As of 4/24/2021, take out only. Ordered Spencer medium rare. Received medium but just as juicy and tasty. Comes in a styrofoam box with an aluminum foil. Tender to cut with provided plastic knife. The styrofoam and aluminum does not resist cutting and paper plate soaks up juices. It would have been good if it came with a plastic disposable plate from Dollar store but I guess the thoughts are to eat at home. Ate in the parking lot. They deliver to your car while you wait. Once I got home and checked the menu, the dinner meal comes with an ice cream, I did not get my ice cream. Will have to drive back 180 miles, order a Spencer, bring a plastic plate, and make sure they don't forget the ice cream.

+6

Short version of visit: Popular place, great food, great service. Long version of visit: A few years back my family did a Carne Vino tour aka try the area's two best steakhouses and drink a bunch of wine from the wineries in the Paso Robles area. We first went to the Far Western Tavern and it was just ok and you could not even smell bbq. Then we hit Jockos - and you can smell the addictive smoke of red oak from the parking lot. We ordered the Spencer steaks (ribeye) and they were fantastic. Just last month (February 2024) went back to have a repeat experience. We got there when they opened on a Wednesday and there was already a line starting to form to get in. Our waitress was amazing on service and very personable. The Spencer 8oz Ribeye, though cooked a perfect medium rare, was much more chewy in texture then the steak we had a few years ago. All three of us ordered the same thing and had a similar opinions. Maybe it wasn't a ribeye? Jocko's did mention they have changed who they get their meat from locally a few times - so maybe it's that. Regardless, I'd go back again. Highly recommend.

This is a top spot in the Coastal valley. An institution of oak fired BBQ and grilling. It's the locals spot, people drive from LA for this. Make a reservation or you'll be waiting.

For special occasions, we will drive nearly 200 miles for Jocko's. I recommend reservations and try to get a table with a view of the grill. Simply outstanding fire grilled steaks, ribs and chops. Outrageous portions of (beef & pork) ribs and fried chicken (one order could feed your entire table). You will take home leftovers. Great service and reasonable prices make for a memorable experience. Be good to yourself...experience Jocko's!

The food was really great it was my wife and I 1st time, we didn't knew was that busy but the waitress was able to help us get us a table really quickly. I got to say the experience was great and the food especially 😋

+2

This place hasn't changed much since it opened (besides the prices and a few interior/exterior updates). Jockos (among others in the area..Shaws, Far Western, Hitching post, et,) is a staple of Santa Maria style cooking. Meat seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic powder cooked over red oak done at its finest. Even though I moved away I always come back for a taste of home.

The food is absolutely delicious. Even though we had reservations it took over 1 hour to get our food after we ordered, but it was well worth the wait. Hubby asked what I wanted for our 30th anniversary, I quickly answered Jockos!

+4

Guys, it's Jock's. In 2025, it will be 100 years old.. So if that in itself doesn't sum it up. Well, see my pictures of these fantastic red oak cooked pieces of meat. Delicious, for those of you that have been here, you guys know. And for those who have not, it's a must. It will mean your food sousl so so happy. God bless you, all brothers and sisters

+1

Do you like amazing steaks served up with a minimum of pretension and a maximum of value? This is your place. The ribeye (sourced from Colorado) is grilled over an oak fire, and served with the best beans ever (I tasted smoked goodness but they were not sweet so no bbq sauce.) The sides are otherwise kinda forgettable (iceberg lettuce salads, basic “Texas toast”, baked potatoes) but the beef arrived cooked perfectly to order (medium rare, of course) with a crisp crust and fat that just melted in my mouth. So much flavor!! We brought our own rough red Zinfandel that cut through all the fatty goodness just perfectly. A cup of really good cherry ice cream finished the meal to perfection.

An old fashioned jewel of days bygone, oak pit BBQ, delicious steaks and burgers, pinquito beans done like nobody else can, and salsa to die for! On top of all that, old fashioned bar with lots of good local people and very friendly staff. As a long time resident of San Luis Obispo County it's so nice to see some things stay the same. Friendly people, old fashioned values, and delicious food!

Ribeye was cooked to perfection. I also liked the sides, pickle and the beans that came with it. I wanted medium rare and it was delivered 💯 as I wanted. Juicy, with some fat, and a little crispy on the edges. Very good choice for meatlovers!! 🥩

Easily the best steak I’ve ever had. I travel a lot, I’ve been to high end, but this was a truly amazing experience! 20 oz filet medium rare over open pit oak wood. Since 1886, experts at what they do.

Place was busy on a Monday which is a good sign. Had reservations and were quickly seated upon arrival. Our server was Jennessa, awesome lady, great service and very attentive. I had the ribeye with the potato, beans, and salad and everything was amazing. Steak came out exactly as ordered, great flavor, and very nice sear marks. Highly recommend!

Wow - went on a weeknight without reservations.. Managed to get seated quickly... Food was spectacular- Sevice was great.. A bit loud inside

One of the best steaks I've had in a long time. This should say something coming from someone who lived in Argentina for many years, where you can find some of the best meats in the world. Definitely worth the three and a half hour long drive. Couldn't be any happier with the service from Danny who was the server that went above and beyond to make our experience unforgettable. On top of that, it was such a treat to be shown the barbecue pit up close on our way out. They went out of their way to make it happen, which made the whole visit even more special. Huge thanks as well to the cooks, whose skill and care made the meal truly exceptional.

Let me just say that there's a reason there has been a three+ hour wait for seating, every night since the 1960s. Their meat is what meat is supposed to taste like. Hands down the best BBQ I've ever had, every time!

Unfortunately I didn't get to eat this time . But the Aroma coming from the restaurant out front as well as inside was amazing !!!! Only stopped to purchase a gift card. But I definitely will be back !!! Anything that smells that good has to be delicious !

