Day trip: Destination Los Alamos

by Hana-Lee Sedgwick

Though Los Alamos may be quaint, don’t let its size fool you. This Santa Barbara County gem is big on flavor. With its chill vibe, Old West heritage, and burgeoning food and wine scene, Los Alamos has become a top destination on the Central Coast. Here’s where to eat and drink while visiting.

Where to Eat

No visit to Los Alamos is complete without a stop into Bob’s Well Bread Bakery. Set in a converted 1920s gas station, Bob’s (named after owner Bob Oswaks) is the place to go for French-style pastries, avocado toast on thick artisan bread, and breakfast sandwiches served on homemade english muffins — all of which won’t disappoint.

For lunch, check out Cisco Kid inside the newly opened The Station, where a casual vibe meets Santa Maria-inspired bbq food, including smoked ribs and tri-tip tacos.

If pizza is what you’re after, head to the long-standing Full of Life Flatbread for lunch or dinner. The farmers’ market-driven flatbreads may be the main draw (cooked inside a 22-ton hearth oven) but the starters and desserts are great too.

Speaking of desserts, you could easily make a trip to Bell’s just for the sweets, but it’d be a shame to miss the restaurant’s French bistro fare. Owned by husband-and-wife duo Gregory and Daisy Ryan, Bell’s stands out for its charming setting and elevated bistro food that blends California ingredients with French flavors. You can’t go wrong with anything on the menu (or off the menu, in the case of the steak tartare sandwich, which isn’t listed but is still a local favorite). And, while offerings change regularly, standbys like tinned sardines with homemade saltines, and flavorful steak frites are always available and on point.

Nearby, Pico at the Los Alamos General Store has gained a loyal following ever since owners Will Henry, Kali Kopley, and chef Drew Terp opened its doors in 2016. Here, innovative, scratch-made seasonal fare is not only comforting but delicious, and regular live music and wine-tasting events keep things interesting. Don’t miss the pork cannelloni when it’s available, as well as the beloved Burger Night on Sundays, featuring a rotating burger special that’s sure to impress.

Where to Drink

When the weather is nice, you can’t beat Bodega Los Alamos. The open-air space is both hip and effortless, offering bocce ball, a fire pit, and plenty of outdoor seating from which to enjoy the list of natural wines and small-production brews. Or head up to the bar at Skyview Los Alamos’s Norman Restaurant for classic and seasonal craft cocktails to enjoy poolside.

Back on the main drag in town, the low-key Lo-Fi tasting room is where owners and lifelong friends Mike Roth and Craig Winchester serve their easy-going (and easy-drinking) wines, including Gamay and Cabernet Franc. Driven by the mantra that wine is like music, it’s not surprising they have a turntable — and a growing vinyl collection — playing tunes while you sip.

For small-production Rhône varietals, GSM blends and ciders, check out Casa Dumetz, owned by winemaker Sonja Magdevski. Next door, sister business Babi’s Beer Emporium offers a rotating selection of beers from around the world on tap. Nearby, 1880 Union Saloon charms with authentic western style and a full bar, where thirsty patrons have been gathering since the 19th century.

Last but not least, don’t miss popping into the new A Tribute to Grace tasting room to sample an array of winemaker Angela Osborne’s top-notch Grenache wines, including eight single-vineyard wines and one blend of two vineyards. There’s a reason she’s been dubbed the “Queen of California Grenache.”

Wherever you do end up, just note that many of the town’s businesses are closed midweek, so be sure to check hours before visiting. Enjoy!

Grilled lamb loin with rataouille and polenta from Pico Los Alamos.