Ojai Deer Lodge

Most restaurants that look like hunting lodges have some giveaway that they’re not actually hunting lodges - a vegetarian burger, or the fact that they're located in the middle of a large metropolitan area. But Ojai Deer Lodge is the real deal. It’s up the hill in Meiners Oaks, just outside of Ojai proper, and is the most fun place in Ojai to drink a bit too much after a hike. There’s a fantastic beer selection, solid cocktails, and live music most nights. The food is good enough to serve its purpose - get the tri-tip nachos - but the best time to come is on the weekends, when there’s a smoker out front, and they’re serving pulled pork, ribs, and tri-tip sandwiches.