Cold Spring Tavern
5995 Stagecoach Rd, Santa Barbara, CA, 93105
Cold Spring Tavern Menu
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Address :
5995 Stagecoach Rd
Santa Barbara, CA, 93105 - Phone (805) 967-0066
- Website https://www.coldspringtavern.com/
- Click To Get Directions
Opening Hours
- Mon :11:00 am - 3:00pm
Specialities
- Takes Reservations : Yes
Delivery : No
Take-out : Yes
Accepts Credit Cards : Yes
Good For : Lunch
Parking : Street
Bike Parking : Yes
Wheelchair Accessible : Yes
Good for Kids : Yes
Good for Groups : Yes
Attire : Casual
Ambience : Casual
Noise Level : Average
Music : Live
Good For Dancing : No
Alcohol : Full Bar
Happy Hour : No
Best Nights : Fri, Sat, Sun
Coat Check : No
Smoking : Outdoor Area/ Patio Only
Outdoor Seating : Yes
Wi-Fi : No
Has TV : No
Waiter Service : Yes
Caters : No
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SAMAY A.
well what can i say the place speaks for it self great food excellent service
(5)Jonathan B.
Unfortunately unless your heading there on Saturday for a tri-tip sandwich or a drink at the bar, it is not worth your time. Location is great. The restaurant.... is shit.
(1)Audrey L.
Where to start... ...oh yeah, they make the best sandwiches I ever had! Yummy yummy yummy. This place is perfect if you want to immerse in the American culture: tavern hidden in the woods (only known by locals), long line to get your sandwich ticket (that means this place is good), country music bands, Harley-Davidson bikers gathering (and show-off), barbecue smell, beers, leather used biker coats and boots, cowboy hats, thousands pounds of meat, best homemade sauces ever, sunburns, meet-up, hangout, families, happiness... SO CHILL! I love this place, I've been there twice and I'll go there again. I was about to forget the tip: this only happens on Sundays so don't go there on Saturdays.
(5)Dustin T.
Looking for a time warp back into the 1800's? This is your place. DO NOT BE DISCOURAGED UPON ARRIVAL...I was the first time I pulled in. Off of some back road in the boonies you think "Good Lord I'm not going to make it out alive", but then you get inside and try some of the food and you are completely astounded! Their rabbit is to die for! They are a tad on the pricey side, but it is well worth the trek. If you can plan this around a trip into Solvang/Los Olivos, do it!
(4)Chelsea B.
Here is a guide for first-timers to Cold Springs Tavern: 1. On the weekends they serve their famous tri tip sandwiches outside for $9.25 each. They give you cups of water for free. They are big sandwiches with a generous portion of meat and self-serve toppings (BBQ sauce, a semi-spicy white sauce with coarse ground mustard and salsa). To get your sandwich you must buy a ticket inside at the bar and then get in the second line for your sandwiches. 2. Dogs are not allowed on tri tip days because of the outdoor food. 3. Expect a crowd. A big crowd. When we visited on a Sunday at around 1pm I would estimate that there were 50+ cars, 30+ motorcycles, and more coming all the time. It is tucked away on a windy road and you will have to park on the side of it and walk. There is a parking lot for motorcycles but not for cars. 4. The music starts on Sundays at 1:30 p.m. My experience was three stars because of the crowd. We had our dog so my boyfriend ran in to get the sandwiches, and as I sat in the car I saw three separate couples park, walk in and walk back empty-handed. I can only assume that they saw the line and decided against it. I will say the sandwich was tasty and the bread really made it. The bread is so important on the sandwich. If you own a motorcycle, check this place out. It is motorcycle heaven.
(3)Laura B.
30 years ago this used to be a hidden gem, a total biker place, but now seems more upscale, even touristy. Perhaps this is because I came in for dinner rather than lunch, but I miss the eclectic feel of biker meets hiker meets hippy dippy. Now it felt more like the affluent wants to play dress up in cowboy boots... $90 for dinner with 4 beers- certainly not what I remember. Sure, some of the old feel is there, but not so much in the restaurant in the evening. CST is still very cool and beautiful, and I will definitely head back again, but in the afternoon after a hike, perhaps a lunch beer and tri-tip will be more reasonable, and with the casual feel that used to be present at this hidden little secret.
(5)R P.
Cold Springs Tavern has the best tritip sandwiches hands down! If you are a regular, tourist or just passing thru, I highly recommend going to Cold Springs on a Sunday for their tritip sandwiches and live music.
(5)Paul L.
One of the best tri-tip sandwiches I have eaten. Glad I stopped by this hidden gem on my way home from camping in lake Cachuma.
(5)Ryan C.
I rarely write reviews but the absolute absence of service has warranted a one-star review. Came here for dinner on a Wednesday night. Didn't make a reservation which was a mistake--waited for half an hour for a table of four and got a few nice bug bites in the process. That wasn't the Tavern's fault though--but waiting 50 minutes to get my food was. There was one waiter and one busgirl. It was difficult to get their attention when we needed the usual i.e. getting our orders, water, getting the check, etc. as they would be in the other side of the room at 10-15 minutes at a time. Food finally came out and it was good, but nothing special and certainly not worth $27 considering the simplicity of the meal--BBQ ribs, mashed potatoes, steamed veggies--shouldn't have taken 50 minutes to get the cooked either. After waiting 15 minutes for the starting course, and an additional 50 minutes for the main course, we got impatient and were ready to leave. We flagged down the waiter for the check with a bit of effort, put our cards down, and were ready to go immediately. The waiter then went outside to grab some stuff for 15 minutes as we sat waiting for him to ring us up. Frustrating. He knew he was making us wait too. Either that or he's totally oblivious. This was the worst service I've probably ever experienced and thus the tip wasn't generous. To put the icing on the cake, I just checked my bank statement and the waiter ended up giving himself a few extra dollars on the tip that I never wrote down nor authorized. Infuriating and unprofessional. Long story short, I will never eat dinner here again and I advise you don't either. I probably should have just stuck with the BBQ on the weekends since that's what most people are raving about and that doesn't require any incompetent and deceptive waiters. I'm not usually this scathing, but this experience definitely calls for it.
(1)Joey R.
This place that me and my girlfriend went to has really good food. I had the BBQ ribs with coleslaw and the meat just fell off the bones and my girlfriend had the BBQ pulled pork sandwich, also very tasty. We also shared a Apple Cobbler dessert...yummy. There was also a folk band playing outside, and there are tables outside as well as inside. The restaurant also has a full bar and there is another separate bar as well. There is also a small gift shop there to buy jewelry. the place has plenty of trees, but the parking is limited, so you might find yourself parking on the side of the road and walking a bit. We got lucky and found a place to park in the parking lot., We will go back here again...
(5)April R.
What a neat spot! Too bad it is not a secret. There were tons of people, cars and bikes were parked up and down the street pretty far. The scenery was beautiful and the setting felt like a movie or something. A band was playing and people were sitting in any available spot they could to enjoy the music and have a cold drink. You can order tri tip sandwich fresh from the grill or order food inside the restaurant. We got our beers and got a sandwich. I am not usually a fan of tri tip but this one was actually wonderful, those guys know what they are doing. I also ordered the chili sampler and all three chilies were awesome. This whole place has such a great vibe and is a must stop if you are in the area.
(4)Joann J.
During our vacation on California's Southern and Central coast, my sister and I spent a number of days in Santa Barbara. On recommendation from a local, we ventured up into the mountains to the east of Santa Barbara to seek out a meal at the Cold Spring Tavern.First of all, the place is really in the middle of nowhere - the site is the location of an old mail delivery stop, if my memory serves, thus is truly in the wilderness. As a result, you absolutely need a car to get here. Upon arriving, you see a what can only be described as an old log cabin on a rural lane. Parking was full, so we parked on the soft shoulder just down the hill. The restaurant has a number of different buildings on the site where, presumably, they have life music and other events - this was not the case during our visit. Inside the main building is like stepping back in time 150 years (albeit no nuclear-powered DeLorean required). It's a real treat and any description in words simply won't suffice.For the meal, I had the BBQ Baby-back Pork Ribs and, from what I remember were delicious. And messy - but that's a given. I don't recall what my sister had, but I do remember that she enjoyed her meal.Service was good and we had a very friendly waitress who took interest in where we were from and how we found our way to the restaurant. It really made the whole experience even nicer and made it very easy to leave her a good tip.All in all, if you're in the area, I would suggest checking it out. Just don't expect to have too much to drink if you are the driver, as the roads leading to the restaurant were windy and (on the way home) quite dark.
(4)Stacie N.
Cool hang out close to some awesome trails. The tri-tip sandwich is awesome --make sure to slather on the bbq sauce and salsa. They have music and cute boutiques with jewelry and accessories. Only drawbacks are that it does get packed and NO DOGS ON WEEKENDS!
(4)C 6.
Our camping neighbor recommended this place when he saw our Harley in the toy hauler whilst staying at Emma Wood Campground. On a Sunday afternoon we headed up the 154 to Solvang and stopped in on the way back! Wow! Coolest atmosphere ever. Tucked away in the woods, full of bikes and character for days. I was in heaven! Cold drinks, great music and the tri-tip sandwiches were to die for! Definetely a must see place!
(5)Adra G.
This place is well worth stopping by, and I only regret not doing so sooner! We were headed back to LA from Santa Ynez and I'd heard about the brisket sandwich here and determined that THIS time we'd go check out Cold Spring Tavern. You guys, the drive over there alone is pretty awesome: you go under the bridge that everyone drives over, and it is just plain stunning to look up at that. We could tell when we were getting close to Cold Spring Tavern because the road was suddenly lined with parked cars. They have a lot of space there, so it didn't seem overcrowded or crazy busy, but you can tell it's popular. We learned at the bar that we could order a beer there plus a ticket for the brisket sandwich, then grabbed a seat at a picnic table outside, got our sandwiches (plus extra bbq sauce on the side) and had one of the best Sunday lunches I can remember: cold beer, delicious sandwich, amazing setting (you're in a forest on the side of the mountain). I highly recommend a stop here: I know I'll be back next time we make that drive!
(5)Kristi N.
This is our favorite spot to take out of towners. Great food, cold beer in a picturesque, rustic setting. Tucked away near the bridge, don't miss this. They have three kins of chili, I love to bring visitors from other countries here because its just so California-American. You can not miss with the burger and there is often live music.
(5)Ray D.
Love this place. So rustic, so much history and atmosphere, good beer on tap, delicious Tri-tip sandwiches from the outside grill. Live music with the most diverse audience ever.
(5)C K.
It's all about the Sunday (funday) barbeque. The setting looks like a set right out of "Rawhide"...the old west. The food is pretty darn good on a Sunday (tri tip sandwiches-they do them well) and you can observe your food being served up and have your sandwich custom done with a great selection of toppings and sauces, by the nicest BBQ "chef". I am not so sure about having a dinner here, done that (probably won't do it again, just not my cup of tea), I really am not sure how to rate it all (the dinner experience), so I will decline. Back to the Sundays...all kinds of people and "characters" cruise on up the mountain road, it's nice and shady and woodsy once you arrive. Walk around and take a look at all there is to see, you won't find this kind of a place anywhere close. If you are the friendly type, it will be very easy to meet people and get the party rolling...lot's of alcohol gets poured here. Or, a great place to people watch...they come from all over. There is music, laughter, goods eats, and a rather friendly crowd. Bikers head this way and you will see amazing (work of art) machines. Spend the afternoon, relax, enjoy the music, have fun....this is the place.
(4)Catbox H.
Loved the atmosphere. Parking can be a pain. The tri-tip sandwich was the reason we drove up from LA, and I don't regret it at all. Super meaty, salsa was super and a great spot for a nice summer afternoon.
(4)Gene M.
Food: Wife had the grilled vegetable salad (pictured) - we both enjoyed it. Chili cheese fries - it's chili on fries, what more needs to be said? (Yummm!) I had the tri-tip sandwich - A-OK (didn't enjoy as much as some reviewers did, but wife said it was good). Atmosphere: this is a cool place worth the stop. If you're deciding whether to have lunch here, definitely DO. I would recommend Cold Spring Tavern to anyone traveling north of Santa Barbara. It's a nice pit stop on the way to or from Solvang.
(4)Robert T.
A great place to take anyone. Good drinks, food is awesome, and can't beat the company.
(4)Julie S.
A drive thought the hills a way but once you get there the vibe is amazing. On the weekend there was live music, drinking, lots of people but most importantly TRI-TIP sandwiches. Holy shit. These things are amazing. They grill and assemble them right outside. Grab a beer, find a picnic table and enjoy!
(4)Beverly A.
This place is truly a hidden gem! You're in the middle of nowhere in this rustic place with nothing but people who enjoy good food and live music. There are benches and picnic tables for people to sit - if those are taken you can easily find a seat anywhere else - I ended up sitting on the ledge of a window and it was comfy! I got a margarita, tri tip sandwich and found somewhere to sit. Let me put out there - I'm not a red meat eater, so the fact that I ordered a tri tip sandwich speaks volumes! It's truly delicious! So delicious I forgot how much of it I was eating. Then there's the water! Water that flows from the river through this beautiful, natural place! This is as fresh as it gets! This place truly gives an experience like no other. The live local band, local people/tourists and of course the bikers! Everyone is very friendly! I truly enjoyed the experience and can easily see myself here every time I'm in the area!
(5)A P.
We had a lunch few weeks ago. The executive chef was very friendly and cooking fresh tri tip BBQ outside of the restaurant. We decide to go to dining restaurant not a bar area. I got tritip sandwich, my son got kids meal, my husband got BBQ sandwich with local telegraph large bottle beer. I liked cute little fire place with old style dining table and chairs. The food was very good and reasonable price. We will try to go to the bar next time.
(5)Andrea M.
Definitely stop here and see for yourself. The ambience and property is amazing! 4 stars because my boyfriend's burger wasn't anything too crazy awesome. But! The venison stuffed mushrooms? Hearty and flavorful. The creamy Italian dressing on the salad? Light with a nice bright finish. The chili? Just ok in my opinion but addicting to where I just had to finish it. And the ribs? Some of the best I've ever had in my life. Meat was tight but tender, fell off the bone with a fork. The bbq sauce was spicy but sweet, the perfect combination of flavors. We will definitely be back :)
(4)Erica U.
Rustic cabin in the woods straight out of a scary movie but instead of being a scary place, its a very very happy place where beer, live music and tri-tip sandwiches go to die not people. wait... that didn't quite work the way i wanted it to, but you get it. yeah, this place rocks for both tourist and local alike. its a must do if you ever go to SB or anywhere off the 154 highway
(5)Tracy B.
I love the tri tip and I love the steak , The ambience of this place can't be beat, its just comfy and warm and has so much character .
(4)Nathan T.
High hopes, but just an okay dinner experience. The wait staff was young/junior and not really prepared for dinner service. The service definitely detracted from the experience. Dinner was pretty good but not great. Boar chops were tasty and I would get them again. A bit overcooked (requested medium rare). Buffalo burger was good, but why not offer beef burgers at dinner if you are known for your burgers? You can charge more and offer a salad to make it a dinner burger. The vegetable ravioli was the real winner. Excellent. 1 star service (had to ask for refills, waiter did not know the menu, waiter never returned, had to track down my own bill and pay at the wait station) 3.5 star dinner execution 3 star menu and selection 2 star wine list and 1 star beer list 4 star ambiance and unique setting
(3)K. G.
Husband took me for my birthday. He made a reservation for Saturday, and I suggest that since it is a smaller place. Tucked away in the mountainside, it's all about the atmosphere, but the food is great too. I had the rabbit, and he had the wild boar. Earthy, rustic, historic, love it. I posted pictures.
(5)Ty W.
Best TriTip sandwich I have ever had! Probably the best sandwich I have ever had! Moist and tender, fresh and hot! The only serve it on Saturday's and Sunday's until 5:30. Worth the drive!
(5)Paula L.
Always loved stopping here, except yesterday, when I encountered the rude bouncer dude at the bar who yelled at me "I said move!" What a dick... We walked over and ate in the restaurant. Great food. Won't be back tho
(3)Alex W.
Very cool historic little restaurant (as they called it from the old days tavern). Small room in an old building, you can envision yourself as a stagecoach driver from back in the day as you eat the barbecue meals at this little outpost. A unique experience compared to the places you see these days. Also, the food is surprisingly better than you'd expect it to be. Great place for visitors and historic buffs to check out and wasn't crowded!
(4)Bruno D.
I was here during a business trip. A colleague of me wanted to show me this place. We had to drive for 30 mintes, but the drive itself was worth the trip. The road goes through the mountains with spectacular views. Close to the restaurant, we saw some wild animals, which was also fun. Looking at the menu, I felt it was too bad I had too choose: I wanted to taste all of it! I would definitely come back to this place if I ever visit that area again.
(4)Scott B.
The Cold Spring Tavern has been feeding travelers and diners for 154 years. Fairly recently, I had an opportunity to eat here. I was informed about this place before my last trip to Solvang, but it wasn't open on my first pass, so I skipped it and went onto the rest of my adventure. But today, I caught it just around 11:30, so it was early still, and there was parking in their lot. The lot was small, cramped and off-road-y. But my camaro now sat on the very same ground stage-coaches sat well over a hundred years ago. Nostalgia makes anything better. After parking and walking over to the place, It looked at the antiquated place, actually, this place was way past antiquated, it looked old. A plaque was sunk into a boulder by the front door. It told of the travelers and 'Mudwagons' that would pass by and stop here for the mid-day-meal back in 1886. The door was cut in half, and the lower half was shut across the threshold. The top half of the door was hanging open, and the wonderful aroma of wood-smoke wafted out to greet my nose. It lured me in to grab a seat by the window. As I stepped in, the floor creaked with age. This place seemed just as old in here as it did outside. I sat down beneath a stuffed deer's head, it was like a TGI Fridays, but instead of the 'Sportsy crap' hanging on the walls, it was '1886 period crap'. A woodstove warmed this room, and I picked up a menu after gazing about the place. The menu was expansive, with more than a few of god's creatures to choose from. Knowing I'd be eating a Casino buffet in just a little bit, I was upset I could only experience a bit of it. I settled upon the Cold Spring Chili Fries as an appetizer, it featured their 'famous chili' on top of the fries. I was content with a cold glass of water, but it appeared their beverage list contained quite a long list of beers, wines & booze. The fries arrived in just a few minutes, and they were wonderful. The fries were crunchy, the chili was hot, and the cheese was stringy. A mound of onions were sprinkled atop the pile for good measure. There were a few fries on the outer perimeter I could pick up with fingers, but I was using a fork after eating all of the 'clean fries' I could grab. The chili was indeed quite good. Large chunks of meat I had to spear with a fork, as the chili soaked fries could not carry their weight. I paid my tab ($7ish) picked up some post cards, and returned to my car, where I carefully backed out of the lot, and returned to my adventure, already in progress.
(5)Minola T.
love the atmosphere, great food, love the onion rings. Definitely will come again.
(4)Mukesh K.
Nice breakfast place for motorcycle pit stop, they serve classic breakfast, burrito, omelette.
(4)Tiffani D.
This is a place that I love taking out of town visitors or people who have never been. I have been coming here for years! The BEST tri tip sandwiches- it's a must try. On the weekends they generally always have live music. The sunsets behind the hill early - on in the day and tends to get a bit chilly, so be sure to take something for your arms.
(5)D D.
This place has some real mystique. A stop here is definitely an essential part of the old west tour of Santa Barbara county. Definitely hit the old stagecoach museum in Santa Ynez first. Once you can see how crazy unstable those old stagecoaches are + driving on that bumpy, curvy road to the tavern and you have a pretty good idea that this journey wasn't for the faint of heart or stomach. A little layover at the Cold Springs Tavern was a welcome relief from a rough ascent. While I enjoyed my time here, it did not quite live up to the hype. When you're a student at UCSB and don't really know where things are, it gets built up in your mind. I remember the word expensive being attached. Well, once there, it certainly seemed perfectly normal in the price range of a dinner. Overall, it was OK. I would return for another helping and to explore the rustic setting. It's cool that this is still functioning after so many years. I definitely want to go back and try a few different things. The tri tip BBQ on Saturdays is reasonably priced for those on a budget.
(4)Patricia G.
This was a fantastic place to eat. The tri tip sandwich was awesome, the place is very great to visit. We are from reno nevada and if we come to Santa Barbara again we would surely eat here again.. It is very Good.
(5)Jess L.
After all the great reviews I thought this place was going to be awesome!! We went in for dinner and were in a small room with 3 other tables... The waitress for the other 3 tables was a young lady and we had a man!! We ordered an appetizer which was delicious (the venison stuffed mushroom) this came out quick! We waited for the soup and salad we had ordered and that took FOR EVER!! The table that came in after us had their entree and we still did not receive our meals! Waiter no where in sight!! The tablet next to us finished eating and we were just receiving out soup and salad! The wait for out entree was super long as well!! The food was bland and I'm not sure I'll be back or recommend this place :(
(2)Richard B.
Tucked away off the 154, it is a nice spot to make a stop, grab a drink and a tri tip sandwich. Mixed crowd of tourists and Bikers with music and the smell of bbq in the air. I got the sandwich and needles to say it was on point. Sandwich sales occur on the weekend and I believe they stop selling at 5pm. Very rustic and relaxing atmosphere.
(5)Cheryl L.
Want an awesome place. We didn't have a reservation so we had a tiny two top table right near the bar. Dinner was really good and the service was great.
(4)J.A. B.
Excellent. Very romantic & cozy setting. If this place doesn't get you out of the dog house with the wife. Then you better get a good lawer. Wild game meals. Lamb and Venison from New Zealand. Just check it out!!!
(5)Cindy W.
Did I miss the mark here with all these 4 and 5 star reviews?? This place was not only recommended by yelp but also recommended by the hotel manager where we were staying. He had said that the tri tip sandwich was ok but we that we had to get the venison sandwich. This places has all walks of life from tourist to lots of Harley riding biker guys. It seemed like there were alot of locals here when we came Saturday afternoon. At first you feel like you have made a wrong turn but if you keep driving about a mile off the beaten path you will see Cold Spring Tavern, This is an actual stagecoach and it definitely has the old school feeling. The walls are decorated with various animal heads, very dim lighting. We decided to try out eating at the restaurant and then got a tri trip sandwich after our meal. Chili cheese fries- $5.75. Large heaping pile of thick cut fries and their famous chili. Honestly, I didn't think their chili tasted very special. It did have plenty of ground beef and beans but the seasoning did not blow my mind away. Venison steak sandwich- $13.25. It's hard to describe what venison taste like but think new york steak but more tough?? The french roll it came on was soft and worked well with the sauteed red onions. They were a ton of mayo on the sandwich, which I was not a fan on. Wasn't too impressed either. Tri tip sandwich- $12.00? I really wanted to like this after all the great ratings about how delicious it tasted. However, the meat was so dry and the meat was not heavily seasoned at all. The portion size was decent but not piled high by any means. I had to slather the meat in bbq sauce because it was so dry. They also have a horseradish sauce and pico del gallo. They do have more seating now at the top of the hill and apparently we were the only ones eating outside. I do have to admit it almost felt like camping in the woods. Come back again? Maybe I came on a bad day where the tri tip was overcooked and dry so I would like to try it again.
(3)Richard M.
Hopefully, everyone knows about this place! Five stars just for the history in and around. Food? Definitely time honored. Indoor service has always been good though, it can become a bit dicey when the tavern is swamped. Parking is limited and sometimes the road becomes even narrower due to roadside parking. Especially weekends. BBq baby back pork ribs cooked to perfection! Chili is always a hit especially the Wild game black bean chili! Tri tip. Anything tri tip here is mouthwateringly wonderful! Uncomplicated sandwiches that go down well with anything from the fully stocked bar. Live entertainment inside the bar next door or outdoors on weekends. Weekend tri tip BBq's always a hit! The most quaint indoor seating. Great outdoor seating areas and plenty to keep you preoccupied throughout the property. Great day trip! Plenty to do in the area . . To name a few . . . Lake Cachuma Jalama Beach Los Alamos Los Olivos Solvang Santa Barbara yada yada.
(5)Nickie K.
We were here October 2014. We read about this place online and wanted to ck it out. We went on a Sunday and there was outdoor live music and lots of people and food grilling outdoors in addition to the indoor restaurant. The location is secluded and wonderful! We were surprised at how great the food was and also the service...that we went back on our way out of town a week later...that day was a week day and there was not near as many people, no outdoor music or outdoor grill. Both times the food was great and also the service. We would certainly go back here!!!!!!!!!!!!! We ate: chili, chicken sandwich, apple cobbler, grilled chicken...all was fantastic.
(5)Tiffany T.
I hadn't been to cold spring tavern in a while and I was looking forward to it when my friend said we should go have some tri tip sandwiches. Personally, I hate the drive. I think it's beautiful, but terrifying. That's my own issue and has nothing to do with how many stars I'm giving but if you're a person who has been traumatized by someone's awful crazy driving, you probably know what I mean about being afraid of the windy mountain roads and blind corners and cliffs. Anyway, we get there and it was so much smaller than I remember! They fit as many tables and chairs as they could back to back. We sat in a corner, way too squished and looked at the menu. When did CST become so expensive??! I must be late to the party cause I had nooooo idea! They serve rabbit loin and venison and that's cool if you're into that because it goes with the woodsy atmosphere but I couldn't help but feel like they hunt and kill everything they serve and have squirrels and probably the cast of Bambi hanging in the freezer... Anyway the prices do not go with the woodsy atmosphere. So I got the buffalo burger with chili and mashed potatoes. The chili was SO DELICIOUS. It was perfect, really. Same goes for the garlic mashed potatoes! The burger was ok. Nothing special. This is a big one for me: the silverware was dirty. That is disgusting and unacceptable.
(3)Jackie G.
Came here for the famous Tom's Backyard Barbeque Tri-Tip Sandwich which they sell outside of the restaurant. Boy, oh boy was it tasty. Delicious tri-tip, perfectly seasoned and grilled over wood. This place is a hidden gem, love the rustic old feel to it. I will come back soon to spend a bit more time here. Well done Tom!
(5)Amy F.
Loved it. Staying in Santa Barbara for a few days, and I had been dying to try Cold Spring Tavern. My plan had been to go there for dinner on our arrival day (a Thursday), but we rolled into town later than expected, so I changed the plan to lunch the following day. Even though I had been looking forward to the dinner menu, I'm kind of glad it worked out that way, because the dark drive up into the mountains at night might have been a little unnerving. The property is just adorable. I would really love to return on a Sunday afternoon when they have their tri-tip cooking and live music. I'll bet that's just a blast. We had a short wait for our table (15 minutes or so), which was no problem because it gave us a chance to see all there was to see outside. It is very tiny inside, so I can see how reservations would be a good idea for dinner. Anyway, for lunch my group of three ladies decided to split an order of chili cheese fries as a starter. Yum. All good there. I ordered the famous tri-tip sandwich with a side salad (they claim to be where ranch dressing originated, so I had to do that, right?), and mom and aunt split a french dip (also made with tri-tip). We all agreed the meat was excellent. You know how sometimes with a tri-tip sandwich you take a bite and end up with an entire piece of meat dangling from your mouth? Not here. The meat was so tender it was like butter. Also, I'm not usually much of a horseradish person, but the apple horseradish they had was quite good. I cut it a bit with the provided BBQ sauce, and it was not too hot for my palate. (Though if you like hot horseradish, that could be disappointed.) Mom and aunt also approved of the potato salad. Service was good, atmosphere was rustic. And now that I've made the drive and know where I'm going, I think I would go for dinner. Heck, I'd go for breakfast. Hopefully I'll get back to Santa Barbara often enough to hit this spot several times.
(5)Eddy C.
Came here with a friend after a romantic trip to Solvang (30 min north). The locals consistently described it as "rustic" and urged us to visit. The restaurant is on the smaller side but has several dining rooms. It is definitely quaint but certainly not run-down, as I had assumed from the description! We were promptly seated and asked our server to light the gas lamp (he did). There feature a bunch of wines by the glass, most of which are locally sourced. I tried the 2 pinot grigios and settled on the latter. My friend found a red to her liking. I splurged on an 8 oz burger made with beef form the Zaca winery in Los Olivos we had just been to! It was cooked to perfection and served with the fixings. The fries were excellent. My friend had the chili sampler, which was quite good (although we couldn't taste much difference between them, I'm not really a chili eater). She took her leftovers home. Lastly, we noticed the veggie squash quiche special so we split an order of that. It was also great! Service, food, and ambiance were all superb. 5 stars!
(5)E H.
Loved this place and the drive to find it! Really wasn't expecting any vegan options but they have a great veggie patty burger! Of course for the non vegans the tri tip bbq-ing outside looked really good. Very easy to get a table inside and we got to hang out outside and explore the little back patio with good people and some good music! Really recommend making a pit stop here!
(5)Brittany F.
This is the perfect spot for lunch on your way up to wine country! A few friends had recommend Tavern for their BBQ. You pull up and there is smoke coming off the back grills. If it's a nice day, definitely sit outside on one of the picnic tables. You order inside and they'll bring out your order. We had several things: the venison sandwich, the pulled pork sandwich, the black chili, the house chili and the onion rings. The onion rings were awesome. They were think and juicy and came with ranch for dipping. The venison sandwich was the biggest disappointment. It was dry and kind of chewy. The pulled pork was good and even better when I loaded it with extra BBQ sauce. The house chili was pretty tasty as well, but if you only choose one side, definitely go for the onion rings. The wine glasses were a bit dirty, but the whole place has that dusty, rustic feel, so if you are wearing all white and are a clean freak, you probably want to avoid this place. Overall a cool experience. They play live music on weekends starting at 2pm.
(4)Cindy R.
Lunch on Saturday in restaurant was perfect! Awesome bar-b-que beef sandwich n fresh salad. Loved all the cool motorcycles, nice weather, n handmade jewelry shop! My history loving travelers can't wait to go back!
(4)Silvia L.
Hey guys. I went on June 29,2013 for our four year anniversary. Excuse my language but this place was #$%^ing incredible. We got the tri-tip sandwich from outside and my boyfriend got the venison burger. While we waited we also got the chilli sampler (this was @#$%ing amazing). We drove all the way from los angeles. I thought it was awesome. I was taken away by how cool this place looks. The employees were not very attentive, but it was okay because my tri-tip sandwich was the bomb and it made up for anything bad! I crave it so much right now. I'd go there again.
(5)Nina M.
My boyfriend's fam who live in the SB mountains brought us here for an early breakfast. We were the first ones in the 2nd dining room so we got to snag the table next to the fireplace and had awesome attentive service from our super friendly and accommodating waitress. The prices are standard and the food is delicious. I enjoyed the Santa Barbara omelette and the house potatoes were good too. I thought the molasses toast/biscuit w gravy were just okay, toast came on regular sliced bread with a little sweetness, not the fat french slabs I had envisioned...oh well, no biggie b/c it was still a huge meal without the bread. I recommend taking advantage of their early opening time and getting quality service for an early breakfast :)
(5)Rhonda R.
I love this place! Always good music and food. The trip tip sandwich is to die for. I had friends visiting from out of town and the loved it. We sat outside and enjoyed the live music and beautiful trees. The drive out there is also very beautiful too. Its by the Los Padres National forest. I enjoy this place a lot and highly recommend.
(4)Justin R.
This is an old stage-coach stop that has been around since 1865. Nowadays it is a tourist stop on the San Marcos Pass or HWY 154 known for its small bar with live bands, bikers and car enthusiasts, a restaurant where game meats are served, and probably the best tri-tip sandwich you will ever have (Sunday afternoons only on the tri-tip). It doesn't look like much...which is because nothing has really been done to it at all. In fact, the previous owner, Audrey Ovington, made it a point to keep things as they were. The dilapidation is showing from corner to corner now. Our family was apparently friends of the Ovingtons (whom Earle Ovington, Audrey's husband, was the first U.S. airmail pilot. Our Santa Barbara Airport is named after him). My mother worked in the restaurant there when she was a teenager making pies. Many good stories were told of her hanging out with the Ovingtons and Fess Parker. I just ate there today...love that tri-tip sandwich. They have a peppercorn horseradish dressing that is just a perfect compliment. Tip: take a water cup when you order your sandwich at the bar...use that to fill up with the horseradish sauce! The little plastic ramekins are not big enough and you will clearly identify with only having two hands. Also today, I noticed NEW CONSTRUCTION!!! They are re-doing some of the space in the back where the temporary jail and living quarters are. Looks like they are making a new terrace and seating area.
(4)Dzia V.
Amazing!!! No other word to describe the food, the ambiance and the staff!!! Can't wait to return!!!
(5)Ryan S.
Absolutely love this place! The ambiance throws you back into the old stagecoach times. The food will make you drool with delight. My girlfriend got the crab omelette and I got the breakfast burrito. She said it was the best omelette she has ever had, and my burrito was pretty darn good too. I make this a stop on every wine trip to Santa Inez, and I suggest it to every friend who goes there as well. It is a must stop kinda place.
(5)Wendy H.
A unique experience. The nice long drive up the windy mountain road, the parking lot of Harley's and the outdoor grills make this a fun outing. The tri-tip is okay, not super flavorful or moist on its own. That's where the amazing sauces come in. Scoop a bit of Au jus onto your sandwich by the grill and then load it up with horseradish sauce, BBQ sauce or salsa--or all three! The horseradish was my favorite. Tangy and sweet! I also really liked the green onions in the salsa. Very springy and fresh. The sauces and the setting make this meal.
(4)Richard K.
We have passed this location many times, but either too early for lunch (on the way to SYV) or heading home. We finally made it!! I had a French Dip sandwich, that also had a great horseradish and came with the traditional au jus. Excellent fries as a side. My wife had a great Cobb Salad. The location itself is fantastic. Off the main 154 road, and tucked into the woods. Fantastic place as well.
(5)Patrick Gabriel L.
Sometimes the back roads will lead you to new exciting places. Named as one of the best things I ever ate on Food Network, the first sign of greatness was established for this place. En route to Southern California from 101 you must take Cuchuma Pass as the infamous one lane mountain pass to get to Santa Barbara. At the top of the route as you near the downhill portion of the road you take a slight right down the twisty Stagecoach road as many did years ago. I tried the bbq sandwich and as a purist you can't beat this excellent cut of tri-tip smothered in smooth BBQ sauce between two slices of simple bread. This is worth the side trip especially en route to So Cal.
(5)Lisa W.
LOVE this place and have a constructive suggestion. I have to start by saying I've loved this place for several decades and will love it forever! However, on my last visit while we were eating inside the restaurant, I picked up a visitor that was not appreciated one bit--a BLACK WIDOW SPIDER on my purse. I noticed it as I was picking my purse up to leave and found I had set it on a HUGE web. As I looked closer, that web was not alone--there were many. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE get rid of these and clean regularly. I would like to eat my meals stress free! I would love to help clean this amazing place anytime.
(3)Richard M.
Great woodsy environment, great BBQ and wood smell. No music playing, came on Wednesday so no long line to wait in, no reservation to be made just walked in and service is grade A. Pork BBQ ribs are Cooked just right meat falls right off the bone. Fresh made warm bread slices. Ice tea was a little rough cure that with little more water. Prices were good $$ not bad for a couples night out. Clam chowder soup very tasty. And salad is fresh. I will be returning to this place. Nice drive minutes away from 101fwy.
(5)Ash N.
Been up here more than a couple of times for team lunches :-) Love the rustic atmosphere and the drive up the 154 on a beautiful sunny day aka everyday! :P Tried the Chili sampler and lovved it! The burger on the other hand was so-so, nothing to write home about. This a cute tavern kind of place, but best visited when it's on the way to your journey forward.
(3)Corey W.
While the atmosphere and setting are very nice, the lunch menu was only so-so. My tritip sandwich was alright, but my friends who ordered the chili and hamburger were not impressed. The drive up, the scenic location and building made it worth it for me though. There is also a nice hiking trail nearby.
(3)boston m.
The historical setting is cute and worth a visit. The service was efficient. However, the food, which is ultimately the reason why we came here was mediocre. The sauces from the salad dressing to the sauces in the main dishes tasted packaged and not fresh. We will not be returning or recommending this place.
