Mother Hubbard's Restaurant

Where the locals eat

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Locavore Dinner
"good ole eats "
have had breakfast and lunch there recently. great food, service was a little slow for breakfast but was much better for lunch. would suggest it for any meal if you are in the area.
 tom and sherry foster in Mission Hills, CA

"Quite Nice "
Sort of quaint and small townish. Service was quick and friendly though it was slowing down a bit by the time we left because of the crowd. If you're in Buellton on a weekend I'd recommend it, but you might want to get there early if it;s Sunday
Travis in Cambria, CA
 
"A nice find "
wonderful dinner the other night, nothing fancy but quite tasty and reasonable
by Anonymous
 
 
My folks and us want to thank you (Jon & Doniece) for a lovely Valentine's/Anniversary dinner
we had with ya'll. The roses you gave my mother and I really made our evening!
It was such a concentrate gesture!
We enjoy your establishment for it's friendliness and GREAT meals we always
enjoy sharing together. (At Mother Hubbards).
We may pass up the crowded holidays ahead, but will always return
to spend time enjoying your services ya'll give us every visit we share
with you.
Your favorite patrons:
Charles and Regina and Thomas and Malinda
Keep up the fantastic cooking! Malinda
 
 
Mary W.
Fountain Valley, CA
"Compliment"
02/11/2008 4 star rating
Breakfast this morning was excellent. Everything was prepared exactly as ordered and very ample portions. Our daughter's order of Mom's Favorite with blueberry pancakes, sausage patty and fruit was a hit. The bacon was a little overcooked and difficult to eat but the ham was great. They must use jumbo eggs as they were huge. The prices were less than Ellen's and the atmosphere about the same
 
 
Sarah F.
"Good ol' meat and potatos"
Buellton, CA
Compliment
5 star rating
My family and I are regulars here and love it. I love the selection and variety. The waitstaff is very friendly and attentive. With two kids under 5, we try to visit on the off-hours and I'm always pleased with the quality of the food. I usually get the Sante Fe chicken sandwich or the BLTA. The chili and cornbread are also very good!
 

Michael D.
Buellton, CA
4 star rating
Stopped back in after moving from the area and was really pleased, the menu is a bit broader then it was. Food was always good, but nothing you wouldn't find in a lot of other places but now it's got a nice addition of  sandwiches and onmelltes. It's busier now then it used to be but the service was friendly and quick. Best of all, even though I moved from Buellton around 5 years ago I still knew all of the waitresses - when's the last time that happened. Great place.
 
 
Richard K.
Hanging out in the south bay (LA) since 1979
Manhattan Beach, CA
Compliment
4 star rating
We come up to Buellton for the Harvest Wine Festival, and love to have breakfast here and Ellen's Pancake House.
This last trip up was especially good. The crowds were less than Ellen's and the food was better.
The only problem I have had is, we come with 8 or so people and they don't deal with that well.
 

"Down Home Feel"
By Jamie B.
My family just loves this restaurant!!! Everyone is like family, so friendly, it doesn't matter if they've known you for years or just met you. And the food is great, the Drunken Chicken is my fav for dinner.
 

 Sue
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[8] • Service:[7] • Atmosphere:[7]
Attentive service and great prices.
No wi-fi
“A local's place but I didn't feel like a stranger, waitress was attentive and helpful and when I had a question got the owner who was cooking . My dinner was quite good, I had the dinner special, a ribeye steak with a bourbon sauce that was perfectly cooked for under $12.00. Breakfast the next day was every bit as good it was served quickly and hot. I'd recommend the place to anyone who is looking for a good home style meal.”
 

Carl
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[8] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[7]
"Attentive service, attentive owner. "
A bit on the loud side, but might of just been due to how busy they were.
“Traveling with my family and found this locals' place, had a bit of a wait it being a Sunday morning and there being 7 of us in total but well worth it. The service was superb and attentive, the waitress seemed to go out of her way to make us feel welcome, our breakfasts arrived relatively quickly considering it was a full house, the children's portions were perfect and our omelet's were how shall I say this, more then adequate. The owner stopped by our table to see how everything was and it was obvious by the number of customers he knew that he's there a lot. Overall a great breakfast and easy to see why it's a local hang out.”
 
Richard from Culver City, CA
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[8] • Service:[9] • Atmosphere:[8]
"Helpful service and custom orders welcome. "
Not big on style, but who cares?
“This is my regular breakfast stop between Culver City and Monterey, when I leave early (3:00 am +/-) for the automobile weekend in August. Attentive service, food fresh and hot, and they are willing to make it the way you want it. The waitress offered an alternative that gave me the same meal for less. That's service. Someone said it's like your local favorite that's friendly to strangers. Well said!”
 
Jim from Santa Barbara
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[9] • Service:[8] • Atmosphere:[6]
"Incredible breakfast."
Waiting list at times.
“Visit it every time we go up to the valley, the food is excellent and the service quite good. A nice little place where you feel at home. It's not at all fancy but since I live in SB where things can be a bit on the pretentious side, I find the simpleness of it refreshing.”
 
