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  4. Santa Ynez Valley
  5. Buellton
Hitching Post II, Buellton, CA
Hitching Post II, Buellton, CA
Hitching Post II, Buellton, CA
Hitching Post II, Buellton, CA
Hitching Post II, Buellton, CA

Hitching Post II

4.7
4.7
4777 Reviews
$31 to $50
Steakhouse
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.


Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Cuisines
    Steakhouse, American
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Phone number
    (805) 688-0676
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Executive Chef
    Frank Ostini
  • 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.
  • Neighbourhood
    Buellton
  • Cross Street
    Thumbelina
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine

What 4,777 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

Reviews can only be made by diners who have eaten at this restaurant

4.7
4.7 based on recent ratings
  • 4.7Food
  • 4.7Service
  • 4.4Ambience
  • 4.3Value

NoiseModerate

Loved For

  • California Central Coast

    Steakhouse

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Best Overall

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Best Food

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Best Service

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Best Value

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Good for business meals

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Good for groups

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Hot spot

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Neighbourhood gem

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Great for fine wines

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Good for special occasions

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Lively

  • Santa Ynez Valley

    Most Booked

4,777 Reviews
  1. LindsayN

    Vancouver

    7 reviews

    3.0

    7 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall3food4service4ambience3
    I arrived 10 minutes early for my 1 person reservation and no fewer than 3 service folks walked right past me at the reception desk — not one of them made eye contact with me. Finally one said the hostess would be back soon and I told him he was the fourth person who had walked by and ignored me. The hostess showed me to a table for two tucked into a back corner right in the entrance/exit to the kitchen. Seriously. I could not believe it - for a second, I kind of thought maybe I was in some weird parallel universe and someone was behind a two way mirror laughing at me. They actually thought that seating the 55+, grey haired woman who was dining alone at the crappiest table in the place would be okay. Wow. At first, I put my coat on the back of the second chair and got ready to sit dutifully in the seat which every service person would pass by for the time I would be there. Then I decided not to. I interrupted (politely) the server who was at the next table of 5 and said “I need to be reseated. I can’t sit here.” To her credit, she was very polite and accommodated me. I told her I felt invisible, upset, and completely marginalized. Like seriously - what kind of a restaurant does this?! I said that as a woman travelling on her own, being seated at the worst table in the restaurant was more than a little insulting - especially when there were many other free two top tables, and seats at the bar too. I was re-seated, and then ordered an $80 bottle of wine and some food. The food was average, the wine excellent. My server was great. I would recommend Hitching Post II, but with the obvious caveat that you make sure you don’t get the crappy table — and if you do, make them move you! Miles would have!

    Is this helpful?

  2. NolanB

    Los Angeles

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined 2 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Lucio was an excellent bartender. Food was great. Drinks were great. 18th wedding anniversary dinner success.

    Is this helpful?

  3. jenfa

    San Diego

    44 reviews

    vip
    4.0

    44 reviews

    Dined 6 days ago

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    We have been dining here on every trip North. Another very good experience. The manager was very gracious, courteouus and professional. He allowed us to come earlier than our reserved table, allowed us to sit at our favorite table, 002, in the bar and helped with having our steak cooked perfectly. It was a great night at the Hitching Post.

    Is this helpful?

  4. LisaB

    San Francisco

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined 7 days ago

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    It was everything we expected. Old school, but clean. Tons of delicious food. The filet mignon we ordered cut with a butter knife. All the staff was attentive and responsive. They had an extensive wine list and delicious dessert 🍮

    Is this helpful?

  5. Scivias

    Washington DC

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The Hitching Post II never disappoints! The grilled meats are fabulous, watching the grill master work his grill through the window to the kitchen is better than a floor show. Our family has been stopping in Buellton for the past thirty-five years just to eat at the Hitching Post, and the food is always wonderful.

    Is this helpful?

  6. VernCP

    Orange County

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 18, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Casual Dining. Filet Mignon cooked perfectly! Delicious!!

    Is this helpful?

  7. DaveB

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    4.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience4
    Our second visit to the Hitching Post. We had a recently self described “new hire “ as our waitress , she did great. She even recommended a wine that I enjoyed. My only complaint is dinner prices ….oh well. We’ll still come back again…..thank you. Dave B

    Is this helpful?

