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    Cold Spring Tavern

    4.3 (1.5k reviews)
    ModerateAmerican, Lounges
    Closed 11:30 am - 4:00 pm

    Cold Spring Tavern Photos

    COLD SPRING TAVERN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Live music
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Cold Spring Tavern

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    Reviews With Photos

    Chili Sampler: May be the best item on the menu
    Gary I.

    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

    Lovely setting
    Isobel L.

    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.

    Grilled Veggie Salad
    Ada W.

    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!

    The Side
    D. D.

    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!

    Road Gang House
    Mike B.

    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!

    outside
    Sarah T.

    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.

    Chili!
    John R.

    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.

    French dip
    Kelly K.

    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.

    Sara B.

    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.

    Tri-tip Sammy and onion rings
    Trish S.

    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.

    Local jail
    Brenda M.

    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.

    Laurie B.

    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.

    arnold palmer
    Meya B.

    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.

    Tri-tip sandwich

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    Cold Spring Tavern Reviews in Other Languages

    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!

    Do they accept dogs?

    We take our yellow lab all the time. Outside only though.

    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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    $$

    The novelty of spinning records wore off fast, and what could've been a cool, defining feature for…read morethe place ended up feeling more like a missed opportunity. Kelly seemed more focused on catering to a small group of guys in cowboy hats than maintaining the vibe that actually makes this spot stand out. Instead of reading the room, she and her May 1st bartender colleague locked into a single stream of country music that clearly wasn't resonating with most of the crowd. That's really the frustrating part, it wasn't just a music choice, it was the complete lack of awareness or willingness to adjust. People weren't being heard, requests were ignored, and the whole "records" concept felt pointless when it was treated so rigidly. If you're going to lean into vinyl as part of the experience, it should feel curated, responsive, and a little bit special, not like someone just putting on their personal playlist and tuning everyone else out. The drinks were genuinely great, which makes the situation even more disappointing. The potential is clearly there, but the execution on the atmosphere just didn't match. If the records are going to stay, they should actually be used to enhance the environment, not limit it. Otherwise, it might be better to ditch the gimmick entirely rather than let it drag down what could be an otherwise standout spot.

    Vaquero Bar is a great spot in Solvang, especially since it's open later than most places in town…read more The cocktails are consistently good, and I love that you can order food right at the bar. The donuts were the perfect sweet treat, and the spicy tuna on crispy rice was absolutely delicious. The atmosphere is fun and welcoming, making it a great place to unwind after exploring Solvang. I'll definitely be back!

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    Vaquero Bar
    Vaquero Bar
    Ribeye

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    Ribeye
    Wine Stone Inn

    Wine Stone Inn

    4.7
    (165 reviews)
    42.0 mi
    $$

    Best little secret in the Santa Maria Valley. Been making anual trips to the area literally all my…read morelife. For generations my family stayed at Santa Maria Inn. The current owners have put the least effort into the beautiful old hotel's upkeep. Shame on them. Super grateful to have found Wine Stone for the family to stay each year from now on. Great nearby restaurants in the charming old town Orcut are frosting on the cake.

    Warning: this hotel is listed under Santa Barbara on Priceline. It is not in Santa Barbara. It is…read morein Orcutt, a long drive away. That misleading listing is what caused me to book in the first place. When I discovered the error, I called to cancel. I asked three times whether a refund would be approved. Three times I was told yes, the manager would take care of it the next day. Don't worry, it's fine. So I trusted them. The next morning: denied. No refund. No explanation. No accountability. Because I trusted their word, I lost the window to just bite the bullet and make the hour drive to and from family. I had to book a second hotel out of pocket, stretching my budget in a way that was genuinely costly. All because a staff member couldn't simply say "I don't know" instead of giving me false assurances to get off the phone. This isn't a miscommunication. It's a lack of integrity. Do not rely on anything you're told verbally here and think twice before booking at all.

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    Bar
    Bar
    Complimentary Breakfast
    Complimentary Breakfast
    Bar

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    Bar
    Sideways Lounge

    Sideways Lounge

    3.8
    (116 reviews)
    20.9 mi
    $$

    Stopped by this evening for a cold one and to try their sliders. Oh so good. Mario was our terrific…read morebartender and a very nice person. Edward prepared the sliders and brought them out nice and tasty. What a great spot and a short walk from our campsite. The ambiance is positive and the big screens had the ball game on. Indoor and outdoor seating with a fire pit. Highly recommended.

    I've stayed at Sideways Inn many times over the years and have often used it as the home base for…read moregolf and wine weekends with friends. Until this visit, I've always had a positive impression. Last night, our group purchased drinks from the Sideways Lounge and sat in the outdoor fireplace area. One member of our group was smoking when an employee approached us and rudely told us smoking wasn't allowed there. That wasn't the issue--we would have gladly complied if the policy had simply been explained respectfully. Instead, we were interrupted multiple times while trying to ask why there were no signs indicating the rule. The employee repeatedly responded, "Well, I'm telling you now." He then told us to go outside the fenced lounge area--even into the parking lot--to smoke, despite posted signs stating that alcohol cannot leave the lounge area. The interaction felt unnecessarily confrontational and inconsistent. Businesses absolutely have the right to enforce their policies. Customers should also expect to be treated with courtesy and respect. Unfortunately, this one interaction overshadowed an otherwise enjoyable trip. After years of staying here and recommending the property to others, I no longer plan to return or recommend Sideways Inn for future golf and wine weekends. I sincerely hope management addresses the customer service issues that led to this experience.

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    Sideways Lounge
    Sideways Lounge
    Sideways Lounge

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    Cold Spring Tavern - tradamerican - Updated August 2026

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