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Cold Spring Tavern is 19th century Americana being a stage coach stop established in 1868. This rough wood hewn complex of buildings is set among tall trees fronting a winding country road at San Marcos Pass. Inside is rustic, rural with wagon wheel chandelier, river rock fireplace, vintage photos, taxidermied animal heads and antlers. Outdoor picnic table dining under shaded trees is another alternative. The Old Place in Cornell in the Agoura Hills seems like a doppelgänger alternative which is way closer to L.A. if driving 3 hours with present day high fuel costs is a consideration. 1) Original Cold Spring Tri-Tip Sandwich: Cold Spring Tavern takes pride in thick cut Tri-Tip which makes it tough, fibrous, too chewy. So I had to cut up the well aged meat thinner to break up the fibers to soften and make it more pleasing. Marinating with red wine, black pepper, garlic will subtly tenderize the beef as well as adding more complex flavours. Cooked to medium, which means a little pink in the middle, was fine, but I was surprised there was so very little oak smoke scent to this bbq'ed meat. Maybe adding a touch of heavily scented mesquite would make for better aromatics. ¡Don't char the buns! I noticed some of the Yelp photos showed black marks, but turned out fine. Overall, a very bland, unimpressive sandwich. Had to add more house bbq sauce to put more punch to this sandwich. 1a) House made bar-b-q sauce was dark, reddish brown. Tomato, treacle, sweet-sour with a pronounced smoke essence which was good since the meat didn't have much smokiness. Apple Horseradish was refreshing, faintly fruity, slight edge of aromatic pungency. Famous Beer Batter Onion Rings $2.50 extra: Big mistake. The crust is extra thick, too bready, and overfried so the batter is tough and hard. I tapped my fork against an Onion ring, and it made a hard, thud-like sound! 2) Chili Sampler $23.00 a) Cold Spring Chili: Ground sirloin, tomato, chilies, pinto beans, cheese, onion, crackers. Chewy, starchy Pinto beans. Bit of chile piquancy, sweet sour finish. Gastrique from the tomato. Possibly grassy, oily bay leaf. Beefy Sirloin is rough ground. b) Wild Game Black Bean: Venison, rabbit, buffalo, black beans, chilies, cheese, sour cream. Small, chewy black beans and extra smokey cumin adds a pronounced earthiness. Non-tomato sauce based. Agrodolce/sweet-sour. Nice rough ground or fibrous meats. c) Chili Verde: Pork, chicken, chilies, onion, tomato, cheese, sour cream. Chunks of chewy pork, shredded chicken breast. Good dose of mouth warming chile piquancy and slow burning kick. Sourness from stewed tomato, meaty Umami with a green poblano scent. May be the least simmered to preserve elements of "freshness". Paired with a leathery, snappy flour tortilla. 1-2a) Having to drive, only Iced Tea. For pairing, Beer would do a good job. Maybe a Hazy IPA might do. 3) Jack Daniel's Pecan Pie $12.00 Good home style, compressed rustic crust absorbing some of the sweet, plush, soft filling that is not cloyingly sweet like most pecan pies, but subtle to let the bourbon woodiness, caramelized char, vanilla flavours to shine through. It somehow reminded me of eating Jello Butterscotch Pudding of my youth. Tons of candied Pecans studded on top of this satisfying pie. You have to get the Chili Sampler. Tri-Tip sandwich is not really exceptional. Our waiter was friendly, knew when to intervene in a good way. Cold Spring Tavern is worth the stop if only to enjoy its bucolic surroundings and some grub in a historic setting. 4- stars
What a cool place! This was a stage coach stop from the 1800's and has such a cool vibe. The tritip sandwich was great but the onion rings were some of the best I've ever had! I love a good beer battered onion ring. My wife had the burger and said it was so flavorful. They have indoor and outdoor seating. We sat on the upper patio. Our server was fantastic and very attentive. It's off the beaten path but totally worth a visit.
Cold Spring Tavern has been serving travelers since it began as a stagecoach stop in 1865. The location is absolutely stunning, under a grove of tall trees and by a stream. The menu is a bit hit and miss. I'd recommend the chili sampler, which features their Wild Game, Chile Verde, and Cold Spring chilis. I did try the tri-tip sandwich, but found the meat tough and gristly. I'd stick with the chili. Service was extremely prompt and friendly. Prices seemed reasonable considering the inflation that has continued unabated. Free parking on the street (be careful as it's a two-lane highway). Final verdict? It's a worthwhile stop to relive history and have lunch in a gorgeous setting.
I'll update this review one day when I come back for the food! Stopped by on our way home from Solvang. My dad and I have always talked about going here and since I was nearby on my honeymoon decided to make a trip to check it out. The parking is insane but I'm glad we decided to stop anyway. They have a tiny lot mostly for motorcycles so cars/trucks/suvs park along the side of the windy 2 lane mountain road! Make sure to slow way down when getting close as there are cars and people along both sides of the road. We grabbed a couple drinks and walked around to see all the old buildings. If you like history this is the place for you! The owners were collectors of old buildings and old items that are all over the property. It's a pretty big space too. The food all smelled so good. They have a restaurant on site with table service and full menu, and a small stand serving up freshly grilled tri tip sandwiches that looked amazing. There was live music so we just say around for a while enjoying the ambiance. The drinks are strong, staff is super nice, and it feels like stepping back in time. I'll be back for some food soon!
