My husband and I have officially become Taco Tuesday regulars at The Mark--and for good reason. It might seem a little unexpected to find top-tier tacos at a bar, but as self-proclaimed taco aficionados, we can confidently say these are the best tacos in San Luis Obispo. We've tried the pastor, lemon pepper chicken, carne asada, pescado, and crispy pescado--and every single one has been spot on. They actually remind me of the authentic tacos I've had in Mexico City. I've seen a few reviews mentioning rude staff, but in the eight times we've been there, everyone has been nothing but friendly and chill. Bonus points for the pool table and the live music--we love the fun, relaxed vibe. If you're serious about your tacos, give The Mark a try. You might just become a regular too. read more

The Mark - Left 2: pastor tacos Right: 2 carne asada tacos - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Terrible experience with the bouncers, they get very hyped and aggressive, a power trip. Much better bars that have no cover charge.

Horrible experience! Saw the bouncers being overly aggressive to a group of young girls! Calling them names and even saying they were going to call ICE!!! Couldn't believe it. Will never be back!! read more

As someone who typically only leaves positive reviews, it's disappointing to be sharing this experience. I downloaded Yelp specifically to provide this feedback. Bouncers working on April 10, 2026 were extremely rude and unprofessional. Instead of simply doing their job, they made unnecessary and disrespectful comments. As a business owner myself, I understand the importance of upholding rules. However, there is a clear difference between maintaining standards and failing to show basic respect to guests and this interaction reflected the latter. That kind of unprofessional behavior reflects poorly on the entire establishment. Management should take a closer look at who they have representing them at the door. read more

The bartender working today was by far one of the rudest individuals I've encountered in SLO county. Do NOT recommend doing business with The Mark during the daytime. Edit: I had a root beer in my hand that I had purchased from Rocket Fizz. You can zoom in on the camera footage to show that you're wrong with your assumption saying that I brought in alcohol? Not to mention I was on my lunch break... I had never been inside this establishment beforehand. Bartender and patrons were very rude. On top of these false claims, I looking for a trash can to throw it away. Very disappointed by this response from the "owner". read more

The Mark - This group of individuals were also extremely rude. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Bouncers were very rude 4/10/2026. Made unnecessary and rude comments to people in my party

I ordered two fish tacos and my friends had nachos. They were all good! I got a spicy Margarita. It was very good and strong. They have pool tables and also an eating area outside. And it's dog friendly. So next time after we take our walk on the beach we'll take our dog here. read more

The Mark - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Amazing tacos & the best service that was unexpected ... now it's our favorite dive bar!

We loved our food! The Fresno burger had that perfect tinge of sweetness due to the fig jam they add and the goat cheese gave it that zesty smooth texture. It was like nothing I'd tried before. The spicy chicken sandwich was flavorful. It had that nice spicy kick to it. Delish! Our waiter was very attentive and very courteous. Nice ambiance. It was a little chilly, but it is a big place with very high ceilings. read more

The Mark - Dessert...yummy! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

We got recommended this place as a bar hopping stop during our visit and once we got there we didn't feel the need to go anywhere else. The atmosphere is great with the live music and then DJ after. The outside area had plenty of space and its own bar. The bartenders helped us out on picking a drink and the security were cool making sure we were okay. The people there too were super chill. The drinks were made well and were really good. I'd recommend this place if you're looking for a cool, chill place to have some drinks. read more

The mark is the spot downtown slo, all The bartenders and security are super chill. Always make sure everyone is safe and having a good time while doing their job. If you're in San Luis Obispo area definitely the spot for a mid day meal and some drinks or a nighttime adventure read more

BOOOOOOOOO DO NOT GO HERE FOR A FUN TIME! management needs to get their head out of their ass and grow a backbone with their bouncers. Watched bouncers tackle a 4ft chick to the fucking ground for telling them to take their hands off her. Waited for hours to get in just for the bar to close 15 minutes in. No hate to the bartenders tho, they do god's work fr. read more

