The Alchemists' Garden - Paso Robles, California

Elisa C.

DRINKS: the Alchemist gold and the non-alcoholic cocktail options were the stars of the show here. Really creative takes on classics, and beautifully presented.

FOOD: The tuna tostadas were a lovely, fresh appetizer. The duck in the duck pasta fell off the bone and was delightfully flavorful. The vegetarian pesto lasagna was packed full of beautiful vegetables but I didn’t realize it didn’t have any pasta in it - still delicious though.

DESSERT: The banana split was excellent. Decadent and a great item to round out the meal. Unexpectedly ate every last bite despite being very full.

doug W.

Cocktails were amazing!!! 777, the Christmas cookie thingy and Sydney’s(?) apple cider marg martini were all off the charts. Then came bone marrow, duck pasta and vegan lasagna (we’re total carnivores) but that lasagna was amazing!!!!! (So were the other dishes!!!). Service was over the top late evening at the bar (the restaurant was full with people filling in behind us when we arrived at 850pm on monday night…), so we sat at the bar and was a great experience with great service even though the bar was slammed!!! WE WILL BE BACK!!!!! Their execution out does they’re appropriate name!!!

Nick L.

Delicious food in a chic and welcoming atmosphere. Our waiter Matt went above and beyond to help us have a great meal! Plenty of gluten free options, and the staff was knowledgeable about what could or could not be altered to make it gluten free.

Scott B.

Extremely overhyped. We came from the East Coast and overestimated the jet lag a bit, so I called ahead to ask if we could cancel our 9:30pm reservation. I was told that they had turned down other reservations to accommodate our table, and if we canceled, would be charged $10 per head. We decided to tough it out and have a nightcap. When we arrived, we were greeted by a roped off door and asked to wait outside while they prepared our table (outside, 45 degrees). Once inside - the place was basically empty. The server was pleasant, no complaints there, but the cocktails were overly complicated, used cheap mixers & liqueurs, had ridiculous presentations, and priced far too high. Just avoid it and have a nice glass of wine somewhere - because that’s why you’ve come to Paso, right?

To the bar, a few suggestions - simplify the drinks, use quality ingredients, and drop the pretentious attitude.

michelle R.

This was such a great place! Friendly service. We sat outside with a heater and we're not cold at all. Food came out quickly and was delicious. We had the curried deviled eggs, veggie lasagna and corn risotto and banana brulee split. All delicious!

Jen V.

First and foremost, food, flavors and cocktails truly are tasty and crafted with care.

My one gripe, price is a bit steep and not completely transparent when ordering vegan alternatives.
- Still was charged full price for an item despite not getting the fish, and was charged a premium for a veg protein (side of mushrooms at $15).
- In all, my order was $38 for 3 pineapple tostadas without the yellow fin, and a side of mushrooms.
- Worth noting: Mushroom side was $15, mushroom dish was $16. Had I known it was only a dollar difference between the shroom medley and the veg protein I would have gone with the medley. I’m not sure why even say there is a side option when it’s essentially the same as a main dish already on the menu (composition and price)

I’ll be back but will be cautious about what I order next time.
- I could have ordered 3 mushroom tacos without the cheese at $18, and had been more satiated.

Also odd but worth mentioning, despite it being a relatively low populated night, was told to checkin with the host before taking a seat at the bar.

Jeremy K.

Excellent cocktails, creative recipes, good service. Ambience in the dining area is a bit uninspiring as compared to the rest of the establishment. The skirt steak was amazing wood fired. The pork chop was tasty and huge. The deviled eggs were a creative fusion play on East Indian and Americana.

Miss H.

Casual spot for small bites and signature cocktails. Drink selection is pretty massive. It's right across from the park. Has a nice view for people watching.
The french fries that came with the drink were good! It's flatter and not as thick. The dipping sauce is addictively yummy!