 
Me and mine spent the weekend camping up at Lopez Lake last weekend. Even though we were in an RV, it is not alot of fun camping in the rain; everyone stays in doors. Those that do go outside bring more of the outdoors indoors when the come back.
Gail battled dishes and mud most of the weekend; she was beat. When we broke camp we decided to have lunch out on our way home (Lompoc). Mother Hubbards was the first place we thought of. Service is great and friendly. Great food too. After eating at Mother's we have NEVER said, "Wished we had gone somewhere else."
Irish CS
 
 
"Just Plain Great"
Our family was in Buellton for the weekend, we tried another place for dinner Friday night, and saw this place across the street. We had breakfast there Sat. morning and it was so good we went back for dinner that night and again for Sunday breakfast. Dinner was simple but delicious. On Sunday morning, I'd say you might want to get there early to avoid the wait
Gary
 
"A Hidden Gem"
A friend from the area took me here for breakfast on a Saturday. Nothing fancy, but I can see why there was a wait for a table. Everything was fresh and made to order, with the owner wandering from table to table. Servings were a bit on the large size, but the prices were more than reasonable, at least from an L.A. perspective
Mike
 
 
by LAURIE R
"Best Home Cooked Food on the Central Coast!: "
We have been going to Mother Hubbard's once a week for the past year.This is a family owned restaurant, and the service is spectacular. The food is always wonderful and the portions are extremely generous. There is always a daily special - try it, you won't be disappointed! If you like great food at an affordable price, this is your place.
 

"Yummie "
Posted by DebbieLe on 2008/02/29
"A great breakfast for me and the kidlets which I didn't have to cook."
Lots of food at a good price, and crayons for the kids so my hubbie and I had some peace and quiet after a long drive. Special thanks to the waitress who took a bit of time with our children who were tired and a little cranky.
 
EdSails Posted  Road Food Forum- 02/01 : 18:28:57
"In Buellton my place of choice for breakfast is Mother Hubbard's. "
It's right across the freeway from Pea Soup Anderson's. Unbeleivable biscuits and gravy with a wide selection of other breakfasts. Their house potatoes are excellent. Also-----one of the best cups of coffee I've found anyplace.
Mother Hubbards Restaurant
373 Avenue of the Flags Buellton, CA 93427.
Phone, 805.688.3912. 
 

JalamaMama on Chowhound Feb 23, 2008 03:39PM
re: sunnygordy
Ballard Inn has a tasting room open weekends only- and then you can stick around for dinner- for steaks I reccomend the Red Barn in Santa Ynez- nothing wrong with ***, but to me- it is a one trick pony with all out of town guests now. "Mother Hubbards in Buellton for a homecooked breakfast"
 
 
Wulf on Yelp.com
Ventura, Ca
5 star rating
7/9/08
"Too bad there aren't more stars to rate this place."
This is by far the best of the best ! An American hometown gem.
After a few tours overseas in " the sandbox" it was so nice to find a place where everything was so right. Always great service, excellent food and genuine feel to it- a sense of dropping in to visit friends- Thanks all- You really are the best!
Grateful,
Wulf 
 
 
7/20/09
I actually really enjoy going to Mother Hubbards and first heard about it through my now wife Ashley Loehr. Her and her parents dine there frequently and now I do as well. Ashley and I live right here in Buellton and just moved here so its very convenient for us now.
Honestly I have no complaints about the place. Everything Ive ate there has been great especially your three egg omlettes. That is by far my favorite! And service is top notch too. All the staff is very friendly and its nice how they treat you as if they know you.
Anyways, keep up the great work!
Thanks,
Justin

Alan F. on Yelp.com
Palm Desert, CA
5 star rating
07/10/2008
Popped into this place today on the way home from the beach and had a great breakfast. I ordered minced ham and eggs with home fries and a biscuit and everything was tasty and hot. Delicious homemade biscuits.

Very friendly staff.
 
 
 
To Jon and Doniece:

"I think you guys are fantastic!!!! and I am happy to have a neighborhood restaurant family such as you...."

Whether I am just getting off work from the hospital in the morning or in for lunch or dinner with my family(gotta get Steve and his girls in here, right Doniece??) we are always delighted with the service....Tell Scott I think he was a kick in the pants the other night when Karen Milner and I came in with her daughter Lindsey...he was really giving her the big brother attitude...we all had a good laugh...WE ALL FEEL "AT HOME" when dining with you.....
Keep up the good work!
A loyal fan,
Love to you all,
Nancy Michaud Mitchell
Amanda & Cody Mitchell
 
 
 

From Yelp

Love to Travel, Shop & Eat Out!

Palmdale, CA

Located directly across the street from Pea Soup Andersen's. I'm surprised this place isn't more popular. While Andersen's is packed, Mother Hubbard's booths are bare. If people only knew what they were missing.
They have an extensive menu, breakfast served all day. Dinner after 4pm, I believe. Their portions are plentiful, and some dishes are clearly marked being large servings.
Nice homestyle food. Nothing fancy. Homemade potato salad was the best I ever had. Seriously. Try the potato salad!
I had the ortega melt and my husband had the teriyaki burger.
See our pix for what our yummers looked like. The hubber substituted cheddar for the usual swiss.  
They have fresh desserts but I haven't tried them yet.
I highly recommend. Good service, nice clientele and prices are fair.

 
 

 
Jon,
Thanks for the note; I want to let you know how much I like Mother Hubbards:
-It's always friendly
-I like the decor
-Have brought many friends over the years (and they have returned on their own)
-I've gone through several "Frequent Diners" cards
-And the food is Great: my fav is Scott's Snack with a complete breakfast all hot and the cheese melted - Yummm
 
This trip allowed me to bring my Lady Teresa for her first time: her seafood omelet was Terrific!
 