My group showed up at 6:15 to get into this bar. As we tried to walk into the (basically empty) establishment, we were told to wait outside for "just a minute". We then waited outside for over 45 minutes (being told it would be just 10 more minutes multiple times). During this 45 minutes, the bar employees told us 3 separate times we wouldn't have to pay a cover. When they finally decided to let us in, we were then told we would have to pay a $10 cover. When we expressed frustration about the situation, the employees make jokes about us and never apologized for their miscommunication. It was posted nowhere outside the bar that there would be a cover. Yes, $10 is not insane, however this is unprofessional and border line illegal under Californias "Honest Pricing Law" (SB 478). Was one of my favorite bars, feeling disappointed in the rude and unprofessional behavior we experienced. read more

The mark is my fav bar but we are sick of line leap it's the worst service!!!! Line leap sucks

Love the people, food, location and hospitality. Everyone does a great job. Alonzo is always such a creative cook! Love his dishes! Bartenders are awesome always! read more

I love the food they serve it is very delicious and the price was very affordable. I mean for that delicious food that price and comparing with other places in downtown it is soooo good. I had plate with different burgers, they were very yum! read more

This fucking security kicked me out after I paid 300$ plus in tips for fun because like having a good time yes I know I'm new but I mean cmon my man you threw my fucking drink away I was at half the amount of drinks it takes me to be drunk beyond comprehension and currently I've only had 5 doubles (I'm a heavy drinker) but still my first time here over the the mark and a bad impression starts I will be back o. February but trust I will not forget that (bigger guy security) and thank you to the black security guard he's very understanding I should've been allowed to finish my drink before closing regardless like a bar should allow and yes I'm used to bars it might not a slow bar to them but it's a kind of slow bar vibes to me I'll see yall soon because Bryson is fun fun but don't fucking hire someone that pushes people hour even if their new set a standard but anyways (illl give a. Pass for now becuase he's new and the tenders don't know me yet but remember me because I'll be back often for a foreigner ) read more

Stop eating elsewhere if you are downtown...this place has it all. I think the storefront, with four or five wobbly but friendly regulars sitting at a bar all day long, turns people away. But the magical SLO coupling of low drink prices and insanely yummy food makes the Mark well worth the visit. Get the tacos! The veggie is great, the fried chicken too. But the best is the chicken! The back patio is great if you want to avoid the bar seating, and the tables by the sidewalk are fun for being near the passersby! Again, finding inexpensive food at any quality is difficult in SLO and nearly impossible downtown--so please come support this great place! read more

The Mark - Look at those drink prices! - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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My party of two came during happy hour to hit some of the bars in downtown SLO. We came across The Mark and took a seat in the back patio. Music was playing and the weather felt like we were not in SLO. Our waitress was super nice giving us drink recommendations. We settled on the strawberry and peach margaritas with salt om the rims. Couldn't taste the fruit purees but the drink was still drinkable despite myself liking sweeter cocktails. Amazingly the price of our drinks came out to be $5 each which is a great deal. Our table also order the ceviche that came with seasoned chips. The plating was super aesthetic and the taste did not let down either. Filled with cured white fish, avocados, tomatoes, sliced radishs and topped with pickled onions the flavors was well balanced and not too acidic. The ceviche was around $12 and I would recommend if people want a nice bite while sipping their drinks. read more

The Mark - Strawberry magaritas to the right and peach margaritas to the right - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

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Yum! Came here for happy hour and ordered a peach margarita along with the ceviche to munch on. The Mark is known for their tequila bar, so I had to order the signature margarita. However, these drinks are STRONGGG. I honestly did not taste a hint of peach LOL but I still enjoyed it! Loved the salt on the rim of the glass which helped me down the drink. I wish I ordered another one! The 10oz margarita during happy hour is $1 off and only $5!!!! You could order three of these margaritas and be at your desired level of ~wasted~ at the Mark instead of going another bar and spending $15 for one cocktail that barely gets you tipsy. YMMV though. The ceviche was delicious. I loved the presentation to start off. The fish tasted super fresh and my newfound obsession is pickled onions...goes so well with ceviche! I wish the portion size was just a little bigger but I get it...fish isn't cheap. Anyways, the Mark is the place to go. I felt like I was at an outdoor pool party in Vegas (minus the pool, minus the location). The music was blasting that I had to scream to talk to my friend and the kids and adults were running around everywhere outside. I would love to come here and lounge around with a margarita in my hand here every weekend. read more

