Los Olivos/Solvang

Travel, Wine Tourism, and Restaurants Forum
1

Any reccomendations for a nice place in that area that isn’t crazy expensive? Going up there just before Thanksgiving.

2

I am not a big fan of the culinary options in that neck of the woods… you best bet is Root 246 in Solvang (Bradley Ogden’s place with the Chumash)… you can get a good margarita at Carlito’s, food is weak, you can get decent food at The Hitching Post, but bring your own wine… there is another, finer dining place, that many have mentioned, but I have not been to yet, so I will have to track down the name, but it is consistently mentioned as one of the better places in the valley. Flatbread Pizza is casual, but everyone likes it…

3

Thanks Scott, for food we were already planning on The Hitching post and maybe one other place for dinner…

I probably should have been more clear, I meant places to stay.

If you find the name of the finer dining place, let me know as I am more than willing to spend for a great dinner, I just don’t really care about the hotel room. Just someplace nice enough that my wife won’t divorce me… [thankyou.gif]

4

There are a ton of hotels…not sure any look appealing from the curb… I have never stayed in a hotel anywhere near there…

5

The Ballard Inn is the restaurant I keep hearing about… never been…

6

Re Hotels… check out the Santa Ynez Inn in SY or the Fess Parker in Los Olivos… but these are not strong recs, just a best bet from a long time local…

also, Hotel Corque (in Solvang - root 246) is new and looks nice

7

I believe this is the place to which Scott is referring:

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This was being completely re-modeled when we were in Solvang this past March and when we were back there in late August is was already done and open for business. Looks like a nice place and the location is quite good, within walking distance of the Taste of the Valley wine shop and tasting bar which is certainly a place to go hang out. Have them put together a nice custom flight for you and sit there all afternoon. It’s a great little spot.

8

Hey Yoni,

One of my favs is Trattorio Grappolo in downtown Santa Ynez.

3687 Sagunto St
Santa Ynez, CA 93460
(805) 688-6899

Some portions are large enough for two. Woodfire pizzas are crazy good! Sitting at the bar you will see all the action in the kitchen.

Brother’s Tavern is an old standby for not very creative, but decent fare. Ballard Inn is also good but far from exceptional.

9

I liked Trattorio Grappolo when I last visited, but I found the pizzas too laden down with cheese, which resulted in a soggy crust – a quaint place with decent food, but not sure I would ever return. My picks for dining the area would be Root 246, Ballard Inn, and Hitching Post. I hear A-Ru is good, but I have not been. And Los Olivos Cafe is just serviceable.

10

I thought A-Ru was good… but a bit pricey for the quality and location…

11

Yoni - I have never stayed there before,but my wife and I will be at Hotel Corque from Satruday November 21st through Monday the 23rd, doing some winery visits. I have stayed at the Marriott in Solvang before which was quite tired. At least this Hotel looks newly renovated and nice from the online pics. If you are in town around the same time, perhaps we could meet up for a glass or two?

12

That’s too bad. I did ask for my pizza well-done and it arrived with a light, crispy crust throughout. I need to hit Root 246 next time I’m up there.

13

Jud, Definitely would love to meet up. We are going to finalize our itinerary sometime this week or next and I will PM you.

14

i stayed at the Anderson’s best western. I think it was a best western. sub $80 and right off the freeway!

15

Patrick’s Side Street Cafe in Los Olivos. Great food, wine-friendly. Well, until you criticize the corked Guigal he popped for everyone still there at 11. Then it is “No Soup For You!!” Fun though.

Cold Spring Tavern: 5995 Stagecoach Rd off Hwy 154 in San Marcos Pass on the back way between Santa Barbara and Solvang. GO HERE!!! An 1860’s stagecoach station in San Marcos Pass, still serving great food, and a place that is off the tourist radar. Bit of a hike from Solvang, but stop on your way home.

All hotels in Solvang cater to tourists and are simply places to stay. We had a nice stay at the Svendsgaard Lodge one year over Christmas, however. It is on the main road, almost through town on the east side.

16

Yoni, try the Petersen Inn - it’s in the center of Solvang, it’s nicely appointed, and things are slow right now so you may be able to negotiate a favorable rate. 805.688.3121

The Ballard Inn is my favorite restaurant in the area, indeed, for miles around in any direction. The chef there is doing some wonderful things, and you really shouldn’t skip it if you are here. But it is first and foremost an inn, and a very nice place to stay. 805.688.7770

Another good place to check out is Hadsten House. It is located just as you come up into Solvang - they just did a mega remodel last year - everything is brand new. It’s a nice place and reasonably priced, I think. 805-688-3210


Disclosure: yeah, I have business relationships with these people. But I’d recco them even if I didn’t

17

Please give me a shout next time you’re out this way. We’ll go. I think you’ll like it.

18

Not in Solvang, but in Buellton (5 minute drive from Solvang) there’s the Marriott; we always stay there. Recently renovated, easy access to the 246 and if you’re so inclined HP II is close enough that you could walk.

I’d pass on Fess Parker Inn; the rooms are old/tired and WAY overpriced.

Best restaurant is Ballard Inn; great ambiance and absolutely killer food. Also a fan of Patrick’s for lunch.

19

Yoni- try priceline, we did it about a year ago and got the Marriott (do the name your price). We usually stay with family but passed that time.

For food definitely Grappolo- pass on the pizza and get a special or an entree- you can find good pizza almost anywhere. I can almost guarantee that you will be eating with some local winemaker. 2x ago we were seated next to the Jaffurs people, Stolpman kids and 1 other winemaker (can’t remember who or where from).
The flatbread place is good- but about 15-20 minutes away-depending on where you are.
Panino is Los Olivos is good for lunch.
Coldwater Springs is a biker joint that a couple locals and tourist visit- okay food- tri-tip sandwiches (I think Firestones in SLO is way better).
And of course the Ballard Inn- good food as well and recommend.

20

Great chili and game at Cold Springs Tavern with quite a bit of history as well.

Huge locals hangout. A lot of winemakers go there too!