The Hitching Post

The Hitching Post Restaurant, in Casmalia, former cow-town of the Old West, where California-style barbecuing was brought to perfection by the pioneers, has kept this live oak method of bringing choice, aged beef to the ultimate of gourmet flavor and tenderness.  We endeavor to keep alive the traditions of the old, romantic West.  The weather beaten walls of our 130 plus year-old building are crammed with memories that induce an atmosphere of Western nostalgia to the romantically inclined people, who can relax and trade the pressures of the fast, modern world for an evening of Old West hospitality.

Nestled in the rolling hills of California’s Central Coast, the original Hitching Post Restaurant has been one of California’s best kept secrets since 1952.  Located about 12 miles southwest of Santa Maria and minutes from Vandenberg Space Force Base (formerly Air Force), the restaurant’s world famous reputation surprises even the Ostini family.  Original owners Frank Sr. and Natalie Ostini have passed on, but their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren carry on the tradition to this day. “It’s amazing the thousands of people who have shared with us their culinary experiences around the world and tell us ours is the best steak they’ve ever had”, states owner Bill Ostini.  And they are always asked “how did you end up with a restaurant out in the middle of nowhere?”

Forbes Magazine featured The Hitching Post as one of the 10 Great BBQ Joints in the USA. Find out what all the hype is about.