Italian Beef should also come with jus for dipping, but when the owner brought out my dish (yes, he's also the server), he didn't bring any jus. I decided not to ask for it because I was afraid he'd want to charge me extra for that too! Thankfully, the sandwich was good enough on its own that it didn't really need the jus. Like I said, the food here is delicious, I just wish restaurant owners would realize their businesses aren't going to succeed by screwing their customers out of a few extra pennies with annoying upcharges. What they really want is for people like me to come back and pay $13.95 for their sandwiches over and over again. But sadly I won't be coming back to Stefono's - there were just too many downsides to the experience. read more

Yummy. Food was delicious. The spicy peppers had my mouth tingling. Could use more knowledgeable cashier as when it's your first time you would want to know toppings of all the many sandwiches and dogs. Also many conflicting price signs for the same item. Got a beef sando and al Capone dog both were repeatable. Cannolis were great. Can't wait to try again. read more

I'm a definite Chicago pizza guy and for many years I try to find some very good or better Chicago-style pizza in southern California...and yes, it DOES exist, but NOT on every street corner or neighborhood like it does in Chicago. With my daughter now a senior at Cal Poly in SLO, I have been meaning to try Stefono's for the last 3 years and finally got there yesterday with my wife on our way back to SoCal. We split a 14" pizza (half sausage half meatball) and it really hit the spot. Nice crust, plenty of sauce, generous cheese and toppings (especially the meatballs). Could have used another couple of minutes in the oven and as hungry as we were, it definitely took longer than the 15 minute estimate, but those are minor critiques as we enjoyed sitting outside on a beautiful afternoon. Pizza and 2 cans of soda just over $20 so not a bad value. We will be back for the italian beef, italian ice, and more. Give this place a try, just a mile off the 101. read more

Great Italian Beef sandwich. Fries are processed, but very tasty. They are slow, so call your order in.