Visit Cold Spring Tavern

Travel back 100 years in time and experience the real tavern!

Last updated: Jan 2024

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More than 500 Miles from you
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Description

Cold Spring Tavern is a former stagecoach stop dating back to 1886 that has been in the Ovington- Wilson family since 1941. It is located between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez in the beautiful mountains on the San Marcos Pass off Highway 154. Here you can appreciate the true history of the old stagecoach days. They serve traditional American fare made with fresh local ingredients accompanied by the famous home-baked molasses bread. The dinners feature game inspired entrees, steaks, and ribs and are enjoyed by the glimmer of gas lanterns. Weekends at the Cold Spring Tavern are special. It starts with entertainment in the Log Cabin Bar on Friday evenings. Come and enjoy the great music of local bands, food, drink, and fresh air. It is a weekly tradition for many!

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For two

For groups

For families with kids

For parents and grownups

Outdoorsy

Chill

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Location

5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA 93105

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4.7 ● Google reviews

My friend and I went to this place on a hunch we saw on Reels. Love the tidbit of history and the atmosphere. There was a live band and hostess was very efficient. We ordered the nachos, onion rings and tri tip sandwich. Generous portions that we had some left to take home. I wish I counted how many times staff walked by our table to check. Service was anticipated very well. Parking is on the road side, found a spot right away. It’s a nice stop over on the way to Lake Cachuma or passing by on the way to Solvang. I will come back and also recommend to friends about this place.

The place is legendary, and you can feel it. The sooner you come the better because it gets busy. You will also learn about this place's history. Very nice people with attentive attitude to serve you. The portions are big and delicious. I got the grilled veggie salad without the butter as a vegan option. It was delicious! Very nice way how to spend a free day and enjoy a good food.

Cold Spring Tavern was an absolute delight. We were greeted by all the friendly staff. We went on a Monday around 1200 so it was not busy which was very nice. Paxton and the crew provided great service and food. Highly recommend.

My wife and I visited this place on a Saturday, the first time there, we loved it! The food was good (you have to try the tri-tip sandwich), the people who I think are in charge are super friendly and welcoming, but the surroundings is what makes the visit so enjoyable! We were there the 2nd weekend of November, and it was great weather to visit. There was a guy playing music outside one of the buildings, which was a great mood setting. We'll definitely be back. P.S. they are only open part of the day, so make sure to check their hours before you make plans to go. And parking is limited, you have to park curbside either uphill or downhill.

Made a pit stop here for a quick bite to eat, and this place is just the cutest mini mountain town. It feels like you're on a western set. My husband and I couldn't believe how good the tri tip sandwich was and honestly the best I've had, and that's hard to say since I've been to Texas many times. The lunch special was also fantastic, my steak was cooked to perfection. This place is definitely booked marked if I'm ever forced to go up north again. Tho I would pass on the apple crumble, it was OK.

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