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Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Ynez

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8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Whiskey 'N Rye restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(211)
Price: Expensive
• Barbecue • Solvang
Booked 25 times today
An American Smokehouse and Tavern, Whiskey 'N Rye features a varied menu of barbeque classics along with an eclectic mix of modern wine-country cuisine. Our dining experience focuses heavily on grill and smoke cooking techniques, with several unique signature features including our Hickory Smoked Brisket and Baby Back Ribs, Grilled Romaine Caesar, Smoked Spaghetti Squash, BBQ Chicken, Grilled Flatiron Steak with Chimichurri, and our Whiskey 'N Rye Brisket/Short-rib Burger, just to name a few. Enjoy your meal with our full bar featuring Signature Craft Cocktails, Zero-Proof Elixirs, and more than 60 specialty whiskeys from both local as well as national and international distilleries. With both covered patio and cozy indoor dining areas, Whiskey 'N Rye is the perfect spot to enjoy a relaxed afternoon or evening dining experience. Also visit us for the Best Happy Hour in town hosted Mon. to Thu. from 4:00pm to 5:30pm. Featuring $10 Craft Cocktails and 1/2 priced Appetizers!
A photo of First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1203)
Price: Very Expensive
• Californian • Solvang
Booked 4 times today
We are excited to welcome you to First & Oak! We offer outdoor seating on our heated patio & inside our intimate dining rooms. Seating is limited, a credit card is required & will only be charged for cancellations. Please allow us a minimum of 24 hours prior to avoid any cancelation fees.We offer two dining experiences: Traditional Three Course or a Chef's Five Course Tasting Menu. Parties of 6 or more please call. When reserving standard (indoor) or outdoor seating (Please be mindful regarding the weather, it tends to get chilly as the night goes on), please choose which experience you would prefer & let us know of any dietary restrictions, Vegan request needs a days advance notice. First and Oak is located inside the Mirabelle Inn, & was awarded a Michelin Plate designation in 2022. We offer a seasonally-inspired menu that highlights local & organic ingredients prepared in a thoughtful manner. Our dining room operates with the mindset of warm compassionate attentive service.
A photo of Hitching Post II restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(5107)
Price: Expensive
• Steakhouse • Buellton
Booked 22 times today
Here, on the Central Coast of California, BBQ has always meant grilling over an open fire of red oak, a style of cooking that is native to our area and goes back to the days of the Spanish Rancheros. By combining the old and the new, we have created an exciting cuisine with outstanding steaks, ribs and chicken, along with fresh fish and seafood and vegetarian options. We also create our own (world class) wines for sale in the restaurant and to the public. Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wines have garnered an excellent reputation. Try them here or purchase on our website for your enjoyment at home.
A photo of Ellie's Tap & Vine restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(657)
Price: Expensive
• Farm-to-table • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 7 times today
Welcome to Ellie's Tap & Vine... Join us for seasonal cuisine, elegant ranch ambiance and great wine! We are Valley to Table dining, working with many local farms and purveyors; We look forward to seeing you soon! Our menu changes regularly, so please feel free to visit our website: www.elliestapandvine.com or follow us on IG and/or FB.Our restaurant is located in the heart of Santa Ynez. We boast amazing outdoor seating with great views and because it is often a little chilly in the evening, we have heaters. We are also dog and cat friendly.We know re-adjusting to dining out is a strange experience for everyone and we are all slowly returning. For now, we will be suspending lunch service.
A photo of SY Kitchen restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(3813)
Price: Expensive
• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 38 times today
RESERVATIONS Reservations for parties of 5 or more please call restaurant directly. S. Y. Kitchen requests a credit card to hold a reservation of 6 or more. You may cancel by calling the restaurant by 5 PM two days prior to the reservation. After that cancellation is subject to our policy and fees may be incurred. All credit card information will be processed securely.
A photo of Willows at Chumash Casino restaurant
4.7
Exceptional(1505)
Price: Very Expensive
• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 13 times today
The Willows specializes in mouthwatering prime steaks and seafood. This 14 time AAA Four Diamond Award-winning restaurant also features a Wine Spectator Award winning wine list with an extensive selection of local and imported wines, all served in an exquisitely appointed setting.
