Stopped by the Hamlet Ice Cream Parlor while walking around town and really enjoyed our visit…read more The shop has a lot of charm, from the unique windmill-style exterior to the cozy interior. The decor gives off an old-fashioned ice cream parlor feel that fits perfectly with the area and makes the experience a little more memorable. The staff was friendly and welcoming, happy to answer questions and help us decide on flavors. We ended up ordering the Sea Salt Cream & Cookies on a cone, and it was delicious. Creamy, rich, and balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Definitely one of those flavors you'll be thinking about long after you've finished it. If you're in Solvang and looking for a sweet treat, this is a great stop. Friendly service, charming atmosphere, and some really tasty ice cream. We'll definitely be back next time we're in town.

Delicious ice cream! The line moved quickly, there is…read moresitting outside & the fact that it is inside a windmill building is so cute! I got the salted chocolate chip and it was a perfect treat for a hot day, will be returning in the future!

Best coconut macaroon I've ever had in my LIFE!…read more Perfectly crispy nearly-caramelized edges, tons of coconut, inside almost like cake bc sooooo softttttt, they were really big too. Fave thing I got there, everything else just ok to me in comparison. Like, I cant even remember nor bother to care about anything but the macaroons. Really mad at myself for only getting one, next time will make room in my freezer and work freezer for these precious bites of heaven!!!

I had to wait at least 30 minutes but it was worth it…read more Apple strudel - 5/5 not too sweet, apples were fresh, I recommend this! Mocha waffle - 3.75/5 the cream in between was delicious but I found the waffle part a bit too sweet and sticky. The mocha flavor was nice. It was good but I would skip this next time.

Delicious coffee. Clean taste, not too strong, not too weak. Perfectly balanced. We got a latte and…read morea cappuccino, both delicious. Very reasonable prices as well. The gentleman there wad super nice. You can tell he enjoys making coffee. The space is very simple and calming. Nice seating outside on the patio as well. It is conveniently located right in the middle of town. They also sell their coffee with a choice of three different origins. Highly recommend!

Cute little coffee shop…read more Service is always very friendly. I love the variety of decaffeinated teas. The Jerusalem is my favorite. My husband loves their coffee. He's simple, drip coffee with cream. They have a variety of lattes and specialty coffee drinks and pastries. Since this is one of the only good coffee shops in town it can get crowded with a line out the door. Either get there early or wait for the morning rush to be over. We come about 3 times a year when we're in town, this is always one of our spots. Support local!

Sarah Bernhardts was the one bakery item I wanted to bring home but the ones at Danish Mill Bakery…read morelooked different than the last time I was there. Good thing I only bought two to try as it tasted different as well. Solvang Bakery came through with how they're supposed to be. Moist, not dry almond cookie topped with a chocolate ganache enrobed in more chocolate. So good, I bought 2 boxes of 6 to bring home and to share, lefse which I rarely see, and apple streudel even though our hotel had breakfast. Worth every bite and the service is excellent as they answered all our questions.

The Solvang Bakery was our last stop before heading out. During busy weekends this little shop is…read moreso crowded that we've avoided going inside. Today was a perfectly slow day that we found ourselves the only customers in the late afternoon. We were able to take our time browsing every shelf and display. The gingerbread houses were amazing. Everything looked so tasty, especially those Danish buttercookies beautifully boxed and wrapped with ribbon. I found myself going back to them until finally giving in to buying a couple to share with family. The type and shape of the buttercookies is slightly different in each box. A small bag is also available. Super-cute, bright, clean and organized. Friendly staff. I'm so glad we finally had a chance to visit.

