Horrible restaurant! Don't be fooled by the happy pretty local access commercials. But to be fair, I'll start off with the good things:
1. The restaurant was clean.
2. The water was fresh.
3. The ice was cold.
4. The place did not smell.
5. My girlfriends chef salad was properly prepared gluten free as she requested.
6. Our waiter was very very nice despite some slow service.
Now lets get into the problems:
1. It was Friday night so a little busy. Understandably a table was not immediately available so we went to the bar to wait. Absolute retard dumb blond bar tender stood in front of us looking at the TV changing stations until I finally i had to break the awkward silence with "hi there can I see your wine list?"... She the grabbed a menu, chucked it at my girlfriend and I, and went back to channel surfing.
2. Food was on the high end of pricing and just average tasting with a lot of canned cheap items that are not representative of a place that charges $25 and up for entree items.
3. Although the waiter was nice, the service was VERY slow.
4. I ordered beef ribs and there was absolutely nothing special about them. Horribly fatty - I know that can be common, however I've had great beef ribs at several other places at at least half the price - it was a joke and I it was like $22+ dollars...
In conclusion, nothing special. If you want good BBQ go to Rib Line (which unfortunately does not have a proper sit-down atmosphere), or take the trek a bit further south for Jacko's in Nipomo for a truly affordable and unforgettable meal. I'll never go back to this place unless I'm unlucky enough to get a gift card, and then I'll do my best to re-gift.
Like most guys, I love a good steak. Came here with high expectations but unfortunately I set the bar a bit higher than I should have. I'll try to break it down a bit...
Location; easy, convenient spot in downtown SLO. Parking was easy enough but I imagine it could be a bit harder on weekends.
Service & atmosphere; Attentive service. Friendly, outgoing staff. Felt welcome and comfortable outside of the slight claustrophobic feeling when tables/bar filled up around us. Casual environment.
Food; here's where it starts to change a bit. 3 of us dining. All had steaks, only water to drink, no appys or extras outside a single well priced desert. I mention this because it falls into the feeling of value here. (see below) We had 3 different steaks...a NY Strip, a Ribeye and a Filet. All with garlic mashed. Surprisingly the filet was the least tender of the bunch. DW was concerned her steak would be too rare based on the amount of juice/blood filling up the plate, but when cut into there was no pink. We thought this was a bit strange. Â The ribeye was cooked good at a fairly even medium. The NY was uneven with some parts well done, others more towards medium rare. I enjoyed the ribeye, son enjoyed most of the NY but DW was disappointed in filet both texture/tenderness and flavor. The filet was on the tough side and both the NY and Ribeye were much more tender and flavorful. Plates were basic with the steak and an average size portion of mashed plopped on. Nothing special, no frills, nothing extra.
In fairness to staff, we did not say anything until after the meal. When we did it was simply offered as feedback when we were asked. They did tell us they would have addressed this concern had we mentioned it earlier and I am sure they would have.
We also had a good desert...deep fried cheesecake. Seemed well priced at around $5.
Value; this is where things get subjective. Others may agree or disagree, but for us we likely won't return based on this alone. For the meal mentioned above, we dropped $100. At that price point there are a lot of other options. In suppose in my mind if I am going to spend $100 on a meal my expectations are a bit more than what was delivered. The steaks (at least 2 of three) were good, but frankly nothing special. My usual steak place closer to home would end up being cheaper, but there is also more value in the included very good unlimited salad bar and large side order portions. Again, I fully admit that value is subjective and this is simply my opinion.
In the end, we probably won't return. This was not the first trip to a FMcLintocks, so there was some history to compare this to. This was the first time stopping at this location. My mother-in-law also had great memories of this chain and strongly suggested we stop there on our recent road trip. If you want a basic steak, pretty good flavors and a location close to downtown SLO you should consider this but know what you are getting into.
Went here for dinner on Thursday, which happens to be Farmer's Market night in SLO. Service was very good with attentive waiter and quick service. I ordered the special BBQ plate which was a deal for $12.95. It consisted of one beef rib, a tri-tip shish-kebab and a pork "munchie". Also two sides - I got the baked potato and salad.
First the salad - it was the standard bag o' salad with average dressing. The potato was a potato, nothing special.
The beef rib was tasty but tough and chewy (what a surprise, all beef ribs are tough).
The kebab was also tough but the portion was generous and seasoned nicely.
Now, what is a pork munchie? I ate it, but I'm still not sure exactly what part of a pig it is.
The meat was good and there was a wide bone at the end. Waiter didn't know exactly what it is either. Tasted good and that is good enough for me.
All in all, the food was adequate and a good bargain for the cost.
