Which California city gives Santa Maria-style barbecue its name?

The California city that gives Santa Maria-style barbecue its name is Santa Maria.

Santa Maria lies in the Santa Maria Valley on California's Central Coast, in Santa Barbara County. The barbecue tradition developed in the mid-19th century from Spanish-style ranch feasts hosted by local Californios for their vaqueros. Beef was cooked over hot coals from native coast live oak, often called red oak in descriptions of the style.

The original meat was generally top sirloin seasoned with salt, pepper, and garlic. Tri-tip became especially important after its development and popularization in the 1950s, eventually becoming the cut most associated with the style. Traditional meals also include pinquito beans, salsa, green salad, and grilled French bread.

Santa Maria-style barbecue is sometimes confused with a restaurant brand or a general California grilling method. It is a distinct regional tradition named for Santa Maria and the surrounding valley; nearby Central Coast communities may serve variations without changing the origin of the name.