Trip Planner: USA / California / Santa Barbara / Nature / Cold Spring Tavern

Cold Spring Tavern, Santa Barbara

(400+ reviews on the web)

Mountain Nature / Park

Cold Spring Tavern was established as a stagecoach stop in 1865. Originally known as the "Cold Spring Relay Station", it was a place to change horses and allow travelers to rest and enjoy a meal. The tavern is located 20 minutes north of Santa Barbara, California in Cold Spring Canyon, which is about a mile off Highway 154 along Stagecoach Road (in the San Marcos Pass area).The tavern serves steak, lamb, venison, duck, and rabbit, and kangaroo.RecognitionThe tavern was chosen as the BEST place for a Romantic Getaway and The Santa Barbara Independent called it "pure MAGIC!" They have been noted as one of the few restaurants serving bear.

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Reviews

TripAdvisor

asawik

A must if you visit the Santa Barbara area. Food and staff have room for improvement but nevertheless, the old tavern is just amazingly cosy and an attraction in it self. Live music and bbq on weekend... more »
Vikas C

Great outing with Family on a sunny day. Good food and great service in the midst of no where. Had a great trip before the end of holidays. more »
Sarah B

Come see where stagecoaches traveled and stopped for a rest. Not far from Santa Bárbara, Cold Spring Tavern is a nice spot with great service and food, with places for MANY to sit, outdoors and inside... more »

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Jose J. Rodriguez

Perfect atmosphere! Variety crowd. Cheap drinks! Ruckus tri-tip sandwiches and a beautiful beautiful scenery up on them mountains. ALWAYS feel dad leaving

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Joseph Condé

I love California History. It is a pride that surpasses national pride because our California history is much more richer and with deeper roots than the rest of the States. Cold Spring Tavern represents a fraction of that history. It is a humbling experience to eat at this Santa Barbara landmark. The drive is worth the time spend there.

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Bill K

My group and I had a great time here. The surrounding terrain and atmosphere will quickly whisk you away to another place. There is live music during certain times do check first. This place is popular and super busy most but not all of the time. Great place for second or third dates or for a group party time. Outdoor BBQ style food is available and an open bar. Diverse crowd of trendy socialites, bikers and old people. Very interesting and highly recommended.

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Marcene Maggart

My only regret is not trying out this place sooner. I was greeted and seated right way. Great food; great ambience and the people are just great. Definitely will comeback again.

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Barbara Lara

Worth the drive to stop and have a good meal. I love the feel of this place.

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