What a wonderful place! Enjoyed great live music topped off with an amazing dinner. The dinners are very filling and well priced as they include a soup or salad starter and side item. I opted for the famous tri-tip sandwich and my companion had the NY strip. Everything was delicious. Can't wait for a chance to go back!

If you're in search of a hidden gem in the scenic hills of Santa Barbara, look no further than the Cold Spring Canyon Tavern. This charming tavern is not only worth the drive from the Los Angeles area, but promises an unforgettable day trip that will leave you yearning to return. Stepping into Cold Spring Canyon Tavern is like stepping back in time. The old-world charm and quaint atmosphere create an ambiance that transports you to a bygone era. It's the perfect spot to unwind, enjoy good company, and soak in the beauty of Santa Barbara. The tavern boasts a fully stocked bar and lively entertainment. The live band added a delightful touch to our visit, infusing the air with melodic tunes that added to the overall experience. Whether you're sipping on a classic cocktail or indulging in a local craft beer, the ambiance is enhanced by the warmth and energy of the establishment. When it comes to food, Cold Spring Canyon Tavern exceeds expectations. We opted for the tri-tip sandwiches and chili verde, and let me tell you, they were absolutely mouthwatering. The tri-tip was perfectly cooked, tender, and bursting with flavor. The chili verde had just the right amount of spice and was packed with deliciously seasoned chunks of meat. It's clear that the kitchen staff takes great pride in their culinary creations. What truly sets Cold Spring Canyon Tavern apart is its exceptional customer service. From the moment we arrived, we were greeted with genuine warmth and hospitality. The staff went above and beyond to ensure that we had a memorable experience, providing prompt and attentive service throughout our visit. Their knowledge and passion for the menu offerings and the area added an extra layer of enjoyment to our meal. Given the tavern's popularity, I highly recommend making a reservation before heading out on your adventure. It's a busy spot, and without a reservation, you might find yourself simply strolling around the picturesque surroundings without experiencing the full magic of Cold Spring Canyon Tavern. However, for those without reservations, the tavern does offer options, including their tantalizing barbecued tri-tip. In conclusion, Cold Spring Canyon Tavern is a true gem tucked away in the hills of Santa Barbara. It's the ideal destination for a day trip from Los Angeles, where you can savor delicious food, revel in live entertainment, and bask in the warm hospitality of the staff. Don't miss the opportunity to experience this old-world tavern. Make a reservation, indulge in the tri-tip sandwiches, soak in the atmosphere, and create memories that will linger long after you leave. *Parking is along the two-lane road in dirt/rocks

+6

Was recommended this place after visiting Solvang. Wasn't expecting such a historic and picturesque place. The food was great and service was also great. Not to mention the ambiance and decor. This is definitely a must-visit restaurant if you are in the area.

+6

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: 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.

+2

What a pleasant surprise. Definitely recommend this cozy place in the mountain - both food and service were above my expectations. Loved their onion rings, tri tips, and scallops. Need to make a reservation for dinner via phone call. Will visit again.

+2

Tucked up in the mountains about 1 mile off of Highway 154 and about 20 minutes out of Santa Barbara sits Cold Spring Tavern. It’s an old stagecoach stop that’s been serving food and beverages since 1865. Our meal was a huge salad and tri-tip sandwiches, and it was delicious and filling. You can have a drink in the bar if you choose or eat out on the outdoor picnic tables. We were served by Grant, whose quick wit and attentive service added to a wonderful meal.

+2

Great spot to make a special trip for. Recommend reservations in advance. And definitely get the try tip 🤤🤤. I got mine without bun (my intention was to finish all of the meat - which I did!).

This is surely a gem in our community. Historic hideaway, with great music, awesome Tri-tip sandwiches (grilled on site), and friendly outdoor vibe on weekend afternoons.

This place did not disappoint! The food was great, service and especially the staff. I tried the tritrip sandwich, venison sandwich, and beer better onion rings FYI park below the restaurant enough parking every one trying to park near it. Enjoy🙃

We went in a Friday afternoon and it wasn't busy. The service was wonderful. It was quick and efficient. The weather was perfect. If you go on the weekends, be prepared for it to be busy. There are no reservations there anymore.

This place is a hidden gem, superb dining, clean restrooms, and great ambiance. Currently, outside dining only with adjusted hours. Reservations are suggested but they still take walk-ins. I had the BBQ tritip sandwich with coleslaw. My friend enjoyed the daily special of ribs, corn on the cobb, and a Margareta (she says, the don't skimp on the alcohol). We both thoroughly enjoyed our meal. Save room for the apple cobbler. It's delicious and a serving size good enough for two.