We hope to be back soon,
Kim and Teresa

 

 


by ED from Canyon, CA
Jul 25, 2007

Our friends recommended it for breakfast while we were visiting them. We had tried another place last time we were in Buellton, and were not pleased with it at all. Our breakfast arrived quickly, and for a change we weren't overwhelmed by the size of it. I'm one of those who hate getting tons of food I won't eat, especially when it's a pile of potatoes. My omelette was on the large size, no complaint there, my wife's breakfast was just right a couple of eggs a nice slice of ham and some great biscuits which I helped myself to one of. Overall a really pleasant breakfast with good service  


by CC from Delano, CA
Apr 28, 2008
"A local favorite of mine"
A local secret found while traveling, excellent food and quick service, all at a very reasonable price
11/11/08
I really appreciate the gift and we brought 2 friends that
have never been in before for dinner with us tonight.
Jon, your Pecan crusted chicken breast was superb tonight!
We all enjoyed the special.  Thank you for your excellent
culinary workmanship!  We always enjoy our meals with you!
Also, thanks for having a back-up at the register of your e-mail birthday lists
 Melinda



Good Morning Jon,

 

 What a surprise to get an E-Mail from a restaurant owner Thanking us for eating @ their Rest. We have not gone to Mother Hubbards for a long time, because we didn't like the food. Poor quality. We are locals & would go for dinner a few times & were disappointed so we quit going.

But we decided to go for Breakfast. Wow it was Great. Really enjoyed the food. Loved  (your)Jon's French Toast ( just add a few raisins)& my husbands Ham was thick & tender. So we will cont' to come back.

 

See ya soon & Thanks for E-Mail

 

Debra and Phill 

 

 

 

Helen C

Brentwood, CA

3 star rating
"This place is exactly what it looks like it would be "-- a notch above diner food that does simple fare well enough.  The service is friendly, the prices are frankly dirt cheap for the amount of food you get (which is not bad at all) and you're not surrounded by a bunch of out-of-towners which is always nice.
 
 

Posted by Adam_from_SM on 02/13/2009

"Got to say, this little hole in the wall place puts out a great breakfast." My wife and I were traveling to San Diego and got off in Buellton for breakfast. We saw this place across the street from where we were going and decided to try it. It was mid-week but it was fairly busy which we took as a good sign figuring it would be mostly local residents there. Service was friendly and quick and our omletes were both perfectly cooked. If you're not on a diet, order the biscuits and gravy, I managed to sneak a bite while my wife wasn't looking. If you're gong there, stay to the right; I wouldn't recommend walking across the street like we did, it's wide and was pretty busy



 

Buellton, CA

5 star rating
11/9/2008

A TOP NOTCH RESTAURANT

Now when I read a review about Mother Hubbard's that says, "Worst ever" and other nasty remarks, I know that someone's got an irritable bowel or perhaps some other disorder.  I have eaten many meals at Mother Hubbard's, many, and never, never had a complaint.  

For one thing, the Chef makes the best damn soup of any restaurant within 73 1/2 miles, including the pea soup across the street at Pea Soup Andersen's.  He makes more kinds of absolutely delicious and flavorful soups than I have ever had in my life, and my mother was quite inventive during the Depression. She made everything into one soup or another in order to save pennies, and that's not dollars, but pennies.

The pork chops are excellant.  Even the liver, which I hated as a kid, and my sister gagged on. No matter what it is, is top rated and for the lowest price in the Valley.  Where this babe ate for that lousey paragraph, I don't know, but if she wasn't high on something, then she wasn't in Mother Hubbard's.  Potatoes?  Again, tops, whether fried, mashed, boiled or baked.  Rubbery chicken?  C'mon, the guys a Chef who could work in top rated restaurants, but he likes being his own boss.  Hell, I've walked in ten minutes to closing and got the same quality food as if he had all night to prepare it.

Breakfast?  As good as any place in town.  If you are a trucker, that's where you should stop, except there isn't any place to park your rig.  The atmosphere is more like the ranch, but what the hell, you aren't paying $20 to $30 for a meal.  The waitresses are always pleasant, even if you open the door just before closing.  And, I don't like "waitstaff" as that's total BS to me.  Ask them to crisp the bacon and by God, it comes to yiou crisp (except once).  

The cat that hangs around outside does not belong to them, but he likes a nice pat on the head, but don't let him in the door.  Don't pat the Chef's head 'cause his wife gets upset.  Oh, maybe that review came from someone who was fired for not serving the customers right.  The lemonade is tart, but damned good.  The cakes and pies are homemade.  What else?  Just try it.  The only loser is the one who writes a bad review, because she's missing many good meals by not going back.

Now I'm checking "cheap" for price down below, but that $10 per person sounds more like Wendy's or Burger King, not quite realistic.  But can you eat there for less than ten bucks, YES.

For the price, for the food, and for the pleasant people working there, I'd say a good 5 stars.  You want luxury, go somewhere else and pay for it.