  8. TonyD

    Chicago

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 15, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Love it! Best I’ve had to date. Jesus slayed it! Thank you!

    Is this helpful?

  9. Mike

    Central Coast

    11 reviews

    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 14, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    All 6 of us truly enjoyed our drinks and dinners. We added to the noise level by having a great time trying to visit! Our server was outstanding. Thanks for a wonderful evening.

    Is this helpful?

  10. BrianF

    San Francisco

    7 reviews

    4.0

    7 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food4service4ambience4
    My buddy and I did the Sideways road trip. We stayed at the Sideways Inn and ate at the Hitching Post. Wine was average at best, the salads were way overdressed but the steaks were cooked beautifully and were absolutely delicious! Our server was very sweet.

    Is this helpful?

  11. TELLYM

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall4food4service5ambience5
    Delicious steak , good wine (Pinot Noir) , and fast service ! Would dine again here .

    Is this helpful?

  12. JamieL

    Orange County

    3 reviews

    5.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on September 12, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great food, comfortable, and friendly service. We will definitely return!

    Is this helpful?

  13. CyndyA

    1 review

    4.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 11, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Great food as always. Service was lacking a bit - our server was not very friendly or attentive.

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  14. Dezignqueen

    Orange County

    11 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    11 reviews

    Dined on September 10, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Enjoyed your food very much; I had the pork baby back ribs.

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  15. Zman

    Central Coast

    9 reviews

    5.0

    9 reviews

    Dined on September 9, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Amazing Bone-In Ribeye, Soup, and appitizers! DOn't miss out of the charred artichoke and Corn Quesadilla

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  16. ClaireH

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 8, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Great service, accommodating and cheerful, delicious food. Love the roasted garlic and peppers 🫑 appetizer with crostini’s! Well run, great owners and always a great meal

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  17. Bill

    Orange County

    276 reviews

    vip
    3.0

    276 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall3food3service3ambience3
    The stakes were well prepared but certainly not prime meat. The rice was very ordinary. Service was good but somewhat slow. Ambiance is strictly casual.

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  18. erano

    Las Vegas

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The meat was delicious and the house Pino wine was great !

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  19. STEPHENR

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 3, 2023

    overall2food3service1ambience4
    Not what it used to be. Cannot recommend to first time Central Coast visitors anymore.

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  20. OpenTable Diner

    New York Area

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on September 2, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Wine, steaks, and artichokes - doesn’t get better

    Is this helpful?

  21. OpenTable Diner

    San Francisco

    5 reviews

    5.0

    5 reviews

    Dined on September 1, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always a sure thing; this place is a gem. Good food, attentive service. Worth every penny.

    Is this helpful?

  22. Jeff

    Central Coast

    13 reviews

    5.0

    13 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    Took a while to get attention of wait staff, but once we got going, wonderful as always.

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  23. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 28, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    The best bbq around.. get the lobster and the grilled artichoke

    Is this helpful?

  24. OpenTable Diner

    San Diego

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent food and service. I recommend you order their cheese platter. It is not on the menu so you will have to ask for it. You will not be disappointed.

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  25. StephenB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    With my hearing (I'm 81 and use hearing aids), it was quite difficult to carry on conversation with the noise level on a busy Saturday evening inside. Given that the Hitching Post is a high-end, popular restaurant I would think more thought, effort, and money could be put into making the space less resonant. Other than that everything was great.

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  26. JanB

    Exclusive

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 27, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Always great food and service! We go all the time and are never disappointed.

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  27. OpenTable Diner

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 26, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Excellent experience. Food and service were great . We were comfortable and not rushed!

    Is this helpful?

  28. OpenTable Diner

    Sacramento

    6 reviews

    4.0

    6 reviews

    Dined on August 25, 2023

    overall4food5service3ambience4
    Steaks, wine, sides absolutely wonderful. Price point is high which we knew going in but would expect service to match. Had to ask for refills, bill, and weren’t checked in on during meal. We love this place but they need to be more attentive to their patrons.

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  29. CraigS

    Chicago

    25 reviews

    vip
    2.0

    25 reviews

    Dined on August 22, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    The only saving grace is you can say you had a meal where Miles hung out.

