In these interesting times, now more than ever the question at home when choosing takeout is – “What are you in the mood for? International? Tacos? Barbecue?” The answer we all dread is – “I don’t know, whatever you want.” Well, we have compiled a list of the best take out in Paso Robles Wine Country to help you decide so you don’t have to settle for cereal because it got too late to order.

Watch for Part 2 in the next blog with categories like Fried Chicken, Italian, Mini Markets, Pizza, Pairings, Sandwiches, Steaks, Tacos, and Take & Bake.

If you’ve got the travel bug as bad as we do, these restaurants will help satisfy your international appetite.

Thomas Hill Organics’ ever-changing menu takes you places like Morocco, India, Germany, and Lebanon. Rockstar Chef Libry brings his worldly experience to Paso with big bold flavors. Each meal is three-courses, has family-style portion options, and of course Paso Wine pairing suggestions. New kid on the block, Les Petites Canailles, has gotten uber creative. Chef Julian’s authentic French bistro is a much-welcomed addition to Paso Robles. LPC (as the locals call it) has created new French-fusion themed bi-monthly menus like Greek, Mexican, and the most recent popular mash-up of Cajun. Robin’s in Cambria is known for its fresh global cuisine. Local favorites include Vegetable Korma, Duck Molé, and Lamb Tamales. Plus, they have many vegan options!

Californians love to cook outdoors! Most of us cook on a grill more than we use our inside ovens.

Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ takes Cali-style BBQ to another level. His signature smoked meats take center stage in a variety of creative sandwiches, massive burgers, next-level mac ‘n’ cheese dishes, and his award-winning paella. Ask about his daily specials! We love the blackened salmon. His carry-out list of beer and Paso wine is an added bonus!

We’ll be honest…we miss going out to brunch! What is better than a late morning meal sitting on an outdoor patio reminiscing about the epic weekend? Many restaurants have added brunch to their to-go game to bring that experience home, in your slippers.

Paso’s besties to the south in San Luis Obispo, Mint + Craft, and Novo, have mastered brunch. We are fans of the variety of benedicts, house-made sausage, and the burritos (we Californians love a breakfast burrito). Check out their chilaquiles kits! Others offer killer carry-out brunches include Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ, Hurricane Kitchen, La Cosecha, and Red Scooter Deli.

How do you like your burger? Is it handcrafted with farmer’s market produce, homegrown meat, and artisan cheese? Or maybe it’s diner-style griddled and mashed with crispy edges? How about a flavorful out of the box veggie burger? Whatever your pleasure, we’ve got the goods.

The king of burgers is The Hurricane Kitchen. With 20+ funky, fun, and sustainably driven options, you’ll find more than one burger to takeout. Some Paso Wine faves include the Barrelhouse Brew, Drunken Venison, Lamb & Artichoke, and Veggie with sweet yellow curry. Renowned winery Lone Madrone has made the burger game one of their signature reoccurring weekend events, and they’ve found a creative way to continue Burger Sundays with takeout and delivery! We order one of each because they are beyond delicious. But whatever you do, make sure you order a side of duck fat fries. Tooth & Nail’s eclectic mid-week takeout menus include Thursdays being all about the burger, or sliders that is. Order the Nashville Hot or Wagyu sliders, but don’t forget the Castle Tots! 15 Degrees C Wine Shop & Bar also makes an awesome bacon cheeseburger.

Could this be a silver lining to shelter in place? You can now take cocktails to-go!

Mixology masters in carry-out cocktails include The Hatch, La Cosecha, Novo, and 15 Degrees C. Our pics are The Huntsman from The Hatch, Lavender Lemonade from Novo, Classic Margarita from La Cosecha, and Frosés from 15 C. They all have great menus for takeout, but would it be wrong to just order cocktails?

During this unexpected stay at home, we can all use a little extra comfort. There is nothing quite like your favorite bottle of Paso Robles wine and a cozy meal. Let these restaurants cook for you to help relieve some stress.