Howard E. Morseburg

 

 

 

 Great Food - Ambiance- Price  - Tboykins? - Apr 1, 2009

Visited this restaurant for the first time on 3/29/09 for breakfast; the day after riding the Planet Ultra Solvang Double Century. Friendly and attentive customer service beginning immediately upon entering the front door. Menu includes different specials, ala carte, and entrees. True bacon-lovers come-one, come-all; thick crispy slices of "poke;" none of that sissy-turkey bacon! Fresh biscuits, belgian waffles, french toast all excellent. One meal here, is enough food for an entire day. Not a tourist-trap establishment; if you need that then Andersons's Split Pea is directly across the street. Convenient location off the 101 FWY at Hwy 246. 

 

La Verne, CA

4 star rating
2/11/2009

I disagree with the first reviewer cheryl K.  My wife and I always stop here for lunch on our way from Los Angeles to Morro Bay. Great Food, Locals type of place. not like the place across the street (Pea Soup Andersons) they are always very busy, but at Mother Hubbards you can relax with friends and have some food without alot of  "Noise". We also like the fact that up the street and on a side street is the local thrift store. If you are into thrift stores, that's a good place to visit after visiting Mother Hubbard's

 

Serious Food

Well maybe it's not serious food, but it certainly is good. We had dinner and breakfast there last weekend while participating in the Century Ride, dinner was quick and good, since we were loading on carbs all I can say is the spaghetti was good that's what we all had. Went back Sunday morning for breakfast and it was really good, good sized portions, hash browns were really crisp which is how I like them and the omelette huge. BTW,the waitress was cute and funny. When we're back there for next years race, we'll be going back.

Posted by Chris
 
Thanks for your e-mail expressing your concern for your customer
relations and satisfaction. I, with a group of five others have met for
breakfast at Mother Hubbards for about five years,
taking advantage of your early-bird specials. Your waitress' Lena and
Annika have always provided excellent service and always with an
attitude that they care and enjoy doing their job.
It makes breakfast out a pleasure. I would say that's great !!

thanks, h
 
 
Jon,
        Whenever our family and extended family travel south from Morro Bay, we always stop our caravan at Mother Hubbards.  The food is delicious, the service is top-notch and friendly, and the prices are reasonable.  We appreciate your hospitality, and we will be by soon
 Bruce
 

Hey Jon,
Thanks for the response. A group of us men meet at your restaurant once a
week on Wednesday mornings. We love the place and thank you and your staff
for great service and great food. Many times when my daughter and I go out
for lunch, we usually end up there also. .
Thanks again and best wishes,
 Al
 
 
6/24/09
We are local folks from Lompoc, lived here since '88 and we love your homemade food, especially love the soups, country fried chicken and your breakfasts are terrific.  Every time we come we are greeted in a very friendly manner (we notice and definatly appreciate good customer service. 
Also, whenever anyone comes to town (our LA and Orange County friends) we always recommend your place.
No complaints here!
 
Thanks for your well cooked food!
 
Virginia and Ken




Gary G

Marina del Rey, CA

8/17/2009
5 Star from Yelp.com

My new favorite for breakfast in the area.  Clean, relaxing atmosphere, very good food.  Excellent service.  Sausage tasted local/fresh.  Burgers looked great.  Pancakes looked exceptional.  Lots of stuff here that is better than usual.


9/2/09
From Yelp.com
Sarah
Solvang, Ca
5 Stars

This place is such a find. Went there with my in-laws and husband for lunch on Saturday and it was so good, we went for breakfast the next morning!
The turkey in their sandwiches is freshly sliced, no deli or pressed meat here. The Turkey basil was AMAZING! Husband had the pastrami on rye, very good. The potato salad is really good, has bacon and eggs in it.
Breakfast was excellent as well, had the belgium waffle, bacon and eggs. Very good hot chocolate and you get a refill! The guys had the Wrangler special with steak, eggs, hashbrowns, biscuits, a lot of food!
Service is great,. all the girls have been there awhile, know the people they are serving, and if they don;t know you they try to get to know you.
Overall an A+. Will come back again and again, would recommend to everyone!




Four Stars from Yelp
Joe B
10/23
I stopped here for breakfast after leaving my friend in Santa Barbara early to get up the coast before afternoon traffic in the Bay hits.  Solvang/Buellton is a perfect spot to grub up before a trip north or just wine tasting, and the Yelp iPhone app -the best tech traveling companion - found Mother Hubbard's.

Good food, fast service, all the coffee you need.  I had the Montecito omelet - yeah, named after the frou-frou part of SB - sundried tomato, feta, spinach - with a little added avocado.  Hash browns.  A fine breakfast to start out the drive up the coast.  And did I mention the delicious buttermilk biscuits?
Mmm, biscuits.



8/19/09

I love your restuarant is the best as far as a good home cooked meal. Your resturant is far and few good places to eat out at, and also the cost of your good meals. We live in Santa Barbara and drive up there a least 1 to 2 a week to eat at Mother Hubbards. Even though it takes us at least a good 25 minutes to arrive there is well with it. My husband and I love your chicken fried steak "ITS THE BEST". 
 
Thanks,
Christina


9/09
Carla
What can I say except this little spot took 10 of us on a Saturday morning with no advance notice. We waited a bit till they could get the tables moved around to seat us, it was pretty busy. Our food came quickly and was served by a gracious young lady who quickly corrected the one small problem with one of our parties toast.


Terry from Lompoc
Overall Rating: 8
Food:[9] • Service:[10] • Atmosphere:[6]
  • Nice and friendly with good food, owner seems to be there a lot.
  • Parking a little tight.