Joy Café in Solvang isn't just a café--it's a living work of art. Owner Georgina is a luminous soul…read morewhose warmth and vision infuse every inch of this space. Step inside and you're wrapped in an atmosphere that feels both inspiring and comforting, where conversations flow easily, creativity is celebrated, and strangers quickly feel like friends. The menu is her love letter to the Santa Ynez Valley. Every ingredient is thoughtfully sourced from local farms, and each dish carries the unmistakable freshness of food prepared with care and intention. Between sips of perfectly crafted artisan coffee, you'll find your eyes wandering to the art on the walls--masterpieces from local talent, including Georgina herself, whose work radiates the same beauty and spirit as the café. Having traveled the world and experienced remarkable cafés, I can say without hesitation: Joy Café stands among the very best. It's a place where time slows, senses awaken, and you leave carrying something intangible--an imprint of its light and soul. If you know, you know.

The ambience here is wonderful. The decorations are intriguing and inspiring. There's a lovely…read morespace to sit outside under the umbrellas if you want or in the sun if you prefer, and they have clean and spacious restrooms and comfy couches, and chairs to sit on. Don't miss it because it's in the courtyard. Very yummy and organic coffee and if you wanna try something special, you can add an elixir.

After all our shopping, the husband was ready for a snack! The promise of aebleskivers and ice…read morecream kept him going up to this point. :) There was a short line when we arrived, and it moved fast. The young lady who helped us was very nice. Each order comes with 3 freshly made aebleskivers topped with powder sugar. We chose to have ours with the classic raspberry jam and sugar. We added two scoops of Cookies n' Cream in a cone. Just like a regular pancake, you can make it as sweet or simple as you like. I prefer to coat each bite with the tart jam and a side swipe of the sugar. The inside is warm, comforting and so good! The ice cream was perfectly creamy and yummy with the freshly made waffle cone. The store is small -- in just a couple steps you're in one door then out the other. Right outside are three tables and some benches. The tables turnover pretty quickly but get sticky/dirty throughout the day. Napkins are easily available at the inside counter.

The worker uponing recommendations relayed they had not tried any of the aebleskivehuset…read more Service was quick, these goodies were presentable. Storefront was clean. No complaints. Very dense.

A winery with relaxing outdoor grounds and delicious wine. Think of the perfect picnic spot nestled…read moreaway in the Santa Ynez hills. Viogner is their speciality, if you're a wine enthusiast. We enjoyed the following: Signature Flight - 5/5. $30 - A tasting consisting of 2 white and 3 red wines. Adobe Flight - 5/5. $30 - Similar to the signature flight, but focused on oak barrels rather than steel. Charcuterie Board - 5/5. $28 - Everything we dreamed of. More bread would've been great though. French Plate - 5/5. $8 - 3 savory and sweet tarts. Service was laid back and staff members were kind. We ended up signing up for their wine membership, which goes to show how much we loved this spot!

What a Hidden Gem! We recently had the pleasure of visiting Rideau Winery and it was an absolutely…read moreamazing experience from start to finish. In the heart of beautiful Solvang, the winery has picturesque grounds that are nothing short of breathtaking. The views of rolling vineyards especially during sunset provide the perfect backdrop for a relaxing day out. Whether you're sipping wine inside or strolling through the grounds, the scenery alone makes this place worth a visit. Speaking of wine, the selection here is top-notch. We tried the Signature tastings and ended up leaving with 3 bottles. Every glass was a delight and Scherina was so kind and knowledgeable. The wine is clearly crafted with care, and the staff is more than happy to help you find the perfect pairing to suit your tastes. But what really took this experience to the next level was the food! The lobster roll was out of this world, fresh, flavorful, and packed with lobster that had just the right amount of seasoning. If you're in the mood for something a bit more casual, the smash burger is a must-try. It's juicy, perfectly cooked, and served with a side and a side of chips. It went well with a red blend. The live music added to the overall vibe, creating a laid-back and fun atmosphere. It felt like the perfect soundtrack for an afternoon of good wine, great food, and fantastic company. All in all, Rideau Winery is a must-visit destination for anyone who enjoys great wine, delicious food, and an unforgettable atmosphere. Whether you're a seasoned wine connoisseur or just looking for a relaxing place to spend the day, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait to come back!