The food was incredible, everyone was kind, vibes were amazing. A must stop every time in cayucos. Lots of love from this gluten free girl! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Elote Lovin (savory) and Weirdos Waffle (sweet). Both were soooo good! - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Rarely do I get a craving for an American breakfast, and even rarer do I get a craving for a specific spot. This place is 100% the spot to go for breakfast/brunch if you're a tourist in the area. You wait in line to order, then get a number and find a seat. I came around 9:10AM on a Saturday and waited in line for ~25mins. You definitely need to come early, because the line only got longer after I left around 10:30AM. Their specialty is the blue corn waffle/tortilla. I recommend ordering one of each just to try every menu offering. The wait after ordering was about 15min. The waffles came out perfect, and the color and presentation made them perfect additions to your foodie photo album. The tacos were solid, but the blue corn tortilla flavor was a lot less noticeable. I would still recommend ordering at least 1 taco just to try it out. For a part of 2, 1 waffle and 2 tacos or 2 different waffles are more than enough to satisfy your breakfast/lunch stomach. Water is self serve, and service is super friendly. The weather was super nice when I went, but make sure you grab a spot in the shade or you will start sweating! I would also recommend bringing a hat or sunglasses since some seats are positions in that the morning/lunch sun shines directly in your eyes. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

There is always a long line here so I knew I had to check it out. They're known for their blue corn menu!! Such a cute cafe - lots of tacos and waffles and delicious smooth options. So cute and yummy I got their monte cristo waffle with an added over easy egg and it was so good! The waffle had an earthy and freshness to it with the blue corn. It was soft and crispy to the edges. It definitely hit the spot. I will definitely come again and try other things on their menu next time I'm in Cayucos. There's no rsvp but you wait in line to order, then find a seat inside or in their outdoor seating area. We didn't have any issues finding a seat; the service is relatively fast! Highly recommend read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

A friend recommended that we meet up at this restaurant in Cayucos. It is very popular so it took a while to get it. You have to order from the sidewalk, after standing in a long line. Then you can eat inside on the patio. This waiting in line wasn't good for me because my foot was in a boot and the line moved very slowly. Then I couldn't even see the menu until I got closer to the order window so that took more time. Anyway, my friend and I got a chance to catch up while eating our weird food on the patio, so thanks for that. I ordered some sort of smoothie and wanted to also try the waffle so ordered one of those. Can't recall what flavors, though, sorry. I wouldn't come here again, simply because this is not the type of food I prefer. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Some sort of Smoothie - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Welcoming and tasty breakfast/brunch spot in the heart of Cayucas! Sweet and Savory waffle options and variety of well seasoned Blue Corn tacos. Self serve water is free. read more

See all

Nice lunch spot if you're in the area. We had the churro waffle, 2 breakfast pork tacos, and a coffee and tea for about $50. The tacos are on the small side, so if you're hungry order two. The eggs were a bit bland and the portions don't match the prices - overall nothing was super "wow", otherwise this would be 5 stars. read more

We love this place. Everything about it is great. Right by the ocean, just above Morro Bay and the staff is so welcoming. The food!!!! Forget it. So far everything we eat here is beyond. This time we had the blue corn carnitas tacos. Let me say for a non-Mexican restaurant, this place knows how to make great food that would blow away so many " Mexican " places. Just look at the photo. The ambiance is chill and relaxing. Oh yes the Oceano orange drink whoa!!! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Blue corn carnitas. - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

This restaurant is totally up my alley. The meals here are made with intention and they really care about the quality of ingredients. It's is all gluten free and has plenty of vegan options. I have only been one time and can't wait to go back. I got the date/peanut butter smoothie and it was not only delicious but beautiful as well! I appreciate the generous portions for the smoothie. They also have what seemed to be delicious waffles and tacos available. I can't wait to come back and try!! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Smoothie - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

The food and smoothies were excellent, but our pickup order took nearly 45 minutes for us and another customer, while dine‑in customers were served faster. Four stars for great taste, minus one for the wait. Outdoor seating available and can get crowded during peak dining hours. read more