“We moved to Lompoc a few months ago and hadn't found a good breakfast place, one of my co-workers told me that she and her husband go over every Sunday morning for breakfast and invited us to join them. We went last Sunday and found our new place. One of the best breakfasts I'd had in years and great service The waitress knew my friends and what they wanted which I thought was real nice. The menu was larger then I expected so it took us a bit of time to order and even though it was pretty crowded out breakfast came out pretty quick, and we never had to wait for our coffee to be refilled. We left with full tummies and my husbands wallet wasn't too depleted.”






Review by: Anonymous Breakfast Lover on 12/28/2009

Overall Rating:

Coffee Refill Rating:

Expense Rating:


It's a hole in the wall sort of place filled with locals who don't make you feel unwelcome. Homemade biscuits and killer home made corned beef hash, okay they are my favorite things for breakfast and the biscuits weren't from a bag nor the hash from a can. Saw some nice omelets go by, but for me

mmmmmmmmmmmmm

hash

Award Nomination: Best Bargin Breakfast






good food without breaking the bank
OC-Family-of-4   9 contributions
Orange County, CA
Dec 29, 2009

We were staying in Solvang for a couple of nights and were concerned with the "not so good reviews" of local restaurants plus we didn't want to spend a small fortune for dinner. We looked at this site and others and decided to try this restaurant. We were not disappointed. It had a nice local feel with good food quality and good sized portions. I had the meatloaf, my wife the pork chops, one child the spaghetti, and the other the fried chicken. All were flavorful and prepared well. The food came out promptly, was hot, and the service was attentive. If you are looking for a non-touristy local restaurant with good quality food and service, then this is a good choice.



Delicious food, new recipes at 3 p.m.


Staidthere   225 contributions
Jakarta, Indonesia
Dec 24, 2009

We found Mother Hubbard's by accident because we wanted to eat at a place where we could keep an eye on our car (loaded with suitcases) while eating. What a delightful find! I found the peanut butter milkshake was delicious and regretted that I could not try the blueberry milkshake. We tried the curry and sweet potato soup and found it novel and delicious. We tried the Santa Barbara sandwich, a croissant with moist chicken Swiss cheest, avocados, and sprouts. Wow! That was novel and delicous, too. We had just intended to have a light meal, but we could not resist asking about pies. It turned out they had developed a new dessert, flutas, which were two appie pie stuffings wrapped in enchiladas and quickly deep fried, drizzled with caramel sauce and ice cream on the side. There were so many offerings on the menu that we didn't try, so we'll be back whenever we pass through Buellton. The bill for our lunch was $22--a bargain considering what we have paid at other restaurants for food that is same-o, same-o. We suggested that the owners publish a book of recipes for their numerous new creations, and the lady said she could add anecdotes about the customers and staff over the last few decades. She said that about 85% of the customers are locals. No wonder. They know where the good deals are in Buellton.



Jennifer
Undercover, non-profit food critic Yelp.com

Solvang, CA
2/2/2010

At least once a week, you can find us at Mother Hubbard's. Whether it's with the entire family (grandparents, parents, and kids) or just my daughter and I, we always know that we will be greeted by wonderful people serving delicious, home-cooked meals made with love. From the cook, to the bus person, to the owner who you can often find chatting with her patrons, everyone is friendly, makes each customer feel welcome, and seems to truly enjoy working there. It's like going to your mom's to eat, except you don't have to do the dishes afterwards!

Throughout our visits, we have sampled almost everything on their menu; however, it is impossible to choose a favorite dish because each is so delectable and distinctive. Depending on what mood I'm in, I can go in and have either prime rib or pancakes for dinner. Everyone is treated like family and it is obvious that each plate is made and presented with care.

The Sunday breakfast specials are amazing and sell out quickly...so no sleeping in on Sunday! I recently had the Crème Brulee French Toast which I am sure they serve in Heaven. The dinner specials are wonderful, too, as well as all of the regular menu items. One touch that is a favorite of mine is that many of the menu items are named after the owner's family members. This is yet another example of how Mother Hubbard's is focused on the feeling of family.

I also love receiving the monthly emails from the owners, who always include the upcoming specials, as well as a recipe from popular dishes served at Mother Hubbard's (but I'd much rather go there than to make it myself!). The atmosphere is casual and homey, yet the meals have a touch of gourmet to them...but not to the point to where you feel you have to be part of the "It Crowd" just to eat there. The prices are amazingly low in comparison to the quality and quantity of food you get. And did I mention the desserts? Luscious! On more than one occasion, I have taken a moment out of my hectic schedule to pick up a slice of lemon meringue pie to go.

Most importantly, though, is that the owners do so many good things for the community that go unnoticed. They host dinners for non-profit groups, help people in need, and are now starting a new program focused on serving locally-produced meals.

I cannot think of a more comfortable, welcoming restaurant in the Valley that I enjoy more than Mother Hubbard's. I always leave feeling loved, well-fed, and planning how soon I can return again.






