REGIONAL CUISINE
Welcome to Far Western Tavern
The Far Western Tavern in Orcutt is recognized as a landmark of Santa Maria Style Barbecue.
A renowned regional fare rooted in native ingredients and methods that were first popularized by 19th century rancheros.
The Far Western Tavern is revered for its Contemporary California Ranch Cuisine. Every menu we create showcases our famous Santa Maria Style Barbecue, local produce and world-class Central Coast wines. The family’s ranching and farming roots in the Santa Maria Valley span five generations of the Minetti family. As ranchers, local ingredients are a way of life for us.
Santa Maria Style Barbecue
The Far Western Tavern is recognized as a landmark for Santa Maria Style Barbecue, a regional culinary tradition founded on methods that date back to the 19th century. Over time, this signature barbecue has enjoyed variations and personal touches that give new, contemporary expression to an old tradition. We are thrilled that Santa Maria Style Barbeque is now world renowned!
Santa Maria Valley Agriculture
The Santa Maria Valley is one of California’s most productive and respected agricultural regions, yielding everything from strawberries to cilantro, broccoli to artichokes. The Far Western Tavern is proud to feature a diverse selection of ingredients grown by family and friends in the surrounding fields of the Santa Maria Valley.
Santa Maria Valley Wine Country
The Santa Maria Valley occupies the northern perimeter of Santa Barbara County, which today is recognized as one of the world’s finest regions for Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and other varietals. We are committed to showcasing Santa Maria Valley and Central Coast wines as perfect complements to our menu’s local flavors. The restaurant hosts monthly Winemaker’s Nights where local winemakers come in to share their varietals with our guests.
We invite you to dine with us and enjoy the signature flavors of the Santa Maria Valley.
What Our Customers Say
The Rocket
Out of 5 stars
Overall rating out of 1,074 Google reviews
Michelle Hawkins
2 days ago
Completely unacceptable! We ordered 2 plates, got them after about 15 minutes, which was fine. Except, we ordered the loaded bbq fries with NO extra sauce, told the cashier 3 times no sauce when ordering. They were covered with extra sauce on top. 25 minutes later I go to the counter to ask where her plate is and they had forgotten to remake it! No apologies, just an, I don’t know what happened. Terrible service. Love to eat here, but will not be back for that type of service.
Joey Burn
3 days ago
James T
5 days ago
Great Bbq
Amy Medford
a week ago
It is a small town BBQ and burger joint. There are no veggies unless it is fried. The catfish was delicious. Overall it was a good dinner.
Dana Meeker
a week ago
Lauryn Howell
2 weeks ago
Dezaray Dean
2 weeks ago
While my relatives and I really wnjoy coming to Rocket every now and again for some delicious barbecue, today we had to wait for nearly an hour for our food when we were told it would only take 30 minutes.Then the manager I think said they had "100 tickets in the back" in exaggeration which was really not a nice thing to say especially to a senior citizen. But all in all we eventually got our food and went home to enjoy it. All is forgiven thank you!
Dianne CUNNINGHAM
3 weeks ago
Best hamburgers. Terrible potato salad and BBQ sandwich. Tea good Very disappointed in BBQ. My first time to try BBQ. NEVER again
Lee Shaw
a month ago
Always great food. Took a little while to get our food. Atmosphere is the same it has been for 20+ years but still clean
Misty Grizzard
4 months ago
I've been going to The Rocket for many years and never had a bad experience! The food is ALWAYS amazing and there have been some amazing people working there throughout the years. If you haven't been, it is a must try!
Curtis McGhee Jr.
8 months ago
The Rocket is a local favorite for me. When I was younger, my family would purchase some type of meal or snack when we would come visit my grandmother in Jacksonville. The Rocket was relatively on the restaurant list from time to time. The food has always been good here.
Michael Clark
a month ago
I 0rdered the whole menu as a big back then ate the whole menu in a under 10 minutes
Chuck Ellis
4 months ago
Heard a lot of good things about it, so I broke down & tried it. I was not disappointed! It was awesome. I'll be back.
Karen Griffith
2 years ago
30 minute detour off our main drive home from Gwinnett County, Georgia was worth it. BBQ, fries, corn nuggets were all delicious, as well as the bottomless tea. We could not finish our meals; the servings were very plentiful. Owners, Patsy and Gary(?) were great hosts, too. All of the young ladies at the counter were very pleasant and friendly, which makes the visit even better. Service was excellent.
Scott Wagoner
4 months ago
I've been eating here my entire life. My family really enjoys the burgers and BBQ. Great homemade sauce, same as it's always been. You can't go wrong with the Rocket!
David Ford
3 months ago
The Rocket is the best home owned and operated restaurant around. Always good food, and the best sweet tea in the county. There is a reason it's always crowded.
Steven B
6 years ago
Excellent BBQ! 29 years ago my mom ate it once a week when she was pregnant. I just had it for the first time out of the womb. I'm hearing the sound of her belly as the food takes me on a subconscious thrill ride back to pre-birth. I have come full circle and realize why I love all BBQ so much. This is the place that started it all for me. Such great food.
bill williamson
6 months ago
The Rocket is a multi generational experience . My family has enjoyed the good food,good atmosphere of The Rocket since 1960. Best to call in advance for your food. There is real world time and, there is The Rocket time on a busy night. The twin bbq basket can feed 2 adults.