The Hitching Post 2
Western Barbecue. World-Class Wines. Unforgettable Dining.
Nestled along California’s Central Coast, just 30 miles north of Santa Barbara, The Hitching Post 2 is where Santa Maria-style barbecue meets locally inspired cuisine and award-winning wines. Since 1986, this Buellton gem has carried on a legacy that began in 1952, when Frank and Natalie Ostini opened the original Hitching Post in Casmalia.
Today, their son Frank Ostini owns and operates The Hitching Post 2, blending tradition with innovation. Frank’s passion for red oak grilling—paired with fresh ingredients and fine wine—has created a culinary destination unlike any other.
A Legacy of Fire and Flavor
What began as a family tradition has evolved into a signature dining experience. At The Hitching Post 2, guests can watch steaks, chops, quail, and seafood sizzle over a glowing red oak fire, expertly prepared by Chef de Cuisine Jesus Montano and Frank himself. The scent of barbecue, mingled with pine and eucalyptus, greets you before you even walk through the door.
The warm, rustic atmosphere features black-and-white photos that honor generations of ranching life, while the real show happens behind glass—where flames and flavors come to life.
Menu Highlights
Grilled Artichoke with Tomato Ancho Chile Mayo
Santa Barbara Mussels Steamed in Beer
Top Sirloin, Filet Mignon, Angus Rib Chop, Grilled Shrimp & Fish
Classic Shrimp Cocktail, Seasonal Soups & Fresh Salads
Decadent Desserts like Key Lime Pie, Chocolate Cake & Whiskey-Spiked Bread Pudding
Wine Born From the Table
Frank Ostini’s passion for wine grew from his work in the kitchen. Alongside partner Gray Hartley, he co-founded Hartley Ostini Hitching Post Wines—a label known for its expressive Santa Barbara County Pinot Noirs and other handcrafted reds.
With over 800 barrels and 15,000 cases annually, the winery sources fruit from the region’s finest vineyards. Their wines, often aged in French oak and bottled unfiltered, are celebrated for their balance, freshness, and depth.
Hitching Post Wines reached global fame with the 2004 film Sideways, much of which was shot on location at The Hitching Post 2. Since then, the restaurant and winery have become a must-visit for food and wine lovers from around the world.
Whether you’re seeking smoky, fire-grilled flavors or a perfect glass of Pinot, The Hitching Post 2 offers a uniquely Californian culinary experience steeped in history, hospitality, and heart.
Visit Us
420 E Highway 246, Buellton, CA
(805) 688-0676
[hitchingpost2.com](http://hitchingpost2.com) (optional)
