Page 56 - Demo

56 WINTER 2025 slovisitorsguide.com
Cayucos
(805) 995-3883 | 171 N. Ocean Ave, Cayucos | SchoonersCayucos.com
lunch • dinner • full bar Join us at the beach!
CayucosSausage.com
( (805 805) ) 900-5377 900-5377
Full-Service Deli & Meat Market
12 N. Ocean Ave. Ste. 121 12 N. Ocean Ave. Ste. 121
Cayucos, CA 93430 Cayucos, CA 93430
Great food, community, stunning views
and local talent — The allure of Schooners
The laid-back vibes of Cayu-
cos blend perfectly with the
relaxed atmosphere of Schooners.
Just steps away from the beach, you
can drop your beach blanket in
the car and walk directly into the
restaurant. It’s all about the views
and the seafood for this Cayucos
institution.
It’s been a favorite of both
locals and visitors since 1994 when
founder Bill Larkin purchased the
1930s building and transformed
it into the restaurant and bar it
is today. The famous upstairs bar
was once an apartment, and many
locals still remember the woman
who lived there for many years.
Schooners has a space for
everyone. Diners can sit down-
stairs in a covered patio and watch
the waves and beachgoers, or in
the dog-friendly outdoor patio
complete with a water wheel. There’s
an indoor dining room for anyone
Celebrating 30 years
in Cayucos
who wants to be out of the sun for
a while. Upstairs is the outdoor
deck overlooking the water and the
Cayucos pier. It’s absolutely stun-
ning. Diners can dig into a side of
calamari while watching the sunset.
If the ocean breeze is too much,
the overhead heaters keep the chill
at bay. Adjacent to the deck is the
famous bar. It’s small and cozy and
feels like you’ve stepped into a beach
town bar of old movies.
The current owner, Brendan
Fritzsche, bought Schooners in
2010. He had opened a restaurant in
Hawaii, but the lure of the Central
Coast brought him and his family
back. However, his Hawaii days
are evident in the welcoming and
charming atmosphere at Schooners,
where he brought his love of music.
Locals and visitors can belt out their
favorite tunes at the Wednesday, 7
p.m. open-mic nights.
Free live music plays on Saturday
and Sunday from May to October.
“There’s a lot of great talent,” says
Fritzsche. He loves supporting
talented local and traveling musi-
cians. From Labor Day to Memorial
Day, guests can enjoy happy hour
specials. Schooner’s is famous for its
bloody marys and margaritas. They
also have craft cocktails, local wines,
and many draft beers.
The only trouble is deciding
what to eat. The menu is dialed in
with local favorites such as fish tacos
at lunch. Dinner favorites include
pan-seared halibut, Harris Ranch
steak, and lobster. Fritzsche, says the
cioppino topped with crab legs is a
must-try. During the winter months,
does anything sound better than
watching the sunset over the ocean
with a seafood stew?
Schooners is decorated for
Christmas with lights and trees to
add to the ambiance. Holiday par-
ties can be booked, and wedding
receptions and rehearsal dinners are
booked year-round.
Schooners is open late so there’s
no excuse to miss this Cayucos gem!
Schooner’s is located at 171 N
Ocean Ave., Cayucos, across from the
beach. Open Sunday-Thursday 11
a.m.-9 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 11
a.m.-10 p.m. For the menu, reserva-
tions, or more information, visit
schoonerscayucos.com, or call
(805) 995-3883.
—Karen Lycan
Visitors and locals gather at Schooners.