Famous Santa Maria Barbecue & Restaurants

Eat & Drink

Like Family

What we have is grown, cooked and corked right here—in the heart of this valley full of all things good. Where breaking bread is a beautiful thing.

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Santa-Maria-Style

There’s a reason our barbecue is known around the world. We slow-roast our tri-tip using the same recipe our grandparents’ grandparents used. And their grandparents, too. And that makes for some tasty, timeless fork-and-knife fun.

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Strawberry Fields

From roadside stops to farmer’s markets, you’ll notice some of the biggest, brightest strawberries you’ve ever laid eyes on right here in our valley—all thanks to our cool climate and year-round growing season. Because everything’s sweeter when it’s allowed to take its time.

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Green Goodness

Call us crazy, but we believe farm-fresh should be common courtesy. Goodness starts from the ground up, and—from roots to shoots—our produce is full of it. From crisp greens to hearty veggies to mouth-watering fruits, there’s just something about this valley that knows how to grow.

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A Cold One

Tucked away along the central coast are some of California’s best microbreweries and taprooms—serving up ice-cold craft beers in a valley where everyone is family and "another round" is a given.

Vintner's Bar & Grill

The award-winning Vintner’s Grill serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner and is renowned for its American style cuisine and exceptional wine list. On Sundays, you can enjoy a fabulous brunch including bottomless champagne. Vintner’s Bar is open daily for guest to relax and enjoy the scenic views of the airport runway and rolling hills that surround […]

Historic Santa Maria Inn Olde English Tap Room

Restored to its original friendly atmosphere, the Olde English Tap Room is a quiet spot to sip your favorite drink by the warm glow of an inviting fire inside the Historic Santa Maria Inn. Savor a variety of local craft beers on tap in this cozy European atmosphere. Enjoy live music or DJs every Friday […]

Babi’s Beer Emporium

With great beer and an impeccable selection to choose from, Babi’s offers a wide variety of brews to taste and enjoy alongside small bites. There is always something fun on tap, from craft beers to ciders. Join their $25 craft beer club and take a piece of Babi’s back home with you!

Rooney’s Irish Pub

There are no strangers at Rooney’s Irish Pub, only friends you haven’t met yet! That is not only the motto, but the atmosphere at Rooney’s Irish Pub. Serving up traditional Irish pub fare like Corned Beef & Cabbage, Bangers & Mash, and Rooney’s Ale-Battered Fish & Chips, as well as American favorites, at Rooney’s you […]

Santa Maria Brewing Company

No matter what your favorite brew is, Santa Maria Brewing Company promises to have something that will make you happy! With two taprooms currently open, one in Nipomo and the other in Santa Maria, and two more on the way, Santa Maria Brewing Company is serving up locally brewed premiere craft beers to their many […]

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. is Santa Maria’s favorite taproom featuring a bar and table seating with all of their core beers on tap. Guests can choose from a rotating list of specialty beers, beer cocktails, and floats found only in the Figueroa taproom. Live music every Saturday night.

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Restaurants

From fresh pies to crisp salads to smokey barbecue, there’s no better place to nourish. Some may call them charming pubs or farm-to-table cafes, but we’ll just call them darn good places to eat.

Happy Dayz Diner

An American Restaurant featuring burgers and a wide array of traditional American fare, priding themselves on excellent customer service and affordable rates.

Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab

In the heart of Old Town Orcutt, Doc Burnstein’s Ice Cream Lab offers unique and traditional flavors of ice cream served in a kid-friendly environment. Patrons can go hog-wild at the all-you-can-eat ice cream buffet for under $7, and under $5 for kids.

Klondike Pizza

Klondike Pizza has been serving up Good Times ‘n Good Grub on the Central Coast since 1988! Surrounded in an Alaskan atmosphere, guests have the opportunity to enjoy pizza, burgers, sandwiches, salads and real Reindeer sausage. While you wait, munch on peanuts and feel free to toss your shells onto the floor.

Woody’s Butcher Block

Woody’s Butcher Block is the premier neighborhood meat market and butcher shop, providing high-end deli meats and cheeses. When you are ready to try your hand at preparing your own Santa Maria style barbecue, Woody’s Butcher Block is the place to start, with the finest cuts of meat.

Jaffa Cafe

When you’re in the mood for healthy Mediterranean cuisine made with the freshest ingredients, Jaffa Cafe is the place to go! International dishes including Shawarma Pita Wraps, Gyros, Baklava, Kabobs, and much more can be found at any of the Jaffa Cafe locations around the Central Coast including Arroyo Grande, Santa Maria, San Luis Obispo […]

Gina’s Piece of Cake

Offering everything from cookies to eclairs to custom-designed cakes for any occasion, Gina’s offers one-of-a-kind baked goods. Conveniently located right in the mall at the center of Santa Maria, guests can stop by to pick up a quick bite while they peruse the shops.

MOXIE Cafe

Moxie Cafe serves up a selection of tasty, fresh, and healthy options for you and your family. You won’t find a fryer or a soda fountain here—only delicious, healthy treats not laden with extra sugar or fat. Food here just tastes good!

Bob’s Well Bread

Featuring artisan, hand-made bread made in small batches. Named by Travel + Leisure Magazine as one of the 15 Top Bakeries in Small Towns. Visit Bob’s for breads, pastries, bagels, English muffins, and daily full breakfast and lunch options.

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