What is Santa Maria Style BBQ?
Santa Maria Style BBQ is a culinary tradition that originated 150 years ago on the Central Coast in the Santa Maria Valley, California. The tradition took root in the 1800s when Spanish settlers prepared giant feasts for their fellow vaqueros (cowboys) and it is said that at the end of a long workday and/or week, the "Vaqueros" would dig large earthen pits to cook meals for their families, friends and neighbors who pitched in to help out during the spring cattle branding. Along with this unique cooking method, Santa Maria barbecue also relies on a simple yet delicious spice rub of salt, pepper and garlic. The central meat of Santa Maria-style barbecue is tri-tip beef, a triangular cut from the bottom of a sirloin roast. Tri-tip beef is the perfect mix of tender and chewy grilled over native red oak (wood) coals. The beef is served with pinquito beans, which also grow natively on the coast, garlic bread and fresh salad. It's a delicious pastime that's worth savoring. The present Santa Maria Barbecue grew out of this tradition and achieved it's "style" some 50 years ago when local residents began to string their beef on skewers and cook it over the hot coals of a red oak fire in a Santa Maria Style Grill...this tradition has been carried on throughout the years by the many groups and organizations in the Santa Maria Valley who have made the barbecue a specialty of all major events. Visitors to the city having the good fortune to be exposed to this gourmet's delight return again and again to enjoy the unique experience in eating.
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Our on-site catering service brings the grill to you and your guests to enjoy!
We cook over red oak wood, authentic-style Santa Maria grill and season meats to perfection! Our traditional menu is Choice Tri Tip beef sirloin, buttery toasted garlic bread, ranch-style beans, and garden salad. Aside from our traditional freshly made salsa, we also make our own yummy BBQ sauce!
Please take a moment to read the frequently asked questions and answers.
If you are not sure of the cooking area, please give us a call and we will do an onsite inspection, at no extra cost.