Award-winning pizzeria sets up sister store in Downtown Paso Robles

Posted: 2:26 am, September 12, 2019 by Access Publishing

-A message from Sweet Lew’s Pizza-

Sweet Lew’s recently opened its doors in the long-vacant spot at 1108 Pine overlooking the Downtown Park. Pictured: General Manager Alex Luna and Owner Tim Lewis.

Sweet Lew’s offers New York-style slices, wings, and craft brews in a lively setting

–The pizza scene in Downtown Paso Robles has a new player: Sweet Lew’s recently opened its doors in the long-vacant spot at 1108 Pine overlooking the Downtown Park. The new store offers massive New York-style slices and 20-inch whole pies along with smaller pizzas and a dozen chicken wing flavors including the ominously named “Pain & Regret” sauce. Rounding out the current menu are salads and small appetizers including the “Mad Macs” – a macaroni, cheese & bacon fritter that’s panko-crusted and lightly fried.

Sweet Lew’s is the sister store of Visalia’s Planing Mill Artisan Pizzeria, which was named Small Business of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce in 2017.

Planing Mill founder and owner Tim Lewis and his wife Alisha moved to Paso three years ago when she took a position with Paso Unified School District. He had been looking for a spot to recreate the Planing Mill’s unique pies before settling on the upstairs space.

“For a small town, we have a lot of great pizza places, but what Sweet Lew’s offers is completely different,” said Lewis. “Our dough recipe is one of a kind, our specialty pies are truly unique, and the variety of wing styles we offer are really different.”

The new store offers massive New York-style slices and 20-inch whole pies along with smaller pizzas and a dozen chicken wing flavors.

As for the beer, Lewis teamed with The Dudes’ Brewing Company in Torrance to make Sweet Lew’s the Central Coast tasting room for the rapidly expanding craft brewery. There are 16 Dudes’ brews on tap as well as a variety of cans and barrel-aged bottles for purchase. Sweet Lew’s will also host “guest taps” to showcase local brewers.

The remodeled space features all-new family restrooms, patio seating and a new beer tasting bar made from a reclaimed bowling lane. Lewis describes the decor and ambiance as “vintage pop culture.” The atmosphere is counter service casual, with plenty of seating for large groups and a back room that can be curtained off for private parties. There are four big-screen HDTVs for sports, and even a refurbished vintage Ms. Pac Man machine awaiting new high scores.

Sweet Lew’s has been operating in a “soft open” phase since mid-August as it trains staff and fine-tuned service and recipes. Grand opening events will be held throughout the coming weeks, including non-profit fundraisers and giveaways.

Sweet Lew’s is located at 1108 Pine Street in Paso Robles next to Park Cinemas and above Red Scooter Cafe. For current hours, menu, and more information visit sweetlewspizza.com.