13 minute read
Our Favorite Burgers on the Central Coast
I am constantly driving Highway 101 up and down the Central Coast, and one thing I can never get enough of on my journeys is a good burger. I’ve traveled all over the U.S. and am convinced that California’s Central Coast has the best burgers in the country. It could be the history of cattle ranching, the fresh farm-to-table culture, or just an elevated culinary style. Sometimes it can also be about more than the burger — it’s the entire experience. There are so many I have tried, but here are the ones that have stayed in my memory.
DECKER KITCHEN
Although Decker Kitchen was originally located in Westlake Village, in 2022 they made the move to an infinitely larger and upscale space in Thousand Oaks. This is my kind of place: stylish, farm-to-table menu, unique cocktails, and wine shop. They had me at Feta Mousse Toast. The burger is a winner, topped with the magical combo of aged Spanish Manchego cheese and jalapeño marmalade. Decker Kitchen is at 3731 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. For more: deckerkitchen.com
WINCHESTERS GRILL & SALOON
For more than two decades, Winchesters Grill & Saloon has been a huge draw on Ventura’s Main Street. When it opened in the mid‘90s, the downtown Ventura area was much quieter. Now, there is so much to do, see, eat, and drink along Main Street, yet Winchesters is still the place to be. It has a fun cowboy theme, expansive patio, and live music most nights. There’s all kinds of classic cowboy food: chili, tri-tip, pulled pork, and a huge local beer list — but the burgers are the stars. My favorite is the 50-50 Bacon Burger because of its incredible smoky bacon flavor. Winchesters Grill & Saloon is at 632 E. Main St., Ventura. For more: winchestersgrill.com
I’ve been to Ojai quite a bit, but until recently I had missed this local hotspot. Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill has been serving mostly Mexican food for over 25 years. The burritos, enchiladas, and nachos are popular, but the burgers are a favorite. The style here is simple done to perfection — especially if you get the Watkins Ranch burger. They start with a third-pound patty, sourced from grass-fed angus beef courtesy of the Ojai-based Watkins Cattle Co., and add the traditional burger fixings. Everything is very fresh, and it just works. Jim & Rob’s is adjacent to Lisa’s Cantina; with several TVs, it’s a lively place to take in a game (or three) and enjoy a margarita or beer with your burger.
Jim & Rob’s Fresh Grill is at 214 W. Ojai Ave., Ojai. For more: jimandrobsojai.com
PADARO BEACH GRILL
A Santa Barbara County favorite! A visit here is worth it for the lush, expansive outdoor seating area alone. There are picnic tables surrounded by tropical palms, a sandbox area for kids to play, and the beach just beyond a hedge. The menu is classic California coast: fish tacos, fried calamari, tri-tip fries, and oh-so-amazing burgers. Here, they believe in piling them high with a delight of flavors. The signature Padaro Burger comes with melted cheese, bacon, an onion ring with a scoop of chunky avocado mash in the middle, barbecue sauce, chipotle mayo, lettuce, and tomato. The crunch of the onion ring with the creaminess of the avocado is a joy to the tastebuds. It’s a whole experience sitting by the ocean, under the palms, enjoying a burger and their classic milkshakes. Padaro Beach Grill is at 3765 Santa Claus Ln., Carpinteria. For more: padarobeachgrill.com
Years ago, I was looking for a light bite to eat in downtown Santa Barbara, and I found the tapas-style menu of Milk & Honey. There are so many treats at this dinner spot, like Manchego cheese skewers with pressed guava, or bacon wrapped dates. There are also clever cocktails like Midnight in the Garden — a lavender-lime twist on an Aperol gin spritz. But what keeps me coming back again and again are the Americana Sliders: ground sirloin topped with Roma tomato, a slice of cheddar, and chili garlic aioli. Sounds so simple, and yet after a bite you have to pause and say Wow. Milk & Honey Tapas is at 30 W. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. For more: milknhoneytapas.com
JALAMA BEACH STORE
