SOLVANG

Solvang Festival Theater and PCPA https://solvangtheaterfest.org

As a lifelong band geek and musical performer, I’m a huge fan of the arts. Outside of writing, two more of my favorite activities that hold the power to evoke emotions with intensity that cannot be matched otherwise are: performing live on stage, and attending a live performance.

The Solvang Theaterfest organization produces concerts and performances throughout the year, offering concessions that feature local foods, craft beer, and wine.

This theater has also served as home to the many award-winning summer productions of the Pacific Conservatory of Performing Arts (PCPA) since 1974. They are currently in the middle of their 61st season, and you can support them and purchase tickets to their upcoming shows here: https://pcpa.org/shows

The Good Life https://www.thegoodlifecellar.com

Craft Beer. Mead. Hard Cider. Boutique Wines. The featuring of local small productions is their jam at The Good Life, a premier bottle shop and tasting room right next to Solvang Park. Plenty of small bites are available to munch on alongside newly discovered California craft beers, ciders, and local wine offerings that you may not find very easily elsewhere. While enjoying their selections, don’t miss out of the variety of mead from California — as well as some special selections imported from Denmark.

Peasants Deli https://peasantsdeli.com

Do you know any artisan delis where you can order a mind-blowing flavor explosion of a sandwich, pair it with a craft beer, then step back in time to an adjacent room filled with pinball games, arcade cabinets, full-size air hockey, and sit-down racing games? You do now. Peasants Deli & Market rocks a high quality menu of eats, drinks, and a delicious foods like artisan chips and imported seafood to go (smoked salmon, anyone?). Their full-service restaurant, Peasants Feast, is right across the street if you’re extra hungry.

Solvang Spice Merchant https://solvangspice.com

I get a thrill from discovering new flavors when cooking at home, and thanks to Solvang Spice Merchant my cupboards are full of culinary magic just waiting to be cast upon my next dish to level it up. Salts, curries, rubs, blends, sugars, standalone herbs, and unique favorites such as Smoked Tea Rub, I Heart Salmon, and Hoppy Mable Bourbon hardly scratch the surface of the collection that graces their shelves. Some of the most delicious loose leaf teas I’ve ever tasted can be found here as well, alongside a plentiful variety of accessories and utensils, many of which I now use in my kitchen. Safe some space in your suitcase — you’ll need it. Better still… just bring extra luggage.

The Gathering Table https://gatheringtablesolvang.com

Chef Budi Kazali is well-known in the Santa Barbara county, and his latest venture is The Gathering Table. Exciting food with Asian and French inspirations result in a treasure trove of unique fusion to satisfy those who seek something new and mouth-watering. You’ll likely be teased for multiple trips to try everything on the menu.

The Backroom at Valley Brewers https://www.valleybrewers.com/the-backroom

Pssst! It’s a speakeasy! Yes, in Solvang! Rotating taps with craft beers from all over the nation and beyond, and frozen beer slushies in the summertime ensure you’ll always have something new to sip on while chatting with locals. The Backroom also offers a variety of fun snacks to experience that are just as bold as the beers.

Ramen Kotori https://ramenkotori.com/

Celebrating six years as of yesterday (March 25th 2025) as the first and only current ramen shop in Solvang, Ramen Kotori offers scrumptious selections of locally sourced seafood, crunchy and savory appetizers, poké, hand rolls, and rotating specials crafted with experience. Craft beer, teas, imported soft drinks, and sake compliment the dishes beautifully, and I just can’t get enough. Follow them on Instagram to spot their next tasty release.

SANTA YNEZ

Santa Ynez Billiards and Cafe https://www.sybilliardsandcafe.com

Santa Ynez Billiards and Cafe offers a variety of both Middle Eastern cuisine, and classic pub food. Pair with one of many craft beers and wine on tap, and enjoy. I’ve ordered every menu item repeatedly, and everything is superb; they serve my favorite lentil soup I’ve yet tried on planet earth.

Queen Cup Coffee https://queencupcoffee.com

Let me make one thing abundantly clear — I love coffee. From their bold black drip and traditional cappuccino, to seasonal spiced winter drinks, Queen Cup’s menu ensures the coffee bean is always the star of the show. They also have a phenomenal variety of teas, warm flaky croissants and more to match your cozy hot beverage. If the sun is out in full glory, the Killer Queen Cold Brew will start your party right.

