What is Santa Maria Barbeque?

Santa Maria Barbeque is truly the authentic taste experience of Santa Maria. This sumptuous feast of barbequed Sirloin has been called by Sunset magazine the “best barbeque in the world” and the California Visitors Guide raves this is the “number one food not to miss while visiting California.”

Santa Maria Barbeque has its roots in the mid-19th century, when the rancheros gathered to help each other brand their calves each spring. The host would prepare a Spanish style barbeque as a thank you for his vaqueros (America’s first cowboys), family and friends.

The present Santa Maria Style Barbeque grew out of this tradition and achieved its style some 60 years ago when local residents began to string their beef on skewers and cook it over the hot coals of a red oak fire.

We hope you enjoy the Santa Maria Grill. It’s a great place to share a meal and a slice of California history at the same time!