Cold Spring Tavern
Cold Spring Tavern
4.5
About
A popular mountain for hiking outside of Santa Barbara.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Cold Spring Tavern and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Attractions
11 within 10 kms
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
607 reviews
Excellent
383
Very good
170
Average
37
Poor
9
Terrible
8
Gayle M
Chicago, IL240 contributions
Feb 2020
We visited on a weeknight for dinner is a small room with a fireplace in this former stage coast post. Wines are delicious; steak and baby back ribs with garlic mashed potatoes delish. Bread includes warm white and a brown with a molasses crust. Menu includes venison and rabbit. Very busy on weekends.
Written 8 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RonboNJ
Tinton Falls, New Jersey, Usa193 contributions
Jul 2022
So, East Coast guy here visiting the Santa Barbara area with my girlfriend. Her Uncle, very familiar with the area, showed us around and made a point of bringing us here to try the tri tip BBQ.
We visited on a Saturday around 2pm. It was busy, but not overcrowded. We had to park further down the road but certainly within a 2-minute walking distance.
The tri tip sandwich is what you want to come here for. It's loaded with meat and there is a toppings station to apply your favorite sauce. I would highly recommend the Apple Horseradish sauce and if chosen, be sure to put plenty of it on top. The meat and bread soaks it in quickly and my biggest regret was not loading it up with more sauce.
There is live music and a general sense of "fun" at this hidden stop. Make a point of visiting here.
We visited on a Saturday around 2pm. It was busy, but not overcrowded. We had to park further down the road but certainly within a 2-minute walking distance.
The tri tip sandwich is what you want to come here for. It's loaded with meat and there is a toppings station to apply your favorite sauce. I would highly recommend the Apple Horseradish sauce and if chosen, be sure to put plenty of it on top. The meat and bread soaks it in quickly and my biggest regret was not loading it up with more sauce.
There is live music and a general sense of "fun" at this hidden stop. Make a point of visiting here.
Written 3 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lori985
Cary, NC41 contributions
Feb 2020
This place used to be a Stage coach stop.a lot of history. When you walked in there was a bar to the right and tables to the left and a wood burning fireplace straight ahead. There were a few more rooms attached. The rooms were dark decorated with oil lamps,covered wagaons,antiques etc.. I got the burger which was very good along with salad and great fries. My husband got the chili trio and loved all of them. Great place to visit.
Written 28 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carlin35
Oxnard, CA105 contributions
Feb 2020
Friends and I took a ride up to Cold Springs. They open at 11am. Very interesting building - old with moss on the roof. Former stage coach stop. Wonderful place to visit. Great ambiance. Lots of history related to the building. Had a very nice lunch on a cold day. Several great fireplaces roaring away. Neat. All old wood planks on the floor. It will motivate you to read about the history of this building when you get home. Very interesting. Service excellent. Food was reasonable and tasty.
Written 5 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tambrukd
181 contributions
Feb 2020
Unfortunately I did not get a chance to eat at Cold Spring Tavern. I was really looking forward to it. The website said they closed at 9:00 pm. If you know how to get here, it is not close to the town of Santa Barbara. It is out of the way in a somewhat mountainous area. So we went out of our way to visit here. We arrived at 7:45 p.m. knowing they close at 9:00. When we got there, they would not serve us. They said they were too slow from lack of customers and closing up. We were like "well, we are here now! It is only 7:45!" But they could care less. So all this to say, I am disappointed that I could not have a chance to try this restaurant as I will not be returning to try again another time more convenient for the restaurant.
Written 14 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Scott G
Long Beach, CA7 contributions
Aug 2020
My daughter and I visited during the COVID-19 pandemic, so the dining was all outside. The tri tip sandwich and burger were both very good and the service was attentive. we had the seasonal blackberry cheesecake and it was really excellent. Part of the experience of dining at this place is the experience of the scenic drive up here, which is spectacular. I would have loved to be able to go inside the tavern to look around, but COVID-19 restrictions precluded that.
Written 27 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Juliet Wolf
4 contributions
May 2021 • Family
Absolutely delicious food in an idyllic historic setting. We chose outdoor seating, shaded by blossoming trees, listening to birdsongs (We went in early May, when everything in the canyon was fresh and growing). The tri tip, ribs, pulled pork, and burgers are exquisite! The onion rings are seriously the best I've ever had, generously battered, golden, with a delicate crunch so perfect it makes you close your eyes in bliss! Dipped in ranch, they're the epitome of indulgence. The desserts were all excellent, the service was great, and we left stuffed and happy. If you're hungry after a hike or a long drive, this place will make all your appetite's dreams come true!