We stopped by Cold Spring Tavern on a Saturday for lunch with a party of 12 after hearing about their famous Tri-Tip sandwiches. It was definitely busy--we waited about 30 minutes for a table, and once seated, our food arrived in another 20 minutes. Considering how crowded it was, the service was friendly and efficient. They were also accommodating by splitting our bill into two checks, which we really appreciated. Parking is limited to roadside parking, so I recommend arriving early, especially on weekends. Here's what we ordered: Original Cold Spring Tri-Tip Sandwich (with Onion Rings) The oak-grilled, thick-sliced tri-tip was full of smoky flavor. I prefer my tri-tip more juicer though. The house-made BBQ sauce complemented the beef without overpowering it. I upgraded the side to onion rings for an additional $3.50, and it was the best decision! These were honestly some of the best onion rings I've ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside, sweet and tender on the inside, and not greasy at all. French Dip with Soup of the day (cream of artichoke) If you're deciding between the Tri-Tip sandwich and the French Dip, they're very similar. The biggest difference is that the French Dip comes with a flavorful au jus for dipping, along with an apple horseradish sauce that adds a nice tangy kick. If you enjoy dipping your sandwich, this is a great choice. The cream of artichoke soup was heart warming, not overly salty, I like it. Smoked Bacon BLT A solid sandwich with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and toasted bread. Simple but satisfying. Famous Beer Batter Onion Rings These deserve their own mention. They're light, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. Even if you don't upgrade your meal, I highly recommend ordering an extra basket to share. Grilled Vegetable Salad A nice lighter option with grilled vegetables that added a smoky flavor and balanced out all the hearty sandwiches. The atmosphere is one of the highlights of dining here. The historic tavern has a rustic charm, and the outdoor picnic table seating under the trees makes for a relaxing lunch, especially if you're enjoying a scenic drive through the mountains. Overall, the wait was worth it. Great food, generous portions, beautiful surroundings, and friendly service. If you're driving through the Santa Barbara area or taking Highway 154, Cold Spring Tavern is definitely worth making a stop for. Just be prepared for a wait on weekends!
Came here after a hike with some friends on a Saturday afternoon and it was great. The outside atmosphere was gorgeous and they had live music that started at 1:30. I got the french dip sandwich with the salad and overall it was pretty good. I'm going to have to knock off a point because the tri tip was super thick and hard to chew. But the flavors were great and the au jus was the perfect dip.
Whenever we are driving up out of LA on the way to SLO, we try to stop at this tavern. It's well worth the journey. Be ware that it can be really crowded on the weekend because it is a destination for groups such as bikers and custom cars. Loved the stews. And the burgers are especially good. Loved the ambience because it's not hard to can imagine what this stage stop was like early in the last century.
The Cold Spring Tavern is on the road to nowhere, so you just want to go there. Bring some walking shoes because on a busy day, you might have to park down the road a ways. This is an old place so it was never made for as many visitors as it gets these days. Go on an off day, and it's not much of a problem. Bring a jacket or a sweater, because it can be cool inside no matter what time of year it is. The beer was cold and the food was good, but it's the atmosphere that makes this place special. If you come this far and you don't have a good time, then that's on you, not this establishment. I liked Cold Spring Tavern enough that I bought one of their tee shirts, and it's thick cotton and warm just like what you might need if you eat here in the cold months of the year!
I'd been curious about this place for about a year and finally made it in for a Friday lunch around noon. It was already very busy when I arrived, and parking was limited to the shoulder of the road. I found a spot, but had an uncomfortable interaction with other patrons over parking that set a negative tone from the start. I was also concerned about my car, though the host was kind enough to reassure me he could keep an eye on it, which I appreciated. Service started off well. The waitress was friendly, and the food came out quickly. I ordered the tri-tip French dip (requested rare) with a side of coleslaw. The sandwich was cooked to the correct temperature and had good flavor, but the quality of the meat was disappointing. It was extremely chewy and full of sinew, to the point where I had to pull pieces apart by hand rather than being able to bite through it. That's not typical for tri-tip, and at around $20, it felt like a poor value. While the seasoning was good, the cut itself really undermined the dish. The coleslaw was also a miss for me. It was heavily dominated by a processed black pepper flavor and otherwise tasted mostly like mayonnaise. I took a few bites and left it. When the waitress asked how it was, I told her honestly that I didn't like it. She acknowledged it but didn't offer a replacement or alternative, which felt like a missed opportunity. I was seated outside, which initially seemed like a plus, but the experience quickly deteriorated. A propane delivery truck arrived and couldn't access its designated spot because it wasn't blocked off and was occupied by a customer vehicle. The truck idled nearby for 10-15 minutes, creating noise. During that time, another delivery truck pulled up behind it and blocked my car in. When I was ready to leave, I had to wait for both vehicles to clear out before I could exit. Overall, what I hoped would be a relaxed, scenic lunch turned into a fairly stressful experience. Between the parking issues, food quality, and logistical disruptions, it didn't meet expectations. I don't think I'd return.
I heard about this place just a few days ago and since then whenever I asked the people in my circle about this place, they all had great things to say. Me and my 3 girlfriends decided to come here today (Sunday afternoon at about 1:00pm). Parking is limited so you have to park up the road off to the side. We put our name on the list and were told the wait would be about 20 min. The bad was there and ready to play soon. One friend grabbed a beer and I noticed they had some yummy looking Sangria but I decided not to drink today. We were sat in the garden area which was very quiet with beautiful greenery all around us. The sun was just trying to peek through the shady tree so it was just warm enough for about 20 min of our meal in which we didn't need a sweater. I highly recommend you bring a light jacket or sweater because most of the restaurant seating is outdoors and it's cool in the shade. The service was great. Our waitress introduced herself to us right away. I ordered a tri-tip sandwich and upgraded to onion rings. The tri-tip was delicious. The serving of meat in it was just right. I got 4 large onion rings and honestly after 2 of them, I was pretty full of them. I love the apple horseradish dip and the bbq sauce was also delicious. The reason why I give this a 4 stars is because of the inconvenience to split the check beyond 2 tickets and when the tickets are split they basically take the total of the bill and split it exactly 50/50. There is also no contactless pay method. Bring cash if you come in a group of more than 2 or be prepared to do some math. I still think this is a must-try place when in the Santa Barbara area.
This place is 100/100 definitely a must It hidden gem The service was amazing our waitress was so informative about the property and history of the restaurant and surround property. She made our experience fanatics. So much to do not sure where to start. I highly recommend to get there right when they open ,give your self extra time to walk around and park. Explore the property. Drinks were delicious had the house sangria Food was just as it should be for bbq and smoking meats. My table of friends had a bit of everything. No complaints and a lot of thumps up. They have a live Band makes the ambience and experience like you're out of town somewhere far. They were the original makers of Hidden Valley Ranch. So there was plenty of dipping to go around.