(2)Kelly Y.
Now this isn't your typical 5 star elegant dining experience, but I went for a tavern dining experience and with that expectation I give it a 5. The atmosphere is rustic and the outdoor surroundings are beautiful. The food was basic faire done at its best! Tender perfectly cooked meats in a wonderful barbecue sauce. We tried their chili sampler. They were all wonderful yet different. The service was great. We were there when they opened at 11 AM on a Thursday and it wasn't crowded at all. Would definitely go back. Worth the relaxing drive!
(5)Robert M.
The tri-tip was so delicious I had seconds. How I was able to ingest two hefty portions is beyond me. I have no regrets and my full belly sustained me just enough to do without dinner and breakfast. I almost bought a third tri-tip sandwich and was going to stow it in my carry-on. Cold Springs is definitely a spot I will return to during my next visit to central CA.
(5)JR M.
Cold Spring Tavern, how the hell did I find you? You are a hidden treasure in California. You are in the middle of nowhere. You are definitely a food run worth doing. Upon arriving at Cold Spring was a surprised how rustic the place was. Untouched by progress, untamed foliage surrounding it, and an unadulterated joy to visit. The buildings and the surrounding area was a sight to behold. Not many other places have a fraction of personality that this place has. It is definitely a unique experience and one that you won't find at many other places. We sat down at the restaurant portion of the place and was delighted. It was a very quaint little place and the food was very good. I myself had the venison cooked rare of course and it was just delightful. Tender and juicy paired well with the vegetables and potatoes. It was a very good meal.The venison was still tender and juicy which is great. I've had venison that was overcooked a tad and it gets tough and dry relatively quick; here it was just the way I like it. After we enjoyed our meal we made our way to the bar and band area where a live country band was playing. This is the real beauty of the place is the overall experience. Playing to its strengths and community. Live, local band playing music and everything enjoying and dancing along to the music. The sense of community here was amazing. When you have people who all enjoy the food and drinks together and also enjoy the music and dancing together then you have a very unique and beautiful place to visit. Would I come here again? I definitely would. Would I recommend this place to my friends and family? Yes I already have. This place is amazing. Don't miss out on this experience, you are going to enjoy every minute of this place.
(5)Fernando M.
Wow!! Bomb! Coming back tomorrow lol but it is pretty far from my house!! 8-( and they should have a super hot hot hot hot bbq sauce!!
(5)Debra R.
We enjoy stopping here at this beautiful historic spot for lunch when heading in or out of Santa Barbara. Their homemade bread made for a perfect grilled cheese sandwich, and their chili and bison burger is also a big hit. We sat near the fireplace and enjoyed the rustic ambiance near the bar while sipping a $9 glass of Santa Barbara wine. One of our favorite stops off the scenic Chumash Highway near Lake Cachuma.
(4)Scott T.
My family comes here every year in the Fall while we are staying at the Alisal Guest Ranch, this place is something special. It is an old stagecoach stop from the early 1900's and doesn't look like it's changed a bit! You would think that the food wouldn't be that great here by the looks of it, but you'd be dead wrong! I've been here several times and have had the Chili Sampler, Buffalo Burger and Venison Steak Sandwich, all of which are delicious in their own way! They have a full bar with a good wine and beer selection, but we usually bring our own wines. The ONION RINGS are to-die-for good! Just get them! Sierra Nevada breaded and delicious! The atmosphere of this place is what really makes it special, the floor is warped and the walls are adorned with old west artifacts. This place is fun and tasty for all ages! MY GO-TO-DISHES: Venison Steak Sandwich, Chili Sampler and Onion Rings!
(5)James W.
This is a must to do stop! History, and great eats ... Cold Spring Tavern is a gem of a place to visit. The weekend Lunch scene is packed with tourist and motorcyclist. The restaurant gets too busy, so grab a beer and a BBQ ticket for a Tri-Tip sandwich. The sandwiches are grilled and put together just outside where they have the BBQ pit.
(5)Melody B.
Excellent food, excellent service!.our waiter have us the perfect amount of attention but didn't hover around. I have been for breakfast, lunch, and now dinner. Never disappointed!!
(5)Marissa B.
I break my no beef rule for their tri-tip sammies! Get the horseradish, mustard sauce and some extra juice at the grill.
(5)Gretchen A.
Disappointing. The silverware was dirty. The mushroom soup that our server said was awesome was lukewarm, gritty, and completely unseasoned. Not good at all. The elk chops ($29.95) were tough and the 'demy glaze' (!) was far too strong. Vegetables were overcooked and not seasoned at all. The service was horrible. Our server never came back to the table to offer drink refills or to see how our meal was. I've eaten here before and had much better food than tonight. The atmosphere is great - all rustic and tucked away in the woods. Sure hope they can improve and get better again.
(2)Vicky T.
Had the tri-tip sandwich. Salsa was AMAZING!!! I've had better homemade barbecue sauce but it was still good. Love the toasted bread the sandwich comes on. Meat tasted great. Only advice is try to sit inside or order to go and don't sit outside because there are a lot of insects, mosquitoes and bugs everywhere. Inside is cozy and cute.
(4)Douglas M.
The Lost Feather: Many years ago, back when Spencer really was a gardener and nobody was talking about ugly fences on the Cold Spring Bridge, I was having lunch in the restaurant at the Cold Spring Tavern. We were in the large room in the front corner. Back then there was a stuffed hawk sitting on a perch in a dark corner to the left of the window. At some point during our meal the owner walked over to the hawk with a feather. It had a thumb tack through the spine and was very weathered. It wasn't from that hawk, I believe it was from an eagle. Without fanfare, with nobody really paying any attention she reached behind the Hawk and pinned it to the wall. Our curiosity got the better of us and we called the woman over to explain what she was doing and she told us this story: When the tavern was opened and it truely was a stage coach stop about 100 years earlier an Indian Medicine Man came by to bless the Tavern. At the end of his brief ceremony he took the very same feather and pinned it to the wall in the corner where the stuffed hawk was standing guard. He explained that the feather would bring prosperity to the owners and as long as that feather remained in the tavern the place would continue to thrive. He warned her that the feather would never stay put and that it would "move"... She laughed and said that it really does move, it would disappear for months or years at a time, this time she found it pinned in the cabinet under the cash register. She says that they bring it back and stick it on the wall where it goes. My friend and I have never forgotten that story. I can't go into that room without wondering whatever happend to the feather! The Hawk that stood guard is long gone and ownership has changed hands a few times.... We never thought that the woman who told the story to us was making it up, she seemed very sincere. Sometimes when I lose touch with a friend, I know that they will be my lost feather, perhaps disappearing for a few years and then popping up in an unexpected place. (and the Tri Tip sandwiches really are as good as all the other yelpers say that they are)
(5)Glenn G.
Are you kidding me?!! This is the best food I have ever had! One of the Meccas everyone should try to get to! Love this place!
(5)Rebecca J.
Awesome place. Built in the 1800's food atmosphere is amazing. Highly recommend. Rustic atmosphere and a little hard to get to but definately worth it.
(4)Chieko Y.
Went for lunch on 4th of July, had there special, cheese ravioli, fantastic meal. Will come back again.
(5)Cole A.
Just I love this place!
(5)G L.
This place is out of this world! From its appearance, to location, food and customer service, this place surpassed my expectations. We came here on a Friday for lunch. I had read that reservations were highly recommended so I called to do so but was told to come on down since they had open tables. About an hour later we showed up to this little tavern that look straight out of a movie. The greenery, the fresh air, the clean grounds. I was liking what I saw. We walked in and got seated within minutes. The inside is really small but don't let this fool you into thinking hot and muggy. We were lucky to be seated next to a fan which kept us cool and comfortable. When It comes to the menu, we ordered their tavern burger. The food was great! Only wished they could have asked us about the meat. I like well done and these are served medium rare. Customer service is great. All the staff members were very friendly. Everybody saying hello and flashing smiles. This place is epic! It's got the looks, great food, awesome customer service, and perfect location! Will be back soon!
(5)Mel C.
We rode up on the motorcycles which was a nice scenic route. My burger was good and hubby liked the french dip. The Apple horseradish sauce on french dip was not too overpowering gave it a nice flavor.
(4)Andy O.
If you don't come looking for Cold Spring Tavern, there is literally a zero percent chance that you'll happen to cross by it randomly. Unless you're very adventurous; the kind of adventurous that has you driving off onto hmm-people-probably-get-butt-raped-here side roads near giant fishing and camping grounds. When you arrive, it is likely that some of the patrons will be looking at you and thinking,"What in tarnation is that thing? It don't even got no blonde hair!". This, of course, does not apply if you are white. Luckily, despite the KKK-looking crowd and OMG-I'm-the-only-AzN-guy-here atmosphere, it doesn't feel unsafe. But something tells me that a place like this should really kick ass at their ribs and heavy American food. Meh, not really. I expected heavy, hearty, turn-me-white American cooking. Instead, we were treated to a mediocre attempt at being "fancy". Supposedly the lunch is awesome, but the dinner was pretty forgettable. That said, some people might really like the quaint, cabin-in-the-woods vibe. I personally found it a little depressing, like a Henry-David-Thoreau-living-alone-in-the-woods-but-Âwith-a-bunch-of-visiting-strangers kind of depressing.
(3)Tnkbp Q.
Has seen on Food Network's Best Place I've Eaten & Rachael Ray's $40 a day show. The location and the ambiance is definitely worth visiting. We came here for lunch. The BBQ tri tip sandwich was delicious but our favorite was the Venison sandwich. We had a good service, and a great window seat. While eating, you will hear birds chirping and feel the breeze of fresh air. Make sure to take a photo of the directions because you lose cell signal once you are close to the restaurant.
(5)Emily Y.
The food was really good but it wasn't the over-the-top best tasting sandwich ive ever had. I got the tri-tip sandwich and my bf got the venison burger. We both liked the tri-tip better. Note: if you buy the stuff on the menu (venison burger) outside, you have to eat it outside in their outdoor seating. Otherwise, you have to order it inside with the waitress to eat inside. It was a beautiful day so my bf and I didn't mind. They also give you a lot of meat. Even though I was full, I had to go get something refreshing after. I would come back. Not because the food was that good, but because the scenery was so pretty. Warning: the salsa is spicy! Also, theres not really a parking lot. You park on the side of the road but it's not too bad and not too far of a walk.
(4)Judi S.
Your food always tastes better miles from home on the side of a mountain in a natural setting surrounded by oak trees and next to a babbling brook. It's just some sort of unwritten law. Stve W. (see photo) and I ate breakfast here on the way to Solvang one weekend and dare I say it was just about the best part of the trip.
(4)Kelly M.
This place has it all; the atmosphere, the food, the people. The best part is driving new people there since it's tucked in the mountain it's always a pleasant surprise. Love love love.
(5)Katie D.
I went for lunch, at 2 pm on a Friday. First, let me say that the location is AWESOME, and the buildings are so cool--well-preserved and well-decorated. However, my dining experience was seriously lacking. The lunch menu is tiny, though reasonably priced, so if you're looking for anything other than a burger, don't come here for lunch. The dining areas are very, very dark, so also don't expect to enjoy a beautiful Santa Barbara day or be able to read the menu without help of your flashlight iPhone app. The hostess and waiter were both completely personality-less and inattentive. I don't want someone hovering over my shoulder the whole meal, but a smile and a "How you guys doing today? Have you been here before?" goes a long way with me, and I did not receive that kind of simple decency. I'd still say this place is worth experiencing, though don't go for lunch!
(2)Christopher H.
Driving and eating here is an experience I recommend to all in the Central Coast. It's built off of the highway and still retains that tavern feel it is appropriately named. Dinner here is great and boasts an intimate atmosphere. The service is top-notch and I felt like we were the only table in the whole place. Deserving of its own paragraph are the tri-tip sandwiches sold on the weekends. I will never again have a tri-tip as amazing as the one at Cold Spring Tavern. I've traveled extensively across the United States and nothing has come close yet.
(5)Joshua B.
Cold Spring Tavern is all about the experience. It's an old stagecoach stop tucked away in the mountains above Santa Barbara. They have live music on the weekends and a guy who makes super good BBQ tri-tip sandwiches outside. It's an interesting mix of Harley-Davidson guys and folks in Ferraris and old pick-ups. The restaurant is fairly pricey, but the food is good. Really it's more about bloody maries, beers, live music, and the tri-tips on a weekend afternoon.
(4)Dang N.
MAJ Gonzalez told me she had one of the best tri-tip sandwiches she's ever had here. I was returning home from Ft. Hunter-Liggett so I decided to take the 101 back home and swing on by. The tri-tip originally only got served on a Sunday which was the day I arrived but I saw a sign that said they were serving it both Sat and Sun now. I arrived at around 1300. The bar is where you order the sandwich, not the restaurant. Oh, it was also Easter weekend and raining a bit so the place was pretty empty. I was told there's normally a huge group of bikers and cars are lined down the road. I ordered a beer, the sandwich and the onion rings in beer batter. The sandwich is pretty spot on. I give a 3 1/2. Its bread was the weakest point. The cooks are a couple Mexican guys that grill this tri-tip outside and they seem pretty content. They also mix up the salsa and I think the other 2 sauces with the sandwich. These three things sit on a table next to the grill in huge jars. Next to the salsa, is the BBQ sauce and another white sauce with I'm guessing, horse radish. Honestly, none of it was that spicy to me at all. When I got my sandwich some other guys there asked the cooks which sauce they should use. I answered and said, "Put all 3!" and the cooks completely nodded their heads at this with approval. So use all 3 sauces! The meat is medium to medium-rare and it's good. Great seasoning on the meat and the meat's flavor really comes out. Oh and that's it. Meat, bread and your sauces. Nothing else is really needed. But again with the bread. Not sure if they make their own bread or not, I guessed not because this place is in the middle of no where so having bread delivered would be a pain. If they do make their own bread, it's just ok. If this sandwich was served with really great bread, it would completely rock. Maybe if the bread had been toasted just a bit on the grill it might have added to the taste. Actually this probably would have done it but I don't think you can ask for that. Maybe. Give it a try. Wasn't too keen on the onion rings. I found the batter a little too thick though the onion rings themselves were pretty good. I think I'll give it a 2 1/2. So what wraps up the whole thing? In the bar they'll have a live band. Not sure if the same band plays every Sunday but the guys that were playing when I was there was only 3 guys. One on harmonica and vocals, another on guitar, and the third using brush drumsticks on a cardboard box! I've never seen the last and thought that was pretty cool. And they were pretty damn good. I overheard some guy in the bar say this band had playing here for 30 years or so. Yeah, so the atmosphere is very cool. I can definitely imagine the place really rocking when it's got 20-30 bikers in the joint.
(4)Steve O.
Place gets five stars based on location, atmosphere, ambiance, history, and stiff drinks. Had the country fried steak. Was ok. Eggs, potatoes and gravy top notch. Will go back many times but to try everything else. Two breakfast, and two cocktails, got outta there for $35 including tip. Very reasonably priced. Many things on lunch and dinner menu to try. Everyone happy with their meal.
(5)Barbara B.
What a wonderful Sunday evening at Cold Spring Tavern for our group of four! The restaurant was a quiet haven, even though the tavern was happy, wild and busy! The menu has great choices and the service was super! My stuffed, boneless chicken was absolutely 5-star delicious!! Ditto for my husband's salmon and our friend's two dinners! Reasonable prices for such an overall exceptional evening and great meal! Our warm thanks to you, Cold Spring Tavern!
(5)Joan H.
"Feasting in a forest" - printed on the bottom of your receipt. On our drive up to Solvang, we stopped by Cold Spring for lunch. After that winding, curving drive up the mountain, it's nice to be able to stop and stretch your legs. This quaint little restaurant is situated next to the massive (haha) Ojai jail. In all seriousness though, take a tour of the area behind the kitchen after you eat. Nice little distraction. Here's what we had: Chili burger $9.75 - they're famous for their chili, of course I had to order! Burger was a bit on the dry side, but the chili was great! Order a side salad with the lingonberry vinaigrette to feel less guilty. Firestone beer ~$5 BBQ beef $9.75 Grilled Veggie salad $9.75 Veggie quiche $9.75 Service was very friendly and it wasn't too crowded at lunch time. There were some larger dining rooms towards the back of the restaurant, so I'm sure they can accommodate large parties.
(3)Karen M.
Absolutely fantastic!! Ambiance is off the charts Been there for lunch & dinner -- both are great!! Lunch time brings a lot of biker types, but the dinner was very different -- more upscale. Took our Daughter & Son-In-Law here and it was very,very good!! Been here at night, been here through the day -- always delightfull!!
(5)Fabrice A.
So I'm up in Santa Barbara for two days to see the homie . The homie tells me we are meeting the other homie at cold springs tavern. Huh? Never heard of it . We'll lets tell you something, after going today , I'll never forget it. Dopeness!!!! We drove about 30 minutes into the hills of Santa Barbara, pass some awesome scenery and then.............cars on every side of the narrow highway .... Then the tavern appears. Let me tell you , i felt like I drove right into a hillbilly / hipster BBQ party. Motorcycles , trucks , rolls Royce . Errbody here for that meat . What meat you ask?? The tri tip. They serve it only on Sunday . You have three boys chillin in the corner Cooking up some serious cuts . You walk up to the bar, grab a nice blonde ale and pay for your ticket . You then give this golden ticket to the boys at the grill. This tri tip sandwich is so freakin good. Piled high on toasted bollio bread, you the can put au jus , horseradish mayo , salsa or their BBQ on top. Bombness. So good I had to have two!!! Grab a bench , enjoy the ambiance and live music . I'll definitely be back to try the restaurant . Small, quaint , with a cool menu. This place is a MUST!!!!!im big on hidden gems .
(5)Ray B.
There is no other place like this in probably a 500 mile radius (as far as I know) . So I have nothing to compare to which means it's the best for what it is. The tri-tip sandwich only is worth the drive alone (100 miles from where I live).
(5)Loren W.
Rabbit and wild mushrooms, absolutely perfect!
(5)Lorri D.
Such a cool place. Was told about it several years ago and, although it was hard to find, it was worth the experience. Since then, I've been stopping there just about every time I go up that way. It's a relaxing place off the beaten path.... lots of motorcycles. It's been increasing in popularity since I first started going, so it doesn't have the quaint quietness as before... but that's still there underneath it all. A nice creek flowing, birds chirping, rock n roll playing. The venison sausage stuffed mushrooms are what kept me coming back at first.... but their famous chili is a great meal too, it's got nice flavor and is perfect with a cold chilled beer (I rarely have beer, but some occassions call for it). The appetizers for two are super yummy!! As are the burgers and salads. Never had dinner there, always lunch (and once for breakfast, very tasty too). If for no other reason, it's a great place to stop and rest when driving up towards wine country, Solvang or Pismo (or Morro Bay, which is where I'm usually headed). Cute little cabin tucked in the hills off the hustle of the freeway below. Pretty neat joint. Stop and check it out... drive slow and watch for bikers CHEERS!
(4)Erin O.
Serendipity! My hubby and I were exploring new places in and around the foothills and stumbled across this place quite by accident. A cool oasis in the middle of a hot, dusty drive. They've kept the rustic feel of the waystation and turned it into a darn good chowhouse. I heartily recommend the tri-tip sandwich. Hub and I had already eaten a picnic lunch, so we split it and a bowl of chili verde for "second lunch." Staff is very friendly and service is quick. We found this mid-afternoon, mid-week so the place was not overly crowded. My mother knew about this place for years as Mattie's Tavern, apparently, but she never saw fit to share the knowledge with me until we came back to her Santa Maria home raving enthusiastically about our fortunate lunch find. ("Oh yeah! Great little spot!" Thanks for the tip, Mom~!) I won't make that mistake- will definitely tell others about this great little place.
(5)Chris L.
I definitely recommend Cold Spring to anyone in the area. The tri-tip is fantastic and the atmosphere is uniquely great.
(5)D.E. R.
Cat Cora on Food Network was not messing around when she recommended this place. It's an experience, that YOU need to experience. The Whole Biker Bar atmosphere, the BBQ Smoke, the Loud Music... THE FOOD! The Tri-Tip Sandwiches: Purchase your ticket in the bar, and go around the side for the most delicious food. You'll be suffering from watering mouth syndrome watching them slice the meat for your sandwich. Then, head to the station where there's sauces to add - no being skimped, you get to put on as much as YOU want. This is something every person must go and eat!
(5)Mandy C.
Popped in for breakfast on the way up to Santa Ynez to go Grape Stomping. What a gem of a place!!!! Really quaint & tucked away in the woods..........breakfast was delicious!!! Service was fast & the food obviously was freshly made - I chose not to get biscuits & toast with my breakfast but landed up eating bits from everyone elses plates at our table after tasting theirs. I have made many trips to Solvang taking overseas visitors & wish I had known about this place before - will definitely add it to my list of places to take guests in the future. I want to try their dinner & lunchtime menus too. Highly recommend
(5)Robin C.
Great music and great atmosphere! The best place to be in the SB area on a Friday or Saturday night.
(5)Drew M.
This is not only a good restaurant, but one of the oldest historical locations in the state. It really is a old stage stop for the Overland stage, check out the jail behind the restaurant. It is sort of out of the way, but if traveling from LA to NorCal worth a stop for lunch or dinner. Full bar and plenty of beer.
(3)Maeve M.
I've been here twice and was so impressed both times. Such a wonderful energy here with wonderful food! I'll definitely be back.
(5)Alex P.
This place is the real thing. Takes you back in time sitting inside. On the afternoon that we stopped by, there was also a live band playing outside. Their chili sampler is phenomenal and portions are sized to stuff a mid sized rhino.
(5)Lindsey H.
Love dining here. From the restaurant and the unique meat options to the tri tip barbecue I am always pleased. The service and staff are wonderful!
(5)Alyssa B.
I had no idea what I was stepping into when I walked in. The restaurant has closed rooms rather than being open concept. It looked so small at first! But if you come with a large enough party, maybe you'll be able to get a room for yourselves. The restaurant has a pioneer hunter-Native American history kind of feel. It was enough to make me feel like I went back in time. They also have real fire places throughout the restaurants, which I enjoyed. The restaurant is known for featuring game animals on their menu. I went at dinner time, and they had wild boar, venison, and rabbit. The dinner menu also featured fish, chicken, pork chop steaks, lamb, and ribs. I had the rabbit, which I thought was okay. They took the meat off the bones and prepared it in a way to make "scallions." It was kind of tough and hard to chew. I have had better rabbit at other restaurants. I had a bite of the venison, and it was delicious. It didn't have a gamey taste, so don't be afraid to try it! Dinner also comes with a basked of bread, salad, chili, or soup of the day. The staff was friendly and honest. When asking about the menu, the lady who took our order told us her favorites, what was popular, and which meals were smaller compared to others. Warning: For those who have their smartphones surgically attached to their hand, you do not get service out here.
(5)Paige R.
This place is beautiful. For me, it hits all the right notes. Good food, well-priced, and wonderful ambiance. The lunch prices were such a good deal. Averaged about ten bucks or less per person. I had a cinnamon hot tea and Tri Tip sandwich. BBQ-y goodness. Crispy fries. SO good. All this right next to a lovely fireplace. And surrounded by more nature than I'm used to. My boyfriend had a simple grilled chicken sandwich and fries. He thought it was' pretty standard' but the atmosphere made up for it. He probably would give this place a 4 as he is pickier than I am.
(5)Sunshine N.
Make a reason to come here on a Sunday - bring your friends and family, they'll all rave over the great atmosphere and tri tip sammies! I brought some friends here after a hike - one guy threw down two sandwiches and was able to put a third down if he didn't think his wife would frown upon that. The restaurant has many other options if you miss out on the tri tip or if you come any day other than Sunday. Anytime I'm in SB or Santa Ynez, I make it mandatory to stop in, grab a beer, a sandwich, and listen to the band. Tons of bikers too - so check out the bikes while you're there, if you're into that. BTW, Cat Cora said it was the best sandwich she ever ate...with that - what are you wating for?
(5)Christine A.
It's all about those tri-tip sandwiches, especially when you add their barbecue and horseradish with whole grain mustard sauces. The meat is so juicy and it comes in thick slices on a French roll (photo: yelp.com/biz_photos/0qu0… ). Incredibly satisfying, and they're only available Saturday and Sunday. Pick up your tickets in the storybook, ivy-covered cabin, with animal heads on the walls ( yelp.com/biz_photos/0qu0… ) and guns over the stone fireplace ( yelp.com/biz_photos/0qu0… ). Head around back and trade your ticket for a fistful of bread and meat. It doesn't seem like much as first, but it's easily the best steak sandwich I've ever had and just enough to feel satisfyingly full and yet not sick. The combination of horseradish sauce (which was flavorful and, thankfully, not particularly spicy) and barbecue sauce make it all the more irresistibly potent. This is now the sandwich against which all other tri-tip sandwiches shall be measured. Cold Spring Tavern's origin dates back to 1886 when it served as a stagecoach stop. With its small grouping of buildings of varying historic value, it's comparable to Arizona's Tortilla Flat, which was also a coach stop for changing horses and taking a rest or grabbing a meal. They're supposedly noted for their more gamey meats like venison, elk, buffalo, pheasant, rabbit, and wild boar. In the past they've also served lion, kangaroo, and bear.
(5)Chris C.
I've been going to the Cold Springs Tavern since 1995 and it never fails to impress me. The food & drink are fantastic. The atmosphere is pretty cool, and it's just a fun place to hang out at, especially if you love to ride a motorcycle like I do. The extremely rustic and authentic facility is a page right out of the old west, with a mock jail, small rough hewn shacks and an outdoor BBQ that rates about an 8 on a scale of 1-10. For those who want a souvenir, they sell keepsakes there too. On another note are the great bands they get here. The entertainment never disappoints... So with all the praise, why do I only rate it four stars? That has to do with the weekend crowds and parking, which is about as bad as it gets. The parking "lot", if you can call it that, is an uneven patch of dirt under the trees just up the hill from the place. Parking a bike here can be a real pain and I've witnessed many great men drop their bikes in the dirt, followed by a few colorful metaphors. The very few designated spaces right in front fill up very quickly and are almost never available. You can park on the narrow, winding, 2-lane road, but that's like rolling some expensive dice, especially with the way boy-racers drive through here. It would be really, really cool if the management would find a way to pave the dirt lot and make a few motorcycle-only spots in front for their loyal customers. Just sayin'...
(4)Ellen C.
Up the windy woodsy road, you find yourself off the beaten path and perhaps thinking you're lost. You eventually do come across a small cabin-like bar/restaurant that appeases your thirst for a cold beer. You kind of feel like you're in Frontierland at Disneyland with an old ranch/cowboy feel to it. It's really quite beautiful here. An abundance of trees to shade the outside, the stillness and quiet chirping of birds as you sip your beer. As you drive your way up to Santa Barbara/Solvang, remember to stop by here for a drink, to relax, and breathe in nature. I can't say anything about the food because all I wanted was a beer..haha...As usual.
(4)Leona S.
I'm going to round up 3.5 stars to 4 stars. On our way back from San Luis Obispo, we decided to take a detour and have lunch here. I saw this place on Food Network's Best Things I've Ever Eaten and also my co-worker suggested it. It is literally in the middle of nowhere off the 154 Highway. You have to drive on a winding one-land road for a while and once you start seeing cars along the side of the road, you know you've reached your destination. Now here's the thing. We came here on a Sunday, when they have Tri-tip sandwiches. I should've read the Yelp reviews in depth because I DID NOT KNOW that it was served outside the restaurant. There was no line at the time so we absolutely overlooked the stand!!! (Smacking my forehead, kicking myself in the bum...). So....we went inside the restaurant. Immediately, I love it. Homey, comforting, and warm. Loved the decor and the whole ambiance. We sat in one of the back rooms with a fireplace. What a lovely touch!! And it was cold so I appreciated the warmth. Our waiter should've told us about the Tri tip sandwich ordeal. When our waiter came to take our order, we both said we wanted the tri tip sandwich. I guess the menu has a BBQ tri tip sandwich, which again I overlooked. It would've been nice to get a heads up from our waiter like "do you mean the weekend special" or something like that. Anyway, we got mushroom bisque and a bowl of chili with our sandwiches. The mushroom bisque was really good. Super creamy and warm, very mushroomy tasting. The Chili however, supposedly their signature recipe was very ordinary. It kind of tasted like Stagg chili. Chunky pieces of beans and meat, with raw onions and cheese topped on it. It was delicious but nothing mind blowing. And here's where the 3.5 stars come in. The BBQ beef tri tip sandwich was.....in one word, disappointing. The BBQ sauce was overpowering the whole sandwich. And I don't like vinegary BBQ sauce. Not sweet, just way too strong and tangy. They lathered the whole sandwich in this sauce, it was way too much. Second, the tri tip cut was super thick. I don't like it chunky and it's actually hard to eat. The bun was fluffy and soft, the inside contents were sadly not up to par for me. Next time we're in the area, I will make sure to open my freakin' eyes and check out the stand outside (they had all sorts of condiments that looked delicious) and also try their pistachio corn chowder (which they were out).
(4)Kristen M.
What a cool historic spot! Stopped in for a drink while driving to Santa Barbara.
(4)Vanessa C.
While camping at Lake Cachuma stopped here for lunch and breakfast, quality food and drinks. I had the chicken sandwich with french fries and eggs and bacon with biscuits and gravay. It's a very charming lodge like cabin hidden right in the mountain. On Sundays they have live music. Can't wait to visit again!
(5)Adam M.
This place is in an awesome location, sweet outdoor seating area live band on Sundays. I ogt the tri tip sandwich, meat was great but the bread. . . the bread was so dry and flakey part of the bread flaked off and hit me in the eye lol. The bread makes the sandwich in my opinion. This palce is worth the second chance but be leary the crusty bread peeps.
(2)Natalie C.
Where have you been all my life?!?! The seclusion and vibe of this place deserves 5 stars in itself. Lots of bikers, mixed with luxury cars and college students, anyone and everyone is welcome, however leave the dogs at home or in the car. There is a sign before you reach the place, but I guess a lot of people don't read it. Do yourself a favor if you don't want to get yelled at by one of the bikers. Now to the real part, those tri-tip sandwiches are to die for!. My boyfriend ate 2 of them. It is well worth the drive through the Mountain and middle of nowhere to try these. They stick almost half of a tri-tip on one sandwich. I did not try the sauces so I can not comment on that, but I would definitely recommend pouring the Aus Jus sauce they have at the sandwich stand over your sandwich, it was all my boyfriend and I needed for it, he ate 2 sandiwches and got one to go. I promise you won't be disappointed. FYI, you have to go inside the bar to pick up your sandwich ticket for $9.25, they have fresh spring water in there as well. You then pick up your sandwich at the tent inbetween the bar and restaurant. Make sure you bundle up, its cold up there, and you will most likely be sitting outside unless you're lucky enough to find a table inside the bar where its warm and cozy. Also, I think they only have the sandwiches on the weekends and Sundays are the best days to go.
(5)Matt V.
I got the tri tip sandwich and my wife got the buffalo burger (I got bites). This place is legit, since 1865?!?!?! Food was amazing, service was good. a little crowded on a Sunday afternoon, especially since it's so far away from everything. All things considered it was worth it and we will definitely go back.
(5)Tom S.
Just a treat to go here. A very unique dining experience. We stopped off on the way to wine tasting in Los Olivos and had a lunch. It was Sunday and they were BBQ tri-tips outside, so naturally we ordered those. I also sampled their venison chili. Both dishes were quite good. I found the venison chili a bit under developed in terms of the chili and spices, good but as if they had not had ample time to really settle in and develop. The tri-tip was excellent but the sandwich was a tad basic and underwhelming. However the service and the setting is so fantastic and so superb, it's an old cabin that was a stop for travelers back when, that this pushed the rating to a 4. Bring the food up a notch and it would be a 5 in my books. Definitely worth going to but it can get really crowded, which is a good sign but you might have to be prepared for a wait. No problem, hang out in the canyon under the trees and let the day take you!
(4)Anait O.
Really nice rustic restaurant. I loved the atmosphere. Parking is really sketch. Service is really good. Gave it 3 stars because the food Isn't that great for the price. It cost $26 for a steak that didn't taste very good and was more rare than medium rare. The appetizer plate was $15 and they literally put 2 shrimp on there with two mushrooms and 2 artichokes. Ridiculously expensive for the amount of food. Although that's not why I gave them 3 stars. I just didn't think the food was very good. Otherwise great experience.
(3)Carrie P.
All around just an awesome place to dine or have a beer. The atmosphere is incredibly neat with all the history that surrounds this place. I love hanging out by the fire, and eating a hamburger that is as big as my face. I love to stop in whenever i'm in Santa Barbara. Just go, already! You won't regret it!
(5)Maryann M.
Grilled cheese sandwich and onion rings were definitely two great choices. Draft beer was $10...seems a bit steep, though good. Bad choice---- the tri-tip. I watched the guy preparing it pick it off the grill with his fingers, while I stood there watching bugs land all over the bread he had just buttered! He then proceeded to take my food ticket from me with the same hand!!!! The tri-tip was way undercooked and super chewy. Not sure if I would go back. If you decide to venture there I would recommend eating inside the restaurant to avoid the bugs and dirty hands of those preparing your food! Also, they don't allow dogs on the weekends. Not sure why.
(3)Ritchie S.
This place has so much potential.
(3)Steven D.
Okay, so I am writing this review about 12 years after the girl I was dating (now my wife) and I stopped for a couple cold ones. But I remember it being located off the beaten path deep in a canyon somewhere. Plus it was a blast to get to if you're in a sports car too. Just an all around cool place. I remember it was a hot day, we had the top down and were in the mood for a tall cold one. My girlfriend at the time recommended that we pay this place a visit. To this day, I remember it vividly. Would definitely go back some day!
(5)gary w.
This is off the beaten path, but has very tasty food and drink, as well as a few out buildings you can visit and a small amount of history about before the bridge was built. Their tri-tip sandwiches were on the Food Network and are very good, I believe they're only served on the weekend. They also serve game; rabbit, venison, etc which is hard to find in this area. Also, cold beer!
(5)Hayley F.
The tri-tip is the best in town and sunday's are always so fun up there!
(4)Ronnie C.
Excellent sandwiches and excellent food. Great place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and just kick back and relax..
(5)Bob K.
Frustrated. Heard such wonderful things about the place. Showed up. Most tables empty and yet nobody helped us for minutes, until one did - harried and seemingly mobbed. Anyway, we were shoved into a table with a cobwebbed - yes, cobwebbed - lamp, and cobwebbed deer head above. After waiting minutes ("Should we go for it?" "I guess. Adventure, right?"), no one bothered to approach. Finally - when we heard that the table next to us had been waiting over a half hour for their dinner, after being delivered their salad and their check! - we decided to walk. Sad. Such amazing potential for what could be the most romantic, spectacular destination place for food. I guess it's really just a weekend roast beef sandwich place for bikers on their way in and out of Santa Barbara. What a waste.
(1)Celia C.
If you're the intrepid type, this family and biker spot is far from anything insipid. It's anagolous to Cheers where everybody knows your name but much cooler because it welcomes passerbys. How did I find this spot off-the-beaten path? When you have a conconction of a former SB local and a few other friends all going out of their way after a long drive back from the Central Coast, I'm thinking this place has to be swag and my handy sidekick of a tummy is already prepping an after-dinner marinade. It's a no frills and humbling kind of place. You go in, order your beer and tri-tip (only served on Sundays) and the inviting middle-aged woman hands me a ticket to pick up my food from their outdoor BBQ pit. The cook is a Polynesian big, a little serious, but the kind you show respect to. After you get your grub, you stop by the sauce table, and find yourself an open seat at a picnic table nearby and listen to some live blues. If you're the pretentious foodie or the obnoxious type (meaning just plain disrespectfully stupid), I can't see that going well with all the biker dudes. It's their territory. I was pleased the tri-tip was cooked medium rather than well-done; it was extremely tender and flavorful. The french sandwich bread it was served on was lightly toasted giving it that hot sandwich feel. Overall, really great meat and the kind I'm going to have cravings over.
