Best BBQ in Santa Maria, CA: 3 Smokehouses, Ranked
Santa Maria is the home of the Santa Maria-style BBQ tradition. Far Western Tavern at 899 E Clark Ave has grilled over red oak on a Santa Maria-style open-pit grill since 1958. Jocko's Steakhouse at 105 N Thompson Ave in Nipomo has done the same since 1974. Both pit rooms cook over red oak on a Santa Maria-style open-pit grill.
The ranking
Far Western Tavern
Far Western Tavern is at 899 E Clark Ave, Santa Maria, CA 93455. It has grilled over red oak on a Santa Maria-style open-pit grill since 1958 and is open Mon-Thu 11am-9pm, Fri-Sat 11am-10pm, and Sun 11am-9pm. The signature item is Santa Maria-style tri-tip with garlic and red pepper rub in the Santa Maria BBQ tradition. Tri-tip plate is $24.99 and ribs plate is $22.99. Sides include beans, garlic bread, pinquito beans, coleslaw, and corn on the cob.
Jockos Steakhouse
Jocko's Steakhouse is at 105 N Thompson Ave, Nipomo, CA 93444. It has grilled over red oak on a Santa Maria-style open-pit grill since 1974 and is open Mon-Thu 4pm-9pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-10pm, and Sun 4pm-9pm. The signature item is Santa Maria-style tri-tip with garlic and red pepper rub in the Santa Maria BBQ tradition. Tri-tip dinner is $32.95 and rib dinner is $28.95. Sides include beans, garlic bread, pinquito beans, coleslaw, and salad.
The Hitching Post
The Hitching Post is at 3325 Studio Dr, Casmalia, CA 93429. It has grilled over red oak on a Santa Maria-style open-pit grill since 1952 and is open Thu-Sat 5pm-9pm and Sun 4pm-8pm. The signature items are Santa Maria-style ribs and chicken over red oak in the Santa Maria BBQ tradition. A full chicken is $22 and a full rib rack is $32. Sides include beans, garlic bread, pinquito beans, coleslaw, and salad.
By neighborhood
Clark Avenue
Far Western Tavern has been at 899 E Clark Ave since 1958 and grills over red oak.
Nipomo
Jocko's Steakhouse has been at 105 N Thompson Ave in Nipomo since 1974 and grills over red oak.
FAQ
What style of BBQ is Santa Maria known for?
Far Western Tavern and Jocko's Steakhouse both serve Santa Maria-style BBQ with tri-tip over red oak on an open-pit grill.
What is Santa Maria-style tri-tip?
Far Western Tavern's signature is tri-tip with garlic and red pepper rub. Jocko's Steakhouse lists the same cut and rub. Tri-tip at Far Western Tavern is $24.99 and tri-tip dinner at Jocko's is $32.95.
Which Santa Maria BBQ joint is the oldest?
Far Western Tavern has been grilling since 1958. Jocko's Steakhouse has been grilling since 1974.
Which Santa Maria BBQ joints are open on Sunday?
Far Western Tavern is open Sunday 11am-9pm. Jocko's Steakhouse is open Sunday 4pm-9pm.