WOW just wow. The taste, quality, and portions at Jocko’s are all top tier. Bring your appetite. The steaks are fantastic and plentiful. A local staple that attracts patrons from all over. The use red oak coals which give the food a unique and delicious taste. Get the Spencer Cut!

+4

We had a great experience the two nights we had dinner here. The 20 oz filet mignon and 20 oz ribeye steaks had wonderful taste and flavor from the open cook pit. We had no issue with service both nights, and they gladly opened wine we brought with us from a local winery. Everything from the tray of fresh pickles to our ice cream dessert was truly a delight!

+6

I have been to a lot of steak house on the central coast. This one is one of the best you can find! The Gambler is so delicious and they always cook it to perfection! Love the atmosphere and the staff is always super friendly. Every time I go I have A great time. Great place to take someone on a date or the whole family!

Best steak! The employees are friendly and helpful. Be patient, reservation usually means a wait to, seems to be usually 30-45 min at least, but worth the wait. Hangout with the friendly bartenders in the meantime or see is there is a breezeway table available, it's open table seating but it's not a desirable place to sit. They say the fried chicken is really good, but hard to pass on the steaks here.

+3

Nestled in the heart of Nipomo, Jaco’s Steakhouse is a culinary gem that delivers an exceptional dining experience for anyone who appreciates premium cuts of meat and flavorful dishes crafted with care. From the moment you walk in, the cozy yet upscale ambiance sets the tone for an unforgettable meal. We started our evening with the Laguna Sausage Appetizer, a hearty and flavorful dish that offered just the right balance of spice and smoky goodness. The sausage was perfectly cooked, with a crisp exterior and a juicy, tender interior that left us wanting more. It’s the kind of appetizer that sets the stage for the main event. For the entrées, the Spencer Ribeye stole the show. This perfectly marbled steak was cooked to perfection—crispy on the outside with a tender, juicy center. Each bite was rich, buttery, and satisfying. The flavor of the ribeye spoke volumes about the quality of the meat Jaco’s uses, making it a must-try for steak lovers. The Pork Ribs were another standout. Smoked to perfection and glazed with a tangy, slightly sweet sauce, the ribs practically fell off the bone. They were meaty and packed with flavor, perfect for anyone craving a hearty dish with a touch of barbecue charm. Finally, the pièce de résistance: the Filet Mignon. This cut of beef was so tender it practically melted in your mouth. Paired with a subtle seasoning that allowed the natural flavor of the meat to shine, it was truly a masterclass in simplicity and execution. Service at Jaco’s was attentive and friendly, with staff ensuring that every detail of our experience was spot-on. The wine list and drink menu complemented the meal beautifully, offering a variety of options to suit any palate. In a town full of dining options, Jaco’s Steakhouse stands out as a destination for high-quality meats and a menu that showcases expertise and passion. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply indulging in a top-tier meal, Jaco’s is well worth the visit. Rating: 5/5 Highly recommend!

This place is always an amazing place! Huge portions, excellent food, and fantastic staff. I've ordered the Calamari Steak twice now and it's still just as good! If you ever find yourself on the 101, just north of Santa Maria; then make the slight detour into Nipomo for this place. Seriously, It's awesome. :)

10.17.25 6pm Beef Ribs (full size) were delicious, American style with no marinade just salt. Not as delicious as Korean galbi (marinated short ribs) but was still delicious. One of the elders said that the Pork Ribs were better than the Beef Ribs, so try both.

Staff, food and service are excellent. Jockos was pleasantly better than expected. Steak cooked a perfect medium well. Juicy and full off flavor. We sat in the bar area. Wanted to catch the game. It does get busy. Reservation is a must. The only thing I didn't like... the bar patrons were less than desired. Many were rude. I do realize it was the bar portion of the restaurant, but definitely manners and etiquette are missing with most there. Other than that I strongly recommend it, a delicious meal is guaranteed.

Loved Jocko's! The steak and ribs were great! We went with a group and everyone was happy. My husband and I split the 10 oz. Filet mignon. It was tender and delicious, cooked perfectly. We had salad and a baked potato. Yum! You can get a $12 plate when you split, duplicating the sides. Our friends had the 20 oz. Ribeye and ate every bite, our other friends got the 1/2 pork and beef ribs and took some home. It even came with icecream dessert.

It had been a minute since my last time here and the Food is still GREAT! Highly recommend the SPENCER 20oz. Prices increased since last time here but worth every penny. So worth the 2 hr ROAD TRIP. DANNY our waiter was AWESOME .

On what feels like a small town street is this gem of a steak house. Huge chunks of prime beef cooked with oak coal. Perfectly timed and enhanced with smoky flavor. The sides — especially the salty smokey asparagus also perfectly timed to cook through but not soggy at all. The side of lobster was a fun addition to make a classic surf and turf. Also expertly cooked over oak coal. I can recommend the filet and New York, but I’ll be my the Spencer and the rest of the meaty crew would impress as well. Good wine/beer selection very reasonably priced for the quality.

+6

Made a pilgrimage to steak heaven! We were last here over 10 years ago, but then we ‘fled’ California when we retired. It was great to come back here and it was just as good as before. The steaks were done perfectly which is unusual for me since I like them ‘blue’! The sides were great and we love the beans. Take the time to stop by this landmark restaurant.

+3

LEGIT!!!!!! everyone that I talked to raved about this place and they were right. Workers r coooolio. Food is ridonkulous. Prices are great and it comes w salad, side and freaking dessert!?!?!? We got the Spencer 20oz… LEGIT!!!!! Double pork chops is $4 more. LEGIT!!!!! jocko dip was awesome too but we were so full from sharing the other two dishes. Toast is amazeballs. Beans r good. Our server was awesome. I can see why people wait. Ambiance is ok but I don’t care about that. Food and nice people does it for me. I will def come back here again if I’m in the area. JOCKOs you guys ROCKos… ;)

+6

We drove there for lunch. We had hamburgers. They were delicious! If we had gone by public transportation, we would have wanted steaks and wine. The beef patty had a special flavor. We could easily imagine how good their beef steaks would be. Next time, we will definitely try them. The service was very friendly.

