I stopped by for dinner and drinks and had a great experience. The atmosphere is awesome, relaxed with really chill vibes, perfect for hanging out with friends or just enjoying the evening. The service was amazing from start to finish. The bartenders were great, and the manager especially stood out for being friendly and welcoming. You can tell the staff really care about making people feel comfortable and taken care of. Definitely a spot I'd recommend if you're in Paso Robles and looking for good drinks, good food, and a great atmosphere. 5/5. read more

Went in the other night feeling rather peckish! I ordered 3 Tacos - steak (delicious, nicely seasoned) shrimp (bright & fresh can really taste the pineapple salsa) and the pork belly taco (tasty my only complaint the pork belly could have been chopped to bite size nibbles) Also ordered the Ube Colada with a poor of rum - beautiful and delicious! Service was spot on! read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - Ube Colada - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Esperanza, is located on the rooftop of the Ava hotel, is a fantastic spot to relax and take in the views of downtown Paso Robles and the surrounding hills. The rooftop setting creates a lively yet comfortable atmosphere, making it a great place to unwind after a day of wine tasting. The space itself is beautifully designed with plenty of seating, fire features, and open-air views that really highlight the charm of Paso Robles. Whether you're there for a cocktail at sunset or a casual bite to eat, the ambiance alone makes it worth the visit. The drinks are well crafted and pair perfectly with the relaxed rooftop vibe. The menu offering Mexican food with fish, asada, pork belly tacos and many others. It's a great addition to the Paso Robles dining and bar scene. Between the views, the atmosphere, and the welcoming service, it's definitely worth stopping by when you're in town. read more

Ambiance -- Great. Lovely with fires and Patio heaters. Service was poor with the adults 3 drinks coming and then the boys two Shirley temples taking like 20 min. Our adult drinks were really slow too but they showed up and he said kids drinks will coming and was much longer. Most kids would have thrown a fit but my grandsons 4 and 8 have good manners. Food was very slow too. It was valentines afternoon but our reservation was 330 pm so it was about half empty. So not super busy. Just super slow service for everything. Food was ok. Fries are good. Steak tacos were bland to me. Needed salt and there was nothing on the taco but a couple tomatillos I didn't eat. The burger was good Dan said. We had an order of guac that is plentiful & Guac was delicious and chips are good too !! We stayed about 90 min in total but since it took forever to get our drinks initially it kinda ruined the experience. read more

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Mira yo soy latino. Look I'm Latino, I won't lie to you, the food is okay, but it's just okay, for the price you're better off going to a taco truck / stand. The tacos were okay, carnitas were dry, shrimp were under seasoned and the steak was legitimately good albeit overpriced. If you're American and don't eat real Mexican food often you'll probably think it's okay. On the plus side the service was okay! The ambiance is funny, it's an upscale restaurant but tries to be authentic even though it is anything but. Overall, I'd say go somewhere that is actually Mexican, skip this place. read more

Short Review: Cute bar at the top of the Ava Hotel. Modern and spacious. Great for drinks. The Baja-inspired food selection is limited, and not very good. Long Review: You wouldn't/shouldn't come here if you're not staying here at the hotel. This is more of a convenience pit stop than a destination. It actually took me a while to settle on something to eat because many of the options were only pork and not beef or chicken. Also, forget about it if you're a vegan or vegetarian.... Just sayin'. Oh, and did I mention the prices? Crazy expensive for what they're trying to serve up. Dinner for two, with only one of us having a beer, was about $100. Really? The ambiance is absolutely incredible, despite the terrible food choices. Really feels like a nice getaway and they even provide blankets for you at night when it gets chilly and the heat lamps just aren't enough. If you're up for watching the latest sports, they've got two big TVs in the bar area. read more

