The Best Places to Eat Around the Santa Ynez Valley, According to Eater Editors | Eater LA

"A Buellton institution just off the highway (and a much easier drive than the family-owned original in Casmalia, a town just north of Vanderberg Space Force Base), the Hitching Post II is where locals mix with tourists over grilled steaks that come with classic sides like baked potato, rice pilaf, or French fries. Interestingly enough, there isn’t any tri-tip on this menu, so Hitching Post calls their style “West Coast Barbecue,” instead of the more familiar Santa Maria-style. Popularized in the movie Sideways, the grill is on full display in the dining room, albeit behind glass, while the bar on the opposite side of the place lets folks play out their own cinematic wine dreams. The restaurant also produces many of its own wine bottles, which are worth trying." - Nicole Adlman