DELICIOUS steak. Worth the drive. Your meal comes with a side, salad, salsa, beans, crackers, and ice cream, so come hungry. Good seasonal drink menu too!

Restaurant is legit. We were able to go watch them make steaks and see the grill master at work! It’s a site to see. Came here with the family. There is a wait so we decided to have drinks at the bar. Drinks were spot on. We ordered multiple dishes and two kid plates. The ribeye steak is a MUST! The beef ribs are good. The fries are really good! Stole some from the kids plates! 😜 I definitely recommend this restaurant. The atmosphere is perfect for a family dinner.

+2

Steaks were cooked perfectly juicy and sides were spot on. Had to get a to-go box. Steak and eggs for breakfast 😄 didn't disappoint either. Definitely a great place to drink and have great food.

Just tried Jocko's for the first time and hands down, it's the best BBQ I've had on the central coast. The beef ribs were meaty, juicy, and packed with flavor. The Spencer steak? Cooked perfectly, juicy, and had an amazing texture. And that BBQ Lobster Tail? Absolutely delicious with the butter dip. The BBQ artichoke was a pleasant surprise, especially paired with that tasty mustard dip. The salad was simple but so refreshing. The ranch was so good. Oh, and the Drewski cocktail? Sweet but surprisingly strong. Dangerously good! Learning about Jocko's long history was really cool too. And shoutout to Haley, our server—despite being busy and running around, she always made sure we had water and were happy with our meal, checking in with us to ensure everything was okay! Her speedy service and great energy really added to the experience. Can't wait to go back—it was all topped off perfectly with those ice cream scoops. What a meal! Definitely recommend making reservations though, 'cause it's totally worth it.

+3

When in Nipomo, we always come to this steakhouse. The Spencer Steaks are a favorite here. The meal comes some Salsa, Pickles, Baked Beans, Garlic Bread, Beet Salad and choice of Baked Potato, Steamed Vegetables or Rice. Also comes with dessert ice cream. Great food and service. Happy stomachs. 😋

+3

I get the large Spencer every time. Never disappoints. The high quality steaks are cooked to perfection. Tried the spare ribs for the first time. They were good. I was expecting them sauced or bbq sauce on the side. They are semi-tender. Not fall off the bone.

+6

Really! This place is so amazing. The service was so quick and our waitress was awesome. She took care of our every need. But the star of the show was the steak!!! Not the first to say it. Talk about cooked to perfection…. Bravo Mr. Steak man… Bravo!!!! Worth the time and money. Will be back again soon.

What can I say, other than Jocko's is a Central Coast icon for the very best open pit BBQ using only Coastal Red Oak wood. You will leave fully satisfied and carrying out plenty of leftover food for lunch the next day. Everyone has raised prices due to the terrible inflation. But, Jocko's has kept the increase prices to a minimum. I like my steaks extremely rare, so please don't worry, you can have your steak cooked however you want.

5 stars. Legendary spot! The oak-grilled steak was unreal—thick cut, perfect char and smoky flavor from the open pit, juicy and tender. Came with a loaded baked potato piled high with bacon, cheese, sour cream, and chives, plus pinquito beans, fresh salsa, and the complimentary pickle tray that hits every time. Portions are huge (leftovers for sure), and the sides were spot-on. Service was friendly and quick for a busy Friday. No alcohol for us, but the iced tea/Arnold Palmer to-go was a great call. Classic Central Coast BBQ done right—worth the stop. We'll be back! 🔥🥩

The steaks here are amazing! The sides are also pretty good. Wonderful service as well. Would definitely return

I’m giving it 5 stars because of the over all experience and service from Chris, he was awesome!! There was a crazy amount of food served, which is a value for the price. My friend got the filet mignon and man, I wish I’d gotten that too, the Spencer was good too but the mignon was out of this world. They even let you look at the guys grilling the meats and that was really cool. I even got a pleasant surprise that outside the restaurant there was a vintage car show going on, how cool is that?

Celebrating my son’s college acceptance, my family chose Jocko’s. This restaurant is a staple for my family gatherings. Its origin, the 1800’s, full of charm, & friendly staff. For starters we had the buffalo cauliflower & the armadillo eggs. They were delicious and filling. My daughter is vegan so to her delight there were good options for her accommodation. Jake took care of us and he was a delight. He handled our family silliness well and was attentive. We had a good wait for our food, but when it came out it was delicious. I had the 8oz sirloin, I only had one bite. I was so full from the beans, salad and appetizers. We had the best time, of your going, just be ready to live in the present moment, enjoy your company, relax. ☺️ The appetizers come out pretty fast so enjoy those and pace yourself for the wait. My family had the best time!

This was our first time and was not disappointed! Got in, got sat right away, and greeted by our server, Katelyn, within a few minutes. Food came out quickly as well. The calamari was outstanding! My husband ordered the 16oz steak sandwich, medium rare, and it was on point! Would love to come back with the rest of our family next time.

Jake was our waiter very attentive and hospitable. Wife ordered wild salmon I ordered the large rib eye every was most excellent. This was one of our best times here and we've be coming for years, we came early afternoon had 2pm reservation running late called host he was very accommodating held table for us 5 min wait when we arrived 👍. We enjoyed the early dinner a little more quite then an evening meal witch usually can and is crowded and longer wait if no reservation, great anniversary meal.