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Fun new spot. It feels like a hotel roof, because, well... it is, and adjacent to the pool at that. This will probably get crazy busy in peak tourist season, and as the hotel/its other amenities and restaurants build out and become popular. My husband and I shared a bunch of stuff: -Chicken mole telelas ($20): Delicious and pretty unique for our area, where you can get great tamales in casual spots or to pick up from a park & ride (the best you'll find, IYKYK), maybe some empanadas in a tapas place or two, etc. These are essentially a large-sized combination of a tamale and an empanada- grilled on the flat top (so don't expect the steamed, thick masa), but still made of masa on the exterior and bringing that flavor and texture. They were packed with a ton of chicken, had a nice little side salad going, and we loved the sauces. Would order again. Perfect portion for two to share alongside an app. -Carnitas waffle fries ($16): Big portion, so solid to share for a group. These were tasty enough to not be mad at them, and the toppings were generous, but the construction needs work (or even just thicker salsa or a less "wet" protein!). These are waffle fried loaded with a heaping quantity of several delicious but wet ingredients- a very juicy carnitas, blended green salsa, pico de gallo, and crema. As will happen with a waffle fry, with every attempt to take a bite, even using a sharing plate to mitigate damage, the drippy salsa/carnitas juice/etc. leaked straight through said fry and onto... well, whatever happened to be there. -Churros: These came with a marscapone vanilla, cinnamon chocolate, and a zesty caramel (tajin?). We liked them! The tajin caramel wasn't our jam, but hey, it's different. Service was a little slow, but it was busy- not complaining, and our server was friendly/helpful enough. read more

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Lovely new hotel in Paso, The Ava, a Hilton property. While I enjoyed seeing the lobby and it's beautiful furnishings, I came for one thing -- the rooftop bar and restaurant. Gorgeous. It's like a HUGE pergola with fans mixed with the feel of Miami -- the sides are open (with up/down shades for sun) with the ability to view the city, outstanding trees, lightening (on this night) -- and the cool breezes of Paso in the evening. The cocktails were good, though. It was also packed, so great vibe. As a bar, it's a winner. It has all the makings of something special, but it feel short. Very likely because it's new and still working out the bugs. Staffing levels not enough. Server education of the menu needs help. Food was sub-par for most of my party of 7, we only liked the burger and chicken mole. Tacos, both chicken and fish were over-seasoned with odd flavors. Bottomline, it's gorgeous, but it needs some time to work things out. I'm rating it a 4.0 with hopes things improve. read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - The burger, good, not great - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Esperanza at the AVA Hotel knows exactly what it wants to be, and that clarity is its greatest strength. Perched above the street as a slightly elevated rooftop lounge, this is not a place that begs you to linger over a long meal--it invites you to arrive with good company, order something excellent to drink, and let the evening unfold naturally. In a town full of remarkable places to eat, Esperanza confidently claims its role as a drinking destination, and it wears that identity well. The setting immediately signals "stay awhile." Contemporary, open, and comfortable, Esperanza offers sweeping views that shift depending on where you sit--downtown Paso Robles humming below, the surrounding hills rolling quietly in the distance, or the soft glow of the town as dusk settles in. It's one of those vantage points that makes even a simple drink feel intentional. You're not just having a cocktail; you're having it somewhere. The energy is lively without tipping into chaos. It's the kind of place that works equally well for first dates, business gatherings, friends meeting up after dinner, or hotel guests easing into the night. What's especially refreshing is how naturally locals and visitors mix here. That crossover is rare in tourist-heavy areas, and it speaks volumes about how well Esperanza fits into the rhythm of Paso Robles rather than hovering above it. The bar program is where Esperanza truly shines. If you come in the mood for an old fashioned, you're in good hands. The bartenders know their way around bourbon, glassware, and balance. Drinks arrive with confidence--well-built, properly stirred, thoughtfully presented. Nothing fussy, nothing overworked. Just precise elegance that mirrors the modern, vibrant feel of the room. It's the kind of cocktail that doesn't need explanation; you taste it and immediately relax. The selection behind the bar is equally reassuring. A solid range of bourbons and spirits, curated without feeling bloated, signals that this is a place run by people who drink what they serve. The glassware is right, the pours feel intentional, and the pacing of service keeps things moving without rushing the moment. You get the sense that the staff understands why people are there--and they support that purpose rather than distract from it. One of Esperanza's quiet advantages is its location. Sitting atop the AVA Hotel, newly built and thoughtfully placed near the square, it's easy to weave into an evening. Walk to dinner downtown, wander back for drinks, or start the night here and let it point you elsewhere. It's convenient without feeling transient, which is no small feat for a hotel bar. There's also a confidence in what Esperanza doesn't try to be. It understands that a town thrives when each place plays its part, and Esperanza plays its part with charm, polish, and a touch of playful swagger. Ultimately, Esperanza feels like a modern gathering spot done right--stylish but unpretentious, energetic without being loud, and focused on what matters most: good drinks, good views, and good company. It's the kind of place you recommend easily, return to willingly, and keep in mind when someone asks, "Where should we grab a drink?" Come for the cocktails. Stay for the view. read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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Was delicious food and fun lovely atmosphere. We were seated fast and didn't wait long . read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

