The Hitching Post in the tiny California community of Casmalia offers more than a meal. Walking into The Hitching Post feels like stepping into a time when food was cooked with patience and respect for tradition. The Building Has Stood For More Than A CenturyLong before it became a barbecue restaurant, the structure housed the Casmalia Hotel, welcoming travelers and workers in the late 1800s. Santa Maria-Style Barbecue Defines The MenuSanta Maria-style barbecue originated in the mid-1800s when California ranchers gathered to grill beef over red oak fires. For many locals, hiring The Hitching Post for an event represents a way to celebrate important occasions with food that holds cultural significance.