Lester Lesavoy

I’ve been coming to Jocko’s for years, and it never disappoints. Hands down the best ribeye anywhere grilled over a red oak wood-burning pit with incredible flavor. The lamb chops are massive and cooked perfectly. Full saloon style bar with great drinks! This place has been around a very long time. Prices are very reasonable for the quality and portions. Dinner includes salad, garlic bread, salsa, fire-baked pinquito beans, and your choice of side a full, classic steakhouse experience that’s hard to find anymore. Don’t skip dessert. The salted vanilla caramel ice cream is outstanding and the perfect way to end the meal. Consistently excellent. Always worth the drive.

+4

June Lau

This is a fine dining place, and the food here is excellent. We love the atmosphere as well—the service was warm and welcoming. You can tell there are many diehard fans who come here to enjoy the 30-day dry-aged steaks. My son had a wonderful birthday celebration here.

Matt Natalizio

Jocko’s in Nipomo — if you’re looking for one of those fancy big-city steakhouses, this isn’t your place. What it is though, is a spot that serves a great steak, pork chop, and even salmon, all cooked over an open flame—and it tastes exactly the way it should. Portions are generous, dinners come with sides and dessert, so bring a real appetite. Reservations are strongly recommended. No pretense. Just honest food done right.

Linda Paradiso

We split the 16 oz steak dinner and a side of asparagus and it was superb! I could not even finish mine and had some for breakfast! Sit in the dinning room on the left and you can watch them cook your meat outside on the grill! Highly recommend this restaurant is the very top of the charts!

Helen Arens

Excellent steak at a reasonable price! The place is not fancy, but very homey, like a small town diner, which it kind of is. As you get out of your car in their ample parking lot, the enticing aroma of steak sizzling on the grill hits you. Unlike most steak places where everything is a la carte, at Jocko's everything is included in the price of the steak dinner: salad, Jocko’s savory beans, garlic bread, a side of your choice to go with your entrée (baked potato or broccoli, etc.) and dessert (we went with the rainbow sherbert and spumoni ice cream). We also ordered a grilled lobster tail as an extra "side" and they only charged us $29.95 for it. The lobster tail was huge and came with a cup of melted butter--pure decadence at a reasonable price. Our server, Kylia, was super attentive and checked on us often. This is a must stop when driving though Nipomo!

+3

Tom Judd

One of the best steaks me and my wife have ever had, and my wife is not really a steak person. She thought it was the best she ever had! The patatoe side dish was also excellent. The lady who served was also great and gave us a sample to try. Will definitely come back to this truly great steak house!

Jim Ventura

Best BBQ ribeye ever! Everything was delicious. Service was top-notch. Our waiter was amazing with professionalism and customer service. Waitresses were friendly and lovely. The clincher was the Thirfty Brand ice cream...superb. We will be back.

+3

Josue Gomez

This steakhouse is the epitome of “build it and they shall come”. We went for my wife’s birthday and she loves a good steak. We didn’t even speak for most of our time as we savored this amazing steak. Top 3 steaks we’ve ever had. I’d come back to this town just for this.

CM McLaughlin

This place helped our family have a perfect 31-person pre-funera familyl dinner to remember the goodness of my mother. Everything was delicious and they allowed our large party to select all meals from their extensive menu in two rows of tables. The service was as incredible as their delicious perfectly cooked dinners. My husband said his steak was one of the best he's ever tasted. My god-sister is a vegetarian and was able to have an equally satisfying meal. Our four active toddlers devoured their macaroni and cheese dinners.

Marquis Williams

I thought this place was was just an overall great place to be. I didn't have a reservation, but I showed up within 10 minutes of opening and I was able to get a seat. I absolutely love pickles so I was very excited to get some thick juicy pickle slices when I got to the table. Additionally, the prices were incredibly fair. I ended up getting the small Spencer (8oz ribeye) for $40. The meal came with a really delicious and loaded salad, which I demolished without hesitation. Next, my entrée came (with a side of fries... because apparently I'm still a child) and it was INCREDIBLE... especially considering the price. The side of beans were also great. I can't say anything bad about the food at all! Finally, the meal also came with a small bowl of ice cream for dessert... which was just icing on the cake. I was afraid I would leave hungry, but I was incredibly satisfied. I think I'll make this place a must for whenever I'm in town again. This place is great!

Jose Gutierrez

The appetizer selection was great!! But the tincture was the best. I got the filet minion with asparagus and garlic mash potatoes. The house red wine was great tasting. I purchased a bottle.

+4

Dawnne Kutz

Jockso's is a great steakhouse and bar. They offer a wide variety of food products at a decent price. The steak plate is just that, cooked to order steak curry into sizeable cubes and some warm bread on a plate simple but delicious. On my last visit I enjoyed the BEST hamburger I've ever had! It was made with high quality meat cooked to perfection with fries and a salad as sides. I also had a recommended strawberry lemon drop that was very good. We ate our meal in the small bar with a long bar top and a few tables with chairs. It can get very loud in there so be ready. There are usually some wait times to get in but they are richly reward. Dress code is casual come as you are.

Dwight Stewart

I've been coming to Jacko's for over 15 years. This last time the steak was as usual cooked perfect! Unfortunately though we had reservations for 7:15 and was seated right away, but we didn't get our food until 8:35. Our waitress said there was technical difficulties.

christopher perez

Worth the detour as we made the drive up the 101 to Big Sur. Highly recommend, food was delicious. Service was great and efficient. Server and hostess were both friendly and attentive. Personally recommend the Spencer cut. Steak here is aged for 30 days and cooked over red oak, simply just amazing. PS pic's don't do it justice.

Suzanne Victor

Janessa, our waitress was awesome. Very attentive and never had to ask for refills..etc. Food was amazing. Had the Spencer (8oz ribeye), medium, baked potato, salad, dill pickles, beans, garlic bread and ice cream all included with meal. Oak fired steak.

