For a quick sandwich or burger on the porch -- or to select prepared salads, breads, and artisan cheeses for a picnic to go -- you'll be quite pleased with Los Olivos Grocery, 2621 W. Hwy. 154 (tel. 805/688-5115; www.losolivosgrocery.com). This small gourmet country store, open daily from 7am to 9pm, has a great selection of fine wine and foods made from scratch.
If you're looking for traditional Danish fare, head for Bit o' Denmark, 473 Alisal Rd. (tel. 805/688-5426). Its smorgasbord may not be the largest in town, but it's the freshest and highest quality; you can also order from the regular menu. It's open daily from 11:30am to 9pm. The Hitching Post, 406 E. Hwy. 246, Buellton (tel. 805/688-0676; www.hitchingpost2.com), is the valley's mecca for meat lovers and now famous as the restaurant featured in Sideways. Within these Western-themed surroundings, steaks are grilled to perfection over an oak-wood pit, and, fittingly, the house label wine is better than you'd expect.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
