We arrive at the Santa Barbara airport on Saturday Sept 12th. We will rent a car for our trip. After landing we will be driving to our rental located just out of the town of Solvang.

I see there are two ways we could drive. One way would be Highway 1 to 101 to 246. The other route would be Rt 154 to 246. We are leaning toward the San Marcos Pass but not sure. We will arrive around 1:30 and would like to have a nice memorable lunch on the way. Any Suggestions?

Thank you
Diane

Since no one has yet stepped in...
I guess the Cold Spring Tavern is the place to eat if you go via San Marcos Pass.

I like the scenery better coming up the Gaviota Pass (the 1 to 101 Route) than the San Marcos Pass. In that case you'd want to eat in Santa Barbara but I can't help with any restaurants along that route.

Most of the restaurants that I've been to are in Los Olivos so that won't help you much, you'll get to Solvang first.

Why no replies from the Goleta people? (That's where the airport is). Well, even though I live an hour away in Thousand Oaks, I've driven both routes at one time or another. I agree with migb that your best bet is Gaviota Pass. You have to backtrack from the airport 4-5 miles to get to the San Marcos Pass Rd. and then it's pretty winding, so you won't be taking in much scenery.

By the time you get out of the airport, it'll be close to 2, so I suggest you just stop for lunch at one of the restaurants near the airport. I took a quick look at what's available and the Elephant Bar struck my eye. I've eaten a number of times at the one in Simi Valley and been favorably impressed. I'm sure you can get a nice lunch there. Memorable? Maybe.

Hi,

If you want memorable, the Cold Spring Tavern is the place and backtracking to the 154 from the airport is not a big deal.

On the same route 154 to 246...Grappolo (spelling?)in Santa Ynez on your way to Slovang is run by an Italian from Piedemonte and has great pizzas and authentic Italian food.

The Beachside looking out at the ocean at Goleta beach is right by the airport...pretty good food.

The Cajun Kitchen in a strip mall at Storke and Hollister close to the airport...good food in a diner atmosphere.

On the 101 route you could stop at the Bacara resort for very upscale food if you want fancy.

The Elephant Bar has good food even if it has a chain restaurant atmosphere. The baby back ribs are tasty.

If you ever come back over the "mountain" to downtown SB there are many great restaurants.

DON"T go to the Elephant Bar. It is the epitome of chain restaurant food. A waste of meal time if you're in the area.