Radisson Hotel Santa Maria

SANTA MARIA. The signature restaurant of Santa Maria's Radisson Hotel, this elegantly appointed place offers tables with...

SANTA MARIA. The signature restaurant of Santa Maria's Radisson Hotel, this elegantly appointed place offers tables with terrific views of the surrounding countryside and of Hancock Field's landing strips. Vintner's menu features an array of classic American steak and seafood dishes, as well as Northern Italian-influenced fare. The wine list, meanwhile, bears a local theme, featuring scores of Santa Barbara County labels. Dinner reservations are suggested.

Hours: Mon-Sat 11am-2pm, 4pm-10pm; Sun 10am-2pm, 4pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SANTA MARIA. This perennial favorite is the place to get your day started, take a break, or wind down. In the early...

SANTA MARIA. This perennial favorite is the place to get your day started, take a break, or wind down. In the early hours, order the wake-up call of your preference, or have a frappuccino or iced coffee for mid-day refreshment. Choose from hot chocolates, mochaccinos, and cappuccinos as a means of rewarding yourself after a long day. From flavored coffees and cafe lattes to teas and ciders, the menu on the wall has it all. An enticing selection of muffins, biscotti, and pastries is also on display.

Hours: Daily 5am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SANTA MARIA. How's this for a gimmick? Take a restaurant, decorate it to look like something out of a Jack London novel...

SANTA MARIA. How's this for a gimmick? Take a restaurant, decorate it to look like something out of a Jack London novel (i.e., an Alaskan shack), and specialize in ­ you guessed it ­ pizza. Indeed, Klondike has earned its family-friendly reputation thanks to fabulously innovative brick-oven pizzas ­ how does one topped with reindeer and white garlic sauce sound? Of course, baskets of peanuts, whose shells you're encouraged to toss on the floor, are big hits as well. The original location is in Arroyo Grande (805-481-5288).

Hours: Sun-Thu 11am-9pm; Fri-Sat 11am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ORCUTT. One of the best places in town to grab a quick, homestyle breakfast (served all day) and a great cup of joe,...

ORCUTT. One of the best places in town to grab a quick, homestyle breakfast (served all day) and a great cup of joe, Jack's has built its reputation on two concepts: great food and friendly service, both of which they do well. Breakfast eats range from cinnamon-and-raisin French toast to pancake stacks and terrific omelets. If you crave other options, don't fret: Jack's reuben and other hot sandwiches are superbly done. Be sure to save room for something sweet ­ their homemade pies have become the stuff of local legend.

Hours: Sun-Thu 7am-8pm; Fri-Sat 7am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , American Express , Diner's Club

ORCUTT. How about a couple of scoops of eggnog, peppermint, pumpkin pie, or root beer ice cream? At this popular...

ORCUTT. How about a couple of scoops of eggnog, peppermint, pumpkin pie, or root beer ice cream? At this popular California creamery, after you've picked your favorite flavors, you watch as the server spreads everything over a granite slab and tosses in whatever toppings or mix-ins you desire ­ Heath Bar, maraschino cherries, Butterfinger, or even York peppermint patties. Cold Stone also prepares refreshing smoothies (good on days when it's hot out) and a slew of cakes and pies.

Hours: Sun-Thu Noon-9pm; Fri-Sat Noon-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

ORCUTT. Widely recognized as the area's foremost burger joint, thanks to its fresh ingredients, this former pool hall...

ORCUTT. Widely recognized as the area's foremost burger joint, thanks to its fresh ingredients, this former pool hall has become a favorite for breakfast, serving bacon and eggs, biscuits and gravy, omelets, pancakes, and country fried steak. The lunch crowd, too, gets the royal treatment with cooked-to-order gyros, fried squash, onion rings, and, of course, world-class burgers.

Hours: Daily 7am-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Diner's Club

SANTA MARIA. The elegant Garden Room at the Santa Maria Inn combines Continental charm and elegance with innovative...

SANTA MARIA. The elegant Garden Room at the Santa Maria Inn combines Continental charm and elegance with innovative California cuisine to create one of the area's more unique dining experiences. Select a cozy table by the romantic fireplace or beside an alluring fountain, the dining room's collection of original artwork that seeks to capture the spirit of Santa Maria. Diners seeking more casual environs can opt for the adjacent English-style pub, the Tap Room, where they can enjoy the likes of a Monte Cristo sandwich, shepherd's pie, swordfish steak, or even prime rib.

Hours: Daily 6am-2pm, 5pm-10pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express

SANTA MARIA. This traditional Central California grill is one of Santa Maria's more popular gathering spots, either for...

SANTA MARIA. This traditional Central California grill is one of Santa Maria's more popular gathering spots, either for meeting friends for after-work cocktails or enjoying barbecued filet mignon, a NY strip, or a rib-eye. In a rustic display, all main courses are prepared in plain sight ­ the oak-wood barbecue grill sits behind a window and is visible from just about every table. The bar menu features a wide range of finger foods, from tasty buffalo wings to famous seasoned potato skins, and the Tavern room offers cozy quarters for people waiting for a table in the main dining room.

Hours: Mon-Fri 11:30am-9pm; Sat 4pm-10pm; Sun 4pm-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SANTA MARIA. This California chain has established its reputation on gourmet-caliber burgers and a casual,...

SANTA MARIA. This California chain has established its reputation on gourmet-caliber burgers and a casual, retro-inspired setting that makes it popular with families. Colorfully named burgers include the teriyaki-marinated and grilled pineapple Banzai Burger, the Pot Roast Burger topped with melted cheddar and caramelized onions, and the award-winning Lauren's Portobello Burger with Monterey Jack and chipotle mayo. Desserts, too, earn high marks.

Hours: Mon-Thu 11am-10pm; Fri-Sat 11am-11pm; Sun 11am-9pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club

SANTA MARIA. Before heading out for a day touring the countryside, hopping from winery to winery, savvy travelers know...

SANTA MARIA. Before heading out for a day touring the countryside, hopping from winery to winery, savvy travelers know to stop by this deli for made-to-order boxed lunches (ideal for picnicking on the wine trail). Dino's gourmet sandwiches include the famous Italian Combo (dry and cotto salamis topped with provolone, mozzarella, and pepperoncini) and the Poor Boy (ham, cotto salami, and bologna smothered in cheddar cheese). Folks wanting something heartier than a sandwich can rest easy since Dino's daily hot lunches offer more filling options. The adjoining gourmet grocery boasts one of Santa Maria's largest wine selections, topping out at over 400 labels.

Hours: Daily 7:30am-7pm

Payment Methods: Visa , Master Card , Discover , American Express , Diner's Club