Patrick’s Side Street Cafe

Where: 2375 Alamo Pintado Avenue, Los Olivos; 686-4004; patrickssidestreetcafe.com.

What: Santa Ynez wine country fare in a quaint, animal-friendly venue in downtown Los Olivos.

How Much: Lunch entree salads $14-$20, dinner entrees $17-$38.

The Dish: Better known within the community as Patrick’s, the Side Street Cafe garners support from locals and out-of-town winery-hoppers alike. Maintaining an old-school charm, the restaurant is marked by a weathered-wood hanging sign that reads “Side Street Cafe” and beneath it “Open” or “Closed.” Splashes of teal and coral-hued red paint the walls and balcony, while antique white curtains decorate the large street-facing windows that backdrop the covered front porch. Enjoy a warm afternoon on the tranquil back patio or sit inside the colorful dining room among hanging art and pleasing kitchen commotion. Lunch favorites include a warm roasted duck salad with julienned romaine and hazelnut vinaigrette and Patrick’s paella, made from saffron-tossed shredded chicken, andouille sausage, mussels, and Mexican white shrimp. Start with a “Quarter Pounder” at dinner-a gigantic butterfly black tiger prawn-and then move onto farm-raised Santa Barbara abalone, traditional prime rib, or a juicy 14-ounce cut of peppercorn-crusted rib eye. Patrick constructs the menu with wine pairings in mind, making this a true wine country stop.

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