We jumped from wine tasting to Come here cause Ryan Sent us here from Folded Hills. He simply said…read moretell them Ryan sent you and BAM we were in. The owner was really nice and let us come in and explained how to become a member and all that good stuff. It def was a fun Speakeasy cause you don't know it's there unless you know what to look for because as you enter it's just a store that sells beer and snacks and that all. They have different varieties of beer here for purchase as well. As we came in the vibes are so chill not a very big place but enough to come hang with friends and have a beer on tap. They have an outdoor patio with heaters and TV's to catch a game as well. They sell some snacks but you are able to bring your own food which is really neat. Their beer selection was great and just loved every corner and wall of this place. List of history, fun displays and fun souvenirs for purchase. Def coming back here we loved it!

Food: 0/5 Service: 4/5…read moreAmbiance: 5/5 Parking: 3/5 Family friendly: 4/5 Stroller friendly: 3/5 ADA accessible: 3/5 Initially, I set out to go to Solvang Brewery, but they were closed. So I ended up just walking a bit farther to find a place to finish up some work on a Friday evening. Enter, Backroom Brewery. It's almost like a nondescript main entrance, like a store front where to go beers are sold. But then real through the store towards the back; voila the bar and patio. The vibe is super chill. There are a multitude of other breweries drafts on tap so that's great. Prices are a tad higher than what I've paid but it's a tourist area so it is what it is. Come check their place out when you get a chance!

For all you craft beer lovers, this is the place to visit! It's also a great spot for people…read morewatching and the kind of place where everyone knows your name. They have so many different options to choose from, and the customer service is always great. You can even order food from nearby places, and don't miss their amazing smash burgers on Thursdays! If you're someone who prefers a nice glass of wine instead, this place has you covered too. A great spot to relax, enjoy a drink, and have a good time.

Great place to spot for a hang...not only do they brew their own beers, which hubs says are tasty,…read morebut they also make ciders for those who are gluten-free like me. Enjoyed a quiet moment people watching with our pup in this dog-friendly spot.

This is my second visit here, and I am remiss in not having reviewed my first visit - but, ""s for…read moreeach visit! This place is non-descript yet just off the main park downtown, and an easy walk from most of the major hotels in town, or the central parking lot - plus lots of street parking as well. It seems rather small, with one area for bar seating and small tables, plus a larger dining area "next door" to the bar, but I like the bar ambiance, so it may be challenging on busy tourist days. Luckily, I travel on non-busy days and have always had a good seat. The ambiance is great, with a typical, colorfully decorated pub feel with TVs offering an invitation to relax and have a pint - or two! The menu is varied, and I had planned for what I wanted, but when the server/bartender/boss offered the daily special as an option, I quickly jumped at the chance. The special was a queso dip with house-made chips, and I had to try it! Sadly, I also ordered my usual, the Cobb salad. Sadly, because after the "appetizer" arrived, I quickly realized the full consequences of the saying "your eyes are bigger than your stomach!" The dip and chips were plentiful in both, and for me would have made a great meal on their own. But I was committed and managed to finish the salad. On my previous visit, I had the mac 'n cheese and the Cobb salad, along with a Guinness dark! That was sooo tasty as well! The food at this visit was great, and the service was as well. Sam, who is the owner, bartender, server, and jack-of-all-trades, is always friendly, professional, and efficient, no matter how busy it is, and this visit was the only one outside the kitchen. If you're in the area, give them a try! And leave room for dessert - I have yet to do that, but you can learn from my mistakes!

Fitzpatrick's Tavern absolutely delivered…read more We went all in on the food, and everything came out spot on. The spicy wings had great flavor--more on the spicy side than "hot," which honestly made them even better and more enjoyable. The Reuben with onion rings was done right--classic, satisfying, and the onion rings were perfectly cooked with a great crisp. The bread on the sandwich had the perfect crisp as well, which really brought it all together. And the standout was the spicy melt burger. My friend ordered it medium rare, and it came out perfectly medium rare--juicy, flavorful, and cooked exactly as requested (which doesn't always happen, so that's worth noting). Everything was executed really well, and you can tell they take pride in the kitchen. Easy 5 stars. Would definitely come back.

We stopped at Solvang Brewing Company on our way down the coast for a much-needed drink and a late…read moredinner. There was plenty of seating, even in the cool evening weather, making it a nice place to relax after a long drive. The food was good, and the drinks definitely hit the spot. One thing to know is that everything is ordered at the walk-up window rather than through table service. During our visit, the staff seemed a bit overwhelmed. A few of our orders were mixed up, our food came out at different times, and two bussers accidentally cleared plates that we were still eating from. To the restaurant's credit, they quickly apologized and replaced the food without any issue, which we appreciated. While the service hiccups were an inconvenience, the staff handled the situation professionally. Overall, it's still a solid stop for good food and drinks, just be prepared for a potentially busy atmosphere during peak times.