+5

The best tri-tip sandwich you will ever have! Foods amazing good, staff is the friendly nice,kind and overall coolest place to kick back and listen to music,love it there!

Such a fantastic hidden historical gem! Property was pretty cool. Food was good. Went on a weekday so pretty quiet but imagined it getting extremely busy on the weekends. A must see spot on your way through Santa Barbara.

+2

It's absolutely amazing. It's worth the drive, which is beautiful, by the way. And go to the lady in the shop. Buy a T-shirt and let her tell you about the place. Thank you, Lady, for the tip about Solvang and the history lesson..

Must swing by if in the area. Their tri-tip sandwich is a game-changer, especially after a nice jog with those breathtaking lake and mountain views. Pro tips: grab some chips, crush them up, and sprinkle them over your sandwich for an extra crunch that’ll take it to the next level. You won’t regret it!

Check in to being served took 45 min and it was crowded; food remains the same perfect quality

One of the best tri-tip sandwiches. Friendly staff, not dog friendly, but if you happen to have a four-legged friend with you, you can always order to go. We parked in the shade just outside of the road and had a picnic with the pooch.

+3

We had the tri tip sandwiches and they were so good! What a delicious lunch, with great horseradish and BBQ sauce. The onion rings were fantastic as well!

Amazing historic watering hole with delicious food to boot. Onion rings were excellent. LifePro Tip: add meat to the grilled cheese. Live folk music, very fun atmosphere and wonderful staff.

You gotta go at least once! Great service and food. We'll be back! Parking is not plentiful. We went in a Friday for lunch and got lucky.

You just have to go visit this place for yourself on a Saturday or Sunday. Such a cool vibe with some blues music and a cold beer and a smoked tri-tip sandwich. Jim the owner is such a gracious host. I took my wife and three daughters and he made sure we had a fantastic time. Don't miss out on the onion rings. Best we've ever had. Of course all the food is delicious my favorite being the smoked tri-tip sandwich. Don't miss Cold springs tavern on your trip to Santa Barbara. Thanks again Jim for the hospitality.

Omg the atmosphere was so beautiful and rustic. The fireplace was warm on a rainy day. Even the ghosts made it feel homey. Reminded me of my hometown and I absolutely can't wait to go back the food was so delicious.

I love cold spring tavern. Every time I go I like to sit there and enjoying live music and fresh air. Food is great. I generally take a Tri tip sandwich but this time took a burger and I was happy as always.

Perhaps the best decision we made to re-route in search of a good lunch on our way to Solvang from Los Angeles. The bbq so good, perfection! The soup, the veggie burger. Perfect for sharing size too. The vibe and the ambiance is one with nature like when you are seated outside. Pretty busy for a Monday lunch, was surprised! A lot of cars parked both locals and tourists like us. We did not call to make a reservation but we were seated in 20 minutes. Leave the blue bird alone as they can be aggressive with your food.

+5

This place has always delivered excellence. I really enjoy the vibe here. This place is historical and fun. Stopped by for the tri-tip sandwiches and beer. There were two guy making the sandwiches. One taller older man with a beard and wearing a beanie was very rude and should not work around customers. That's really a shame no one has addressed this issue in such a cool place. He is the only reason I gave the service a two, everyone else was very pleasant.

Stopped by Cold Springs Tavern after a day at Red Rock. Had a sandwich, took in some music and enjoyed the vibe. Totally an awesome stop. Delicious food and great ambiance.

It's worth checking out if you have the time. Very tasty sandwiches, and the mountain canyon setting, amazing. It gets busy fast, so show up early. We went to the side stall where you just buy tri-tip sandwiches. They make em fast. The bread and meat ratio is balanced. You decide which comdiments to put - barbecue, apple horseradish, or pico de gallo (chopped tomatos and onions).

Unique, special local gem! So close to SB but makes you feel transported to another place completely. Tri tip sammies are legendary and the live music is always a vibe.

Staying in the Santa Barbara area? This is the perfect quaint little stop for a good meal. Nestled on the side of a mountain road, the main old stage coach restaurant is open until 4PM and serves amazing wild game chili. Outdoors they also serve the best BBQ tri tip sandwiches. I highly recommend topping the sandwiches with their horseradish sauce. Service was very good and kind, I also thoroughly enjoyed the ambiance with a live band playing outside the bar while we were eating.

+1

Located at the embrace of the mountains, this restaurant offers a unique dining experience that blends with nature's beauty. The menu features dishes that are freshly made and the dining area only enhance the dining experience, providing a picturesque backdrop for a memorable meal. With its charming atmosphere and delicious cuisine, this mountain restaurant is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered.

