The Best Roadhouse In Southern California Is Hiding Miles Up A Windy Canyon Road, But It's So Worth The Effort
By Natasha Kayes|Published September 19, 2023
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Natasha Kayes
Author
I was born and raised in sunny Southern California and will never tire of the West Coast, although I spent several years living in Southeast Asia, about as far from California as you can get. Wherever I am in the world, I love straying from the beaten path, experiencing local life, and discovering hidden gems - camera in hand. The beach is my happy place and when I am not there (or writing), you will usually find me baking, watching movies, and cuddling my pugs. I have traveled around the country and around the world, and it never, ever gets old. Being able to combine my passion for travel and my love of writing is nothing short of a dream.
I just love those kinds of places that only locals and adventurers know about, the ones that don’t advertise and don’t need to because those in the know are loyal and keep coming back. One such place is this roadside restaurant in Ventucopa, CA, a teeny tiny community in the Cuyama Valley. Take a look and see why locals and road trip adventurers love this hidden gem.
The Place in Ventucopa, a tiny town at the northern edge of Santa Barbara County, is a humble roadside stop in the middle of nowhere.
The main way that drivers reach and discover The Place is via the 50-mile canyon road from downtown Ojai (a road that has experienced some closures due to heavy rains, mudslides, etc.) It can also be reached from Highway 166, a slightly less windy road that leads up through the mountains from Santa Maria, CA.
It’s like stepping back into a simpler time when you enter The Place, whether you grab a cushioned leather stool at the old-fashioned bar or claim a table with a group of friends, and the friendly service is outstanding.
This spot sets itself apart with its burgers, the most loved being the Buffalo Burger, the Famous Elk Burger (it’s “ELK-celent!”), and The Place Burger - topped with bacon, Ortega chili, and Swiss cheese.
The homemade pies get a lot of attention and amazing reviews. The Place has also earned itself a reputation for their amazing “Pie Shake,” which you won’t find anywhere else around here.
The restaurant and bar has a great selection of bottled and on-tap beers, ciders, and sodas, but it is the old-fashioned root beer on tap that gets the most love.
The Place is a favorite with bikers, especially because Highway 33, the super windy - and beautiful - canyon road that leads here is an especially popular weekend driving adventure (when the road isn’t closed!)
If you know, you know, as they say, and now you know! Have you ever eaten at this roadside restaurant in Ventucopa, CA? What is your favorite roadside stop in Southern California? You can find and follow The Place on Facebook. This is the perfect spot to fuel up before or after exploring the gorgeous Carrizo Plain National Monument area, including a cool and easy hike around Soda Lake – a perfect day trip adventure via Route 166 from Santa Maria.
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