Renowned across the United States, Santa Maria Style Barbecue originated near Santa Maria, CA, during cattle round-ups at ranches surrounding the Santa Maria Valley. The ranch owner would treat his helpers (usually his neighbors, friends and family) to a barbecue dinner as a sign of his gratitude for a hard day's work. Today the Santa Maria Style Barbecue is a tradition that lives on in both the ranching community and the neighborhoods of the Central Coast. Traditionally, Santa Maria Style Barbecue consists of top block sirloin seasoned with salt, pepper and garlic and cooked slowly over native red oak wood coals. The main course is served with tossed salad, beans, salsa, barbequed bread and sometimes macaroni & cheese. Today's more common version of Santa Maria Style Barbecue consists of virtually any tender cut of meat (beef, chicken, ribs or fish) barbecued over red oak and served with the standard side dishes mentioned above.

On any given weekend, the aroma of red oak and sizzling tri-tip, chicken or ribs can be enjoyed simply by driving through the streets of Santa Maria. Charitable organizations have long recognized that a Santa Maria Style Barbecue is the perfect fund-raising event; so portable barbecue pits are set up along Broadway in the heart of town. Both visitors and neighbors gather to buy a Santa Maria Style Barbecue lunch or dinner and contribute to a worthy cause.

Santa Maria Style Barbecue may also be found at several outstanding restaurants on the Central Coast. Here's our list of Top Five Favorites:

The Hitching Post in Casmalia doesn't look like much from the outside (hey, it is Santa Barbara County Historical Landmark #37) but the steaks and other fare are simply the "World's Best Bar-B-Q Steaks" (see photo above for a sample). Our personal favorite is the small filet mignon - you won't find a more flavorful or tender cut of beef at any restaurant anywhere. Another interesting item is the barbecued artichoke appetizer..oh yeah! The Ostini family has been operating the Hitching Post since 1952 and their hospitality and quality continues to improve each and every year. Visit the Hitching Post website for an entertaining look at their menu, history, and more. The Hitching Post - 3325 Point Sal Rd, Casmalia, CA 805-937-6151. Or, for a little less history in the location but a bit more adventure in the menu selections, visit the The Hitching Post #2 in Buellton (made famous in the movie Sideways)!

The social gathering spot in downtown Nipomo is none other than Jocko's. If you're looking for a quiet and romantic dining experience, this ain't the place! Jocko's kicks butt! Visit on any Friday or Saturday nite and be prepared for an invigorating evening out. Jocko's is all about an entertaining bar, a packed and noisy dining room and oak wood barbequed meat...lots and lots of meat. In our opinion, Jocko's shares the number one spot with the Hitching Post for Santa Maria Style flavor and quality. Try Jocko's New York steak or their Oak Pit Pork Chops (two HUGE chops with a side of applesauce); you won't be dissappointed and you'll probably go home with enough for dinner again tomorrow night. Jocko's - 125 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo, CA 805-929-3686.

Quaint and historical is the Far Western Tavern in Guadalupe. The Minetti family has been serving up their famous Bull's Eye steak here for decades. Served with fresh salsa, beans and bread; it's hard to find a tastier meal than at the Far Western. Since 1981, Susan Minetti Righetti has been marketing the family's restaurant recipes under the Susie Q label. We use her Santa Maria Style Seasoning whenever we barbecue at home (and that's quite a bit!). Susie Q's Seasoning is perfect for beef, chicken, ribs or even french bread. Visit the Susie Q website for more specialty foods (including Santa Maria pinquito beans), information, or to order any of their excellent products. Far Western Tavern - 899 Guadalupe St., Guadalupe, CA 805-343-2211.

Right in the heart of Santa Maria is the recently reopened Shaw's Steak House. Central Coast restaurateur Milt Guggia has completely remodeled and refurbished this Santa Maria landmark. Guggia has retained the class and charm of the original Shaw's while adding his own personal touches. The focalpoint of the dining room is the oak wood barbecue grill behind the full-view glass window. Shaw's menu ranges from steaks to ribs to seafood. Be prepared for a very long wait on Friday or Saturday nites if you don't have reservations. Shaw's Steak House - 714 S. Broadway, Santa Maria, CA 805-925-5862.

Just up Highway 101 from Santa Maria is F.McLintocks Saloon & Dining House in Pismo Beach. You can't miss McLintocks, it sits on the east frontage road of Highway 101 where the turf meets the surf. If you're lucky enough to be seated near sundown next to the front windows, you'll likely be treated to a classic Pacific sunset which is simply spectacular. Speaking of spectacular..the food at McLintocks definitely matches that description. McLintocks serves up a huge variety of beef, pork, chicken and fish; all barbecued to order on the oak wood grill. Served along with every meal are generous portions of F.McLintocks award winning beans (also sold regionally in supermarkets), salsa (again...sold in local supermarkets), and their killer country-fried potatoes. Oh my! Don't be scared by a long wait-time quoted at the reservation desk; there's lots to explore in the lounge (decks of cards and checker boards are scattered throughout) or in the huge gift shop. Besides, McLintocks is worth the wait. F.McLintocks Saloon & Dining House - 750 Mattie Rd, Pismo Beach, CA 805-773-1892.

For more information on Santa Maria Style Barbecue, check out these interesting links:

The Official Santa Maria Barbeque Page - the Santa Maria Chamber of Commerce
The Unofficial Santa Maria Barbecue Page - great information and links

The Santa Maria Elk's Barbecue information page - for all you BPOE fans
The Strawbery Web barbecue page
Susie Q's Santa Maria Style Specialty Foods - go ahead..order the 27 oz Seasoning bottle..you'll need it!