I'm not a fan of a bad review and try to look at the highlights but this brewery was caught…read moreslipping. 5 employees on deck. Out of the 3 bartenders working, only one (a really knowledgeable guy that did his homework about the food and beer) was reliable. They have two bars and this woman at the larger bar took forever to serve us and it wasn't busy at all. When we got to her counter, she seemed annoyed and said that the Amber Beer we wanted wasn't served at her bar and we had to go to the smaller one down the walkway (the Amber was on her menu board, by the way). We got to the smaller bar where the smart guy was and he said he could get us the drink but needed to go to the larger bar we just came from because that's where the tap is. We told him what the woman said and he just shook his head and apologized. This adventure alone took a good 25 minutes. Next up, the food. We saw a sausage combo plate that a young female waitress was carrying and asked if they were different sausages, her reply was "No, All three are the same". We asked the only bartender we could trust and he said they were all different and described in detail what they were a the flavor profile. I thought the ambiance was nice and Danish but the beer and the combo plate was just ok. The owners need to do some remedial training with the staff and teach them how to not only speak with customers but to know what they are serving and where to get it. No pics necessary, but I'd love to go back and allow them to do it again and I will improve my review.

Alfred was a 10/10. It's our first time out here, and we had a great time and amazing beer as well!…read moreHe gave us fantastic options to explore locally and has made the trip even better. Thank you for the great service!!!

I am known for many things (some good, some bad, some pretty, some ugly - but I digress); with one…read morebeing my obsession with all things medieval. In fact, I professionally moonlight as Historian specializing in medieval English history! This means that I am a sucker for anything reminding of the time period; making the Santa Barbara-adjacent Danish city of Solvang right up my alley with its medieval storybook streets/architecture. Among the many spots in Solvang that make my heart go pitter-patter is The Good Life: a cellar wine/ale/tavern- bar. Grab your favorite wench and come along to grab a pint... Stroll down Mission Drive in the famous Danish city of Solvang and you will be delighted to venture upon The Good Life that appears to pop out of a medieval history book with exposed wooden beans, plaster exterior walls and an entrance that resides at basement level (they don't call it a cellar bar for nothing!). Owned by a husband-wife team with extensive hospitality and restaurant experience under their belts in 2012; the charm of The Good Life is instantaneous and perfect for a gal like me obsessed with this sort of thing. Prepare to be instantly transported into the 15th century! Once you cross the threshold of The Good Life, the Shakesperean feel continues but is also modernized with a glowing fireplace, plush arm chairs and high bar tables (plus bar seating) and floor to ceiling wine racks. The Good Life is a perfect ratio of Solvang tradition with hints of romance making it ideal for a casual beverage, tourist pop-in or memorable date night drink. The latter is exactly how my boyfriend and I happened to come across The Good Life as we were visiting Solvang from Los Angeles for the city's Christmas-time Julefest. We had just spent the evening making holiday memories among the city's Christmas trees, twinkling lights and sugary delights. Post Danish-dinner, we decided to wrap up our forever-Solvang memory with a drink at The Good Life. We were immediately greeted by the male manning The Good Life without any attitude or distaste towards us for coming in as he was preparing to close for the evening. If he was upset with us in any way - he certainly didn't show it! The Good Life features an amazing menu of local and international wines, beers, ales, meads, ciders, and ports that make The Good Life feel fancy-schmancy and artisan; but also, neighborhood friendly for your favorite hipster or friend next door. My boyfriend and I shared a cider (I wish I remembered the specific one but alas my memory evades me) while enjoying the atmosphere of warmth at The Good Life. Other customers sat in the plush chairs with notepads and tarot cards, an older couple arrived to cap off the evening and I enjoyed the view of my boyfriend in a medieval-Danish inspired cellar bar. The Good Life is standout at accommodating to all customers and making sure no one feels out of place. A bountiful tip as important as the bosom of a medieval bar wench: the bathroom at The Good Life is labeled as 'Office'. Don't worry, you won't walk in on someone preparing accounting books and the only business happening behind this door involves you and your private matters. The Good Life is delightful and unique but doesn't just stop there: it also differentiates itself with a truly impressive alcohol selection that allows you to be introduced to local, national, Danish and international bevies you have surely not tried prior. The Good Life is recommended for a drink on your next trip to the tourist-friendly city of Solvang. Even if you aren't pretending to be in medieval times...

