Powered By OpenTable: Restaurant Reservations. Right this way.
Restaurant Reservations - Free • Instant • Confirmed

  • Hitching Post II

  • Online Reservations

Reserve at Hitching Post II

Date

mm/dd/yyyy

Time
Party Size
Hitching Post II
Hitching Post II

Hitching Post II Details

  • Dining Style: Casual Dining
  • Website: http://www.hitchingpost2.com
  • Phone: (805) 688-0676
  • Hours of Operation: Dinner: Monday - Friday, 5:00pm - 9:30pm; Saturday - Sunday, 4:00pm - 9:30pm. Join us for Hitching Post Wine Tasting: Monday - Friday 4-6 p.m. & Saturday/Sunday 3-5 p.m. We're open every night for dinner except for the following holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas, New Year's Day, Easter, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day.
  • Payment Options: AMEX, MasterCard, Visa
  • Cuisine: Steakhouse, American
  • Executive Chef: Frank Ostini
  • Dress Code: Business Casual
  • Accepts Walk-Ins: Yes
  • Additional Details: Bar Dining, Beer, Fireplace, Full Bar, Non-Smoking Restaurant, Personal wines welcome, Personal wines welcome (corkage fee applies), Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Catering: We bring our oakwood grill to you with a crew to serve traditional "Santa Maria Style BBQ" or elegant multi course meals with great Santa Barbara wines.
  • Private Party Facilities: Very limited private and semi-private opportunities. Please call for details.
  • Private Party Contact: Anne Twigg (805) 688-0676

Getting there

  • Cross Street: Thumbelina
  • Parking: Private Lot
A word from Hitching Post II
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.