(5)Marty L.
This use to be a place where motorcycle riders would enjoy a weekend getaway, and one of BIG toms tri-tip sandwiches, in a secluded area. The Santa Barbara "wine and cheese" crowd started showing up and bringing busloads of tourists to gawk at the locals. It's now a tourist trap and all the self respecting riders have moved on. The food in the restaurant is very good and somewhere I still go ONCE a year for dinner at Christmas time. My bike and my friends can't take the tourists.
(2)Bryce D.
Amazing! You need to check this hidden gem out! If your into Country stuff, then you will be in heaven here! And the food was really good, and fresh. One of my new all time favorite places to eat. If you have not been here... take a day and make it happen. You will not be disappointed.
(5)Mark F.
If you have to ask about Cold Springs, stop reading, get in the car and drive. Do not pass go and do not collect $200. You will not be disappointed. Nestled in the cold and dark side of the mountain, CST is the perfect weekend lunch get-a-way on a hot summer day. The temp will drop 30. Bring a hoodie. The property consists of several, log cabins with roaring fires to keep you warm. Dinner is mostly wild game and you pay for it but breakfast and lunch are much less expensive and I think, more fun. Head up on a Sunday the first thing you'll notice is a lack of parking. It's ok folks, that's a good thing. The road is crammed with biker boys and girls all there for live music, good food and a few cold beers. Come on Sunday's for pretty darn good Tri-tip sandwiches. Order at the bar along with a frosty beverage, hang out listening to great, live music and make you way to the grill when you're ready. It's messy folks but good. Load on some salsa and grab the napkins. Eat and enjoy. Sunday's are your best bet to experience CST and my favorite day to go. I can't think of anything negative or even suggestions. Don't change a thing. NOTE: Cell coverage is iffy so make plans with friends before you get there. You might not have signal.
(5)Carrie W.
This place is a neat little stop! Rustic and unique it's definitely pleasing to the eye! I attended a wedding there this past weekend , the venue was quaint and the food was delicious..... Until that night and the next day, and the day after that! Come to find out myself and my husband weren't the only people suffering from this event! The entire wedding had come down with food poisoning! I am embarrassed for the bride as she had to apologize to the people she chose to share this life event with, that they had fallen ill from attending! Addition to this review: the entire wedding was struck with NOROVIRUS !!!! Such a bummer, now my husband wont eat there, and it totally would have been a place I would have gone to again....
(2)Christina P.
Seriously. The best steak sandwich I've ever had! Trick is: wait until a Saturday or Sunday to go and take your time because the grill doesn't open until about 11 or so... then, go directly to the grill! Actually, you have to go inside to pay for your sandwich but you get it right from the big guy at the grill. Not just any big guy, either... the wizard of steak sandwhiches big guy! We did not have all this knowledge, so we ate breakfast inside. It was fine. Interesting chili... nothing to write home about. Kitchy, woody ambiance complete with the occasional coon-skin-hat. In fact, we got our sandwich on our way out. It sat in the back of the car all the way to Los Olivos. It sat there through a few rounds of wine tasting. Finally, the room temperature sandwich was retrieved from the car and paired with some sips of wine. Phenomenal! The stuff dreams are made of! It's been months, and I still think of that sandwich. We didn't even eat it at its prime! I can assure you, if I am ever within an hour drive of this place on a Saturday or Sunday... I will return! Keep an eye out for me, big John!
(5)Derek R.
The trick to this place is to come here around noon on a cold day in the winter. No crowds, plenty of parking, excellent service, and you can sit in the back area next to the fireplace. A favorite of my wife and me, native Californians who love to adventure.
(5)Isaac Z.
The Cold Spring Tavern is a Santa Barbara institution. It was a stagecoach stop way back in the day, a place to rest your horses, get a hot meal and have a stiff drink. Surprisingly, they have never closed and have been able to thrive as a unique restaurant/tavern that has stayed true to its roots. The CST location is very cool. Coming from Santa Barbara, you drive northeast high up into the mountains, almost like you are driving into the clouds. Once you peak, you head back down the mountain into a shady oak grove that is next to a cold stream. Hence the name. The key to an enjoyable meal at the CST is simple. GO EARLY! Otherwise, you will inevitably wait in line with the rest of the masses that slept in. We went 10 minutes after opening, and it was the bomb. The service here is very welcoming. Our server knew we were debating menu choices, and offered some great suggestions. We started with the beer battered onion rings. They were served hot and they were cooked perfectly. Although they have breakfast options, we had ordered off the lunch menu. I had the veggie burger with fries that was filling and pretty damn good. Daughter had a grilled chicken sandwich that she liked a lot. Wife had a quiche with a salad. Not mind blowing food, but all things considered, they serve good food at fair prices. Before you leave, be sure to wander and check out their grounds. You will find an old jail, a stream, and a mini museum. On another note, about a half mile down the road, you will find Santa Barbara's famous "Cold Spring Canyon Suicide Bridge." There have been close to 60 confirmed jumps that have led the recent installation of a controversial barrier along the bridge sides. Morbid, but an interesting part of Santa Barbara history that is unknown to most visitors. Now you know, so go check it out.
(4)Tammy G.
I've come twice now - and it is MUCH more fun on a motorcycle, but don't let that stop you! I'll be in a car next weekend, and I will be back. Any time I am in the area from now on - I am getting that amazing BBQ sandwhich, some beer, and some great people watching. Maybe a dance or two. It gets no more simple than this - and no better.
(5)Yasmeen A.
Best tri tip sandwich ever! They only serve it Saturdays and Sundays and we drive from LA to have it. Its so worth it! Don't forget to tip the wonderful man grilling. He's out there all day grilling he deserves a couple bucks:-)
(5)Lucy Y.
This place has somewhat of a split personality. Or at least it did when I was here on a Saturday night for dinner. After winding through the mountains and surviving the setting sun glaring into our eyes, all the while wondering how the many motorcycles that make their way here ever actually GET here safely, we scored a parking spot in their lot. The creek that trickled below and the thicket of trees and rocks that I could see just beyond the lot made me want to climb down and up and all around. The fact that the bullfrogs were just starting to really ribbet as the sun was setting made me itch to climb down those rocks even more, so I could make a grab for a chubby one! We were early for our dinner reservations, so we followed the sound of the band into the bar and sat and listened and watched people dance for a bit. The vibe was laid back and warm and casual and fun. About 10 minutes before our reservation time, we checked in at the restaurant next door. The girl who greeted us was polite but not overly friendly when she told us they were running a little behind. Since we had the time, we wandered around the side of the restaurant and back, where little rustic buidings had signs that explained they were old jail cells and even living spaces. Neato to look at, and clearly original in their structure. (Bring a flashlight if you want to be able to see the inside of these structures in the evening) The sun had set by now, but the sky was bright enough with moonlight to see bats out hunting for bugs. Neato!! We ended up being seated about 25 minutes late for our reservation. Honestly, for how slow this was, the attitude didn't match the level of apology that I would think is appropriate. While the bar next door is casual and warm, the vibe in the restaurant is definitely different. The wood plank floors and rustic walls and decor make it feel very casual, because nobody dresses up to come here. The menu items include exotics like venison, and also traditional things like prime rib, chicken, and lamb, but aren't super pricey. The service here however is on the cold side. Cold, like we think we're a high end restaurant so we're going to be un-warm, in a fashionable way. or at least that's how our server was. And it's all wrong in my opinion. This is a rustic place! The bar next door is loud and warm! But you walk in to the restaurant, and it's hushed tones, slow service, and just okay food? Hm. All dinners come with either soup or chili or salad. The salad was a nice mix of dark leafy greens with grated carrots on top and a couple of cucumbers. The chili with beans was tasty, but a little salty for my salt-sensitive palate. The bread basket had thick slices of warm white and wheat bread that was squishy and good with butter. Prime Rib - one of the daily specials. I think that it was sliced and then cooked again, which when it comes to prime rib is odd. It was chewier than any prime rib that I've ever had and medium rare when I asked for rare. My veggies were far too crunchy for cooked cauliflower and carrots. Boneless Half Chicken - this was really good. Moist and flavorful, with a crispy skin. Apple Cobbler - served warm but not with vanilla ice cream as I think cobbler should always be served, but with whipped cream - clearly from a can. The crumb topping was good, and the tart apple filling had a nice amount of cinnamon and lemon zest. Our not so friendly server never checked on us throughout the meal. The busser was the one person who we did see a lot of, who WAS warm, who delivered our food, checked on us, refilled our waters, took our empty plates, and then even wished us a safe drive home and a good night. Why isn't HE a server, I ask? Oh, I should clarify - our server did crack a warm smile - when he dropped off our check. Which is honestly the worst time to break out your smile, dude, because everyone knows why you've timed this to come with the check. I would definitely come back here, just because the rustic scenery around here is so gorgeous and the bar vibe was so warm. I've heard a lot about the tri-tip sammich that Cat Cora called out on The Best Thing I Ever Ate, and we even saw (and smelled) the outdoor grills that cook said tri-tip. So I'd come back for that, and hope for a warmer lunch-time vibe.
(3)Jessica S.
This story is almost unbelievable. I went wine tasting with a group of girlfirends on a Sunday and everyone knows that Cold Springs is a great way to end a day in Santa Ynez Valley. We got there about 3 O'Clock which is pretty much sundown in the little canyon that the tavern occupies. We got the Tri-Tip and some local beer and sat down to watch the band play outside. Weekend bikers were everywhere and the atmosphere was magical until, my friend got sick. Not from the food, but from all the wine she had during the day. She ran to the bathroom and it was locked so she had to puke in the bushes. Everyone noticed, i think the band even stopped playing for a step and then resumed. We decided to drive her home and the look of disappointment on my face must have been apparent because the nicest guy in the world sitting on the fence said to me "If you want to stay I'll drive you home." It was like a scene from a Patrick Swayze film. We stayed and talked and two months since that motorcycle ride home we are still together...but now i have a much cuter helmet.
(4)Den C.
This place is pretty neat and if you happen to nearby by then definitely stop over. It has a lot of history, the menu is different ( gamey meats like venison, rabbit etc..). After a meal head over next door for some live music.
(4)Will O.
TRI TIP! I dont know when they DONT serve the trip tip but I guess im lucky cause its always there. Drive up the mountain, grab a beer and a tri tip and enjoy the nice day.
(4)Penny L.
I love this place, the food, the drinks, the atmosphere, everything's wonderful. My only suggestion: don't go for Thanksgiving. The food was mediocre at best on the fixed menu. Go for a day trip or one night for lunch / dinner, not a holiday or you'll be disappointed.
(4)Chris G.
What an unbelievable find. Who would have guessed such a great place hidden in the woods of the Santa Barbara mountains. Rich with history as the building is some 160 years old, and apparently where Wells Fargo used to come through. Food was great and priced right, and the the inside felt exactly what it must've felt like to dine a couple hundred years ago. Me and my dinner cohorts almost fought over the artichoke appetizer. Steak was great, service was good, great ambiance. Awesome, awesome, awesome!
(5)Kristi W.
Found this place on Yelp as I was looking for a restaurant that was a bit off the beaten path and an adventure - BINGO! It was all as was expected based on most Yelp reviews and we were not disappointed. The drive was short from our beach front condo near East beach, and very scenic as well. I loved the rustic buildings and all the history associated with the them. The first building hosts a full bar where we were told hosted a band on weekend afternoons. I was surprised at how many customers just come there to get a drink to enjoy outside on the wooden tables. You can also order food at the bar to enjoy outside. We were seated promptly even thought we showed up around 12:30p on a Saturday with a party 5. Service was prompt and food was as described - very delicious. I had the BBQ Tri-tip sandwich - yum! Bonus - they do have a kids menu! There was a steady flow of customers that continued to stream in while we dined and a crowd was starting to form near the bar as a band was arriving and setting up for the late afternoon festivities. Seriously a great little find, we will come again - Loved It!
(5)Georgie M.
Yep, Five Stars -- for the venison sausage alone! The three of us came here for dinner during our wine tasting trip to Santa Barbara/ Santa Ynez and we're glad we did. The food was amazing! If you watch the Food Network, you might get the wrong impression and think this more of a biker's BBQ place. It is, and it's fun just for that, but you would be missing all the other wonderful food they prepare and serve! If you have never been to Cold Spring Tavern, it is a group of some very old buildings. The restaurant is somewhat hard to find. Hopefully you're NAV system is up to date! You might think you're lost when you make a sharp turn down a old country road dropping 100 feet or so before getting to the restaurant. I would suggest getting there early since parking can be a problem. As one other Yelpers noted, it was originally a stage coach stop that was built in 1886. So, if you are looking for a fancy Three Star Michelin dinning experience, I would tell you to leave your preconceive notions at home. The food is probably close to that Michelin rating, it's that good! But, the restaurant is very rustic, and I mean that in the best possible way. We started with the Venison sausage filled mushrooms for $9.50 and the Appetizers for two for $15.50. As I noted above, it was delicious! For dinner we ordered and shared the boneless Half Chicken for $21.50, charbroiled Pork Chop $24.00 and the NY Strip for $23.50. WOW! Some of the best food we ever had! We finished what we could and asked for a dogie bag. We skipped the dessert and opted instead for a night cap at the Hitching Post. The tab came to $145 or so and we felt it was well worth it! Great, great evening! Enjoy!
(5)J W.
First of all, get here is amazing! A perfect ride on the Harley. But, the food is perfect! excellent Quiche! Cold beer..and the staff was very professionally friendly. Highly recommended Cold Spring Tavern!
(5)Lisa Z.
We loved this place. We heard about it from patrons of Pozo Saloon in Santa Margarita; they recommended it as a "must see" on our way home. It's off of the 154, don't miss the Stagecoach Rd. turn. That takes you way down into the "hollow", which is like disappearing from the regular world into a time warp, into a wonderful woodsy glen with quaint wood buildings that appear out of the side of the hill, Hobbit-like and picturesque. We arrived as it was turning dusk on a Saturday. On the weekends they serve food, and had a full bar. Lucky us, a band was setting up! They were a fun cover band and everyone enjoyed it. This little hollow in the woods got quite cold, so we were glad to be inside right by the fireplace. Dog/family friendly, but it's not a big space. I would come back here in a heartbeat. Don't miss it! Gets crowded as it gets later. A big destination for motorcycles. A true Roadhouse!
(5)Toyo K.
This place was recommended by more than couple of couch surfers so my gf and I decided to check it out. It's about a 30 minute uphill drive from Santa Barbara, into the mountains. If you're using a map be sure not to miss the turn onto Stagecoach..it'll come up rather quickly. Upon arrival it seemed like there was a huge party going on. Very festive atmosphere with a live band, tons of people drinking and dancing. We went on a Sunday so it might have been a special for that day to have that kind of of festivity. You order the food and drinks at the bar...it can get rather crowded so be ready to wait in line. They give you a ticket for the tri tip sandwich and you get those at the outdoor grill. The tri tip sandwiches are pretty big and they have a table with BBQ sauce, horseradish, and salsa. the BBQ sauce was sweet...and horseradish was not spicy...so I recommend adding those two. The sandwich was freaking delicious. So good....probably the best tri tip sandwich I've ever had. Juicy, bread was soft, sauces complimented it very well.... I'll definitely be back when I'm in Santa Barbara.
(5)Elaine W.
Sunday tri-tip sandwiches and music! Definitely worth the short drive up the 154. VERY casual, backroads kind of feel at this time. Lots of bikets and regulars, most everyone (customers) was pretty friendly. My huband, inlaws and two small kiddos went. Only tri-tip sandwiches on the grill (very tasty with BUCKETS of sauce to add on yourself), my vegetarian husband had a delicious grilled cheese with carmelized onions and my toddler had an impressive ham sandwich. There were a few other families there too, the kids enjoyed playing around the picnic tables further away from the road. A GREAT way to spend a Sunday afternoon
(4)Adrienne D.
Recently, we went to Cold Springs Tavern on a Saturday morning. I have been a handful of times being that I live in SB and never had any problems previously. We had family in town and decided to take them to Cold Springs Tavern for lunch, however, this time we brought our dog with us. After parking, we started walking in when we were stopped by the owner. He was incredibly rude and condescending, he even said "can't you read the sign, no dogs allowed" and "you could leave your dog at home like everyone else". I have honestly never encountered rudeness like this from an employee of a restaurant, much less from the owner. We were unaware that dogs were not allowed to be outside. Yes there is a sign- but it is very small and located on the side fence. I have no problem with dogs not being allowed, but there is no excuse for the rude way we were treated. All he had to do was ask nicely and we would have gladly put the dog in the car. After driving 25 minutes to the restaurant, we turned around and walked out. Will not be returning!
(1)Nathan W.
Wow, so much history at this place. I really should have soaked in more facts, but honestly, it was so beautiful & filled with so much taxidermy & antiques, I kind of wondered about like a lost child before going inside for a table. So I didn't get the famous Cat Cora approved Tri-Tip Sandwich, but I had an excellent cup of Wild Game Chili. Rabbit, venison, & buffalo meat with black beans. Topped with cheese & freshly cut Anaheim chillies. It was delicious! We all shared an order of Onion Rings, & the homemade ranch! I'm not crazy about ranch, but that was some of the best I've ever had. Also the onion rings' batter was thick goodness, made with Sierra Nevada. I asked our waitress to choose for me between the Venison Sausage Sandwich & the Buffalo Burger, she pointed towards the later immediately. It was a great, lean burger, with some thick homemade mayonnaise. The side salad is worthy of mention as well because of the lingonberry dressing. Similar to raspberry vinaigrette, but sweeter & not as tart. It's hard to find these historical, rustic eateries out in national forests. The food was great, I highly recommend the drive!
(4)Courtney D.
MY FAVORITE PLACE TO EAT IN SB. I went to college at UCSB- and this is my #1 place to come to when I come back. I haven't eaten at the restaurant- but on the weekends they BBQ tri tip outside and it is amazing. By far the best tri-tip I've ever had. Everything is great about this place- the atmosphere, the bikers, the buttery bread, the meat, and all the amazing sauces. this place is a MUST DO if you're visiting or live around the area. I've been making an 1.5 hour drive every few months for a sandwich!
(5)karen H.
Ok! This is one of the cutest places I've ever been. Old converted house into a restaurant. I really wanna come for Sunday! But until then this experience was great. Food was a 4 but good and different. Go if u have a chance
(5)Vivian W.
I think I'm going to agree with Lucy Y. on the split personality of this place. I've been here a couple of times after it was introduced to me by an elderly family friend and while I've heard of the barbeque biker dude-esque atmosphere, I've never seen it. Maybe I just never come at the right time. Anyhow, this place is tucked into the mountains and kind of hard to find if you don't have a GPS. You turn onto this tiny road off of the highway and you keep driving down down down until you see this little old tavern on your left and then try to find parking near a lovely babbling creek. I love the location. :) I've been here for breakfast and got the biscuits and gravy and some other small things that were okay, but not memorable. The second time we came around I got a seafood ravioli, which was absolutely phenomenal which is really what my 4 stars is based on. Service is usually great and the food is typically fantastic, but I'm going to try to come again when I can find the tri-tip on the menu. Maybe I'm blind.
(4)Russ R.
"Great place to relax and grab a bite and a beer" Restaurant has good steaks, and a nice selection of beer and wine, and on summer weekends different bands come and entertain guests as they relax.
(5)Luann C.
Always fun to go hang out on a weekend afternoon. Great music and tri tip sandwiches. Nice to just sit outside with your drink and listen to the music. Great bloody mary and fun people watching.
(4)Joni S.
Quirky fact: This was recommended by Iron Chef Cat Cora on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate." Pros: Dog-friendly except on Sundays when it's extremely busy and they don't want the dogs fighting over any accidentally dropped food. Outdoor smoked tri-tip sandwich. Gamey meats in the restaurant. Plenty of seating area. Live music. Actual tavern that stagecoaches used to stop at to refuel themselves at. Very eclectic clientele. You know it's a really great place if locals bring generations back. Cons: Up in the mountains and hard to find if you don't know where you're going. Definitely directions needed. Tip: Go during lunch when they do their outdoor smoking.
(5)Karen L.
We had lunch here today. My husband loves tri tip and is a purist at heart. It has been two hours and he is still talking about the tri tip sandwiches we had. We bought two tickets inside from the very nice bartender and two sodas and proceeded to go "out back" to the BBQ grill where about ten or so perfect tri tips were waiting their turn in line to be grilled to perfection. Our grilled loaded up lightly buttered French rolls with so much meat that our mouths were watering right there. We greedily grabbed our plates from him. My husband added au jus but I went au natural. The first bite is the best and so was every bite after! We are still smiling!
(5)Z E.
Tourist trap alert (they caught us!). The best thing about cold springs tavern is the neat old buildings and authenticism oozing from this place. Stop and have a beer, take a look around, and then keep driving, because it's all down hill from there. We stopped in and decided to have lunch. Again, the old historical tavern is awesome and well worth the price of admission (a beer). The food and service was terrible. My wife and I had the buffalo burger and it was burnt to a crisp. I mean how do you f up a buffalo burger?! Thank God I had an Old Rasputin Stout beer (props for that), otherwise I would have sent the burger back. The service was laughable. I'm pretty sure our waiter was drunk or high. We split the bill between our group and he came back at least 8-9 times with basic questions such as, "who had the coke? Who had the beer? Have you ordered yet?" (after we finished eating). I went out back to look at the old jail and all the cooks were texting on their phones instead of watching the bbq. No wonder our burgers were burnt. It's a shame such a neat place is being milked by its owners. I would give it one star but the historical factor (+1 star) and Old Rasputin (+1 star) saved their burnt bacon.
(3)Elizabeth C.
Cold Springs is awesome. You have to make sure to go if you are just visiting. :) The best atmosphere around in a gorgeous setting. I actually had my wedding party dinner after getting married here. They were super accommodating.
(5)jerome c.
Ok, so it's really 3.5 stars - the extra 1/2 star for its ambience. Sure it's quaint and unique, but by no means stellar food. First off, I used to live in Dallas for 4 years. I got the ribs - tasty, but not scrumptious. The BBQ beef sandwich was I admittedly juicy, but there's that complete integration of meat and sauce that wasn't there. For me, it was more memorable b/c of the bread. I had expected the plain 'old el cheapo bun, so kudos to the good bread selection. Bottomline: worth a trip, but not a habit.
(3)BC H.
Great history great service great food venison burger and chili sampler were killer extremely good portions for lunch and not too pricey.
(4)Brad F.
COOL location, it's a hidden gem! On Sundays only, they cook the best Tri-Tip ever!! There is also an amazing fine dining restaurant in the old cabin next door, but their Sunday Tri-tip is the best sandwich I've ever eaten. I love going here; you eat outside & it feels like you're visiting a place in the 1800's !
(5)Navin B.
This place was such a relief on this cold chilly day. The fireplaces were lit with warm embers and wood burning. I went here with about 15 of my biker friends and some of their gfs. Man the girls were so glad to warm their cold backsides..lol. I had an Irish coffee, and we ordered a variety of food. They have a full bar with a lot of beers on tap, barbeque going on in the back. The food was great and the place was so nice and cosy. I wish it wasn't so cold and I must visit again on a sunny warm day. I highly recommend this place it's one of a kind.
(4)Jim G.
Before I hear from all you lovers of the tavern let me say that maybe I didn't love it here because it was an extremely busy holiday weekend, or maybe it was because I had a tick bury itself into my foot! Let me say, I'm not a camping or woodsy guy. I would much prefer a nice hotel with a five star dinner than being at a tavern in the middle of no where. With that, I do enjoy new things. New things here they come...we arrived around 11:30AM at the tavern on a holiday weekend and most of the shaded spots had been taken up. It was hot and I was ready for a beer. With beer in hand we decided we needed to try one of their famous tri-tip. Tip: You need to purchase the ticket at the bar to pick up the sandwich outside. So on to get the sandwich. While chatting with some friends in line I was interrupted by a stranger with a "hey, you got a tick on your foot." Not really knowing what to do, I played it cool and squeezed it out of my foot. After a bit of blood, I followed with a polite "thank you." I then went on with my chatting and drinking, all the while thinking....I had a tick in my foot...can't you get some sort of disease from that?...I'm glad he knew it was a tick because I had no idea....I really should know stuff like this...why didn't it hurt?...I've only had a sip of my beer so I still should feel it, right?...and why the hell am I here anyway? The debate and questions in my head raged on. I finally approached the tri-tip bbq area where I was greeted with a wall of smoke that had now blinded me, albeit a nice distraction from my tick situation. I got my sandwich which was basically meat and bread. They had some bbq sauce and a couple other condiments on the side, but without a plate and beer in hand it was hard to manage. We finally found a spot to sit and eat. The sandwich was good, not great. The band started playing some music and the day got a bit better. I probably won't return, but I have now educated myself on ticks and if I encounter one in a plush hotel in the future I will know just what to do.
(2)Judy S.
Ours was a breakfast experience -- a weekend in late October. We were a largish party, and we arrived early before the crowds. I honestly don't think I've ever had a better breakfast, or been treated more courteously, anywhere else. I would have been happy just sticking with biscuits and gravy, but everything else was also to die for. When I expressed curiosity about the chili, our server brought me a small cup of it -- for free. Not saying you'd have the same luck I did, but it's little kindnesses like this you remember. It helps that the setting is straight out of the wild west, or at least wild old California. It is not fancy but rather very, very casual in a building that should be declared a museum of local history. It reminded me of Sierra roadhouses my parents took me to back in the 1950s. Long may they run.
(5)Greg L.
This place has been a favorite because of the unique atmosphere, out-of-the-way location, and interesting menu. Well, I'm afraid the owners (next generation, living in Ohio as I understand it) don't have their heart in it. The place needs hands on management and fresh enthusiasm!! Service was surprisingly poor--perhaps because our waiter had too many tables assigned to him. The food was good, but not as good as we remembered. So, I guess we were disappointed...
(3)Joy Y.
I am so sad to have to give it only two stars. I've been coming to Cold Spring for special occasions and the occasional Sunday afternoon tavern music for nearly 10 years now. What happened to these guys? When I first came in 2003, the service was perfect and the food was awesome. Since then the food has remained 90% awesome, with one exception when they apparently lost their chef or something. But the service and particularly the attitude of the staff now reminds me of an unripe persimmon. Not a Fuyu persimmon, but one of those that you have to let get really soft before you can eat it. Ever bite into one of those? Awful! Honestly, Cold Spring Tavern has been the spot for some of my most memorable days. But this past Thanksgiving, my daughter and I were treated like "newcomers" - even asked when we made the reservation when we asked for an obviously available better table. Turned out there were two great two seat tables available. We got one after quite a huffy persimmon like hostess deigned to seat us there. The other one remained empty the entire time. Were they trying to allow the table of 12 to have the room to themselves? I have no idea. I still can't figure out why they wanted to seat us in the crowded front room when better tables were available. THEN... forget about attentiveness. The table of 12 next to us got water refills - we had to ask, and then it took forever - even after seeing the waitress pouring for the other table. Does the management at Cold Spring Tavern teach their staff that the public is "lucky" to get to eat there? That's the impression I got. It was as if they thought I should have been grateful that they honored my reservation at all! "That's the way we do things here." I was told. WOW! Thanksgiving day should have been a fun and joyful experience for my daughter and I. Instead, we were rushed through dinner - even told that we had to leave by 3:30 pm or 4 pm at the latest, and left very disappointed. it was just before 4 pm and the entire place was nearly empty. A couple of groups of diners were outside waiting for their tables. There was no reason to treat us like that. In comparison, the previous year we went to The Loft at the Montage in Laguna Beach where the service was perfect. I mean PERFECT! And the food as well. The rest of the weekend, we went to a number of places in Los Olivos where we thoroughly enjoyed both the food and the experience. Cold Spring needs to get their act together - maybe get some training. The magic of your location disappears when the service sucks.
(2)Shaun K.
For those of you who want to hold your wedding here, do your research. This place has great food in an awesome, historic location at a decent price. The rack of lamb is juicy and tender. The venison stuffed mushrooms are simply awesome. Eat the food, relax, and check out the mini jailhouse next door. I'll be back.
(5)Elizabeth P.
Cool little place off the beaten path. I stopped here for lunch after leaving one of my jobs, but didn't realize they stop serving lunch after 3pm. I was a little bummed out, it was only 3:30pm when I got there. But I drove out there so I stayed for a glass or wine, which all the wine on their list is local, I thought that was a nice touch. There are so many good wineries in the area. My server recommended a nice white wine, can't remember which one, but it was good. As I was sipping it and taking in all the oddities on the wall he asked if I would like a bowl of soup or some chili. I went with the chili! The wine and chili was an interesting combo! But I was so happy to be feed and be in this odd little place I didn't care!
(4)Lisa S.
The BEST place to visit and bring out of state visitors. There is no place like CST and the food in the restaurant is great. Then you mosey over to the Tavern and take in a fun musical group, duo or soloist and it's like going back in time. Great place.
(5)Amanda S.
Come on a Sunday for the tri-tip. It's served separately from the restaurant but is delicious. They offer multiple sauces for the heap of meat. Fun place to hang out but just know it is a biker hangout. Might be intimidating at first but if you stick around you'll realize how great the food is, the ambiance, and the music. Could be difficult to find parking as you just park on the side of the road. Also hard to find if you don't know where you're going since it's really tucked away. I prefer to go to dinner at the restaurant. The meals are a little pricey but come with a TON of food. You're able to get a choice of chili or salad with your dish and then it comes with veggies and a potato dish (french fries or mashed potatoes I believe). The inside of the restaurant is very cozy - fireplaces, deer heads, historic photos. It's great when you're driving up at night and the restaurant appears after a few minutes on the pitch black road. It's decorated in lights and just immediately sets the mood that makes you feel like you're farther from Santa Barbara than you really are.
(3)Aein H.
SERVICE WAS ABSOLUTELY HORRIBLE. Our server was either the manager or owner, I have no idea to be honest, but she obviously did NOT care about us at all. It was on a Sunday night and they were not busy. We felt very unwelcome with her first glance over at us when we entered. We drove out of our way to end our Solvang trip with a dinner here and what an unfortunate decision it was. As for the food, I ordered rabbit and boyf got venison. This was my first time trying the rabbit and both were DROWNED in heavy, heavy sauce. Both plates were so heavy-- seriously there's no better word to describe them. Also our "fresh vegetables" was just some asparagus stalks thrown on there. The food is definitely UN-exceptional. I guess this is one of the cases where I shouldn't have believed the hype from the Yelp reviews. :( The bathrooms are located in a different cabin and there's no heating in there. The whole feeling of the Cold Spring Tavern is dark, dreary and drafty. It is not romantic at all. I mean, look at the photo of the weird table setting we had that I uploaded... Don't get me wrong, I love rustic restaurants, but when you're eating deer meat and there's like 3 deer heads just staring in your direction while it's pitch dark, it's just an odd feeling. And I grew up in the South.. believe me, I know "rustic." My boyf and I were celebrating our anniversary and out of all the restaurants we've been to over the past few years, I think this has to be one of the most inconsiderate and rudest experience we've had. As Charles H. said, she acted like she was doing us a favor. It seemed like she was having a bad day, but that is NO EXCUSE to be rude. Especially since it was our first (and now, last) time.
(1)Chris M.
Went on a Saturday thinking Sunday might be a little too crazy for us, even though we'd miss out on the tri tip sandwich since it seemed like it was offered only on Sunday. Much to our delight the tri tip was being offered and it all worked out great. Even got some live music that started at 2 p.m. A really fun, out of the way place. Cold beer and awesome tri tip. Thick, well seasoned and cooked perfectly. Fries were good but nothing memorable.
(4)Brandon B.
Great location to get off the beaten path, enjoy a good BBQ, drink, & live music.
(5)Regan S.
Excellent food and amazingly unique atmosphere, but a bit pricey. I had the rabbit and the chili. Both were great and I was able to make 2 meals out of it. The actual building was beautiful and old and creaky, and very homey with several fireplaces crackling during dinner. Lovely little place.
(4)C.Rose P.
So sad. I'm from the Central Coast, and have always wanted to eat at the tavern... Problem is, every time Im on the 154 its because Im going somewhere, not to a cave of a restaurant.;; So, the atmosphere is pretty cool. Very fitting of the name, I felt like an old miner or something. It was also effing freezing in the place. Wore my coat and clutched my coffee the entire time- thats how cold it was. Bummer. The service was great, friendly and prompt. What disappointed was the food. It wasn't bad, just lacking. Every element left flavor to be desired.... Nothing I'll go out of my way for, but Id try again if I were in the ballpark...
(3)Mique H.
After driving through the dark hills and then arriving to live music and people outside, my girlfriend and I were excited to dine here for our date, but we were greeted with one of the rudest and indifferent waitresses I've ever had the displeasure of serving us. I wouldn't say this if I truly saw some merit in her service, being a former server myself, I think I am forgiving to the things servers have to put up with, but we hadn't even started and I felt like she just wanted to go home. She didn't welcome us at all and callously asked if we had reservation-- we said "no," and even though only two tables were taken she hesitated. I was worried and I really wanted to eat here because of all I had heard and it was a special night for my girlfriend and me and I felt the waitress's reluctance very clearly. When we asked what was good on the menu, she rolled her eyes and sneered "Everything" as if we were offending her by even stepping into the restaurant and asking her for a recommendation. It was our first time. To be fair, I appreciated the ambiance of interior and the history behind it, but I strongly feel that one of the most important aspects of the dining experience is service. As quoted from one of my favorite Japanese dramas, "Bad service will make the greatest food taste horrible." And that bad first taste lingered throughout our mediocre meal.
(1)Clara L.
came here with a bunch of friends on our way to santa barbara for a weekend camping trip. i could smell the meat cooking from the car. we all got the tri-tip sandwich and ate it on wood benches outside. the crisp air only amplified the mouth watering aroma of the meat roasting on the open grill. the bread and the meat were the first things i bit into. i also tore off a piece of the meat to taste. sometimes, just the meat is all you need to taste to determine how the rest of your bites will go. delish. the crusty bread with the juicy fatty meat left me speechless. but the apple horseradish and salsa were the real stars that really set this sandwich apart from any other sandwich i tried. DELISH. a definite must try.
(5)Gary T.
Once again my gf introduced me to another hidden gem in SB. After a nice winding drive up the mountain that had a spectacular view of SB below, we turned off the road and headed down the old stagecoach road to get here. I can ramble on about what you see upon arriving, but just look at the pix peeps have posted. Anyways, we were starving and so we went inside the tavern part and purchased our food tickets. For you noobs, it's hot dogs on Saturdays and tri-tip on Sundays. We walked to the grill area next to the restaurant and waited a short while and then we were rewarded. HUGE amount of freshly grilled tri-tip served on a toasted french roll that had garlic butter spread! Wow! This was the shiznat! The sandwich was delicious and I spooged in my pants numerous times while enjoying my food. Needless to say I will venture back here again in the future with my gf to enjoy the yumminess of Cold Spring Tavern, but in the restaurant the next time.
(5)Christa R.
I went in search of a possible Wedding Venue and literally couldn't have walked away quick enough. This place is fully suited for a casual BBQ atmosphere/Biker Bar. Came here last weekend for dinner with my fiancé. From the Yelp reviews and website searches I'd done, I thought quant and rustic. Seemed more run down and haunted. Wait staff in the restaurant could care less about the customers. The spot next door seemed like a good time though. We should've skipped the restaurant experience and grabbed a picnic table, a beer, some tri-tip, and listened to the live music!
(1)Laura B.
A great weekend spot for a lunch or beer in a truly rustic historical setting, fun people watching (popular with the motorcycle crowd). First visit was on a weekend, and there was a good bluegrass band playing. Choose their outdoor barbecue, or the woodsy rustic sit down restaurant inside. Parking can be a tad challenging and not recommended for those who get car sick on windy roads! A bonus for bridge enthusiasts is the historic site span bridge 1/2 mile from the tavern. Went there twice within a few months and enjoyed both visits, and would go back, mostly for the atmosphere, as the food is good 'honest' American food, but not five star.
(4)Gisela S.