One thing we quickly noticed in Solvang is that there aren't many places open late, so finding High…read moreRoller Tiki Lounge open until 11 PM was a huge plus! After a delicious dinner nearby, we stopped in for drinks, live music, and a good time and this place delivered. They had a great live band playing fun tunes that really set the atmosphere. The vibe was relaxed, lively, and exactly what we were looking for to end the night. Their drink menu is packed with creative and fun options. I ordered the Mango Michelada, and it absolutely did not disappoint. Our waiter was also fantastic, very attentive, friendly, and kept checking in on us throughout the night. If you're in Solvang and looking for a fun late-night spot with good drinks, music, and great service, High Roller Tiki Lounge is definitely worth stopping

We wanted to start our Friday night by grabbing a drink and checking out High Roller Tiki Bar, but…read moreunfortunately, our experience was disappointing from the start. After walking in and passing the host stand, a server who was seated at the bar got up, walked us to a table, and suggested we sit on the loveseat. The host was friendly and welcoming, and the space itself seemed promising. We were excited to settle in, have a drink, and check the place out. The restaurant was nearly empty when we arrived, but shortly after we were seated, a larger group came in. From that point on, it felt like we were completely forgotten. The server focused on the larger party, taking drink orders and delivering beverages as more guests from their group arrived. Meanwhile, we sat waiting without any acknowledgment. Another group of ladies was seated nearby and appeared just as confused about who was helping them. We both work in the restaurant industry, so we understand that larger parties can demand attention and that things don't always go perfectly. We tried to be patient and give the team the benefit of the doubt. However, after waiting more than 15 minutes without anyone checking on us, taking a drink order, or even acknowledging our table, we decided to leave. What made the experience especially frustrating was that the restaurant wasn't busy when we arrived. We never felt welcomed beyond being shown to our table, and ultimately it felt like our business wasn't valued. Hopefully this was just an off night, because the atmosphere and concept seemed like something we would have enjoyed. We'd be willing to give it another chance, but first impressions matter, and unfortunately this one missed the mark. Sadly, it looks like we definitely missed out on the famous Bowl for Two.

The novelty of spinning records wore off fast, and what could've been a cool, defining feature for…read morethe place ended up feeling more like a missed opportunity. Kelly seemed more focused on catering to a small group of guys in cowboy hats than maintaining the vibe that actually makes this spot stand out. Instead of reading the room, she and her May 1st bartender colleague locked into a single stream of country music that clearly wasn't resonating with most of the crowd. That's really the frustrating part, it wasn't just a music choice, it was the complete lack of awareness or willingness to adjust. People weren't being heard, requests were ignored, and the whole "records" concept felt pointless when it was treated so rigidly. If you're going to lean into vinyl as part of the experience, it should feel curated, responsive, and a little bit special, not like someone just putting on their personal playlist and tuning everyone else out. The drinks were genuinely great, which makes the situation even more disappointing. The potential is clearly there, but the execution on the atmosphere just didn't match. If the records are going to stay, they should actually be used to enhance the environment, not limit it. Otherwise, it might be better to ditch the gimmick entirely rather than let it drag down what could be an otherwise standout spot.

Vaquero Bar is a great spot in Solvang, especially since it's open later than most places in town…read more The cocktails are consistently good, and I love that you can order food right at the bar. The donuts were the perfect sweet treat, and the spicy tuna on crispy rice was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, making it a great place to unwind after exploring Solvang. I'll definitely be back!

Celebrating our nation's 250th birthday in beautiful Solvang!…read more We ate at Craft House four times during our visit--and for good reason! It is, in our opinion, the best restaurant in Solvang. Every meal was exceptional, and the service was consistently outstanding. From the moment we walked in, Daniel welcomed us with a warm smile that made us feel right at home. At our first breakfast, Taylor provided friendly, attentive service that set the tone for the rest of our visits. That evening, we enjoyed the cauliflower appetizer, beet & burrata salad, short rib grilled cheese and black tie burger. Every dish was absolutely delicious. On our second breakfast visit, Sandra took wonderful care of us. She is such an asset to Craft House--knowledgeable, personable, and genuinely welcoming. Sophia, who brought out our food several times, always greeted us with the biggest smile. You can tell she truly loves what she does. Lorenzo and Nora were also fantastic servers who helped make every visit memorable. Over four visits, we sampled several different entrées and breakfasts. The avocado toast and chorizo quesadilla were definite standouts, and every meal exceeded our expectations. A heartfelt thank you to the entire Craft House team for your incredible hospitality, exceptional service, and outstanding food. We can't wait to return!

Our favorite spot in Solvang. We come 3 times a year and this is always our dinner spot ( sometimes…read morewe'll come twice if we're there longer). Everything we have ordered has been amazing. Some favorites are the short rib grilled cheese, Korean filet salad, pizza, pasta, Brussel sprouts,, cocktails, I mean everything is so good! Live music outside on weekends is a vibe. Service is always great! Whenever we bring family or friends here they all have loved it! I usually make a reservation for a Saturday night but there's always some open tables available.