During the height of Covid lockdowns, there were days I had to just get out of the house and drive. One time I was on CA-1 near Lompoc and turned down a road I had never been on before. After about 15 minutes the Pacific Ocean emerged into view, and I found myself at Jalama Beach County Park. How had I never known of this before? There are camp sites and cabins, day-use picnic areas, a beach that is wonderful (if windy) for walking and poking around the tide pools. There is also the Jalama Beach Store, which proudly declares it is the home of the world famous Jalama Burger™. I discovered that people drive from all over to line up for this burger. The secret seems to be in the stacking of shredded lettuce, red onion, crisp slice of tomato, and the magical Jalama sauce. After a long country drive, sitting on the sand watching the wind surfers as the sun sinks toward the horizon, this burger is perfection. Just watch out for the seagulls — they love the burger too! Jalama Beach Store is at 9991 Jalama Rd., Lompoc. For more: jalamabeachstore.com
TASTE! CRAFT EATERY
On many of my drives up the coast, I get to San Luis Obispo right around lunch time. Between the airport and downtown is TASTE! Craft Eatery. They have two locations — one in SLO and one in Paso Robles, but I love the convenience of the SLO establishment. The burgers come small, slider-style, but the flavor combinations are brilliant. And there are a ton of them on the menu! Along with more than a dozen beef sliders, you’ll also find choices for lamb, pork, fish, chicken, and vegetarian. My favorites are the Eve Burger, with fig jam and chèvre, and the Georgia Burger, with marinated peaches and bacon. TASTE! Craft Eatery is at 2550 Broad St., San Luis Obispo. For more: tasteslo.com
FLAVOR FACTORY
One night I was staying in Morro Bay when the power went out along the Embarcadero and none of the restaurants could seat me for dinner. So I left downtown looking for something new, and stumbled across Flavor Factory. It is unassuming, tucked between a karate school and an auto parts store, but the Bacon Jam Burger topped with caramelized onions, espresso, and other exotic goodies is extraordinarily good. Their many other burgers — from the Towering Inferno (think spicy) to The Hangover (with two fried eggs) — will have you coming back time and again. The Flavor Factory is at 420 Quintana Rd., Morro Bay. For more: facebook.com/flavorfactorymb
THE BISTRO AT VINA ROBLES
The Vina Robles Winery is known for crafting high quality wines. But they also have a bistro kitchen at their tasting room that is open for lunch and provides ample options to complement their wines. The chef has created a burger topped with a portobello mushroom, caramelized onions that have been soaked in cabernet, raclette cheese, and roasted garlic aioli, all on a grilled brioche bun. It is beautiful to behold, and the flavor palette is beyond anything you would expect from a burger. I have to tell you this about Paso Robles: come for the wine, stay for this burger. Vina Robles is at 3700 Mill Rd., Paso Robles. For more: vinarobles.com/visit/bistro
Jamie Slone Wines Tasting Room
23 E. De La Guerra St., Santa Barbara, CA 93101 (805) 560-6555 www.jamieslonewines.com
Voted best tasting room and best winery in the 2019 Santa Barbara News-Press Readers’ Choice Awards. Our mission is to provide our guests an outstanding Santa Barbara wine experience. In our cozy tasting room, you’ll discover our passion for family, entertaining, and delicious handcrafted 90+ point wines from the best local vineyards. We’re sipping on Albariño, Sauvignon Blanc, Sparkling, Chardonnay, Rosé, Pinot Noir, Red Blends and Cabernet Sauvignon. We are living the wine lifestyle. A Yelp and TripAdvisor favorite...join us! Mon-Thur 12 - 6pm • Fri 12pm - 7 pm • Sat 11am - 7 pm • Sun 11am - 6 pm
Au Bon Climat
Our tasting room in downtown Santa Barbara offers current releases and select library wines in a warm, casual setting. The wines of Au Bon Climat, Clendenen Family, Barham Mendelsohn, Vita Nova and Jim Clendenen’s other creative endeavors are featured, representing an array of varietals beyond his acclaimed Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. With Over 100 different wines stocked, the selection is amazing. Seated tastings by appt. See reservation app on homepage. Walk-in tasters welcome if space allows
California’s Oldest Performing Arts Theater
Celebrating 150 years. 1873 ~ 2023
Located in the heart of the historic Presidio Neighborhood, the Lobero – Santa Barbara’s grand stage for both community and professional performances – is the oldest continuously operating theater in California.
