Boots and Bands
A ceiling covered with dollar bills says a lot of happy cowboy customers have passed through Maverick Saloon.
Written by Hana-Lee Sedgwick
Photography by Talia Helvey
One of four original taverns that lined Santa Ynez’s Sagunto Street during the mid-1900s, MAVERICK SALOON is the last remaining of its kind—a place where cowboy culture still feels very much alive. For more than six decades, the lively saloon has welcomed ranchers, cowboys, locals, tourists, and wedding parties alike for drinks, hearty fare, live music, and a taste of the Old West. Built from salvaged wood, the rustic saloon and adjoining dance barn charm with horseshoes and neon beer signs on the walls, cattle brands carved into the bar, and thousands of signed dollar bills covering the ceiling—a tradition that reflects the many generations of patrons who have passed through its doors.
Behind the bar, classic cocktails, local beer and wine, and a selection of spirits complement a menu of comfort fare, from flatbreads and burgers to tacos and steak platters. Adding to the convivial vibe are weekly events like open mic nights, line dancing, and karaoke, while live bands take the stage several nights a week, bringing big names and up-and-comers who keep the dance floor full. 3687 Sagunto St., Santa Ynez, mavericksaloon.com
