My wife heard about this from a friend who went to Cal Poly. Before my review I want to share that Cayucos is seaside town that has escaped over development. Felt like we were in a time warp that took us to the 1970's. Ok, if you are in the area highly recommend going. We were in Pismo for the weekend and the 30 minute drive was easy at 8:30am when we left. It opens at 9am so I thought it would be good to be there then. And so did about 80 people. The line was to the end of the block. Don't be deterred. We were striking up conversations with everyone around us. You order at the window, they give you a number for the table, and they bring out your food. Look for the sauces they keep above the sugar cream station. Onto the food! We got the San Luis Sunrise (free range eggs, Niman Ranch bacon ends, avocado, hk sauce) and the Mannix Machaca (scrambled eggs, slow cooked carnitas, hk green salsa, avocado, hk sauce). I thought by the look of it that the waffles would be the winner....nope! The blue corn flour tortilla Mannix Machaca won the day! Oh, and the ridiculous smoothly the Baywood Berry. One is enough for two and they'll split it for you. Put this place on your must try list! read more

See all

I stopped by The Hidden Kitchen for breakfast before heading to the beach and had a breakfast taco with carnitas, eggs, salsa, and avocado on a blue corn tortilla. It was delicious, filling, and perfect for the morning. I also tried the Kicked Up Coffee, which was surprisingly good for a non-coffee drinker! Their beautifully presented smoothies are another favorite, with plenty of creative combinations. This place is always top-notch, with friendly, attentive staff, delicious food, and a clean atmosphere. Definitely worth a stop in Cayucos! And for lunch, their pork carnitas tacos are some of the best I've ever had. read more

See all

Rarely do I get a craving for an American breakfast, and even rarer do I get a craving for a specific spot. This place is 100% the spot to go for breakfast/brunch if you're a tourist in the area. You wait in line to order, then get a number and find a seat. I came around 9:10AM on a Saturday and waited in line for ~25mins. You definitely need to come early, because the line only got longer after I left around 10:30AM. Their specialty is the blue corn waffle/tortilla. I recommend ordering one of each just to try every menu offering. The wait after ordering was about 15min. The waffles came out perfect, and the color and presentation made them perfect additions to your foodie photo album. The tacos were solid, but the blue corn tortilla flavor was a lot less noticeable. I would still recommend ordering at least 1 taco just to try it out. For a part of 2, 1 waffle and 2 tacos or 2 different waffles are more than enough to satisfy your breakfast/lunch stomach. Water is self serve, and service is super friendly. The weather was super nice when I went, but make sure you grab a spot in the shade or you will start sweating! I would also recommend bringing a hat or sunglasses since some seats are positions in that the morning/lunch sun shines directly in your eyes. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Welcoming and tasty breakfast/brunch spot in the heart of Cayucas! Sweet and Savory waffle options and variety of well seasoned Blue Corn tacos. Self serve water is free. read more

See all

Consistently fabulous. Order at the front window and then go find a table - inside or outside. Good for small groups or individuals inside - can handle larger groups (~8) at outside patio tables. Love the smoothies. Like ice cream but healthy! Staff is so friendly, competent, welcoming. All the tacos are delicious and the waffles are two meals-worth. I dream of Hidden Kitchen! read more

See all

Still our go to spot whenever we come to Cayucos. Great food, great views of the ocean. read more

See all

What a sweet space. There is a very casual vibe here. You order outside at the window and find a seat indoors, or on their back patio, afterward. This place was bustling on a Sunday summer morning. The indoor decor is very cute. Boho chic with a spritz of spirituality yet somehow also very comfortable like you were in someone's beach home. For those seeking ample protein, I'd recommend the breakfast bowl. I added bacon and three eggs and it was plenty. I tried the most basic sweet waffle and it was thick, filling, and very satisfying (I could only eat half). If you are in the area, this place is a must. Shout out to entirely gluten-free kitchens and those who run them/own them. We appreciate you. read more

See all

There is always a long line here so I knew I had to check it out. They're known for their blue corn menu!! Such a cute cafe - lots of tacos and waffles and delicious smooth options. So cute and yummy I got their monte cristo waffle with an added over easy egg and it was so good! The waffle had an earthy and freshness to it with the blue corn. It was soft and crispy to the edges. It definitely hit the spot. I will definitely come again and try other things on their menu next time I'm in Cayucos. There's no rsvp but you wait in line to order, then find a seat inside or in their outdoor seating area. We didn't have any issues finding a seat; the service is relatively fast! Highly recommend read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

I've tried almost the entire menu here. Hands down my favorite spot to eat when I'm in Cayucos. The vibes are high and the food is even better! And the people working here are always so kind! read more

