Maverick Saloon

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The Maverick Saloon in Santa Ynez is one of my favorite spots. It’s a great place to sit out on the front deck and take in the sun and people, or inside at the bar — plenty of barstools fit at the U-shaped bar. It’s my kind of place for the music, the atmosphere and although it looks a lot older, something from the 19th century, it is relatively young — built in the mid-1960’s. Not sure if this is true, but wouldn’t be surprised:  “During Old Santa Ynez Days, cowboys still try to ride their horses into the bar. If we see it coming, we block it off for security, but the last one got all the way through!”
— Well, hell yea! Probably after Big Tom’s Backyard BBQ. If you’ve never experienced Big Tom’s — you’ve missed tri-tip like no other. Catch him at the Maverick for his burgers, tri-tip and chicken — or back up the pass at Cold Spring Tavern on Sunday for just tri-tip.

Red Barn

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The Maverick Saloon is a great place to park your butt outside on a nice day and enjoy a cold beer. Across town, the Red Barn, (we’re talking 2 blocks) would be a better choice for a more adult beverage…especially if you wanted to chop down on sirloin or ribs. The bar is small, especially if you’ve just come from the Maverick, but once seated, your glass never reaches empty before you are asked if you’d care for another. I haven’t been back since it was bought by the Nichols Brothers (Sides Hardware and Shoes Restaurant and former owners of Brothers Restaurant at Mattei’s Tavern. I hope it will continue to get the good reviews it has in the past although I’m a little skeptical that this change of ownership will move the Red Barn into a slightly ‘fancier’ class and lose some of the rustic charm, which basically translates to higher prices.