Food was awesome. Had the Spencer medium rare. Cooked perfect service was very pleasant and attentive. Always come here when coming through town. Make his stop on your way up the coast. Or down lol.

food was awesome. Had the Spencer medium rare. Cooked perfect service was very pleasant and attentive. Always come here when coming through town. Make his stop on your way up the coast. Or down lol.

Food was awesome. Had the Spencer medium rare. Cooked perfect service was very pleasant and attentive. Always come here when coming through town. Make his stop on your way up the coast. Or down lol.

This steakhouse is a true small town classic that's been around for years and it's easy to see why. It has that cozy country feel that makes you feel right at home the minute you walk in. If you're d…

I don't even love steak but man the Spencer was the best steak I've ever had! This beats even Alexander steakhouse!!!!!! The steak didn't need any sauce! The sear was the equivalent to the beau…

So good our server was so nice we gave him a 100 dollar bill I would totally recommend coming here

The food was delicious! From the calamari appetizer, the beans,and the best steak I've had in years! The service was excellent! The staff is friendly and attentive! The ambiance is relaxed and ho…

The food was delicious! From the calamari appetizer, the beans,and the best steak I've had in years! The service was excellent! The staff is friendly and attentive! The ambiance is relaxed and homi…

The food was delicious! From the calamari appetizer, the beans,and the best steak I've had in years! The service was excellent! The staff is friendly and attentive! The ambiance is relaxed and homi…

The food was delicious! From the calamari appetizer, the beans,and the best steak I've had in years! The service was excellent! The staff is friendly and attentive! The ambiance is relaxed and homi…

After avoiding Jockos for several years, we finally visited on Friday night and sat in the bar as we failed to make reservations. We found the bar to be quite accommodating if not a bit tight. The …

Had there Sunday special top sirloin salad beans & baked potatoes for $21. What a great deal & yummy.

The food was delicious. I have been going to eat at Jockos for many years now and they have improved changes for the better. It was great atmosphere and felt very welcoming. Our server Justin was o…

Can't say enough from the high quality meat and seasoning to the country ambiance of the dining room. The service was top notch and on top of everything from delivering the food, checking back, d…

Great food & service, enjoyed our experience during our first time visit. Will be back again whenever we are driving along the coast

Great food & service, enjoyed our experience during our first time visit. Will be back again whenever we are driving along the coast

Great food & service, enjoyed our experience during our first time visit. Will be back again whenever we are driving along the coast

Fantastic steak, delicious sides and wonderful service. The steak was incredibly juicy and seasoned perfectly and cooked just right. Absolutely perfect meal.

Fantastic steak, delicious sides and wonderful service. The steak was incredibly juicy and seasoned perfectly and cooked just right. Absolutely perfect meal.

Fantastic steak, delicious sides and wonderful service. The steak was incredibly juicy and seasoned perfectly and cooked just right. Absolutely perfect meal.

This was our first time to Jocko's, but it certainly will NOT be our last! The service was good, the waitress was helpful and friendly, and the food was exceptional. The steaks were seasoned and co…

This was a really amazing steak, the ribeye spencer is excellent and tender like you have never tasted, strongly recommend

This spot is popular so make a reservation. The fiery pit makes ribs and steaks to order so wait time depends on preferred doneness. Loved the Titos strawberry lemon drop. All around good food. S…

This spot is popular so make a reservation. The fiery pit makes ribs and steaks to order so wait time depends on preferred doneness. Loved the Titos strawberry lemon drop. All around good food. S…

I FINALLY made it there. Been knowin' 'bout this spot for over 8yrs, at least! I rode my motorcycle there. Took one good rest break each way. WELL WORTH the trip(3hrs/188mi). The 16oz. Spencer steak(Medium) was "perfection". The baked potato was delish. The bread was good. I passed on the ice cream & the baked beans that come incl w/the dinner. Need to return someday, to try other tasty looking items on the menu.

Got the 20 oz filet mignon steak medium rare, baked potato and the whole artichoke. The pork chops with "apple shauce" was great too!

Service was okay because busy, Santa Maria Rodeo and not enough help. Food was delicious and will definitely go back. Ravioli were the bomb and Prime Rib

+1

Hands down the best filet steak I have ever had. Puts all others to shame. However, it took a loooooong time. From the time we ordered to when the steak was in front of me was an hour. The manager who was doing rounds asked how things were, and I commented on the hour wait after ordering and his response was that it is "cooked to order". Now I have cooked my fair share of steaks and have dined in some of the finest steak houses across several countries, and I've never heard a filet taking an hour to cook. Perhaps that's why it tasted so amazing? In any case, the atmosphere is super casual, the wine selection is pretty good. We had the Spencer steak as well which was very good, like a ribeye. Baked potato was good, and the garlic bread was very tasty. One thing that was odd was they had salsa out on the table, but no chips. There were saltines but dear I hope they weren't meant for that. All in all the filet deserves 5 stars, the wait 1 stars, the staff 4 stars, and atmosphere 5 stars. It was an experience but I doubt I'll go back.

+6

Jocko's has been in the area for decades. Fun bar. Good steaks. Santa Ynez beans are very good. They are a steak famous local house. Serve local wines by bottle or glass. It's worth a visit. Short drive off 101 in Nippomo.

+3

Don't be surprised when you can't get a reservation. The line is always out the door. We arrived for our 7:45 reservation that we made in person days before. And what did we find...an old funky bar and restaurant. Appears to be family run and the service was perfect. The wait was 45 minutes after our reservation. Then we finally ordered and finally the food came. I asked our group if after all of that would you come back? 6 out of 6 said yes. Meal includes salad, beans, and bread. Make the stop and don't be in a hurry. But stop.

Jocko's probably cooks the best steaks in the area. Because of that they are really busy and really loud. Definitely make a reservation and expect table conversation to be difficult at peak hours. This isn't an elegant bistro. It has cement block walls and chairs you would find at a convention center but the quality of their steaks make up for it. Prepare to wait to be seated and wait a good while for your food (up to 45 minutes). Pictured below is a medium rare small spencer, their house specialty which was fantastic.