A photo of Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn restaurant
4.9
Exceptional(1353)
Price: Expensive
• American • Santa Ynez Valley
Booked 14 times today
The Nichols brothers, Matt & Jeff, grew up in Ames, Iowa where their love of cooking, good food and a sense of family and community was nurtured.The 2013 opening of their second Santa Barbara Wine Country restaurant, Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez, allows them to offer visitors and locals alike great food, wine and hospitality. The brothers strive to have legendary service, innovative cuisine, and a welcoming and comfortable atmosphere that causes you to return time and again.As chefs, the brothers continue to experiment with new dishes and cuisine, but always with that “from scratch”, homemade element. Fresh ingredients from local producers, a wine list that showcases the region’s award-winning wines and a comfortable and historically interesting atmosphere that takes you back to the romance of the old west. They want you to feel at home, and experience all the best of Santa Barbara’s Wine Country.
A photo of Maverick Saloon restaurant
4.6
Exceptional(25)
Price: Moderate
• American • Santa Ynez
Booked 2 times today
Taverns have flourished along Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street since 1906. Sixty years ago, four busy bars entertained the locals and visitors alike. These establishments were named Last Chance, the Bum Steer, Parker’s and the Maverick Saloon. While three of the four original taverns have since disappeared into history, the legendary Maverick Saloon is still going strong and continues to be a staple in the Santa Ynez valley.In 1963, Jerry and Diane Thompson bought nine bare lots from publisher tycoon Hastings Harcourt. Plans were drawn up for a museum, restaurant, two-story hotel and the Maverick Saloon, which is named after a TV series starring James Garner. A few years later (approx. 1968) the barn was built next to the saloon. To achieve an antique look, the Thompsons used materials salvaged from demolished Victorian houses. The barn’s history began as the “Lulubelle’s Restaurant” and a tool rental facility. The barn and dancehall became a permanent part of the Maverick Salo

See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • Sophia
    Orange County •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 1 day ago
    Our meal and service were impeccable! From the very moment we walked in with our two little kids, the maitre’d made us feel so welcome. He also made sure the kitchen accommodated my little one with a severe food allergy. The food came out quickly and every bite was exceptional. The service was so friendly from our waiter to our busser and everyone in between. I was very impressed and am excited to return again and again. Thank you!
    More info
    SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
    4.9
  • Melissa
    Portland / Oregon •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 3 days ago
    2nd visit here and it was fantastic! Great food & service!! We’ll be back!
    More info
    Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
    4.7
  • Glenn
    Los Angeles •72 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    Passing nearby, we decided to try a restaurant we had not been before. A great surprise. We were warmly welcomed and seated a nice table. The restaurant is beautifully decorated. The service was outstanding. And the food was expertly prepared and delicious. We had a half chicken dinner and a chicken pot pie. Both dinners were large portions and very tasty. We had warm apple tort for desert that was really good. We will certainly be back. A great find.
    More info
    Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
    4.9
  • Mark
    Los Angeles •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    The 5 course wine pairing was very good. I wish I had taken a picture of the Wines offered as they were all excellent and full pours. The food offerings were all very good, with the exception of the oysters. The cauliflower was our favorite and the sea bass was perfect. We were a little worried that the oysters were not quite right as they tasted mostly of sea water. We have had lots of oysters over the years and these were honestly just not good. But we didn’t get sick! LOL. We will for sure recommend this place for the dining experience and will return the next time we are in Solvang.
    More info
    First & Oak at the Mirabelle InnPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Solvang
    4.7
  • Erica
    California Central Coast •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 6 days ago
    Per usual the food and service was incredible! Our reservation was at 5:30 but the hostess Selena was kind enough to get us sat a bit earlier. Our steaks and burgers (we ate on a Wed night when they have burger night) were cooked to the perfect temperature.
    More info
    Hitching Post IIPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Buellton
    4.7
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