Mildly charming building; the food however is bad and overpriced.The baked artichokes were greasy and my pasta tasted of cardboard. The salad was nice but over dressed. Portions are very big, perhaps that's why it has good reviews.
(2)Kathy G.
This is where we went earlier tonight. It's an old stagecoach inn and you step back in time when you go there. It's not our NYE dinner but it was a good one!
(4)Daryl C.
1999 visit was fabulous, 2010 not so good, to the point that it will be a long time before we consider going back.
(3)Michael R.
Biker bar beyond disgusting good meat
(1)Courtney P.
I heard about this place while watching the Food Network. We stopped for lunch on the way up to Cachuma Lake. We also stopped on our way home for lunch (it was that good!). I love the buildings. they're about 100 years old and they look like it, but not in a gross, health department needs to shut it down kind of way. They're just there to do their thing and they do it so well! The first time I ordered the pulled-pork sandwich and potato salad. I loved this sandwich. The sauce is perfect. Not too sweet, not too spicy. The pork was so tender and flavorful and the bread was perfection! The second time I ordered their wild game chili (venison, rabbit and buffalo). It was so meaty and satisfying, I mopped up every bit of it with the tortilla on the side. The spice level is great; they add jalapeno at the last minute. I also ordered the french dip sandwich which was great. The horseradish was just right. It elevated the sandwich without masking the seasoning of the beef. I will be returning to Cold Spring Tavern. Their pulled-pork sandwich alone will be reason enough. I will have dreams about this sandwich! I just had to add, I've been back twice since I wrote the first part of this review and have been very happy each time. I've tried their baby back ribs which were tender and sucuelent with a sweet and tangy sauce. I also tried their buffalo buger and was very happy. The meat patty was moist and favorful and I loved the bun they placed it on. My husband and I have set a goal to try everything on their menu at least once. Each time we go to Santa Barbara we have something to look forward to!
(5)Jenna C.
Thanks Cat Cora for the recommendation. Casey and I have ventured up the mountains of Santa Barbara to satisfy our tri-tip craving two or three times now, ever since hearing about this place. On the weekends (and I think just Sundays during non-summer months), they do their famous tri-tip sandwiches that you order in the bar (pay attention, because it's not obvious to figure out), and then you take your sandwich ticked up to the grill. They give you a hefty portion of tri-tip laid on an oh-so melt-in-your-mouth roll. There's a couple sauces and au jus to choose from. And then you eat. Perfection. There are plenty of places to sit outside, accompanied by several biker dudes/chicks. Great place to go if you're visiting SB or if you live in SB and have visitors (carnivores).
(4)Sandra G.
This was my first time here. Acutally never heard of this place. When my husband told me that this use to be a spot, he would enjoy coming to over 15yrs ago. I just had see this place. As it turns out its a bikers hangout. The service was good, very small cozy spot. The restrooms, were not attached to the resturant...that tickled me. Not sure if this place, would be on my must go back to list.
(3)Gary S.
Great food and atmosphere. Did not get chance to see the other building but sounded very interesting. Hope to get back. Probably the best steak I've had in years. The service was excellent.
(5)V R C.
Ive been coming here since I was a little kid-my grandparents live in the Santa Ynez Valley in Santa Barbara County. Google cold springs tavern and make a day trip to Solvang and the surrounding wineries. Great tri tip sandwiches! just an amazing HIDDEN restaurant. Yes it's kinda off the beaten path but you finally find it-you'll be very amazed!
(5)Anne C.
Came to try out the restaurant with the boyfriend and his parents and was pleasantly surprised by this small, dark, intimate spot. He'd been really eager to try it out since we'd heard so many good things about this place, and I'm glad we came. They have excellent food, fascinating atmosphere. The stuffed animals, mounted heads, and antlers were a little unsettling at first, but once you get used to them (after the initial "Gah!") they kind of grow on you. The restaurant is really small (reservations definitely recommended), and the service can be slow (when we came there was a single woman serving all the tables), but it's all part of the charm. You come for a slow leisurely dinner, and the food, setting, and pace are all part of that experience. We ordered the appetizer platter, which came with charbroiled shrimp, venison sausage, and artichoke hearts. Sooo delicious. For an entreeI got the rabbit medallions, which came in a lovely savory sauce, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. BF and his mom both got the venison, which they raved about. Exquisite! Drinks are tall and strong. Almost dangerously so. Be careful with the drinks, the drive back to town in treacherous! And take the time to read the entire menu. Lots of comedic gems. And the bathroom is outside. There is plumbing though, but still kind of creepy!
(5)mike l.
If you order the Bar-B-Q Beef Sandwich, ask for more napkins before you start eating. As I sat there eating my sandwich, fries, and onion rings, it crossed my mind a few times that my napkin was worn out and I probably should ask for another, but I didn't car because I was busy stuffing my face! This place feels like it's straight out of 1885. I looked all around for Doc, Marty, and a DeLorean time machine, but couldn't find them anywhere. The food was great! The services wasn't. Would I go back? Sure!
(5)Jaime G.
My favorite place to go for lunch on Sunday! Live music, nice smoky smell from the outdoor grills, DEEEEElicious bbq beef (tri tip) sandwiches!!! And, their onion rings...WOW. Food is great. Don't forget to try a salad with REAL original Hidden Valley Ranch dressing! And the historic buildings are such a treat!
(5)Kara S.
Great food and atmosphere plus in a beautiful setting
(5)ash c.
The 5 stars is for the food. The service was a 2.5. Yes, the food was so good I am overlooking the service. First off, we stood at the counter for at least 5 minutes without even being acknowledged. Then a man came out and asked if he could get us anything. Maybe he was a bartender. Maybe he was a manager? At any rate he made it VERY clear that he would not be going out of his way to seat us, because when we asked for a table for 2 he told us he was sure we could have one, but somebody else would be seating us. It reminded me of my own bratty waitress days, when instead of just getting a table (that wasn't in my section) more waters myself, I'd say "sure just let me get you your server!" with a painstakingly choreographed smile to let them know they were beasts for interrupting me and asking me for favors. Or like when you ask a grammar snob "Can I have bla bla bla?" and they say "Well, I don't know; CAN you?". This man effortlessly combined both of those sentiments. Then we were told periodically for another few minutes that it'd just be a few minutes. Gah, I know this isn't really their fault because they WERE really busy (Saturday night), and they were completely setting up our table with water and bread etc (which you might usually already be seated before receiving), but it felt rude. They could have said "It will be about 5-10 minutes to set up your table and seat you, probably less. Would you like a drink? Would you like to wait outside and we can let you know when we're ready?" There's no 'waiting area', so we were just standing in the dining room, feet away from other diners, feeling like we were the rude awkward ones. Maybe they're too OG and rustic for uppity things like 'wait times' or 'waiting areas', but for their prices they should really get with the times? Anyway, we were finally seated and digging into their AMAZING warm wheat bread. I could eat buckets of that stuff, oh my god. The prices seem a bit steep, but they include the marvelous bread and a starter of soup or salad AND the entree portions are more than ample. ALSO I loved them for their weird dichotomies: -They served a lot of wild game, chili and ranch but did not seem trashy or redneck-y. -The menu had a lot of french sauces and preparations but did not seem douchebag-y. -The menu was very unique but still had something for everybody. The wait between ordering and courses was excruciatingly awkwardly long, too .AND we asked for a box and still had to wait a long time after to receive the check. Why not bring the check with the box? I love you Cold Spring. I'll be back anyway!
(5)Greg T.
A really unique place that's up in the mountains about 30 min from S.B. the building does remind you of a time when it was on the stage coach trail, great charm. The Cold Spring Chicken was excellent.
(4)Andrew Y.
GREAT date spot or for lovers of food and history. I recommend this place to all of my friends who want to add a bit of romance to a holiday or just an evening out. The food is great, diverse, and rich. You find yourself wanting to lick the sauce from the plates they're served on...make a reservation in advance as the wait time can be lengthy if your just passing through. Be forewarned, when you think you're going the wrong way up the dark mountain roads, the restaurant will pop out at ya... Must Try: baked artichoke hearts
(5)Jerry P.
On the way up to Los Olivos, we stopped here for lunch on that Saturday. I've been here several times before; its been here since the late 1800s. We had a bowl of chili each, the Cold Spring Chili and the Wild Game Chili. Both good, especially with beers. The food here is good. This is a very old cabin/ restaurant with other cabins nearby. Its on the old road ( aka Stagecoach Rd.) before the154 was built. Drive the old road if your going north, there are some interesting sites, like the huge bridge. There is nothing like this place as close to LA. Five stars for the cabin, and for still being in business all these years.
(3)Ric P.
Amazing find nestled in the wooded valley just prior to the San Marcos pass bridge. Tri Tip, drinks, live music & real people. What more can ya ask for. They keep it humble, at this icon establishment!!!
(5)Sue P.
Great ambiance! Great food! Live music on the weekends! I saw this place featured on the Food Network and decided to make a small day trip out here just to try out the tri-tip sandwiches. So, yeah, I guess I was being a touristy noob :P The drive and the scenery was absolutely breath taking, it was so lush and green, I almost wished there was a hiking trail nearby so I could enjoy the beautiful hills and the tiny little river that bubbled along. The restaurant itself made me feel claustrophobic, the food and the menu was just meh~ to me, nothing really to write home about. Solid fare: BBQ ribs, Beef sandwiches, Burgers, Chili etc. It was tasty, but not really outstanding. They seated us right next to the open fireplace with was nice b/c it was cold. The real treasure is outside though... They had live music, and a huge BBQ grilling station outside for their tri tip sandwiches. There is a little collection of random old miner era buildings in the back which is interesting, and a little house that someone wrote "I pooed"d here" on in huge red letters. We got the tri tip sandwiches, and listened to live music and mingled with bikers. It was definitely an experience and I would recommend this place to tourists... mainly b/c it's really a one of a kind experience. Where else can you experience an old miner town feel restaurant with an outdoor BBQ, with bikers and live music surrounded by stunning nature?
(4)Steven S.
This place was in the middle of nowhere. Some random ass log cabin. It literally is a log cabin - with separate rooms within the one restaurant. Probably USED to be a house! We ordered rabbit, elk, pork ribs, and stuffed chicken. My personal order was split between elk/ribs, but I tried everything. Everything was delicious. Elk is lean and very juicy. Rabbit is.. well, tasted somewhat like chicken. I really liked the ribs. Chicken was very good too. Not sure if I will ever order elk or rabbit again, but I definitely enjoyed my sample. I ordered the elk just to say that I've eaten it. Free cheesecake for dessert (Birthday celebration). Mango something cheesecake? Wow! Great! I understand that reservations are necessary - probably busiest between 530pm-7pm. We arrived at 7pm and it seemed like things were dying down. Rightfully so because driving out of this mountain it is pitch black and you are driving around winding curves. If you do not know where you are going or are not from the area, be prepared with a map. I felt like our drive home was different than the route we took getting there. Maybe because I couldn't see anything.
(4)Joseph M.
Venerable as a Byzantine icon. This place is over 100 years old, drips with souvenir styled decor, and actually serves sturdy food and good drinks. A nice serpentine slope down to it off of San Marcos Pass/Chumash Highway helps make the experience. Especially good I think for lunch when you're starting your day up the coast. The tables aren't especially comfy but they are not the point. The point is to be staring at some stuffed head while devouring a filthy rich quiche slice or something served chili style.
(3)Antony A.
My friend Kevin and his friend Carol had a gig up there, (he's a singer/songwriter, she a singer), and asked me to play piano on one of the songs ("Silver Spring" by Fleetwood Mac). It's a nice trip up there, beautiful location..............but..............THE PLACE IS INFESTED BY FLIES!! From the moment we set up to the moment we drove home, the flies swarmed around us in big black hordes, it was like being in a horror movie. They flew into my eyes,, into the mouths of Kevin and Carol, everywhere. It was too hot, so even when we went inside to get a drink, the flies were there too, like an evil detective. It was a fucking nightmare. I couldn't enjoy one moment of being in this historic location because of the flies. If the Devil himself, the Lord of the Flies, had come onto the property I would have pledged my allegiance to him as long as he, as Lord of the Flies, told the fucking flies to fly the fuck away!! Horrible horrible experience. I'm sure the food was good but no way would I eat ANYTHING in that hot, fly-infested purgatory.
(1)Danielle E.
I happened to be in the Santa Ynez Mountains camping and had heard about this spot through fellow campers. We went to the pub next door for a casual dinner and returned the following night to check out Cold Spring Tavern. It is an experience unlike anything I have ever seen. The place is a time warp and such a trip! Who would have ever thought a delish restaruant would be tucked away in the mountains. We went for dinner and had: Venison Sausages Baked Artichoke Hearts New York Steak Pork Chops It was heeaaavy food but so good. Definitely a neat place for any foodie to experience.
(5)Carnley P.
I love love love to find places like this! Live Blues, beer, and Bikers galore. Every town I've lived in has had one...now I need to find the one in LA. Skip the dine-in experience, go straight for the Tri-Tip from the outdoor grill. Three amazing sauces- pico de gallo, bbq, and horseradish mustard. Just slop them all on. Be sure to grab a fistful of napkins. Cop a squat on an old tree stump in front of the band (ok, today it was 2 guys on stools, one playing an empty wine case) and soak up the ambiance. The drive up is amazing. We managed to take the long scenic route up along Painted Cave Rd. Pretty hairy twists and turns, but G's car handled it like a pro. Highly recommended for the panoramic views of Santa Barbara and the coast.
(5)Albert L.
This is truly a hidden gem of a place up up in the mountainous windy roads in Santa Barbara. The place looks like an old cabin from the outside, and as soon as you enter the door, the first things that you'll notice is the dim lighting and the real fire in the fireplace, crackling away. There is a super old rustic feel to the decor, and the bear hide hanging across the wall really completes this place as an old rustic tavern for weary travellers...but in this case, it was more for locals and tourists. The food was interesting as we ordered the rabbit, the elk, and venison meats! To my surprise, nothing was gamey and the meat was actually tender and juicy. This was definitely a good experience and as many others have mentioned, it is a good place for a romantic date and/or it is also good for a group of friends to hang out and relax. Check it out!
(4)Suchin H.
This place is like a trip into Little House in the Big Woods, which automatically gives it a couple stars. I have heard that their tri-tip sandwiches are fantastic and was prepared to order one for my 9am breakfast (and what), but it wasn't on their breakfast menu...bummer. I ended up going with their build-your-own omelette. This baby came with some cheese, bell peppers, mixed veggies, mushrooms; and for the sides, home fries, and your choice of carbs. I went with the maple bread, but I would recommend the biscuit and gravy. I stole some of my friend's and it was awwesooome( said w/ vibrato). My maple bread was dry and just, meh. I would also recommend getting chili beans on your omelette. Once again, I didn't order them myself, but I stole some from my friend and they were oh so good. So, for the location and food I give it four stars. Minus one star because they forgot to put the bacon in my omelette and because it was freakin' freezing up in that log cabin. Yeah, I know it's supposed to be all frontier style, but some central heating would do this place some good. So, just plan on bundling up if you're getting there early.
(4)Bob N.
I don't understand what all the fuss over the tri-tip sandwiches is about. They are OK, but nothing special. Breakfast on the other hand is absolutely amazing. They have the best breakfast in the area and are one of the very few places that I have found good biscuits & gravy in the state of CA.
(4)d a.
While the historic site certainly had it's charm and the waitress/hostess name fit her to a tee = Sunny" sadly the food did not live up to the expectations. Very little flavor. At least the beer and wine were good. Pecan pie way too mushy.
(1)Raven R.
I love the tri-tip!!!!! :)
(5)Jessica C.
We went there on a summer sunday afternoon for sandwiches and beer. Be prepared with cash! Sandwiches are around $10, beers about $4, and onion rings are $8 (they are damn good though). There are enough places to sit and enjoy the live band and do some serious people watching. Definitely will be coming back to do this again soon!
(4)Vikki D.
Stopped on our way to Paso. I had made reservations for breakfast, there was 8 of us. The coffee, food and service was great. Everyone should visit the tavern at least once. It is a very unique restaurant and the location is secluded. Will definitely be back to try dinner.
(5)Michele W.
Albóndigas soup to start. Just spicy enough with plenty of veggies and two ample meatballs. Soft, soft, warm bread. Elk chop for the main course. Zin seemed to have residual sugar, which was odd.
(4)S S.
4 stars for the location and a pretty good tri-tip, thou i am not too big on tri. 2 to 3 stars for service and UNfriendliness. Yes the people who work there do NOT act nice.
(3)Melinda L.
A wonderful, warm and welcoming restaurant cabin style for your dining pleasure. Talk about a hidden gem in SB! Came to this restaurant in celebration of the holidays. The service was very good and our waiter was a humorous one. The man made a variety of jokes and provided some entertainment for the evening. The decor was like any cabin: complete with formerly live animals nailed to the wall staring right back at ya! Our group shared an appetizer platter, which had Stuffed Mushrooms and Pasta Marinara. Yummy! For my entree, I had the Stuffed Chicken with Vegetables and Garlic Mashed Potatoes. Wasn't bad, but hearty and tasty. I was able to save almost half a plate as leftovers. I also got to try a few bites of the Crab Ravioli, which was rich, creamy and flavorful. Bonus: the bread given at the beginning of your meal is just delicious! Soft and bites full of yumminess.
(4)Tracey T.
Five -stars for the rareness of the place, the food and the atmosphere. True, there are many tri-tip places around but no where that is 100+ years old, a vintage stagecoach stop and off the beaten path. It is so adorable I want to put it in my pocket! I had the tri-tip sandwich with potato salad and my honey had the buffalo burger. Both delish! Despite the waitress having a mini-meltdown and quitting, the service was fine. Must stop at this place if heading to Santa Barbara from either direction.
(5)Kevin C.
Nothing you don't already know... this place is goooood. Saw it advertised on the food network as a must do in SB, I absolutely agree with their assessment of this establishment. We had the BBQ'd Tri-tip sandwich and a side of chili cheese fries! The Chili is really really flavorful and if i wasn't so hungover i would have had seconds. The Tri-tip is good and smothered in flavor packed BBQ sauce. Better than the food... The people! They were incredible nice and the whole place had a great atmosphere from the 1800's. Enjoy
(4)Otto P.
You won't find a more charming, cozy, rustic place to enjoy a tasty breakfast, lunch or dinner. Cold Spring Tavern has apparently been at the same location since Lincoln was president. At first glance, it almost seems unreal -- a storybook cabin nestled in the woods with fireplace smoke wafting from the chimneys and mingling with the branches of the tall, old trees that surround it. But, it is real, and only a 25 minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara! The menu is also rustic and basic, with a few things you won't find on just any menu -- like venison, rabbit, and buffalo. The food is good, not great. Very reasonably priced. The fare will satisfy your hunger, but the real reason to go to Cold Spring Tavern is for the sense of history and charm of the place itself. One note of warning: If you want to enjoy a quiet time, you'll want to avoid going there on a Sunday afternoon. Apparently, it's some kind of tradition for motorcycle groups to meet up for the tri tip special and live music. I was unaware of the Sunday happenings, and I was shocked when I saw the Tavern swarmed with hundreds of bikers. It looked like a crowded amusement park, which isn't what I'm looking for when I go to Cold Spring Tavern. Highly recommended. A "must see" for anyone visiting Santa Barbara.
(4)David M.
Awesome little hole in the wall place I drove by (or over) for years. Situated below the cold springs arch bridge, this place is easy to miss. Thanks to Huell Howser, I realized this place existed and headed on in for breakfast. The food was good, not great and average. Perhaps lunch or dinner would be better. The atmosphere and history of the place make this a great place to drop in for a bite. Definitely stop if you are driving through the Cachuma Pass.
(4)Mimu U.
A bit out of the way but so worth the drive. Very rustic location, set in the woods and very pretty. The actual restuarant is a throwback to olden times. The food is amazing and the service is pretty good. If I lived closer, I'd be there every week.
(4)Robert L.
Our experience was lackluster to say the least. The waitress got the wrong orders and repeatedly ignore our request to change it. she kept asking, "do you want more coke?" when she passes by. looking at other table getting the food they ordered, and savoying each bite as they chow down those juicy meat, kept us wondering: "what if we got what we wanted to eat?" yes, this is a rustic tavern, enough said.
(2)David K.
You can't really beat this place for cozy atmosphere. First time I came here was in 1980. Came here again last weekend for breakfast and CST really hasn't changed too much since then. Excellent food. The best pork chop my wife has ever had. Get here early for breakfast on Sat or Sun. Three rooms, two fireplaces. The smell of the air inside and out is woodsy, mountain air, wood smoky fresh!
(4)Megan C.
Great atmosphere! I planned a birthday dinner for my boyfriend here and the food was OK, the staff lacked any sense of caring, but the indoor and outdoor decor was really neat. Definitely worth checking out for the experience.
(4)Cari T.
what a random place for a restaurant! the location worked out perfectly for us because it's on the way to the wineries if you want to take the more scenic route. (yes, more scenic than the 101). you get to see the mountain side of santa barbara and it was BEAUTIFUL!! i really didn't know what to expect when i booked the reservation for our party of 9... the website isn't exactly appealing and the location isn't close to anything.. but i had a feeling that the food would be worth the trip.. and i have to say i had a pretty good time. you definitely should make a reservation if you plan on going on a weekend. the menu wasn't very extensive but there's enough items on the menu to please everyone. while most of us ordered either the bbq trip tip sandwich or the french dip, i also tried the buffalo burger and the chili cheese fries. all of the dishes were tasty w/o being overwhelmingly heavy. the place itself, like many others have mentioned, is quite a sight to visit. we took lots of pictures with the cabins, the "jail" house, and the drive itself is worth the trip because the view and the scenary is just gorgeous. the only thing that may be cool or totally uncool for you is the decoration inside the restaurant was a bit.. well, much. i was ok but i'm sure my buddhist vegetarian mother would have screamed at the sight of all the deer heads hanging on the wall... if you're planning a trip to santa barbara, and you're going to the santa ynez wineries, you should definitely stop by here for a tasty treat.
(4)Morris B.
Mmmmm......stupid good. A trip to Santa Barbara is not complete without a stop at the Cold Spring! I loved the tri-tip BBQ sandwich and being stared at by a 100 year old stuffed bear. The meat was tender, enjoyable and the bbq sauce was really clean and tangy. The roll it came on was money. I love the tavern. Feels like it hasn't changed much since the open. Last but not least....the prices are SUPER reasonable.
(5)Dazz W.
FOOD POISONING ALERT! I got food poisoning from this place and come to find out 2 out of 3 of my friends had eaten there the previous week and they had vomiting and diarrhea too. We all had their BBQ sandwiches. Mine was the pork and they had the brisket. Stick to the beer and the adventure in visiting this place but be avoid the BBQ sauce (?) I guess. It also was not very good. Without food poisoning, I would rate it 2 stars but with food poisoning 0 stars but since I have to rate it 1 star. I know a lot of people like this place but maybe they should do a deep cleaning.
(1)Harleen G.
So fun! I love the atmosphere. The staff is friendly, the prices are good and best of all, the food is delicious! We were camping and stopped in here when we realized we didn't pack any coffee. It was so nice to warm up by their old school wood stove. If you're in the area, you've got to stop by!
(5)Dani T.
Have enjoyed their tri-tip sandwiches with beer and live music on Sundays, as well as a dinner in their sit-down restaurant. The venison was phenomenal, the wine was excellent, and the decor is campy-classy in a fun way.
(4)Chris S.
Many years ago we made a special trip to Santa Barbara just to have Thanksgiving dinner at Cold Springs Tavern. It was such a pleasant experience we decided to try it again. It was just as magical a second time and well worth a day of driving each way. We arrived far to early for our 8pm reservation quite prepared to wait but the hostess was able to seat us within a minute or two. The evening was chilly so we were very glad for the seat next to the fireplace. That said the whole place was toasty warm and comfy. In spite of getting a very large party at about the same time, our waiter was very attentative, The traditional turkey dinner was excellent. The warm bread was exceedingly good. The corn chowder was very tasty and refreshingly light. The turkeyhad plenty of light AND DARK (my fav) meat. The weakest element was the dressing. The mashed potatoes were done just right. The bread pudding dessert was great but I was so stuffed I could only nibble it. Ambiance 5 stars. Food 5 stars. Service 5 stars. A perfect Thanksgiving again. :-)
(5)Darby C.
What can be said about cold springs that hasn't already been said by the almost hundreds who have already reviewed it. The food is great, the ambiance is transcendent, the service is stellar. I can't say enough good things about the restaurant. If there were a down side to cold springs tavern, I would say that it is the super loud, live, cock rock 70's band... and having to wade through the mini sturgis like scene of bikers, just to get a bite to eat. But hey... to each his own, right?
(4)Mark C.
What a great place. The history and the secluded location alone make it great but the food is actually terrific. Great fish and steak. You have to try this place. It's like traveling back in time, just wonderful, especially for kids to enjoy the grounds and the hisotry of it. It would be best to come here during daylight hours so you can tour the site and see everything they have. After dark, it's very hard to see anything since they do not have a lot of light here.
(5)Emily L.
The atmosphere is amazing! I would return just for that. I didn't like my burger at all, which is a first for me. However, my husband got the BBQ beef sandwich, and that was good. The creamy vegetable soup was good as well.
(3)Robert G.
My first time here was in June of 1988. It's been a must go every time I visit Santa Barbara.
(5)Ceci G.
Oh OH OH!! this place was a great suggestion by a CS friend and my road trip partners and I don't regret the detour just to stop and have lunch here, while enjoying the music. If you are vegetarian...too bad! You'll miss the trip-tip sandwich!! Even the food network had to stop here!. And the place is just gorgeous! seems like you are in a paralell world. You'll have to struggle a little bit for a parking space, but other than that...it is worthy!
(5)Rob M.
This was my first time there and I will definitely go back next time I'm in Santa Barbara. The drive is nice and the location is really cool. Nice people and great food. The garlic mashed potatoes were the best that I've ever had!
(5)David G.
I struggle with how to review this place effectively. I actually ate inside and then hung out outside to watch a band play and they were two differing experiences. Inside the restaurant it is cool to see the history behind it. I think they probably take the business for granted as its clearly a bike mecca. The service was extremely slow. I asked for my buffalo burger to not have the dressings or the mayo. They brought it ouch much later with the dressings and the mayo. When I told them that they said they would take care of it and a couple minutes later the burger was brought back out....Did they make me a new one..NO!...they scraped the mayonnaise off the burger and admitted as much when I asked. Mayonnaise literally makes me nauseous, and they said I guess we could make you another one. I said I would just deal with it and choked it down. If this wasnt bad enough, our waitress went and sat down at a table across the room with other workers and I watched her eat a salad while I waited to get my bill...for a long long time. Then they didnt take amex. Outside though the band was good the atmosphere festive and the old school bar on the property is worth checking out. I would say its worth going to to see, but skip eating there unless maybe you are just getting bbq outside as it smelled delicious and I imagine it was.
(3)Catherine M.
A real hidden gem....glad we came to experience the filet mignon. Don't expect perfection with the service BUT the food IS amazing...dinner was delicious.
(4)Patty L.
I heard somewhere that this place is one of Oprah's favorite restaurants if she's feeling a little bit adventurous. I'm kind of bewildered. Maybe I heard wrong. The place is quite an attraction, I'll give it that. It's almost like you're visiting Disneyland's Frontierland. We went during lunch time so the atmosphere was more casual and rustic. I do hear that during dinner, it is more romantic. The drive to this location is quite scenic and windy up into the hills of Santa Barbara. And the place is tucked away alone all by itself off a side street. During the Sunday lunch period, it's a frequent stop for Harley riders. It can get super duper crowded cause the space is quite limited. We ordered the Beef Dip sandwich and the BBQ Babyback ribs, plus their famous chili. All the dishes were very good. Definitely better than average. I would recommend it just for checking it out at least once for lunch, and once for dinner. But other than that, it's okay.
(3)lance i.
5 Stars is because this is the perfect road trip stop. Traveling on the 154 going north well then stop by for a brew and a tri tip sandwich! My girl and I stopped by for a quick lunch before wine tasting in Santa Ynez. We arrived at 1:30 on Sunday. It's an old rustic bar and restaurant with band playing outside. There were lots of people and the energy and environment were great. We got a beer and a ticket for the tri tip. Pick up the sandwich around the corner, dressed it with Salsa, BBQ sauce and a nice mustard sauce. Grabbed a place to sit on a shared table and ate. People at the table were very friendly and we had a great conversation. The owner of the place who actually lives in Ohio was there and came by the table to thank us for stopping by. We were in and out an had a great time!!!
(5)Kate T.
Historical wells fargo stop- tavern Everything was left as was!
(4)Brianna W.
When tourist buses full of senior citizens roll through, its hard to feel like you've just found something special...
(3)Zoe A.
I've been here twice on my way to Santa Maria and this place is divine! I can't come to Santa Maria without stopping by this place. I love the atmosphere, the bikers, the guys with the antique cars, it's awesome! It's great how they always have a fire going in the fireplace to make the place seem even cozier. The food here is also delicious. I've had the tri-tip sandwich with the tasty horseradish sauce, their juicy burgers, huge crispy onion rings, their butternut squash soup, (while it was on special), and their chile con carne. All have been wonderful. They also have a great wine list b/c of the proximity to the santa maria wineries. Bloody Mary's here are also killer! The only con about this place is that they are almost always busy. The last time I came here, the place was packed and only two waitresses were on staff. The service ended up being terrible + they served my medium burger well done :( It wasn't their fault though, with the crowd of this place, it was impossible for two girls to be able to get everything right. Try to get them at an off time because this place really is worth checking out!
(5)Diana H.
Cat Cora wasn't kidding when she claimed that this was the best BBQ she ever ate. I was lucky enough to venture out to Cold Spring Tavern on the way back from Pismo Beach and boy was I glad that we decided to make a pitstop here. It's definitely off the beaten path and even though we were armed with google maps and nav, there were a few times where we questioned if we were heading in the right direction because it was so far off the normal road. But once the tavern came in sight, it looked like an oasis. The empty dirt road opened up to a energetic gathering of a hodge-podge of people hanging out in front of the tavern on picnic style benches listening to a live folk band right along side a creek. It was quite the sight especially seeing such a diverse gathering of people from bikers to families with kids, harley davidsons along with toyota priuses and mercedes benzes. It was a beautiful sight indeed and I had my own "It's a Small World" happy moment when I saw it for the first time. Now on to the reason we came in the first place. The BBQ Beef sandwich. It deserves a pause here in recognition of how marvelous this sandwich is. How great can a BBQ beef sandwich really be? That was my exact question as I anticipated my first bite. It blew away any hesitation and doubt that I had in mind as soon as I took my first bite. The beef was so tender and juicy. Perfectly accompanied by the most amazing apple horseradish sauce and BBQ sauce. It was the perfect amount of tangy and sweet once the horseradish and BBQ sauce blended together. The salsa was also a good addition for those wanting some heat and fresh tomatoes to their sandwich. It was a great salsa and I was actually quite surprised by how spicy it was (in a good way). Even though the salsa was great, the combination of just the horseradish and BBQ sauce with the meat was amazing on its own. I'd probably get the salsa on the side and just add it to the bite where I'm feeling like I need a little more heat. The bun also stayed perfectly intact as I devoured my sandwich and held up to all of the meat and sauce. The sandwich was absolute perfection. Thank you Cat Cora for sharing this most amazing establishment which I would never have found on my own.
(5)Brad D.
Nestled amongst the trees in a remote stretch of road off State Route 154 lies a place so rustic you would swear it is a movie set, but it is the real deal. This restaurant is run from what was actually a stagecoach waypoint over 100 years ago for travelers climbing the treacherous route to Santa Barbara through the mountains. The old jail and house where Chinese laborers lived are also preserved for posterity. But make no mistake - this is no tourist trap that banks on its location and skimps on the food. The cuisine and ambiance are excellent. My wife and I went there for lunch and found the menu surprisingly large and quite reasonable for such a popular, remote place. The Italian Tomato soup was as addictive as any controlled substance, and my wife will no doubt be trying to re-create it in our kitchen for many weeks to come (with a little help from the busboy who actually created the recipe). Burgers are a generous half-pound, the meat is fresh, and the chili is wonderful. Even the french fries caused a spirited discussion over what the secret seasonings could be. We will definitely be back for dinner someday to explore further. This place is very much worth the drive out of Santa Barbara, again and again.
(4)Tony M.
Located 10 miles North of Santa Barbara off the San Marcos (154) pass, by far one of my favorite places. It's a drive straight up the mountain with a climb to 2,000 ft. The views of the Santa Ynez are breath taking! You need to pay close attention once you get to the top of the pass, you see a very small sign that reads, "Cold Springs Tavern". Then its a short distance to the left turn. The Tavern is a old stage coach depot from the late 1800's, the stopping point for a fresh set of horses before descending to the Santa Barbara valley below. I believe everything inside is original floor, bar, jail cell, and no bathroom inside! Good news there is one outside! The food served ranges from Santa Maria Oak grill steak, Venison, Salmon all adding to a very unique dinning experience! Sunday's you will find one to two bands playing and parking is mostly limited to Harley's! To see 400 Hog's stretched along the roadside is very typical for Sunday afternoons.
(4)John G.
Love the tritip sandos ... but they just changed the bun last weekend and it sucks!! What happened? Change it back, please!!
(4)John E.
Let's keep it short... I came here wanting to love the place, as this was going to be my highlight of my trip to Santa Barbara. Went there and it was packed, which is fine with me. After a 5 min walk up the mountain, we get there and I'm amazed at how cool the spot is. I have a few friends from the Santa Maria area, and they always talk about the BBQ out there, so I was looking forward to the tri tip sandwich. I ask the server guy about the tri tip and if it's Santa Maria style, and this guy became an Ahole and starting talking to me like I'm an idiot. I am a pretty big guy myself, and as I started to get angry, he realized it, and starting changing his tone. It was too late and I left pissed off and will never go back again. What's sad is that every customer I saw go up and order a sandwhich, was treated like crap from this guy... He kept telling everyone that he is closing in 45mins and they better have their ticket before then, or he is gone. I understand getting mad at someone ordering 5 min before you close, but 45min? Only reason this got a 2 star review is because of the location being awesome.
(2)Janelle H.
Rustic, Historic, and hidden in the beautiful mountains of Santa Barbara away from absolutely everything! I've come at night and I wish I could come earlier so I could check out all the historic little buildings around it as well as the breath-taking scenery. Everyday there is a different special of the day and I've had the pleasure of trying their wild boar ribs which were so smokey with a touch of gamey taste and tender and rare where it needs to be. I'm very adventurous and the more uncommon the dish, the more likely I am to try it all! The venison is always good, the thing that will be blow your mind to smithereens is how juicy and tender it is! Yes, it is also a little gamey but the tenderness just melts in your mouth so much that you wish it could just stay there forever and ever. The rabbit medallions are sauteed in a mushroom and onion cream sauce and taste just like chicken, so it didn't wow me as much as the venison or boar did. The appetizer platter has a great mini variety of all their appetizers such as the creamy shrimp (HUGE PRAWNS), venison sausages, artichoke dip, and a few other things that I can't remember at the moment. The creamy shrimp can be ordered as a dinner sized dish which comes in pasta and cream sauce with ginormous succulent prawns. Each meal comes with a soup or salad, and I always opt for the soup since it changes up everytime. The tomato basil soup was unlike any other tomato basil soup I've ever had, it was so creamy and so flavorful with a hint of smokeyness to it as well! Another time I had the carrot ginger soup. But the salad is pretty good as well, try their homemade vinagrette, or their Hidden Valley Ranch! Question: On the menu, it says that their own original Hidden Valley Ranch is served...so does that mean the area that the Hidden Valley Ranch actually comes from this hidden spot in the mountains?! Does anyone know?!?! If you are visiting Santa Barbara and want to see something that contains the true essence of what Santa Barbara is, this Stage Coach stop will give you some of its history, its flavor, and its beauty!
(5)Dawn B.