If you ever come to California.,., definitely need to come here and check it out..I guess we should have called for a reservation because this place was packed and we had to wait maybe an hour but it was worth it.. the calamari was 😲 man it was all meat..

+1

Had the beef ribs and baked potato. I love that these have a lot of meat and are NOT covered in BBQ sauce. They were juicy and seasoned perfectly for a dry rub. Friday night was CRAZY busy but food was worth it. Parked my rig in the adjacent dirt parking lot, plenty of room there!

+2

This restaurant was recommended by several people that tried the ribeye. It was kind of in the middle of nowhere but the service and the atmosphere was well worth it.. especially they had a special of the day a side order of mac and cheese with tater tots.. I know it sounds weird but that was pretty darn good.. The bartenders were hopping and very friendly and helpful..

+6

Quite a long wait for steak but excellent value and so much food and snacks to keep you busy. Steak is not the highest grade, so I think I could’ve gotten away with a smaller steak but still had the excellent char on the outside that gave it so much smoky flavour, especially on the triangle piece of fat that was grilled to crispy and melted in my mouth. Service was excellent.

We were happy mostly but it seemed that the kitchen was sending meats out that were undercooked. A table near us walked out and another group behind us was complaining. Parts of my French dip were a little on the grizzly side but it had good flavor. My companions ordered a steak that was slightly under, but still quite delicious, and the other ordered a hamburger who was pleased. We shared the grilled artichoke and this was very good. Our server was inexperienced, and didn’t really enhance the meal with any offerings, but all in all it was pretty good but overpriced for such a shack style and informal place.

+1

We were seated immediately, the restaurant was pretty busy despite being off season. I ordered two appetizers: cauliflower bites and linguanica . The cauliflower bites and sausage were excellent. 4.5/5 My son ordered the ribeye for dinner and it was exceptional. It was served with a baked potato 5/5 . My wife had beef ribs. They were not our favorite. I suppose we’re used to ordering smoked ribs so they were quite tough and difficult to eat . 2.5/5 I ordered the 20oz filet simply to see how big it was. As suspected it was too big. Delicious. 5/5 We all agreed this place was a solid 8/10 - since they’re already close to a 5 star, I’ll vote 4 star since they’re not a 5/5. The service was good . 4/5

Robert Syms

Very old school steak house food is consistently good and you get a lot of side dishes included with your meal. The tables and setting are not fancy but functional. Come here for the great steaks not the atmosphere. Always a line to get in the door.

Michael Benner

So, let's get this out of the way at the top: Absolutely some of the best steak I've ever had. Can definitely taste the oak fire pit in the cuts. Ok, with that being said...the rest of the meal was completely average. Salad out of the bag, boring beans, ok garlic bread. I mean, if you're going to spend this much on a meal, let's up the game on the rest of the stuff. Service was outstanding! Buck took great care of me and my family during dinner, and was attentive to all of our needs and was very affable and knowledgeable. Thanks Buck. Facilities left a little to be desired. This is definitely not a fancy restaurant. It has old school charm, I guess, but don't expect a fine dining establishment.

Dain Vossar (Galaxy Wanderer)

To Jocko’s I ventured, seeking nourishment and balance in the Force. A mixed experience, my journey proved to be. The 8-ounce Spencer, a rib-eye it was called, yet the marbling—the essence of its greatness—was but a whisper, not a roar. Cooked to perfection it was, the flavors true, yet the richness I sought remained elusive. Curious, I inquired, and wisdom was offered in return. The smaller cut, they explained, bore not the same marbling as its larger kin of 16 or 20 ounces. A truth I did not expect, but one that, had I known, might have guided my choice differently. The server, kind and thoughtful, spoke of her hesitation to guide others toward the larger path, fearing the perception of persuasion rather than enlightenment. In this, I sensed no deception—only a missed opportunity for greater knowledge. Yet, in other aspects, the meal was strong with the Force. Generous sides, a bounty most impressive: crisp dill pickles, a house salsa bold enough to grace even the steak, an array of crackers, hearty beans, a baked potato, fresh greens in the form of a house salad, and a final taste of sweetness—a small serving of ice cream to complete the journey. These gifts softened the disappointment, reminding me that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Service, impeccable it was. Attentive, the server remained—like a vigilant Jedi, ensuring my glass never emptied, my needs never ignored. And then, a vision. At a nearby table, ribs—massive, glistening, full of promise. A temptation, indeed. Perhaps, next time, my path will lead me to them—or to a rib-eye more worthy of its name. Thus, my verdict: Though my chosen cut lacked the strength I expected, the warmth of service, the abundance of offerings, and the potential for greater experience make Jocko’s a place worthy of another visit. Next time, wiser I shall be.

+15

Usually I would rate this place 4 stars because I never really have any complaints. BUT tonight, my friend and I ordered 3 different small plates. We finished eating then waited 30 min for our wait…

Great food! But sometimes service is slow and the wait time is very long.\nWhen waiting for a seat or waiting for your take out there is no where to sit.