Now featuring Hitching Post Burgers in the HP Sidebar Mondays - Wednesdays! Oak-grilled 1/2 pound ground sirloin on homemade cheese bun with our famous french fries for just $12.Continued
Foodspotting photos
See all photos >
Awards voted by OpenTable diners
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Overall
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Food
  • Diners' Choice WinnerBest Service
Diner Reviews
  • "Happiness is being a carnivore . One of the best steaks I have ever had."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "My husband and I celebrated our 45 anniversary with friends at the restaurant. It was our first time, on a recommendation from other friends. We were not disappointed. The food was delicious, excellent wine selections and the service was very good."
    Dined on 7/19/2014
  • "This is a great place for steak dinner with good wine. We had a good table for viewing the barbecueing of the food."
    Dined on 7/17/2014
  • "It was referred by a friend, but the place needs to be updated. Food was average."
    Dined on 7/17/2014
  • "This place rocks. We had the bone in rib-eye (plenty for 2 people). Plus a nice bottle of one of the HP's own pinots. Topped off with an amazing piece of chocolate cake (3 people shared). The service was great. We made on-line reservations, which I strongly recommend. We went on a Tuesday night and it was packed. If You are in the Solvang or Buellton areas, you owe yourself a visit here."
    Dined on 7/15/2014
  • "My husband and I were torn on what cut of meat to choose, so our wonderful server, took us through the kitchen to a chart in the back where she explained where the cuts come from, and we passed by the wood grill to look at the meat being cooked. Talk about amazing service. One of the best meals we have ever had!!"
    Dined on 7/14/2014
  • "The ribeye was fantastic! Service was good. Odd curtains for bathroom stalls, seems like something that should be addressed with the size of the crowd on a Monday night."
    Dined on 7/14/2014
  • "Best beef ever! Excellent service and food quality"
    Dined on 7/13/2014
  • "Although we were already committed to dining here as part of a movie pilgrimage, all over town we were told repeatedly that we must definitely try the Hitching Post. No dissapointments. Great food and another check mark on the bucket list."
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "love this place have never been disappointed. Steaks are amazing, by far the best I have ever had!"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "The best steaks a restaurant can make..and don't miss the fried goat cheese salad..excellent service!"
    Dined on 7/12/2014
  • "Extensive menu and wine list. Had the duck and was very satisfied. My wife had a rack of lam that was fantastic. Love this place."
    Dined on 7/10/2014
  • "I TOOK MY WIFE FOR OUT ANNIVERSARY DINNER,BUT WHAT A DISASTER.CHAME ON THE OWNERS TO KEEP A CHEF DOSENT KNOW HOW TO COOK A STAKE MEDIUM,I SEND IT BACK TWO TIMES AND BOTH TIMES CAME BACK BLODY RARE WHERE THE WHOLE PLATE EULL OF BLOD,GROSS.... THE OTHER MEAL WAS FISH OF THE DAY AND WAS OVER COOKED DRY TASTED LIKE CAN TUNA. WE BOTH NEVER FORGET THIS BAD DINNING EXPERIENCE.....!"
    Dined on 7/10/2014
  • "This place is one of the best restaurants in the country with a small town flair and Chris our server was awesome!!!! I have been there several times in the past and Chris has always been outstanding. I was there with my 11 yr. old daughter and Chris really treated her special. Thank you Chris and The Hitching Post....."
    Dined on 7/10/2014
  • "If you're old enough, you remember this kind of restaurant. If have a good memory, you'll even remember details of places just like this. The relish tray, the cracker basket, the warm friendly service. Make no mistake though- the Hitching Post II is better, way better than those restaurants, on every level. Don't expect stacked up, stylized food. This restaurant is for foodies- & wine aficionados - who want tasty food, traditionally prepared, perfectly. The magic combination of carefully trimmed beef, expert preparation & a real oak fire is deceptively simple & hard to equal. Add a wine list of difficult to find treasures, reasonably priced,& it gets even better. Finish it with home made traditional desserts on the right of sweet- a winner"
    Dined on 7/9/2014
  • "House ground hamburger consists of New York, Filet, Top Sirloin and Ribeye steak trimmings topped with Brad's House oak-smoked bacon makes this burger to die for. It is only available Monday - Wednesday on the bar side of the restaurant, first come first served ( sorry :) Open Table), in house special only so not available to go. Lot's of rules but so worth it. Current and older vintage Pinot Noir by the glass as well as a newly expanded wine list makes for a happy camper. Disclosure- I work and eat there and that is a good thing!"
    Dined on 7/7/2014
  • "Excellent and friendly service by the female bartender. Yummy homemade blue cheese dressing!"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "I visited the Hitching Post over the weekend. I had a friend visiting from out of state and she wanted to experience the restuarant since she had seen the movie sideways. It was also her birthday weekend as well. I made a reservation in advance and was completely happy with the entire visit. Hitching Post saved one of the best tables in the restaurant for me and my friend located right in front of the glass window where we could watch the steaks be cooked on the open BBQ. Our steaks were cooked to perfection and taste great. The entire staff were all very friendly and I would be happy to return again to visit HP the next time I come to visit Solvang!!"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "My husband and had to eat there after watching our favorite movie sideways. It was everything we expected. Food was great, service was great and the place was jumping with life."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "Always enjoy this place when we copme up to wine taste in the region. I don't eat steak but the chicken is excellent so I never miss out. Definitely recommend this place to anyone coming up to the area."
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "Absolutely loved it!!!Excellent food! Enjoyed the artichoke appetizer, corn chowder, filet mignon and pinot noir. Will return to this restaurant!!"
    Dined on 7/5/2014
  • "We took newlyweds on their honeymoon to the restaurant. It was their first time and they loved it! Chris is our favorite waiter. His attentiveness and timing is great, it makes our dining experience special....as does the steaks! The swordfish is also a great alternative. Can't wait till our next trip to Buellton and winetasting!"
    Dined on 7/3/2014