This was one of our favorites in SLO in the past, especially the one in Shell Beach. The quality seems to have fallen off a bit, although the service is good and the portions are very large, usually enough to take a meal home. It is pretty good food, but it isn't as special as it once was. I still like it, and will continue to go, but there are so many other options in SLO, that it will be less frequently.
Review Source:I've had their tri-tip sandwiches at the Farmer's Market before. Stood in line for an hour and everything. (Actually, my parents did, cuz I was injured. Thanks mom!)
We came here for a family dinner last weekend. My first time eating in the restaurant. The food was every bit as tasty as the Farmer's Market. Maybe even more tasty, because those garlic mashed potatoes are delicious!! We had a very good time here. Service was great, food was great, company was the best!
While making a run from from our home in Nor Cal to L.A. we stayed over at SLO. I asked our motel reservation staff for a dinner suggestion. He advised we try McLintocks for steaks.
I gotta tell you we had two of the best steaks I have had in years.
Growing up in New Mexico, we used to raise a steer every year for the freezer, grain finished. My wife's Dad had a small ranch in Orland, and it was the same story, raise the best steer you could for your own table.
I ordered the Rib Eye and my wife the Filet. Neither one of us could remember when we had steaks that good. They were cooked to perfection, incredibly tender and perfect in flavor. The meat was a total equal to the beef we hand raised and grain feed our selves when younger. It simply was an incredible meal.
We noted they served breakfast and came back the next morning for breakfast before leaving town. Just a great way to start your day. I loved their cowboy special with a wonderful country gravy smothering everything, delicious! Plus you've got a real old school bar there for a cran/vodka starter.
I will certainly eat there every time we're in SLO.
Wonderful food and friendly staff........ you can't go wrong!
Food poisoning?! I wont be back :(
My husband daughter and I went to this restaurant over thanksgiving weekend with another couple to celebrate birthdays. We were not locals and this place had come recommeneded to us by someone from the area. The menu was great, the food was brought within a normal time limit, our server was friendly and the food was really good. I had the filet minion, my husband the ribs, and our friends had a porter steak and the salmon tortellini (my daughter had mac and cheese). The food was prepared as asked and the appetizers were served family style which was both unexpected and enjoyable. The servers came over and sang happy birthday to my husband and his friend and we all enjoyed our ice cream desserts that come with our dinner. Overall I would've rated this a very enjoyable experiance if it weren't for what happened a few hours after we left. Worst case of FOOD POISONING we've ever experianced. It litereally brought all of us who had eaten the red meat to our knees. We had unfortunately picked the next day to travel home and it was a nightmare trip. It's been four days and I'm still recovering. I'm sad to say but if I were ever in the area I would honestly be too scared to go back there again.
Came for breakfast.
Coffee-really good
service-very nice, but a little slow on coffee refill(however server was slammed)
food: mostly very good or good/average. pancakes were great, potatoes great, my steak ranchero good but not great. eggs cooked properly,bacon very tasty. I would recommend and come again
fyi: most items ranged 7-12 dollars
One of the best breakfasts that barely anybody mentions at Cal Poly. The bacon is thick and not burned-crispy, the sausage patty has hints of hickory smoke, the eggs have a touch of sweetness, and the portions are huge.
The dinner offerings are delicious, but in my opinion, doesn't stand out as a bbq restaurant, aside from the awesome service at Farmer's.
Some of the best service ever. Friendly, honest, attentive, etc.
We got in there on a Friday before the evening rush.  The menu basic, which is nice you don't want to flip through 5 pages of food when you are hungry. I got  the special which was the steak over some garlic mash potatoes! Outstanding.
Our server helped us with options, etc. the portions are generous. The place has that country, or saloon feel, which was nice when you are eating BBQ or steaks. Â It's right in the middle downtown where all the attractions are. They also have a full bar if you want to drop in for drinks.
My family and I decided to go to here for breakfast today, lets just say I would have enjoyed the place down the street a little better than this. We walked in and sat down and ordered. When our food was delivered my order was completely wrong so it had to be taken back and when the right ordered (French Toast, which was ok) was presented the waitress then told me my sausage patties would soon arrive. After waiting a while it finally came when we asked a waitress other then our own for them. Then when we recieved our check it was wrong and had to be redone. Aft.er it was all said and done our visit could have been much better. I would not recomend this place as a breakfast destination any time soon.
Review Source:Kind of a mixed bag.
We stayed in SLO for 10 days and went to McLintock's twice.
First time we got in there late around 8:40pm and they sat the 6 of us at a table next to the ice machine in the back.
The servers, hard working guys, were cleaning up the patio.