Hidden in the mountains in a far away land. This gem of a place needs to be at the top of your list when visiting Santa Barbara. Seriously, I promise you won't be disappointed. It literally feels like you're walking into a historic atmosphere with all the rustic buildings. Pretty neat to see the ojai jail that was on ripleys believe it or not, and the blisshaven cottage that was purchased for $23 back in 1941. The log cabin bar has local craft beers, wines, specialty cocktails. The bartenders are super sweet & we're welcoming despite the long line. If you get lucky to sit inside they have a fireplace and other seating that makes for a more enjoyable stay during the cold. Outside is really beautiful and I'm sure it gets busy during the summer. Plenty of seating which is always a plus in my book. The restaurant itself serves a full menu of foods hence the longer wait time. We opted for the tri tip sandwich which was being cooked outside and found seating quickly. Great music, food/drinks can't wait to visit the next time we're in the area.
Some things to be aware of for this review. We went about 30 minutes before closing and we went on a gloomy cold day so the photos aren't the best. 1- setting: the setting is great! Right by a spring (duh) and it's free Coverage so you feel really secluded. We lost service here so plan for that. The restaurant looks so quaint almost like a fairytale. 2- service: service was quick and very nice. We came in close to closing but they were still very nice. 3- food: - onion rings: these have a very thick coating. We prefer onion rings with a thin coating so these were not our favorite but the amount that is given was great and even though it's not our favorite type of onion ring, they were still pretty good. If you like that type of onion ring with a batter, I would recommend trying it out. -chili cheese fries: I love chili cheese fries, and I find that it's pretty hard to mess them up. These are unique because the chili has whole beans in it. I have never had chili cheese fries where the chili had whole beans in it. I'm used to more of the type of chili you get at a burger joint or even Wienerschnitzel. With that being said, it was really good and you get a lot. I would recommend you trying it out as long as you are OK with that type of chili being used. -tri-tip sandwich plate: this was a 10/10. My high school used to do tri-tip sandwiches for football games and while it's probably still #1 in my heart this is the closest a restaurant have ever been to dethroning it. The salad was good and the sandwich is delicious. We agreed that we would come back for this alone. Something to note is that the sauce comes on the side so if you like your tri-tip sandwiches saucy ask for extra. ( We tried both the BBQ sauce and the horseradish and both were a hit.
2 months ago
Food Went here after reading about it online and wanting to try the tri-tip sandwich. We ordered some nachos and a tri-tip sandwich and we enjoyed the food overall. Just outside the restaurant, you can see them smoking the tri-tip which added to the experience and to the craving of the sandwich. First, the nachos were pretty good, they were heavy handed on the chips and filling and made for an enjoyable eating experience and the flavors of it were pretty good as well. Now to the the tri-tip sandwich, we loved the sandwich as the meat was really tender to the point that the sandwich doesn't disassemble when you bite into it. The flavor of the meat itself really good and I would definitely come back just for the sandwich alone Service/Ambiance We had arrived right around opening time and the place was already starting to get packed. Parking is just along the road so take note of that and it was really full by the time we were leaving. For our party of two, we got seated pretty much right away inside the restaurant. The vibe of the place was really nice as it had that old style homey feel and being surrounded by nature added to the nice ambiance. The staff were nice and service of the food was relatively quick as well, overall a really great experience read more
2 months ago
July 2026 Parking - very limited. Side of the road on the shoulder. Wait - 20-30 mins for a party of 4 on a Thursday at 1245pm. The hostess was super nice and she was running her ass off. We tipped her $5 when we left. I thin her name was Kaya Service - Paxton was our server. He was super chill and made some great menu suggestions. Attentive and refilled our drinks frequently (super hot that day). Food - we ordered the BLT, Tri-Tip sandwich and the French Dip. We also had the massive onion rings as an appetizer (one order enough for our family). All the sandwiches were huge and delicious. None of us finished our food. Prices were reasonable. Expect to spend $20-25/person here. We really loved the history and ambience of the restaurant. The service and food were superb. We'll be back. read more
Cold Spring Tavern is 19th century Americana being a stage coach stop established in 1868. This rough wood hewn complex of buildings is set among tall trees fronting a winding country road at San Marcos Pass. Inside is rustic, rural with wagon wheel chandelier, river rock fireplace, vintage photos, taxidermied animal heads and antlers. Outdoor picnic table dining under shaded trees is another alternative. The Old Place in Cornell in the Agoura Hills seems like a doppelgänger alternative which is way closer to L.A. if driving 3 hours with present day high fuel costs is a consideration. 1) Original Cold Spring Tri-Tip Sandwich: Cold Spring Tavern takes pride in thick cut Tri-Tip which makes it tough, fibrous, too chewy. So I had to cut up the well aged meat thinner to break up the fibers to soften and make it more pleasing. Marinating with red wine, black pepper, garlic will subtly tenderize the beef as well as adding more complex flavours. Cooked to medium, which means a little pink in the middle, was fine, but I was surprised there was so very little oak smoke scent to this bbq'ed meat. Maybe adding a touch of heavily scented mesquite would make for better aromatics. ¡Don't char the buns! I noticed some of the Yelp photos showed black marks, but turned out fine. Overall, a very bland, unimpressive sandwich. Had to add more house bbq sauce to put more punch to this sandwich. 1a) House made bar-b-q sauce was dark, reddish brown. Tomato, treacle, sweet-sour with a pronounced smoke essence which was good since the meat didn't have much smokiness. Apple Horseradish was refreshing, faintly fruity, slight edge of aromatic pungency. Famous Beer Batter Onion Rings $2.50 extra: Big mistake. The crust is extra thick, too bready, and overfried so the batter is tough and hard. I tapped my fork against an Onion ring, and it made a hard, thud-like sound! 2) Chili Sampler $23.00 a) Cold Spring Chili: Ground sirloin, tomato, chilies, pinto beans, cheese, onion, crackers. Chewy, starchy Pinto beans. Bit of chile piquancy, sweet sour finish. Gastrique from the tomato. Possibly grassy, oily bay leaf. Beefy Sirloin is rough ground. b) Wild Game Black Bean: Venison, rabbit, buffalo, black beans, chilies, cheese, sour cream. Small, chewy black beans and extra smokey cumin adds a pronounced earthiness. Non-tomato sauce based. Agrodolce/sweet-sour. Nice rough ground or fibrous meats. c) Chili Verde: Pork, chicken, chilies, onion, tomato, cheese, sour cream. Chunks of chewy pork, shredded chicken breast. Good dose of mouth warming chile piquancy and slow burning kick. Sourness from stewed tomato, meaty Umami with a green poblano scent. May be the least simmered to preserve elements of "freshness". Paired with a leathery, snappy flour tortilla. 