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We went with a large group after work when they opened and the vibes were awesome. It truly feels like you're on vacation, nothing like Paso. There is a small food menu right now, I got the ahi tostada which had a great amount of ahi on it. read more

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Amazing evening at Esperanza roof top . Cool vibes on the warm night with delicious Ava margarita and unique salsa and chips. Chillin music from a local DJ made for a perfect night. The bar is a great addition to our Paso Robles community. read more

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What a gorgeous rooftop area! And your staff is so very nice. They were kind enough to ask people to move seats so that we could have space to sit and enjoy our wine. I think it was Wyatt's first day and he was attentive as were the rest of the staff taking care of us and ensuring we had a great time while we enjoyed the afternoon. Five stars all around for the service and friendly vibes that we experienced with all three of your bartenders on Easter Sunday! Can't wait to come back! read more

Paso so needed a place like this! Pool, fire pit area and rooftop bar all right next to each other. Great spot to socialize with friends and family. We came for Sunday lunch/brunch. Love the drinks and the food. Service was fun and engaging. We got the chorizo fundido, tacos, mole and the burger. All were finished with smiles. Will definitely be back! read more

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My husband and I decided to give this place a try day after Christmas expecting it to be busy, but we were seated quickly upon arrival and did not have to wait. Our server Jacob was very attentive and friendly providing great service. We ordered the ceviche, carnitas fries, and the carnitas flatbread. All came out fresh and quickly! We also ordered a few cocktails and everything tasted great. This place makes you feel like you're in a big city and not in Paso Robles. We will definitely be returning for another date night out! read more

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Placing this review a few months after sampling this new restaurant. You could tell they were still working out some bugs with staff, when our water glasses sat empty for some time...when we asked our waiter, he said he was supposed to bring us our own carafe. I chalk this up to new staff still getting set in the routines of expected service. He was friendly and accommodating nonetheless. I have since visited on another occasion and the service was much improved. The ambiance was amazing and reminded my husband and I of one of the resort restaurants we visit in Cabo San Lucas Mexico. The restaurant is on the roof, covered on top and open on the sides. There are abundant potted palms and plants to evoke a tropical feel. There are cute little seating groups, though some of the chairs are more attractive than they are comfortable. My husband and I split a dish of carnitas fries. They were quite good and the potion so abundant we did not have room for even a shared entree. We did share some churros for dessert. They came hot and were very tasty. They came with three sauces (chocolate, caramel and vanilla). The chocolate and caramel sauces were flavorful enough, but were of an off, thick texture that made it hard to pick up the sauce when dipping the churro. I enjoyed the vanilla option most of all, possibly because of the better viscosity for dipping. We each had a cocktail, my husband having an Old Fashioned (which he liked). I really enjoyed the La Lumbre Margarita, which had an enjoyable spiciness to it. We will be back to try out some entrees soon. read more

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Ambiance is awesome! Just happened to show up for lunch and today was the launch of Sunday funday! Pool was happening, Dj and local winery giving out free samples!! read more

Went here a few times 1st visit outstanding service and food was on point the guac and chips are a good hit for an appetizer and also a large amount of guac 2nd time we visited with some family we were told they were not serving food the kitchen was closed only drinks so we ended up leaving 3rd time we were turned away there was 5 of us and we were told a reservation was needed so we left Again 4th time before we visited I called ahead and asked if we needed a reservation I was told 7 or more a reservation was needed I also asked if the restaurant was available they also said the restaurant is always open. So visit 2and 3 and 4 who knows what happened there On visit 4 we were turned away becouse a reservation was needed we ended up hanging out in front of the building next to a fireplace and we were hosted by the cafe staff they were great and the food was exceptional. My low stars is for the lack of communication with the staff for correct information. If this happened to us I'm sure this happened to a lot of other ppl and customer service is key to a great establishment read more

Rooftop bar has a great vibe, plenty of space, and we'll appointed. We'll made craft cocktails, friendly and attentive service. read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - Manazilla Martini - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