When in Pismo, we always try to make reservations and eat at this long time favorite. But, last weekend, we were so so disappointed. reservations for 4, though the host was kind enough, still sea…

I came here for a burger on a busy night. Sat at the bar, had no reservation. The service was super friendly. Burgers come with a salad, pickles, and lots of fries. They threw in a pot of bea…

I came here for a burger on a busy night. Sat at the bar, had no reservation. The service was super friendly. burgers come with a salad, pickles, and lots of fries. They threw in a po…

I came here for a burger on a busy night. Sat at the bar, had no reservation. The service was super friendly. Burgers come with a salad, pickles, and lots of fries. They threw in a pot of b…

I came here for a burger on a busy night. Sat at the bar, had no reservation. The service was super friendly. Burgers come with a salad, pickles, and lots of fries. They threw in a pot of b…

I came here for a burger on a busy night. Sat at the bar, had no reservation. The service was super friendly. Burgers come with a salad, pickles, and lots of fries. They threw in a pot of b…

What a huge disappointment! ... especially after reviews had us anticipating a delicious meal of "famous" steaks with all the trimmings. We did know that the interior ambience was nothing fancy…

My son and I had dinner here. We had the ribeye and NY, both were very good. We both liked the Texas toast and pickles and crackers appetizer. I also liked the beans. It was Friday night and the…

I don't get it. I went with four other guys to see what the hype was about. We were seated in a large seating area with beat-up chairs in a dark noisy room without any ambiance. I ordered some b…

Today we finally got to Jocko's. Not a good day. Very sorry to say the food was not what we expected. Craving a steak, we order a 16oz sirloin. Litterally had to leave much of it on the plate. Couldn't even cut it with a steak knife. Unfortunately the potatoe was the only thing that made the day. Hopefully whoever is buying their meat is reading this.

It appears Jacko’s is still skating on the accolades of their past LA Times review. At $50+ a plate we expected better steaks. Great for drinks and a cool bar. They have great side dishes /apps & fresh dill pickles. We have gone there twice & both times our steaks were served incorrectly- either overdone or underdone and needed to be sent back. My husband ordered a ribeye, medium rare. It was served medium and when it was sent back was returned (served) 100% rare. It was so bad that Andrew, the manager, came out to speak with us & apologize. Driving home, we thought we should’ve taken photos to show. We’re just tired and wanted a good meal from a steakhouse that apparently serves steak every day. 🤷‍♀️. Jacko’s, you lost us as a regular.

We ended up here from LA after a recommendation was made about how incredible the BBQ was, so decided to make the 6 hour round trip drive up to check it out. Even on a Sunday night it was packed and only barroom seating could be found. The food was amazing. We got the beef bbq ribs and and the large portion filet mignon. The nice thing is it's a total comprehensive meal. Salad, garlic bread, garnishes, and ice cream are all included. I didn't want ice cream, and the menu had a side of peaches listed for cheaper than the ice cream, but they don't allow any substitutions even if you're "downgrading." The ribs were a little too salty, but delicious. I can't remember the last time I had ribs that were that good. The filet as well with its flavoring from the oak wood chips was so so good. We got that medium well, but it came out more as a medium to medium rare in the center. The pistachio ice cream ended up being pretty solid as well. So why is this only 3 stars? The service was atrocious. I waited a solid 20 min before the waitress asked me if I wanted my own cup of water since I kept drinking from the other one, it took awhile to get the food, so we stuffed ourselves on the crackers and salsa that each table has, and it took even longer to get the check cashed out when all we wanted to do was hit the road after we were done for our drive back to LA. The food should come out a little more staggered, even tho the garlic bread wasn't anything memorable it woulda made more sense for that to come out while we waited forever for the meat instead of with it. The food is good enough that I would stop by if I was in the area again, but def the combined experience is not enough to have us drive from LA just for it.

Now this place was well talked about but like it states “Established 1925.” Upon arrival right when it opened 4pm the line started forming. Not much has changed. It seem like you are walking back in time to 1971. It gloomy outdated dining experience. It you like large potions you have hit the jack pot, EXCEPT for the two 2” inch wide by 1/4 inch thick over priced CRAB CAKE $25.00 we do not advise. Steaks were ok beef ribs had lots of meat on them. It’s a place where you can visit and expect good food. Just stay away from the tiny over priced crab cakes

+6

Have been here on several occasions with great steaks. Wish I could have said the same this time. Ordered the 16 oz Spenser(ribeye) steak. Was terrible, tough, no taste, lots of nerve... Simple terrible. Had had them take it back. Wife ordered a 10oz filet mignon, she wanted it medium, it was rare. I was hunger so I took her plate, she then ordered an filet, this time butterfly so it would be better cooked. By the time she received her order , her appetite was gone. Disappointed

Avery Johnson

Dinner with the family on a random Saturday. The oak pit grilled steak was the standout, smoky and juicy with just enough crust from the grill to give it that deep flavor. Sides were basic but did the job nothing fancy, just the kind of meal that fills you up and keeps you quiet while you're eating. The place had a comfortable, no-nonsense feel that made it easy to settle in. One of my kids didn’t enjoy their meal as much, said the meat was too chewy and didn’t finish it. I get it, not everyone’s going to love that kind of rustic cooking. Still, the rest of us walked out full and happy. Just a heads-up, they only take cash, which can be a hassle, but somehow it fits the place. Feels like they haven’t changed much in years and that’s kind of the point.

First of all, the service was very good even though our server gave us a wrong dressing. But my husband and I found two hair strings from beans and salads separately. About the food, the steak was …

Absolutely a mediocre experience. After hearing how great is was, 4/4 of our party were disappointed. Pricey too. To be fair: none of us ordered steak. The wife ordered a chicken sandwich which she…

Jocko's has great food and friendly service, which makes it sad to have the visit ruined by the frustration for a disabled person trying to use the women's restroom. The heavy door opens in, making…

This used to one of our favorites, we made reservations, was seated quickly, the service was slow. We ordered the hashbrown casserole for the appetizer it came with our dinner it was a single size for 1 maybe 2 , we didn't care it . With my dinner I chose the steamed veggies. It was stewed tomatoes and green beans yuk ,then I found a chicken bone in it 'see picture' below, if a child ordered this they would of choked on it . We wasn't even comped on our bill. My hubby ordered the calamari steaks those were over cooked , I'm guessing new cooks doesn't know how to flash fry calamari . We probably won't be coming back .when we go on our next vacation here