They opened the garage door to do so and we were really cold. It was in the high 50s outside and we were 5-6 feet away.
One guy was constantly filling buckets with ice. Again, very hard working guy, but it was right behind us. He apologized for the noise, but probably filled 5-6 buckets. It was REALLY loud and distracting.
The food was fabulous.
Wife and I had the tri-tip and it was excellent.
Son in law had the ribeye, but thought it was only ok.
Daughters had chicken and loved it.
Went there a 2nd time and it was completely different.
Sat out on the patio around 5pm. BEAUTIFUL!
Just 3 of us.
Great service.
Ask about the mason jar special during happy hour.
I had two mojitos in mason jars for $5 each. STRONG and good.
Food was not as previous trip. Tri-tip was cut very unevenly.
I asked for medium to medium rare. It was medium well and grisly.
Wife had the same.
Like I said, a mixed bag.
We'll go back next time we're in town, but it really could be better.
I've been here a few times for lunch and McLintocks have never failed me.
They are cool with us bringing our dog and eating outside by the creek.
The menu is a little bit on the expensive side, but their food is always great quality. Their meats are delicious, fries are addicting, and the onion rings are pretty damn good as well.
Service has always been great.
Definitely will be back!
LOVED this place!
All the foods were yummy (but dieters beware, not much health-options)
Our group had a good laugh trying the "Turkey Balls", and "gobbled them right up" just as the menu predicted. Â In case you are wondering, what in the heck is that? It is really turkey testicles...weird, I know...but they taste like chicken nuggets, so it's all good. At least we know what's in em as opposed to mystery meat.
The garlic fries were excellent.
The baby back ribs were some of the best I've ever had. My friends' half-chicken dinners were also delish & HUGE.
Friendly staff & great soul food to hit the spot, I'm a fan!
Been here twice for dinner, both times were good. I'd give dinner 3 out of 5 stars.
Was told this place had great breakfast and today, I finally had to try it. And it's the reason I bumped it up 1 more star.
2 people in my group got the Cowboys Benedict, which I had a bite of, and it was pretty good. The ham is thick cut and the gravy had some nice peppery bite to it.
I got the Huevos Rancheros which had 2 eggs, over easy on top of a tortilla. It had beans on the side, 2 slices of thick cut bacon and salsa. It also came with a side of home potatoes. It was deeeeelicious! I am a lover of the bacon, and this place does bacon right!
The waitress staff seemed nice, and it was nice to see some smiles on the faces of servers (you hear that waitresses at Del Monte cafe!). I'd definitely come back to try out more of the breakfast choices, the variety looked legit.
If you want to have a great meal, get great service and just chill out in downtown SLO, this is the place for you.
I love coming here and grabbing a window seat and watching people walk by, while having a superb margarita or beer.
Just order the Tri-Tip and get it over with. Fantastic food, period.
The ambiance is coastal cowboy, and very casual.
Note: Thursday night is farmer's market in Downtown SLO and McClintock's is a huge draw. Â Better come here on a different day.
Breakfast is also outstanding.
Breakfast: not the best I've had in downtown.. My dad and I decided to share the f's favorite but the omelet was mostly salsa and cheese and it was hard to taste the egg, but overall it was still a good omelet. They also have THE BEST potatoes I've ever eaten!
We ordered some coffee and tea and our waitress was consistent with coming to check if we needed refills which was wonderful... The outdoor seating is also great! Right along the creek and allow dogs to sit with you outside
Overall it's a good place but not one of my new favorite.
Yes there are a lot of stuffed animals on the walls, and a lot of great food to eat too!
Ribs, chicken, steak it's all there. Coming from the Midwest I know good ribs. Great steak too. McLintocks does them proud and tasty. And what those portions, as they are huge. Share those sides or you will burst yours.
Breakfast is very good here as well. And the service has always been great.
If you are in SLO stop here for a guaranteed great meal.
MEAT--
That's what you come to this place for, BBQ and steak. Â I worked here for a few months part-time in college, and I can still remember how great it smells in there. Â I was able to eat a lot of the food there too (since I worked there, otherwise I probably couldn't frequent it as much because it isn't the cheapest place out there). Â I would recommend the tri-tip sandwich though--it is a different taste than Firestone's, but still really good! Â Portions are generally pretty good.
There's a full bar in there, but the place is a tad small, since it is the downtown SLO version...just make sure you slip in there on the early side.
The place is generally poppin' Thursday-Sundays, and breakfasts on the weekend are packed too. Â Sitting outside is nice because you are near the creek.
Sorry I can't comment on the Turkey Nuts, as that is not within my comfort zones of food to try, but people seemed to love them.