Amazing concept and location is great. One thing they didn't think of in the design is the open rooftop is east west so in the evening, you get the sun in your eyes... so bring a hat or a visor. The drinks are great, the service is very good, but the food is MEH at best which is not good for a restaurant in Paso. The guacamole is good, the chips are terrible. The flatbread is non-existent twice when we've been there. If you can't make it then take it off the menu. The burrito is ok but terribly unhealthy. Just too much wrong... they shouldn't have rushed their opening and should have taken more time to get it right. read more

We had booked and paid for our family's stay at Hotel Ava. The hotel is very luxurious, the front desk staff were great, and room was excellent! The little kids demanded to go to the heated pool and we decided to just hang out and order food and drinks from Esperanza for dinner. We asked the host if we can order from the pool area because we have kids and they wanted to swim and he said, absolutely, we can. It was freezing cold that night and we didn't feel like ordering cold drinks. The server came to take our order but she couldn't access the pool area and so my fiancé opened the gate for her. For our food, we ordered: Carnitas Fries, Salsa Trio, The Rooftop Burger, and Baja Style Fish Tacos. For our drinks, we asked if we can order an off-menu cocktail and she said yes. We ordered hot toddies. The server asked what is in a hot toddy, we explained what's in the cocktail. The server came back waving at us at the gate to let her in, because apparently, she doesn't have a key to access the pool area. There were two different sizes of mugs that were served to us: two 12 oz mugs and two 8 oz mugs. When we asked the difference in size she told us that it's all they have. We said that is fine. The drinks weren't what we asked for. We were served hot teas; no honey, no lemon, no cinnamon, and definitely no whiskey. She came back with our food order , my fiancé opened the gate. We told her that these aren't hot toddies and just basically tea. She acted as if she didn't believe us, and so I told her she can have a taste because I didn't drink mine. We asked if we can just order something else, she said "Okay, I'll do whatever you want me to do". We ordered Irish coffees. We enjoyed the Salsa Trio and Carnitas Fries, the rest of the food order was okay. She came back, fiancée opened the gate. The drinks had no whipped cream which is not a good sign for us. We had a sip, we all looked at each other, not an Irish coffee. We tasted Kahlua and milk. Though Hotel Ava is a luxury hotel, the service that we received at the Esperanza wasn't the kind of service from a luxury hotel. We were inconvenienced by opening the pool gate five times. The server acted as if we were a nuisance. The drinks, I understand they are off-menu, but a knowledgeable bartender can make those drinks. If it weren't for the kids wanting to swim at the pool, we would have taken our family to The Alchemists' Garden for dinner. read more

Grace was the best, we came with 20 people and no reservations and she was a champ. Food...amazing, drinks...amazing, vibe... amazing read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

Super rude staff. Observed the bartender insulting customer's drink order to the customer's companion. The tequila "bowl" drink was disgusting. The rest of the bar staff were unfriendly. Would never go back, read more

Absolutely love Esperanza. From the food, the service, to the bar, the music and the atmosphere, what's not to love? A breath of fresh air and a space that makes you forget where you are. Can't wait to try everything on the menu. Keep up the great work and will be back soon read more

***Follow-Up to My Original Review*** I want to provide an important update regarding my previous 1-star review, in which I described discovering a used bandaid cooked into my meal. The night the incident occurred, my meal was waived and I was kindly invited to try their new restaurant, EMRE, once it opened. About a week later, I received a follow-up phone call from a gentleman (unfortunately I don't recall his name) who was extremely professional. He reiterated the apology, extended the same invitation, and encouraged me to reach out once EMRE launched so he could personally arrange the reservation. I misplaced his number, and after some time I obtained the contact information for another team member whose title is Director of Hospitality and Operations. I called, he was busy, and he returned my call a few days later. This is where my experience changed dramatically. When I explained that I was calling to set up the reservation at EMRE--as previously offered--his tone immediately shifted. His first response was to remind me that my meal had already been waived after I chewed on a bandaid. He then proceeded to offer the reservation and meal at EMRE only on the condition that I delete my original review. I explained, again, that this was not a trivial issue: I unknowingly chewed on a used bandaid that was cooked into shredded chicken--meaning it likely affected all portions served that evening. His approach to this conversation was unprofessional, dismissive, and frankly shocking. I would expect far better from any restaurant, but especially from a brand-new, high-end Hilton property. What could have been handled with accountability and genuine hospitality instead turned into a quid-pro-quo request tied to a serious health and safety incident. This follow-up is not written lightly. My hope is that ownership and management uses this feedback to address the internal issues that allowed both the contamination and the mishandled response to occur. Needless to say, we will not be back. There are many exceptional, trustworthy restaurants in town, and this experience made it clear that this property is not one of them. Between the contamination and the unprofessional follow-up, I cannot in good conscience recommend dining here. read more