1-2a) Having to drive, only Iced Tea. For pairing, Beer would do a good job. Maybe a Hazy IPA might do. 3) Jack Daniel's Pecan Pie $12.00 Good home style, compressed rustic crust absorbing some of the sweet, plush, soft filling that is not cloyingly sweet like most pecan pies, but subtle to let the bourbon woodiness, caramelized char, vanilla flavours to shine through. It somehow reminded me of eating Jello Butterscotch Pudding of my youth. Tons of candied Pecans studded on top of this satisfying pie. You have to get the Chili Sampler. Tri-Tip sandwich is not really exceptional. Our waiter was friendly, knew when to intervene in a good way. Cold Spring Tavern is worth the stop if only to enjoy its bucolic surroundings and some grub in a historic setting. 4- stars read more
What a cool place! This was a stage coach stop from the 1800's and has such a cool vibe. The tritip sandwich was great but the onion rings were some of the best I've ever had! I love a good beer battered onion ring. My wife had the burger and said it was so flavorful. They have indoor and outdoor seating. We sat on the upper patio. Our server was fantastic and very attentive. It's off the beaten path but totally worth a visit. read more
Cold Spring Tavern has been serving travelers since it began as a stagecoach stop in 1865. The location is absolutely stunning, under a grove of tall trees and by a stream. The menu is a bit hit and miss. I'd recommend the chili sampler, which features their Wild Game, Chile Verde, and Cold Spring chilis. I did try the tri-tip sandwich, but found the meat tough and gristly. I'd stick with the chili. Service was extremely prompt and friendly. Prices seemed reasonable considering the inflation that has continued unabated. Free parking on the street (be careful as it's a two-lane highway). Final verdict? It's a worthwhile stop to relive history and have lunch in a gorgeous setting. read more
I'll update this review one day when I come back for the food! Stopped by on our way home from Solvang. My dad and I have always talked about going here and since I was nearby on my honeymoon decided to make a trip to check it out. The parking is insane but I'm glad we decided to stop anyway. They have a tiny lot mostly for motorcycles so cars/trucks/suvs park along the side of the windy 2 lane mountain road! Make sure to slow way down when getting close as there are cars and people along both sides of the road. We grabbed a couple drinks and walked around to see all the old buildings. If you like history this is the place for you! The owners were collectors of old buildings and old items that are all over the property. It's a pretty big space too. The food all smelled so good. They have a restaurant on site with table service and full menu, and a small stand serving up freshly grilled tri tip sandwiches that looked amazing. There was live music so we just say around for a while enjoying the ambiance. The drinks are strong, staff is super nice, and it feels like stepping back in time. I'll be back for some food soon! read more
We stopped by Cold Spring Tavern on a Saturday for lunch with a party of 12 after hearing about their famous Tri-Tip sandwiches. It was definitely busy--we waited about 30 minutes for a table, and once seated, our food arrived in another 20 minutes. Considering how crowded it was, the service was friendly and efficient. They were also accommodating by splitting our bill into two checks, which we really appreciated. Parking is limited to roadside parking, so I recommend arriving early, especially on weekends. Here's what we ordered: Original Cold Spring Tri-Tip Sandwich (with Onion Rings) The oak-grilled, thick-sliced tri-tip was full of smoky flavor. I prefer my tri-tip more juicer though. The house-made BBQ sauce complemented the beef without overpowering it. I upgraded the side to onion rings for an additional $3.50, and it was the best decision! These were honestly some of the best onion rings I've ever had--perfectly crispy on the outside, sweet and tender on the inside, and not greasy at all. French Dip with Soup of the day (cream of artichoke) If you're deciding between the Tri-Tip sandwich and the French Dip, they're very similar. The biggest difference is that the French Dip comes with a flavorful au jus for dipping, along with an apple horseradish sauce that adds a nice tangy kick. If you enjoy dipping your sandwich, this is a great choice. The cream of artichoke soup was heart warming, not overly salty, I like it. Smoked Bacon BLT A solid sandwich with crispy bacon, fresh vegetables, and toasted bread. Simple but satisfying. Famous Beer Batter Onion Rings These deserve their own mention. They're light, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. Even if you don't upgrade your meal, I highly recommend ordering an extra basket to share. Grilled Vegetable Salad A nice lighter option with grilled vegetables that added a smoky flavor and balanced out all the hearty sandwiches. The atmosphere is one of the highlights of dining here. The historic tavern has a rustic charm, and the outdoor picnic table seating under the trees makes for a relaxing lunch, especially if you're enjoying a scenic drive through the mountains. Overall, the wait was worth it. Great food, generous portions, beautiful surroundings, and friendly service. If you're driving through the Santa Barbara area or taking Highway 154, Cold Spring Tavern is definitely worth making a stop for. Just be prepared for a wait on weekends! read more
Came here after a hike with some friends on a Saturday afternoon and it was great. The outside atmosphere was gorgeous and they had live music that started at 1:30. I got the french dip sandwich with the salad and overall it was pretty good. I'm going to have to knock off a point because the tri tip was super thick and hard to chew. But the flavors were great and the au jus was the perfect dip. read more
Whenever we are driving up out of LA on the way to SLO, we try to stop at this tavern. It's well worth the journey. Be ware that it can be really crowded on the weekend because it is a destination for groups such as bikers and custom cars. Loved the stews. And the burgers are especially good. Loved the ambience because it's not hard to can imagine what this stage stop was like early in the last century. read more
The Cold Spring Tavern is on the road to nowhere, so you just want to go there. Bring some walking shoes because on a busy day, you might have to park down the road a ways. This is an old place so it was never made for as many visitors as it gets these days. Go on an off day, and it's not much of a problem. Bring a jacket or a sweater, because it can be cool inside no matter what time of year it is. The beer was cold and the food was good, but it's the atmosphere that makes this place special. If you come this far and you don't have a good time, then that's on you, not this establishment. I liked Cold Spring Tavern enough that I bought one of their tee shirts, and it's thick cotton and warm just like what you might need if you eat here in the cold months of the year! read more