Love the food and atmosphere at Cold Springs Tavern. It's a great place for a weekend drive for breakfast. Try the Chicken Fried Steak with Biscuits and amazing Gravy!!! Don't forget to sample the tri tip sandwiches cooked outdoors. Get here early as the place is quaint and small, but worth it!! Lunch and dinner are equally delicious !!
(5)Bill W.
Great place to kick back, great Tri Tip, good music, big fun! Don't wear your favorite shoes tho, it's rustic all right!
(4)Caroline C.
One word: TRI-TIP SANDWICH! enough said.
(5)Jonathan B.
BEST CHILI EVER!!!! If you like old west style restaurants then you must stop by. The drive is a little far because this place is in the middle of the mountains, the drive is worth it's, very scenic and enjoyable. The restaurant itself is very small, and you might have to wait depending on how much people they have. the place is so nice that we didn't mind waiting, we sat outside on a bench enjoying nature. Going to this restaurant is an experience like no other.
(4)Ella B.
We headed here after a hike in the SB Back country. I have heard about this place for a while now, but why has it taken me nearly 5 years to make it here? not sure why, but at least I can now say I have been to the iconic Cold Springs Tavern. We were a little confused on which entrance to go to, but one seemed to be only the bar. We got a table in about 10 mins. The Tavern is very dim inside, which I guess is to re-create the Stagecoach trail environment. The tavern itself is very casual with animal heads everywhere. The wait staff is very fast but they did not seem to be assigned tables, so one would take our drink order and someone else would come and ask again what we wanted to drink. Definitely do not come here for "fine dining", come here for a casual "natural" like: i-just-hunted-and-killed-live-meal experience. We ordered: Chicken breast sandwich (typical sandwich, served with fries -- fries are not homemade, dissapointed). Buffalo burger -- pretty tasty, not bad for a burger, served with fries. Venison sausage burger -- tasty, but it was too smothered in BBQ sauce. It was hard to taste what the meat actually tasted like. Slightly disappointed. I ordered the salad with this but was disappointed b/c it came DRENCHED in dressing - gross. Overall, I felt a little rushed b/c the wait staff was running around. Now that I've been here, I'm not sure that I would come back, it was good, but just not my sort of thing -- too much meat. But the grounds are interesting, you can take a little walk and see the old buildings that the Chinese laborers built for the railroads. Cool little place.
(3)Adam F.
What can I say about this place? It is absolutely unique and a true hidden gem. My family and I first heard about it at, get this, a Grand Canyon bus stop....from a couple of biker dudes. We had been chatting with them, mentioned I was going to school out there, and they said we HAD to go. So, if a biker tells you to go somewhere, you go. Or not. Anyways, I have been here three times since and every time has been amazing. Its totally off the beaten bath up 154, under a sweet bridge in a little valley. Next door there is a biker bar (hence the biker recommendation) and it seems a bit rowdy. But the restaurant is really rustic and old looking and feeling. Its pretty classy all things considered and somewhat pricey, but totally worth it. They have a lot interesting options, including game (like Elk, rabbit, and I hear sometimes black bear!) as well as steak and chicken. They elk medallions were splendiferous and so was everything else everyone got. Add some fresh vegetables, some good wine, and delicious bread and you have an unforgettable experience. Go here for uniqueness, charm, and beautiful setting. You'll love it!
(5)Maricris D.
Hidden surprise indeed. We went here originally for the bbq sandwiches, but couldn't make it with our schedule for the day, so instead we went for their brunch. The country fried steak and eggs was REALLY delicious. I'm talking the first bite made me wonder if my taste buds really just tasted something so good. My friend is a food critic by nature and seeing his face light up when he took a bite out of it affirmed me that I wasn't crazy. He said "wow I could drink that gravy" which was my sentiments exactly. Maybe it was because we just came from "roughin' it" and camping, but the OJ was pretty darn good too :) I love the atmosphere, I love that it's hidden, and I love that there are bikers that come here. We will be back for what we originally planned for...bbq sandwiches!
(5)Ryan J.
What's my favorite food? BARBECUE! What's my favorite sound to listen to while eating my favorite food? VROOM VROOOOOOM! That's right, ladies and gents, this backwoods gem is straight out of Easy Rider... you half expect to turn and see Dennis Hopper and Peter Fonda eating at the table next to you. Not Jack Nicholson, unfortunately... although he's all of our favorite character, George Hanson was beaten to death in his sleeping bag. Ah, and so went the leftist movement. Anyways, back to the review. You drive up the highway past Santa Barbara, and wind up a beautiful hill and into the wine country. Turn off on an easy to miss left turn, and then go right down into a heavily-wooded canyon. Cold Spring Tavern originated as a coach stop in the mid-1800s, and the buildings all (at least) appear to be original. Water damaged wood structures with the clear evidence of termite infestation. Now it's a hot spot for motorcycle riders (both the original gangsta freebird riders and also the rich dudes with a bike or the crotch rockets), old guys with really sweet cars, and also the everyday Joe who just wants some damn good barbecue. If you go on a day that isn't Sunday, you will have the option of a variety of reasonably-priced sandwiches, ribs, chicken, and pork. Sunday afternoon is really the time to go, however. A MASSIVE Samoan guy manning a barbecue, and piling huge sandwiches full of beautifully cooked tri-tip. The barbecue sauce has a little kick and is delicious. Even the horseradish (of which I am not usually a fan) is a perfect compliment to this sandwich. Get two of them, trust me, and for $6 or so a pop this is a deal that can't be beat. Sloppy, tender meat, perfectly complimentary sauces, and fresh rolls that are other-worldly. And then sit around, gorge yourself, have a few drinks and enjoy the live music. This is a place where you go to be yourself... no one is judging you, because everyone is there for one reason and one reason only... great food and a unique atmosphere. If you're going for dinner, make sure to bring a full wallet, because the prices escalate quickly. Gone are the rib and tri-tip deals. Arriving are the interesting dishes (rabbit, duck, venison, etc.) with prices to match. I haven't eaten dinner, but I have looked at the menu, and it looks like a very special spot... I will be going, and I will add to this review when I do. I can't say enough good things about this place. It is one of my favorite restaurants anywhere. I have driven up the coast from LA (about a 1 1/2 hour trip) just for lunch. 5 stars without any hesitation.
(5)Penny B.
A must go! Especially if you have guests in town! We take all our friends, especially our Swedish family and friends! Great setting, great history, nice staff; there's nothing like this place! And Great music!
(5)Ian B.
Classic spot - the fact that it was important in 1852 as a coach stop - just starts the visit off right. The burgers are good The fries are great The service is fast The drinks are cold Don't think fine dining but think Americana and your super satisfied. I'd love to buy this place and fix it up (not ruin it) - its so charming. I went for lunch - Foley Pinot was only $45 on the list!
(5)Carla S.
Delicious Tri-Tip Sandwiches!!!
(4)Lynn D.
Sunday only, I think during the summer they server Saturdays too but check the schedule. Food: meal - Tri Tip sandwich ... oh so YUMMY The drive up was great and relaxing Sides: only had condiments i.e. salsa (very spice kick, bbq sauce, apple horseradish) or commercial brand chips dessert: semi bar style enviroment, no desserts only selling candy bars Service: great, simple Wait: Sunday, April 25th, 10 @ 12noon - hardly a wait but it was building up price for all the above: under $10 bucks including tax **READY to go back again TODAY!
(5)Rod T.
Just over the hill, Cold Springs Tavern makes for the perfect Sunday afternoon with live music and award winning tri tip sandwiches. Well, I'm assuming they're award winning.
(5)JANE Q.
Came here for the first time last Wednesday. The drive up there was really scary. Dark, canyon, mountainous drive. Parking is horrible. You park as close as you can to the edge of the mountain so you won't get hit by on coming traffic. I was freezing in there. There was no heat in the place. I had a hard time eating it was so cold. Did not feel comfortable in the place. Did not like the new york strip at all. I ordered it medium rare, and it was on the well done side, with just a hint of pink. It tasted burnt and no flavor what so ever The meat was not tender. The service was slow. The red clam chowder was horrible. It was really runny and didn't taste good. I would NEVER come back here.
(1)Amy L.
Their BBQ is goood!!! I love their tri tip sandwich and BBQ ribs. A very cozy, romantic restaurant up in the mountain. I went to santa barbara wine tasting with a group of close friends and we stopped by this tavern because of the yelp ratings and without a doubt. The ratings definitely confirm the delicious BBQ sandwich, even the bread holding the tri tip sandwich is crispy and soft at the same time.
(5)Josh M.
On your way back to Santa Barbara from the Santa Ynez Valley after a day of wine connoisseuring (or just drinkin')? There is no more romantic destination than the old Cold Spring Tavern. Up the San Marcos Pass, nestled in the hills, this folksy restaurant looks like a a good ol' Tennessee shed, but what you get is a beautifully rustic setting with a fireplace and antler-festooned walls and simple but good American fare, including seafood, but specializing in game (such as the Elk Tenderloin that we enjoyed when we were there). The wine list has a good selection at reasonable prices and food prices should be in the mid to upper $20's for mains. Expect to spend about $50pp w/tip. At the end of the day, the food was fine, but it's all about the setting. Fun for a small group and romantic for a couple...definitely worth a try!
(4)Craig R.
Looking for a beautiful rustic place to have a romantic dinner? Look no further then Cold Spring Tavern. CST is hidden in the mountains about twenty minutes from Santa Barbara. To get there you have to take old highway 154 and then a little windy road called Stage Coach Road. The restaurant is nestled in the mountain side and is shaded by huge trees. You can't even see the place from the highway. CST actually consists of two buildings. One is a restaurant and the other is a small bar. CST looks like an old log cabin inside and out. The inside has lots of little tables that are lit by candle light, two fireplaces, and lots of old pictures on the walls. The food here is great. They serve quite a few different types of meat. Anything from steak to pork ribs to venison and even buffalo. They also have an amazing chili. I always get the sampler which will let you try three small bowls of their great tasting chilis. My favorite thing on the menu though is an appetizer. It is the mushroom caps filled with venison. The way the venison and the mushroom taste when combined is fantastic. The best day of the week to go though is on Sundays. On Sunday they have a guy come down and set up a BBQ outside the restaurant and serve up the world best tri-tip sandwiches. The chef is a big friendly guy who has been doing this BBQ every Sunday for as far back as I can remember. His sandwiches are too die for. The best thing is that he is not stingy when it comes to the meat. He packs those rolls full of the juiciest tri-tip you will ever taste. To put on the sandwich he has three different types of condiments. The first is salsa, the second is a great tasting sweet BBQ sauce and the third is an amazing apple horseradish. The service here is stellar. The people who work in the restaurant are all really nice. On Sundays when the BBQ is going on the place will get really crowded. Mostly by bikers and tourist. If you're a fan of motorcycles then I would recommend going down one Sunday. You will see all makes and models of different bikes. Also on Sundays they have bands play outside of the bar for you to enjoy will you eat your tri-tip sandwiches. The restaurant itself is a little pricy but well worth the money for the experience you are sure to have. On Sundays the tri-tip sandwiches are seven dollars a piece but more then likely you will end up spending fourteen bucks because they are so good you will want to have another.
(5)Robert G.
This place has been around for a long time, established back in 1865. Used to be the route, by stagecoach, to Santa Barbara from the Santa Ynez valley. I have been wanting to go for years and since we were in the valley celebrating her birthday, thought we would try brunch. We arrived at around 11:30, were handed lunch menus. Found out it was either breakfast till 11:00, lunch then a dinner menu. Lunch was good, had the burger, but was craving eggs. Our lunch was very good, our server seemed to have wanted to be else where, she seemed a little pissed off. The tavern was amazing, just thinking of the history of that place, the kinds of people that came into the canyon from there hard stage coach travels. Enjoy the drive.
(4)Katie T.
Absolute best tri tip in the world! I lived in SB for 7 years and overtime I go back I have to eat here. It's best on a Sunday because they cook tri tip outside and they have live music. It can get a little crowded and its a drive up the 154 but its worth it!
(5)Khalid N.
I really don't want to rate this spot so well, because i want the wait to stay reasonable, but I have to give them props. Third time here in the last 5 years and it's still great as ever. Unique ambiance, friendly, great chili, tri tip and steak. Too charming for words
(5)San N.
Great atmosphere and people. Bring a jacket because it gets cold and windy in the mountains. Windy roads and free dirt parking. Come before 1 or it'll be tough to find a seat for the live band. Came for the off the menu tri-tip sandwiches on Sunday. Order at the bar, and bring your ticket around back. Buttered hoagie piled with moist tri-tip carved in front of you. Pass on the BBQ sauce and horseradish and go directly for the salsa. Fried onion rings are well battered and fried to perfection.
(4)Misty H.
Our cousin was so excited to take us here during our visit to Solvang. After a very long day of riding my bike for 100 miles I thought we were going to experience an incredible dinner after hearing all the hype of this restaurant. Unfortunately, we were all very disappointed. She admitted that it was not what she had experienced her first time there. The service was slow and one of the employees was arguing on the phone with his girlfriend in the room next to us. The ahi tuna seemed like it was a poor attempt at something you would get in Hawaii and it was cold! My husband got the rabbit and didn't think it was the greatest either. Maybe it would have been better during the day with a few bottles of wine down our throats but we were not impressed this trip.
(1)Scott M.
Well, we were heading down to the LA area for the weekend so the SO and I decided to go down 101 instead of our usual boring I-5 route. After watching a review from Cat Cora (from the food network) about Cold Spring Tavern we decided to stop in Santa Barbara for lunch. My GPS warned me that we would be going on some "unverified roads" and that always means an area off the beaten path. Off 101 we climb up a stretch of road and head into the Los Padres National Forrest and start to wonder "what did we get ourselves into?" We come upon a very charming shack (and I mean that in the nicest way!) come to find out it was a stage coach stop back in the day and not much has been done since. We put our name in and enjoy a short wait outside enjoying the beautiful surroundings. Once inside, I ordered the lunch special which was a BBQ sandwich and the SO ordered the French Dip. Both were delicious while the service was courteous and friendly. The meat was sliced thick and was very flavorful with a great smoke infused flavor along with a tangy BBQ sauce that wasn't over the top. The SO's french dip had nice slices of tri tip and came with an Au Jus with super flavor. All in all a great find and a fun place.
(4)Jay H.
I like this place so much, my wife and I got married here! Seriously. There is absolutely no better place to spend a warm Sunday afternoon.
(5)Michelle H.
OMG OMG OMG I'm going back here this weekend! I DREAM about the Venison Sausage Burger at this place! It really doesn't get any better than Cold Spring Tavern. You have a beautiful scenic drive that leads up to the place, and it feels like you've just came across a hidden little gem of a woodsy, comforting restaurant in the forest. Which, by the way, you have. The service is great, and the waitresses are extremely friendly and helpful. I love the warm ambiance, which is often in stark contrast to the foggy, often cold surroundings. It's a wonderful place to go with friends, feel warm, and enjoy amazing chili or burgers with wild game. I highly recommend the venison burger or the chili sampler. Great place to take a date if you're looking to impress in Santa Barbara!
(5)Kry K.
Coooooold Springs Tavern...weeehooo!! The drive up has insanely beautiful views. Once you get there it doesn't even feel like you're in California anymore. It's just little cabins in the middle of the woods. Lots of flannel shirts and gray beards! This is a no frills kind of place so if you want frills, get the heck outta hea! If you want a no nonsense tri-tip sandwich (juicy slabs of meat slapped on a roll with either bbq or mustard) to go along with your large, cold beer ($10), enjoy a live band playing the blues and can do the stanky leg like no one's business, then grab some friends and come on!
(5)Kasey E.
Be advised: Friends and I had heard amazing things about their Sunday tri-tip cookout. We got there a bit early and they hadn't started cooking outside yet. We didn't know the drill so we walked into the restaurant and asked if we were at the right place for the Tri-tip. We were assured we were at the right place so we sat down, ordered, and as we waited started seeing troves of people lining up outside for the "real tri-tip sandwiches." I couldn't help but feel a little jipped. The food we had was decent and the setting is pretty great but I'm pretty sure the wait staff was happy to steer us to eat inside when everybody else was eating outside.
(3)R. Z.
After reading reviews and seeing this place on the Food Network, I really wanted to like this place, but everything was lacking. We went on a Monday for lunch and place was pretty empty only 2 other tables occupied. We moved tables twice, as there was a bad odor we tried to get away from. Our server appeared bored and after taking our order only came by our table once to drop off our food. We had to ask another server for drink refills and for our bill. Had the BBQ beef sandwich which was Only ok, nothing special. My husband had the venison sausage burger which he said was ok, but nothing to brag about. I understand that the buildings are historic, and therefore rustic, but, that is no excuse for dirty tables and abundance of flies in the dining area. Will not be going again.
(1)frank w.
Reasons to go to Cold Springs Tavern -You have never been -You have out of town guests visiting -You are returning from a round at Rancho San Marcos -You hare heading to wine country. Reasons not to go to Cold Springs Tavern -The food (I wish it were better, but the last 3 times going with guests it was disappointing)
(3)Gilbert M.
My favorite get away...
(5)Andrew F.
The strangest steakhouse i've ever been to but I love it! The food is great and the location is amazing plus its rich in history. Check it out.
(5)Eric M.
Went for the Tri Tip sandwiches on a Sunday afternoon and what a perfect afternoon it was. Tri Tip is one of the best I have ever had and being up in the mountains with the country atmosphere is just something unique that you can't get at most places. Will definitely come back and recommend it to everyone I know.
(5)Danny D.
How can you not love this place? CST is easily one of my favorite resturaunts of all time. In my top 5 for sure. If you are an angry vegetarian, you probably will not like this place, although there are pasta and vegeatable dishes. This place one time was a stopping post and just by looking at the picture, it is easy to see. You feel a sense of history just walking into the place. You also feel like you are in Frontier land in Disneyland. There are so many entree's to choose from. Even though you will pay a high price, it is beyond worth it. From Steaks, Ribs, Chops to Vennison, Chicken and Pork you will feel more than satisfied. Service is also excellent.
(5)Ammon H.
I've been here several times for dinner and for breakfast (which is only served Saturday and Sunday.) The food is always good, the atmosphere can't be beat, but the service is consistently sub-par. I went for breakfast just recently and the food was good, I ordered the french toast, and my wife ordered an omlette. Both tasty and fairly reasonably priced, at least comparable to what you'd pay anywhere else for a decent breakfast. On to the service: Somewhere after topping my coffee off a couple times we seemed to be forgotten. After finishing our meals we proceeded to sit and wait for a couple to-go boxes and our checks for a good 20 minutes. During which time a couple waiters/bus boys walked past us. My wife told me to motion for the check, but I don't want to have to do that. Normally I'm a decent tipper, 25% no problem, but I consistently get poor service here and it's always from the SAME WAITER. This time I was fed-up it and I left exact change. I'm tired of feeling obligated to tip even if the service is sub-standard. In summary: Good food, awesome atmosphere, poor service.
(3)Janet D.
Located on the old stagecoach route - aptly named "Stagecoach Road", this stopover used to be known as the "Cold Spring Relay Station". It relayed food and water to both two- and four-legged travelers on the long journey between Northern and Southern California. This is one of those places that could rudely slap down mediocre food - and a hefty tab - on your table and remain in business based solely on its isolated location and historic reputation. But, I'm certain that the owner we met (tableside) would never settle for that. The buffalo burger (mine) and the barbecued tri-tip sandwich (friend's) would lure me back all the way from San Diego. (Although my burger was good, I had a serious case of tri-tip envy...this is definitely the house specialty and mustn't be missed.) We joined the hundreds of other long gone travelers and left refreshed.
(4)Judi T.
I can only speak to the Sunday afternoon BBQ tri tip sandwiches, the music and ambiance. The rustic location and location is very cool. The sandwiches are to die for. The live music is engaging. The fellow "diners" are an eclectic jovial group. A spring burbles nearby. Perfect for a summers afternoon repast. Wish we could have stayed longer. Definately worth a drive. A do again. Carnivores only.
(5)Adrienne P.
Charming, cozy, & a romantic place to dine. I have been a customer of Cold Springs Tavern since the early 80's. Lunch & Dinner on weekends are busy & a little under staffed. Lunch & Dinner served on weekdays can be busy, but the staff is up to speed with handling the amount of diners that visit. Two rooms have fireplace's that are usually fired up with wood during the cooler season month's & evening's. Lights are dim in the the three small indoor dining rooms ... very romantic! Food is a little unique with a variety of healthy vegetable, poultry, meat (wild game included), & fish plates. A variety of nice wine options & a few beer options are available. My last visit was last night for a early dinner. My husband & I were picking up a few cases of wine in Los Olivos (tasting some too!) & celebrating our First Date Anniversary. We dined on Wild Boar Chops & Trout Dinners. The meal came with a wonderful Field Green Salad, Big Baked Potato, & Fabulous Green Beans The food was excellent. Portions were large & a lot more than I could possibly eat. Our server was very sweet & made a few of her own personal suggestions. We sat in a private little corner with the fireplace behind us. The ambiance & evening was very enjoyable. Another memorable visit for my husband & I. Cold Springs Tavern is approx. 1 1/2 hours away from my home. I plan to continue turning on people to this little historical gem & visit as often as I can.
(4)B Q.
Oh my goodness, oh my goodness oh my goodness! As soon as we opened our car doors the aromas of this place greeted us ever so kindly. We were drawn to the restaurant and were seated by smiling people! The menu is out of this world with rabbit, bison, venison and duck. As you sit in the 1800 stagecoach route cabin, you are taken back to the days of the carefree lifestyle and slower paced world. With superb service, delicious food and amazing ambience this place ranks as my new favorite restaurant!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
(5)Jess R.
Wow wow wow! This place was recommended by a friend who goes to SB a lot and I am so glad we listened! It's out of the city for sure, but the drive is beautiful and you can drive up into the mountains on your way back to the city. We didn't know what to expect when we walked in the door. And when were looked in, it looked like the smallest restaurant! However there are multiple rooms and there was no wait and we had our choice of which room we wanted to sit in. We chose a nice table by the window for a view. Alright, on to the food. I ordered the Buffalo Burger which was bigger than my face! My boyfriend had the Venison sandwich. We also started with the beer-battered onion rings - again the biggest onion rings I'd ever seen! And they were AMAZINGLY good! The staff was attentive (though I never did get a refill on my iced tea) and nice considering how young they all looked! Prices were fine for the amount of food you get. Overall, fun atmosphere, great food, great location - GO HERE! I'm uploading some of the photos from our meal for a better feel!
(5)Matt M.
What a hidden gem in the foothills above Santa Barbara! The picture here speaks for itself. It's just an old cabin "style" restaurant, very quaint. Fireplaces throughout, trophied animal heads on the walls. This place is not for vegetarians. Steaks, rabbit, pork, duck, venison, and chicken are all featured on the menu. The mashed potatoes were excellent as were the venison sausage stuffed mushrooms. There is a "tavern" next door to the restaurant, locals and bikers were throwing down beers as they listened to local musicians sing the blues on their harmonica and guitar. You really feel like you are deep in the woods, a great spot to include on your weekend of wine tasting.
(4)edwin p.
A superb establishment! The setting, the seating, the ambiance, and the food are smashing. Glad I made the drive up, I'll be going back often. (ps - the chili sampler was AAA+)
(5)Kaitlin C.
Great setting, tri-tip, yum!
(4)Michael S.
Casual Dining 3/11/2008 I have to agree with Joan S.' review. Despite the unique ambience and the beautiful surroundings, Cold Spring Tavern, in terms of food, is overrated. As for the restaurant itself, it's located off of the 154 freeway in one of the most least expected areas. Surrounded by plenty of trees and a spring, the tavern is definitely worth visiting just for the scenery. There are several rooms to sit in and we decided to occupy the room with the fireplace. Unfortunately, they had just put out the fire and the room was filled with the smell of smoke. In one corner of the room was a scythe that felt out of place and beside the table that we sat in was the fur of a bobcat hanging on the wall, with the head still in tact. While waiting for our food, I had somewhat high expectations for my Bar-B-Q Venison Sausage Burger ($10.00) with a potato salad on the side. The sausage patty, made from deer, was overcooked but the red onions were perfectly tender. The overall experience wasn't satisfying, and the barbecue sauce did not work well with the sausage patty either. In addition, the potato salad tasted too 'rich,' the yolk from the egg and the onions as well, were overwhelming. The next order was a bit more conservative, the Cold Spring Chili Burger ($9.25), and it didn't fair any better on the grill. The meat was dry, and the chili was too beany; it felt more like a bean burger. The bread from the burger bun was grilled appropriately however, and I couldn't find any complaints. It was crispy where I wanted it to be and paired better with the chili. As to what everyone else suggested, maybe next time I should go with the tri-tip sandwich. Having heard so many good responses to this place, we decided on a dessert and it may have been the best part of the meal, Granny Smith Apple Cobbler ($5.95), not the one you'd find from the frozen food section, mind you. Served hot, it didn't look anything like a pie at all, almost reminiscent of bread pudding. It was littered with pecans, 3 small scoops of whip cream, and puff pastry. There was also a hint of lemon, as a surprise. Final Verdict: 9/20 If you're a big fan of Chumash Casino, head down the 154 and don't be afraid to take a peek. Then pick up some fudge at Solvang, if you have room left in your stomach. But be prepared to find out that just because a place is authentic, doesn't necessarily mean the food comes out better.
(3)marian c.
This is definitely one of the most unique places to eat. It is well worth the drive. But the drive is something that must be considered because it is in the middle of no where and there is a windy narrow road to get there. Once there you feel like you are back 100 years . Bring a camera because this is a place you want to remember and share with others. But ......sorry to say there are a few things that are not too good. First thing is there is not much parking. The windy road is very close to the restaurant which is kinda dangerous. I just had a small salad because it was warm that day and I was not very hungry it was good. The rest of the party seemed pleased with there soup and quiche but the server never came by with more water. This place is worth a visit
(3)Whitney R.
There is nothing bad to say about this place!! Such a treat to find this hidden little gem with such a great ambiance and DELICIOUS food! Whenever we drive through the area we always grab a sandwich and hang out and listen to the music! Don't forget to get one to go!
(5)Dee J.
I'd say the only downfall of this place is the inaccessability during heavy rains. The food...outstanding. The service...excellent. The prices are a tad high, but it's one of those few places that after spending 35-50 bucks per person, you don't feel terrible for being ripped off. I don't live in Santa Barbara anymore, but I plan to visit this place when I'm back in town. Save some buffalo for me!
(5)Newberry T.
Great location, great quality and portions of food. Sunny rocks as a server and makes a mean margarita.
(5)Dylan C.
ok...once again being the food network groupie that i am, i came here on cat coras recommendation, ill keep it simple...she was right...SOOO GOOD...first time i did the restaurant and it was good, chili sampler was d'lish, went back on a sunday and did the whole sandwich thing...it really was as good as they all said, you gotta go ya'll youll love it...
(5)Inga R.
great food thats a bit ovepriced but you cant beat a jeep ride off old stagecoach to the the tavern. the place gets VERY packed on nice summer weekends and they have developed it a bit in the last 20 years, but its definitely worth a stop if you are coming from or going to santa barbara.
(4)Andrew O.
Cold Springs Tavern is indeed as good as it gets. Located in the heart of the Los Padres National Forrest, the wilderness surrounding provides the perfect backdrop, while the creek that runs alongside the tavern supplies the soothing soundtrack. We went there for an early lunch on a Sunday and it was already sprawling with an eclectic mix of people - from brawny biker-types with their leather clad companions to chill surfer-types looking for a post wave-trashing meal. We ordered the BBQ beef sandwich at the bar and received a frayed ticket, which we redeemed with the grill-master who's stationed between the bar and restaurant. All of our sandwich meat was prepared perfectly medium, and the grill-master made sure each sandwich got a healthy serving of his juicy masterpiece. The bread was perfectly toasted and the protein to carb ratio was just right. I proceeded to the sauce buckets where I was presented with a tough challenge: au jus, bbq sauce, apple horseradish sauce, or salsa... I decided the best thing to do was to load my sandwich up with all of the condiments since I wanted a taste of all the flavors. My only protection from the drippy sauces was the white butcher paper my sandwich was wrapped in. The majority of BBQ beef sandwiches I've had in my life have been tough and chewy so I'd be lying if I said I wasn't skeptical of all the rave reviews here on yelp. And then i took my first bite... which was absolute bliss. The meat was tender and juicy and the bread had nice body and texture, which stood up well with each successive bite. The condiments were bold and flavorful and the salsa added a little bit of heat to the sweet bbq sauce. As I licked my sauce drenched fingers and took a sip of my "beer of the month," I realized that this might possibly be the best BBQ beef sandwich I've ever had in my life. The only thing missing from Cold Springs Tavern is a lodge. I'd love to stay there for days on end, take in the beautiful mountain scenery, and watch the diverse array of patrons enjoy their sandwiches just as much as I do.
(5)Elisa D.
Beautiful. Deep in the woods on a little road off 154 between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley. The setting alone--that stone cabin underneath all those trees--well, you see the picture. That's my idea of heaven...a little nook nestled in the mountains under a canopy of trees. I suppose I should review the food, but I arrived between their lunch and dinner, so alas...didn't eat, as I had to continue to Santa Barbara to catch a flight. It sort of didn't matter though. I spent some time there and it was just beautiful. Had I stayed for dinner, they could have served me boxed mac'n'cheese and I would have gladly paid for it...just to be in that setting. I look forward to returning up that windy road for a cold beer after a long drive. So gorgeous!
(5)Robin Z.
It'd been a helluva long day driving the windy, narrow roads of the Santa Ynez visiting the many wineries and dodging large California Brown Tarantulas crawling slowly across the roads. Dusk had already settled over the dusty scrub oak hills by the time we traversed the Cold Springs Bridge and pulled into the empty, dirt parking space of the tavern. Jon thought we'd crossed into a time warp and entered the days of the Ponderosa while investigating the rustic cabins and ancient machinery thrown willy-nilly about the area but no, it was still 2009 and only a few miles back to Santa Barbara. There have been no changes over the years I've been coming here and that's a good thing. Only the people change and our bartendress could have been my daughter if I didn't know her tattoos well enough. Cold Springs continues the tradition of offering as much fine game as regular dinner selections and the rustic bar offers good local wines as well as the stronger stuff that bikers and surf chicks like. I had her pour me a Maker's Mark and Coke since I'd been the DD through all those wineries and Jon was half lit already. We took our seats beneath a deer or some other furry beast and let the roaring fire warm our bones, the Maker's Mark hitting the spot. I had two. We had the appetizer plate (prawns, arti hearts & venison sausage), shared the beef chili & chicken soup, special elk chops, medallions of rabbit, and finished dinner with a Jack Daniels Pecan Pie. All of it was delicious and prepared perfectly and prices haven't risen all that much either. I haven't weighed this much since I was married. And I thought chemotherapy would make me a scarecrow, haha. Fuck that. We'd been the first diners of the night but by the time we left, it was packed. The popularity of the place hasn't diminished an iota and I believe I found my initials some boy had carved into the antique wooden bench we occupied so many years ago. Nothing changes here, thankfully. P.S., The sun's last hurrah painted a glowing orange against the green metal sides of the Cold Spring Bridge and I stopped to snap a few pictures not knowing that this happy sunset was balanced in sadness of a woman who jumped from this same span that very morning. "Suicide Bridge" has claimed 52 (USA Today, Oct 12, 2009, 3A). Such a beautiful setting for such a tragic end.
(5)Missy D.
This is a cool little joint. After a day of sailing our buddy took us up here, as on Sunday they have live music and their infamous tri tip sandwich. It's a very windy journey into the SB mountains to find this, but worth the drive. Tons of local MC were there and people from all walks of life. It's a couple old buildings in the side of hill. The tunes were some good rock and rumour was the sandwich was delicious. Set up was a tad interesting. Huge line to get a drink/ticket for the sandwich, which didn't actually take that long. And it was good how he sandwiches we're served, you got a ticket, walked around the building and there was two gentlemen, one cooking the meet and one cutting and assembling the sandwiches. Lots of character, only downfall would be the side of the road that it's on. You get no afternoon sun.
(4)Maura O.
Beautiful location, tons of history, good food, great people and motorcycle watching. A must stop for lunch on a beautiful day. Truly a gem.
(4)Brian S.
On another recommendation of my aunt & uncloe's neighbor, a Lompoke & Santa Maria transplant, strongly recommended this & the drive we took was breathtaking along witha lake that is well known in the area. It is an old stage coach nessled in a wooded quieter part of Santa Barbra. The atmosphere is so down home & service friendly. Everything on the menu sounded wonderful; I could not make up my mind; so, when our waiter said they are known for tritip, tritip it was. Soo tender & perfectly marinaded & seasoned on a toasted bun; perfect for dipping into the sweet, tangy, & smokey bbq sauce as well as the hourse raddish that had a kick that was not extreemly strong but enough to liven things up. The salsa with it would have gone better with some soup or chips or what jhave you. The green salad was fresh with vegetables in a very chunky savery blue cheese dressing; mmmmmm. Their bread that you get with some entrees is made with garlic, arigino, & other spices; a very lively feast for the tastebuds. Their restrooms are located slightly across the lot from the restaurant & are clean & have old fashioned doors inside. Just slightly down from that is the tavern which was closed; I definitely want to check it out next time. I love the smell of cloves throughout the dining room along with all the woodwork. They did a great job preserving this old stage coach. So, for some downhome American comfort food at reasonable prices with friendly service in an oldworld atmosphere, Cold Spring Tavern cannot be beat. Keep up the good work guys.
(5)Jake G.
Such a cool hangout! Loved this place! Make sure you go on Sunday for full experience! Awesome acoustic blues outside with Kenny Sultan and Tom Ball! Excellent local Tri-Tip sandwich grilled fresh outside. Wife ate a chicken sandwich from the restaurant and she loved it even though she is not normally a fan of bbq sauce! We will definitely do this again in the future!
(5)Johnny W.
If you want a different dining experience then this is the place to go to. The food is good but not the kind that would make you come back for. Lots of bikers come here indeed. It's really hidden and if your not looking for it you will not find it. Great landmark and historic. BBQ Beef sandwich was good I give it a 3 star wish there were a few more slices of meat though. New York steak cooked to order which was just the way we liked it. Their special of the day Shrimp linguine was the best out of all the dishes we ordered. Full in flavor and jumbo shrimp. 4 stars.
(3)Susan Z.
What a place, historic, off the beaten path, tasty, LOVE LOVE LOVE!! We took a day trip down to this place from San Francisco and it did not disappoint!! We ordered drinks and tri tip from the bar and sat outside to eat. The sandwiches were tender and sauces were flavorful. My favorite were the Santa Maria and mustard horseradish. I wish i lived closer to go here more often but at least this makes it a special occasion. Anyone near by this place HAS to make this a stop.
(5)Jason B.
Awesome tri-tip sandwiches and great setting. We will definitely be back every month or two to enjoy.
(4)J J.
One star is too much. We had been going there for years with my father in law. The food quality and the service had started to dwindle but we tried to ignore that. On our visit this last time both were atrocious. We ordered our food, got out salads and as soon as they were put down, the waitress came by with our entrees and stood there. She was kindly instructed to take them away. A few minutes later another waitress through them down on the table and said the kitchen was getting backed up as we were still eating our salads and appetizers. The food was at least not cold. My lamb was, for lack of a better word, gummy and bland as were my vegetables. The ribs were tough and rubbery. It was a miserable experience, definitely not cheap and one that we won't be repeating. Cold Springs is WAY off the beaten path and hard to get to. There are so many good restaurants in Santa Barbara. Why waste your time at one where you have to go out of your way to get to it, the food tastes like it came from a hospital cafeteria, and the service is absolutely terrible.
(1)Lissa G.
Nice place to enjoy some beer, some bbq, and some music. I'm with everyone on the 'you think you're lost' for a minute. Driving down the windy road with no life in sight. Thank God for the Cold Spring sign! Once we see the massive line of cars and choppers, we know we've arrived. The surrounding woods is a nice setting to help relax you after the drive. Due to the holiday weekend, it was especially packed (a regular told me), which added to some long lines for drinks. It was also a little too hot and stifling. However, with fewer people and cooler weather, this place might be perfect. While the Tri-Tip sandwich was good, I wasn't blown away by it like some reviewers. Didn't eat anything else, but the restaurant looked cramped and it was also hot, which would make for some uncomfortable eating. Bottom line: I'm glad I went, but I don't know that I'd make the 2+hour drive again. If I were in Santa Barbara, I'd cruise up the hill.