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  30. LindaC

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 21, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience3
    My husband and I had dinner at the Hitching Post for our anniversary. The food was good and the service fast. At the end of the meal, our waiter brought a lovey Happy Anniversary dessert. Very attentive without being overly solicitous.

    Is this helpful?

  31. William

    Central Coast

    3 reviews

    4.0

    3 reviews

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall4food5service5ambience4
    As always, a great meal with first-rate service. And, as (nearly) always, the noise level in the dining room was way too much for the likes of my wife and me. At times we could hardly hear what the other was saying. Not pleasant. We certainly don't mind the sound of people enjoying themselves, but there's got to be a way to make the acoustics bearable for those of us who would prefer a more, how shall I say, serene dinner experience.

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  32. RebeccaT

    Warwickshire

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience5
    Amazing steak and wines, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend

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  33. DebraB

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 20, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We had a wonderful time. Our waitress, Jene, was excellent. We would give her a 10. We had not been in several years . We highly recommend the bone in ribeye and key lime pie. We will be back soon.

    Is this helpful?

  34. lennys

    Central Coast

    2 reviews

    5.0

    2 reviews

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    We have always had excellent meals at the Hitching Post. When in the Buellton area, we will have a meal there.

    Is this helpful?

  35. JeremyK

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    Everything was delicious. The quail was a bit small for the price, and the potato could have been bigger, but the food was delicious, and we had fun.

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  36. OpenTable Diner

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    2.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 19, 2023

    overall2food2service2ambience2
    We were very disappointed in the place, the food, the steak, the halibut, the outrageous prices; we will not go back!!!

    Is this helpful?

  37. Jhenie

    San Francisco

    93 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    93 reviews

    Dined on August 18, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    We stayed in the bar until our reservation got called friendly funny knowledgeable server we order main dish mine is prime rib perfection and my friend order rib eye were bought happy If we’re in the area will stop by

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  38. rickhirsch

    Miami - Dade

    55 reviews

    vip
    5.0

    55 reviews

    Dined on August 13, 2023

    overall5food5service5ambience5
    How a classic remains a classic -- by delivering great food at relatively reasonable prices, with good service and good wine. This is at least our fourth visit to the Hitching Post II, and it never disappoints. The ribeye was perfect!

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  39. JoeS

    Los Angeles

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food5service4ambience4
    If you want a great steak, go to the Hitchin Post.

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  40. EdwardR

    1 review

    5.0

    1 review

    Dined on August 12, 2023

    overall5food4service5ambience4
    Server was very helpful and knowledgeable in the menu. The sound level of the room was quite high, but not overwhelming. Would visit again. Restrooms were far from dining room.

    Is this helpful?

Safety precautions

  • Cleaning & sanitising

    • Surfaces sanitised between seatings
    • Digital, disposable or sanitised menu provided
    • Common areas deep-cleaned daily
    • Sanitiser or wipes provided for customers
  • Physical distancing

    • Limited number of seated diners
    • Distancing maintained in common areas
    • Extra space between tables
  • Screening

    • Sick staff prohibited in the workplace

FAQs

Hitching Post II offers takeout which you can order by calling the restaurant at (805) 688-0676.

Hitching Post II is rated 4.7 stars by 4777 OpenTable diners.

Yes, you can generally book this restaurant by choosing the date, time and party size on OpenTable.

Make a reservation

2 people

7:00 p.m.


Booked 29 times today

Order delivery or takeout

Google Map for Hitching Post II

406 E. Hwy 246, Buellton, CA 93427

Dining areas

Additional information

  • Cross Street
    Thumbelina
  • Neighbourhood
    Buellton
  • Hours of Operation
    Dinner Mon, Wed–Sun 5:00 pm–9:00 pm
  • Cuisines
    Steakhouse, American
  • Dining style
    Casual Dining
  • Dress Code
    Business Casual
  • Parking Details
    None
  • Payment Options
    AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
  • Executive Chef
    Frank Ostini
  • Additional
    Beer, BYO Wine, Corkage Fee, Full Bar, Non-Smoking, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Takeout, Wheelchair Access, Wine
  • Phone number
    (805) 688-0676
  • 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.
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookies and Interest-Based Ads
  • Cookie Preferences
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