The Mark - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Visited The Mark again, one of favorite spots when I'm in SLO. The staff is amazing and I always feel so welcomed. This is a must place to have a meal and if you just want to have drinks and dance it's the best place downtown. I can't stress how much fun The Mark is. read more

The Mark - The Mark downtown SLO and Shwayze just happens to drop by after a concert. Amazing guy and genuinely a kind person. Thank you. - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

The wonderful thing about having more time at places that were normally day trips or overnights is being able to try new restaurants in addition to going back to our faves.  The Mark is the perfect example when we were in SLO last.  The ahi poke was packed separate from the shells so you don't have to worry about soggy tacos for takeout which is a nice touch and my favorite of what we ordered.  The tacos were good but would've been better if they were able to put my chipotle aioli on the side as requested so I can add what I needed to tone it down.  Unfortunately my husband is shellfish intolerant so I couldn't give them to him.  The steak asado sliders were delicious and flavorful which I would order again. What dropped it a star for me was they did not seem to be taking phone orders after trying 5 times to call.  Hearing the cut Grubhub tends to take, I try to go the phone route first.  Secondly, the special instructions I typed into my online order (e.g. no jalapenos for the ahi poke one of the tacos and sliders and chipotle aioli on the side for the camaron tacos) were not fulfilled.  I can understand maybe missing one but all 4?   Good thing my husband's jalapeno allergy is mild but I would've enjoyed those camaron more if my mouth wasn't on fire half the time. May return in the future post-Covid for dine-in but probably not for takeout if they are not able to accommodate allergies and spice levels. read more

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Seriously tasty tacos ... definitely on the gourmet side of the spectrum. The Pescado & Tuna tacos were spectacular ! Highly recommend. The Wet Burrito was very good as well. Has a "frat house" feel to the decor. Prices are exceptional. Excellent value for the money. read more

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Fun place in SLO! Thought we were going for a few minutes and stayed an extra hour. Lots of good music and quick service.

During an amg "car drive" our destination was SLO. We came with a party of 20 and we were graciously accommodated! We were seated outside and it was night and freezing out, but the heaters were perfect. For a bar, the food was AMAZING! No really, at first I was like "oh great, were having dinner at a bar the food will be frozen food heat up, and warm at best". But NO, I was pleasantly proven wrong! We all ordered family style, everything was so good especially the ceviche! They had outside entertainment (this was a Saturday though, Im not sure on any other days) and the inside turns into a club after a certain time (I didnt enjoy the club setting much). read more

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On our way to highway 1 we looked for a place to eat and found this place in San Luis Obispo. Based on the decor and it being a bar we were a bit skeptical. We decided to try a bunch of different tacos: Al pastor, steak asada, el pescado and blackened ahi tuna to name a few. Wow! Taste buds in overdrive! Every taco was excellent and distinct. It was hard to name a favorite and impossible to dislike any. Another great stop if we swing by here again in the future. read more

The Mark - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I love this bar, however my favorite bartender is Kinsley. She's one of the sweetest girls, and makes a mean ranch water.

Bomb food!!! Fries were so good, the grilled cheese, the tacos and awesome tequila selection. Will definitely go back next time I'm in town. (Gluten free options available!) read more

Great brunch vibes. Variety of margaritas, bottomless mimosas, and tequila flights - oh my! I feel like this is the place to go if you want to DRINK. They have so many tequila drinks that it's no mistake to that the only reason to go here is to have a good time. Their good options aren't too shabby either and are great drunk meals. (; ..... WET BURRITO: 4/5 I feel like you can't really go wrong with a wet burrito - even if the fillings are lacking in flavor, the salsa on top is supposed to help supplement the flavor and I've found that often times they do. read more

The Mark - Wet Burrito - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Haven't tried the food yet but the drinks are A+ and service is amazing. I've been here twice already and both waiters have been phenomenal! Super patient and gave recommendations. We got their pitcher of strawberry margs and they're delicioussss. You can actually taste the fruitiness and it's strong. The pitcher is a great price too. Their back patio is just vibes and isn't too packed. Great place to chill with friends and grab a drink. Highly highly recommend! read more

