Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Ynez

8 restaurants available nearby

A photo of First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn restaurant

1. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

4.7

Exceptional(1213)

Price: Very Expensive

• Californian • Solvang

Booked 9 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.

2. Whiskey 'N Rye

4.7

Exceptional(227)

Price: Expensive

• Barbecue • Solvang

Booked 7 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!

3. Hitching Post II

4.7

Exceptional(5121)

Price: Expensive

• Steakhouse • Buellton

Booked 23 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. Ellie's Tap & Vine

4.8

Exceptional(666)

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.

5. SY Kitchen

4.9

Exceptional(3836)

Price: Expensive

• Italian • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 35 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

6. Willows at Chumash Casino

4.7

Exceptional(1518)

Price: Very Expensive

• Contemporary American • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 18 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

7. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

4.9

Exceptional(1362)

Price: Expensive

• American • Santa Ynez Valley

Booked 6 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.

8. Maverick Saloon

4.5

Awesome(25)

Price: Moderate

• American • Santa Ynez

Booked 1 time 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

T
Tiffany
San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
5.0
Dined today
Went here for date night and had an amazing experience. Excellent service, delicious food and big portions!
More info
Whiskey 'N RyePrice: Expensive• Barbecue• Solvang
•
4.7
R
RobertVIP
San Diego •16 reviews
5.0
Dined today
Incredible service! So nice and helpful as this was our first visit. All of her recommendations were spot on. The artichoke didn’t stand a chance as our kids caught on the ended up devouring it. Our group had a pizza, pomegranate salad special, their pasta special with shaved truffles, and the sliders. Their craft cocktails are well done and her recommendation for an Italian white was money. No room for dessert. Must try if you’re passing through.
More info
SY KitchenPrice: Expensive• Italian• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.9
S
Stephen
California Central Coast •1 review
5.0
Dined today
The service at the Hitching Post II was excellent, kind and friendly staff. From front desk greeting, to seating, water, taking our order and more. Really appreciated the welcoming atmosphere.
More info
Hitching Post IIPrice: Expensive• Steakhouse• Buellton
•
4.7
J
Jason
San Diego •13 reviews
5.0
Dined 2 days ago
Outstanding experience. Staff was incredible. Super laid back vibe in a beautiful setting. 5 course tasting was the way to go. We added caviar and Brussels sprouts. Perfect for two people. Add the wine pairings too!
More info
First & Oak at the Mirabelle InnPrice: Very Expensive• Californian• Solvang
•
4.7
A
AnnieVIP
Los Angeles •4 reviews
5.0
Dined 4 days ago
Three of us ordered the Filet Mignon! We all commented on how delicious they were; cooked to perfection, juicy, tender and seasoned just right! Perfect meal and enjoyed the ambiance for a perfect dining experience.
More info
Ellie's Tap & VinePrice: Expensive• Farm-to-table• Santa Ynez Valley
•
4.8

Explore OpenTable

Santa Ynez

Best Casual Restaurants in Santa Ynez

Price

Cuisine

Regions

Areas

Top Rated

Dining Options

Seating Options

Award-winning

Accessibility

8 restaurants available nearby

1. First & Oak at the Mirabelle Inn

2. Whiskey 'N Rye

3. Hitching Post II

4. Ellie's Tap & Vine

5. SY Kitchen

6. Willows at Chumash Casino

7. Brothers Restaurant at Red Barn

8. Maverick Saloon

See what locals rave about

Explore OpenTable