(3)Allison C.
Stopped here last week while in the area from Burbank. Had read about it on Trip Advisor. It is in a great location, quiet, peaceful and cool under the shade of the big old trees. For its location and it being noon on a Thursday we were surprised to find there was literally only one table open when we walked in. Food is served pretty quick though so it didn't seem anyone was really waiting. Based on reviews we had read, my hubby had the tri-tip sandwich. I ordered the buffalo burger. I have to say that was one of the best burgers I have ever had in my life. As usual, we traded tastes of our orders. My hubby was so jealous of my buffalo burger and I heard about it several more times throughout the day, that he should've got the burger. The tri-tip was quite dry, and it was literally just the meat on bread, big bread. The horseradish sauce (served on the side) was very tasty though. For the tri-tip, I give a 3, hubby gives a 4. We both give the buffalo burger a definite 5++. Either way, worth checking out if you want something with a unique atmosphere and that is away from town but not a long drive. Very peaceful.
(4)Mason S.
Before I write the review, I took a look at the rating details. It seems that the curve fluctuate between 3.5 to 5 star. Then, I read some of the reviews. Some disappointing and some encouraging. Here is the deal ... This is a hang out place for bikers and people who like bikers. They have live music, and great food. If you need 5 star resort service, do not come to this place. This is pretty down to earth place. But if you are real, and you enjoy a great tri tip sandwich and cold beer and good live music, then give it a try. I stopped by over the weekend for the first time, and I will be there again. I will ride my bike there despite the fact that I may get stuck in the heavy traffic from LA to Santa Barbara and back. Worth every minute of the traffic and money you spend. this is a 5 star place in my book. Hey, a quick tip, have them cut the sandwich in half, so you can handle it!
(5)Nick F.
What a find this place is! Wild game on the menu, cooked perfectly, a great local wine list, live music at the bar, and just a great vibe thru this old ass wood building...you have no reason not to come here, unless you suck
(5)Toby S.
Sun filtering through the trees, the smell of bbq meat and microbrew beer permeating the air. The stupid sounds a Harley idling ringing in your ears. If you love beer and meat in bread then lunch at the bar of the Cold Spring Tavern is for you. It was heaven. If you don't like weekend accountant bikers then it is not for you. Note - I don't really. It is such a want to be scene, Harley must love the merchandise rights, you can seriously buy anything with a Harley logo on. I like 'real' bikers like the ones that I grew up watching in b-movies, you know the dangerous ones, the ones that would steal your woman, and/or whip you in the face with a bike chain. The angels running drugs, being outside of the law, living like no tomorrow. I know one or two, they carry guns in their saddlebags, they still scare me. I digress. I plan on going back and checking out dinner at the full restaurant as soon as I can. Which I gather, from some good food loving mates, is for you if you love game meat (which I do). The place has killer history, you kind of have to go there if you are in Santa Barbara, Solvang or Los Olivos.
(5)Stephanie C.
OMG Tri Tip Sandwiches!!! That's all you need to know about this place. To be fair, it's a great hangout and people watching spot. Entertainment abounds here! Crowd pleasing bands perform so you can line dance and shake your booty or co-mingle outside. Beer selection is good. Figueroa Mountain Brew on tap? Yes please!
(4)Mike V.
Started at the bar while they set up the table at the restaurant. Sure, we could have waited around, but we would have missed out on the live country music, dancing, stiff drinks and the smell of amazing homemade chili (behind the bar). I ordered the baby-back ribs per the recommendation of the waiter and I was very impressed. Also had a bit of the duck which was equally good. Great service and great appetizers (got the platter/sampler). Definitely bring your appetite though. they don't skimp on the portions. Looking forward to coming back soon.
(5)Steve M.
This is a blast to the past. A very old bar that has history and a great tri-tip sandwich.
(5)Jessie F.
Cold spring tavern began as a stagecoach stop in 1886. It's current owners has done a remarkable job in preserving the historic charm of the place, yet offers some of the best foods you can find in the modern time. The place is situated in a beautiful spot nestled on the historic stagecoach road. While the location is a little far from the city, but it's well worth the drive. Once you get there, you'll feel truly relaxed and hopefully taken by the rustic charm of the place. The staff is always nice and helpful, the food is very fresh and tasty. Lunch menu is casual. The BBQ tri tip sandwich is very good, and the charbroiled chicken sandwich is also very nice. The grilled pork chops was delicious. The price for lunch is very reasonable. They do the BBQ outside next to the Tavern, the smell makes your month water instantly. The price of dinner is higher, but I think it's justifiable. They offer venison and rabbits. I've had the salmon daily special before and it's cooked very well and tasted great. I've yet to try the venison or rabbit, but judging from my past experience they should taste great as well. My husband and I have been to this place many times over the years, it's always been great. In the summer weekends they have live music outside. In the winter, there is snow sometimes and the place turns into a winter wonderland. It's cold and air is crisp. You can smell the pine trees in the air. You can almost feel that a stage coach may pull up any minutes. Cold spring tavern is such a rare gem, I hope they will stick around for another few hundred years.
(5)Danielle M.
LOVED IT! LOVED IT! We went to Santa Barbara for our anniversary this last weekend. While on a tour we passed the tavern. My husband commented on their Tri-Tip Sandwich. I asked, "how did you know?" To which he replied, "Food Channel." We didn't get to stop that day, but we came back on Sunday which was even better. On Sundays (All Day) you can sit outside and they BBQ/ Slow Roast Tri-Tip outside. I went home smelling like BBQ, it was great. The bread was soft and perfectly toasted. There was a hot mustard and mayo mixture on the bread, along with bits of cilantro. HEAVEN! The sandwich is filling enough, you don't need to order fries. Especially if you're having a beer. You have to get a beer with your sandwich. We had a delicious dark brown ale called Abita- Turbodog. I asked for a small but got a large. Oh well... I just had to man up and drink it. :o) The beers were $5 on tap, and the sandwich ran about $9. So pull up a log, tap your foot to the live music, and enjoy the great outdoors!
(5)Erica B.
One of the best road trip stops, bar none! A great place to mingle with the locals and take in the great music and festive ambiance. Now let's get this straight, this is no high end fancy santa barbara bar, so if that's what you're looking for then you've best turn back. This is a nitty gritty, authentic, cabin bar in the middle of the woods; with a mixed crowd of bikers, campers, musicians, and local patrons. Overall this is a great watering hole to sit and enjoy the music, ambiance and grab a drink or two before heading on your way. When people say "off the beaten path" this is what they are talking about. It's like stepping back in time or maybe even side stepping to a more rural state because a place like this is rare in California. During holiday weekends, this place can get packed so be prepared to wait a bit for a beer. This place is more of an Oasis than anything else. A little slice of country in order to escape the monotony of city life. I would recommend checking the website to find the talented bands that frequent this establishment. For the most part the bands play on Fridays from 7-10pm, Saturdays 2-5pm & 6-9pm, and Sundays 1:15-4pm & 4:30-7:30pm. So if you're planning to head over, try to make one of those times so that you're able to get the full effect. The tavern might be a bit tricky to locate. It is off the 154 Hwy on Stagecoach Road, near lake cachuma. For those who are like me and need navigational coordinates, the GPS coordinates are 34"31.289'N 119"50.421W
(4)Courtney L.
I love this place. We have been during the week for dinner and loved it and of course we stop in when ever we can on Sundays for the tri tip sandwich from heaven. Quick tip - you get the golden ticket for the sandwich from the bar :)
(5)Emily B.
So it seems most of the discrepancy here among reviews are between people going to the restaurant looking for a romantic time, and people who go for the Sunday Tri Tip Sandwiches. Let me save you the time spent reading the other reviews and tell you just go on Sundays and you'll have a great time. The only trick is to know what you're doing! I'll break it down for you: - Go for lunch. We got there around 3:30, but by the time we were leaving around 5, the bikers had all left and the only people remaining were the preppy Santa Barbara locals/college students and tourists. Part of the fun is hanging with the bikers and the great music. They absolutely make the atmosphere worth going for. You want to fit in with the bikers, so don't go wearing your fancy sparkle sandals and big earrings. It's super dusty, so just go casual and you won't worry once about what you're wearing. - Once you start seeing cars, park on the street. Park where you're able and don't try to force your car into a spot, because you'll look silly when your tires start spinning because you parked your little city car over a ledge just because you wanted to park closer. - Go to the bar, which is the building on the far left. Do not go to any other building. Stand in line and when it's your turn, order a Tri Tip Sandwich and your beer of choice. Do it quickly and with a smile and they'll smile back. Pay, get ticket for sandwich. - Walk around to the center of the property and up towards a little hill to where you'll see a tent and a very large gentleman with a very large knife. This man will not smile. He may joke, but he won't smile. I went up, unsure of what to say, and asked for one sandwich, please. He said they were on break and since he wasn't smiling I assumed he was telling the truth and I cheerfully replied "oh! okay! When should I come back?" He then started carving off some meat for my sandwich, so I quickly figured out that he was just kidding around. I later saw a preppy frat boy trying to start some friendly conversation with the guy--the poor boy was so eager for recognition as a "regular", with a puppy dog smile, saying how much he loved the sandwiches and I'll see you next week. The large meat cutter guy stared at him with a blank face, except for when he was looking down at the meat with a blank face. Poor frat guy! - Take your sandwich (there are no plates) to the sauce station a few feet back from the meat station. If you have a friend with you, leave your beer with them on the sauce station so you can scurry back to the meat station to drizzle a little hot au jus on the bun (impossible to do while you're holding a beer). Back to the sauce station. I know a lot of people love putting the salsa on top, but I went for slathering on both the Apple Horseradish Sauce (not so horseradishy, but there was whole grain mustard in it, too) and BBQ Sauce. - Find a place to sit with your beer and your sandwich and DIG IN. You will be in meat & beer paradise. The sun will be shining, the forest cool yet warm at the same time, the occasional roar of the motorcyclists, the band playing not too loudly, just enough for great atmosphere. I don't remember seeing napkins anywhere, so we used a little spigot to rinse our fingers. The best part of the sandwich, in my opinion, was the buttery toasty bun. It was absolutely perfect for the sandwich. I wish my meat was a bit warmer, but we got the tale end of the cut and, really, I can't complain. If you're going specifically to try the sandwich, you're missing out and may even be disappointed--you really need to be coming here for the sandwich AND the atmosphere. Overall, thanks, CST, for a great Sunday afternoon, even though it's a 2+ hour drive from Santa Monica!
(4)Spike T.
The look and feel of this one time stage coach stop in the middle of nowhere will travel you back in time 135 years to California's Old West even though you're just a 13 mile/20 minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara. First the food: BarBQ Venison Sausage Burger available at lunch... outstanding. Tri-Tip Sandwich... too much BBQ sauce, not enough "char-b-q" flavor in the beef itself for my tastes. Onion Rings... fresh, crisp, flavorful... huge portion... the best I've had in a long time. Sandwiches include fries, potato salad, soup, or green salad. Next time I'd like to taste the Charbroiled Venison Steak sandwich or go for dinner for Sauteed Medallions of Rabbit, Grilled Venison Tenderloin, Stuffed Pheasant, Chabroiled Elk Steak or Wild Boar Tenderloin. The tavern is located on the side of a twisting tree lined road. The tavern itself was built in 1873 and looks it. You step into the first small dining room, can make your way through it to the large main dining room or keep going to another small dining room in the back. Tables are also available (without service) out front outside where you can go inside and order from the restaurant and bus your own food when its ready to your table under the trees. On weekend afternoons there's live music. It's a fun excursion from Santa Barbara... still serving great food after all these years.
(4)Sandy L.
Finished our trip to Los Olivos at the Cold Spring Tavern for dinner. The restaurant is tucked away below a bridge in the beautiful country. We had wine we brought from our tastings, and there was a corkage fee of ($13). I had the lentil soup - excellent, and the fillet mingon ($32), and it was perfectly cooked. Our waiter was good and attentive for our table of seven. Its a beautiful setting to have a lovely dinner with excellent company.
(4)S K.
Use to come here a lot, last two visits were not good, seated us next to the bus station and had to listen to the slaming of silver ware most of the night, food took forever for the two of us, while a table of eight who ordered after us got their food first. Food was cold and over cooked. Waitress looked about twelve and had the experience of that, She was very inattentive and looked as if she was heading to a keg party in IV. Promote the busboy, cause he was awesome. Next time we went to see my friends band play (to find out they had cancelled them) Staff appeared unhappy and stressed when we walked in, they were not very welcoming , bartender looked up and just kinda glared at us to the point we changed our mind about Dinner and left. If you are wanting to visit this place...come up for the tri tip sandwiches, they are worth the drive, but I do not recommend the food in the Restaurant...
(2)Rubin K.
This was the first stop in my culinary adventure up north. Located in the woods off the 154 and Lake Cachuma area, it is very hidden and you will probably think your driver is trying to take advantage of you. But after a half mile from the highway you arrive. Because we had 4 other places to eat this day, and we had another tritip location coming up at firestone grill in San Luis Obispo, we wanted to go light. So we got 2 BBQ Beef Sandwiches for 4 people. They were surprisingly nice and split them for us. Each sandwich was $8.95 I believe. The sauce was a very mild BBQ sauce, neither here nor there, so I think everyone will like it. It's not too sweet or tangy, so it was good. The beef was good. It was longer pieces of tritip that weren't really cut up....not necessarily a bad thing, but good to note. The bun was a kaiser roll, which was very delicious... Probably the best and most surprising part of the sandwich. It also came with fries, which were fresh, hot, and crisp. Not too thin, not too thick (that's what she said). Anyways, solid BBQ. I would go back here even though it's probably 3rd place behind Phil's BBQ in san diego and Firestones in SLO
(4)Manny S.
Location, view and atmosphere makes this a must see place. We came here for Dinner and we weren't dissapointed, not even the 45 mins wait can change my mind about this place . Must see In sb
(4)Charles H.
Unique destination with a menu to match! Sort of a "must do once" bucket list kinda place. Great drive if you need a place to go with your sports car or motorcycle. We were forced to eat inside in the somewhat cold and near-dark conditions. I recommend saving this for the summer or early fall so you can sit outside and enjoy the natural sound and beauty of the namesake spring. Decent beer selection. I had the venison sausage burger. The burger was quite large and good quality. The bun had a home made or bakery quality to it. Prices were a little on the high side. Onion rings, two sandwiches and 2-3 beers for $50+ with tip seemed a bit high for lunch. Same meal at dinner would seem like a better value. Service was surprisingly cold and indifferent but efficient, as if he was doing us a favor?
(3)Lorena R.
CST is an absolute delight! It is nestled in the woods, away from all the hustle and bustle and offers an enchanting, serene and peaceful environment along with all it's charm and history. We stopped by on a Sunday morning and enjoyed a wonderful breakfast. I enjoyed the whole wheat french toast with molasses bread and was pleasantly pleased. I will return and make this a traditional stop whenever in the Santa Barbara area.
(4)Annette S.
Always a fun spot, and serving some "off the beaten path" dishes. Was pleased surprised when even my kiddletts enjoyed a breakfast including Venison Sausage. Plus can't beat the PeopleWatching when you're ready to get away from cityfolk.
(4)Jenna L.
We heard about this place on TV, so we knew we wanted to try this place as well. It was on "The Best Thing I Ever Ate", and Cat Cora (who happens to be from Santa Barbara) was the one who claimed that this was the best tri-tip sandwich she ever ate. So of course we had to try it. We went from a day at the beach to a short mountain drive, and found a super quaint little cabin-area with tons of people, music, and smells of delicious bbq-ed tri-tip. We went into the bar and bought some tickets for the tri-tip sandwiches, and walked over to the side where they were bbq-ing. We saw the buns being toasted and ready for some tri-tip. They had homemade sauces that they make daily, so every day they taste a little bit different - salsa, horseradish sauce, and bbq sauce. The guy serving up the sandwiches INSISTED that I try the horseradish sauce. I told him I didn't really like horseradish and he gave me this glare of death, dipped a juicy piece of meat into the sauce, and handed it to me. I couldn't refuse a free piece of delicious beef, so I took it and ate it. It was DELICIOUS. If I go back here, I will definitely get that sauce again. It was my favorite, and I don't even like horseradish. Really. No joke. The sandwiches were amazing - I only wish that I lived closer so that I could get this more often. Truly was the best Tri-Tip Sandwich - even beats the place in SLO if you've ever been there...
(5)Karla A.
EATING OUT TIPS FOR STAYING LEAN :) This Tavern was built in 1886. Buggies and carriages use it as a rest stop during there travels. The place was filled with bikers. And surrounded by trees. There was a bar, rest restaurant and sandwich stand that served stake sandwiches. If you are looking for authentic bikers gear this is the place to find it. There was tables of idioms with spikes, bandannas, and all sorts of hand made leather gear. I ate at the restaurant with Al. it was a warm cozy place to eat. I like it a lot! The menu was filled with sandwiches, burgers, a couple salads and chili dishes. I had the veggie salad with added chicken and dressing on the side. I was really good! It had romaine lettuce with eggplant, asparagus and squash. The chicken was very juice. Al had a small salad and small bowl of chili with a tortilla. He was telling me how he just lost 35lbs. I could tell he was keeping his calories low by portioning. This was a great place to stop after riding 188 miles :)
(5)Jim G.
Went here for the first time based on reviews here and food tv seeing this place. We were coming back from a wine tasting trip and decided to hit this place after a nice drive down 154. OMG, I forgot there was still some beautiful scenery left in California (la boy...). After winding down this very narrow and curvy tiny 2 lane road - BAM - out pops this little group of shacks.... looks incredible and I'm getting excited already. We walk into the first one, its' the bar, very cool looking place, but we head down the path to the right a little to the restaurant. You walk in the front and get nervous as its' soooo tiny, but then you wind around and see additional little rooms. VERY COOL. Great fun atmoshere being an old stagecoach stop. We were having a late lunch, so we start with a bowl of their chili. Very very good and tasty. I had the Tavern Burger and my gf had the Tri Tip sandwich. Both of these were fantastic and very flavorful. I "hear" on Sunday's they have a local guy come in and he is BBQ'ing Tri Tip right on the grill outside and the place is jumping with people out for a Sunday cruise. But today on Sat was no dissapointment. Overall a must stop , I'm glad we traveled the back road home from the wine country of santa ynes and I will definitely go back. NOTE - it really is only about 15-20 mins back off the 101 so definitely worth the little detour. Also, if during the day, after lunch head down the street a little bit and take a look at the bridge, way cool. You do not get the same perspective while you are driving over it.
(4)Angelina L.
We came here specifically for the chili, which warmed me up on such a cold November day. Unfortunately, the restaurant is closed between 3pm-5pm so we had to order the chili from the bar, which costs more and doesn't come with onions. The other varieties of chili aren't available either, just the original. The bowl is small and costs $5. We hung out in the bar and the band played good music, but it was too loud for me. There's also not much seating. It's a nice place to visit if you're passing by.
(3)Sal G.
Tri-tip cooked the Santa Maria way, over oak wood, served on a toasted roll with salsa, au jus, and a bit of biker love. Ladies and gentlemen: if you take the time to find this place, or stumble across it, stop and eat here. Like an oasis on a desolate road, off the beaten path of a mountain highway of sorts. This place seems like a biker hangout if you fly by it, but it just happens that a lot of bikers ride up in the mountains, and yeah, they get hungry too. I'll admit the only reason I ate here was because I frequent that area near SB, and I saw it on Food TV, as it is one of Chef Cat Cora's favorite meat sandwiches. So when given the chance, went hunting for this place, as that's what it is, a mountain drive hunt. I'll skip ahead to the main details. Suffice to say, when you go into the bar to buy the sammy, look around at the interior of the place, as it kind of has that mountain cabin lodge vibe going on. The meat was as tri-tip should be cooked - over oak wood, on the Santa Maria style grill, basting in its own juices. We had a selection of options of different toppings/sauces (salsa, horseradish, au jus, etc.) on sliced beef atop a grill toasted roll. Totally good, and a textbook epitomization of what this California delicacy is all about. Cat Cora being a resident of Santa Barbara, she has made a few other recommendations I have noted over the years, and hope to venture down to them eventually. She didn't steer me wrong here, being a mutual lover of the tri-tip, and if you know you are either passing through the area, or live nearby, take the short trip up into the mountains to find this place. Not a bad little place to stop off at. Cheers.
(4)Amanda J.
Well I have to say me and my friend were sad to find out that they only serve the world famous tri trip sand which on Sundays. So when we finally arrived there we had the down graded version which is the BBQ steak sandwich. It was ok, but not worth the trip.
(3)Gofu K. Yoself W.
Great historical stop and good venison burgers. However the staff seems to always be pissed off and shitty.
(4)Seth M.
venison stuffed mushrooms are to die for. kinda pricey, but the best place to take a date!
(5)Sona G.
It was a long drive to find this place and I wasn't even sure if we ever would, but oh so worth it! I went there with my friend and our kids and (our kids are used to fine dining, not the typical chicken nugget, food mill eating kids) Everything we had from the Elk to the Rabbit was delicious! Service was warm, attentive and knowlegable. Loved it! Be aware that they close between 3 and 5 in the afternoon, we didn't and got there at 3:15, so we just sat outside with some wine and enjoyed natures beauty and the sounds from the creek nearby. Worth the drive and the wait:)
(5)Stone ..
Food and experience are awesome. Get the chili... you won't be disappointed. Only drawback is that you might have to wait (for what seems like an eternity) for a table. BUT the good thing is that there is a bar, and depending on the time of day, you can eat a sandwich made fresh out back while you wait!
(4)Shirley N.
Someone that we struck up a conversation with at the Fess Parker winery in Los Olivos suggested we give this place a try. Thanks to Rowena. She said the tri-tip sandwich is a must order. So we plugged in the restaurant on our GPS and headed up the mountain on the way to Santa Barbara proper. Are we glad we stopped! We missed the window for lunch, but we waited 15 minutes for the 5 pm dinner hour to start. My husband had the filet mignon, and I had the BBQ ribs. They were the best ribs ever. If you've been to Kansas, you know they do BBQ. Well, these were right up there. Fork tender and so flavorful. I had a bite of the filet, and that was cooked perfectly. 4 stars for this wonderful off the beaten path dining experience.
(4)Kahee W.
I love Burke Williams but their prices have just been too painful for my wallet. When I am able to visit, the service and facilities never disappoint.
(4)Eva V.
Cold Spring Tavern has stolen my heart. Not only is it picturesque, cozy, and serves delicious food and drink, but their vegetarian options are delicious! I had the vegetable ravioli and while I was not expecting much at all, this was not your typical throw-a-bone-to-the-vegetarians meal. The vegetables were perfectly cooked, the ravioli was great, and the sauce was delicious. Paired that with a great basic green salad, fresh bread, and a few nice glasses of wine, and I am one happy girl. Everyone at my table raved about the food and the ambiance. We all vowed to bring friends and family back whenever we're next in the area. This is the kind of place you talk about for days afterward. I can't wait to return!
(5)Clint C.
This place is a really cool place to check out for a beer. It's an old horse and carriage/wagon stop from the passed. Definitely worth checking out if in the area.
(5)Stephanie C.
If you can avoid this place at all costs, please do unless you want bad service and food poisoning. My family and I came here for a wedding a couple weeks ago and we were excited to see this wonderful place that had a rustic vibe with great food. The area that they use for events was nice, definitely a little country, exactly what the bride wanted. We were given a drink ticket to use at the bar but I wish they would have brought that to the area where we were, because we basically had to wade through people at the outside/bar area and it definitely brought the experience down... because the bar area was disgusting and compared with the reception area, it was in disrepair. We were served a salad with a ligonberry dressing tableside, which I only took one bite of, and then it was a buffet of their tri-tip, chicken, vegetables and mashed potatoes. The food was just alright, nothing I would rave about (maybe the tri tip in a sandwich is better..?) but the service from the bar was terrible! The bartender was quite rude when we tried to use our drink ticket and told us we owed her 50 cents because I wanted a pineapple and rum and my husband said all he had was a credit card and she told him he had to buy $10 worth of drinks to use it, then took his card to "keep his tab". I went back five minutes later with a buck to get his card back, to which she told me he had bought a drink for someone and the total was now $8.50, giving me attitude the whole time. My husband and father-in-law went back to dispute this but she ignored them and kept saying he had bought someone a drink... I think she had charged his card on accident since her "method" of holding cards for tabs was throwing them on a small enclave with the bottles of alcohol. If that wasn't bad enough, two days later, 70% of the family was vomiting and feeling terribly ill and the bride calls to say that many of the other guests have been sick and that there was food poisoning at the venue... They contacted the health department and apparently this isn't the first time this has happened. So overall, I would have given this place three stars for ambiance and food taste, but minus those for lack of customer service from the staff and from becoming ill. If you want to hang out with bikers in a dirty bar and receive horrible service and possibly poisonous food, this is your place.
(1)Alexa A.
I first dined here for dinner about 3 years ago and have since gone back a handful of times...Just realized I've never checked in or written a review! Ive coulda been the Duchess already! LOL... I ABSOLUTELY LOVE THIS PLACE! Very romantic...Service has always been excellent! The free bread is sooo delicious!! So is the chili and filet mignon... Food is homemade and fresh! And the Tri-tip on Sundays is truly the best Tri-tip sandwich I've ever had...this is a must try, especially for dinner...
(5)Laura S.
What a fun place! It's totally down to earth and good ole comfort food. There is no pretense here- this place is just good food with nice people in a fun location. Food is good, service was pretty good, band was good. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars. Everything was good, not fantastic, not mind blowing, but definitely good. Go anyways, have fun, get away for a bit, and eat some grub.
(4)Political I.
Gorgeous location, this is a real deal stage coach tavern from the 1800s. A great bar but an even better restaurant. I had the buffalo burger which was top notch. Lots of interesting out buildings on the property. Live music on weekends, this is a must see place. Highly recommended!!
(5)Harriet E.
Two years ago my family abandoned our Thanksgiving tradition of dining and drinking all day with family and friends to build a new tradition around dining at Cold Spring Tavern. First of all, it's great that you can go out for Thanksgiving in your jeans! The super casual dress code suits us. Then, the atmosphere is rustic and cozy. Last year we sat in the room with the big fireplace and roasted, so we won't do that again! Thanksgiving dinner starts with yummy breads (banana nut, poppyseed) and then goes to venison terrine and stuffed mushrooms. (I always order an Irish coffee, which is great!) Dinner is a choice of grilled salmon, smoked turkey or prime rib. There's stuffing, mashed taters, gravy and steamed veg. Dessert is a choice of bread pudding with bourbon (I think), pecan pie and pumpkin. The pecan is my favorite and is as good as those in my southern youth. The dining experience takes around 2 hours and is wonderfully relaxing. Afterwards, our tradition includes hiking down the road underneath the Cold Spring Bridge, picking bay leaves from the surrounding trees to dry at home and then stopping by to boulder at Lizard's Mouth. The leftovers are so plentiful that by the time we get home exploring, there's a full Thanksgiving dinner of leftovers, and we've enjoyed family time and some exercise. We love our new Cold Spring Tavern tradition, but book early! It's packed!
(5)Kelsey M.
I was absolutely floored when i saw this place. The thick green spongy moss on the roof, the crooked-looking buildings, the sign that said it has been in operation since the 1800s...amazing! what a gem! Excellent lunch specials, a nice fireplace for cold days, a good selection of beers and wines, BBQs and bands on weekends...it's well worth the drive and it'll probably be the place I go back to first next time I'm in SB.
(5)Chew E.
This is a funky, out of the way spot that makes a good getaway about 20 minutes from Santa Barbara. It gets very crowded on weekends, with lots of motorcyclists and others passing through. It is beautifully situated among the oak trees and beside a creek in a canyon about a mile off of Hwy 154. Great place to have a couple of cold beers and listen to some live music (though we left before the band fired up), and the food was okay. The three chili sampler was fine, the quiche okay, and others said the tri-tip sandwiches were good. The waitress was pretty clueless when asked basic questions about the menu, but the owner came by and introduced himself and thanked us for being there. The building is an authentic and historic old cabin that is permeated with the smell of smoke; not overpowering, but close to it. I was glad to have visited, but not sure if I would go out of my way to go back. I would recommend trying it for the atmosphere and setting, if nothing else.
(3)Lindsay S.
The hubs and I went here for lunch on Sunday and boy are we glad we did! It's about a 15-20 minute drive from downtown Santa Barbara up the mountain but it's a really lovely and scenic drive! Thank goodness for GPS though because there are no signs for this place and it would be easy to blow right past the road. I wouldn't at all recommend going there for the first time in the dark. Once you turn on Stagecoach Rd, it's a couple miles down on the left hand side. When we got there it was super crowded (tons of bikers and just people in general drinking beers and having sandwiches sitting all around outside). There was also live music. The hubs and I were looking more for "sit at a table and have lunch" kind of place and thankfully there was still plenty of seating inside. It's confusing because the lodge/cabin looks very small from the outside and you're wondering whether people actually eat inside (because practically everyone is outside). And it's dark and there's no host/hostess stand but you just seat yourself and then someone comes over to take care of you. We both had the tri tip sandwich- the hubs with fries and me with a salad with the lingonberry dressing- yum! The tri tip was well cooked, good quality meat. The BBQ was smoky and yummy and the portion was pretty big- though we both ate it all! The hubs did order a dark ale beer too which he liked but it was HUGE and cost $11. Oops. The prices weren't listed on the menu. Service was quick but not very friendly. Our waiter was sort of ho-hum. Decor was very rustic but cozy and a unique little place to have lunch. It is dark inside but I guess that's part of the charm. We didn't stay for any music but it seemed to be pretty popular. They are short on restrooms so be prepared. A one man stall for the men and one for the ladies and then a co-ed handicap accessible restroom- not much for all the people there and all the drinking that seemed to be going on. Finally there is no designated parking lot so cars just park up and down the curvy road.
(4)Kevin E.
This was quite possibly the best meal I've had -- at least it is the best I can recall. Cold Spring Tavern is a throwback and an extraordinary find. In the hills on the San Marcos pass it is just minutes from downtown Santa Barbara, yet it feels like you're a thousand miles away. The setting is perfect and then there's the meal...unbelievable. We had mushrooms stuffed with a venison sausage broiled and served with a sherry mushrom broth. My wife had an albondigas soup that was sublime. I had a green salad with house made ranch dressing, and learned that the very first ranch dressing was served in this very restaurant (which, by the way, is only a short distance from Hidden Valley of ranch dressing fame!). For our entrees I had wild boar chops with a fig Cabernet demi glace. Stephne had the local wild halibut baked with a light curry sauce and topped with crushed pecans. They were both transcendant meals that we will long remember. Matty, our host and server, was exactly what you're looking for when you're out: a font of local insight and an understanding of good food, coupled with pride of place. Cold Spring Tavern is a rare find that should not be overlooked. If you're searching for Old California or just the best damned meal of your life, look no further.
(5)Jackie S.
Went here on my way to Los Olivos for my 21st birthday. The history is awesome and the barbecue sauce, as well as the apple horseradish, is to die for!
(5)Jody H.
Last weekend, John and the crew at Cold Spring Tavern organized and catered my daughter's wedding reception. The event was a success on all levels. From our first conversations in November, John was our guide to creating a memorable occasion for the bride and groom, as well as a unique experience for all attendees. John arranged for the tables, linens, silverware, dishes, food and beverages. We had wines from Brander Winery, beers from Telegraph Brewery and Firestone, and Cold Spring's legendary tri-tip, as well as sea bass. Our guests ranged in age from my 91 year old father to 5 week old baby Claire. We also had a shuttle from Santa Barbara and Goleta locations, arranged through Santa Barbara Airbus which saved us the angst of having our guests drive down the hill after the party. I want to thank Wayne for keeping the tavern as it has been since my first visit in the 1970s. I want to thank John for all his assistance and for planning skills. The staff were gracious and smiled a lot. I recommend the tavern for your special event.
(5)Kathy P.
This is a wonderful place. Comfy and cozy. It's a nice stop to show kids the old historical place but also for a good meal. One of the best tri-tips I've had was here. Music outside and ambiance is great. In fact my hubby asked me to marry him here (yes he's a biker). Every time we go thru the area, we MUST stop here.
(5)TaeWoo K.
Interesting place to visit b/c it's on the road that seems like it goes to nowhere. The restaurant looks like it's from one of those Twilight Zone episodes where the people go in but never come back out. That's the ONLY thing on that road. So if you come to a point where you start wondering if there's anything, keep going. I guarantee you that it's there. Creepy but a very interesting experience. All the furnitures there are all original (i.e. built in 1920's or something like that) and there's NO background music... which means unless you are engaged in a conversation with a person you brought, you pretty much have to talk to other people if you don't like absolute silence like me. Food's pretty good. Kinda pricey but well worth it b/c the portions are huge and the taste is awesome.
(4)Herb C.
One of the best places, right around the corner from wine country (Los Olivos) to grab a tasty tri trip sandwich on Sunday afternoon 3-6 pm. There's always music, dancing and a great biker crowd in this woodsy mountain landscape. This is one of my favorite places in SB.
(5)Tony D.
all good but sides we all luke warm/cold...butter not happy on them...how can this be?? for $30 a plate
(4)Nilo P.
I came here for lunch on Tuesday and absolutely fell in love with the place. It has so much charm and history to it. I did a full walk around of the property before coming in to order. The property is so lovely. Everything we ordered was delicious! The service was friendly and fast too, but we didn't feel rushed. I had the chilli sampler, the tomato, eggplant, & basil quiche, and one of their bbq sandwhiches. Yum yum yum! We ordered the pecan pie to go and it was such a nice treat later that evening. This is a great hidden gem for SB.
(5)Melissa T.
Best on the weekend with the band! BBQ is always good and sauce is great. Fun place to hang with friends, good food and a break from the usual SB scene.
(5)JR D.
The atmosphere alone grants this hideaway three stars. Set in the recesses of a small canyon just below interstate 154 and the summit of the Santa Ynez's gaze over the city of Santa Barbara, this biker bar doubles as a steakhouse for those brave enough to parallel park there hybrids next to a row of Harley's. This boldness pays off though when you realize you're actually entering a REAL tavern, complete with swinging doors, dark wood furnishings, and a hearth, casting spirals of firelight into dark corners. The food is authentic too, with venison and other game meats proliferating the menu. But as real as the food may be, so are the prices ($8 for a hamburger, uh). They've also got a healthy selection of beers and wines to choose from, and while it may not be the Hitching Post in terms of varietals to choose from, they do the Santa Barbara wineries justice. Only 20 minutes off the 101, it's a great lunch stop if you're in the Santa Barbra area or touring the wine country on the other side of the pass.
(3)Brian N.
First, we love the windy roads out and around Santa Barbara. Second when you pull down the grade of Stagecoach Rd, twisting to a shady spot off the road to park on the shoulder, your greeted by an awesome smell of smokey goodness. The way the woodsmoke filters through the trees and hangs in the air invites any road traveler to one heck of a meal. The building, (yes there are buildings) offer a cozy bar, complete with motorcyclists/bikers and beer or wine. The next building is the restaurant (though there is an outside service station with pits of fire cooking slabs of meat) The place its self is romantic and cozy. And its a landmark (read its history) which makes it cool and helps you appreciate what we take for granted everyday. The food, yes now the food, is awesome. mouth watering and flavorful and yes we well be going back again! The menu, well everything on it looked good, surrounded by friends and a fire in the stone fireplace and cold beer, I could have stayed there all day. (Picture teh HBO series Deadwood, but much more friendlier) Everyone there was real friendly and enjoying themselves. They have live music almost every night 7 days a week, alittle bit country ole timey. Well worth the drive!!
(5)Brandon S.
