The best restaurants in San Benito County

14 restaurants we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Restaurants · 14 places · showing the latest additions first

Straw Hat Pizza

Restaurants

Straw Hat Pizza has been a family favorite since 1959. Fresh-made dough every day, a thin California crust with tangy sauce, and their…

191 San Felipe Rd Ste a (Hollister)

Straw Hat Pizza has been a family favorite since 1959. Fresh-made dough every day, a thin California crust with tangy sauce, and their special cheese blend make the Master Pizzas like The Works, BBQ Chicken, and California Veggie an easy win for Hollister weeknights.

From the San Benito County newsletter, August 3, 2026

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Running Rooster

Restaurants

Family owned since 2003, Running Rooster is where award-winning charcoal grilled burgers, best-in-town wood-fired pizzas, and beers on tap…

800 San Benito St (Hollister)

Family owned since 2003, Running Rooster is where award-winning charcoal grilled burgers, best-in-town wood-fired pizzas, and beers on tap meet local flavors from BR Beef and B&R Farms. Swing by this week for lively bar energy, craft cocktails, and even Wednesday trivia if you’re feeling smart.

From the Gilroy newsletter, August 7, 2026

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Relaxed dining space offering traditional Mexican dishes, including breakfast options.

905 East St (Hollister)

Relaxed dining space offering traditional Mexican dishes, including breakfast options.

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Pizza Factory

Restaurants

Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.

301 The Alameda Ste H (San Juan Bautista)

Order-at-the-counter chain serving lots of specialty pies & other Italian basics.

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Enduring, family-owned restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and a full bar, known for its calamari, steak, and lamb.

6991 Airline Hwy (Tres Pinos)

Enduring, family-owned restaurant with a romantic atmosphere and a full bar, known for its calamari, steak, and lamb.

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Smashburger

Restaurants

Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.

1210 E Park St #101 (Hollister)

Counter-serve chain featuring signature smashed burgers, plus sides & shakes.

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Taco Bell

Restaurants

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

431 Tres Pinos Rd (Hollister)

Fast-food chain serving Mexican-inspired fare such as tacos, quesadillas & nachos.

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Tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites served in a relaxed restaurant with late-night hours.

1270 San Juan Hollister Rd C (Hollister)

Tacos, burritos, and other Mexican favorites served in a relaxed restaurant with late-night hours.

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36 Degrees North

Restaurants

Seasonal California cuisine at San Juan Oaks Golf Club with an olive tree centerpiece.

1996 San Juan Oaks Dr (Hollister)

Seasonal California cuisine at San Juan Oaks Golf Club with an olive tree centerpiece.

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A&W Restaurant

Restaurants

Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.

203 South St (Hollister)

Fast-food outlet serving up namesake root beer, plus burgers, chicken & fries.

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Straw Hat Pizza

Restaurants

Chain serving Californian pizza, stuffed sandwiches & salads made with locally grown ingredients.

341 Tres Pinos Rd A-2 (Hollister)

Chain serving Californian pizza, stuffed sandwiches & salads made with locally grown ingredients.

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Papa Murphy's

Restaurants

Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

1740 Airline Hwy Ste. #405 (Hollister)

Chain outlet offering build-your-own takeaway pizzas, to be cooked at home.

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Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

496 Tres Pinos Rd (Hollister)

Long-running chain serving pizzas with customizable toppings & sauces in a simple space.

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Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

261 McCray St A (Hollister)

Casual pizza chain featuring traditional pies, gluten-free crust & assorted appetizers.

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