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Buellton Restaurants
Buellton sits at the junction of Highway 101 and CA-246, making it the practical gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley. Its dining scene punches above its weight for a small highway town — anchored by Hitching Post II (a Sideways-era institution for oak-smoked Santa Maria barbecue) and Industrial Eats, a quality-driven warehouse restaurant with wood-fired ovens.
Most visitors pass through Buellton en route to Solvang (5 miles east) or Los Olivos (10 miles northeast), but it's worth stopping for a meal. The town also sits at the western edge of the Sta. Rita Hills wine country, making it a natural stop after a day of vineyard visits.
The most famous restaurant in the Santa Ynez Valley — made internationally known by the 2004 film Sideways. Hitching Post II serves oak-smoked Santa Maria-style meats (tri-tip, quail, pork) alongside a deep list of estate Pinot Noir from co-owner Frank Ostini and winemaker Gray Hartley. The room is warm, dark, and unchanged. Reservations strongly recommended for dinner.
420 E Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427 · (805) 688-0676
A quality-driven restaurant in a repurposed industrial warehouse, built around two wood-fired ovens. Sustainably sourced, seasonal ingredients. Known for pizza, house-made pastas, and locally raised meats in a communal, relaxed atmosphere. Open daily for lunch and dinner.
181 Industrial Way, Buellton, CA 93427 · (805) 688-8807
Daily 12 PM–8 PM
One of California's most acclaimed craft breweries, with its main production facility and a taproom in Buellton. Known for Pivo Pils, 805 Blond Ale, Union Jack IPA, and a rotating selection of barrel-aged ales. The taproom serves food alongside house-brewed beers. Popular with the brewery community for tours of the barrel cave.
620 McMurray Rd, Buellton, CA 93427
Good to Know
Buellton is a junction town — most restaurants are on or near CA-246 (East/West Highway 246). The dining scene is compact and easy to navigate, though not all spots are within walking distance of each other.
Hitching Post II serves dinner primarily. Call (805) 688-0676 for current dinner hours and to confirm reservation availability — it books up on weekends. The restaurant is a 30-year institution and doesn't take walk-in reservations as reliably on busy nights.
Pea Soup Andersen's — historically one of Buellton's most famous restaurants, established 1924 — permanently closed its restaurant operations. The property may still operate as an inn; the original split pea soup restaurant is no longer serving.
For breakfast in Buellton, options are limited. Most visitors drive 5 miles east to Solvang for Danish pastries and breakfast spots like Paula's Pancake House.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Hitching Post II famous for?
Hitching Post II became internationally known through the 2004 film Sideways, which filmed several scenes there. It's been operating since 1986 at its current location. The food is oak-smoked Santa Maria-style barbecue — tri-tip, quail, and other meats cooked over red oak. Co-owner Frank Ostini also produces Hartley-Ostini Hitching Post Wines (particularly Pinot Noir), which appear prominently on the menu.
Is Pea Soup Andersen's still open in Buellton?
The Pea Soup Andersen's restaurant — established in 1924 and historically one of Buellton's most recognizable institutions — has permanently closed its restaurant operations. The inn portion may still operate separately. Do not visit expecting the original restaurant.
What is there to eat in Buellton besides Hitching Post II?
Industrial Eats (181 Industrial Way) is the other strong dining option in Buellton — wood-fired California cuisine in a warehouse setting, open daily for lunch and dinner. Firestone Walker's taproom (620 McMurray Rd) is a destination for craft beer. For more dining variety, Solvang (5 miles east) and Los Olivos (10 miles northeast) offer additional options.
What is Buellton known for in wine?
Buellton sits at the western gateway to the Santa Ynez Valley and the eastern entry to the Sta. Rita Hills AVA. The Sta. Rita Hills — which extends west toward Lompoc — is one of California's most acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay appellations. Hitching Post II pours extensively from Sta. Rita Hills producers. The Highway 246 corridor also connects to Sanford Winery (Lompoc, 25 miles west).
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Last reviewed: August 2026. Business details change — verify hours and status before visiting.