The Hitching Post II: Santa Ynez Valley’s Legendary Steakhouse
A beloved California steakhouse famous for red oak-grilled meats, local Pinot Noir, and memories that last long after the last bite.
The Hitching Post II: A Central Coast Culinary Icon
Nestled in Buellton off Highway 246, The Hitching Post II has become a celebrated destination for travelers, locals, and food and wine lovers alike. With its roots deep in California’s renowned Santa Maria barbecue tradition, this revered steakhouse has built a legacy on perfectly grilled steaks, house-crafted Pinot Noir, and the welcoming spirit unique to California’s Central Coast.
Table of Contents
- History & Hollywood Fame
- Red Oak-Fired Santa Maria Barbecue
- Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
- The Love Affair with Pinot Noir
- Atmosphere, Service & The Hitching Post Experience
- Visiting The Hitching Post II: Tips & Details
- Frequently Asked Questions
History & Hollywood Fame
Despite its unassuming brown-and-timber façade and glowing yellow neon sign, The Hitching Post II has long been a culinary retreat for residents and tourists. Founded by Frank Ostini, a passionate winemaker and grill master, the restaurant was quietly successful for decades before finding international fame through the 2004 hit film Sideways. The film’s celebration of Santa Barbara wine country and its memorable scenes inside the restaurant launched The Hitching Post II from beloved local gem to sought-after destination for steak and Pinot Noir enthusiasts worldwide.
Key Milestones:
- Over 35 years in operation, with a steadfast commitment to its barbecue roots and local ingredients.
- Burst into the limelight post-2004, becoming a must-visit stop for ‘Sideways’ fans retracing the movie’s iconic locations.
- Maintains its family-run ethos and integrity, focusing on timeless hospitality and quality rather than fleeting trends.
Red Oak-Fired Santa Maria Barbecue
At its core, The Hitching Post II champions the authentic Santa Maria barbecue—a tradition inseparable from Central California’s culinary identity. The secret lies in the red oak-fired grill, blazing at the heart of the dining room. This open flame cooking method produces steaks with a smoky, charred crust and impossibly tender interiors, drawing out deep yet balanced flavors. Almost every protein—beef, pork, lamb, chicken, seafood—passes over these flames, accompanied by market-fresh vegetables and signature sides.
Notable Grilling Features:
- Red Oak Wood: Imparts a rich, smoky flavor unique to the region and essential to Santa Maria barbecue.
- Large Open Grill: Visually striking centerpiece, allowing guests to view the grill team at work while awaiting their meals.
- Perfect Doneness: From massive 26-ounce rib chops to more modest filet cuts, each steak is cooked to perfection—juicy, deeply seasoned, and bursting with flavor.
Signature Dishes & Menu Highlights
The Hitching Post II’s menu is a celebration of bold flavors, local bounty, and time-tested techniques. While steak is the undisputed headliner, the supporting cast—from starters to sides, and even the bar—rounds out a memorable dining experience.
| Category | Signature Items | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Starters | Grilled Artichoke, Antipasto Plate, Quesadilla | Fresh, local, and flavor-packed; grilled artichoke is a must-try. Quesadilla features cheese, corn, and peppers in a pillowy tortilla. |
| Steaks & Chops | Filet, Ribeye, New York Strip, Angus Rib Chop, Pork Chop | Each cut is oak-grilled and finished with signature seasoning for smoky, deep flavors and tender texture. |
| Burgers & Fries | Available Wed & Thu (4-6 p.m.) | Burgers are a hit with locals, offering an approachable taste of the grill at happy hour. |
| Vegetables & Sides | Local Farmed Veggies, Garlic Bread, Soup, Salad, Choice of Starch | Meals often include a relish tray, soup or salad, and classic sides—all focused on freshness and robust flavors. |
| Desserts | Rotating Selections | Desserts are simple and satisfying, but most guests save room for wine or another steak. |
Behind the Grill: Quality Ingredients
- All meats are top-quality, locally sourced or selected for superior marbling and flavor.
- Vegetables are sourced from nearby farms and markets, ensuring peak-season freshness.
- Acclaimed house-made relish trays and accompaniments start each meal on a vibrant, shareable note.
The Art of Perfect Pairing: Wines and Cocktails
- The main event: Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Pinot Noir, crafted by owner Frank Ostini, is considered the ideal pairing for the robust flavors of the steaks.
- The wine list is locally focused, featuring not just their own Pinot and Merlot but leading Santa Barbara County wines across a variety of styles.
- The full bar and selection of local beers offer something for every palate.
