Find the secret door to Paso Robles’ only speakeasy.

From Irish charm to speakeasy secrets, with Mexican flavors and a Polynesian experience in between

—If you have ever been to downtown Paso Robles, chances are you have enjoyed one of the Park & Pine Group’s venues. Each of the four concepts—Pappy McGregor’s, 1122 Speakeasy & Cocktail Lounge, Fish Gaucho, and the CANE Tiki Room—offer something truly unique.

The group is owned and managed by Donovan Schmit and Troy Larkin, cousins who grew up in the restaurant business. The success of each business is due to attention to detail, focus on unique concepts and superior customer service.

Pappy McGregor’s

Pappy McGregor’s, the team’s flagship venue, opened in 2006 and is a local favorite receiving accolades of Best Bar/Pub for eleven straight years. The Irish-themed gastropub offers delicious comfort food, fresh seasonal craft cocktails, local wines, beer on tap, and is home to the best nightlife in Paso Robles! With plenty of indoor dining space, two full bars, two outdoor patios, kid and dog-friendly, it’s easy to see why the locals love Pappy’s and why it is a must-visit when in downtown Paso Robles. They have recently added delivery services and a Pub Club for locals offering members points and rewards. Pappy’s is also the perfect venue for celebrations with the back patio or the entire restaurant available for private parties such as rehearsal dinners, wedding receptions, birthday parties, and more.

Pappy McGregor’s is located at 1122 Pine Street, Paso Robles. Open 7 days a week, kitchen hours are 11 a.m.-9 p.m., bar hours are Sun-Thu 11 a.m.-11 p.m. and Fri-Sat 11 a.m.-2 a.m. For more information visit pappymcgregors.com.

1122 Speakeasy & Cocktail Lounge

Behind Pappy’s is the 1122 Speakeasy Cocktail Lounge. Named as one of the top hidden bars in the world, this establishment takes guests back to the prohibition era. To enter, press the doorbell and agree to the rules of the speakeasy that are delivered through a cage in the door by the host. Be prepared for your cell phones to be locked away in a secure pouch, then follow the host through a secret door into the hidden cocktail lounge.

Once inside, let your senses engage with the Roaring 1920s as the bartenders provide an elevated cocktail experience with offerings from the classics, the forgotten, and the unique and seasonal signature cocktails. Smoked cocktails are a favorite and the popular Butter Pecan Old Fashioned is now offered in pre-made bottles to go. Bartending seminars, educational events, and private events are offered throughout the year. Join the Spirits Society membership for discounts on cocktails, access to special events, and other perks.

1122 Speakeasy is located on Pappy McGregor’s back patio. Enter through Pappy’s. Walk-in hours are Fri-Sat 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Reservations are recommended for Tue-Sun, 6-11 p.m. but walk-in guests are still accommodated. For more information or to make reservations visit eleven-twentytwo.com.

Fish Gaucho

Another Best Restaurant winner year after year is Fish Gaucho. During a trip to Mexico, while sipping fresh lime margaritas without added high-calorie, sweetened mixers, Troy and Donovan, wondered, “Why can’t we find a drink like this back home?” As they enjoyed their fresh ceviche, creative salsas, shucked raw oysters, and fresh fish tacos, they again found themselves wondering where they could eat like this back home. They returned and developed the Fish Gaucho restaurant and tequila bar, offering a large selection of fine tequilas, hand-muddled margaritas, seasonal cocktails, local wines, imported beer, and a modern Mexican menu of food made using fresh ingredients. The décor is mostly used reclaimed wood and metal which was inspired by old-world rustic Mexico with each piece custom-made for Fish Gaucho.

Fish Gaucho is located at 1244 Park St., Paso Robles. Dinner every night from 3-9 p.m. Lunch is served Fri-Sun 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. Reservations are available for parties up to 18. For more information or to make reservations visit fishgaucho.com.

CANE TiKi Room

The CANE TiKi Room bar and restaurant was conceived during COVID when the speakeasy wasn’t able to open and operated from a Tiki bar setup on Pappy’s back patio. It was a huge success so when the space around the corner from Fish Gaucho became available, Troy and Donovan jumped at the chance to create Paso’s first Tiki bar. They did not spare any attention to detail when remodeling the space. CANE (Paso’s Tiki God of Cocktails) is a water feature behind the bar that blows smoke, lights up and plays music when special drinks are ordered. Every aspect of the restaurant is decorated for a full Tiki-themed experience. The menu includes all the classic Tiki cocktails, some CANE TiKi Room originals, and a Polynesian-inspired menu ideal for sharing with items like teriyaki bowls, fried rice, egg rolls, Spam musubi, chicken lettuce cups, ahi poke, and Mongolian beef. A visit to this island oasis is a wonderful escape from the everyday.

CANE TiKi Room is located at 1240 Park St., Paso Robles. Open daily at 4 p.m. For more information or reservations visit canetikiroom.com.

For more information about the Park & Pine Group, visit theparkandpinegroup.com/.

—By Lisa Pretty