The Ancient Peaks Café is cooking up some yummy meals that will give you those comfy feels. Enchiladas, mac ‘n’ cheese, lasagna, steak fajitas, loaded baked potato soup, and pasta with chicken carbonara are just a few offerings that’ll you’ll love. You must pair with an Ancient Peaks wine to get the full experience. Tip – the APW Rosé goes with everything! The Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse has a crave-worthy curbside menu with dishes like roast chicken, steak & potatoes, pork chops, and their legendary prime rib. Each meal feeds two to four people and offers wine pairing suggestions. Café Bovino hits the mark with its classic cobb and chicken & corn chowder. We recommend ordering the cheese & charcuterie box and a bottle of Bovino for a perfect picnic at home. The Hatch Rotisserie & Bar is the definition of comfort. Where do we start? Meatloaf, shrimp & grits, shepherd’s pie, pimento mac n cheese, and fried chicken equal pure happiness. And the pie…chocolate cream, key lime, and banana cream…I mean, come on!

Whether you made a goal of learning to be a better cook during this stay at home, or you just want a little help from your favorite restaurant in the kitchen, DIY Meal Kits are a great idea!

We are obsessed with ETTO’s Ramen kits. Fresh handmade bucatini pasta, all the yummy stuff (tare, dashi, kikurage, shichimi, nori) is included, plus chops sticks, just add your favorite broth, meat, and desired veggies. Warning, your mind will be blown. Novo’s chilaquiles kit are on another level. Make this popular Mexican breakfast dish in the comfort of your own home (and in jammies). Olivas de Oro gives you some help with DIY recipes that uses their artisan oils, olives, vinegar, seasonings, and sauces. We highly recommend Kicked-Up Bloody Mary. Order online or swing by during a Friday Tin City Drive-Thru. Craving pizza? Pick-up a DIY pizza from 15 Degrees C. They’ll set you up with fresh dough, homemade sauce, and toppings. When you grab your pie kit, stock up your cellar with Paso wine, beer, and cider.

Boy, has home life changed for so many of us. In many ways, families have grown much closer with homes welcoming back college students into a daily routine of workplace, school, and daycare. Although this has been a welcome reconnection, the home chef still needs a night off every now and then. So many Paso restaurants are doing family-style meals to provide that little break with menus the whole family can enjoy.

Chef Santos and wife Carol of La Cosecha, Il Cortile, and The Truck have stretched their innovation to new heights. Operating out of the La Cosecha location, they have taken family meal deals to a new level with an added bonus – many include adult beverages. Popular dinner packages that we’ve ordered frequently include Margarita Margarita, Land + Sea, Family Night, and Lasagna, all with family-friendly price points. Thomas Hill Organics offers ever-changing menus with portion size options of one to four. They have something for everyone; Round the World, Friday Fried Chicken, Sunday Comfort, and our fave – Saturday Date Night. Le Vigne Winery is cooking up Italian classics like lasagna, gnocchi, and tortellini. All meals come with a special dessert and artisan black olive rolls. Don’t forget to buy a few bottles of Appellation or Vineyard series wines! Swing by the Paso Robles Inn Steakhouse for comfort cooking at its finest. Need to feed more than foursome? Then the Bistro at San Antonio Winery is your best bet. Salads, sides, and entrees will feed six to eight or 12 to 15, and their award-winning wine selection offers a great selection to pair. Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ offers family-sized paella, mac ‘n’ cheese, plus our go-to – the trip-tip, brisket, and chicken platters. Les Petites Canailles bring some real fun to your table. The bi-monthly changing menu feeds 4-6 with multiple side items alongside the main dish.  And here’s the kicker, all of these family-style meals are budget-friendly!

While we know there are plenty of options for takeout in our region and would love to include them all, these are our standouts and all on Pasowine.com. Stay tuned for Part 2 of this blog next week where we feature another eight categories filled with our favorites from Paso Robles Wine Country.

Photo credit to our awesome members: Les Petites Canailles, La Cosecha, Jeffry’s Wine Country BBQ