The Mark - Strawberry Margarita - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

Some girlfriends and I went to the Mark after Dinner the other night. I was a little apprehensive going to a bar and night scene as it's not really my thing any more but all my friends wanted to get drinks and Dance. We ended up having a great time and night with the exception of some young guys not getting the hint we wanted to just hang out with each other and enjoy our girls night. One of my friends went to security and their main guy Jeremy came over and helped us out by getting the guys to move outside so we could continue our night, after that he kept coming by to check on us though we had no other issues and ended up enjoying the rest of the night. I can't speak much to the food but the bartender was sweet and we enjoyed our few drinks and our girls night out. read more

My girlfriends and I were at The Mark last weekend for a birthday celebration. Unfortunately there was just one in our party that had a bit too much to drink from a prior stop. The security staff at The Mark really need to be praised for their patients, understanding, and professionalism. They offered her both water and non alcoholic drinks without making a scene out of it. These guys don't get paid nearly enough in my opinion!!! read more

I went in at about 12 last night and lucky me they didn't card me because I didn't have my ID. Then 5 drinks in they decide they want to card everyone and half of the place goes empty. That was one for the books definitely never going back because the security guard decides he wants to grab my arm for no reason just to assert his authority when all the other security guards are my friends. read more

The Mark is hands down the best spot in SLO to go for a great meal or a lively night with friends. Their friendly, hot bartenders and amazing, well trained security make it a safe and fun environment for a great time. I've had so many fun nights there dancing and enjoying the wonderful venue provided by The Mark. I recommend it to anyone for food and anyone over 21 for the night life. Great DJs and live bands put the icing on the cake and now that I think of it, Karaoke on Wednesday nights is by far the best in the county. I'm a huge karaoke fan myself so I would know. Do yourself a favor and visit this SLO county gem and see for yourself why it's the preferred spot in downtown slo for nightlife. read more

Legit spot on the main strip. We only had three tapas (cerviche, wings, and tacos) and a couple drinks since we were trying to hop around, but I wish I had stayed longer here. Great service and great food with a comfortable interior. Would 100% return again! Ps: The asada tacos are incredible. Definitely a must order if you visit read more

We were exploring downtown SLO for the first time and everything was practically closed. It was roughly around one pm and we just wanted to grab a drink while we waited to check into our hotel. We finally stumbled upon the Mark. The staff was SUPER lovely and welcoming. They recommended a couple places to check out in the area and had nice banter. They also had a big patio with music and games. Exactly what we were looking for to post up. read more

The Mark - Lovely view - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California

I really used to love this spot but lately it seems like the bartenders take pride in being rude to their clientele. I understand the urgency within their job but the experience I've had in the past few months has been beyond disappointing. They take pride in mockery, especially when it comes to genuine questions or a guest needing more than 10 seconds to decide an order. Disappointing to say the least. It could be a fantastic spot if the bartenders weren't over worked and didn't hate their job. read more

We are day trippers, so The Mark was a nice stop. Bartender nice, friendly, chatty. We sat at the bar, and the place was just beginning to come alive. The concrete bar is awesome. Pool tables for fun. read more

The Mark is not only an amazing place to go for food, but the drinks are also some of the best downtown. Not only do the bartenders make personal connections with customers, but the security team is also phenomenal. I've never felt safer being out at a bar than at The Mark. Security does an amazing job of keeping everyone in check and making sure everyone feels safe and comfortable. Never had a problem with any of the staff, they are ALL amazing people. read more

Always find the holes in the wall! By far, my favorite place in SLO! The best food and prices, but the people who work here is what makes it for me! They are my adopted family for sure! Try the ahi wonton tacos, all the tacos, actually I haven't had anything bad on the menu. They have a taco Tuesday and brunch and bottomless mimosas ($12) and so many other daily specials. Treat this staff right because it's a privilege to be around them! I wasn't paid for this btw #ilovedevonanthonyandstephanie long time Update: I hate that I have to say this now but they are very covid sensitive. I would know read more

The Mark - Ahi 3 Ahi Tuna Wanton Tacos - Tapas/Small Plates Near Me - San Luis Obispo, California