At 1693 Mission Drive, where Mission meets Alisal Road at the eastern gateway to downtown Solvang, the former Denmarket Square has been reborn. Founder’s Square now holds a curated mix of independent businesses covering wine, records, ice cream, art, jewelry, flowers, stationery, and burgers, and it has become the most talked-about address in downtown Solvang. Here is what you will find behind each door.
1. Analogue Room
Opened in 2026 by John Wright, founder of Standing Sun Wines, Analogue Room is a vinyl lounge and wine bar built around a rotating selection of local and imported wines, beers, and non-alcoholic options, poured while records play the way they were meant to be heard: full albums, no skips, no algorithms. Current hours are Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday, 4:00 to 8:00 PM, and Friday and Saturday, 4:00 to 10:00 PM
2. Rooted Vine Cellars
A boutique Santa Barbara County winery pouring in its first tasting room. Small production, limited releases, and the kind of direct conversation with the people who make the wine that larger rooms cannot offer.
3. SYV Creamery
Solvang’s newest scoop shop is open now, part ice cream lab, part small-batch flavor experiment. Rotating creations bring a little western flair to town. It’s the easiest way to keep everyone happy while the rest of the group finishes wine tasting down the block.
4. CHOMP
Burgers, fries, shakes, and banana splits, plus veggie options and a full slate of melts. The line out front is a regular feature of the corner, and it moves faster than it looks.
5. Natalie Groves Gallery
Original illustration and fine art prints from an artist local collectors already know. A pocket-sized studio where the work on the walls was made steps from where you are standing.
6. Andrea’s Heart
Artisan jewelry, handcrafted and one of a kind, made in the shop by Andrea herself, who also takes on custom pieces and repairs. Worth a stop if you want something from the trip that will not end up in a drawer.
7. Meadow Studio Flowers
A floral design studio and home garden shop, good for a bouquet or for ideas to take home. All arrangements are made with fresh wildflowers every morning. One of the reasons the square photographs as well as it does.
8. The Giving Ink
Part stationery shop, part working art studio, part gallery. Watch the work happen while you browse, and expect to leave with more paper goods than you planned on.
9. Coffee House by Chomp
Whether you need a quiet place to focus on your work or a place to relax and read a book, make The Coffee House in Solvang your new home.
Visiting Founder’s Square
The square sits at the eastern edge of Solvang’s walkable downtown, a short walk from Copenhagen Drive, Solvang Park, and the village’s Danish bakeries and tasting rooms. Parking is available throughout downtown, and once you are here, everything else is on foot. Hours vary by business, so confirm before visiting. Analogue Room keeps the latest hours on the block, which makes the square a natural place to end an evening in the Santa Ynez Valley, and current lodging specials make it easy to stay for a second day.
