Deetjen’s Rustic Inn & Restaurant in Big Sur

This is fourth in my series of reviews of iconic Big Sur restaurants, look for more in the future!

Deetjen’s Restaurant & Inn lies in Big Sur’s Castro Creek Canyon, nestled beneath a grove of ancient redwoods.  With eclectic room names like “Chateau Fiasco”, “Top Antique” & “13th Room” (to be avoided if you have triskaidekaphobia), Deetjen’s combines authentic Big Sur spirit with vintage furnishings, beautiful gardens, and delicious food.  Deetjens Big Sur Inn, open since the 1930s, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Currently, the Inn is operated on a not-for-profit basis by the Deetjens Big Sur Inn Preservation Foundation.

History

After the opening of Highway 1 between Carmel and San Simeon brought an influx of visitors to the area, the Deetjens decided to provide a  place for people to stay and enjoy a home-cooked meal.  Built from 1936 through 1950 by Helmuth Deetjen and his wife Helen, Deetjen’s features rustic cabins constructed with authentic Norwegian craftsmanship.

The Restaurant

The restaurant features outdoor dining beneath a canopy of wisteria, or charming indoor dining next to a cozy, crackling fireplace.  The food here is amazingly delicious and guests regularly rave about it.  What more could you ask for?

The Inn

Throughout its history, Deetjen’s has been a refuge for writers, artists, and celebrities.  Nonetheless, this is a basic, no frills kind of place.  There is no wi-fi, no television, no cell service, no swimming pool or spa.  Some rooms share a bathroom.  The rooms are small and thin-walled, with wood stoves for heat.  Yet there is a charm and comfort here you will find nowhere else.  Opportunities to hike, bird watch (including the rare California Condor), or enjoy the gardens abound.  Guests also enjoy perusing each room’s journal for previous lodger’s stories and tidbits of wisdom.  Deetjens states that their mission is  “to preserve the history of the Inn by providing a peaceful, retreat-type experience for our guests”.

Tours

You are free to look around the grounds on your own, or you may wish to join a formal tour.  Tours of the historic inn and grounds are available Tuesday through Thursday at 10 am, or you may schedule an appointment for a private tour.  During your tour, you may notice one of the adorable resident cats roaming the gardens.  One of the cats, Fabio, even has his own blog! (see Fabio)

Location

Deetjen’s is located at 48865 Highway 1, Big Sur, CA, just south of the Henry Miller Library.  For reservations or information, call 831-667-2377 or see Deetjens

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