See all

We love this place. Everything about it is great. Right by the ocean, just above Morro Bay and the staff is so welcoming. The food!!!! Forget it. So far everything we eat here is beyond. This time we had the blue corn carnitas tacos. Let me say for a non-Mexican restaurant, this place knows how to make great food that would blow away so many " Mexican " places. Just look at the photo. The ambiance is chill and relaxing. Oh yes the Oceano orange drink whoa!!! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Blue corn carnitas. - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

This restaurant is totally up my alley. The meals here are made with intention and they really care about the quality of ingredients. It's is all gluten free and has plenty of vegan options. I have only been one time and can't wait to go back. I got the date/peanut butter smoothie and it was not only delicious but beautiful as well! I appreciate the generous portions for the smoothie. They also have what seemed to be delicious waffles and tacos available. I can't wait to come back and try!! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Smoothie - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

If you have a treenut already, do NOT eat here. The place was cute and the food did look good, but after waiting in line and finally getting to order we asked what was in the hidden kitchen sauce to ensure there were no nuts. Thankfully another worker standing nearby overheard us talking to the girl taking our order and shared that the waffles (the only food item on the menu) was made out of almond flour. We would have never thought to ask because all it says is "blue corn waffles" with no allergen information anywhere. Treenuts are a fairly common and severe allergy, that should really be included on the menu if it is essentially in the entire menu. The employees should be aware as well. I'm thankful for the one person who overheard because that saved us from a horrid hospital trip. read more

The Valencia veggie omfg!! Normally I would order something meat based but for once I wanted to just eat nothing but veggies and try something new we asked placed our order oh snap! Couldn't have been happier once they brought it out the smell from it was amazing to say the least it looked amazing once you bit in to one of those bad boys you know why they were on the menu the flavors were out of this world it was like a symphony of flavors everything went so good with every single bite was just pure happiness all the way up to the point I was beyond full I wanted to keep eating I can say with out a shadow of a doubt when we go back we're getting those tacos again! The place was so nice you could sit on the patio or inside we sat on the patio the weather was perfect the place was clean and the servers were super friendly everything about this place was fantastic!! read more

The food and smoothies were excellent, but our pickup order took nearly 45 minutes for us and another customer, while dine‑in customers were served faster. Four stars for great taste, minus one for the wait. Outdoor seating available and can get crowded during peak dining hours. read more

See all

The food is a little pricey but for the portion and the ingredients, I think it's worth it. Food was delicious. Very cute patio with lots of birds flying around (a birders dream). It's also dog friendly which is always a great idea. Staff were very friendly and welcoming. read more

See all

Nice lunch spot if you're in the area. We had the churro waffle, 2 breakfast pork tacos, and a coffee and tea for about $50. The tacos are on the small side, so if you're hungry order two. The eggs were a bit bland and the portions don't match the prices - overall nothing was super "wow", otherwise this would be 5 stars. read more

Had a really fun brunch experience at Hidden Kitchen! The outdoor seating has a beautiful ocean view and such a relaxed beachy vibe. It's counter service, so you order outside and wait in line, but even though the line was long, it moved surprisingly quickly. There was also plenty of seating both inside and on the patio. The food was fresh, unique, and super filling. I had the Weirdo waffle and my friend had the Mannix Machaca taco. The flavors were really interesting and everything tasted very fresh and homemade. I also tried the Big Sur smoothie, which was delicious and refreshing with a little spicy kick -- you could definitely taste the fresh ginger. Overall a really cute and fun spot if you're in Cayucos and want something different from a typical brunch place! read more

See all

A friend recommended that we meet up at this restaurant in Cayucos. It is very popular so it took a while to get it. You have to order from the sidewalk, after standing in a long line. Then you can eat inside on the patio. This waiting in line wasn't good for me because my foot was in a boot and the line moved very slowly. Then I couldn't even see the menu until I got closer to the order window so that took more time. Anyway, my friend and I got a chance to catch up while eating our weird food on the patio, so thanks for that. I ordered some sort of smoothie and wanted to also try the waffle so ordered one of those. Can't recall what flavors, though, sorry. I wouldn't come here again, simply because this is not the type of food I prefer. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Some sort of Smoothie - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

I'm so happy I finally came back here!! If you're ever in cayucos or Cambria, you have to try the hidden kitchen. Cayucos location is the one open during the week, while Cambria is only weekends! You order your food first then go find seating inside or out in the back. Super cute establishment. There's merchandise for sale, miscellaneous items. The food is amazing. They're known for their blue waffle (delicious), but their tacos...wow. So good!!! The whole menu looks good, it's hard to order. They have specials too. The staff is nice and greet you. Whenever I'm in cayucos or Cambria, I'll always have some hidden kitchen. read more