James W

Yelp

Laguna Hills, CA
2/6/2010

Worth far more than double the price--a breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner restaurant

My wife and I bumped into Mother Hubbard's by accident, and we considered it a popularly undiscovered nugget with 85 per cent of the customers being locals.  We had stopped for a late afternoon snack, and we wound up ordering more and more novel, delicious, and economical dishes.  We were not surprised when we checked Yelp and found enthusiastic and almost cult-like praise from so many members.  Mother Hubbard  prepares to the standard of highly-rated $30 a plate restaurants, but they charge less than a quarter of the price.  What's the secret of an economical restaurant that offers friendliness of the wait staff, inventiveness, and reliably high quality preparation from the kitchen?  We think it's because everyone enjoys what he's doing, including the cook who could probably supervise in more expensive restaurants if he wanted to, but he prefers to do his own cooking. 

We enjoyed talking with the waitress who described all of the experimenting needed to create new flavored milkshakes and desserts.  We regretted having to leave without sampling all of the new interesting dishes on the menu that caught our eye.




Melissa L

Yelp

San Luis Obispo, CA
1/11/2010 2 photos


We stopped here on the way down to Los Angeles during the holidays. Breakfast was amazing.
I ordered the french toast breakfast, that comes with two eggs, and a sausage patty! The patties are increasingly hard to find as more places switch to links only, so I was pleasantly surprised when I got my plate and it had the patty on it.
I ordered a side of hash browns, since the meal doesn't come with any, and it was so great.
You get a choice of toast or biscuits and gravy.
We all got a ton of food.
This place is across from Pea Soup Andersons, where we almost went to eat, but I too saw good Yelp Reviews for here, and we wanted more of a diner experience anyways. So thank you fellow yelpers for giving my family another awesome place to stop.

The interior is much larger than it appears on the outside, and there are window booths, or tables if you prefer. They have books and board games for people to play. The decor is pretty old fashioned and looks like an old homey diner, because it is.
This is not a fancy place, but if you want old fashioned farmstyle diner food, eat here!

Our waitress was awesome. she was friendly and on the ball without being obnoxious about asking if we needed anything. She let us enjoy our food and talk, but we felt taken care of at the same time. It's a hard balance to achieve, so we appreciated it.

You can sit and eat here without feeling rushed or like you are a nuisance, which is really nice.
Stop here for a bite to eat if you're traveling or if you're in the area and want a good old fashioned leisurely breakfast. They also have lunch and dinner, and the specials we saw listed all sounded really good.





Trevor T
Yelp Elite

Wastin' away again..............

Colorado Springs, CO

2/21/2010

What a great find! Saw this as I was heading out on a motorcycle ride and decided to stop in and fill my belly. It's in a little strip of shops right off Ave of Flags.

Service was friendly and quick. They had just added a new breakfast item to the menu called The Mess, so I decided to order it. The Mess features eggs scrambled with green & red peppers, onions, hash browns, ham and cheddar cheese. It was really good. For my side I asked for their biscuits, which came out fluffy and buttery.



Sam M
Yelp
Buellton, Ca
2/28/2010

We love this place!  We eat dinner here at least once a week.  The staff is friendly and helpful.  The food is good home style cooking and the menu features a good variety of choices.
Breakfast is also very good.  Their corned beef hash is home made and delicious!



Christina C

Yelp

Five Stars

3/17/2010

After a full day of exploring Solvang while half of our group biked in the Solvang Half Century, we were super excited to have some prime rib, meat loaf, or chicken fried steak.
The food is delicious, home cooked yumminess but it's the amazing prices and service that gets this place 5 stars from me! They were so sweet and welcoming to us.  We can still hardly believe the prime rib dinner was only $13.50. It came with a salad or soup, choice of potato or rice, vegetables and a soft, moist dinner roll. They usually only have this on Friday nights but if you can get enough people to order it, they might make it special for you.
Hopefully we can make coming back here an annual tradition. We heard there's another big group who comes to dine here every year after the Solvang Century/Half Century.


Cheryl K

Yelp

Fair Oaks

After placing a not-so-hot  (and by not-so-hot I mean terrible) review of this restaurant a couple of years back, the owner was nice enough to respond to me and offer a free meal just to give his restaurant a second chance.  Well, I don't come through Buellton too often, but felt that a freebie might keep me from being honest and I whoosed out by not accepting or responding to his kind invite.  :(
Okay, fast forward a year or two and picture myself dragged by friends to give it another go.  Totally changed my opinion.  Way to go Mother H!!!  Very friendly staff, pleasant and may I be so bold as to say helpful?  Food was pretty good, prices were pretty good and the company was pretty good!  I'm still not crazy about the name, however, because the way I remember it,  Old Mother Hubbard's cupboard was bare!


3/27/10

Ron and I have been coming to your place for about 6 months now. We live in Lompoc but just decided one day to try your restaurant.  Not only is your food awesome at a reasonable price but more than that is your wife and the staff you have working there. TOP NOTCH all the way!!! We were made to feel welcomed, it was such a nice feeling that we decided to KEEP coming back as we can because it is VERY hard to find both EXCELLENT food and service in one place and you have both.  We have told all our friends as well and a few have visited you as a result so word of mouth does work. We were in the other night and the waitresses remembered us which made us feel special and the people there are so very friendly. Don't change a thing!!!!
We will continue to frequent your diner and spread the good word of your restaurant.
Thank you for being there and the good business.
Diane and Ron


3/31/2010
Terry T
I took my friend to dinner there and we both enjoyed it very much. She is a very picky eater and she raved about the fresh salad and the Jack Daniel’s steak and veggies al dente were wonderful. We had to control ourselves from eating everything on our plate and got to go cartons so we wouldn’t be overly stuffed. I had my leftovers the next night and sent my mental blessings your way for a fantastic primary and secondary meal. We will be back




3/29

I have been a long-term fan of your restaurant and am still thrilled to come and enjoy its great food and cozy atmosphere when I get a chance. My favorite is your Harbormaster (tuna-melt) sandwich. You have one of these last wonderfully family-oriented places where, even when I don't get a chance to come in as often as when I still lived in Buellton, I'm sure to be greeted as a local and helped with a smile.