+4

Wonderful hidden gem. Very rustic and beautiful. Sandwich was amazing and u can taste the smokiness. The onions are really good. It's a must. The chili was amazing and it's made with ground tri tip. This place quickly get packed so be there early. Many tourist. U have the option to get a table and be served to get the full menu or u can order a sandwich outside for a quick bite. Plenty of seating and they also have a full bar.

Loved the whole atmosphere of this place. They had live music, good food and drinks. Tons of street parking. Tri tip sandwich was excellent. Service was great, couldnt ask for anything more. Price was also decent and not overly priced. Will come back in the future.

+4

Excellent customer service and great tasting tri tip sandwich and onion rings. A must go to place

Such a cute escape! Their tri tip sandwich is great (can’t go wrong with either variety). It’s nestled in a perfectly wooded canyon spot and cannot recommend enough. Felt like I was back home in upstate New York! Some people park on the street but they have a lot which seems to turnover pretty quick. Would recommend that for safety. Outside is nice to sit in nature, but the inside is super cute (just might be a longer wait)

Cold Spring Tavern is one of those places you have to know about in order to find it. You’re not likely to stumble upon it just driving around. It’s really the only thing in this hilly area and is covered up by a forest of trees and separated from anywhere close by a small windy road. This old stage coach stop is a place to behold. The grounds are rustic but well kept and the main dining house is just that, an old house converted into dining spaces. The main entrance/room has a large river stone fireplace that keeps the place warm during colder times. The food here speaks straight to the soul. They don’t compromise on the service and the staff here are very friendly and accommodating. Outside, they serve up epic tri-tip sandwiches on a fresh French roll for those that need a quicker dining option. An even smaller old building adjacent to the restaurant serves as a cozy bar with a taxidermied deer head above the stone fireplace. Weekends there are often live music groups entertaining the crowds who come to just enjoy the atmosphere. One of the most unique dining experiences you might find anywhere in Santa Barbara! A must see and do!

We visited Cold Spring Tavern 🍺, a hidden gem in Santa barbara that's been around since the 1800's. I ordered their famous Tri-tip sandwich and let me tell you , the meat was exquisite 👌 😌. And their butter onion rings are a must. Of course, an 805 was the cherry top of the cake. I was so curious to look around and employees were very friendly to show around and tell us some stories regarding this cabin . I went on a Monday so the close early, i heard the have live misic on the weekends. One thing you need to know is you have to be ready to look for parking and walk a bit 😅. I want to give a 👍 to our waiter Rohnda V. She made our visit so pleasant and answered all of questions.

+6

A true hidden gem! We loved our experience and plan on dining here every time we make a trip out to Santa Barbara. The prime rib sandwich is a staple but you can't go wrong with ant item on the menu. We dined outside and enjoyed the mountain views Great customer service too!

The restaurant has 3 section, the main tavern/restaurant where you can eat inside or out in the patio along the road, then the "museum" and right outside of it is the sandwich section. The restaurant food is good but the Tri-Tip sandwiches are BOMB AF to be totally honest. Simple and delicious and worth the visit.

+6

DEFINITELY, A MUST GO! I found this gem on a day trip to Santa Barbara. They were the kindest people ever, and I mean it! Each one of the employees showed a true appreciation to each customer was there. They even try to seat people when they were in the closing time. They explained all the history of the place. Offer me a mini-tour, and I really was amazed by the kindness of the people who work there, the very tasty yummy food, the history of the place, and the nature around it. Just WOW! I’ll come back after COVID ends because they said they even have a live band on Sundays. 👏🏻♥️

+6

Just off the main highway is the coolest little bar and restaurant. It was once a stagecoach stop on the old road that was literally passed over by the Highway. Make a small detour on the old road that actually takes you under the new road and you will be delighted by this little secret gem. Good food, nice staff and often live music can be enjoyed.

+2

Fun adventure. Cool historic sights. Tasty food. Great drinks. But get there early cuz it gets busy. If you plan on eating at the restuarant, reservations are highly recommended. Bands on the weekend are awesome! Bar service is absolutely awesome!

+6

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

Cold Spring Tavern is well worth the stop. Parking can be a little challenging, but the experience more than makes up for it. Great customer service, a relaxed atmosphere, and an excellent spot for a midday break if you’re visiting the nearby park. Beautiful setting and a really enjoyable stop overall.

Located in the outskirts of Santa Barbara, nestled in the mountains, Cold Stone Tavern exudes charm with its welcoming log cabin aesthetic. Upon arrival, we were greeted with warmth and hospitality. Eager to sample their offerings, we started with the tritip sandwich, which was expertly cooked and incredibly flavorful. Despite arriving a bit early, we secured a spot by adding our name to the list and patiently waited until the restaurant opened at 11:30 am. Once seated, the service was prompt, and our orders were taken swiftly. I opted for both the bison burger and the grilled cheese sandwich, and both exceeded my expectations, earning a solid 10/10 rating. Moreover, the prices were surprisingly reasonable, considering the quality of the food. The experience was enhanced by the serene surroundings, allowing us to fully embrace nature while indulging in delicious cuisine. I'm already looking forward to my next visit to Cold Stone Tavern for another round of their delightful tritip sandwich and to soak in the mountainous ambiance once again.

+6

An iconic spot. A must go to if visiting SB. Tri tip is a must if it's the first time. But everything on the menu is awesome. There's a side shack just for tri tip sandwiches if not wanting to wait for a table.

Very cool spot. You'd expect it to be over priced for the location but no. The food is very good, the onion rings are perfect and they have a good selection of beer, wine, etc. The ambiance is the main attraction, live music, shaded cool turn in the road and the perfect back drop of a running creek. Definitely a place should visit whether from the area or passing through, not far off the main route.

This place did not disappoint! We had a lovely lunch here before taking a drive through the surrounding area to enjoy the bridge and the views. The buffalo burger and chili were delicious as was the cobbler. Our server was very friendly and helpful. It was cozy, with a warm fire and rustic decor. It was well worth the trip and we're looking forward to eating there again.

This place is located in the mountains about 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara - it's amazing. First off the location is beautiful - after all the rain we had the mountains were green and the stream next to the restaurant was flowing. The bar & restaurant are both separate & very rustic - it's charming there's a lot of history behind it. Food portions were generous & the drinks were great. Love the friendly staff & tri tip sandwiches!

Unique and amazing place to visit! Great food, drinks, live music. Worth the visit and worth the experience!

We discovered the Cold Spring Tavern in 1978, on one of our first dates. Now in 2026, we returned and were happy to find it just as rustic and charming as we remembered. Highly recommend the tri-tip sandwich, it was The Best Ever! If you go on a cold day, wear warm clothes! It was a freezing cold, we were seated by the door and the fire in the fireplace couldn't keep us warm.

The place is much fun! We explored the jailhouse that fit 11 people (small space). Checked for seating & wait for about 20min while waiting we went to a bar, ordered drinks while enjoying live band. We ordered the famous beer batter onion rings, brisket sandwich & French onion soup. Really enjoyed the place. I’d advice take the first parking spot on the side of street when you get there (if driving a car) as the place is packed quickly. There’s motorcycles parking if you’re riding motorcycle. Enjoy & have fun!

Fairly Tale level spot nestled in the Los Padres Forest. Delicious food (tri tip is to die for!) and everything we have tried is excellent! The onion rings are big enough to be lunch and delicious enough you'll be satisfied. The staff is very kind and friendly, even when they are slammed. You can sit inside or outside and enjoy the nature. The history in and of itself would be a reason to stop by, but this place is a true gem. It's often dusty outside so be mindful to lift your feet when walking around the outdoor diners. Parking can be difficult sometimes, so just find a good spot to pull off the road as close as you can get.

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

Tony Simotes

Holy Cow! What a delightful roadside adventure! Our day in the Santa Ynez Valley was COLD. This Hobit like watering hole was chilly as chilly could be. But did it matter?? NO. We had terrific food, a staff that made us feel like the most important guests ever and did I say, a terrific lunch. This was definitely an OMG stop on our trip through SoCal. Do not miss this historic little place. It's worth the windy twisty roads to get there!!

Jonathan (Jonathan.modern)

The Cold Spring Tavern is an incredibly unique rare and special place to visit. Coming from Santa Barbara you have a world-class drive through the mountains with a view of the entire town and local ocean. Amazing. Situated under a bridge and in the somewhat quite cold crevice of the mountains is a one-of-kind stagecoach stop restaurant that serves a famous tri-tip sandwich on Saturdays and Sundays and at the right hours an outdoor band. Not to be missed. Like straight out of a movie. $16 for the trip tip. Bring cash! Makes it faster.

+11

jeanette perez

Take a jacket it gets chilly. We ate and took a tri tip sandwich to go. Park on the side of the road and walk up to restaurant.

+1

Sonya Valles

I finally had the opportunity to visit this place, and yes, it truly is an experience. It’s an old stagecoach tucked away in the mountains, surrounded by beautiful nature. The sound of water running from a nearby stream gives it such a peaceful vibe, and the smell of smoke from the meat cooking is an added bonus. The food was great, and the staff was super friendly and welcoming upon arrival. We got there right at opening on a Friday, so there was no line and we were seated right away. We ordered their famous tri-tip sandwich and onion rings. The meat was smoky and well-seasoned; I did get a few chewy pieces that took a bit of effort, but nothing too crazy. You can also order it French dip style with au jus on the side, which is a nice option. The onion rings were big and generous, you can definitely share them between two people. I would definitely visit again when traveling near by.

Dave Aasheim

Best tri-tip sandwich I've EVER had...cooked to perfection and the outdoor atmosphere definitely adding to my experience. Worth the trip!...a true gem!

+2

Stefano DellaVigna

You are back in 1880 with this historic place serving authentic American fare like trip sandwich, burgers, beer, fried onion rings. It was the location of a historic stage coach and much of the cabins are original. A great stop if you are near Santa Barbara and want something outside the trodden path

Arthur Simões

Stopped here during a motorcycle trip. What a pleasant surprise. Incredible spot with rustic charm, historic character, and a cozy atmosphere; the staff are warm and welcoming, the food is fantastic, and the combination of great drinks, live music, and a beautiful woodsy setting makes it a truly unique; overall, it’s a really cool place that I highly recommend.

+6

Artem Makhonko

This is like a different world…. Live music, the food was sooo amazing, and the smell for the grill outside is perfect. They recommended ravioli I believe and it was 10 out of 10, sandwich is great, no issue with parking imo, you can park a little bit farther and walk like 2-3 minutes but it’s worth it, love it. Not a one time trip, you will come back for sure :)

+1

Ricki G

Highly recommend a weekend motorcycle ride. Great atmosphere special motorcycle parking, live entertainment, great food and artisans. Spectacular views along the route, just be careful with cars when you turn onto Stagecoach road. If you drive be ready to search for parking and a long hike to the tavern. Labor day weekend was perfect for live music and plenty of bikers. A place to come and enjoy yourself.

Maddie Haneline

Great little spot up in the hills surrounded by beautiful trees. We opted to eat outside but there’s inside dining as well. There’s beer/wine and full bar if you’d like. We tried the burger, French dip, and the chili cheese fries. The burger was a tad on the greasy side but still good. Easily enough for 2 to share. The French dip was unconventional but very tasty. 👨‍🍳😘husband enjoyed the chili cheese fries. We didn’t love the onion rings due to the greasiness but that’s okay. Good service and plenty of parking and shade. Little to no cell phone service so enjoy the company and the views n

Sara Kaiden

Absolutely a must visit if you are in Santa Barbara or passing by! The food is amazing, the vide is exquisite! I always recommend this place to my friends and people who are visiting town. A great place to visit any time of the year but summer time weekends are a bit special because of the live music and the guests energy!

+17

Nick Zajac

I’ve heard about this place for years, driven by for years as well. I decided to go for a drive on a Monday afternoon, this being the destination in mind. Once you turn off the main road it’s like you’ve entered the hills of Montana, the buildings, the bbq smell, and the small stream. The food was incredible, I had the tri tip, with a side of wild game chili and regular chili! Everything was a 5 out of 5. The tri tip was moist and smoked to perfection, the wild game chili was great as well. My favorite was the Cold Spring Chili though. Can’t wait to go back and try the onion rings, it seemed as if everyone was ordering those. This is a MUST DO!

Victor Bilgen

This spot is amazing. Worth the trip, great food, great atmosphere, cool history. All of the food we got was amazing, including the tri tip and the onion rings of course. The bison sandwich was also out of this world.

+4

Luis Gonzalez

At first, I was a little curious about this place location, but once we got there, it was totally worth every single mile drove. We got there 11:45, which had 14 min. since it opened and there were people already, but we got lucky to get a table right away. Starter with some onion rings , which were amazing with a cold beer. You must try the trip tip sandwich, and the BBQ sauce to me is one of the best I ever had. We also had the chefs special of the day, which was a New york steak with mash potatoes and perfectly cooked. We definitely will be back.. Place opens 11:30 and closes at 4 pm. Drive to get there off the highway is a little curved, but drivable.

+2

Michael Frandsen

This is a hidden gem. It is tucked off the beaten path down a windy narrow road. Under a canopy of trees and next to a flowing spring. The buildings and laid back atmosphere make it a must see adventure. A few things to keep in mind if you are planning a trip here are that the weekend is very busy and parking especially for cars are limited to parking on the shoulder of a narrow road, which means you may have a bit of a hike to get to the tavern. Motorcycle parking is much easier with the parking in a designated spot next to the tavern (dirt and gravel, uneven surface). I ride a large bike and was able to park relatively easy. The food was fantastic, I would go back again just for the tri tip sandwich. The ride was beautiful with a great view of an arched bridge which was breathtaking. My advice is to arrive from south end of Stagecoach road and leave heading North which is downhill from the tavern.

+4

Herman

I’m amazed at How many people go to this place since it is very out of the way, tucked away in a very lonely stretch of road. Great atmosphere for sure. On weekends there’s live music. I had a brisket sandwich, it wasn’t bad. You grab your food and just sit wherever you can to eat it. But there’s also a sit-down restaurant area where you check in with the hostess and wait get a table to order from a menu.

Eric Grosenbaugh

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

Mario C.

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

+3

Great BBQ, loved everything. We had the tri tip sandwich, potato salad, chile Verde beans and beers. Service was awesome even towards closing. They hooked us up in the bar area nice and warm by the f…

Great bbq, loved everything. We had the tri tip sandwich, potato salad, chile Verde beans and beers. Service was awesome even towards closing. They hooked us up in the bar area nice and war…

Great BBQ, loved everything. We had the tri tip sandwich, potato salad, chile Verde beans and beers. service was awesome even towards closing. They hooked us up in the bar area nice and warm by the…

Great BBQ, loved everything. We had the tri tip sandwich, potato salad, chile Verde beans and beers. Service was awesome even towards closing. They hooked us up in the bar area nice and warm by the…

Great BBQ, loved everything. We had the tri tip sandwich, potato salad, chile Verde beans and beers. Service was awesome even towards closing. They hooked us up in the bar area nice and warm by the…

Great BBQ, loved everything. We had the tri tip sandwich, potato salad, chile Verde beans and beers. Service was awesome even towards closing. They hooked us up in the bar area nice and warm by t…

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. \n\n1- setting: the setting is great! Right by a sp…

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 tri…

This place is 100/100 definitely a must \nIt hidden gem \n\nThe service was amazing our waitress was so informative about the property and history of the restaurant and surround property. She mad…

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 ge…

This place is a golden gem in the mountains and there's no other way to put it. The staff are friendly and the kitchen is FAST! The food was amazing! I got the legendary brisket sandwich and a buff…

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 t…

Cold Springs Tavern is located off the beaten path between Santa Barbara and the SB wine region tucked in the trees off the 154. The historic restaurant and tavern have been a destination restauran…

Cold Spring Tavern is a charming historic spot tucked away in the mountains. The rustic setting, delicious food (especially the tri-tip sandwiches), and cozy old-world atmosphere make it a must-vis…

Cold Spring Tavern is a charming historic spot tucked away in the mountains. The rustic setting, delicious food (especially the tri-tip sandwiches), and cozy old-world atmosphere make it a must-vis…

This place is a hoot! Totally unexpected. Loved the huge fireplace, and the atmosphere is so cool! We were on a wine tour with a local guide who brought us here for one last stop on our tour. I…

This place is a hoot! Totally unexpected. Loved the huge fireplace, and the atmosphere is so cool! We were on a wine tour with a local guide who brought us here for one last stop on our tour. I…

It is the absolute best spot on the California Coast! You HAVE to stop by....Great music, great food, full bar, and in a most beautiful outdoor/indoor location by the creeks, and the trees....Hones…

We were on a wine tour and our guide encouraged us to try this place...SO COOL! Oldest tavern in California, I'm told. Love the atmosphere...wish we could have stayed longer!

Easily the best tritip sandwich I’ve ever had. The meat was nicely seasoned and prepared over wood fire, super tender, the bread was perfect (it was light but held together great and nicely toasted…

Unique spot in the side of the mountain. Delicious tri tip sandwich and friendly staff. We loved this lunch stop on our way through the area. Lots of kids around. Highly recommend!

Quaint little restaurant settled into a mountainside. The food orders were quickly taken, and it was brought out in a decent time. Parking is intense, and most likely, will need to walk a bit to the restaurant. It is very busy, and reservations are recommended, or get comfy to wait. Grab a beer, local, and others available. If seated inside, it's very close quarters with plenty of decor to admire. Servers are busy bouncing from table to table, so it can be a bit difficult to grab their attention. The food menu has a variety of things to offer, from Buffalo burgers to wild game chili to salmon salad. The kids' menu is available. Our dishes seemed to be lacking a bit of favor and/or seasoning. The local beers we had were delicious and refreshing.

Heard about this place a few years ago . Finally got a chance to visit , service and environment were a great experience... except getting served cold tri tip . Only thing I came up for, I will give the place a chance again and hopefully get some tri tip fresh off the grill

This is a great stop if you’re in the Santa Barbara area. The place was pretty packed around lunchtime and the musicians were starting to set up too, but we were just passing by and didn’t have time to linger around. However, we did drop some cash on souvenirs and enjoyed the scenery and learned about the history and how Wells Fargo is connected to this place. It seems like the parking situation is very limited and the space available is reserved for bikers only, but one can park alongside the curving road on either direction and take a short or long walk (depending how busy it is) back to the Tavern. There’s a stream/spring there so this place it shady and cool since it’s tucked into the mountain side.

We took a day trip from Los Angeles. This place was not too busy by noon on a Saturday. Everyone was super friendly! We felt very comfortable there. But the food was just OK. I got the ribs-they were a little dry. The onion rings were chewy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Husband got the tri tip sandwich... It was smokey but with an overwhelming flavor of garlic. Great place to get a drink and hang out for a bit. Not much to do or see on the grounds which is a scosh dissapointing, considering how far it is from civilization.

+2

Beautiful and totally worth the drive. My son had the pasta special and it was really good. My husband and I ordered the soup special and shared an order of fries. The soup was okay, the fries were crispy. The surrounding was lush and beautiful. There were a lot of flies and a few bees that did not want to leave us alone. I would have loved a good citronella candle to keep them at bay. We were seated right away and then waited a really long time for our server. Once he finally appeared the service was quick and good. I'll go again and try out the cocktails. The menu had a few things that looked good

This is definitely a spot that is off the main path but fun to go with a small group. We finally stopped by to try it and hit it at the right time. We did not have to wait long, but making a reservation would have been nice to ensure a better seat. TBH the food was just okay. We tried the salmon salad and a bison burger with the highly recommended onion rings. It was okay. Kind of reminded me of of higher rated diner. I would go with the tri-tip if I were to go back. I am glad that we tried it, but with so many other options in Santa Barbara it may be hard to get back

+1

Love the area, the scenery and the Rustic look and loved its history. The food was so so but the ambience and people were great.

The onions rings are great the trip tip sandwich is good. But the charge $3 to use your card so bring cash.

A rustic old stagecoach stop steeped in history. The interior is a mixture of Bonanza meets Little House on the Prairie. They served a wide variety of foods from venison to quench. All of which is very well prepared and tasty. Overall this place is a unique experience.

+6

3.5 stars for the food 5 stars for the staff and atmosphere. Ordered the tri-tip and buffalo burger. Both came with 1 side, we ordered the onion rings and the black bean game chili.(extra $3) The buffalo burger was good, pretty standard with lettuce and choice of cheese and so was the black bean game chili. The Tri-tip sandwich, I really wanted to like it, but it was tough to chew. It does come with the sauces which helped. Tried to order the hot cider but it was sold out. Overall, I would come back just for a drink and enjoy the atmosphere. Staff and live music really made it a wonderful little spot on the weekends.

+6

We were recommended this spot by a local. So unique! We drove out on a rainy Friday afternoon. The restaurant serves lunch until 3pm then closes and reopens at 5pm for dinner. We decided on dinner so we had drinks at the bar and dried off by the fireplace while we waited. There’s no cell service and no wifi, so you really get to be present and enjoy the company of those you’re with. It was such a nice change of pace. The woman who works in the shop taking reservations is super friendly. And the bar staff was very nice as well. The food in the restaurant was very good. Our waiter, however, was very pushy and only seemed interested in us ordering specific apps and dessert. We were also seated next to the area where the restaurant staff congregates and you can hear their conversations because we were the only ones there - so I’d ask for a table away from the front room. As much as we enjoyed the food and our time at the bar, I was glad to leave. We drove by again the next day when the weather was nicer. They have live music on Saturdays and the outdoor area is open. It seems like that would be a lot of fun.

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

Brent Wood

This was our first place eating out in the US and it was such a great experience. Insanely cozy, I think I haven't seen a cozier place. Got this is a tip from a friend in LA otherwise I would've never found this. The food wasn't great though. Insanely big portions, way too big for the average European. We all had a food coma after this. I prefer more balanced a little bid less fatty food. The unfiltered beer was great though. I would still recommend to visit the place because of the ambiance and the good service. I would definitely come back and hopefully the food is slight better.

Ilaria

Up on the hills in this amazing western and rustic tavern, you can enjoy their sandwiches, sipping a chill beer while listening to live music. The battered onion rings and the pork ribs were super good! The staff is nice, lots of spots to enjoy your meal outside. It's worth the trip!

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. \n\nMe and my 3 girlfriends decided to come he…

Amazing food. Simple but very tasty. A bit on expensive side but its wort it. I forgot the exact name of the menu i ordered but i was suprise of how tender the meat is. Coupled with their turkey…

Amazing food. Simple but very tasty. A bit on expensive side but its wort it. I forgot the exact name of the menu i ordered but i was suprise of how tender the meat is. Coupled with their turkey so…

Hidden gem with great food & fun ambiance! Parking was busy on a Sundays afternoon but quickly found a spot! Paris was able to seat us quickly and was very friendly! Kaya was very welcoming & walke…

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. \n\nYes on the onion rings, yes on the potato salad, so …

Everyone was so friendly and the menu was unique. \nWe ordered venison stuffed mushrooms, an entree each and Caesar salad. The Caesar salad was nothing special but I thought the venison meatballs…

The Cold Spring Tavern was a wonderful find in the San Marcos Pass not too far outside of Santa Barbara. The restaurant has been in operation since 1886 when the location was a popular stage coach st…

Great food, I wish they made their ingredients more known to the public though (gf, wheat, soy etc) because I recently learned I can’t have the breads or condiments I like anymore, and I know mor…

Good meal, okay service, decent value, somewhat difficult to park at (can't be helped because of the landscape), service could be better (but that's true everywhere these days). If you're stayin…

First, this place is really up in the hills. Cute creek ambling thru the parking area. We had a reservation, thank goodness, but when we arrived, they said someone was still at our table. We cou…

First, this place is really up in the hills. Cute creek ambling thru the parking area. We had a reservation, thank goodness, but when we arrived, they said someone was still at our table. We cou…

Save yourself well over an hour and make a reservation 1st. It is really busy and seating is at a premium. Don’t kid yourself, this is located in a mountain setting. Dress accordingly especially …

Definitely worth a stop. My husband and daughter split a tri tip sandwich and loved it. Onion rings were amazing as was their grilled cheese with roasted red peppers and onion jam. Great people wat…

You have 2 options.. one is to take the sit down full service restaurant or buy a tri tip sandwich on the side and try to find a place to sit. The full service area takes much of the space to sit and enjoy the scenery and ambiance. That's not appreciated, in my opinion.

+6

The food is awesome, place is so beautiful, very nice place to spend time. The only negative thing is some servers have attitude. It looks like they don’t like their job.

+6

The barbecue at this place is overhyped, and those who enjoy it probably haven't had better. If you've had barbecue from places like Texas, this doesn't come close. However, the fries and chili were very good. If you're going there for the barbecue, which I think that most people probably are, lower your expectations, it's not bad, but it's not great either. Oh I was also really excited for the onion rings, but they were too greasy. I don’t live too far but if you’re in LA thinking about making the trip out there I wouldn’t bother.

My wife and I stopped in for lunch. We arrived shortly before they opened, so getting seated was no problem. My wife ordered the tri-tip sandwich and I ordered the tri-tip French dip with potato salad. We both thought the tri-tip was cut way too thick to eat as a sandwich, it was somewhat dry and tough. The potatoes in the potato salad were very firm, almost crunchy. The staff and service was very good and the place has a unique atmosphere.

Heard so much about this place and finally was able to stop by for lunch on our way up the coast from Santa Barbara. There's a winding two lane road with a small dirt parking lot for about 10 cars max. The rest of the cars are parked on either side of the road. It's a very cute wooded area and you can walk around while you wait to be seated. We came for a late lunch at 1:30pm on a Monday and there was a 40 min wait. The food was good but everything came out so slow. We ordered the onion rings for an appetizer to come out first knowing this, but it didn't come out until the rest of the order. So if you're in a hurry, which luckily we weren't, don't eat here. They also messed up on our bill so more waiting and flagging down the waitress. They seem short staffed as our waitress was rushing from one table to the next. It's one of those places where you've been to check it off your list but not worth the long wait to return again.

+6

With food as good as it gets, the fries are a letdown. You gotta up your game to house cut, seasoning (other than salt) optional.

Kinda cute price that's like out in the middle of nowhere. Food was ok. They had live music though. Cute detour but wouldn't come all this way just for the sandwich.

Kinda cute price that's like out in the middle of nowhere. Food was ok. They had live music though. Cute detour but wouldn't come all this way just for the sandwich.

Kinda cute price that's like out in the middle of nowhere. Food was ok. They had live music though. Cute detour but wouldn't come all this way just for the sandwich.

I visited Cold Spring Tavern last weekend for lunch and had a very unpleasant experience that really surprised me. When I walked into the beer cabin to order a drink, a man immediately and loudly a…

When I was ordering food I asked for onion rings and a side order, and the table waiter replied with a very rude "NO", when I finally got my food the dish had other pieces of food that did not come w…

When I was ordering food I asked for onion rings and a side order, and the table waiter replied with a very rude "NO", when I finally got my food the dish had other pieces of food that did not …

When I was ordering food I asked for onion rings and a side order, and the table waiter replied with a very rude "NO", when I finally got my food the dish had other pieces of food that did not come…

Very dsappointed. Had been for dinner years ago before owner changed.. Then food was very good and feeling wad upscale. This time went for lunch. waitress and host were nice. Chili very average an…