I'd been curious about this place for about a year and finally made it in for a Friday lunch around noon. It was already very busy when I arrived, and parking was limited to the shoulder of the road. I found a spot, but had an uncomfortable interaction with other patrons over parking that set a negative tone from the start. I was also concerned about my car, though the host was kind enough to reassure me he could keep an eye on it, which I appreciated. Service started off well. The waitress was friendly, and the food came out quickly. I ordered the tri-tip French dip (requested rare) with a side of coleslaw. The sandwich was cooked to the correct temperature and had good flavor, but the quality of the meat was disappointing. It was extremely chewy and full of sinew, to the point where I had to pull pieces apart by hand rather than being able to bite through it. That's not typical for tri-tip, and at around $20, it felt like a poor value. While the seasoning was good, the cut itself really undermined the dish. The coleslaw was also a miss for me. It was heavily dominated by a processed black pepper flavor and otherwise tasted mostly like mayonnaise. I took a few bites and left it. When the waitress asked how it was, I told her honestly that I didn't like it. She acknowledged it but didn't offer a replacement or alternative, which felt like a missed opportunity. I was seated outside, which initially seemed like a plus, but the experience quickly deteriorated. A propane delivery truck arrived and couldn't access its designated spot because it wasn't blocked off and was occupied by a customer vehicle. The truck idled nearby for 10-15 minutes, creating noise. During that time, another delivery truck pulled up behind it and blocked my car in. When I was ready to leave, I had to wait for both vehicles to clear out before I could exit. Overall, what I hoped would be a relaxed, scenic lunch turned into a fairly stressful experience. Between the parking issues, food quality, and logistical disruptions, it didn't meet expectations. I don't think I'd return. read more
I heard about this place just a few days ago and since then whenever I asked the people in my circle about this place, they all had great things to say. Me and my 3 girlfriends decided to come here today (Sunday afternoon at about 1:00pm). Parking is limited so you have to park up the road off to the side. We put our name on the list and were told the wait would be about 20 min. The bad was there and ready to play soon. One friend grabbed a beer and I noticed they had some yummy looking Sangria but I decided not to drink today. We were sat in the garden area which was very quiet with beautiful greenery all around us. The sun was just trying to peek through the shady tree so it was just warm enough for about 20 min of our meal in which we didn't need a sweater. I highly recommend you bring a light jacket or sweater because most of the restaurant seating is outdoors and it's cool in the shade. The service was great. Our waitress introduced herself to us right away. I ordered a tri-tip sandwich and upgraded to onion rings. The tri-tip was delicious. The serving of meat in it was just right. I got 4 large onion rings and honestly after 2 of them, I was pretty full of them. I love the apple horseradish dip and the bbq sauce was also delicious. The reason why I give this a 4 stars is because of the inconvenience to split the check beyond 2 tickets and when the tickets are split they basically take the total of the bill and split it exactly 50/50. There is also no contactless pay method. Bring cash if you come in a group of more than 2 or be prepared to do some math. I still think this is a must-try place when in the Santa Barbara area. read more
This place is 100/100 definitely a must It hidden gem The service was amazing our waitress was so informative about the property and history of the restaurant and surround property. She made our experience fanatics. So much to do not sure where to start. I highly recommend to get there right when they open ,give your self extra time to walk around and park. Explore the property. Drinks were delicious had the house sangria Food was just as it should be for bbq and smoking meats. My table of friends had a bit of everything. No complaints and a lot of thumps up. They have a live Band makes the ambience and experience like you're out of town somewhere far. They were the original makers of Hidden Valley Ranch. So there was plenty of dipping to go around. read more
Hidden in the mountains in a far away land. This gem of a place needs to be at the top of your list when visiting Santa Barbara. Seriously, I promise you won't be disappointed. It literally feels like you're walking into a historic atmosphere with all the rustic buildings. Pretty neat to see the ojai jail that was on ripleys believe it or not, and the blisshaven cottage that was purchased for $23 back in 1941. The log cabin bar has local craft beers, wines, specialty cocktails. The bartenders are super sweet & we're welcoming despite the long line. If you get lucky to sit inside they have a fireplace and other seating that makes for a more enjoyable stay during the cold. Outside is really beautiful and I'm sure it gets busy during the summer. Plenty of seating which is always a plus in my book. The restaurant itself serves a full menu of foods hence the longer wait time. We opted for the tri tip sandwich which was being cooked outside and found seating quickly. Great music, food/drinks can't wait to visit the next time we're in the area. read more
Some things to be aware of for this review. We went about 30 minutes before closing and we went on a gloomy cold day so the photos aren't the best. 1- setting: the setting is great! Right by a spring (duh) and it's free Coverage so you feel really secluded. We lost service here so plan for that. The restaurant looks so quaint almost like a fairytale. 2- service: service was quick and very nice. We came in close to closing but they were still very nice. 3- food: - onion rings: these have a very thick coating. We prefer onion rings with a thin coating so these were not our favorite but the amount that is given was great and even though it's not our favorite type of onion ring, they were still pretty good. If you like that type of onion ring with a batter, I would recommend trying it out. -chili cheese fries: I love chili cheese fries, and I find that it's pretty hard to mess them up. These are unique because the chili has whole beans in it. I have never had chili cheese fries where the chili had whole beans in it. I'm used to more of the type of chili you get at a burger joint or even Wienerschnitzel. With that being said, it was really good and you get a lot. I would recommend you trying it out as long as you are OK with that type of chili being used. -tri-tip sandwich plate: this was a 10/10. My high school used to do tri-tip sandwiches for football games and while it's probably still #1 in my heart this is the closest a restaurant have ever been to dethroning it. The salad was good and the sandwich is delicious. We agreed that we would come back for this alone. Something to note is that the sauce comes on the side so if you like your tri-tip sandwiches saucy ask for extra. ( We tried both the BBQ sauce and the horseradish and both were a hit. read more