HOLLA
Quite good BBQ, but the portions are far too large, causing waste (you can't finish) or obesity (it's good enough to eat).
But the service is from hell.
How long should one wait for a server, paying close attention to the next table, to come over to offer service? Ten minutes? Fifteen? It couldn't have been something we said. We hadn't uttered a word.
When we observed her chatting to another server at the serving area, we managed to flag down another server and place an order.
But this server experience ruined our visit.
Come back? No way. Recommend? Why?
__________________________________________________Â___
For managerment reference: we were sitting in the window, in the table nearest the bar, at about 8 PM on a Thursday in mid June. Maybe you can identify your 'server' and explain to her that customers have a right to be served unless they are behaving badly or are inappropriately dressed, which did not apply in this case.
A friend and I ended up in Downtown San Luis Obispo today for a late lunch on our way back from Morro Bay where we spent the Memorial Day Holiday Weekend.
We walk in and we're immediately greeted by Bri who would be our server as well as the hostess. She was attentive, efficient and very friendly.
My friend ordered the Tri Tip off the lunch menu while I ordered the Western Burger. My patty was dry but the onion rings and the bbq sauce more than made up for it. I enjoyed the onion rings and I devoured them all before I remembered to add a few extra onto my burger.
Food was OK. Just go in knowing that it's not a restaurant that serves alcohol - it's a bar that serves food and you won't be too disappointed.
On a side note - Happy Hour Specials are excellent and there's also creekside dining.
Best Happy Hour on the Central Coast! Â
from 4-6 Mon Tues Weds Thurs Fri Sat and Sun (yes all 7 days)
Where else can you go and have live music and eat appy's (from a select list) at half price? Â We always get the Grilled Artichoke and the Steak Tips. Â What a bargain! Â The portions are so big that 2 orders of the Artichoke and a shared Steak Tips appy are enough for dinner for us both (granted, we're not huge eaters).
Highly recommended.
McLintocks is quickly becoming my new favorite bfast place in SLO. Â Today we sat creekside and ate for free - thank you to a hefty gift card from hubster's work! Â It's a farewell gift and we decided to go for great breakfast twice instead of a dinner we might be disappointed in. Â
Solid choice. Â Today I had the BLT bfast special with a fried egg thrown in, comes with homefries. Â The hubs had the 'F's Special' omelette (ortega chiles, cheddar, sour cream) and added bacon. Â
I forgot how superior the home fries are... crispy, perfectly cooked, with onions. Â SO GOOD. Â The BLT bfast sandwich was amazing - tons of bacon (too much, actually!) and fresh tomatoes and lettuce. Â The omelette was phenom too, according to the man. Â
Good coffee, great service, love the atmosphere.
PS - I've also had the french toast bfast, and my friends have tried/loved the breakfast burrito. Â Weird to have beans in a bfast burro, but apparently it works. Â
Cost: $21 for 2 giant breakfast plates and a coffee. Â Can't wait to go back!
This place inspired me to order a burger, and I don't even like burgers. Somehow getting a salad or a turkey sandwich at a BBQ place just doesn't cut it. So I went all out & got the ABC burger: avo, bacon, cheddar. It was delicious. It also came with amazing fries. I think I almost managed to eat everything on my plate, but there was so much food it just wasn't possible.
And they had my new favorite beer...Firestone DBA. I think all central coast restaurants carry it but I'm going to look it up at Bev Mo, fo sho!
Nice location & cute, small patio outside overlooking the river.
Who orders fish in a famous steak house? Â I can see why some of my fellow Yelpers were disappointed. Â McLintocks is where you go for a rib eye, beans, fries and a cold beer. Â Belly up to the bar, order that cold one and sink your teeth into a grass feed cow's contribution to culinary bliss. Â The meat served here is not for those use to a steroid induced, cattle car crowded, no sun, and corporate grown beef steak. Â
McLintocks is the real deal.
On your next trip south and you are on 101 through San Luis Obispo (SLO) and you are salivating for the taste of meat the way your grandfather enjoyed it, then pull over and indulge yourself a little.
Hamburgers the size of cow pies, served with all the fixins - this place is great!
While business travelling (yes...again) with a coworker up to the SLO area, we were told that Higuera Street was the hopping place to be. Mind you (especially you LA yelpers like me)... its NOT LA. Its not even Westwood Village. But it does have that same feel. Quaint, yet busy enough for a college town. It was actually a relief from the LA scene.
I ordered their tri-tip special. Its was well proportioned, fairly lean, although a bit lite on the seasoning. I'm one of "those" people who like heavy seasoning/marinade on my steaks vs just enjoying a high quality meat. Â The fixins were great too-garlic mashed potatoes, garlic toast, and a side salad large enough to be a meal.
