Rate-A-Restaurant #377: Industrial Eats (Buellton)

Restaurant: Industrial Eats

Location: 181 Industrial Way (Buellton)

Type of restaurant: Pizza, sandwiches



We stipulated: On a quick trip in nearby Solvang, we needed a kid-friendly restaurant that also allowed dogs. Industrial Eats not only ticked off those boxes, but it also fulfilled one more need: Decent food.



They stipulated: "Quality, local food served here. Our restaurant and butcher shop feature food sourced from the Central Coast. Dine in or get your hands dirty carving up your own animal in one of our workshops. You can even take us home with you. Enjoy fresh preserves, pâtés, cheese and handmade bacon."



What we ordered: Mike: tomato, fennel sausage, mozzarella, basil pizza ($14); Maria: wild mushrooms, camembert, garlic confit pizza ($15); Kids: tomato, mozzarella, basil ($13)



High point:  That pizza crust was pretty fantastic, thanks to the wood burning oven. But the high point was also being able to bring our tiny dog inside. It made such an important impact on us.



Low point:  It was so crowded that we had to sit at the bar, which was fine -- but we didn't quite get a full explanation of how the menu worked.



Overall impression: An impressive eatery in Buellton, of all spots, and well worth a visit. The food, the environment, the location (in an industrial spot, natch), it all worked. Skip Pea Soup Andersen's and hit Industrial Eats the next time you drive past Buellton.



Will we return: Absolutely, looking forward to it.

Scenes from a Solvang Trip

Solvang, of course, is probably best known as the Danish-inspired town in the Santa Ynez Valley, home to around 5,000 people (and more tourists). But it has also become a destination friendly to pet owners, oenophiles, bicyclists and fans of pastry.



Yeah, this is kind of disturbing. Solvang has its detractors as well. But how can you not enjoy a small town with so many bakeries and wine tasting shops?



The expansive view outside of the Mission Santa Ines.



Hiking, south of Solvang.



More hiking.



Keep an eye on mountain lions.



Mission Santa Ines, a quick walk or bike ride from anywhere in Solvang.



More views.



The fields across the street from Sunny Fields Park.



The boys were fans of Sunny Fields Park, located on the outskirts of Solvang (and near plenty of wineries, which Maria and I were fans of).



Inside the park.



More views.



The park is a big attraction for kids.



Our hotel was dog-friendly; which helped since we brought our new rescue dog, Jacks, along for the trip. Solvang turned out to be amazingly friendly both to pets and to kids. One bakery even gave us extra pastries when we bought cookies for the Blogger boys. Solvang may be a small town, but its restaurants, bakeries, shops (including a cool book store) and outdoor activities make it a worthwhile stop. And its close to plenty of wineries and nearby towns, like Los Olivos, with their own draws.

Rate-A-Restaurant #376: Succulent Cafe (Solvang)

Restaurant: Succulent Cafe

Location: 1555 Mission Dr. (Solvang)

Type of restaurant: American



We stipulated: We needed a dog-friendly restaurant with a patio, and a place near the hotel we were staying at. Succulent provided both, and looked like an interesting menu to boot



They stipulated: "Succulent Cafe Wine Charcuterie serves up comfort cuisine with a twist while sourcing local, seasonal ingredients from neighborhood farmers & fisherman to ensure the freshest quality whenever possible. We believe in delicious food served in ample portions that compliment our wonderful local wines and craft beers. Succulent also offers a variety of signature cocktails. Our small cafe is family owned and operated with a focus on the community needs and wants. We strive to go back to the traditions of homemade biscuits & gravy, jams & jellies, hearty meals, and desserts."



What we ordered: Mike: Slow Roasted Pulled Pork: house bbq sauce, mustard slaw, baby arugula, brioche bun ($14); Maria: Fried Chicken & Gravy Biscuit: buttermilk fried chicken, bacon, aged cheddar, & gravy ($12); Kids: Grilled cheese and chicken strips.



High point:  Great house BBQ sauce and slaw; love the "pups on the patio" menu for dogs.

Low point:  Because we had to sit outside, it was cold, and there were no heat lamps.



Overall impression: We were disappointed that Succulent wasn't open on Tuesday (there was no signage explaining that it was; we had to figure it out on our own) -- but overall a great menu (for adults -- the kids' menu wasn't as inspired), and Maria loved that they served breakfast most of the day.



Will we return: If we're back in Solvang.