The Pantry — Restaurant in Santa Maria

Almost made five stars.

The Pantry is a well-run restaurant with friendly service and a diverse menu full of worthy items.

I particularly like the French dip because the au jus isn't overly salty; rather, it tastes like it should --- meaty and properly seasoned.

The breakfast pork chops are tasty.

The pot roast could use a little more flavour, but it is fall-off-the-fork tender, and there is enough of it on the plate to make you feel like you got something for your money.

The decor is a semi-countrified kitchen scheme with a teapot or two and other utensils and stuff. It's not shabby chic, though, unless you stretch that concept into classier territory (if doing so is actually possible, which I doubt).

Sometimes the old-style (1950s) rock 'n' roll background music is too loud; at other times it's not quite loud enough, but in any case it's a great relief from the usual dreck that you can't help but hear in supermarkets.

There is some variation in the preparation of dishes that I suppose depends on who is cooking at any given time, but the overall effect is about the same: I like it.

Prices are not low, but they are generally reasonable for what you get. A meal will run between $11 and $19 per person, plus tax and tip. That's a decent deal in these times, especially if it's really worth eating.

2023 November update: The decor has been redone, and I think for the worse, as it is too white and plain, and the music has morphed from the 1950s to the early 1960s, which to me is also less attractive.

But the food is the same as before, fortunately, and the prices have not gone up yet. I can...

Very disappointing to leave a bad review. Always been very happy with the food and the service here at the Panty, but not today.

We called in to leave an order and were informed that it would be about 30 minutes until the food was ready which we said was absolutely fine. Sadly instead of having our order taken we were put on hold for 15 minutes instead. Having worked in restaurants in the past I'm well aware of the rushes so I figured the person who was going to take our order got busy. We called back. Got an answer immediately and were told that we could put in an order but to give them a minute. We sat on hold for another 20 minutes.

Not acceptable. If the restaurant is slammed and you're incapable of taking over the phone orders, you have a few options. Don't pick up the phone, turn the phone line off (common with other restaurants) or simply tell the person on the phone you aren't taking call in orders at this time.

If you go in person the service is solid, but don't try to...

4 ⭐️ breakfast joint. Was greeted with a smile upon entry by a friendly waitress. Immediately seated and made feel welcome immediately even though it was our first time here (5 yo daughter, grammy, and myself) Finally a restaurant with an awesome kids menu and plenty of options for adults. Normally when I see a variety of fare I'm very concerned... not the case here, daughter ordered the happy cakes. See photo. Grammy, a beautifully crafted spinach omelet. Being a creature of habit. Decided on the Denver omelet. All of which were carefully prepared and presented beautifully. Highly recommend the pantry as they truly care about their craft. About as "down home" of an environment I've seen thus far living on the central coast. Thank you for making our experience memorable. Can't wait to take my in laws from the Midwest. Show them California isn't all glitz and glam. Still hard working folks that care about what they...