The Love Affair with Pinot Noir
More than perhaps any other steakhouse in the United States, The Hitching Post II is synonymous with Pinot Noir. Recognizing the grape’s capacity to shine alongside grilled meats, Frank Ostini partnered in producing their own line of Hartley Ostini Hitching Post wines—a defining feature of the restaurant that was immortalized in Sideways. The wines showcase the best of Santa Barbara County’s cool-climate Pinot, Syrah, and blends, balancing fruit-forward vibrancy with the structure needed to complement smoky oak flavors.
Wine Experience Highlights:
- Tasting Room: Located next door, open for lunch and flights of estate wines Wednesday through Sunday.
- Food Pairings: From a juicy ribeye to the more subtle grilled seafood, a thoughtful glass of Pinot brings every element into harmony.
- Take Home: Guests can purchase bottles of their favorite wines, extending the experience beyond the restaurant walls.
Atmosphere, Service & The Hitching Post II Experience
Much of the restaurant’s magic is found in its charming, unfussy ambiance—a cross between a rustic lodge and a bustling family dining room, where you’re as likely to see boots as designer loafers. Diners gather around the open flame grill, bask in dim lighting that sets a romantic or cozy scene, and exchange laughter with strangers who quickly become friends.
Atmospheric Touches:
- Live music and lively conversation pour from the iconic bar, known for drawing both locals and visitors every night.
- Group and family dining are welcome, with capacity for up to 120 guests indoors and 30 in private spaces.
- Service is attentive and knowledgeable—servers and managers know the menu well, recommend wines for every dish, and add a personal touch that feels genuinely heartfelt.
For many, memories made here go beyond a great meal: from impromptu friendships to spontaneous gifts (like the infamous Make Drinking Great Again hat, passed from one diner to another), the stories become as legendary as the steaks themselves.
Visiting The Hitching Post II: Tips & Details
Whether you seek a celebratory feast, a bucket-list steakhouse, or a nostalgic stop for Sideways fans, planning ahead ensures your visit is seamless and memorable.
Essential Visitor Details
- Reservations: Strongly recommended—even for early seatings—as the restaurant is routinely busy weeknights and weekends alike.
- Hours:
- Closed Monday & Tuesday.
- Open Wednesday–Sunday, typically 4 P.M. to 8 P.M. (dinner only).
Check for seasonal or updated hours before your visit.
- Location: 406 East Highway 246, Buellton, CA 93427.
- Accessibility: The restaurant is handicap accessible and offers both indoor and limited outdoor seating, as well as takeout service.
- Parking: Ample on-site parking is available, making arrival simple and convenient.
- Special Events: The venue hosts winery events, live music nights, and private dining gatherings throughout the year.
Group Dining & Private Events
- Accommodates groups of all sizes, with complete buy-outs available for weddings or corporate events.
- Private dining rooms cater to more intimate celebrations, seating up to 30 guests in a secluded, relaxed space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I visit The Hitching Post II without a reservation?
A: Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends and during holidays, to ensure seating. Walk-ins may be possible on quieter evenings, but demand is consistently high.
Q: What dishes are absolute must-tries?
A: The oak-grilled steaks—particularly the ribeye and filet—are essentials. Don’t skip the signature grilled artichoke, relish tray, or a glass of house Pinot Noir for an authentic taste of the region.
Q: Is the restaurant family-friendly?
A: Yes, The Hitching Post II is welcoming to families and groups, with an atmosphere that is lively yet relaxed. The menu includes options for a range of appetites, including smaller portion sizes.
Q: Do they offer vegetarian or seafood options?
A: While the focus is on grilled meats, the menu also features select seafood dishes and locally sourced farm vegetables. Vegetarian starters and sides offer a taste of the kitchen’s craftsmanship.
Q: What is the dress code?
A: The dress code is casual—guests wear everything from jeans and boots to sport coats. The vibe strikes a balance between laid-back and celebratory, so come as you feel comfortable.
Q: Is there a tasting room for the winery?
A: Yes, the Hitching Post Winery tasting room is adjacent to the restaurant, open Wednesday through Sunday for lunch and wine flights featuring their renowned Pinot Noir and more.
Final Thoughts: Why The Hitching Post II Endures
The Hitching Post II is more than a steakhouse—it is a living memory for countless travelers, locals, and wine-country wayfarers. Whether gathering to toast a milestone, reliving scenes from cinematic history, or simply savoring the taste of expertly grilled steaks, guests leave with full hearts, contented appetites, and stories that linger long after the last sip of Pinot Noir. For those seeking the true flavor and warmth of the Santa Ynez Valley, few places offer such an authentic, storied experience as The Hitching Post II.