See all

Blue corn waffles oh my goodness incredible. I'm a huge fan of savory breakfast. This spot has so many options for savory (and sweet) breakfast we were tempted to go back for a second time on a short trip. Friendly staff, relatively quick service, cute and comfy vibes by the beach. Walk the pier afterwards, we saw whales!! read more

Had a really fun brunch experience at Hidden Kitchen! The outdoor seating has a beautiful ocean view and such a relaxed beachy vibe. It's counter service, so you order outside and wait in line, but even though the line was long, it moved surprisingly quickly. There was also plenty of seating both inside and on the patio. The food was fresh, unique, and super filling. I had the Weirdo waffle and my friend had the Mannix Machaca taco. The flavors were really interesting and everything tasted very fresh and homemade. I also tried the Big Sur smoothie, which was delicious and refreshing with a little spicy kick -- you could definitely taste the fresh ginger. Overall a really cute and fun spot if you're in Cayucos and want something different from a typical brunch place! read more

See all

Sister in law recommended The Hidden Kitchen so we woke up early to beat the line and there was still a line when we arrived early in the morning. Thats how you know it's good. This place feels like it was made for me because I'm allergic to dairy and they are so on it with the allergies. Sat outside and enjoyed being close to the ocean. The smoothies are GIGANTIC! Really refreshing and almost like ice cream. Felt healthy too which is an added bonus. Would recommend sharing unless you want to waddle out of the restaurant. The San Luis Sunrise was our favorite and a treat for me because I usually can't have waffles when going out to eat. Just delicious and didn't taste like cardboard which some healthy spots are guilty of. The Plaskett Pork breakfast taco were also good, but would go with the waffles because that seemed like the specialty. I can't wait to return next time I'm in town or passing through. read more

See all

I'm so happy I finally came back here!! If you're ever in cayucos or Cambria, you have to try the hidden kitchen. Cayucos location is the one open during the week, while Cambria is only weekends! You order your food first then go find seating inside or out in the back. Super cute establishment. There's merchandise for sale, miscellaneous items. The food is amazing. They're known for their blue waffle (delicious), but their tacos...wow. So good!!! The whole menu looks good, it's hard to order. They have specials too. The staff is nice and greet you. Whenever I'm in cayucos or Cambria, I'll always have some hidden kitchen. read more

See all

We love this place- this is our go to breakfast spot. Consistently good and healthy food We would have eaten here all week- but they are considerate of their employees and took Wednesday-Friday off for Thanksgiving week Love this for them, taking care of their team members. I tried a bowl this time- it was super yummy with the elote. I always get the elote taco My hubby got the carnitas tacos- 1 breakfast one with egg and 1 brunchy one. We love the blue corn waffles and tacos. We bought several bags of the mix to take home with us. Wish they had one near us- we would be there everyday Cute, beach vibe decor Very clean in the restaurant as well as the restroom Plenty of parking available when we were there right at opening 9 am read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

Wow!!! Ok run, don't walk over here and enjoy some yummy food. I had a vegan bowl and my husband had the San Luis Sunrise and added turkey. Both were perfectly seasoned and flavorful. The blue corn waffle chefs kiss per husband! You order at the counter and staff bring the food to your table. Service was fast and staff were friendly. The dining area was a cute patio with a fantastic view! read more

See all

Interesting and delicious waffles! Loved having sweet and savory choices. Smoothie was also great but super, super thick. Enjoyed our meal here! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Oceano Orange smoothie - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

What a find. Of course, it's not such a secret. Line out the door and tons of reviews...it's still...shhhhhhh. Smallish menu with mainly 4 items (with a handful of varieties): blue corn waffles, tacos, bowls, and smoothies. The anticipation was killing me, but it also gave me ample chances to vacillate between choices, change again, and yet again. The Weirdo won. Blue Corn Waffle with peanut butter, banana, and bacon. It was a wow. The waffle was dense, thick, and very filling. I guess I'd wish it to be fluffy, but I understand it's gluten-free. Way too much crumpled bacon, and I love me this piggy. Overall, yes, wow. I got one of their smoothies, too. Well, it was sticky and thick, I didn't like the texture (or the flavor, I got the coffee one). Anyway, they refunded my money without a hitch. It's got a Santa Barbara feel, casual and almost hippie. Gorgeous outside seating, if you wish, with that awesome beach breeze. Sign me up. read more

