Far Western Tavern

Where the Pavement Ends and the West Begins The Far Western Tavern makes its home in the historic Palace Hotel that was built in 1912 by the partnership of two Swiss Italian immigrants, Carenini and Forni. The hotel was later sold, first to Elezia and Angelo Ferrari, and then again in 1958 to cousins Clarence Minetti and Dick Maretti. Still family-owned, the establishment owes much to the numerous family members who have served as employees and advisors over the past forty years. Clarence and Rosalie Minetti and their family members now jointly own and operate the Far Western Tavern. As a child, Clarence can remember eating rib steak and spaghetti in the hotel dining room for under a dollar. Now his children serve local families in that same dining room. Accolades for the Far Western’s mastery of Santa Maria style cooking has led to feature stories in Sunset and Gourmet Magazines, establishing the Far Western Tavern as a culinary landmark for Central Coast regional cooking.In 1996, the Far Western Tavern entered a new era. Co-owner Richard Maretti retired. Clarence and Rosalie Minetti and family – daughter Marie and son-in-law Steve Will, daughter Susan and son-in-law Paul Righetti, and son Tyke and daughter-in-law Sheryll Minetti – are new sole owners.

Visit www.farwesterntavern.com

Nominate your favorite BEEF restaurant  

2000—Harris Ranch Inn & Restaurant, Coalinga

2001—Cattlemens Restaurant chain, Santa Rosa

2002—Far Western Tavern, Guadalupe

2003—F. McLintocks Saloon & Dining House, Shell Beach

2004—The Branding Iron, Merced

2005—Buckhorn Steak & Roadhouse, Winters

2006—A.J. Spurs Saloon & Dining Hall