Driving back from Zaca Lake, we decided to stop at the Cold Spring Tavern just to check it out. Neither of us were particularly hungry and my head was pounding...stupid headache. But despite hundreds of cars and bikes, it turned out that there wasn't a wait for a table in the restaurant, so we decided to give it a try. We tried the Veninson Sausage Burger and the Chili Sampler. Neither of us had ever had vennison and we were both really impressed with it. Very good, smoky, kind of dark flavor. Delicous. The chilis on the other hand were average at best. The best was the wild game one but it barely had any rabbit, venison or buffalo meat in it so it was more like a black bean chili than anything. The Cold Spring chili was too sweet and had very little spice and the chili verde wasn't spicy at all, kind of boring. I thought that taking some Tylenol and getting some caffeine in my system would help, but my head was still bumping by the end of the meal so I didn't feel like listening to the band that was playing or risk a ton of motorcycles leaving at once, so we didn't do any more looking around. But it's such a cool place (I love hidden gems in the middle of nowhere like this) that I'll have to make it back sometime for a tri-tip sandwich and a beer.
(4)Scott S.
This is one of my favorite places - EVER - restaurant, bar, or otherwise. Finding it is half the fun. The food is pricey, but absolutely superb - so you get what you pay for. The atmosphere is undeniably unique, incomparable to anything else, and totally awesome. Be sure to visit the bar, which is a separate little rustic tavern that often has great live music. If you don't go here, I assure you - it's you who's missing out.
(5)Michael B.
Cute atmosphere, rustic and quaint; good food. Try the venison sausage breakfast!
(3)Lemonjelly L.
THE hangout for the biker communities that live in these hills, this is their bar on the weekends. Be grateful they haven't lost their patience with all the tourists and DINKs poking their noses in and getting their little cars stuck in the mud. I'm not a biker, but I'd be ready to beat up Rachael Ray if she showed up screeching, "Tri-tip sammies, Yum-O!" But that's part of the beauty of the bar at Cold Spring Tavern, it's the crossroads to a diverse range of customers. You will see bikers, you will see yuppies, you will see the woodland locals, you will see surly students in hoodies, and it's all par for the course and everyone amazingly gets along. Anyway, I want to point out that there is a distinction between the restaurant area and the bar area. The restaurant is where they serve the game food and other exotics. It's dark and cozy, rustic-romantic, with good quality food. Dropping $40-60 per person on a dinner there would not be unusual. Reservations recommended. The bar is on the other side of the Tavern property, a completely separate building and it is as different as night and day to the restaurant. This is where the bikers, bands and delicious tri-tip sandwiches are. It's a lot more casual, it can be noisy and really fun. You come and go as you please. This is the area that's closer to $10/person. A glass of beer is a little on the skimpy side, but do you really come here just for the beer? Hells angels no.
(5)Lucy W.
I first went to Cold Springs back around 1999 and had been wanting to go back ever since. It is for sure a unique experience and worth the out of the way drive up the San Marcos pass. You can read all about the historic significance on their website, but a few things you should know. The food runs about $25-30 per entree and our wine was $8-10 per glass. They serve a lot of game, on the menu was antelope, venison, rabbit, and duck. They also serve the usual chicken, beef, pork and lamb. The drive up is beautiful, as is the scenery. I was less than thrilled with the service and the food this time though. I ordered the rabbit and I didn't even eat half the meat. The free was good but one of the pieces was still doughy. The service was just meh and for almost $30 a plate I would expect a smile on your face and for you to check on my water. All and all this isn't someplace I will be yearning to go back to anytime soon but it is good experience if you have never been.
(3)Aaron R.
Located in the bottom of a canyon under the highway 152 bridge, this is an incredibly awesome place to stop for a short walk. The food is okay, but the buildings and scenery are fantastic. Since the bathroom is located outside of the restaurant, you can use it without much trouble.
(4)Mark D.
This was a little known secret, until I yelped about it. Cold Spring Tavern is a former stagecoach stop located in the mountains of Santa Barbara. Their menu is amazing (albeit pricey), but make sure you make reservations. Forget the menu though, the best time to go is on a nice and sunny Sunday afternoon. After 1pm they start grilling up some tri-tip sandwiches, and they have either their local bluegrass act, Tom Ball and Kenny Sultan, or some local group playing. Nothing like spending a nice Sunday afternoon amongst bikers and car enthusiasts alike, drinking beers and jamming to some bluegrass...all in a mountain forest.
(5)Alison W.
I made reservations for my parents' anniversary. They knew it was not a fancy place, but they were still a little surprised at how rustic it was. According to my parents, it was a unique experience enhanced by superb food. The wait staff was a little on the unrefined side, but both my parents felt that her energy and attitude were very positive. The drinks from the bar were very heavy pours, but that can be good for some! My mother still can't stop talking about the cod she had for dinner. They gave my parents a table right next to the fireplace which, being surrounded by animal skins and heads, made the experience at least a little romantic :P At first they had a hard time finding the place as it is off the beaten path, and then when they arrived it was so dark (night time plus rain) they almost thought they were at the wrong place! Totally would recommend if you are looking for a unique dining experience in a very rustic and woodsy atmosphere. Just FYI - The email address on their website is incorrect last I checked (about a week ago) so if you don't get an answer after emailing I'd suggest calling. They were very pleasant to deal with both over the phone and by email
(5)Mary M.
We had a lovely after-graduation lunch here in June. Good and interesting food, friendly service, what a great location! Its nice to go to a place with a little history to it, and floors that aren't even.
(4)Avon T.
Cool place. Lived in Santa Barbara for 4 years but never went until last year.....maybe because I was too busy studying???? NO! I guess too focused on IV and Downtown. Plus not really a college aged crowd. 30+ crowd....which I am now so I guess it is fitting that I never went before. Food was good and it's a pretty cool area. Downside, we went on what had to be the hottest day in Santa Barbara.....truely....in the 90's! Sweating my ass off and in the restaurant it was damn HOT!!!!! Shaded but no breeze at all and this place is forever old so of course no air. Would love to go back when it isn't a million degrees out and really enjoy the atmosphere.
(4)miss L.
This is a great little place. I totally found this place by accident when on a road trip up to San Luis Obispo. I just passed Santa Barbara and was starving for food. My trusted GPS pulled up this place for me. The waitstaff was extremely friendly. The food is excellent even if you are not in the mood for heavy meat. There are lighter things on the menu such as quiches and tasty salads. They also have a very nice wine and beer menu. It is not extensive, but it is all quality. Parking is a bit weird, since there is not a big lot and you may have to park on the side of the twisty road. defiantly worth the trip.
(4)Jason R.
The Cold Spring Tavern is a cool little rustic restaurant tucked away in the San Marcos pass region just north of Santa Barbara, CA- the Cold Spring was featured in Rachel Ray's $40 per day TV show. Atmosphere: The restaurant sitting area is located within an old cabin that served as a stage coach stop for horse and buggies travelling over the San Marcos pass. The uneven floor, old photos, and spartan interior give the place character. You can even stoke the fireplace with fresh firewood during winter months when the temperature drops a bit. Food: The food is good, but nothing too exciting. Simple American food served with minimal decoration and fru-fru presentation. Price: Breakfast/lunch is reasonable, but dinner is pricy, especially if you add wine, beer, or other alcoholic beverages. I recommend opting for breakfast or lunch if you're on a budget. Bottom Line: A unique restaurant that's off the beaten path.
(4)Cha-cha C.
Went here with my husband for my bday and it was AWESOME! Absolutely beautiful setting. The restaurant consists of different rooms with very interesting and old decor. We went for an early dinner and just called the restaurant on our way there for a quickie reservation. I had the wild boar chops and they were SOOO GOOD! Hubby had the filet mignon and it was also great. Both our entrees came with a tasty salad or soup. Our bill was 109.00 - pretty good for 2 entrees and a bottle of wine. If you like to try interesting food or wild game, this is your place. I saw a grill outside the restaurant and they were serving up tri-tip sandwiches. There's also a bar next door with live music and places to sit outside. Very cool scene - seems to be popular with the bikers. Now the negatives: Unfortunately it was a very hot day and it was way too warm inside the restaurant. I guess being that its old and all, they dont want to put any AC in there. Also, the service wasnt as attentive as I would have liked. Because of the great food, the interesting history of the place, and the overall scenery inside and out, I STILL have to give this place 5 stars. A true hidden gem and very romantic. SO glad we made the trek up there!
(5)matt c.
came in after lunch and it was empty except for us and a bartender hiding under the bar washing something. smelled of well used oil lamps and fireplaces. alls we had was a "Cold Spring" coffee (w/ baileys and frangelico) and apple pie a la mode. It was good, though!
(4)Hanui C.
This place is the best kept secret ever!!! I've been here on several occasions and every time I have an amazing meal! The first time I came here I had a full, sitdown meal inside, and it was lovely!!! I had rabbit. The second time, I came between lunch and dinner, so I had to get a roast beef sandwich from the grill and wow was that yummy. This place is really hard to get to but it is definitely a hidden treasurre!!!!
(5)Joan S.
Okay so my boyfriend and I came here after Rachel Ray's "$40 dollars a day" in Santa Barbara episode premiered on the Food Network. It's good but not really worth the hype or the drive. We went there for breakfast once and I didn't taste anything special. The place is nice though. It seems like it kept with the old tradition. But on that note, whats with all the biker guys outside? And how come it seems like they have never seen an Asian girl before?
(3)Paul H.
Dinner on 01/02/2011. Stopped for dinner on the way back from wine tasting in Santa Ynez. I would agree with many of the reviewers that the unique building and atmosphere makes the Cold Spring Tavern worth a visit. However, I found the food to be mediocre and open to improvement - it didn't meet my expectations. Foodies, be warned that eating in this establishment hardly qualifies as a fine dinning experience. I had the peppered steak, which was so so, others in our party had the duck and ribs, and the feeling on the food was universal. The service was mixed, we were seated promptly, orders were taken in good good time and we didn't have to wait long for our food to be served. The major downer was the failure of the staff to control a particularly obnoxious group of diners and their noisy kids. The kids were running around out of control and the adults were conversing very loudly which was disrupting others. In the end a nasty confrontation ensued between two tables that could have been avoided had the staff taken control of the situation earlier. It occurs to me that environment, menu and crowd maybe more suitable for a casual afternoon lunch.
(2)Amir T.
On Sundays, next to the Tavern, a big Samoan dude grills the best Tri-Tip sandwiches. The reason why they're so good is the horseradish sauce; I have yet to find any anywhere near as good. The water they serve is directly from the cold spring and you can taste the goodness (Avian ain't got nothing on it). The patrons are either bikers (the Harley variety, not like a bicycle), yuppies or college kids. There's no in between. Also, they have a folk band playing. One piece of advice, if you're going North on 154, turn right on Paradise Road (just after the bridge) and then right again on Stagecoach and follow it up and around. If you're going South, don't try and cross traffic and turn left; a few meters down the road will be your very own chance to turn right Stagecoach Road (the road loops around like that).
(5)Katy M.
I really wanted to love this place, and I'm giving it five stars for ambience, three for food. It's a wonderfully funky old former stagecoach stop that's been around for over a hundred years, tucked way up in Cold Spring Canyon between the Santa Ynez Valley and Santa Barbara. Reminiscent of Manka's or the Saddlepeak Lodge in LA, it's basically a log cabin with a roaring fireplace and walls decorated with hunting trophies. The service is professional, the atmosphere is casual and intimate, and the food ranges from pretty good (particularly the venison-stuffed mushroom appetizer) to meh. I wouldn't rush back but it's definitely worth a visit, just to experience the unique environment. They also have a hoppin' bar (particularly popular with Harley riders) - may be best to experience for drinks, or Sunday brunch.
(4)Audrey H.
This little hidey-hole practically reeks of authentic biker-bar/historic landmark charm. Located off the 154 going up towards the Santa Ynez wine valley and nestled against a heavily-wooded side of the mountain, it's easy as piss to motor by without ever realizing the good eats to be gotten by taking a short scenic detour into Stagecoach Rd. The BBQ sandwiches are deadly, as are the beer-batter coated onion rings. Live music acts happen every now and then in the separate bar-room. I'd give it 5 stars but for the fact that the service can be a little off once in awhile.
(4)Sara C.
hidden gem that has gone too touristy. i love that i can use mainstream media to find out about hidden gems like these but i hate coming here knowing its such a touristy spot, being one myself as well. LOL find this spot coming up the mountain through winding roads, you'll find that they have super good BBQ. i had the FRENCH DIP SANDWICH roasted tri tip on a french roll 'au jus' and apple horseradish (i asked for it on the side). the bread was nice a warm and every bite of the sandwich had a nice crunch without the au jus (but just as good with the dip!) and and the apple horseradish was a good compliment to the flavorful trip tip. i opted for the soup of the day with my meal which was a moroccan beef with couscous. i also tried their *famous* BAR-B-Q BEEF SANDWICH roasted tri tip simmered in western style bar-b-q sauce on a french roll which was really good as well. the sandwiches are about $10 a plate for lunch. this little cabin is quite small so if you come with a big group, be sure to make reservations especially on a weekend when everyone and their moms seems to be here. apparently, this is a hot spot for bikers as well. when we got here right around 10:45AM on a saturday, there were hardly anyone, by 1:30PM there were about 20+ bikers and 30+ tourists =D *this was featured on rachel ray's $40 day on the food network*
(4)Art G.
If you are hungry and have an interest in early California then you should visit Cold Spring Tavern. Over one-hundred years ago, this was an actual stagecoach rest stop. It sits in a tree-covered ravine on Stagecoach Road, just off H154 near San Marcos Pass. The original building still stands and serves as the Tavern's dining room. It is a simple rustic wood-frame structure with a potbelly stove and a stone fireplace nestled in its dining areas to keep visitors warm on cold days. With lots of atmosphere and a very good menu, it warrants a visit anytime you are passing through or staying in nearby Santa Ynez Valley. Lunch and dinner is served every day and on weekends a hardy breakfast is also featured - visit their website for complete menus. Recommended.
(5)Ashley B.
This place is nestled in the mountains lol I typically hate taking San Marcos Pass but the drive is SO WORTH IT when it comes to the destination :) New York Steak once again for me and the MOST DELICIOUS GARLIC MASHED YOU WILL EVER HAVE. SWEAR BY IT!!!! Friendly staff GREAT FOOD/ NICE PORTIONS It's definitely a woodsy tavern atmosphere One of my Grandparent's clients, every year they have an annual party and I wish they would invite me so I could dine here for free LOL Definitely a dinner worth having outside of town! ENJOY
(5)Tristan S.
SUCH A COOL PLACE! Food was excellent however the staff could mix in a spoonful of personality. Small and quaint space by the fire was nice. We had three ladies from Santa Barbara walk in and they were talking so loud and obnoxious like they were the only ones there. What a bummer. My husband wanted to take a revolver off the wall and point it at them to make a point!
(4)Josh D.
Very cool place. Went on a motorcycle run to this place. They have amazing food and a good bar with live music. The scenery is amazing! Friendly people and good food.
(5)Vanessa B.
I discovered Cold Springs Tavern about 8 years ago while driving through the San Marco Pass on my way home from Big Sur. I thought I'd beat traffic on the 101 FWY by taking a "short cut" on the 154. Little did I know that this short cut would add five hours to my drive home--but the best, most fun five hours ever! The Tavern is a gem tucked into a mountain-side. There's no advertising for it on the 154. If you know about it, great! If you don't, your tragedy is that you'll drive right past it and never get to experience its energy. All the other reviewers do a great job at describing the place. It is a little bi-polar with the restaurant and the bar, but I'd never even considered that until I read the reviews. Truth be told, I've only ever visited the resturant once--a few years ago for lunch. The bar itself, the music, the patons, the Tri-Tip sandwiches are what keep me coming back.
(5)Jon B.
I went here 5-7 years ago. I remember it being very remote and a flashback to the 1800's. The food was different - woodsy - gamey but good. They served venison, duck, rabbit, sweetbreads, etc. The ambiance was cool. It was like entering someone's house - in the 1800's. I want to go back.
(4)Jolie T.
On our last day in Santa Barbara my husband did a search on Google for interesting place to visit, he randomly picked this place for a brunch, we took our four kids with us not knowing what to expect. I loved the place, its so cute away from the big building and busy streets, its cold down here in winter so make sure you have something warm. We were seated by the fire so that was great, the place is simple and rustic but that what its suppose to be and I loved that about this place, you are surrounded by the forest tucked inside the little house. The food: is huge if you don't have much appetite make sure you share your meal with someone or have a box to go, I think the price is great here even my 14 years old daughter pointed that out. I have their BBQ pork rib, wow that was one of the best I have had, fell off the bones and very moist, the salad that come with the dishes were great we had the lingonberry vinaigrette with it and that was great choice the potatoes salad is well prepared, also the french fires are very fresh, my husband and the 3 kids all had the burgers there was nothing left on any of the plate even though I had to cut that burger in half for my daughter for her to be able to eat it because it is so huge. I will come back again if I ever visit the area again next time.
(5)Thomas P.
The Amazing: Hands down one of the best tri-tip sandwiches I've ever had. There is a huge caveat though. They don't make them. Instead an outside caterer comes in every weekend and builds these vegetarian ruining slices of paradise. Just to warn you the sandwiches are illegal in Texas. So if you find yourself within 20 miles of this place on a weekend then you would be seriously remiss for not getting your lunch here. And tip the man with cash! When you purchase ticket inside to retrieve your sandwich do NOT think that tipping there will get to the master behind the grill. It won't. The Terrible: The restaurant & bar. Overpriced, bland and uninspired food. The staff has to put up with a boat load of tourists and it shows. The customer service is severely lacking in both the restaurant and the bar. I feel like I'm in a noisy night club downtown surrounded by hot chicks trying to get noticed by an overstimulated bar tender.
(3)John L.
The famous trip-tip sandwiches were too hyped up for me. It was good, but actually a bit of a disappointment. It was not the softest I've had, the bread was decent, the sauces were good. The actual restaurant has usual food, but the sandwiches you order from outside. They put garlic butter on the bread and toast it on the grill for you. You have 3 choices of sauces for your sandwich, self-serve. BBQ, horseradish, and salsa. The BBQ and horseradish were really good, didn't try the salsa. Heard it was pretty hot though. The service was quite lacking. We had a big group with several children. Our waitress was cold, aloof, and almost straightout rude. The ambiance is what bumped it up to 4 stars for me. Very rustic, original, and unique. The food aside from the trip-tip sandwiches were just so-so. Get there early, the parking is terrible.
(4)Erin P.
I try to stop in at Cold Spring Tavern anytime I am in the area. I recommend it to anyone who is driving through Santa Barbara. The drive is pretty but the roads can be a bit windy. It's only about 20 minutes away from Santa Barbra. There is so much history to this little old tavern. It was established in 1865 as an old Stagecoach stop so it's very fun to visit and see how things were back then since it's been well preserved. There is a tiny museum where you can purchase souvenirs, a bar and a small restaurant. The food is very good. I have had soup and wine at the bar while sitting at the fire when it was raining out and I have also been on a Sunday for the tri-tip sandwiches and beer. Sundays are so much fun because there is a very eclectic crowd sometimes lots of bikers and good people watching. There is usually live music and a BBQ that serves tri-tip sandwiches for about $10.00 but it comes with fries. People are friendly and everyone seems to always be having a good time. I would say this is a must do on a Sunday for lunch.
(5)Michael G.
O.K. people! Let's not get carried away. You can't give four or five stars to a place like this. Look at the legend that Yelp provides. Three stars mean a place is "A-OK," and that is all that this place is. Give it four stars and you're saying "Yay! I'm a fan." Five stars and it's "as good as it gets." What I will give you is that this place is a fun biker destination, but that is all. My girlfriend got her own Harley a couple of months ago, and the ride from Hermosa to Cold Springs was to be her longest ride, and we were looking to challenge her on the mountain roads. She excelled, the destination did not. It was just "A-OK." I'm sorry, but you can't give five stars to a place that serves basic meat sandwiches, chili fries, and onion rings. I'm not saying that it wasn't good, but it was just "A-OK." Get it? Contrary to what some reviewers may think, this is not a date destination, unless your idea of a good date place is ghetto, like Roscoe's Chicken and Waffles. It's just a fun place to turn around on a nice ride, have a beer or two, eat some junk food, and listen to some good live music. What I enjoyed most about this place was sitting in front of the fire and listening to two fine musicians singing Kentucky blues. That was romantic--I'll give you that. I'll also concede that the grounds are very interesting--for a few minutes. There is plainly a lot of history in that area. I will be back, but only to wet my whistle, and then a turnaround back to the city, or as a brief stop on my way to a more romantic overnight 4-star plus destination, such as something in the Santa Ynez Valley, and dinner at a true 4-star plus restaurant.
(3)Rick M.
Recently went here on a Sunday (of Memorial Day weekend). This place had been recommended by a friend as an "awesome experience". If you're looking for someplace unique, quaint, woodsy, etc. this is the place to go. We had a 7:15pm reservation (Note: they generally stop seating at 8pm or shortly thereafter). The adjoining log cabin bar was packed and lively when we arrived but shut down at 7:30pm. The restaurant is in an old cabin and has maybe 10-12 tables. We had the ribs and the peppercorn steak, as well as the chili....all of the food was delicious. The staff was generally friendly although you could tell it was starting to get close to closing time as they started to tend to their closing chores. For a truly different experience I'd highly recommend it.
(5)Rick S.
Wow, I waited thirty four years to be defecated on! I was last here at Cold Springs Tavern on my Honeymoon, 34 years ago. Just as we pulled up in front of the place, a whole herd of "Bikers" pulled up and flooded the place, so we had to leave. Today, I finally had the chance to go inside and have a meal and the ice cold beer I had been craving for years. We were seated and a short while later our order was taken, and from here on is were the problem starts. Thirty minutes (one beer) into our wait the table behind us ordered their meals, and then ten minutes after that, the table besides us orders. A few minutes later a waiter appears with two sandwiches and zips right past us to the table behind us. The people at the table kept trying to tell the waitress that those were not their sandwiches as I attempted to flag the girl down and let her know they were ours, but to no avail. Again the waitress brought food to the table that ordered thirty minutes after us while we had none. Then fifteen minutes after the food delivery to those who were after us we received ours. We ordered two French Dip Sandwiches and we received two sandwiches that looked like road kill. The buns were squashed, the meat was left over then microwaved to heat. Oh, the table that ordered 45 minutes after us, received their food within seconds of ours. We were treated as if we had rolled around in dog shit, then sat down. we watched as the help was pleasantly helping others, but not us. It surely was not worth the thirty four year wait. NOT WORTH THE TROUBLE OR THE DRIVE.
(1)Diana G.
This place is super cute! You cross a bridge and turn onto the little street that takes you to the bottom which gives a great view of the bridge. You end up at the cold spring tavern which is a cute little cabin! Place looks really old but it goes perfect with the theme of the cabin and the food is amazing!!!! We got the chicken burger and onion rings with home made ranch!
(5)Tiffany G.
Totally Awesome!! We stayed at Bacara and drove up to the tavern for a late lunch on a Wednesday. Hardly anyone there. We had the dining room practically to ourselves. The food was excellent. We went with the microbrew and it was great. I had a salad as there was not much vegetarian choices but my companion had the French dip and said it was very good. It is unique, historic and a cool experience.
(5)Sunny R.
OMG! This was the best meal, and dining experience, I've had in a long time! We've been taking day trips while my Honey is on vacation because it's thrifty and we can drive an hour and enjoy a new restaurant. We call it Day-cationing. ;) Our Day-cation on Wednesday took us up the 154 toward Santa Ynez Valley. There at the top of San Marcos Pass, overlooking Santa Barbara, is a hidden gem - Ye Cold Springs Tavern. So easy to miss, be on the look-out for the hill with the cross on the right if you're heading North, and you'll immediately see Stagecoach Road on the left. Head on down the canyon and go back 100 years. The buildings were originally a stagecoach stop for the Wells Fargo Stagecoach route. The restaurant is in a 100 year old building. With oil burning lanterns and fireplaces in every room, the charm here is top notch. Honey went gaga over all the meat eater options - Venison, Buffalo... He opted for the Chili Cheese Open-Face Burger on Tavern Toast. (This was the only meal he had all day there was so much food! In fact, I'm not sure he's eaten since. He definitely got his moneys worth!) The fries are medium sized and cooked to a crispy perfection. I went for the special of the day - Shrimp Linguini with Artichoke Hearts, Mushroom and Fresh Spinach in a Garlic Cream Sauce. O.M.G.!!! This was so amazing! The shrimp was cooked to absolute exquisiteness - I have never had succulent, juicy shrimp before. I have really been missing out! There were more toppings than pasta, which was a nice change too. YUM!!! I'm going to be craving this meal. Plus, I got to try something new - Lingonberry Vinaigrette! Sweet and spicy at the same time, I had to fend Honey off my salad after I gave him a bite and he became enthralled with it too. Oh! And they also serve local beers here that you can't get anywhere else too - such as, Island Brewery's Blonde Ale. Island Brewery is down the coast a bit in Carpinteria. Honey also went for a Firestone Double Barrel Ale brewed on the other side of Santa Ynez Valley. The service was great and the servers were relaxed and attentive at the same time. The whole meal was $42 for 2 entrees and 3 beers - cheaper than some happy hours we've been to! The stuffed bear, lanterns, fireplaces, and old time decor really helped make the atmosphere feel like we had just got off the stagecoach out front. Cold Springs Tavern is definitely worth the trip!
(5)Lauren L.
This place is awesome! I like to make the drive from Summerland every now and then as it's a fun little getaway that feels like nothing in Santa Barbara. On the weekends, its got a huge biker gang and everyone sits outside eating. They have amazing tri-tip sandwiches and a good sit-down menu too. It's a beautiful drive and a fun thing to do!
(5)Dawn W.
I love the tri tip sandwich here. I have tried the chili and it is good but the sandwich is by far my fav. The fries are great and the BBQ sauce is amazing.
(5)Sarah S.
What a cool hidden treasure of the 154. If your into California history and good food this is your place. Save room for dessert.. the pecan pie is off the charts!
(4)Ginger C.
My husband and I drive our motorcycle up here all the time and sometimes just for the pecan pie during the lunch hour. We are weekend hobby motorcycle riders and love the excuse to escape to Cold Spring for a slice of pie - two hours from where we live. We have eaten here for lunch - food is usually pretty good (onion rings, quiche, burgers). We recently went for dinner and the food was really good. I had the tiger prawns with pasta in a saffron mushroom creme sauce and my husband got their antelope steak special, garlic mashed and veggies. Both came with soup (pistachio corn chowder - yum) and homemade bread (double yum). We also tried the stuffed mushrooms and the broth was really good. Soaked up that broth with the bread. Thankfully, we had a reservation for dinner. However, the people sitting next to us were squatting on someone else's table who had a 5:30p reservation. Shocked they didn't get booted since most showing up without a reservation were told no seating until 8:00p. Granted the squatters were pushy and I guess that's why they were granted the table. Place is great, rustic and quietly tucked away. I am fan but hate the service. Awful - waitress was rude, hostess - loud and snippy. The prices for dinner are a bit up there given the unique menu offerings and the service should match. One day it will get better - one day!
(4)Pat A.
5 stars for keeping this location alive. Lisa and I had a great lunch here. Some have complained about the lighting but Hello it's an 1886 stagecoach stop. I liked the atmosphere and food. I had the Pulled pork BBQ and Lisa had the meat quiche. Both were excellent. Lunch, local beer and an iced tea were $34. No complaints.
(5)Christian S.
Possibly my new home away from home. Restaurant, bar, bbqs, they have it all. Rustic and tucked away in the woods. You'll leave smelling like a campfire but who cares when you can eat venison meatballs! This place is worth the detour just for the scenery alone, but the food can't be beat.
(4)Trudy P.
This place is the tits. Chill biker bar atmosphere. I'm Hindu, and I don't eat cows, except when I'm here. Their tri-tip steak sandwiches are boooooooooooooomb! There a bunch of home made sauces to top the sandwiches and it's freakin' delish! Order a beer and a tri tip sandwich and enjoy nature. HIGHLY recommend coming here.
(5)Amy V.
Good food in a beautiful location. Suggest reservations.
(4)Hugh B.
There is nothing better on a sunday afternoon in summer than this place. Well of the beaten path and a biker heaven. They have a big bbq that serves tri-tip sandwhiches in the summer and OMFG !! None better and also they gave sauces you can put on, my favorite is the very spicy pico type sauce. My god.. I ate 2 of them.. what a pig !!
(4)sabrina b.
Welcome to Harlan County. If you're a Justified fan, you'll really appreciate Cold Spring Tavern, an oasis from the local Santa Barbara country club aesthetic. It has somewhat of a reputation as a 'biker' joint, which I guess it is to an extent, but think more along the lines of AFTER Pee Wee sang Tequila and bonded with the bikers instead of the before. We were there Easter Sunday, and despite looking ominously packed, we were quickly seated. A bluegrass band was playing outside, and people were helping themselves to a delicious-smelling barbecue in the back. I had the barbecue beef sandwich, which was pretty damn good, and my friend ordered the intense onion rings, which while tasty, were more fried stuff than onion. She also said the ranch dressing was amazing. Two other girls had the pulled pork and gave it enthusiastic thumbs up. The meals weren't too overwhelmingly large and came in a timely fashion, considering we were a party of nine. The waitress was a total sweetheart who insisted on giving me a free dessert for my birthday. The only downside: the bathrooms were essentially outhouses, which is less than appealing when eating dinner. AND as a plus, four bros on Yamaha bikes that looked more like mini vans than badass machines started catcalling my group of friends for being 'goth', asking if we were 'going to a funeral' and then warning each other that we were witches. Considering I just turned 30, I'd like to thank them for transporting me back to being 16.
(4)Ashley P.
If you would like to go to this place for the history and the quaint feel, I highly recommend it. We called ahead for reservations for dinner on a Saturday evening. Always, always call for reservations. The cabin is wonderful and you feel like you really are stepping back in time. The menu for dinner is decent, and you get a salad and one side with most meals. The food we ordered was very tasty. We had the appetizer platter, the New York Strip, and BBQ Ribs. The steak was very juicy and larger than most strips. The ribs fell off the bones, which is what you would hope for. We paid $180 with tip for four people, 1 appetizer, 4 meals and one bottle of wine. You do not have to dress up, but you can if you would like to. There was a large party that came in after us that I assumed was for a birthday or some other special occasion. That's when our service went from good to horrible. We got our food and drinks in a timely manner, but after that, we weren't served again for over 45 minutes. We were never asked if we wanted dessert, or even had our drinks refilled. My husband had to track down the waitress just to get our check. I understand when they are busy, but when it's pretty much reservation only, you should have enough available staff to accommodate your customers. I would recommend this place to anyone, mainly because of the history, and as I said, the food was good. But if they are busy, don't expect prompt service.
(3)Julia P.
You have got to stop into the cute Gift Gallery! Open weekends noon to dusk. All handmade wearable art
(5)Jayme D.
This place is so cool! It is totally worth the detour! We stopped by Cold Spring Tavern for my birthday. It is a quaint little place on the side of the road. It had lots of historic elements and great signs to keep you informed. There was a cute little bar with live music. We waited here while we waited for a table at the restaurant. We didn't have a reservation but we didn't have to wait too long. Their food was delish! We had the burger, steak, and chicken. There was nothing on the menu that disappointed us. I love how unique the setting is. It really feels like you are in a storybook. I would highly recommend this place to bring family and share a unique meal!
(5)Rich R.
We didn't have a reservation but 15 minuets later the host came out and said we can have a table so we ordered our food. We did not have a long wait for our food, it was terrific and the waitress was very nice. We met a lot of cool people visiting there too. I would highly recommend stoping there for a visit or a meal.
(5)Ben S.
Cold Spring Tavern is everything you never knew you wanted. Came here on a warm Sunday, led by a friend who lives In SB locally. She said it was delicious Tri Tip hidden in the mountains. I was confused and intrigued! Parked a little bit up the hill and hiked down to the Tavern. When you turn the corner there are dozens of people hanging outside, Sons of Anarchy, but much nicer! There was a shack that served as a bar where you order your meal ticket, and around the building was the grill. The holy grail. the tri tip sandwiches! It may be difficult to find seating, but we got incredibly lucky with some picnic benches in the back. Beer in hand, onion rings on deck, I was ready to dive in. They offer a few sauces: bbq, a horseradishy deli mustard, and an au jus. The bread was basic, but soft enough to soak with au jus. The tri tip was simply seasoned, and perfectly tender. The onion rings were great too! The onions bit off with every bite (no awkward just-batter moments). CST was everything you never knew you wanted. Rustic, "hidden," simple. peaceful.
(5)Keven Y.
My brother recently took me here for a birthday dinner. We drove up from Santa Barbara, a lovely scenic drive there. This little gem of a place is tucked into the side of the mountain on old stagecoach road and is an original stagecoach stop from 1838. Teeming with character and ambience, they serve very flavorful robust dishes! Two words...GO THERE!
(4)Cassandra Y.
In the dining room review.... They don't take reservation, first come first serve. The Service: Service is okay but the food preparation is slooooow! At least 20 minutes wait to get our sandwiches. The Food: LOVE their tri-tip sandwich! The meat is so tender and flavorful. Mixed with their homemade BBQ sauce. After the first bite.... can't stop!! Also, they grilled the buns. A little bit crispy outside but soft bread inside. Perfect texture! The Parking: Sunday lunch time.... CROWDED!! Park on the street, few minutes walk to the restaurant. Live band on the weekends, lots of people choose to eat in the patio area. They purchase food tickets at the bar then wait in line to pick up their sandwiches.
(3)Mineli K.
You drive in the hills of Santa Barbara, and then you reach the Cold Spring Tavern! You can enjoy live country music plus tasty wine and beer! We had a delicious dinner there. That was so delicious. Food and service were outstanding! Will be back definitely!
(5)Lauren W.
Came out about 12:00 place wasn't too crowded Tri tip sand which was really good like go back next weekend good as well as the onion rings! Beer on tap in the bar area had the island blonde pretty good as well
(5)Laura B.
Stopped off here with a couple friends on our way to Santa Barbara. Tucked away in the hills, you'll feel like you should have ditched the Acura for a 19th-century stagecoach. Even on a weekday in February, the parking lot was full and tourists from seemingly all over filled the restaurant and outside picnic tables. Great people watching if you're into parents bickering with their teenage children. We ordered the BBQ Beef Sandwich ($10.25, with fries). Oven-roasted rather than grilled (that one costs $13), the meat could have used more time, as it wasn't as tender as it could have been. I love barbecue sauce, but this sandwich more closely resembled a sloppy joe - the meat was completely drowning in it. Some fresh pickles, onions, and tomatoes on the side would have been a nice touch. They've got a full bar and a great selection of beers and wine. You can't ask for better scenery - if the weather's nice definitely take the grub outside. Friendly-enough service gets the job done; I'd come back in the future, but probably order something else. If you're in the mood for some solid old-West Americana, check em' out.
(3)Lorrie W.
I have had the pleasure of dining at Cold Spring Tavern many times over the past 25 to 30 years. The historic, rustic ambiance is charming, and the food is good. The chili is always yummy, and I have enjoyed a variety of other dishes over the years. It is fun to bring visitors to this out of the way little place. My friends from London enjoyed it so much, they wanted to go back a second time. It is a pretty small place with a somewhat limited menu, so I suggest you go to their website in advance to make sure there are options that appeal to you. And consider making reservations so you don't have to wait for a table during busy times.
(4)Anna H.
Go to this place for the amazing amazing decor and palatable history. Most people come for the tri-tip on the weekends - my husband and I came for dinner because this place has been officially named the most romantic dinner spot in Santa Barbara county. And it is. It's VERY low lit and the floor and walls and ceilings are ancient, which means it's dark. Everything's old. There are several rooms to pick from and if you happen to pick one of the smaller rooms it'll feel very homy and private but if there's anyone else in that room with you a private conversation will be impossible. I got the lamb shanks. They were good. My husband got the ribs. SO SO good!! Best ribs I've ever tried. Slightly crispy on outside and sooo so tender and soft inside. Make sure to get the garlic mash. I just assumed all mash was garlic and didn't order it specifically.
