I love the small town feel to Santa Maria. Staying at Herb’s airbnb 1920’s Craftsman bungalow accentuated that feeling. When I was in elementary school I had friends who lived in classic Craftsman houses and I wanted to live in one ever since. There is a sense of history living in a structure that has been standing for almost 100 years. Looking around the home you can see the quality construction.
I particularly liked the big tub you could take a bath in. It’s deeper than the current day shower/tub enclosures. You can lay back and relax in the old school tub.
Location was excellent. It’s on a quiet street in a quiet neighborhood. I bought fancy laminated glass dual pane windows and heavy sound deadening drapes to limit street noise but this place is much quieter than mine. I wake up in the mornings to the faint sound of birds in the distance. Another plus is this place is blocks away from one of my favorite bbq’s The Swiss.
I try to visit The Swiss for dinner at least twice when I’m in Santa Maria. There are many things on the menu that attract me.
Beef ribs were coated in delicious Santa Maria style dry rub. Each bite was amazing. The combination of salt, black pepper, and garlic salt is one of the best dry rubs I’ve tasted. Onion rings were crunchy and had delicious onion flavor.
Baby back ribs had the same dry rub as the beef ribs but the flavor was not as strong. The baby backs were more tender and juicy than the beef ribs. Tasted great with some of the sweet bbq sauce. Potatoes were nice and crispy with velvety potato flavor.
Ribeye steak with breakfast potatoes. Loved the flavor of the Santa Maria seasonings. Cooked medium it was a bit tough. Not as tender as USDA Prime but more tender than you would fine at Denny’s or Coco’s.
Beef back ribs are my fav menu item here but the baby back ribs with bbq sauce are a close second.
Next time I visit I’m gonna try the halibut.
The Swiss Restaurant + Bar
516 N Broadway
Santa Maria, CA 93454
(805) 347-7800
Love the sound of birds chirping to greet me in the morning! Plus all the gorgeous plants in the front yard. The beans are tasty with chilled Caesar salad and garlic bread.
That was a nice relaxing vacation. 🙂