Start your review...
Start your review...
Written 6 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sconte
Florida379 contributions
Feb 2020
Expect to wait because the food is great! Place is small and was packed when we arrived for lunch on Valentines Day; Sorry no reservations for lunch, but the location is so beautiful, waiting outside was no problem. Had the best BBQ sandwich with glass of wine (when in wine country...) and salad. Service good; off the beaten path but worth the drive for something different. Seems pricey but I soon became aware that just about every restaurant in the area is.
Written 21 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SuzQTravels
Gilbert, Arizona124 contributions
Sept 2021 • Friends
If you’re in Santa Barbara or on your way to the wineries of Santa Ynez, this is a must visit restaurant. Tucked in the Santa Ynez mountains about 15 minutes out of Santa Barbara, this historic stage coach stop offers history, great food, cold beer, and a friendly staff. My friends and I had their famous tri-tip sandwich which was on a fresh, crusty roll and served with three yummy sauces: creamy mustard seed; barbecue; and salsa. Our sides ranged from coleslaw to fresh greens and potato salad. All was delicious.
Written 11 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SSI Traveler
Saint Simons Island, GA286 contributions
Dec 2022 • Couples
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 if it’s been/is raining. The area is very muddy. Parking is at a real premium and expect that you’ll be walking and parking along the street ~ 1/4 mile away.
Once inside expect really good food and lots of it. The place is charming and unforgettable.
Highly recommend the tri tip sandwich and onion rings.
You really need to go.
Don’t kid yourself, this is located in a mountain setting. Dress accordingly especially if it’s been/is raining. The area is very muddy. Parking is at a real premium and expect that you’ll be walking and parking along the street ~ 1/4 mile away.
Once inside expect really good food and lots of it. The place is charming and unforgettable.
Highly recommend the tri tip sandwich and onion rings.
You really need to go.
Written 31 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Have never visited Santa Barbara, but coming in January. Do we need to rent a car to get around - eg to Cold Spring - or are there buses etc?
Thx :)
Written 30 August 2016
You must rent a car to go to Cold Springs Tavern. I am not sure it is worth the effort but, If you are going that far why not go on up to Los Olivos? I recommend Brander Vineyards, Bridalwood Vineyards, and Fess Parker and Carhardt are a few of the excellent vineyards in the area. Also there is Solvang which is our Danish heritage little village. I would eat in Buellton at Industrial Eats for an incredible meal. ALso in Buellton one of my favorite vineyards,Ken Brown. Open Thursday through Monday, 11:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Fess Parkers at the beach in Santa Barbara is very nice hotel right across from the beach.
Written 31 August 2016
Have only eaten dinner there and saw no dogs. Don't think they are allowed inside, but during the day may be ok outside at the picnic tables.
Written 21 July 2015
Hi! Could someone talk about car park? Near, far away, handicapped etc. Thank you
Written 1 July 2015
Hi Serafin,
If you go on a Sunday afternoon in the summer, parking could be somewhat of a challenge. There are numerous parking spaces availabile, which fill up quickly. There is also a large dirt lot next to the tavern, which is usually used for motorcycle parking. The majority of cars line the street in both directions. You may have to walk a little, but you will find parking. I've never had to park any further than the equivalent of a few city blocks. I'm sure they have handicapped parking but I don't know how many spaces. I say, go for it and say a little prayer to the parking Gods and you may get lucky and get that one prime spot. Have fun!
Written 2 July 2015
Are there any longer hikes near by? Would love to do some hiking and then go here for lunch. I see knapps castle, painted caves and lizards mouth are nearby but all are very short hikes. Looking for 3-5 mile range. Thanks!
Written 13 May 2015
You might look for trails out from Lake Cachuma. Figueroa Mountain Road is a climb for the "hearty", although more of a country road than a trail. I believe there is also a trail around Alisal Guest Ranch.
Written 17 May 2015
Reservations necessary??? Hours of operation?? Thanks 4 of us possibly on 27th of March for Lunch :) Linda
Written 16 February 2015
No reservations are necessary and they are open for lunch. It is a very popular venue so you might want to call and make reservations anyway. (805) 967-0066
Weekdays
Lunch 11 AM - 3 PM
Dinner begins at 5 PM
Weekends
Breakfast 8 AM - 11 AM
Lunch 11 AM - 3 PM
Dinner begins at 5 PM
They have their own website that you can go on and check out directions, menu, etc.
Written 17 February 2015
Showing results 1-6 of 6
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing