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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
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.
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.
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.
3 years ago
Went here since I saw an IG reel on it and thought it looked cool. Made a day trip out of it since it's about 2 hrs away. Went with my Hubby. This place was a lot smaller than I thought in person. There are 3 different small wood buildings. One's a bar, one's a restaurant and one's a gift shop. Learned that this place is over 160 years old!! It was once a jail, a BnB and a gang hangout! lol stagecoach era! Crazy! There's not official parking here. You just park on the edges sounding the Cold Spring Tavern area. The Tri tip sandwiches were good! Big and tasty! $14 each. Ordered a sangria and the bar. Their specialty was beer on tap but they had what looked like a full bar. That was delicious as well! We ordered onion rings and fries. Fries were just ok. Onion rings were salty and soggy at times so we ended up throwing those out. As we were leaving there was a live band starting to play. There were ALOT of hikers there. Had a whole section dedicated to just bikes. Pretty cool to see. Overall, it was nice to check out once, but we are foodies and it's not something we would come back for. Awesome to try out at least once though! read more
6 months ago
The food was beyond amazing! But the onion rings were the star of the show for me. Perfectly crispy and golden brown. Worth the drive. read more
1 year ago
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1 year ago
This. place. is. fire. My friend was trying to not hype me up about this place and hide is excitement about this place. He said he go only togo but he wanted to sit down here and eat. . It is tucked inside the mountain off the 154 on your way to Solvang. Ambiance: there's a beautiful stream right next to the tavern surrounded by lush beautiful trees. i mean this place got some history. A lot of the buildings actually had uses before they became a restaurant. certain buildings hold people working on the railroad. There's two buildings that were jails at one point. People use to stay here when they were riding through the mountains on their horses so they can rest in between trips. A lot of the wood was still the original wood just refinished. Food: what can i say about the food holy moly. Everything was a hit for us. The chili sampler, the venison steak sandwhich, the tri tip steak, and the french dip sandwich, the onion rings. And the special apple cobbler dessert with ice cream. I mean, everything slaps! The hot cider on a chilly day is a must! Service: mr wyatt had full of energy even he was pretty busy with his other tables. He was so glad to help us and was very kind to do so. This place can get busy, there is a very very small parking lot on dirt next to the restaurant. You most likely can park on the side of the where the dirt is. That how must cars did it. Five stars all around. read more
Okay, first off--the service here is SO kind, friendly and helpful! That's honestly what stood out to me as soon as I arrived. The food was incredible and definitely lives up to its reputation. I got the French dip tri-tip sandwich and it's probably my favorite I've ever had. I got a side of bbq sauce with it and extra horse radish (both sauces are out of this world and made in-house). You can also get the onion rings as a side (it doesn't say this on the menu) and I highly recommend getting these. Love the batter and flavor on these. The chili has so much flavor too, we got the cup just so we could try it. Wish I had ordered more than that so we could have taken it home for later. Highly suggest getting there when they open, it fills up FAST. We got there at 11:45 on a Friday and the tables were almost all filled up already. We sat outside and it was stunning, you could hear birds chirping all around you. There are these tiny little flies that linger at your table (probably because they're aware of how good the food is). It was too bad for us, but something to note if you'd rather sit inside and not deal with them. Inside is so unique and rustic looking. There's also a bar you can sit at beforehand if you need to wait to be seated. The historical placards around the property are really fun and interesting to read too! read more
This is unlike anything you will see or find in Santa Barbara. It certainly doesn't feel like Santa Barbara when you get here. You feel like you are in a mountain town somewhere far, far away... This is apparently an old stagecoach shop. It is a very cool looking restaurant that is very popular and gets very busy. Do yourself a favor and make reservations, whether it is for lunch or dinner. We saw some irate people who did not make reservations but who felt entitled to be served over those who HAD made reservations (they were angry and defiant but they did not win the battle). I think reservations are only made by phone call so it's time to use your cell phone for an actual telephone call. The food is good and hearty here. The onion ring appetizer was very good. The burgers are big and very good. The tri tip sandwich? It was fine. The meat could have been a little more tender but it was flavorful enough. The roll the sandwich came on was very nice. They also have beer and booze here. For some reason, beer and booze taste better in the mountains, especially when it is chilly. Speaking of booze, Cold Spring Tavern has a separate bar where you do NOT need reservations; however, you cannot order food off the menu just because you found a seat inside the bar. Parking is interesting. There are a handful of spots in the lot but, almost certainly, you will park on the side of the road like everyone else. You will see what I mean when you get here. This is a very cool restaurant that feels like a step back in time. It's absolutely worth a visit. read more
2 years ago
Had the tri-tip and french dip (both the same sandwich, but French dip doesn't have the sauces, and add the au jus), I prefer the tri-tip. Yes on the onion rings, yes on the potato salad, so so the coleslaw, no on the barbecue ranch salad. Grilled cheese is good, although not grilled. Atmosphere 12/10. Service 10/10 read more
Took a drive out today while visiting SB and was not disappointed! The drive was easy and gorgeous. The parking lot is small so you will probably have to park down the road. I went on a Saturday, you can just order the sandwich and chips immediately or get on the waitlist for the full menu. We decided to get on the waitlist and it was about a 45 minute wait. We ordered 2 Tri tip sandwiches with potato salad. YUM!!! I loved the au jus sauce and my husband loved the horseradish. The potato salad was decent but I was really blown away with the chili, phenomenal! Bring a deck of card and enjoy your wait! read more
1 year ago
I got the famous tri tip sandwich with a side fries. In my opinion, it was one of the worst tri tip sandwiches I've had. It was very dry, flavorless, cold, and skimpy with meat; fries were bad too. Seating was closed an hour and half before closing too; staff was real nice though. read more
1 year ago
Awesome tri-tip sandwiches in an out of the way outdoor canyon! Beautiful space. Not too hot on a late May day. I do recommend getting there early to avoid standing in line. read more
7 months ago
My sister suggested eating here on our way home from Solvang. She said she had eyed this place for a while. This place is definitely off the beaten track but it's done nothing to dissuade people from coming here. The parking is wherever you can find it so come early. We were fortunate to get here right as they opened. As you approach you're immediately drawn to the charm and the rustic atmosphere. It is a very cool stop! The wait wasn't long and we're seated outdoor in the back, which was totally unexpected but very welcoming. There's more to this place than meets the eye. This used to be a historic stage stop. Our server Paxton was wonderful! He took our orders right away and made sure he took good care of us. The food came out quickly, hot, and delicious with huge portions! No wonder this is called a "Feast in the Forest!" A tip is to bring something for the annoying flies! We can't wait to return here! read more
1 year ago
Go early folks! It's one of those narrow streets in the mountain where people park all along the sides and only one car can either go up or down. From what I can see it looks like they have a to-go section only for the tri-tip sandwich and a restaurant which is located in the middle. You can't really tell but there is a host table somewhere in the front. Then there's the bar. Not sure how the seating works. But you'll get to be where the live band is playing. We had to come and try out their tri tip sandwich! It's good with either the tangy bbq sauce or apple horseradish. It's $16 for one. I wish they offered raw onions on the side and pickles! Seating can be a bit rough. Just gotta sit wherever you can sit really. Even if you need to share tables with others. There's also benches and a few more log chairs across the street. Overall, it was a great experience and I love live bands. Definitely will be returning with my onion and pickles! read more
1 year ago
What do I say but OMG , from the food to the location amazing. Had the Tri tip sandwich and Beef dip and they were so flavorful and filling. The kids chicken tender were the best my daughter or I have ever tasted . We had onion rings and fries and both we so good . I would definitely recommend this place to anyone, staff was so nice and accommodating. The location is off the beaten path but when you get there you will be amazed. read more
9 months ago
This is a must-try on every trip to Santa Barbara. We have been coming here for about 40 years. The food is always dependable- and the staff is amazing- shoutout to Paxton and Chuckles! You must get the wild game chili and the tri-tip bbq sandwich (onion rings on the side). They also do an amazing dinner service. This time around, we got the best seat in the house!! Great people watching, steeped in history. read more
I can't say enough good things about this place! We got there before they opened at 11:30am and put down our name, and they was called us right at 11:30 for a table. If you arrive before they open, don't be shocked by the amount of people here as it goes very quickly. We ordered the onion rings to start and they were delicious (also big enough for a group of 4+). For our mains, my friend ordered the French dip sandwich with roasted tri-tip and I ordered the pulled pork sandwich, in which we both got a potato salad as our sides. The food was all absolutely to die for! Our server Riley is an absolute gift to this place - he was so wonderful and welcoming, gave us great recommendations, and was extremely attentive!!! Such a ray of light! They also have a large BBQ grill area where you can order and get your food to enjoy in their outdoor seating area. The location is set in an incredibly beautiful wooded, nature filled area with lots of trees! Ambiance is killer, and the food is ever better. Great, great, great spot! 5 stars over and over again. Thanks so much to our server Riley for such a wonderful experience! read more
1 year ago
Yummy food. Prices are high but consistent with the area. Our waiter was very professional and courteous. Staff was friendly and helpful. Even the GM in the gift shop was friendly and pleasant to talk with. read more
1 year ago
What a lovely surprise! As tourist in Santa Barbara Cold Springs Tavern came highly recommended in our research and wow it did not disappoint! It was definitely worth the trek up the Santa Ynez mountains because it's not every day you get to eat lunch at a historically correct wagon stop. The ambience walking in felt like going back in time. I told my husband I felt like I was in a movie. We order some chili fries and some sandwiches which were delicious. The service was fantastic everyone was so polite, kinda, and helpful. read more
Stopped by here on the way to Santa Barbara for a weekend getaway and we had an interesting experience just getting here. We came after normal lunch hours but it was still really packed. Lots of cars park on the road so we had to make quite the walk just to make our way here. The wait time for us was pretty long, we came around 2:15pm but we finally got seated and got our food almost around 4pm (hopefully this doesn't happen too often!) We were surprised by the wait time during after lunch hours, but it's not a bad place to kill time by taking lots of cute pictures! It's a very outdoorsy space, and the vibe was very lively and southern. Me and my gf are both Asian so we kinda stood out because 95% of the people there were white. Service was friendly and helpful but sometimes you'd have to be very assertive in grabbing a hold of them when you need them. We had the tavern burger and the cold spring trip tip. Onion rings and fries were solid and the burger was filling. The trip tip was really good, but I think it's better off not really as a sandwich! There's too much bread and it can take away from the taste of the meat! We came away pretty full! Good place to stop by for all kinds of casual occasions when you're in SB, but keep note of the possible long waits depending on when you come! read more
1 year ago
We had a wonderful lunch with a grilled cheese sandwich and pulled pork sandwich. The coleslaw is especially good. read more
definitely a tourist hot spot, they're very well known and for good reason. the menu has a wide variety so there is something for everyone, but they're known for their meat dishes. the area is such a vibe because it's up in the mountains and super rustic. beware, it gets packed and wait times can get long, but it's worth it. read more
3 years ago
This was a 5+star experience on ALL fronts. The food is worth the wait and you can taste the freshness and the quality in every dish! Between the 4 of us we had the buffalo burger, chef special burger, tri-tip, ribs and chili sampler. Each piece of meat was a carnivores dream! The chili sampler was delicious and fun to try all of them. Our server, Grant, as well as every other staff member we encountered went above and beyond. My nona is in a wheelchair and they dropped everything to make sure she was taken care of. From special parking, to helping get her from the gravel to the ramp, I was so impressed by their thoughtfulness. It was a fun place to be and an incredible experience! read more
After hearing about this place and seeing reviews we had to give this place a try. We came for dinner and had reservations. The restaurant itself is pretty cool and awesome location up in the woods. The restaurant is an old stagecoach stop and is mostly all original I guess. There really isn't a parking lot so you just park along side of the road. We were told the Tri tip is a must as well as the onion rings. I ordered the Tri tip and wife got the chicken. We also got the onion rings as an app. The onion rings were pretty good. I will say the best item I ate there. Not mind blowing but pretty good. The chicken came with stuffing. Wife did not like it at all nor did our friends. I thought it was ok but couldn't eat a lot of it. She got the fingerling potatoes which were ok. I got the Tri tip. This is supposedly what they are known for. It was alright. I needed to add the bbq sauce for taste. Everyone agreed in our group. My Tri tip is much much better than this so I was extremely disappointed. I also got mashed potatoes which were decent. Both dishes also came with mixed vegetables which were also decent. In summary this place seems to be a hype due to its location and ambiance. The food is not great. We all agreed if we were with someone who really wanted to try it we'd go but wouldn't recommend or go back on our own accord. To many other great places to eat in downtown in my opinion. read more
What a great place to visit while in Santa Barbara. We had a full day trip to Santa Ynes and managed to have dinner here at 4 pm. We walked in at 3:55 and was surprised that the hostess seated us without any hesitation. I was thinking we would get some sandwiches to go but we got lucky and got a table. The food was good. The ribs were our most favorite, then the pulled pork sandwich then the tri-tip sandwich. The sides were delicious so was the chili. Service was ok, probably it was closing time so they had to rush rush. Overall a great meal with my family. After we ate we sat outside to enjoy the live music which was super lovely. The ambiance here is soooo amazing. I got myself a rose sangria and enjoyed it while listening to music and watching people dance and enjoy life. This is what it's all about. My kids had a great time so did we. A must stop for us when in the area. read more
2 years ago
OMG what a great experience. Enjoying yummy food outdoors and a cool tavern Shrek like experience lol.. Dog friendly weekdays outdoor patio. Have to be waited to be seated first don't let the empty benches think you can just plop down they have limited staff so head over to the person wearing the black shirt towards the back abd outvyiur name down. Got seated quickly very friendly staff Ordered the beer fried onion rings such crispy goodness with the ranch went perfectly with my blonde ale. The world famous tri-tip dis not disappoint especially with the apple horseradish, bbq, and salsa... worth it The one thing that was a wonderful surprise was the chili verde. OMG it was so good! Kind of chilly so perfect comfort food. The cheese the flavors was PERFECT! Came with warm tortilla. Ended with the cobbler which cane with ice cream and whipped cream. Crumb topping with tangy apples! Yummy! Will definitely come here as a fun cool stop. Drive or walk (bout half mile) to get pics of the bridge. read more
This place is undoubtedly one of the gems of Santa Barbara. They regularly hosts live music, which adds so much energy and excitement to the place. However, it's busy, so I highly recommend calling ahead for a reservation. Onto the food. The Beer Batter Onion Rings are famous for a reason. They're $14, but the airy, crispiness of the batter into a well seasoned onion ring makes it worth every penny to me. The Tri-tip is smoky, juicy, and so tender. They served the tri-tip with their homemade BBQ sauce and horseradish sauce on the side along with mash potatoes and roasted vegetables. I enjoyed every component of the dish and both sauce pairings were excellent. I wanted to be adventurous and try the San Marcos "Sidra Fuerte" Hard Cider, which was one of the best hot alcoholic drinks I've had - perfect for a cold day. read more
11 months ago
11 months ago
1 year ago
2 years ago
We went there on our way to solvang. This place is so cute and in a very secluded area which makes it very interesting. You feel like you are away from real world since they kept the 1800 look which it was made. The outdoor sitting area is very beautiful and pleasing with the sound of running water close by. We all had venison and burger and both were good. I preferred the burger more though. I Could taste the real meet. Our server was very nice and gave us his opinion on local beers. I only gave them a 4 star since I only had burger and a piece of Venison. So I can't totally bread them on their food. But if hamburger was all they offered I would give them a 5 star. read more
6 months ago
2 years ago
Food is rather good, nice service and large portions. This old stagecoach stop is a neat place to grab a bite in a forest environment. 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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