See all

We love this place- this is our go to breakfast spot. Consistently good and healthy food We would have eaten here all week- but they are considerate of their employees and took Wednesday-Friday off for Thanksgiving week Love this for them, taking care of their team members. I tried a bowl this time- it was super yummy with the elote. I always get the elote taco My hubby got the carnitas tacos- 1 breakfast one with egg and 1 brunchy one. We love the blue corn waffles and tacos. We bought several bags of the mix to take home with us. Wish they had one near us- we would be there everyday Cute, beach vibe decor Very clean in the restaurant as well as the restroom Plenty of parking available when we were there right at opening 9 am read more

See all

Wow!!! Ok run, don't walk over here and enjoy some yummy food. I had a vegan bowl and my husband had the San Luis Sunrise and added turkey. Both were perfectly seasoned and flavorful. The blue corn waffle chefs kiss per husband! You order at the counter and staff bring the food to your table. Service was fast and staff were friendly. The dining area was a cute patio with a fantastic view! read more

See all

Sister in law recommended The Hidden Kitchen so we woke up early to beat the line and there was still a line when we arrived early in the morning. Thats how you know it's good. This place feels like it was made for me because I'm allergic to dairy and they are so on it with the allergies. Sat outside and enjoyed being close to the ocean. The smoothies are GIGANTIC! Really refreshing and almost like ice cream. Felt healthy too which is an added bonus. Would recommend sharing unless you want to waddle out of the restaurant. The San Luis Sunrise was our favorite and a treat for me because I usually can't have waffles when going out to eat. Just delicious and didn't taste like cardboard which some healthy spots are guilty of. The Plaskett Pork breakfast taco were also good, but would go with the waffles because that seemed like the specialty. I can't wait to return next time I'm in town or passing through. read more

See all

OMG this is the best tasting food I have had recently! Got the Morro Melt and it was just incredible. Could not stop eating. My only pause is I got my good about 15 minutes before my wife so I was done when hers had just arrived. Once we were beyond the awkwardness of only one of us had eaten and she could dig in, good things happened. We were concerned it couldn't live up to the Morro Melt but she said it was amazing as well. Nice little beach shack vibe for the seating and a pleasant sunny day to sit outside. The inside seating looked cute so that is also an option but we sat outside. Would have given 5 stars easily, but the delay between my food and hers was enough to deserve some subtraction. But overall a must try in Cayucos. Amazing and unique taste that will definitely have me coming back. Anytime I am in Cambria I will drive over here just to have that Morro Melt! It was that good. read more

Interesting and delicious waffles! Loved having sweet and savory choices. Smoothie was also great but super, super thick. Enjoyed our meal here! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Oceano Orange smoothie - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

What a find. Of course, it's not such a secret. Line out the door and tons of reviews...it's still...shhhhhhh. Smallish menu with mainly 4 items (with a handful of varieties): blue corn waffles, tacos, bowls, and smoothies. The anticipation was killing me, but it also gave me ample chances to vacillate between choices, change again, and yet again. The Weirdo won. Blue Corn Waffle with peanut butter, banana, and bacon. It was a wow. The waffle was dense, thick, and very filling. I guess I'd wish it to be fluffy, but I understand it's gluten-free. Way too much crumpled bacon, and I love me this piggy. Overall, yes, wow. I got one of their smoothies, too. Well, it was sticky and thick, I didn't like the texture (or the flavor, I got the coffee one). Anyway, they refunded my money without a hitch. It's got a Santa Barbara feel, casual and almost hippie. Gorgeous outside seating, if you wish, with that awesome beach breeze. Sign me up. read more

All of it was amazing! Fresh! Delicious! We came for breakfast, and the following day I made sure to get a meal to go to take it in the car for the 3 hour ride home. Will be back! read more

See all

Every trip to the beach must include a stop at Hidden Kitchen. The blue corn waffles and tacos are gluten free and delicious. Each month they have new specials and should not be missed. Plus, there are standouts on the recurring menu like the pork tacos and the Monte cristo waffle. The staff here is so friendly and helpful, the food is surprisingly fast for being made fresh and the location is to die for, don't be scared of the long line. It's worth it and moves fast! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Barbacoa taco special of the month -- even my pup wants a bite! - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

The line outside was so short only had 2 people in front of me yet I waited for my order for an hour to go. Good thing I just love those blue corn waffles. I have yet to try a sweet one but the savory are so delicious. It was worth the wait read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Autumn specials - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

This place is darling and a one of kind type of place. It is a little expensive on the surface but so is everything in CA. Playing tourists we stopped in and sampled different tacos. The tacos were filled with top quality ingredients and the perfect mix of yum. There was not anything we did not like. Wish we had more time as we would have loved to sample the waffles. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Breakfast Taco and Crispy Carnitas taco - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