We chose to make the drive to this stop on our way to Santa Barbara. Parking is terrible! Be prepared to walk for a bit. Once you get to the property, totally worth it. A very rustic area with outdoor seating in high demand, indoor seating after a wait. We ate inside then had some time perched outside. We thoroughly enjoyed our visit. Once the band started up, I wished we could stay longer. The singer was amazing. We had to move along because we had reservations, but if we hadn't, I would have been happy spending an afternoon there. read more
Cold Spring Tavern was on our must-do list while visiting Santa Barbara over MLK weekend and came highly recommended by a friend. We arrived around 2 PM and parking along the hillside was pretty packed, but we were able to find a spot farther down. Just a heads up if you have little ones, it's steep and there isn't much room to walk when cars are passing, so be extra attentive. We checked in and waited about 1 hour and 15 minutes without a reservation. Apparently you can call ahead to make one, which we didn't know until after, and I'd definitely recommend doing that. The atmosphere is really unique, especially with the live band. It reminded me a bit of Frontierland at Disneyland and feels like a place you don't experience very often. It does get a little chilly while waiting, so bring a light jacket. We did full-service dining since the full menu is available. If you're short on time, there's also a tri-tip-only option next door where you order by ticket. For food, we ordered the tri-tip sandwich with wild game chili, the bison burger with their famous onion rings, and mac and cheese with fries for our kid (I'd skip the mac and cheese since it's basically Kraft). The tri-tip and bison burger were solid, but the onion rings were the star and some of the best I've ever had. Overall, 4 stars. Great atmosphere and solid food, but I docked a star for the long wait time and very slow, inattentive table service. read more
18 days ago
I honestly feel like food wise it's more of a 3.5. It's such a cute place and I love going just for the vibes. The staff is pretty nice here too. The food is just hot the best and isn't managed well being of the amount of people I guess. The veggie burger was requested without cheese because my friend is a vegan and they brought it out with cheese. The tavern burger also came without any toppings I guess they forgot. It got resolved after asking but they're just scattered and the food is just okay. It's definitely worth going once because it's such a pretty restaurant. read more
I drove a Birthday Party of 9 down here on a Friday in one of our Sprinter vans. We arrived at 11:30ish, its first come first served. Parking is along the side of the road, parallel parking. RV's, trailers, big vans don't work here. We were lucky enough to park legally in a handicapped stall. Also I believe theres a no dog policy, I'm not sure why as you sit at picnic tables out side, also some inside seating. This is an old camp/cafe/stage coach stop built in 1868 or so, a days ride back then. The folks here have this dialed in the service. The menu is quote interesting, old spin on american favorites and yet something for most everyone. I went with the Bison Flank steak, medium I asked for a side of cole slaw. There was nothing exceptionally flavorful. In fact it was disappointing. The Bison was probably beef, flank is generally not a tender cut thats why its thinly cut and flash cooked The slaw as bland as it comes. I tried the fries, pass the ketchup please. The iced tea was very good, strong and tasted fresh. Everyone seemed to enjoy their meal and the conversation about our meal choice lead to sampling. Good fun and a good group, they bought my lunch...so there are "free lunches" in life. Its worth a tuesday lunch visit, once in my opinion. foodguy-martin read more
Rustic Detour Worth Every Mile Tucked away between Los Olivos and Santa Barbara, this historic tavern feels like stepping back in time. It's not exactly on the main drag, but that's part of its charm--an off-the-beaten-path gem that rewards the curious traveler. The atmosphere is warm and rustic, with fascinating landmark markers and bits of history sprinkled throughout. We started with the chili trio: classic beef, bison and rabbit, and a vibrant chili verde. I stuck with the traditional, which was hearty and flavorful, while my husband couldn't stop raving about the other two. For mains, I went with the Tri Tip sandwich paired with rich au jus and a comforting chicken tortilla soup. My husband opted for the bison burger--juicy, tender, and cooked to perfection. And the tri tip was soft and melted in my mouth. Every bite hit the spot. Service? Attentive and genuinely friendly, adding to the tavern's welcoming vibe. If you're up for a little adventure, this place is worth the detour. read more
This is such a hidden gem. I've been here a few times now and the people I bring always react the way I did the first time I came. It feels like you stepped back in time. It was originally a stage coach stop in the 1800's. The buildings remain and now is a tavern and restaurants including their famous tri tip. It's hidden in the mountains off highway 154. They regularly have live bands and you can sit outside and eat and drink. The tri tip was a bit tough this last trip though. The sauces are really good. Next time I think I'll try the restaurant. It's just a very unique, cool spot and you feel like you are in on a secret when you are there. It can get crowded and parking can be a challenge, but people leave regularly or you can park on the edge of the mountain roads. Go if you are in the area, a little slice of history read more
This place is well off the beaten path just outside of Santa Barbara and it's an outdoor BBQ spot. It's very rustic and cute we enjoyed exploring the area and outdoor seating spots. The food was ok, not the best tritip I've had but the onion rings are amazing! The service was excellent and the ambiance is something worth checking out. Would I run back here right away? Probably not, but I'd stop in once to check it out and bring the kiddos to enjoy. read more
An old stagecoach stop that is open for lunch Friday-Tuesday. Original!! Food (ribs) and drinks (Adeline's lemonade) Delicious!! Everyone is super friendly and helpful!! The seating outside is really nice but I like sitting inside because it gives the feeling of living 100 years ago. Next time I go up north I will plan it to where I can stop there again and have lunch. Found a separate bar after- next time if there's a wait, I will start there. :-) read more