Big compliments to you, the other owners and staff of Mother Hubbards, for exuding consistently heart-felt friendliness and for serving wonderful meals that melt away all tiredness after a day of hard work. Keep up the great work and don't change anything.
Katja Elk


"Excellent!" by
Eileen
March 28, 2010 - Likes it - A surprisingly sophisticated menu for a small town, locally owned, eat here every day restaurant! I have occasion to visit Buellton for a week or two at a time, and on my first trip discovered this gem. Food is prepared fresh and well, the variety is great, the staff makes you feel at home, can't beat it! Wish I had them in my home town!!


"Good food and friendly staff" by
Zekesgirl
March 09, 2010 - Likes it - Mother Hubbard's is always good for the food and the staff. The owner and her son are always so friendly and have even pulled up a chair to chat with us for a bit. The food is always tasty and the prices are very reasonable. Give this one a try, you won't be disappointed.


B Crocker
4/11
The wait at AJ Spurs was too long so we went searching for an alternative and are we glad we did.  Our burgers were great!  We will dine with MH every time we come to Solvang from So. Cal.





Liz S from Yelp

Redondo Beach, CA

Five Star

5/15/2010

We were in the area for the Vintner's Festival and decided to forgo our usual Solvang haunts and went to Mother Hubbard's instead.  Everything is fresh and really fantastic!  We started with the biscuits and gravy and I can truly say I've found my new favorite spot in the area.  The omelet I had was the perfect combination of spicy and savory and I can't wait to go back there again soon.






John H from Yelp

Huntington Beach, CA

Four Star

5/16/2010

This is a breakfast review.
The short...this place is a slightly more gourmet diner than normal and has probably the best breakfast in the area.
They have typical diner food with lots of mixed "scrambles" for breakfast.  My favorite is the Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs, which is better than average.  The steak is kinda small, but the potatoes are decent and the biscuits are worth having. 
One bonus, they claim to make everything themselves, meaning little to no canned or frozen products.  Some are hard to tell the difference, but others are noticeable and appreciated.




Jon, 
Thanks to you and your staff for providing such a home town freindly atmosphere. My favorite bike ride is the Lompoc Valley Bike Club'ss Mother Hubbards Friday ride. We are always greated with a warm & friendly attitude.
Thank You!    
Sent from Mark Smith's
On Apr 10, 2010, at 9:38 AM,


Hey Jon, 
Thanks for the email. I live in Lompoc and try to make it out at least once a month for breakfast.... Love the place ever since you fed us when I was on the Hot shots. We were on the Nojoqui Fire and had breakfast there, was awesome. I heard that you were in the SB news press, no surprise there gratz on that. Your place reminds me of my grandfather diner back in Northeast Pennsylvania. Not too many of those around. I worked many years for him, starting as dishwasher, to short order cook, then to reliving him on weekends so he could go socialize with his regulars.
Take care ! 
Rich




We just happened to be looking for a good restaurant, after spending the day in Solvang. We loved your restaurant’s name and hoped we’d find some delicious home cooked food. We were not disappointed. Your restaurant, and especially your waitress (I think her name was Joni—Tim’s wife), were just what we were hoping for. Thank you for your obvious emphasis on quality, hospitality, and service. We will definitely be back when we are back in Buellton.
Happy folks from Goleta,
Bridget Lewin
4/3/10






Review 1 of 3 – provided by YellowPages.com

Home cookin' at a good price!

I have lived in the Santa Ynez Valley for some 12 years, and we often go to Mother Hubbards in Buellton. Why? Because besides being a warm and welcoming place, even the soups are homemade, as are their biscuits, gravies--actually everything I've ever tried there. Breakfasts are amazing and served any time; their homemade corned beef hash with an egg on top is one of my favorites. They'll even take "adjustments" to menu items. There are some desserts to die for, too. Try the hot apple strudel, or other yummy creations, so be sure to ask what's available. I think the economy's slump has definitely trickled down to the grass roots, and I've noticed shorter-staffing everywhere!! At least the service at Mother Hubbards is consistently good and cheerful. I enjoy their monthly email newsletter, which alerts you to specials and new dishes, plus newsy tidbits. Today is my birthday, and I had put my name on their birthday list. Wow! I got an email for a free dinner! I highly recommend this family-owned, cozy restaurant. Mother Hubbards is right across the street from the huge and bustling Pea Soup Anderson's, which is just average good diner type fare. They have a large and exciting gift shop that is worth visiting, but their terrific pea soup can be bought there in cans, so no need to eat there. I'm reminded of an old adage for travelers that fits Mother Hubbards: "If the locals eat there, that's where the good food is." Need I say more?


