A new Santa Barbara barbecue option in a hip multi-use complex, Wildwood Kitchen is earning raves for its rosy tri-tip, well-cooked meats, and cozy environs.

A Buellton institution just off the highway (and a much easier drive than the family-owned original in Casmalia), The Hitching Post II is where locals mix with tourists over perfectly rendered steaks. The grill is on full display in the dining room, albeit behind glass, while the bar on the opposite side of the place lets folks play out their own Sideways wine dreams all night long.

A classy take on ranchero barbecue, Far West is an Orcutt institution that seamlessly combines grilled meats like tri-tip, robs, and pork chops with upscale sides like prosciutto-wrapped jalapeños.

Rancho Nipomo is a popular Central Coast choice for tri-tip sandwiches and heaps of pulled pork, plus more unusual barbecue offerings like burritos and shrimp cocktails.

Jocko’s is a beef lover’s dream, set down right in Nipomo cattle country where steaks, ribs, a variety of chops and some damn fine burgers are cooked over open flame out back all day long.

The Grover Beach outlet of Rib Line BBQ sits just off the public beach, making it a popular weekend dining spot for those passing through. Angus tri-tip is the starring sideshow (after those ribs), and you can even pile on the meat with giant sandwiches like the one-pound Baby Brahma, served in a grilled sourdough loaf.

A Santa Maria barbecue favorite overlooking the ocean in Shell Beach, F. McLintock’s works their grills nightly with a variety of steaks, ribs, and tri-tip. They even grill their artichoke appetizers, bacon-wrapped filet mignon, and a half-pound sirloin burger.

Right on Higuera at the south end of downtown, Old San Luis BBQ Co. is a popular option for college kids and their families. The menu is a straightforward take on tri-tip and pulled pork, plus those grilled linguica sausages that are commonly found along the coast.

An Atascadero eatery with a strong barbecue sense, Scotty’s does tri-tip, linguica, pulled pork, and full rib racks for $25. Don’t skip on the smoked chicken either, which is among the best around.