Rancho Nipomo brings “Cal-Mex” to the Central Coast!!

We stumbled into this yummy pitstop during the peak of the Covid shutdown – searching for time outside in our Jeep we had just come back from some trails off of 166. We immediately were lured in with a band playing, and plenty of outdoor seating. The bar area has large doors open to the outside as well. We ordered a tri-tip sandwich, and the pulled pork as well as some delicious tacos. Everything was ridiculously delicious. We were hooked and now it is on a steady once-a-month Saturday/Sunday rotation. The staff was fun and helpful – and the crowd of locals, regulars and newcomers were out for a good time. 

I mean even Sunset magazine says: “Bright and cheerful with an inspired melding of Santa Maria BBQ and Mexican Food. Meats are smoked – not grilled – over red oak, and used in inventions like a smoked tri-tip burrito, or a tri-tip sandwich made with garlicky Mexican-style torta bread …” — Sunset

In a perfect fusion of traditional Santa Maria-style BBQ and Hispanic cuisine, Rancho Nipomo “reinvents” everything you may th

ink you know – from pulled pork sandwiches and smoked ribs to vaquero tacos and burritos. With a robust menu, there is truly something delicious for everyone. 

Carefully smoked for many hours, the pit masters at Rancho Nipomo take a different spin on the normal local BBQ fare. Founded in 2006, Rancho Nipomo Barbeque began with a vision of adding more smokehouse-style offerings to the Central Coast. Of course, they still offer the popular tri-tip grilled over red oak. But the expansive menu also includes traditional slow-smoked pork and beef specialties inspired by the country’s best smokehouses from Coast to Coast.

Happy hour starts at 2:00pm and ends at 5:00pm with discounts on draft beers and a special happy hour menu from Tuesday to Friday. The beer selection is stellar with many local craft beer options, as well as a sprinkling of other unique brands, including but not limited to Figueroa Mountain, Barrel House and Firestone. The bar staff is friendly and knowledgeable, with local wines and cocktails also available.

Music is on tap most weekends – check in with Rancho Nipomo on social media or give them a call to find out the details. It’s a great place to grab a bite, and have a couple of cocktails while listening to some fun solo and group gigs.

Rancho Nipomo BBQ can also come to your personal party – offering catering across the Central Coast. Although they are usually available for weekends and evenings, they recommend checking at least 72 hours in advance of your event date.

For more information check their website here and/or give them a call at (805) 925-3500.