The Hitching Post II
Buellton, CA 93427
Phone: (805) 688-0676
- Price:
- $$$
- Cross Street:
- Thumbelina Drive
- Hours:
- Mon-Fri 5pm-9pm, Sat-Sun 4pm-9:30pm
Editorial Review for The Hitching Post II – by Jordana Brown
The Scene
Big belt buckles and cowboy hats abound inside this rustic restaurant that's conveniently located just off the highway. The place is packed with folks drawn by the dark, casual interior that features simple wooden tables covered by white tablecloths. Patrons also flock here to dine where scenes of "Sideways" were filmed.
The Food
Chef/owner Frank Ostini's Santa Maria-style barbecue has nothing to do with sauce and everything to do with grilling over a red oak fire and his trademark "magic dust seasoning." Start with the popular grilled artichoke appetizer, a delightfully smoky yet juicy treat that melds perfectly with a spicy tomato-based sauce. As for the entree, real cowboys only have one choice: steak. The combo meals allow you to pair it with various options including a small but tender quail. Upgrade to filet mignon; you won't be sorry. Meals are served with a veggie tray, soup or shrimp cocktail, salad, baked potato, rice pilaf or fries, and garlic bread.
Editorial content is independent of paid advertisers. Any expenses are paid for by Citysearch.
Insider Tips
Know Before You GoReservations are strongly advised on weekends; seats at the bar can be available for walk-ins, but even that gets crowded.
When to GoMondays offer a bar special on hamburgers and fries for $12. Baby back ribs, also a specialty, are available every night but Saturday.
Save MoneyYour little one can choose either sirloin or chicken breast from the children's menu.
What to DrinkTry a flight of the Hitching Post's own wines, including the famed Highliner, for only $8. The wine list is also heavy on local selections from other vintners. Corkage is $15.
User Reviews for The Hitching Post II
04/27/2008 Posted by chowgal
Love this place! The Hitching Post is always my fave part of visiting SB County. You can ALWAYS count on the best steak you ever had, but don't forget to have the artichokes. I'm addicted to the Magic Dust and buy a few packs to take home with me along with a bottle or two of Hitching Post wine. Really like the Generation Red wine, too, and it's a good price. Staff is friendly and helpful. If you can, get a seat near the glassed-in barbeque for watching the chefs do their thing. I like the NY Steak the best, but my friend swears by the Rib-Chop. It's huge!
Pros: Best Santa Maria BBQ Steaks ever
01/01/2008 Posted by kintera
Don't bother making reservations. The food is overrated for its price and the service can sometimes be condescending. My friend and I came ten minutes early for reservations at 8:45 pm. Several parties that came in after us were seated before us and we didn't get seated until well after 9 - when we were the last party waiting for a table. When I reminded the hostess that we had reservations at 8:45, she dismissed me by saying that I had only waited fifteen or so minutes and that it wasn't a big deal. You can find better meals and better service elsewhere. The only great thing about this place is the fact that it was featured in "Sideways".
Pros: Featured in Sideways
Cons: Horrible service
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