KSBY

Posted: Jun 24, 2010 8:45 PM
Updated: Jun 25, 2010 8:59 AM

There's a lot of good competition on the Central Coast for good steak-houses.    But a few seem to outlast the rest, and there's good reason for that.   The far western tavern in Guadalupe is one of those.   It serves up more than a good meal, and it's another reason there's no place like home.

It's not exactly situated in a high traffic area, but it still manages to draw the crowds.   "This is THE place and has been the place for many many years." says a patron sitting at the bar.

The Far Western Tavern has been a gathering spot for locals since 1958.   Clarence and Rosalie Minetti aimed to cater to the western roots of this area when they opened the place in the old Palace Hotel.  Clarence Minetti says It had been sitting empty for decades.  " I used to eat steak, ribs and spaghetti right there when I was a kid working in the fields for 65 cents."   

Generations of families, farmers and ranchers have come to the Far Western when they wanted a good meal, and a connection to the agricultural community it calls home.  And even as times changed, cities around here grew up and and chain restaurants moved in, The Far Western has held it's ground.   "I would have to say it's good food and good service." says Minetti.

Clarence Minetti is as much a part of this area as his restaurant is, and wants his customers to feel as comfortable as he does walking in the door.    The bar is sort of a center of activity here.  It's another one of those "everyone knows your name" kind of places.   "Oh yeah, I know 'em all." says Minetti.  "On a first name basis?" Jeanette asks.  "Yep, family style.  You bet."  He answers.
People are people and they deserve your attention. I feel they do. You gotta' listen to them." 

That philosophy and partnered with people like the late Dick Maretti who tended bar here for decades  have proven a winning combination.    Farmers and Ranchers have always found the the Far Western Bar a perfect place to belly up to come quittin' time.   "The only time there was more crowded than a normal day was on a rainy day and then it started at noon." a regular at the bar teases.

Just last year Sunset magazine named it one of the 10 best places for good barbecue on the west coast.   That's true.   The Far Western definitely serves more reason there's no place like home.

http://www.farwesterntavern.com/