All of it was amazing! Fresh! Delicious! We came for breakfast, and the following day I made sure to get a meal to go to take it in the car for the 3 hour ride home. Will be back! read more

See all

Here's all you need to know: My family and I drive down from San Francisco *specifically* to go to Hidden Kitchen. There can be long, sad months between visits, but we make sure to purchase enough of the blue corn waffle mix to satiate our needs. Absolutely everything we've tried - and it's been a lot on the menu - has won us over. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent. Ambiance: Excellent. read more

Every trip to the beach must include a stop at Hidden Kitchen. The blue corn waffles and tacos are gluten free and delicious. Each month they have new specials and should not be missed. Plus, there are standouts on the recurring menu like the pork tacos and the Monte cristo waffle. The staff here is so friendly and helpful, the food is surprisingly fast for being made fresh and the location is to die for, don't be scared of the long line. It's worth it and moves fast! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Barbacoa taco special of the month -- even my pup wants a bite! - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

The line outside was so short only had 2 people in front of me yet I waited for my order for an hour to go. Good thing I just love those blue corn waffles. I have yet to try a sweet one but the savory are so delicious. It was worth the wait read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Autumn specials - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

This place is darling and a one of kind type of place. It is a little expensive on the surface but so is everything in CA. Playing tourists we stopped in and sampled different tacos. The tacos were filled with top quality ingredients and the perfect mix of yum. There was not anything we did not like. Wish we had more time as we would have loved to sample the waffles. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Breakfast Taco and Crispy Carnitas taco - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

I had never even heard of The Hidden Kitchen before till my cousin told me about it, so we checked it out while on a weekend roadtrip through Cayucos. It's not really that hidden--pretty much right on the main strip--but whatever, catchy name I guess. I got the "Weirdo" waffle and swapped out the peanut butter for whip cream (personal choice, don't judge). The waffle wasn't crispy, it was more soft and kinda cakey. It had a good flavor tho--kinda earthy and just sweet enough. The deep fried banana on top was superb. Like, I would've eaten a plate of just those. And the bacon ends? Man, they were delicious. Salty, crispy, just greasy enough to be right without feelin heavy. Also ordered one of their smoothies with almond butter and holy crap--probably the best smoothie I ever had. Thick, creamy, nutty, and felt like it shoulda been a cheat meal but somehow still tasted healthy. Cool vibe, good service, and they give you drinks in mason jars so you feel all rustic n' earthy. Prices were a bit up there, but it's one of those rare times where I didn't mind payin a little more. Totally worth it. If you're anywhere near Cayucos, do yourself a favor and swing by. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

The reef ranchero tacos were amazing! The blue corn taco shells were soft and filled with beans, eggs and avocado so I had to eat with a fork. Service was great, staff were attentive and super friendly. They had a nice indoor and outdoor seating overviewing the beach. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Reef Rancheros Tacos - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

What a fun place!! The setting is great with plenty of outdoor pup friendly tables with ocean views order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. We ordered the morro melt and the blue corn waffles with strawberries bananas and cream. Both were very filling, different, delicious and just fun!! Prices are reasonable. We will definitely be back next time we are in town. read more

See all

Genuinely the best breakfast place in Cayucos. Me and my family had to line up early, bc the locals all LOVE the place as well. Good seating, pretty close to the ocean. I got the mango cheesecake waffle, and it was AMAZING. A bit sweet, but that was good. The service was also REALLY fast, and it was outside so it was nice. Amazing. read more

We ordered the Elote Waffle and the Weirdos Waffle. The elote waffle was one of my favorite bites this year. With cheese, chilis, salsa on a blue corn waffle it was the perfectly indulgent and savory. I would definitely return just for this. The weirdos waffle was good, with bacon bits and a carmelized banana on top. It leaned a bit salty for something I expected to be sweet, but I think that just comes down to personal preference. Overall great place! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Elote waffle and Weirdos waffle - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

