Established in 1956, Jocko’s is a true American roadhouse specializing in steak, ribs and oak pit pork chops, as well as traditional salsa and pinquito beans.
Open since 1952, Hitching Post I is the oldest barbecue restaurant in the area, made world-famous by Sideways, has the classics and more—including grilled artichokes, and a knockout chocolate tart.
"The whole range of Santa Maria barbecue tradition shows up here, from tri-tip to spicy oak-grilled linguiça sausage, a gift from the Portuguese who immigrated to the area in the ’30s and ’40s."
One of the few remaining fund-raising outfits on Santa Maria’s main street serves a delectable soy-marinated take on tri-tip -Sunset Magazine
The owner had a Cajun restaurant in Los Angeles. The lobster mac and cheese with smoked bacon and peas is creamy decadence.Try the Italian tuna, basil and cannellini bean salad. - SF Gate
Whiskey selection. The original burger - a 7-ounce patty on a soft bun with traditional garnish. Kale salad. Cowboy burger - bacon, shoestring fried onions and a beer barbecue sauce. - SF Gate
The tri-tip sandwich: slices of medium, tender beef on a toasted roll, with tangy house-made barbecue sauce. Trail camp beans, a combo of beans, pork and beef in a mild smoky sauce.
Sidecar serves lunch and dinner, but it's known for brunch on steroids - think a pitcher of bloody Marys ($25). The classic eggs Benedict or croque madame pair well with your share of the pitcher.
With sandwiches, soups and salads. Sandwiches - such as the grilled Italian chicken with basil, tomato and mozzarella - come with a side salad. - SF Gate