  • "Greeted, seated, and served with the friendly familiarity of a local. The complimentary veggie dish and the artichoke starter went delicious with a smooth bottle of HP's Highliner (Pinot Noir) and reliably conjured old Sicilian family memories. We very much enjoyed my wife's pefectly medium-rare Filet Mignon. Since it was Monday, I tried the burger. Half-pound Top Sirloin patty was really good. The burger wasn't oversold either, just cheese and the usual suspects with a side of some mango-mayo sauce that also made great dipping for the fries. No room for dessert this time but we had a Chef Frank sighting which made our night. No, we didn't say hello, he was too busy putting away wine bottles and we were still putting away ours."
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "The Hitching Post was our "go to" place to take our dear friends for their anniversary. Nothing like a perfectly prepared steak after a day of wine tasting!"
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "It lacks the flash of some places in LA, Vegas or Chicago it is the best steak I have ever had anywhere in any country. Best of all the reservation works no wait. No wait No wait. top that!"
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "I was able to quickly and easily make reservations through open table at Hitching Post II in Buellton, CA. They had our table ready and waiting. The food was excellent as was the service."
    Dined on 6/30/2014
  • "We had a wonderful dinner great steaks food was great our server was outstanding we enjoyed it"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "We dined at your resterant on the 28th of June for our 55 th wedding anniversary. We try to come every year for your lobster dinner. We are never dissappointed. It is something we look forward to every year. Can't wait till next year!!! Hope and Bob Carson"
    Dined on 6/28/2014
  • "We had a great second dining experience. We enjoyed it so much the first time and we wondered if it would still be as good. It was! The appetizers alone could have satisfied us. We had the stuffed green pasilla pepper, bbq mushrooms and quail. They bring a lot of food as the entree includes salad, soup and bread. The homemade desserts were fabulous. I enjoyed the key lime pie. We had the chocolate cake to go with the rest of the red wine. Our friend had the strawberry shortcake. Yum Yum! Kelly, our server was excellent!"
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "A visit to the area wouldn't be complete without a steak from The Hitching Post! What else can I say, the service is always great, steaks wonderful and their wines affordable and delicious. I had read the fries were rated highly by the LA Times so tried them for the first time - wow great fries! Took my parents here to celebrate my dads birthday and even received a complimentary dessert."
    Dined on 6/27/2014
  • "The m/rare top sirloin on the shrimp-steak combo was very, very tough. Looking back, I believe I should have sent it back. The shrimp and the rest of the food was very good. The service was quite slow and the "noise level", as is almost always the case these days, was more in keeping with a sports bar than a restaurant. Over all, things definitely did not measure up to my past experience over a couple of decades with HP-one. But I haven't been there for a couple of years. Perhaps it has changed"
    Dined on 6/26/2014
  • "Had been looking forward to taking the family on a Monday night for the oak burger special. Last visit a few years back was memorable. The 4 of us ordered the burger - some with bacon others with onions and/or cheese. The meat is first rate as it is ground up from trimmings of filet, NY, etc. No complaints there, except it might have been a bit on the dry side - requiring sauce be added. The overwhelming complaint is on the homemade cheese bun. No fans there. Bacon got a mixed review - from thick and smoky to goooey. Ambiance is minimal, but not what people go there for. It does have a nice locally frequented feel where the hostess knows all of the guests. Overall, a bit disappointed this time but will give it another try."
    Dined on 6/23/2014
  • "We had been traveling and at a convention for five days and had not eaten a decent meal in that many days. We ordered the 7oz sirloin steaks and thank goodness we did not order larger. Along with the steak came, vegetable tray, soup, salad, bread, and potato. You won't go away hungry! Steak was outstanding, my cosmopolitan was one of the best I have had in a long time."
    Dined on 6/22/2014
  • "She enthusiastically accommodated all of our requests. The food was very good."
    Dined on 6/22/2014
  • "An unpretencious but exceptional restaurant, the steaks were awesome, too bad the ribs were not available. The server, Chris was exceptional."
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "Made a return visit with some friends who had never been here. Aside from the disappointment that there were no artichokes (they are great), the dinner was fantastic. Great service, great food, great wine, and great friends. We will be back!!!"
    Dined on 6/21/2014
  • "The best tasting steak I've had in a long time. Great place!"
    Dined on 6/20/2014
  • "Steak was properly prepared. The rice pilaf alternate to baked potato or French fries was nothing special. Their wonderful grilled artichoke was not available on the evening of my visit which was disappointing. The mushrooms almost made up for that loss."
    Dined on 6/20/2014
  • "We loved the mouth watering flavor of the bbq steaks. We even bought the rub & bring it home to San Diego."
    Dined on 6/14/2014
  • "Always love coming to the Hitching Post when in town. BEST STEAKS and FRIES!!!"
    Dined on 6/13/2014
More reviews ›
  • Burger Night at The Hitching Post
    Monday-Wednesday 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM›
    Drop in and experience our sensational Oak Grilled Hamburgers and Famous French Fries. Served in the bar and adjacent lounge Mon-Wed for only $12!. Excludes Tax and Tip. Served in the Hitching Post bar and lounge only. Special valid May 12, 2014 - Aug 12, 2014 on Mondays - Wednesdays from 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM. Offer valid May 12, 2014 - August 12, 2014
  • Steak Sandwich Night in the Sidebar!
    Tuesday-Wednesday 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM›
    Try an Oak Grilled Hitching Post Steak Sandwich with Double Fried French Fries on Tuesday & Wednesday nights at the Hitching Post. Drop in and check it out!. Excludes Tax and Tip. Served only in the Hitching Post Bar and adjacent lounge. Special valid May 13, 2014 - Aug 13, 2014 on Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 5:00 PM - 9:00 PM. Offer valid May 13, 2014 - August 13, 2014
Larger map ›
Smaller map ›
Diners' Choice Awards
  • California Central Coast Winners
  • Steak
  • Most Booked
  • Santa Ynez Valley Winners
  • Best Overall
  • Best Food
  • Best Service
  • Neighborhood Gem
  • Notable Wine List
  • Special Occasion
  • Most Booked
Learn more ›