Brothers Restaurant at The Red Barn https://www.brothersredbarn.com

If it’s a properly cooked steak you’re after, you’ll get it at The Red Barn. Their experienced bartenders mix up some stellar drinks, and here’s a little local tip: Filet Mignon Taco Thursdays. Getcha some!

Ellie’s Tap and Vine https://elliestapandvine.com

There’s really not enough room here to gush enough over how much I love Ellie’s Tap and Vine. The owner, Joy, is a rockstar chef who brings out the best fresh local ingredients to craft rich decadent comfort food that does more than satisfy again and again.

Trattoria Grappolo https://www.trattoriagrappolo.com

A succulent traditional Italian menu, including a mouth-watering house chianti and my favorite wood fired Margherita pizza I’ve ever tasted… consistently.

Finley Farms Farmstand https://finleyfarmsorganic.com

The farmstand for Finley Farms on Refugio Road is a local favorite when you’re craving crisp and juicy produce. You’ll want to make certain you grab some strawberries when they’re in season, as they’re often the first item to be ravaged by daily patrons.

BUELLTON

Figueroa Mountain Brewing (Buellton) https://www.figmtnbrew.com/buellton

As a founding mug member of this locally-loved brewery, I have to recommend…well, everything. This is Fig Mountain Brew Headquarters, where the magic happens: Great beers, the smell of malt and hops in the air, special releases, fantastic food (the tots, smashburgers, and pulled pork sandos hit the spot), and local energy. You can also rack up a game of pool upstairs if you’re feeling like a game or two. Keep an eye on their Instagram to stay informed about live music performances and special beer and tasting events a-plenty!

Na Na Thai https://www.nanathaisyv.com

For fans of the most flavorful heat you’ll find in the Santa Ynez Valley, make this a priority. From the start, appetizers are bursting with flavor (the lumpia and gai tod are amazing), their curries are vibrant, and their noodle dishes and seafood are worth several trips. Ask about their specials, and keep your eyes peeled for their collaboration events. It’s a sure thing.

Gino’s Pizza https://ginospizzabuellton.com

More than just classic pizza and an arcade, Gino’s has a delicious lasagna, and a generous antipasto salad that’s a beast — a meal in its own. DELICIOUS.

Little King Coffee https://www.littlekingcoffee.com

Little King is just a few blocks from the 101 freeway on the main street of Buellton, offering fantastic coffee, espresso drinks, and teas alongside breakfast sandwiches and sweet treats for a pick-me-up. Don’t miss this one.

Firestone-Walker Taproom and Barrelworks https://www.firestonewalker.com/buellton

Another place I’ll often be found is enjoying a famous Double Barrel Ale right off the 101. Chef Bryan pumps out the eats with passion, including a BBQ chicken and smoked gouda pizza that is simply unforgettable.

LOS OLIVOS

Figueroa Mountain Brewing (Los Olivos) https://www.figmtnbrew.com/losolivos

Step into the cozy cottage that is Fig’s Los Olivos location for a different vibe with the same quality brews. Their food truck kitchen in the garden out front serves up generous portions, live music can often be found on weekends, and you might even catch Bingo night.

Nella Kitchen and Bar https://nellakitchen.com

Local ingredients are showcased throughout their menu of luxurious salads, flaky fluffy pinsas, and main entrees like pasta, steaks, and seafood. They’re also packing another secret tool in their arsenal: The award-winning mixologist Chris Hewes has crafted one of my favorite cocktail menus in California that will plaster a grin on the face of the most ambitious of flavor-seekers.

BB Sushi https://www.sushibb.com

Chef Jina Bae is my favorite sushi chef in Santa Barbara County. Enough said. Traditional nigiri and makizushi, along with Korean dishes make this a favorite menu in the valley. Be sure to order ahead for pickup, as it often gets very busy — for obvious reasons.

Bar Le Cote https://www.barlecote.com

Oysters on the half shell. Shrimp. Urchin. Caviar. Crudo. Crispy skin branzino. Paella. Duck. Just a sample of this local treasure’s menu that goes great with something you’d not expect something to describe as “life-changing” — their spiced fries. Dangerously delicious, the lot.

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