Not so much for the vegetarians

About a month ago I went wine tasting with 2 fabulous fellows up in the Sideways region - Los Olivos / Buellton / Solvang. After hitting up 4 or 5 wineries, putting something non-liquid in our bellies seemed like a good idea. We had the official Sideways wine region map, which also included some of the restaurants in the movie. We really wanted to try the Hitching Post II in Buellton. Unfortunately it was 3pm and the HP II doesn't open until 4pm on Sundays. Next door to the HP II was the carnivorous wonderland called AJ Spurs. Here's the thing, animal protection rights people, don't even bother walking in the door to AJ Spurs. The pioneer/log cabin/hunting thing they've got going on in the decor outside doesn't hold a candle to the actual weapons and dead stuffed animals (not the cuddly ones - the ones that were formerly actual animals) inside. When you're seated - and they know you're actually going to order some food, they bring you the free appetizer. Not bread and butter, not some fresh veggies - a crock of beef stew for the whole table. That's when we knew this place meant business when it came to eating.
As soon as you open the menu, it's confirmed that this isn't a spot for a light afternoon snack before supper. Everything on the menu is an entree. The only salad option is a Chicken Caesar. I mean, the ONLY one. If you're a vegetarian, you're ordering sides - and all of them will be in oil, butter, salt or some combination thereof. Everything else is carnivore entree city.
As their menu so eloquently puts it, here's what you get when you order a meal:
"All dinners include: A.J.'s hearty vaquero soup, salsa, tequila beans, rice pilaf, garden salad, A.J. spuds, sourdough garlic bread, an old-fashioned root beer float or after dinner liquer. (Tortillas on request only)"
So you're eating, people. Serious eating. A freaking root beer float as part of your meal?!? Genius.
Now, I'll be honest, my stomach wasn't totally prepared for the task and I felt not-so-great in the car on the way back. But I'm pretty sure the wine tastings - probably adding up to a whole bottle in my tummy - weren't the best stomach coater pre-feast at Mr. Spurs.
So when you're up in the area and ready for a Meal with a capital M, go AJ Spurs and go all the way.
And say hi to the stuff polar bear for me. I named him Winston.