The Range Restaurant

Unbelievable dining experience. This is a YES.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 4

Amazing food and amazing people <3 a must try!

Two things to remember when coming to this restaurant. It’a CASH ONLY and EVERYTHING is amazing. The staff are super nice. Lots of daily specials with catch of the day, local meat, and local vegetables. And if you’re lucky, you might catch a very intimate live music experience! Call ahead for a reservation, especially on weekends! Can’t recommend it enough!

Here’s some more information if you’re interested:

Opened by Jeff and Lindsay Jackson, The Range has been a Santa Margarita staple for over 20 years. It’s celebrated for its “country-style institution” vibe, blending hearty, farm-fresh meals with a honky-tonk atmosphere—think George Jones tunes and string lights. The Jacksons emphasize local sourcing from nearby ranches and growers, maintaining a cash/debit-only policy (no credit cards) and a low-tech, community-focused ethos..The family also runs Rosalina Cantina nearby.

The Range specializes in steaks (e.g., filet mignon with Gorgonzola-wine sauce, Angus beef carpaccio) and American classics like pomegranate BBQ ribs, lamb chops, and fresh salads with local produce. Notable dishes include cornmeal-crusted calamari, pan-seared salmon, and homemade desserts like lavender crème brûlée. Vegetarian options and kid-friendly meals are available. Portions are generous, with entrees ranging from ~$25–$50+, though reviewers praise the quality-to-price ratio. The outdoor patio with twinkling lights is a highlight for al fresco dining, though some note occasional bugs in warmer months. Dine-in and takeout are offered; no delivery.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cash-only hidden gem located outside of SLO didn't disappoint.
French onion soup was an outstanding starter, and the entrees (Lamb chops and smoked brisket) were top notch.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Lamb Chops

Excellent

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Delicious! Servers are amazing. Food is prepared so well.

Dined with a party of seven. Service was prompt. The highlights were the brisket and ribs. Cash or check only.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Small restaurant with nice outside dining tables spaced far enough apart so you converse with people in your party. The food and service was excellent. No credit cards are accepted.

This place was a total surprise — what a great restaurant! The pickles (8.5/10), with anchovies, were amazing. The free bread (9/10), especially the jalapeño cornbread, was incredible.

We ordered the fish and the chicken breast for our main dishes - both were delicious. The plates looked beautiful, the portions were generous, and the flavors were spot on. The chicken breast was especially juicy - I still wonder how they cooked it so well

Excellent brisket! Warm, cozy ambiance.

We came here for dinner to celebrate our wedding anniversary. We ordered the elk medallions and the brisket. We loved it. They cooked them so well. It's great! We enjoyed every bite! Service is good. The gorgonzola cheese stuffed figs with arugula salad drizzled with balsamic as appetizer was sooooooooooo good!!!!!!🤤🤤🤤 We'll definitely come back with family! We are happy to be so close to the place and proud to have a place like this! Definitely recommended 👌

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Elk Medallions

In Santa Margarita, CA. Hands-down the best restaurant in SLO north county. Period.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Have eaten here many times and have never been disappointed. Dragons breath, elk medallions and French onion soup are absolutely amazing. Service is always friendly, food is consistently delicious and the atmosphere is welcoming. So glad we found them years ago.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Elk Medallions

Very casual patio environment that belies a sophisticated cuisine.

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mussels in White Wine

The food here is great! We ordered a couple of starters and mains to share. Every dish was very tasty! The BBQ Pizzette was our favorite starter and I really enjoyed my Mushroom Ravioli. Remember they only take cash or a check.

Kid-friendliness: The kids had buttered noodles with cheese and they really liked it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Mountain Mushroom Ravioli, Chocolate Pecan Tart