(5)Love-Mai P.
Cute little spot up in the mountains with GREAT BBQ and service! This place is a gem.
(5)Augusta B.
We took the San Marcos Pass up the Santa Ynez Mountains and as we rounded yet another curve up this very winding trail there it was....and it is a sight to behold. Old, crooked and leaning, the place was right out of "Gunsmoke". We hitched up and bellied up to the bar for a nice cold beer and then were seated in a wonderful little candlelit room by the fireplace. We all ordered the obligatory beef and potato entrees and remarked that we felt like we were at the stagecoach stop in the 1860's. Darn tootin' good, too!
(5)Maria B.
This is a great little historic gem. Well worth the trip. They are a bit pricey ($25-50 a meal), but there isn't any other restaurants around. They are also pet friendly (but not on Sunday). I got the cold spring stuffed chicken with salad. Very filling and pretty tasty. My sister got the buffalo burger and she enjoyed it as well. They also have a great wine selection, and some local beers. Inside is small and cozy. I sat outside with my dog on a picnic table. Next door to the restaurant is a bar area with live music/singing.
(4)Ashley L.
Well worth the stop in for the BBQ Beef sandwich or their delicious grilled cheese. My boyfriend and I made a 2hr road trip just so I could show him this place. Unique atmosphere with some history, friendly people, and awesome food. Service can be great or so-so, depending on who you get and how busy they are, but I've always walked away happy. If you're going up the 101, take the 20 minute side trip to try it.
(4)John O.
What a treat. We're camping about 20 minutes away in Buellton at the Flying Flags RV Resort with friends staying at the Rancho Oso Thousand Trails RV Park, who kept telling us about this out of the way gem. Well we met today for lunch and were immediately taken in by the old Stage Coach stop originally known as the "Cold Springs Relay Station". The menus offers many traditional meats as well as a few exotic ones like Buffalo, Wild Boar, Elk, Pheasant, Rabbit and Venison. Try their Tri of chili...ummmmmm. The daily specials looked great, to include a pair or Quiches. The settings take you back 120+ years, where you can relax under a lush green canopy of old growth forest and enjoy the spring coming out the side of the hill between moss covered stones. If you find yourself in the hills between Santa Barbara and Santa Ynez then take the time to find this secret hide/a-way
(5)Heidi M.
This place is awesome. It the who experience that I give it 5 stars. 2 miles off main road you'll find this hidden gem. Love all the locals that come here. The sky is ridiculous. Full of stars like you have never seen in your life! Wine selection great! Service was great! My son had a buffalo burger and mashed potatoes came with your choice of salad, soup or chili. I had the boar and it was excellent. My husband had the strip steak and it was ok. The ambiance is great. Overall we had a wonderful time!
(5)Jamie P.
Was recommended this place by my boyfriends parents. It is such a cute little spot in the mountains. If you are thinking of coming here don't think twice about it JUST DO IT! It's worth it. We got the tri-tip sandwich & chili cheese fries & both were delicious! Couldn't help but say mhhhm everytime I had a bite. Our drink of choice was the 805 beer & hoppy poppy. We had a great time.
(5)Lucy D.
This is a great place to stop off season or during the week. It is absolutely packed in warm weather and on the week-ends.I had drinks and lunch there several times with my brother and his brother.The cozy, inviting atmosphere and wooden interior, with fireplace and perhaps hand carved furniture was a perfect place to stop after hiking.People are friendly and the buffalo burgers were great! Take a walk outside to see the historic buildings (jail and school house) just behind the restaurant.There isn't too much parking except just in front (maybe 5 places) and along the hill across from the restaurant, so try to pick an off time to eat,if you want to park near by.
(4)Ron H.
I would have given it 3 stars if my review was just for the service and food, but the setting is worth an at least one star if not two. I travel to the Central Coast often and I've been here many times. It much more crowed now and the service has gone downhill from mediocre. But then, you don't go to Cold Springs for a fine dining experience. You come for the atmosphere, the music and the overall experience. Oh, yeah, they have a damn good tri-tip sandwich, too! On weekends they fire up the Santa Maria style grill and throw on the tri-tip, so grab a brew and a sandwich ticket at the bar and go out and mingle. It's a diverse crowd from bikers (both kinds) to locals and tourists. Weekends can be a bit crazy, but just relax and make the best of it. On Sunday's the music starts after 1, so get there early, find a spot and enjoy yourself at this historic 1880's tavern in the trees.
(4)Steve L.
. Great atmosphere, good food and service. Parking is tight. But OMG clean the bathrooms!
(2)April B.
My BF and I were on a little vacation quick getaway trip to Santa Barbara, attempting to escape the summer SoCal heat, and we made a special excursion out along the beautiful vistas of the San Marcos Pass (added bonus for eating out here.) to The Cold Spring Tavern. Locally owned, not part of a chain, the menu is small but cherch. They serve tri-trip on a hoagie style french roll, but for the slightly more adventurous, there is both buffalo and venison options. Turned out, this meal was a bit of a test of me by my BF for how adventurous a travel companion I'd be. I passed with full colors because I immediately selected both the venison meat on a french bread roll and their homemade potato salad. The BBQ sauce tasted homemade or gourmet, not just mass produced. The lightly grilled Spanish red onions made it delicious. He selected a bowl of the venison black bean chili followed by the Jack Daniels Pecan Pie. We dubbed the pie, "Drunken Nuts," his having eaten here numerous times before. The slice is large and generous and served with little whipped cream along the pie crust. It just tasted rich and delicious, the alcohol didn't come through too strongly. Both lunches were incredibly yummy. Note, the menu at their website ( coldspringtavern.com/lun… ) is not 100% accurate. The prices are a few dollars higher, and the offerings are different by 1-3 items. Still, representationally accurate. Cold Spring Tavern also features a full small bar area, featuring local craft beers. This is a favorite haunt of bikers and cyclists because the San Marcos pass is such a wonderful curving drive with glorious views. Just 12-14 miles outside of Santa Barbara, the weather is a few degrees cooler here than at the shore because of all the dappled shade offered by the trees. The bathrooms are in an outside building just steps from the tavern, making it very friendly to local riders just to stop and use the facilities if they need to, but just about everyone stops in to greet the friendly staff and enjoy a cool beverage of choice. With the severe area drought, you do need to order water, and feel free to refill your water bottle from your glass before leaving. Because of the drought, much of the creek is dried up and you can see that with the terrain across the road how dry it is now. Lunch is served until 3PM. After that, if there's still some chili leftover, you can get a bowl, but not the menu items from the grill. Take a small stroll out towards the bridge, and you'll enjoy burning off some of the calories. With the glorious vistas and the feel of getting away from civilization, the venue is fantastic and food exceptional. We will definitely venture out here again and again.
(5)Darla M.
My sister and I had lunch here yesterday to try the tri-tip sandwich our friends had told us about. The drive there is really spectacular and the setting is unique. This place feels the way it probably did at the turn of the century: A big fire in the fireplace as you enter and gas lamps on the table. Very quaint.Service and food were both good. I'm glad we gave this place a shot.
(4)Sila B.
I have made the drive between Los Angeles and San Luis Obispo more times than I can count, and I really wish that I had known about this place years ago. Located off Highway 154, CST is nestled in a thickly forested valley. Talk about your rustic charm; this place is the epitome thereof. Being weary travelers, we each had something venison (venison sausage burger and venison sandwich), and we decided to split the chili trio to fuel us through the duration of our journey. All the food was tasty. The chilis were all really good; I think the Cold Spring Chili was our favorite! Plus they have a surprising selection of beers. And hey, if they happen to be closed when you stop, just go next door and grab a beer from the other tavern and a tri-tip sandwich from the BBQ guys outside! This used to be a rest stop for covered wagons coming west to look for gold; it will now be a rest stop for me looking for a nice break in my drive!
(4)Lindi W.
This was a fun experience. You have to give it a shot. You feel just like you're in the old days! It's off the beaten path but worth it. The food was great and the servers are super nice. It only lost one star cause it was rather warm in the restaurant.
(4)Jennifer H.
Stopped off on the way to Solvang as I had previously researched this place and really wanted to fit it into our weekend getaway, despite not being hungry. Got there around 10:30 on a rainy Saturday. They were still serving breakfast till 11. I could see that they were setting up for their weekend BBQ, which you could smell from the road. My boyfriend and I decided to split something since we weren't hungry. We opted for two eggs with their homemade venison sausage. Venison sausage... OMG. So flavorful and delicious, not gamey at all. I definitely wanted more! I want to go back to try their venison burger and their famous tri tip sandwich. Decor is rustic. Walking in is like walking into the past, an old log tavern with a great big welcoming fireplace. There's all kind of pictures, animal heads and other appropriate decorations. Including the lamp on our table with some kind of animal skin as a lamp shade. Loved it! Very authentic. Warning. This is a five star place for me, but do not expect fine dining. This is authentic and rustic, it's about the atmosphere and the food. I will definitely be back.
(5)Salma M.
We came by this place yesterday (Sunday) to see what all the "best tri-tip" hype was all about...well all the hype is well deserved...they literally have the best tri-tip sandwiches ever. I couldn't believe how tender and delicious the meat tasted and I must add, it was a generous amount of meat. There were buckets full of BBQ, horseradish and salsa available to add to your sandwich. I loved the BBQ and horseradish sauces - it complemented the sandwich well. It was very busy when we got there. Parking is along the road which was packed when we got there but people were constantly leaving. The line to buy a sandwich was long, but moves rather quickly. Seating isn't too bad, just like parking, people come and go all the time. The entertainment (the blues band) was awesome. Quite a talented band! Glad we made the stop to try out the sandwich and enjoy the band!
(5)Allison F.
Maybe I should have come here for lunch instead of dinner, judging by the reviews. Boyfriend wanted to take me somewhere different and special. This was certainly different! I really liked the old-school style of the tavern and the woodsy/foresty location. We ordered: (+) The appetizer sampler (shrimp, pasta, venison stuffed mushrooms, artichoke hearts). Random assortment, but I really liked it, especially the mushrooms and pasta (and I am NOT a pasta fan at all). (-) The vegetable soup (which came with our entree): Whatever. Tasted like it came out of a can. Seriously could have skipped this or gone with a salad. (+) The venison + garlic mashed potatoes: WOW. Mashed potatoes were to DIE for. Boyfriend gave me the last bite which shows that he really loves me. The sauce was incredible. Venison was delicious and they gave just the right amount. Here's where my complaints come in: (-) The hostess/waitress (who eventually left) and the waiter (who eventually took over) would do really weird things like head over to our table, then look over their shoulder and start a conversation with someone else at another table or vice versa. So it was really awkward. For example, the waiter asked another patron if he would like to see the dessert menu, then before the patron answered, walked over to our table to attend to our needs, then returned to the first table and asked, "I'm sorry, did you want to see the dessert menu?" (-) I told the waiter my boyfriend and I were going to share the venison plate. Since we used our original plates for the appetizer, I wanted fresh ones for the entree. The waiter brought over just ONE plate, for me, which was PIPING HOT. Like so hot that even after it had sat on the table for five minutes it was still warm to the touch. He handed it to me without a word of warning ...so I burned myself. Also, my boyfriend didn't really care, but it was odd to give us just one plate when clearly both of our plates were dirty from the appetizer. (-) Okay I KNOW the drinks listed on the dessert menu are alcoholic. But still, "cider" is a little ambiguous ...there is alcoholic cider and also non-alcoholic cider. It could be helpful to note that the cider IS alcoholic. I don't really drink so this was an unpleasant surprise. (-) Food came out in between long periods of waiting ...waitstaff was nowhere to be seen except to serve the dishes. Overall, food was decent (thanks to the heavenly garlic mashed potatoes) and service was lacking. Maybe we'll come back for lunch sometime.
(3)Nelson A.
Man not an easy place to find but we did and what a great place of history and a awsome bike ride well worth seeing and taking the 154 freeway cutoff is the easiest way in
(5)Brian B.
The food here is very good. The location is a little out of the way and hard to find. I recommend finishing your meal before it gets dark so you can find the road home. The tavern is very rustic and worth the trip just to see it. The comfortable restaurant and excellent food inside are a stark contrast to the rustic setting. I had pan fried salmon which I loved, my wife had roast chicken, also good. My daughter and her friend had fettucini and a buffalo burger which they also liked. The portions are large, so you should bring your appetite.
(4)Seth G.
Just had an awesome meal at Cold Spring Tavern at the end of a fun weekend in SB wine country. What a cool and unique spot way out in the woods! A former stagecoach stop turned restaurant and bar, the place smells and feels like history. The food is terrific... I had the pepper steak, served with choice of potato and starter. I went with the famous homemade beef chili, which was great. My girlfriend and I so split the appetizer platter, featuring stuffed mushrooms, stuffed artichoke, and tiger shrimp, all covered in cheesy buttery cream sauce. The drink selection is great too... tons of local beers and wines available from the bar. The restaurant is located next to a great rustic bar. This lave is totally worth the journey up the windy mountain, and it's only 15 minutes away from Santa Barbara.
(5)Corrina S.
My family and I stopped at Cold Spring Tavern on our way to vacation in Solvang. I imagined this was place was quite the Yelp discovery, but was left wanting more. The day we visited, it was pouring cats and dogs! However, I would say that it helped the rustic feel of the experience. The parking was simple - on the street wherever you can find room. Upon entering, my family and I were left sort of standing around waiting for someone to help us. The employees were going back and forth from the bar, but no one greeted us. Finally, we were sat in the front of the restaurant by the fireplace. Apparently, my family had just missed a huge rush of customers and they were understaffed. How do I know? The servers felt free to complain loudly about it every time they passed each other. Ultimately, the servers decided that enough was enough and decided to turn away customers earlier than their lunch's closing time of 3 PM. My family came in around 2:15 PM and they started turning customers away around 2:30 PM. That was a bit unprofessional for my taste. I would have been very disappointed to make a special trip onto the mountain roads in the rain only to be turned away! Even the cook came out and questioned why he stopped receiving orders and laughed when they mentioned they were done for the day. The food we received was decent, but I have definitely had better. Perhaps the storm affected their heating because both my soup and the hot water we asked for were cold. Our server did not come around besides delivering the food, so we did not get a chance to ask for them to be heated. The BBQ sandwich I ordered did hit the right spot so I can't complain there. PROS: Ambiance/Uniqueness Location CONS: Food Quality/Temperature Staff Quality Deviation from posted closing times Overall, I think Cold Spring Tavern is worth visiting for the ambiance alone. The tavern will give you a nice break from reality, but the food may leave you wanting more. Hopefully, Cold Spring Tavern's staff can work on their demeanors to create a better experience for future customers.
(2)Dave C.
Last two times I've gone here for dinner , it hasn't been very good. Service has been good but the food is so so. Use to be better
(3)Marlena S.
My husband and I stopped at the Cold Spring Tavern at the recommendation of a friend. We stopped on our way out of wine country for a quick lunch. The drive to the tavern is interesting in itself. You are driving down this windy mountain road wondering where the heck you are going! Then, out of nowhere, there is this tavern to your left and a bunch of rough looking bikers hanging out. There is a band playing and tons of people sitting on benches and all around drinking a cold beer and listening to the music. A quick history of the tavern: It was an old stagecoach stop back in the 1800s where weary drivers and horses would stop and refuel before continuing their journey. The tavern has this old rustic feel, which really reminded me of being at Frontierland at Disneyland! My husband and I had the BBQ Beef Sandwich, which was tri-tip on a French roll served with this mild horseradish that I really liked. The sandwich came with an order of fries ($9.50 for the meal). \ Since we were on our way home, we didn't stay and linger with a beer and listen to music like everyone else, but I sure would like to on another visit! I actually would really love to come back for dinner here, since according to their website they were deemed the "Best place for a romantic getaway in California." Casual dress, at least for lunch, is a must.
(4)Angel G.
The tri-tip sandwiches were excellent. The two Hispanic cooks preparing the tri-tips where friendly and chatty. I saw a lot of people enjoying the band, dancing around. I like silence, walked to the back benches and ate in a more secluded seating area. The old western feel and look of the old buildings and historic jail gives this place a not so common atmosphere. Next time I'll spend some time inside the restaurant.
(4)Anna M.
In the mountains. Great atmosphere. A little hot in the day and a little cold at night so plan accordingly. Staff is always top. Full bar with great food. Always something original to try. Like rabbit, boar, pheasant, venison, buffalo and I even once had kangaroo. They have an amazing game chili with lots of meat. Great at night for a romantic dinner. Great during the day for a cheaper fun outing.
(5)Kath E.
Awesome Tri Tip sandwich just as everyone says. I've never had better. Really good potato salad, and bacon and caramelized onion quiche also. I wish this gem were closer to me. Highly recommend the food and the quaint location.
(5)Randy B.
You'll never find it. Off hwy 154 is a very small sign to the side road. If you find it, you'll weave and swerve around tight and narrow roads until you come to it. Definitely, get directions. This is one of my favorite places, and used to go quite often when I lived in Solvang 10 years ago. Now, it's an annual trip. Try it again at night when the big ol' fireplace is lit. It's quite special, and romantic. Among the great dishes I've tried: Cold Spring Chicken (my fave), and NY Peppersteak. The menu is not expansive, but it's enough -- and will run you $20-$30 per entree. But the chili, oh the chili, is so good..it's tough to pry myself away from it. A couple of special features: 1. Friday and Saturday nights, a separate building hosts a jovial bar with country and bluegrass bands. 2. Sunday days are quite special. Bikers (most are doctors and lawyers with expensive Harleys) invade the outdoor space for an old time cookout BBQ of tri tip sandwiches. Sooooo good. All in all = fun and relaxing. It's an experience.
(5)Joyce A.
Interesting Historical Place to Visit - Be Cautious of the Food! It was worth the trip to visit these historical buildings; however, we were expecting great food based on their Web site. The salad makings were not fresh - limp and they brag about their famous Cold Spring Chili Burger - this was nothing to write home about. The friends with us had different dishes and they, too , were disappointed. They had the fireplaces going and it was very smokey in there. You have to go outside to use the restaurant which is located in another building and being the location is in the bottom of a canyon, it is not convenient. They do have a bar which we didn't use due to being lunch; however, if you have a few drinks and then try to drive out of there on the rough 2-lane road, good luck.
(2)D. R.
After golf: Cold spring. Bloody's and beers. The BBQ beef sandwich is a classic. And the Sierra Nevada beer drenched Onion Rings? Dynamite. If the 19th hole is your only sane chance for redemption and you like to score.... This is your place.
(4)Nicholas L.
Good food decent service but awesome location. If ur on vacation check this place out well worth it. feels like ur back in the 1900s. Very cool stuff
(4)Karen K.
it was worth the drive! we arrive at noon and were lucky enough to beat the crowd. we sat inside near the fire place. i ordered the BBQ tri-tip sandwich with a salad. The bf got the chili cheese fries. All the customers seemed like retired locals. Our food came out in less than 10 minutes. My sandwich was smothered in BBQ sauce. Mmmm just how I like it. The chili fries came in a shallow bowl with cheese and onions. Mmmm those were yummy. We washed it down with a nice cold beer.
(5)Ana m.
One must go to Cold Spring Tavern! It quite a little getaway and experience about 15 min away from SB! The best is to go on a Sunday! hands down the best tri-tip sandwich! I do not want to describe it because I will miss it and I'm so far away from his place right now! please do yourself a favor and have a sandwich and one to go ! oh yeah its pretty picturesque too, I remember thinking this was where snow white lived when i was a child of coarse!
(5)Cari B.
This is a classic find. Tucked way down in an idyllic canyon off the San Marcos pass is a great stop after wine tasting in Santa Barbara. The rustic atmosphere combined with the weekend warrior bikers was great. There was a great bluegrass band playing outside to the delight of all the beer drinkers enjoying juicy tri tip sandwiches. Inside we were delighted to find a very well priced local wine menu, and awesome wild game choices with great crispy fries and onion rings. I had the chili trio. And lapped up every bit. My friend had the buffalo burger which was delicious. The service was great even though it was busy!
(5)Naomi C.
this place is like a fairy tale. with really good food. is it too much to ask for a place like this to exist closer to home? the answer is yes. so if you're passing through, be sure to take the short detour to stop in here.
(5)Corazon R.
Little did I know there's an alternate route heading deeper into Santa Barbara County with the 154, and perhaps the one of the things that make the little detour worth the drive is making a stop into this quaint little spot. The tavern used to be an old stagecoach stop back in the days people used actual horsepower to power their transport, and the original structures seem to have been kept intact from those days. The clientele mostly consists of people who like to take their transport of choice and drive it around with people who have similar transports of choice as they (READ: bikers and people with cool, classic cars). The place itself is split into two structures: the tavern and the restaurant. We were there for lunch, so we got to sit in the room with the big window and HUGE fireplace. The menu is fairly small but offers a nice selection, and I went for their standard, famous chili (I dare not try their "fancy" chili with black beans and wild game including rabbit...I don't eat the bunnies :C ), and I decided to have it atop a plate of fries. Very very yummy. I had a lavender martini to go with it, which was made with fresh lavender picked from the outside! That was okay. The winner, however, was The Smuggler, a spirited dessert coffee drink made with creme de menthe (or peppermint schnapps?). Now I'm a HUGE mint fiend, and I already expected it wouldn't be minty enough for me, but surprisingly perfectly minty! The prices of everything isn't a great deal, but it's still pretty fair. I took a peek into the actual tavern, which was pretty cool looking. I'd gladly have a drink in there, or outside the place, as you can do and would want to do on a nice day as it was when I went, but by no means am I going to have a hankerin' to drive allll the way over there just to have a few cold ones. All the same, if ever I'm the area again, I wouldn't hesitate upon the suggestion to go here (READ: I'd more likely go here before I go to Pink's again).
(4)Brett W.
If you are near Santa Barbara or Santa Ynez on a Sunday you should stop by the Cold Springs Tavern to get the best BBQ Tri-tip sandwich on the central coast. Buy a sandwich ticket at the bar and wait in line to get your tri-tip right off the grill. The guy serving you has been doing it for 13 years, so he has it nailed. The horseradish sauce is insane! Oh and there is live music every Sunday afternoon.
(5)Monroe J.
Such a gem tucked away on the San Marcos Pass. My boyfriend and I stopped here on our way home the other day from wine tasting in the valley. The menu is so eclectic with everything from venison to elk and they give you tons of options for sides. Try the lavender martini! So good. Too bad they don't have an inn attached. Make sure to watch the drinking, the pass is a treacherous route at night.
(4)Tracy G.
Agreed, this is a cool place to stop on your way to Santa Ynez Wine Country. It is a very beautiful drive and then you come upon the Tavern, you get out of the car and walk down the road back to the building. You can tell very quickly that those that are there like to drive and go off the main road to find the really cool places. The food was good, I had a salad and a taste of the Buffalo Burger. The beauty of Cold Spring Tavern is its location and the drive there.
(4)Jason M.
9am I'm awoken by a knock on my front door. I open it and standing there was a man with a camera and a women holding a giant oversized Wilco ticket and a life-size cardboard cut-out of some FYT (Fine Young Thang.) She began a tirade about it being my lucky day and congratulated me on my winning, my head was in a whirlwind so much of what she said made no sense but eventually I was able to ascertain the I had hit the Craigslist Personals jackpot and my prize was a day in Santa Barbara seeing Wilco accompanied by the FYT in the cut-out. HOT DAMN! 1pm the following day my mystery date shows up parked outside. I grab my bag run down to the vehicle and peer into the car window. I swallowed my gum. Sitting in the driver's seat was the kind of girl that when you leave her for just one moment to get up to go to the bathroom invariably some Romeo in black jeans tries to move in and it's no myth. I would have to hold it in for the entire day. Flash forward to windy road in Santa Barbara, interior car, Me: So ahhh... where we going. Her: I know a little place Me: Ummm all right. We drive past a sign that indicates we are entering the Los Padres national forest, Land of Many Uses. Hang a left before a bridge and decline down a road, past a couple dozen cars and choppers to a rustic looking outpost somewhere between a John Ford film and the Bear Country Jamboree at Disneyland. Outside an amalgamation of Hard Drinking Local 151: bikers, old heads, yuppies and young bucks grooving to a bluesy folksy country quartet kicking out the jams. One member is banging out percussion on a Charles Shaw box. Mystery dates been here before, she gives me the skinny, points me in the right direction, smacks me on the ass and sends me on my way. Order of the day is a couple of BBQed Tri-tip sammies on toasted buns and some Miller Lite to wash it down. The sammies are busting out at the seams with smokey beef, fixin's are a spicy BBQ sauce, a Horsy sauce with grainy mustard and pico de gallo. You apply your own in the amount and proportions you see fit. Maybe it was the company, or the canyon air, or the guy playing the Charles Shaw box, maybe it was the hunger coupled with the Miller Lite, maybe it was just the meat but that was the best God damn tri-tip sammie I have ever had. Oh boy, if the genders were reversed and I was the women and she the man, she'd so be getting laid at the end of this day, maybe even a BJ in the middle. But gender politics as they stand a dude putting out on the first date is nothing nobody's hurting for nor going to brag about to their friends. And still there is the whole day ahead of me. Ah yes, today will be a good day.
(5)Jenny M.
Sunday Tri Tip with everything on it!! the best!!! especially when a great blues band is playing, sets the vibe. I love this place!
(5)Austin S.
How could I drive right past a place an Iron Chef has said is a must visit for a "best of" tri-tip sandwich? Well, I can't. Cold Spring Tavern is actually a place that has been on my radar for some time now. It is a little ramshackle of a place that seems to want to be hidden. There is a bar, restaurant, gift shop of sorts and the fabled "Santa Maria style" BBQ setup between the bar and restaurant. So this is how I did it: - First, please remember that they only do the tri-tip on Sundays! - Buy beer and tickets for the tri-tip sandwich in the bar. - Walk around the bar and swap the tickets for the sandwich. - Add the appropriate toppings (I went with the Apple Horseradish sauce and the Salsa - which was recommended by the cook). - Sit down and dig in! I know everyone else is saying it, but this really is something special! I ate my delicious sandwich, drank an ice cold beer and listened to a live band belt out some Grateful Dead. Is that a perfect Sunday afternoon or what? Expect a lot of people.
(4)Joanne T.
I absolutely loved this place! I only went to the restaurant which was in a charming little cottage with a fireplace. The food was delish and at incredibly reasonable prices! The NY steak was tender and came with huge sweet onion rings and a salad. Will definitely stop by this place again if I'm passing by.
(5)Lynn L.
Discovered this place quite by accident yesterday while out on a day trip adventure with a friend. So happy to have found it. This is so, "my kind of place." A woman walking out suggested we try the burgers so we did. Really terrific. Will be back for sure. What a sweet little piece of history nestled in the woods, still there for us to enjoy thanks to caring owners.
(5)Carrie C.
This is hands down one of the coolest places to stop at if you're traveling between Santa Barbara and Solvang off the 154...and like Corazon R. said...the Cold Spring Tavern most definitely makes the detour worth the drive!! Not much has changed from the time the Tavern used to be a stagecoach stop back about 130 years ago...It was established in 1865 and still has it's original flooring, roof, etc. Everything creeks, the draft comes up through the floor if you sit in the wrong place lol. So it used to be a stop for people on horses, etc. to rest at, get some grub and carry on their journey over the pass...today you'll find similarities in terms of people stopping for some comfort food but instead of horses and stagecoaches, there are now cars and PLENTY of Harley's and other bikes. It's quite the popular motorcycle stop seeing as the road is so scenic through the pass... The menu is diverse and odd...not your normal fare by any means! Lots of your standard burgers, salads and the like but you'll also find a heavy assortment of game. Things like the "Buffalo Burger," "BBQ Venison Sausage burger," and their famous "Wild Game Black Bean Chili!" I highly recommend not leaving the Tavern before having their "Cold Spring Chili"...it's a must. My dad used to ride up here with my mom on the back of his motorcycle and he tells me that not a thing has changed since then compared to now...you just can't beat tradition!
(5)NinjaBeast J.
Be forewarned, the drive up to this restaurant is treacherous on a rainy day. Very windy roads, potential avalanches, etc. My lady friend and I shared the venison sausage stuffed mushrooms which were delicious. My friend had the pork chop and said it was overcooked and tough and gave up on it after a few bites. I had the elk which was delectable. It was my first time trying elk and it tasted like a mix between bison and beef, with a slightly gamey taste. Still was delicious. The chili that I had with it tasted like Hormel chili out of a can. We both enjoyed our garlic mash. The service was AVERAGE at best. Although the antique environment was quaint, the soot from the kerosene lamp or dead termites floating in my glass were not. You have to walk outside to use the restroom. I could see how if you came here and had different food you would have enjoyed it more. If we had ordered different things (as the menu was pretty diverse), came for lunch, or had a server that was better, we could have had a better time at this restaurant. As it stands, the service and the hit and miss on the entrees and sides warrant my rating. Maybe try this place at lunchtime or when the server is in a better mood.
(3)Jim K.
Hands down, the best tri tip sandwich you will ever have!! i have been coming here for many years with some of the best camping in southern cali nearby. the vibe is amazing especially over the weekends when people get together listening to a dude hitting a empty jack daniels box as a drum. great day drive from LA !!
(5)david s.
What a beautiful place. The day we went there were thousands of lady bugs flying around, a very cool sight. Food does the trick the historic site makes it a five.
(5)Jonathan S.
Cold Springs Tavern: Some of my best memories have been at this place. This is one of my top 10 places I enjoy dining at. Its got a definite rustic vibe but I dig it. Heck this place was a stage coach stop in the late 1800's. The place has some serious history.. I typically visit the Cold Springs Tavern on the way home from wine tasting in Santa Ynez but its worth the long drive from LA if you're just looking for a unique experience that you can't find in the concrete jungle. The food is excellent and paired well with their local wine selection. Sometimes the friendly staff can be a little slow but enjoy the atmosphere and it will be fine, besides the place is small and takes time to accommodate everyone so learn to accept it for what it is. Every meal I have had there has been well prepared and without disappointments... Ok, truth be told the only disappointment was that I had no room for dessert but that's acceptable. The bar/tavern adjacent to the the restaurant has a great vibe with live music, a roaring fire place and an eclectic mix of patrons. On the weekends the vibe changes a little with the addition of many motorcycle riders and tourists but it adds to the flavor and eclectic mix. Everyone gets along and enjoys the atmosphere. During peak days such as weekends parking can be a little challenging on the street specially with all the motorcycles parked by the tavern/bar but everyone respects the location and drives slowly in the area. There is also a gift shop to check out but I haven't been in there myself. The restaurant makes for a great date destination anytime but especially on a clear night or raining afternoon. Like I said, some of my best memories have been at this place. I highly recommend it and I also recommend reservations if you intend to dine at the restaurant.
(5)Justin K.
UPDATE: I finally made it to the Tavern for the much sought-after tri-tip. It was really one incredible, delicious sandwich! However, I must note that it was really crazy/ridiculous what it took to get it. It was pretty busy in there, as it was a Saturday afternoon. After waiting like patrons do, a table apparently opened up, and the host was ready to seat us. OH! OOPS! Someone else decided to wander in and sit there. I envisioned figuring out which table it was and going over and flipping it over in a rage....but my better judgment won out, so as to not freak out a future in-law, and we politely waited for another table. Once we were seated, I promptly ordered the tri-tip sandwich, and OOPS! again. The grill just outside the dining room is apparently, in some way, a separate thing, but we could keep our table only because the future in-law was ordering something from the regular menu. As it turns out, the process is that you purchase a ticket for the tri-tip sandwich and get it yourself from the grill master. That's fine and dandy, except that there is no sign anywhere saying how this all works, and that the freakin' sandwich tickets say "Cold Spring Tavern" on them. So, the grill right next to the building is a Cold Spring Tavern thing, but yet it's not. Apparently you can't sit inside if the only thing you eat is a tri-tip sandwich. The whole system just seemed a little wonky, but let me reiterate what is actually the most important thing here: the sandwich is incredible and delicious. ORIGINAL POST: This place has a great atmosphere and great BBQ, though we always miss the day(s) when they have the fresh-off-the-outdoor-grill tri tip sandwich... such a bummer in that regard, but we will be back! Like reviewer Mark J., we also saw this place on Food Network, and it's a great place to stop and take a break on the drive north to wine country.
(4)Mark J.
Saw this place on Food Network. Decided that morning to drive up from LA to try it (I have a lot of free time on my hands). Its as good a tri-tip sandwich as I've had. The restaurant is open 7 days a week, but the outdoor grill is not, so double check before you make the drive. The atmosphere and decor makes it feel like your in Disneyland. Though the food is much, much better and of course, cheaper.
(5)Andrew R.
I should have listened to Michael G. and skipped this one as our Valentine's Day dinner. My wife and I have heard from our friends that Cold Spring Tavern is a special place and very romantic. I did a little research and found a great review from Michael G. that made me think I should continue my search for a romantic spot to take my wife for Valentine's Day. I then heard from a couple more people that we should go there and I made the reservations. We showed up and the place was just as quaint as everyone described from the outside. We then walked inside to find the place didn't have many customers and had a strong odor of lamp oil. Every table had lanterns lit which is a good touch, but they need to air the place out from the smell. We then sat down at our table and read the menu. It was not the menu I saw online. They had pretty much the same food, but it went from a regular starting price of $17.50 for an entree to $40 as their starting price for Valentine's Day. Even a pasta dish was $40! I didn't see any reason for the price increase other than it's Valentine's Day and they include dessert. They should have given some warning of the special Valentine's Day menu and pricing when I made the reservation and/or on their website. We walked out. We do plan to go again another time and hope to have a better impression.
(1)Nicole A.
Here's a tip: If you are driving from Santa Barbara to go to "wine country," take the 154, it's faster and very scenic. Here's another tip: When you are starting to descend a bit down the 154, you will see Stagecoach Road. Turn left. Don't get scared by all the cars driving up the hill. Now, follow it. This is what you will find: Cold Spring Tavern began as a stagecoach stop in the late 1800s. It is now a restaurant and tavern, and will surely impress any visitors to the Santa Barbara area. It is tucked away on a dirt road in the "other Santa Barbara" - not the pristine beaches and the celebrity set, but the rustic, great hiking areas and an introduction to the differing North County mindset. It is comprised of three cabin-like buildings - the tavern which has a full bar, the restaurant, and a strange tiny curio shop. A river runs by them and it is cooled by shade of all the trees surrounding the property. If you would like to eat, they serve all 3 meals on the weekends. Dinners are $18-$30, but good. My mom still talks about the chili sampler she had 5 years ago. But, here's the best part. Go there on Sundays in the afternoon. A ton of bikers (motor, not peddle) come here to grab a tri-tip sandwich, some beer, and to listen to the live music. Just buy your sandwich ticket at the bar, turn it in, and try the cut of meat that is the pride of the Central Coast. When you are all done, head back out onto the 154 and think about what a lovely place you "discovered" and take your friends and family there in the future. You and they will love it every time.
(5)E R.
Cozy, rustic, love the ambiance and history, and their various hearty meats, especially the venison sausage burgers. Note - I am not a big meat eater, but this is an excellent exception.
(5)Suz C.
A special place to get away. I love coming up here on a cold night and sitting by the fireplace. It feels like you are really away from everything. It has been awhile, but the live music on Sundays is great too. Hopefully I will make it up soon. The food could be better, but is always tasty.
(4)Leonid G.
Went there for lunch, was nice Kids friendly, food was good, beer was cold... the only one thing that takes out a star.... orange juice, that we ordered for our 4yo, was very spoiled, and we found out about it when we were finished.. poor kid drank half glass of it...
(4)Jessica D.
Wow, what a scene! The other descriptions do it justice. I am still drooling over the rack of elk that I ate here . . . wow, that's one of the best pieces of meat I've ever had (the wine reduction sauce didn't hurt). The ambiance makes it even better. My only complaint was that there was a $7 charge for splitting a dish, which somehow my entire party of 10 didn't see on the menu. But when we mentioned it, the manager took the charge off.
(4)