Hello fans! It's us, you know, I'm sure you've seen us on the 2019 Man vs. Food episode about The Cold Spring Tavern with Casey Webb, right?? Starts at 6:25 into the episode and my wife and I are at 6:50. I'm wearing a gray polo and the wife is in pink. Boy, Casey was great, interviewed us for about 30 minutes, fed us a free second meal (after we had started the one we ordered before being asked to be on the show) and we had a lot of fun. The first time the episode aired, we were in it a lot more than this version I just found (okay, maybe 15 seconds rather than 1 here): https://youtu.be/r2iM4vD-hxI?si=bxqSQPQwypIz_2dQ I swore I had written a review of the incredible experience that is The Cold Spring Tavern but I guess I haven't yet! Please forgive me! My wife and I have been spending either birthdays or anniversaries (or both) in the Santa Ynez Valley almost every year since 2002. And before that, I camped along the Santa Ynez River and Lake Cachuma for several years. AND I NEVER KNEW THIS PLACE EXISTED! I had researched and visited pretty much every single winery, brewery and restaurant in the area but never knew that The Cold Spring Tavern was tucked underneath the impressive Cold Spring Canyon Arch Bridge on which we'd traveled dozens and dozens of times. How could we not have known?? Well, because, naturally, there is NO sign at all along Highway 154 pointing to what the world needs to know as a Hidden Gem! Oh, wait, ok, I get it. Don't tell anybody about this place! I don't want the world (or the Kardashians or "Influencers") to ruin it. The place gets crowded on weekends and you might be parking a ways down the narrow forested road but don't worry, the peaceful location and the food are worth the wait and the trek. Arrive at opening time like we do so you can avoid all that. We always like sitting inside the awesome, rustic little cabin but there are lots of tables outside and in the back, too. On Sundays, a band plays in the afternoon outside. If you eat outside, you can just order your famous tri-tip sandwich outside and pull up a spot to gulp it down. I ALWAYS order the amazing Santa Maria style tri-tip sandwich. There is a reason folks come by car, motorcycle and hiking in droves to get here. It's delicious and comes with three incredible sauces which I always combine: homemade salsa, BBQ sauce and "apple" horseradish. The wife almost always orders the chile verde which is fantastic. And we always order the famous beer battered onion rings which are truly awesome. Service is always friendly and quick. There's also a bar in a separate building. read more
Cold spring tavern is a unique and fun dining experience tucked away in the mountains of Santa Barbara. We came by on a Friday afternoon and easily snagged a parking spot on the side of the road. We also got a great table on the back deck near the creek - it was breezy and we were surrounded by greenery! We enjoyed a French dip with au jus, buffalo burger, side salad with creamy Italian dressing, crispy salty fries, and a (surprisingly bomb!) clam chowder. Our server was friendly and attentive, the bathrooms were clean, and the grounds were beautiful. Great place for a fun date! They also have live music on weekends so expect more crowds and to spend more time looking for parking. read more
5 months ago
Needed a quick bite before playing golf at Rancho San Marcos so we stopped by Cold Spring Tavern. We sat in the bar and knew that we wanted French Dip sandwiches. The waiter Jose took the order and delivered 2 sandwiches within 4 minutes. Wish we had more time. read more
Always stop by for a tri tip sandwich when I'm passing by. They've expanded operations these years with outdoor stalls that you can grab and go a tri tip sandwich in minutes. There's also a sit down option but the wait can be an hour. Rustic buildings and beautiful green forests make the experience feel even more special. Extra horseradish sauce, BBQ sauce, and spicy salsa is self serve. Street parking is hard to find, but if you tag team one person to buy the sandwich, the food should be ready before the driver swings back around. read more
24 days ago
1 year ago
Tucked in the mountains outside Santa Barbara lies this rustic but lively tavern! The drive up is long, steep, and winding. We found street parking close by the restaurant and walked in. Heads up! Dogs are NOT allowed on the premises on weekends! We went on a Sunday and enjoyed a live band singing a lot of great hits. This spot is not only super historic, but also super tasty! We got the tavern burger, buffalo burger, Tri tip sandwich, tri tip french dip, and cold spring chili. We chose to upgrade most of our sides to onion rings and they did not disappoint! My standout favorites were the juicy tri tip sandwich with their one of a kind apple horseradish, the surprisingly delicious cold spring chili, and the onion rings. Cold Spring Chili 10/10: This is probably the best chili I've ever had. As someone who doesn't enjoy beans very much (due to the texture) I actually thoroughly enjoyed this chili! It was super tomatoey and had a lot of beef and flavor! We especially enjoyed dipping the fries and onion rings into the chili. Tavern Burger and Buffalo Burger 8/10: A very decent burger! I wouldn't come all the way out just for this burger but it was good. Although, if I were to pick between the two burgers we ordered, I'd just get the cheaper tavern burger because they taste the same. Tri-tip sandwich and french dip 7/10: These sandwiches were pretty identical. The only difference was the ah jus on the side. I'm not too big of a fan of dipping my sandwiches so I preferred the original sandwich. These sandwiches were good but a tad bit plain without the horseradish sauce. They were lacking a little in flavor. But, the apple horseradish sauce saved the day. I'd like the sauce a bit more if it had a bit more of that classic nasally spice but I just prefer that. My parents liked the sauce as is. BBQ Ranch Salad 5/10: Sorta forgettable. This salad wasn't the star of the show. We really got it just to get some greens into the kids ;) The SIDES!!! 10/10: I think the sides are where this place really shines! The crispy, crunchy onion rings were to DIE for. I LOVED them. The french fries were also good, fresh, and crispy. The potato salad was surprisingly really good. It was creamy, bright, and not too soft (i like a potato salad with chunks) You can't go wrong with these sides! Our service wasn't too good to be honest. We had to ask our waitress for extra napkins and horseradish multiple times before she came back with them. My cousin asked for a refill on his drink and she left and never came back! A bit disappointing but not a deal breaker. Overall, I'd come back if I'm nearby but I wouldn't go out of my way to drive up a mountain just to eat here. The food was decent but not really worth the trip. If you're looking for a good time and lively weekend ambiance, this is your place! read more
This is the hidden gem of hidden gems. Nestled away in the forests near the 101, you'll pass a giant bridge and find under it a hidden tavern where you'll park on the side of the mountain. Here, there's smells of barbecue and sounds of live music all over. It was very packed and they close quite early so make it an early pit stop if you're traveling along the central coast. I shared the BBQ ribs and New York strip steak and it was amazing. Everything about this place was quite nice and I enjoyed the rustic vibe. Even though there was a lot of people here I felt very accommodated and even got outdoor seating. Overall highly recommended that you make this a stop along the way on your travels. read more
