Aloha from Maui! My husband and I will be traveling to Solvang for a couple of days this month. Does anyone have any suggestions of wonderful but inexpensive eateries in the area? We would also love shopping/events/attractions in the area as well. Thanks!

The Hitching Post is very good but it is a little pricey. But, you get huge portions!
The Belgian Cafe is delicious for breakfast. We had delicious crepes with fresh fruit. AMAZING!!
There were many restaurants and pastry shops that looked wonderful. I am sure you won't have any problems finding food!
Santa Ynez wine country is close by; it is worth a stop!
Enjoy your trip!

Take a drive through wine country to Los Olivos (not very far). The Los Olivos cafe is wonderful - here is their website

http://www.losolivoscafe.com/

The restaurants in Solvang that are inexpensive serve the Danish Buffet food (danish meatballs - red cabbage etc) good food but not fancy. The main thing is to save your appetite for the danish pastries. There are like none other. The Solvang Bakery is our favourite. The restaurants also specialize in "abelskivers" which are Danish pancakes - shaped like a ball but hollow inside - really light and fluffy - so good. Do not count calories in this town. Kerry mentined the Hitching Post - that is not in Solvang but just of the highway at Buelton. I think if you are in the area it might be nice to do the "Danish Thing" Another restaurant in Los Olivos is Mattei's Tavern. It is a favourite with the locals. Have a great time and take your sweet tooth with you!!!!

Hi,
***Alisal Guest Ranch/Restaurant** It is located just past the main part of Solvang town, make a right turn and drive a few miles south. It is a lovely place. You may want to look into this place. Second thought, then again, the restaurant may not be open to the public, only to paying visitors of the resort.
***Cabernet Bistro** is just about to open up in a new area of town on corner of Mission/Alisal Sts./May 2007. Fine European cuisine.
***Los Olivos Cafe**, Los Olivos
**Meadows Restaurant**/Steak, Seafood
As I just saw the date of your post you have come and gone to beautiful Solvan area. Sorry.

Francie

Cannot respond for restaurants, but a branch of my French family has been there for many decades: I would be recognized as one of them - small world.
M

Right in town, across street from bakery and right next door to Pearls of Provence store is a restaurant that we like for lunch when in the area. It is called ~Bit of Denmark.~ Food is good.

Francie