If your idea of a good time involves smoky oak-grilled steaks and sides that could be meals on their own, then you need to check out Jocko’s Steakhouse in Nipomo. It’s not in Orcutt, but trust us—it’s worth the 15-minute drive north for what might just be the best Spencer steak of your life.
A Quick Look at the Location and Hours
Jocko’s is located at 125 N. Thompson Ave., Nipomo, CA 93444, and they keep their grills hot for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Here are their hours:
- Monday–Friday: 4 PM – 9 PM
- Saturday & Sunday: 1 PM – 9 PM
They’re closed on major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas; otherwise, you can count on them to satisfy your steak cravings.
What Makes Jocko’s Special?
Jocko’s is all about meat—big cuts, grilled to perfection over red oak coals. This Santa Maria-style barbecue method gives their steaks a smoky flavor that’s hard to beat. The vibe? Think old-school ranch meets family-friendly dining. The decor might be simple (cinderblock walls, taxidermy in the bar), but the food steals the show.
The menu is packed with options for carnivores: filet mignon, rib-eye (aka Spencer steak), New York strip, top sirloin, pork chops, lamb chops—you name it. Jocko’s has probably perfected it if grilled over an open flame.
The Full Experience
When you sit down for dinner at Jocko’s, you’re not just ordering a steak—you’re signing up for a full-on feast. Meals come with everything you’d expect and more:
- A relish tray featuring pickles, olives, celery sticks, and other munchies
- A crisp iceberg salad with house-made dressings (ranch or Thousand Island are crowd favorites)
- Your choice of potato—go for the baked spud if you want to do it right
- Garlic bread that’s perfect for soaking up any leftover juices
- House-made beans and salsa
- And yes, dessert and coffee are included too!
The portions here are no joke. Even their “small” steaks are massive by most standards. Those with a hearty appetite (or a competitive streak) can upgrade to extra-thick cuts for just $10 more.
What to Order
If you’re overwhelmed by the choices (understandable), let me help narrow it down:
- Spencer Steak (Rib-Eye): Their signature cut is juicy, flavorful, and cooked just as you like. The “small” is already huge; the “large” could probably feed two people.
- Top Sirloin: Dense and meaty with just the right amount of chew.
- Pork Chops: Tender and smoky with a hint of sweetness from the oak fire.
- Dry-Rubbed Spare Ribs: A must-try if you’re into ribs—they’re some of the best around.
For lunch or something lighter, their steak sandwich is a solid choice. It comes stacked with tender slices of beef on grilled garlic toast.
Pro Tips for First-Timers
- Make a Reservation: This place gets packed—always. Even with a reservation, you might have to wait 30 minutes or more. Walk-ins? Be prepared for an even longer wait.
- Go for Dinner: While they serve breakfast and lunch too, dinner is where they really shine. That oak pit gets fired up at 4 PM daily (1 PM on Sundays), so plan accordingly.
- Skip Non-Grill Items: Why order spaghetti at a steakhouse? Stick to what they do best—grilled meats.
- Eat in the Bar Area: If you don’t mind a darker vibe (complete with taxidermy), the bar is first-come-first-served and often less crowded than the main dining room.
The Atmosphere: Come for the Food, Stay for the Fun
Jocko’s isn’t fancy—it doesn’t try to be. The decor might remind you of your grandpa’s hunting cabin (cattle brands on wood trim included), but that only adds to its charm. The staff is friendly but efficient—they’ve got hungry crowds to feed! And if it happens to be someone’s birthday? Get ready for an offbeat rendition of “Zip-a-Dee-Doo-Dah.”
The bar area has its vibe: locals sipping beer while watching sports on TV or chatting over plates of ribs. It’s casual and unpretentious—a perfect spot to unwind after a long day.
Why People Keep Coming Back
Jocko’s has been around for nearly a century because they stick to what they’re good at: quality meat cooked but expertly over live flames. Add generous portions and reasonable prices (complete meals range from $13–$31), and it’s easy to see why this place has such a loyal following.
Whether passing through Nipomo or making a special trip from Orcutt or Santa Maria, Jocko’s Steakhouse is worth every mile—and every minute of waiting time. Just don’t forget to loosen your belt before you dig in!
Source: jockossteakhouse.com
Header Image Source: jockossteakhouse.com