My coworker ordered their special burger. 1 1/2 lbs on an equally giant bun. Â If you eat it all and both side dishes you get a free T-shirt. He couldn't resist the challenge. It was just like the scene in "The Great Outdoors" where John Candy polishes off the "old 96-er" - only my colleague only made it about 2/3 of the way thru. Since leftover aren't any good without a microwave, some lucky rasta-man bum was the lucky recipient of the remainder.
The service was prompt and attentive. Â They serve beer from 16, 22, or 32 oz glasses. Â Like there is a choice, right? When in doubt, Go large, is my motto. Â And large we went. Â
Can't wait to get back!
Best meal I had in SLO, hands down!
We started with some Nachos, very good - enough for the 6 of us to share. Â Then came the entrees: Â I was in a BBQ kind of mood and of course decided to order the ribs. Â I was not disappointed! Â Not only did they come with a huge serving of meat, but also accompanied by beans and a baked potato. Â The ribs were tender, juicy and finger-lickin' good! Â Plenty of sauce came with the ribs but if you're like me you want more. Â No worries, without having to ask there was a side of sauce on my plate "just in case".
I heard rave reviews about the burger, in fact a table mate finished the entire thing and got his picture taken/posted on their wall of fame (but should be called "wall of shame" for eating so much!).
Walking down the street trying to find somewhere to eat we noticed F. McLintocks, looked at the menu & decided to give it a try.
There were 3 of us. We may have all been able to share my meal alone!! The portions are HUGE.
got that days special which ended up being 4 pieces of steak, a mound of mashed potatoes, veggies & a slab of garlic bread.
All of us were happy with our meals but since we were traveling we couldn't take home any of the leftovers so a lot of food went to waste that night.
I would eat here again but now knowing portion size I would split the meal with a friend or get something that would be good the next day.
I definitely think they could give the option of half portions!
I'm not really that into nuts. Â I mean, they just hang there...what's so special about nuts?? Â But, a cute lil turkey's nuts? Â Well, that's a different story! Â They're...ehh, different but actually tasty. Â Just serves as more evidence that you can make anything edible in the deep fryer! Â Gobble-Gobble!
This is a go-to tourist spot in SLO....located on the main street with all the restaurants and shops. Â You can't miss the big, sad turkey's drawn on the storefront :.(
Shopping, eating, being with my 2 favorite guys <a href="http://static.px.yelp.com/photo/Wbp-1qJQN2I_uvsJ3k9XGg/l">http://static.px.yelp.co…</a>, on my birthday a few months back is all I wanted.
Well, I got all of it. Â And strolling in SLO is just gosh darn relaxing. Â You encounter friendly people, clean streets and fantastic shopping.
We walked by this store front:  <a href="http://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=tvZKPah2u9G9dFBg5GT0eg&select=tezN8deF_AsHB1gWIKECTw&start=80">http://www.yelp.com/user…</a> Â
And I thought, hmmmmm turkey nuts? Â Why the fuck not?
I asked the waitress to explain the turkey nuts to me and she said, 'they are the male reproductive parts of the turkey'. Â
Well, they tasted like .... ummmmm turkey nuts. Â Chewy, fried in a batter and served with sauce. Â I was starving enough that I would've eaten.... well, turkey nuts.
My burger didn't hold up well, our iced teas were quite refreshing. Â And our service was excellent.
Good luck with parking.
We were four humans and two dogs traveling down from the Bay Area to Palm Springs. Smack near the middle of those two is San Luis Obispo, and we came rolling in at about 7 pm looking for some grub. This here place caught our fancy for it's lack of anything classy. We were covered in puppy fur after all.
The portions here made me feel like a true American. The garnishes alone could have fed 2 starving children. My side dishes came with side dishes. One of us ordered the "veggies" side and it was as if the chef was scoffing at us when they arrived. Pre-cut frozen, then boiled into rubber. A jeering warning: Nobody orders veggies. NOBODY!!
I don't often pull out my camera and take pictures of food, but this place inspired me. Check em out, they speak volumes.
They also feature Turkey Nuts. Yes, reproductive organs from a turkey. We didn't get them, we _____________! (--- Insert pun here, there is endless potential.
Two stars for the entertainment value of it.
I'm really surprised to see all the low rating reviews...i grew up with mcclintocks and their AWESOME bbq beef sandwiches!!! their sauce is so good we always buy some and bring it home to cook our steaks with...
the downside of this place that it can get really expensive, which is why we ONLY go to lunch...i've never tried anything else here so i cant speak for the rest of the food but try it out
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