I went out with my family last night for my birthday dinner. We had reservations and were really looking forward to it. Sadly, the night started off on a bad note because of the hostess. When we arrived, a young tall blonde hostess showed us to our table, but her attitude changed the moment we sat down. She seemed annoyed for no reason. My dad even had to wipe his side of the table because there was water all over it. Then while I was looking at the menu I accidentally spilled my drink. My sister-in-law politely asked the hostess for some napkins to help clean up, and the girl’s whole expression just shifted. She looked irritated and rolled her eyes. She came back with one napkin, handed it to us, and literally just stood there watching us clean it up ourselves. No “let me help,” no smile, nothing. The energy was just… bad. It was incredibly awkward and unnecessary. Thankfully our server totally saved the night. He was amazing, kind, professional, and went out of his way to make us comfortable. He cleaned up, made sure everything was okay. The food was great! Unfortunately, the attitude of that one hostess really dampened the experience. After the incident she was placing down loudly the plates at nearby tables which made the situation even more uncomfortable. I have a lot of respect for people who work in the restaurant industry. It's not easy but this kind of behavior shouldn’t be acceptable. It’s disappointing to spend your hard-earned money on a special occasion, especially a birthday, and be treated so rudely for no reason. Everything else about our visit was great, but that interaction left a very bitter impression. I really hope management addresses it, because it left a sour taste on what should’ve been a great night.

This place was highly recommended to me and I was super excited to visit. There was a press on nail in our salad and my buddy had to spit it out. The manager came to apologize and discovered that one of the employees had lost the nail. The steak was great but everything else was ok.

steaks were good although salty. That was the ONLY thing good. Do not go for salmon, fish or anything green like vegetables or salads. All an afterthought! They do not know how to make seafood…

steaks were good although salty. That was the ONLY thing good. Do not go for salmon, fish or anything green like vegetables or salads. All an afterthought! They do not know how to make seafood. I'v…

This place came highly recommended to us. We had a reservation and ended up being seated 40minutes after our reservation time. We were there a full ten minutes before a hostess checked us in. The…

Use to be a great dining experience, now it just feels like a rushed cafeteria. Ordered Filet Mignon, Medium Rare. After a long wait, it came out lightly brown and rare- ugh! The upgraded hash br…

Hubs and I came here for dinner and made a 7pm reservation. We didn’t get seated for 40 MINUTES. 15 minute wait ok fine, 20 and I’m grumpy but can deal with it, but 40 is absolutely unacceptable. W…

This was our first time eating here. We paid $120-$140 total for a 6 piece of not so jumbo shrimp and a baked potato. A 20 ounce steak with a side of asparagus which was not included and cost an extra $12. We were supposed to get salads with the meal and never received it. I ordered a non alcoholic margarita which cost $9.50. This place is a waste of time and money. Definitely not worth it. Overpriced. Do not recommend. Idc if it was opened in 1925, something has to change.

OVERALL 1.5 STARS SERVICE 1 STAR Waitress had no personality and forgot ALL of the following: *our waters *Ranch dressing for fries *dressing on the side for one salad * mushrooms on steak *wine FOOD-2 STARS: Steaks OVERCOOKED *Filet was fatty *Overall too smoked, we like smoked flavor but not when it overpowers the taste of the food *Wine was good *Baked potato was good AMBIANCE 1 STAR * dark * tables way too close together, no privacy at all * Looks like a cafeteria * dated CLEANLINESS-2 *Utensils on one setting were dirty *plastic cups for water not very clean * tables were clean, however, they use a spray bottle and you almost have to cover your food if they are cleaning the table next to you because the tables are so close together VALUE FOR PRICE- 1.5 * WINE reasonably priced * steaks, not good quality

+1

The waiter was not attentive at all. Had to ask for bread, beans (which are not good) came in a bowl, however nobody had a spoon to eat them. Our part of 5 waited well over an hour for our food. I ordered a filet, med rare. It came purple and cold in the center. Sent it back and the second result was over cooked and dry. The vegetables were soggy and cold. 20 minutes later the waiter came back to check. I obviously sent it back yet had to ask for it to be removed from the bill, because everyone else had eaten. Another person in the party ordered the same thing, theirs was not cooked correctly either. This is my third time here, second bad meal.

You know, I rarely and I mean RARELY leave a bad review but tonight’s service was a disgrace. My 79 year old father had to use the restroom who’s oxygen dependent and needs my aid. We got up and I looked for our waiter to let him know we’ll be right back. I couldn’t find him so I told the neighboring waiter and even offered to leave my credit card so no one thinks otherwise… his response was “I trust you that you’ll be back.” We come back to our table to grab our food togo because my father wasn’t feeling well and not only was our food gone but they already had another couple being served at our table. Mind you, we just went to the restroom. My father has owned a restaurant for 32 years and I can tell you I’ve never been sooooooooo disgusted by such service. Will NEVER EVERRRRRRR return. Highly DO NOT RECOMMEND THIS PLACE!

J. Robinson

Frustrating experience- Reservations apparently meaningless here! My wife was raving about the food here from when she visited with her family and a few friends some time ago. So on our way south from San Francisco to LA we booked a reservation to ensure a smooth dinner out. Upon arrival, we saw a walk-in couple be seated immediately. Confident in our planning, we approached the host, a young man at the door who checked us in at our reservation time 1:45pm only to be told we'd have a 20-minute wait despite being on time. The logical conclusion was that the table reserved for us had just been given away. The situation became more aggravating as we waited. We watched another couple arrive without reservations and get seated promptly, by a female hostess, while we, who had the foresight to book, were left standing. This isn't just about a 20-minute wait; it's about the complete breakdown of their reservation system and a profound lack of respect for customers who plan ahead. We felt visibly overlooked and discriminated against in the seating process. We left without dining and WILL NOT return.