8 months ago
My husband and I really liked this place when we came! My husband's from Texas, so I'd really reminded him of an old rustic, cozy ambience and this is such a great addition to our Santa Barbara trip! The service is great and the food was excellent!! Definitely will come again when we're in the area! read more
A Stagecoach stop in the 1800s ... now serving delicious Tri Tip sandwiches. You must stop by. It gets busy, so go early. My amigas and I loved it! We sat inside. It was a bit warm in there. I ordered a Tri tip sandwich and it was great. My friend ordered a pulled pork sandwich and she liked it. The other got a Tri tip sandwich and she really liked it! We tried the famous onion rings which were crispy goodness! No picture as we were too quick to eat them! We all left full and happy. Great customer service. It was busy but service was quick! They were so attentive. Parking can be tight but I'd suggest to go. Evite noon. No pets on weekends per a sign we saw posted. They also had a live band. What an awesome place to hang on a weekend! Love the "Yellowstone" feel to this spot. We didn't walk about to the creek , so we are unsure if there was water in it. We have to go back. read more
6 months ago
Amazing sandwiches. The wait to eat in the actual restaurant was extremely long, however, they have a station made just for their tri-tip sandwiches which they make on the spot in front of you. They smoke their tri-tip on site and you can tell the quality of the meat. Tables were mostly for restaurant guests but there were plenty of benches and tables for guests just buying togo. Very lively yet tranquil at the same time, eating next to the forest. Parking is a little bad though so be prepared to walk a little. read more
9 months ago
Went on a Saturday and there is not a lot of parking unless you park on the side of the highway and do some walking. Got there half hour after opening and it was still totally packed. No dogs allowed on weekends so I had to sit across the street sadly. Looks cool and it's pretty. The tri tip was just okay. At least I can say I went. Prob won't need to go again though. read more
Tavern hidden up in the hills. Arrived around noon and it was about an 45 minute wait. The parking is plenty but is just on the side of the street which makes the road narrow. You can walk around the tavern a bit and see an old jail, a few different cabin buildings while you wait. I was seated inside and it's a large warm cabin. The food comes out pretty quick and super hearty. The service is friendly and quick. We left around 2pm and I overheard the hostess saying they were no longer taking names so getting there early is important. read more
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Ask the Community - Cold Spring Tavern
Are there high chairs available for babies?
Absolutely! Just let host know you require one when you check in for your table!
Are there gluten free options for a celiac?
Yes, my SIL is celiac. She enjoyed the tri tip and a salad
Parking? Looking to take a trip up there but would have my travel trailer attached to our truck is there parking to accommodate us?
The parking is just along the shoulder of the road - I don't think it would be easy with a travel trailer attached, but it's not forbidden.
What is weather like during thanksgiving weekend?
Hard question to answer! It varies year to year. Most likely it will be in the 60’s. It has rained and it has been sunny. We do have heaters for the cool weather outside and fireplaces inside.
Are they still doing dinner?
Hi! We are not doing dinner this summer (2024). We hope to restart later in the year after staffing shortages ease. Check our website for updates. Www.coldspringtavern.com
Do you have outdoor seating? Can we bring dogs?
Hello! We do have outdoor seating in front and back of Tavern. Dogs are allowed Monday, Thurs, and Friday for lunch at tables in front of Tavern. They are not allowed at dinner or on Sat or Sunday. Thanks and hope to see you soon!
I know it's a long shot, but are there gluten free options by chance for someone who can't have bread and other glutens?
I am not sure about this but you can view their menu online.
Does the Tavern have a cottage or cabin for an overnight rental? If not are there any local spots adjacent to their surroundings with the same atmosphere to the Tavern?
Hello! We do not have any overnight accommodations at the Tavern. There are no overnight places on the mountain; however you might want to check out Rancho Oso for camping or go into the Dutch town of Solvang that has many quaint B&B's or hotels.…
Does Cold Spring Tavern serve the tri-tip sandwiches on weekdays as well?
HI Rika - we do serve our famous Tri-tip sandwiches every day that we are open for lunch. Mon and Thursday/Friday from 11:30 - 3:30 and Sat/Sun from 11:30 - 5:00. During the week you can get our sandwiches by dining in our restaurant which has…
I see that you close at 3:30pm on the days opened, will your staff still be turning people around if they arrive 30 mins before closing(even for takeouts) like they done us this year?
Hi Seth! Our policy is that our kitchen closes for lunch service at 3:30 Mon, Thurs, Fri, and Saturday. We close at 5:00 on Sunday. It is always a good idea to arrive at least 30 minutes before closing time to ensure that you can get seated and…
Are you open on Sunday June 19th, 2022 for Father's Day?
Yes we are open from 11:30 to 5:00. Live music from 1:30 to 4:30. Outdoor tri-tip open 11:00 - 5:00. See you Sunday!
I would like to buy a gift card as a birthday gift. How can I do that online?
Hello! You can’t purchase online. However if you call during our open hours and ask to speak to Donna she can send one to you! 805-967-0066.
Is it easy to get an uber or lyft out of there?
They both serve it, but of course availability might vary depending on how busy they are. If you can book in advance that will ensure you get a ride. Right now (midday Tuesday) cost is about $30 to downtown SB.
Do you allow dogs?
I’m sorry Donna but we can no longer allow dogs because we cook our tri-tip outdoors and it is against health regulations. Thanks for understanding!
Any vegan options for dinner?
Hi Emily, We have a lovely Grilled Portobello Mushroom Ratatoille which is very popular with our…
Are you still doing the weekend tri tip sandwiches?
Tri-tip sandwiches cooked outside on the grill are on our lunch menu every day that we are open. We are not able to do the walk-up tri-tip station on the weekends due to the virus. All seating is outdoors and you need to put your name in for a…
Do they have a Kids menu?
Hello. Yes we do have a kid's menu. It includes a hot dog, mac and cheese, chicken tenders, or a junior tri-tip sandwich....all served with fries. Hope to see you soon!
Are there vegetarian options at dinner? I only see them on the lunch menu
Hi Amanda! We do have vegetarian options on the menu. There is always a pasta dish on our specials that can be vegetarian or we can do a salad or vegetable plate. Hope to see you soon!
How far from Solvang is this place?
About 20 miles...maybe a 25 minute drive from the tavern.
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