From Roadfood.com
Ed Sails

I had remembered seeing a place in Buellton (home of the "Hitching Post"). and thought to try it. First note---------closest parking was a block away, just past a few CHP patrol cars. Always a good sign! Coffee was excellent-------first time in a long time I've had coffee that I didn't feel was made with too much water and not enough coffee. I didn't even hesitate------ordered the Chicken Fried Steak and Eggs. It came with home fries (excellent) AND biscuits and gravy. I have to say-----their gravy is about the best I've ever had. The portion was large enough to easily feed two. Plus, the biscuits were kight and fluffy----had one with gravy and the other jelly------coulod not decide which way I liked it best. On the way out, saw a sign for the day's special-----Pork chops with Jack Daniel's Sauce. Ah, if I were only going to be there later........they are open for lunch and dinner too. Highly recommended!


6/8/10
My husband and I "found" MH,  MANY years ago when we were on our way North.  When he died a couple of years ago, our oldest daughter and I started driving up to Solvang and Buellton once a month for a quick time away and tried MH, again.  She had your Club Sandwich, declaring it "The best Club she's EVER had," and I zeroed in on your bacon and eggs.  I've always enjoyed them, (for this is the only time I indulge!) but, with the addition of your SUPER brown toast, it has become my "forever" favorite!  In addition, your very special waitresses
are a delight.  All in all--a joyful experience.
 
Bev and 'Tricia Thanos


Hands down BEST omelettes around!

by SBCCFan at Citysearch

2/10/10
If you're heading to the wine country (or the casino) you should take a short detour to Mother Hubbard's and try one of their omelettes. They are light, fluffy and delectable.

The owner/chef clearly takes great pride in what he serves and you can taste it! In these days of chain restauarants and strip malls, it is good to have a nice, friendly relaxing place to enjoy some close-to-homemade cooking! (I can't really speak about the rest of their menu because my family and I always order omelettes, but I have no doubt that everything is YUMMY!)

  • Pros: Small, independent restaurant with friendly staff



Locovore 3


Our Very Best Review Ever
Earl's Review



WOW! World-class dining with all local food and great intro's to each course by the owner. The ABC and Tre Anelli wines (and the nasturtium beer too) were perfectly paired with the meal. I really appreciate being a part of the June 19 diner because my friend Louise bought me a tix for my birthday. Sign me up for the next one!! I'll bring friends. Thanks for doing this, creating more awareness of our local food & wine purveyors! Need olive oil or anything on my product list next time--you got it!!

Warm regards, Theo





KK

6/21/2010
Five Star from Yelp

After a day of wine tasting in the Santa Ynez Valley, we went to Mother Hubbard's for their Locavore Dinner. We only stumbled on this by chance while looking at the websites of local restaurants... once reading how the previous two dinners had gone, we knew this was something we didn't want to miss.

Located in a quiet and unassuming storefront, the restaurant was warm and welcoming, as was the staff. We were quickly seated and our hostess explained how the evening would proceed. There were delicious starters out for everyone to sample prior to the formal start of the dinner at 6pm.

The salad (with Doniece's homemade bacon) was great, the roast pork delicious, purple potatoes were both eye catching and tasty, and the ice cream was a nice touch to wrap it up. We appreciated the good service, the background and explanations of where the food came from, and look forward to more Locavore Dinners soon!




Jessica

6/20/2010

Five Star from Yelp

AWESOME LOCAVORE DINNER!

I have only visited this restaurant once, for their locavore dinner on Saturday June 19th, 2010, and I was blown away!! All of the food was from within 50 miles "as the crow flies", and it was planned and prepared perfectly. Doniece (A.K.A Mother Hubbard), John and their staff were excited and welcoming. My family and I are out-of-towners, but we felt included in a warm community here, sharing together in the joy of not only GOOD food, but food grown and raised right here!  Although events like this tend to be geared toward total foodies, it was ANYTHING but snooty.

We started off with the Devilled Eggs. In my opinion, these are the only devilled eggs I've ever tasted that rival the deliciousness of my husband's recipe! :-) That said, I was stoked when John gave us a few of the leftover eggs to take home and savor the next day!


Salad was a fresh pasta salad, hand made by ladies who grow wheat in the area. Among other flavors and dressing, the salad was topped with bacon that Doniece and John made. um. WOW.


Main course was pork leg--I usually am not fond of pork but I absolutely LOVED THIS DISH!! It was seasoned to perfection. Paired with it were purple potatoes with caramelized onions, and delicious marinated zucchini. OMG. I am going to have to email Doniece for those recipes!! Absolutely everything on the place was delectible.  

For dessert we enjoyed a dollop of cherimoya ice cream (wow!) with strawberries, a raspberry and mint. Luckily it was a small amount of dessert because the dinner portion was pretty huge!

The quality and freshness of the food, and the obvious passion that the staff have for sharing this food, was well worth the $50/plate (wine and tax included).  

We will be back for the next locavore dinner in August, and we will bring friends!




Dena
7/3/2010
4 Star from Yelp

~it's official, I'm joining the Mother Hubbard band wagon...seriously, I had the best scrambled eggs I've ever had in my life...the waitress confirmed that they were fresh from a local farm...and since my hubby and I always share, I took a stab at his omelet...yep, the bestest, freshest veggie/feta omlette ever..."outrageous" was his exact word...and then I had a couple pancakes that were good, not as impressive as the eggs, but good!  We got pretty chatty with our waitress to introduced us to their Locavore events - we even joined the birthday club:)...very family friendly - everybody knows your name type of place...we'll be back!