Be it theater, dance, music, or comedy, some of the world’s most renowned artists – including Ingrid
Bergman, Martha Graham, Mikhail Baryshnikov,
Dave Brubeck, Charles Lloyd, Neil Young, and
Richard Pryor, among numerous others – have graced our beloved stage over the years.
Join us as we embark on our 150th Anniversary with a stellar season of spectacular events!
Visit
Forever Posh is that sweet little boutique you discover off the beaten path while on vacation. Forever Posh carries fabulous & fun apparel lines such as Lisa Todd, Label & Thread, Anatomie luxury travel clothing as well as the popular “luxe & lounge-wear PJ Salvage. Also sparkling throughout the boutique is the pretty one-of-a-kind jewelry by Ian Renee Jewelry, a local designer here in Santa Ynez. So pop on over to this little treasure of a boutique located in the quaint town of Santa Ynez. Parking on Madera Street. 3583 Numancia St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (805) 688-1444
3640 Sagunto St, Santa Ynez, CA 93460 (916) 390-3595 elliestapandvine.com
Everything in the restaurant is inspired by Ellie and her love for all things feminine and fabulous. From the wine, to the fl owers, to the teacups, to the delicious food, we hope that you feel Ellie’s love for the world with every moment you spend and every bite you take here at Ellie’s Tap and Vine. We’re happy to have you, and we know Ellie is too.
Hacienda Amador
Join us at our magical home away from home on our 5 acre beautifully landscaped private gated hacienda. The generous 1600 sq ft guesthouse includes 2 spacious bedrooms, 2 full baths, living room, dining room and all amenities to make your visit as comfortable as possible. The guesthouse is beautifully decorated in a Spanish hacienda decor.
The accommodations include wrought iron canopy beds and luxury linens to relax after a lovely day in Santa Ynez valley. There are trundle and toddler beds for your little ones . You will be surrounded by vineyards, fi re pits, lush green patios and an oak tree grove. The property has many picturesque gardens with amazing views both day and night. Just minutes from wineries, restaurants, a lavender farm, horse trails, biking trails and hiking trails. Best places to visit are Lake Cachuma , Solvang Los Olivos and the Chumash casino which are just minutes away.
Live your best life at Hacienda Amador!
For inquires call 805-636-8848 or visit us at Haciendaamador.com Special rates are available
Mention this California 101 Travelers Guide Ad and receive special rates on 2 or more night stays!
3547 Sagunto St. Santa Ynez, CA 93460 charlott essy.com
Opens at 11:00 Thursday through Monday (805) 688-0016
Buellton Upcoming Events Holiday Bazaar Arts & Craft Fair
November 5
The Buellton Rec hosts this annual event at River View Park in Buellton. You’ll fi nd vendors selling their wonderful handmade products and goods. It’s a great way to shop for the holidays.
Buellton Fall Fest
November 11-13
A family friendly event with carnival rides, games, live music, food, drinks, vendors and more. This takes place over a 3-day weekend on the Avenue of Flags in Buellton.
Buellton Winter Fest
December 4 activities throughout the day
Breakfast with Santa in the morning, (Reservations required for this event). Enjoy a breakfast and a photo with Santa at the Buellton Rec Center along with some take away craft activities. That afternoon, the Holiday Village takes place at Village Park where you’ll enjoy 20tons of snow, food trucks, vendors, drinks, holiday music and the tree lighting.
Enchanted Garden Holiday Lights Festival
This event is new this year and takes place in the Santa Ynez Valley Botanic Garden. The display will be open over the course of 3 weekends (December 2nd - 3rd / December 9th - 10th / December 17th - 18th) from 5:30 - 8:30 p.m. Enjoy this new display of lights and get in the holiday spirit with special additions each weekend.
