What should I order at Swiss Restaurant?
Swiss Restaurant
Tri-tip sandwich
Highly recommended multiple times as one of the best tri-tip sandwiches experienced, featuring fantastic house-made onion rings and a flavorful, mild salsa on fresh bread. This dish represents authentic Santa Maria BBQ style and is a must-try.
Steak (various cuts: filet, rib eye, top sirloin, prime rib, rib eye salad)
Steaks are repeatedly praised for being tender, cooked to perfection, and flavorful without needing sauce. Various cuts like the Oscar Filet, 16-oz rib eye, 14oz top sirloin, prime rib, and rib eye salad have all been recommended. The steaks are made with locally sourced meat and prepared in the classic Santa Maria style BBQ over red oak flame.
Salmon (maple glazed salmon)
The maple glazed salmon is noted as very good and well-liked, including a mention of the salmon disappearing quickly, indicating high satisfaction.
Onion rings
The house-made onion rings are mentioned multiple times as fantastic and worth the visit alone, often paired with the tri-tip sandwich and steak dishes.
Mud pie
This dessert is recommended for finishing the meal nicely, enjoyed alongside chocolate cake for a rich Lindt Lindor milk chocolate flavor.
Coconut shrimp appetizer
Mentioned as delicious, large, and savory with a honey sauce, making it a great way to start the meal.
Garlic mashed potatoes
Noted as good and clearly made from scratch, served as a side with steak dishes, though one reviewer wished for more garlic flavor.
Artichoke appetizer
Recommended as a favorite appetizer that showcases the quality of the BBQ and overall food experience.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 10 PM |
| Sunday | 11 AM to 9 PM |
About Swiss Restaurant
Venerable restaurant & bar offering prime rib, steaks, poultry & seafood cooked in a red-oak pit.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Great wine list
- Live music
- Serves local specialty
- Sports
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Healthy options
- Late-night food
- Private dining room
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Dinner reservations recommended
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is Swiss Restaurant known for?
It is best known for the tri-tip sandwich and Santa Maria style BBQ, especially the red-oak grilled meats. Reviewers repeatedly call the tri-tip one of the best they have had, and also praise the artichokes and steaks.
What dishes are most recommended at Swiss Restaurant?
The most recommended items are the half-pound tri-tip sandwich, artichokes, pork chops, and steaks like filet mignon, rib eye, top sirloin, and Oscar filet. Reviewers also mention coconut shrimp, salmon, onion rings, and scalloped potatoes as strong sides or starters.
What is the atmosphere like at Swiss Restaurant?
The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, historic, and a little trendy, with wood-paneled pub seating, a bar, high tops, and a traditional dining room. Reviewers say it feels like a local spot and works well for groups, families, and solo diners, though one note mentions it can get noisy at times.
Is Swiss Restaurant good value, and what is the price range?
The price range is about $20 to $30, and reviewers often say the meal feels like money well spent. Several mention generous portions and strong service for the price, with dishes like the tri-tip sandwich, steaks, and house-made sides making the value feel solid.
Do you need a reservation at Swiss Restaurant?
Dinner reservations are recommended, and the restaurant accepts reservations. That can help, since reviewers describe it as a popular local spot for lunch and dinner and note that it can be busy.
Is parking available at Swiss Restaurant?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is Swiss Restaurant kid-friendly?
Yes, Swiss Restaurant is good for kids.
Restaurants like Swiss Restaurant in Santa Maria
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