I had never even heard of The Hidden Kitchen before till my cousin told me about it, so we checked it out while on a weekend roadtrip through Cayucos. It's not really that hidden--pretty much right on the main strip--but whatever, catchy name I guess. I got the "Weirdo" waffle and swapped out the peanut butter for whip cream (personal choice, don't judge). The waffle wasn't crispy, it was more soft and kinda cakey. It had a good flavor tho--kinda earthy and just sweet enough. The deep fried banana on top was superb. Like, I would've eaten a plate of just those. And the bacon ends? Man, they were delicious. Salty, crispy, just greasy enough to be right without feelin heavy. Also ordered one of their smoothies with almond butter and holy crap--probably the best smoothie I ever had. Thick, creamy, nutty, and felt like it shoulda been a cheat meal but somehow still tasted healthy. Cool vibe, good service, and they give you drinks in mason jars so you feel all rustic n' earthy. Prices were a bit up there, but it's one of those rare times where I didn't mind payin a little more. Totally worth it. If you're anywhere near Cayucos, do yourself a favor and swing by. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

Blue corn waffles oh my goodness incredible. I'm a huge fan of savory breakfast. This spot has so many options for savory (and sweet) breakfast we were tempted to go back for a second time on a short trip. Friendly staff, relatively quick service, cute and comfy vibes by the beach. Walk the pier afterwards, we saw whales!! read more

The reef ranchero tacos were amazing! The blue corn taco shells were soft and filled with beans, eggs and avocado so I had to eat with a fork. Service was great, staff were attentive and super friendly. They had a nice indoor and outdoor seating overviewing the beach. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Reef Rancheros Tacos - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

What a fun place!! The setting is great with plenty of outdoor pup friendly tables with ocean views order at the counter and they bring your food to your table. We ordered the morro melt and the blue corn waffles with strawberries bananas and cream. Both were very filling, different, delicious and just fun!! Prices are reasonable. We will definitely be back next time we are in town. read more

See all

Here's all you need to know: My family and I drive down from San Francisco *specifically* to go to Hidden Kitchen. There can be long, sad months between visits, but we make sure to purchase enough of the blue corn waffle mix to satiate our needs. Absolutely everything we've tried - and it's been a lot on the menu - has won us over. Food: Excellent. Service: Excellent. Ambiance: Excellent. read more

These might have been the best carnitas taco's I have had. Normally I am not a fan of blue corn tortillas, but they nailed it with whatever it is that they are doing. Everything we ate was great. Will stop here anytime we are headed up the 1. Just make sure to get there before 3 or you will be sad. read more

We ordered the Elote Waffle and the Weirdos Waffle. The elote waffle was one of my favorite bites this year. With cheese, chilis, salsa on a blue corn waffle it was the perfectly indulgent and savory. I would definitely return just for this. The weirdos waffle was good, with bacon bits and a carmelized banana on top. It leaned a bit salty for something I expected to be sweet, but I think that just comes down to personal preference. Overall great place! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Elote waffle and Weirdos waffle - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

So yummy waffles! Out of the world! We ordered some savory waffles and they are all good. Crowded of people because it is the long weekend. Be prepared to wait to order and to get a table. They have indoor and outdoor seatings. Highly recommend! read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all

Just a heads up that this is an order then find seating establishment, which is totally fine. However, the staff is SUPER rude. We came and they were super packed and we are a larger party. Seeing as no tables were available we decided to order to go. After a bit of a wait (understandable due to the larger order) we were actually able to find a table. Seeing as we had so much it was going to be way more convenient to eat at a table. So we sat down and noticed the table was a bit sticky in the corner. Nicely asked if they wouldn't mind wiping the corner and the lady at the register was super rude about it. When she finally came over and saw us unpacking our food she said that if we ordered To Go we were not allowed to eat in the restaurant.... We literally spent over $100 and are being told we can't eat the food at a table.... So she rudely said she would go get her manager who came and asked if we ordered outside or on the phone. We let her know we did in fact order outside and at the time there didn't seem like there would be room which is why we had said to go. She said that was fine and we could stay. Just thought that whole situation was a bit weird and didn't appreciate the rude blonde at the register at all. Definitely wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. Food was just okay but made worse by rude staff... read more

I ordered a blue waffle with fresh fruit to go and I was Not disappointed. Fresh coconut whipped cream, sliced strawberries and bananas and a side of maple syrup. Delicious! Customer service was quick and helpful. I did not eat inside. Maybe next time! read more

See all

Probably the best smoothie I have ever had. We were visiting cayucos for a few days and every time we walked by this place the line was down the street and around the corner. I decided to call in to order my smoothie so I didn't have to wait on the crazy long line which seemed to be pretty slow moving. The smoothie was ready in 10 mins and honestly was amazing. It is crazy thick, had to eat with a spoon!! So much flavor and sweet but not too sweet. read more

The Hidden Kitchen - Big Sur blue smoothie, no ginger add protein - Juice Bars & Smoothies Near Me - Cayucos, California

See all