I ordered a blue waffle with fresh fruit to go and I was Not disappointed. Fresh coconut whipped cream, sliced strawberries and bananas and a side of maple syrup. Delicious! Customer service was quick and helpful. I did not eat inside. Maybe next time! read more

See all

So yummy waffles! Out of the world! We ordered some savory waffles and they are all good. Crowded of people because it is the long weekend. Be prepared to wait to order and to get a table. They have indoor and outdoor seatings. Highly recommend! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Probably the best smoothie I have ever had. We were visiting cayucos for a few days and every time we walked by this place the line was down the street and around the corner. I decided to call in to order my smoothie so I didn't have to wait on the crazy long line which seemed to be pretty slow moving. The smoothie was ready in 10 mins and honestly was amazing. It is crazy thick, had to eat with a spoon!! So much flavor and sweet but not too sweet. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Big Sur blue smoothie, no ginger add protein - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

The Hidden Kitchen - Cayucos' Coastal Gem with Blue Corn Soul Tucked into the beachy heartbeat of Cayucos, The Hidden Kitchen isn't just a café--it's a vibe. A pulse. A gathering place where surf town charm meets organic soul. From the moment you spot the line spilling down the sidewalk, you know you've stumbled onto something locals have known all along: this is the place. There's nothing cookie-cutter about it. The setup is delightfully relaxed--walk up, place your order, grab a number, and find your spot among the weathered wood tables, either inside the boutique-modern interior or out on the cozy back patio. The staff, a friendly and youthful crew, keep things moving with a laid-back rhythm that somehow still hums with energy. It's casual, but intentional. Now, let's talk food--because that's where The Hidden Kitchen transforms from "cute spot" to must-return destination. The star? Blue corn waffles. Not your average breakfast fare, these things are deep, nutty, and beautifully textured--almost like someone milled the masa fresh out back just for you. But they don't stop at waffles. Imagine this: a golden fried organic egg, yolk as orange as a sunset, perched atop that waffle like a crown. A handful of freshly diced avocado, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a whisper of this magic chipotle aioli--somewhere between a smoky mayo and a secret sauce handed down from the gods of brunch. It's open-faced, savory, bold--and you'll think about it for days. Craving something hand-held? The blue corn tacos follow the same formula of excellence: same aioli, same rich egg, same avo goodness, wrapped in tortillas that feel like Grandma slapped them on a griddle just moments ago. Fresh, humble, unforgettable. Drinks? Oh yeah--they've got you covered. Self-serve local coffee, refillable stations, and smoothies that taste like someone bottled sunshine and chlorophyll. Whether you're rolling in after a morning surf, a hot summer hike, or a foggy coastal stroll, there's something to meet your moment. The Hidden Kitchen isn't loud or showy. It doesn't need to be. It draws you in with that line on the sidewalk, with the clink of mugs and the blend of salty air and sizzling skillets. It's where cyclists refuel, tourists linger, and locals keep returning, like waves to the shore. You come once for the waffles. You return for the way it makes you feel: connected, grounded, nourished. Cayucos has a heart, and this is where it beats. read more

See all

This could have been a bad review, but the manager turned it around. We have been here a couple of times over two years and enjoyed it. This time we ordered and sat down. We waited about 40 minutes before I went in to check on it. We were told they were just busy and it would be another 10-15 minutes. We saw people who had come in after us get their food, so I knew it wasn't just that they were busy. Our food arrived an hour after we ordered and the manager let us know there had been a mishap in the kitchen and we shouldn't have waited an hour. He graciously offered a refund and turned around what could have been a negative experience. Things can happen and it's great that it was acknowledged and a gesture made. We will be back. read more

