Discover the meal destination for locals and visitors

Hungry diners fill the cozy dining room at Red Scooter Deli and the patio seating facing the Paso Robles City Park. Open early for breakfast, the deli is a favorite for locals and a meal destination for people traveling between Southern California and the Bay Area.

“We are the halfway point,” said owner Stephanie Johnston. “It’s always nice to see our repeat customers. We have quite a few who arrange their trips so they can stop here for something to eat.”

The deli’s breakfast and lunch menus are built on fresh ingredients from local vendors, including pastries and breads from local bakeries plus several that are baked in-house. Breakfast choices include bagels, croissants, multigrain oatmeal, and a selection of hearty egg scrambles such as the Eggs Benedict Scramble or the Ham and Chili Scramble. Hot and cold sandwiches and wraps piled high with a choice of fillings, three different daily homemade soups, and salads fill out the menu. Gluten-free choices are available, as are vegetarian and vegan options, fruit smoothies, and a full espresso bar. Delivery options provided for orders placed between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m.

Great for breakfast and lunch, Red Scooter is the place to go for an afternoon snack. A fruit smoothie fits the bill for a mid-afternoon pick-me-up or enjoy a coffee with a walnut-loaded sticky bun or a light lemon bar. Ask about catering — the menu features a large variety of sandwich, cheese, and vegetable platters as well as salad bowls, box lunches, and desserts.

Johnston has been operating the Red Scooter Deli since 2010 upon purchasing it from the former owners. She works alongside her staff, taking orders, preparing the food, serving food, checking on customers, and bussing tables.

“I’m very hands-on,” said Johnston. “This is a family-run business and I enjoy mentoring the staff and helping them learn and develop job skills.” Her efforts are apparent in the cheerful and helpful attitudes of the deli staff.

Red Scooter Deli, located at 1102 Pine Street in Paso Robles, is open weekdays 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (until 6:30 p.m. for Summer Concerts in the Park) and weekends from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Closed Super Bowl Sunday, Easter, Mothers Day, Fathers Day, 4th of July, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. For more information, see www.redscooterdeli.com or call (805) 237-1780.

– Jackie Iddings