I tried these SLO County places on a $25 budget. Here are my 4 favorite spots
Somehow, the new year is already here.
Now that 2025 has wrapped up, I’m taking a beat to reflect on the new series I launched in The Tribune last year: On a Budget.
The series premise was simple — each month, I would try reader-suggested foods, drinks and activities around the area on a $25 budget.
These inexpensive adventures were some of my favorite stories to work on.
Throughout the year, On a Budget took me to all corners of the county. I hiked to the top of Bishop Peak in San Luis Obispo, sifted through knick-knacks at the Nipomo Swapmeet & Fleamarket and braved a storm to get my hands on a pie at a popular pizza night in Los Osos.
Here’s a look back at some of the best spots in SLO County that I visited on a $25 budget:
La Parisienne serves ‘world class’ French pastries and desserts
La Parisienne in Morro Bay was my very first stop in the On a Budget series, and I’m still thinking about it.
The hole-in-the-wall strip mall spot off the Embarcadero was recommended by a local who said the shop baked up “excellent desserts” and “world class” cookies.
I stopped in one morning and was immediately impressed by a mound of colorful cookies shaped like sharks, octopuses and sea creatures, as well as rows of flaky croissants, cinnamon rolls, tarts, quiche and danishes.
I ended up getting a delicious strawberry-filled croissant and a toasted plain croissant with egg, cheese and bacon, along with a small drip coffee all for a total of $14.65.
It’s the only time I’ve been a whole $10 under budget.
It was also a major plus that I could take my pastries and coffee to go and watch some otters play in the bay just across the street from the bakery.
Read more: SLO County bakery serves ‘world class’ treats. Here’s what I got for under $15
A cheap date night at the Palm Theatre
In April, I visited The Palm Theatre, a cherished three-screen cinema in SLO that has a long legacy of bringing eclectic films to locals.
My partner Nigel and I were hoping to find a fun film and an affordable date night at the movies. We were in luck on both counts.
On Bargain Mondays, all tickets are sold for $9 and concessions at the Palm Theatre are always fairly affordable. We grabbed a $2 small popcorn and a $4 small Diet Coke, bringing our total to $24.
As for the movie, we saw “Freaky Tales,” an action dramedy starring Pedro Pascal and Jay Ellis that’s set in 1987 Oakland.
The screening room was dark, the snacks were tasty and the film was thoroughly entertaining.
Read more: SLO movie theater ‘a treasure’ with cheap concessions. Here’s what I got for $25
Visiting a vibrant SLO County farmers market
On an overcast Saturday morning, I took a tote bag and $25 to the Templeton Farmers Market in search of inexpensive, locally grown goodies.
I meandered through market-goers and dozens of vendors, browsing through a rainbow of in-season fruits and vegetables, artisan cheeses and fresh-baked sourdough loaves.
I ended up picking a large $4 mixed berry medley scone from Sasquatch Sourdough in Los Osos and a $6 bouquet of orange calla lilies from Arroyo Grande-based Campesina Flower Inc.,
With my remaining budget, I stocked up on produce, grabbing a $6 basket of some beautiful blueberries from U-Pick Blueberries in Santa Maria, a $5 bag of sugar snap peas from Perez Family Farms and three perfectly ripe nectarines from Rocking Chair Farms for exactly $4.
After spending exactly $25, I was extremely content with my choices. I had some very tasty fruit and veggies in my bag, a small bouquet of flowers and a sweet treat — all from Central Coast producers.
Read more: I visited a vibrant SLO County farmers market on a $25 budget. Here’s what I got
A breakfast at a beloved mom-and-pop diner
In November, I tried a long-running diner that’s been serving locals for more than 40 years.
During my visit to Budget Cafe in San Luis Obispo, I discovered a no-frills breakfast and lunch spot that welcomes regulars on a first-name basis and offers a menu packed with delicious yet affordable options.
At the restaurant, I filled up on the $13 Mini Ranch combo, which contained a very fluffy homemade pancake, two eggs and two strips of bacon. I also ordered a drip coffee with free refills for $4.
With tax and tip, my total came out to $22.49.
It was a quality meal and the service was spectacular. I wasn’t alone in my experience either — this review prompted several Tribune readers to email me gushing about their own wonderful experiences at Budget Cafe.
Read more: I visited a SLO mom-and-pop spot with ‘to die for’ pancakes. What I got for $25
Where should I go next in SLO County?
Have any ideas on where I should visit next for my On a Budget series in 2026?
Send me recommendations at hpoukish@thetribunenews.com or by filling out the form below.