Our experience was not good. First of all, they say on the menu to let them know about nut allergies. Many menus say this, so they can make sure there won't be any cross contamination, so I wasn't surprised, after all, a peanut allergy is very common. After I ordered for me and my partner, I let them know about my peanut allergy. The cashier said she needed to talk to the manager. She brought the manager over who informed me that they have a peanut butter waffle on the menu, and that peanut butter gets everywhere because of it. I was confused because their menu didn't say, they couldn't accommodate allergies, it just said to inform them. I then said if you can't accommodate allergies then please cancel the bowl I had ordered. They didn't want to do that and we went back and forth a bit. Finally they said that they would put notes everywhere and inform the kitchen about it. It seemed like a big hullabaloo and like they had never encountered anyone with a nut allergy before. When it came to the eating the food, I was a little let down by the lack of flavors in my vegetarian bowl, but it was fine. That was until I took a bite of my egg, and there was egg shell in it. That was a bummer but I decided to keep eating because the food was expensive, and egg shell happens sometimes. However, when I continued to eat, I found bacon in my "vegetarian" bowl. I was shocked and disappointed. This kitchen is obviously just throwing food around (by their own admission) and not concerned with what is going where. I feel lucky that I didn't experience an allergic reaction that day. After this experience, I don't trust the kitchen is paying any attention to how food is prepared or probably how clean (or dirty) the kitchen is. I DO NOT recommend this place at all. If the prices aren't enough to turn you off, I hope this review helps. read more

I tried the Santa Lucia breakfast tacos, and wow, these were hands down the best breakfast tacos I've ever had! The homemade blue corn tortillas were incredible, and everything tasted so fresh. We went on a Saturday morning, and while there was a long line, it moved quickly. You order at the counter and then find a seat either inside or outside. The staff was so kind and attentive, and we sat inside, which was adorable! The decor is charming with lots of unique little tchotchkes from local businesses. I can't wait to come back. Bonus: The entire restaurant is gluten-free, which is a huge plus! read more

See all

Believe the hype--this place is worth the wait! Yes, there's always a line--and for good reason. Everything about this spot is stunning! The food? Out. Of. Control. If I had the room, I'd honestly order one of everything on the menu. The waffles are unreal--so many fun options to choose from, and every bite is better than the last. That grilled peach waffle? A personal fave. The churro waffle? Fire. But the real plot twist? The tacos. GET THREE. Just trust me. The salsa hits, the flavors are bold, and you'll be dreaming about them later. The bacon ends are crispy perfection, the eggs are always cooked just right, and the aroma of grilled mushrooms while you wait in line? Genius. Appetite = activated. The staff is super friendly, the view is gorgeous, and the whole experience just flows--even the table situation. It might feel a little weird to hover at first, but it works like magic. A table always opens up right on time. This spot is a whole vibe--and totally worth the wait! read more

See all

Wow! What a find! Food is amazing! Location is amazing! Hidden Kitchen IS AMAZING!!! The hidden kitchen is clearly not that hidden as demonstrated by the line in front to order. But good news is the line moves relatively quick and there is lots of seating inside and outside in the back. Their blue corn waffles are fantastic. Loved the one with peanut butter and bacon, and it paired amazing. Everyone said the tacos are also so good and we'll have to try on my next visit. read more

A little over half way through 10 day road trip w daughter. Favorite meal so far and I've been in the food business for 25+ years and own a bagel shop. Savory waffles, amazing location. Everything I'd want and expect in a coastal California experience. Peppers, corn, onion sautéed in something like a green chili sauce w melted havarti and half a nice ripe avocado. Blue corn waffle underneath. I added egg to mine. Delicious!! If you can stop there, it's a do not miss. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Edna Elote? Blue corn waffle underneath. - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

Love their tacos and smoothies! My husband usually orders two tacos and I order just one so we can split a smoothie. The smoothies are huge and could easily be a meal in themselves. I haven't tried anything I didn't like. We bring company here because the food is always so great. Highly recommend!! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Hmm mixed feelings about this place. I loved their blue corn tortillas and waffle, just super delicious. However the macha taco I had lacked flavor. The ranchero taco was ok but again just needed salt/more flavor. My wife's waffle was great but the bacon had bits that were just fatty. The resteraunt had a great view of the beach and the resteraunt itself is super cute. After ordering our food, our order was out in about 10 minutes so it was pretty quick. Overall, the menu here is unique and extensive and worth checking out. Stay safe out there folks, happy holidays. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Machaca taco and ranchero taco - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Different for a sweet breakfast treat, the blue corn makes it somewhat savory even if it has sweet toppings. Coffee and shakes are really good here too. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Special: Peaches and Cream Waffles (Greek yogurt is the cream) - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all