Such a great vibe in downtown Paso! The server recommended the carnitas fries and they did not disappoint! The portion size was great for sharing and the prickly pear lemon drop was one of the best I've had. Can't wait to go back! read more

Esperanza on the Rooftop - Beer Bar Near Me - Paso Robles, California

I have eaten at Esperanza a couple of times. The food is fabulous, service could be more on point but the atmosphere is amazing. I will go back there to hang with the girls and have date nights with my husband. I'm so glad we have an Esperanza to visit!! read more

So excited about this spot! Was lucky enough to go the first week of opening... the atmosphere far exceeded my expectations. It's such a beautiful space and I can't wait to enjoy it more as it cools off. Margaritas were solid but the shareable plates were the real winners for me. I think about that ahi tostada and the queso way too often. Stoked to see such a collaboration of talented folks! read more

I have been here now three times and every time the experience has been better. I imagine that they had a bit if a learning curve the first few days... so thrilled to see it only getting better. I love, love, love the Guac and chips. The portion was super generous portion on the guac and had to ask for more chips! I also highly recommend the Papas Flautas as they really floated my boat. My only offer is that it would be very easy to use the same ingredients they already have on hand to to come up with more options for those of us that do not eat animals. read more

Go for the ambiance, or to enjoy the combined efforts of chefs and bartenders whose careers have helped define downtown Paso over the past decade. Food is authentic, light, and flavorful. Love the Ceviche and the prawn special was bomb! read more

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The service and ambiance was good. The food was horrible . I had chicken tacos. Not hard to make. The shells were soggy. The chicken was like rubber. Now for my drink! I had a vodka and soda.There was a $2 charge for the soda. On the menu it did not say there was an extra charge for soda water. Isn't that a bar staple? Not sure why you charge for soda water!! It should be on the menu that the bar charges extra for soda water. read more

Esperanza is a lovely experience from the food to the drinks and ambiance. We ordered the tetela and the tacos both fish and chicken tacos were very flavorful and different than other spots in paso. Very creative and much needed for Paso Robles! Can't wait to go back! read more

Great ambiance and food. Service was a bit slow but overall we enjoyed our lunch. Would come back for dinner.

Loved the vibe! The staff were wonderful and the food and drinks were delicious. Will definitely be back! Can't wait to check it out on the nights they have a DJ! read more

Went here right after it opened and it was excellent! The queso was one of the best I've had and fish tacos, so good! I had friends in town and went back last week, and everything changed in 1 month's time. The fish tacos looked like a large fish stick not the same flavor. The queso was a cream cheese consistency, more like spinach dip than good queso. For the price they should not cut corners. Drinks are good but a call is $20-25. read more

Must see & do in Paso! Add it to your itinerary! 5-star food + service + ambiance - personable staff and it keeps that great local vibe of Paso! read more

The food here is great every time, my favorites so far have been the chicken mole tetelas, shrimp burrito, and torta. Everything is better than expected and a very generous portion, great for coming and sharing with a group. The ambiance is really nice and feels like you are on a little vacation! Will absolutely be back. read more

Amazing addition to paso. I'm so glad to have some new fun locals places to add to the repertoire! Amazing service, amazing ambiance. Can't wait to go back. read more

Great ambiance! Server was awesome. Definitely knew the menu and described everything perfectly and in an appetizing way. As far as the food goes I was not disappointed!! Very unique but in a traditional way. Presentation was beautiful. I have been several times, every time I go things just keep getting better!! read more

Great experience! The service was fast and friendly and the food was delicious! Loved the atmosphere and the roof top. It was a little sunny and staff graciously adjusted the roof so the sun wasn't shining into our eyes. Definitely recommend the Carnitas Waffle Fries! read more