BROTHERS STORY

The Brothers Restaurant, founded by Matt and Jeff in Solvang, California, originated from their Iowan-raised appreciation and love for cooking, home gardens, good food, and a sense of family and community. In 1996, they opened their first restaurant in Solvang, but its success quickly led them to outgrow the space. In 2002, they ventured into fine dining and took over Mattei's Tavern, a historic spot, where they served as caretakers for ten years. In 2013, they opened Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn in Santa Ynez.

As chefs and owners, Matt and Jeff are deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of their restaurant. They are present on a daily basis, maintaining a hands-on approach and connecting with the community that has supported them throughout the years. The Red Barn holds significant historical value in Santa Ynez, and the brothers consider it an honor to be stewards of the building and its role in Santa Barbara County's rich history.

Brothers Restaurant emphasizes personalized service, exceptional regional wines, honest and freshly-made dishes, and a welcoming atmosphere. These qualities have fostered a loyal clientele that continues to return to their establishment. The dining experience they provide reflects the best of what the Santa Barbara Wine Country has to offer. The philosophy of the Brothers Restaurant revolves around family, as it holds great importance to Matt and Jeff. They aim to create an atmosphere that evokes the feeling of being with family. The staff shares this sentiment, and many have been part of their extended family for years. The brothers also value history and strive to establish a sense of comfortable permanence in their restaurant. They want their guests to feel as though they are visiting a cherished relative's home for a special celebration or meal.

THE RED BARN

Matt and Jeff, along with Matt’s wife, Marta, collaborated in the refurbishing and interior design of Brothers Restaurant at the Red Barn with the assistance of local firms RPM Architects and Urquidez Building Corporation, utilizing artisans from Santa Ynez Valley.

With a fresh, de rigueur exterior of barn-red paint, the interior expresses the warmth of a local tavern, using clean lines and a rustic feel. Accented with oak, restored branded wood beams, a white paneled ceiling and wrought iron lighting, the L-shaped room is refreshed, with higher ceilings and glass windows that open the space. As before, there is an open display kitchen observing the chefs at work. A glass-enclosed wine room flanking the dining room that co-exists with two fireplaces preserved from the original Red Barn.

Two wrought iron and rope chandeliers, hand crafted by local blacksmith Hans Duus, illuminate the room and are lighted with replicas of vintage Edison light bulbs, with more of the Edison-styled glass globes accenting the room. The walls are decorated with historical photographs of Los Rancheros Visitores, the local horsemen and ranchers dating back to 1929.

Salvaged during the construction was wallpaper discovered under layers of paint and paneling, beautifully illustrated with dancing girls, pistols, playing cards and saloons, now preserved, framed, and gracing the dining room walls. JC’s handsome bar was created by locals Scott and Chris Bruhn who used a felled pine tree salvaged from Figueroa Mountain to form the expansive bar top.

BUILDING HISTORY

Originally built as a private residence, The Red Barn had a life as a Santa Ynez dance hall before becoming a restaurant. In its prime, The Red Barn was one of the two most famous restaurants in the Valley. The most well known of its owners were Lloyd and Clara Borkman who ran the restaurant as The Red Barn for 50 years before selling it and retiring. During the Borkman’s ownership, The Red Barn had a loyal following and was the defacto meeting place for the Valley’s ranchers.

In tribute to their parents’ history and memory, son Tom Borkman and his wife Judy presented Matt and Jeff Nichols with a painting of The Red Barn by Santa Ynez artist Deanna Jacobsen which is on permanent loan.