Cold Spring Tavern
Historic mountain saloon serving American fare, famous for its tri-tip sandwich. A popular biker destination with live music.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Cold Spring Tavern
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic mountain saloon serving American fare, famous for its tri-tip sandwich. A popular biker destination with live music.
"A must-visit hidden gem tucked off the beaten path, offering a taste of old California."
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking is tough! Cars park on the shoulder, requiring a hike. Motorcycles have a designated spot.
📵 Embrace No Cell Service
Enjoy being disconnected! Download offline maps as cell service is minimal on the mountain road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Tri-Tip Sandwich
Main Dining Area
A legendary sandwich featuring tender tri-tip and a signature BBQ sauce. A must-try for many visitors.
Weekend Motorcycle Destination
Designated Motorcycle Parking
A popular spot for bikers, offering live entertainment, a vibrant atmosphere, and scenic rides.
Historic Western Saloon Ambiance
Interior and Exterior
Step back in time in this antique-filled, mountainside saloon with a rustic and charming atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Weekend Crowds & Parking
Cell Service & Navigation
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking is tough! Cars park on the shoulder, requiring a hike. Motorcycles have a designated spot.
📵 Embrace No Cell Service
Enjoy being disconnected! Download offline maps as cell service is minimal on the mountain road.
🏍️ Biker Friendly Vibes
A prime destination for motorcycle enthusiasts with special parking and lively weekend events.
🍽️ Outdoor & Indoor Seating
Choose between charming outdoor dining or cozy indoor seating. Outdoor seating may be limited.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Weekend parking is tough! Cars park on the shoulder, requiring a hike. Motorcycles have a designated spot.
📵 Embrace No Cell Service
Enjoy being disconnected! Download offline maps as cell service is minimal on the mountain road.
🏍️ Biker Friendly Vibes
A prime destination for motorcycle enthusiasts with special parking and lively weekend events.
🍽️ Outdoor & Indoor Seating
Choose between charming outdoor dining or cozy indoor seating. Outdoor seating may be limited.
💸 Cash for Artisans
Local artisans often sell crafts; bring cash as not all may accept cards.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Cold Spring Tavern is a beloved historic spot offering a rustic mountain escape with a legendary tri-tip sandwich. Visitors praise its unique atmosphere, live music on weekends, and scenic location, though parking and crowds on busy days can be a challenge. Some find certain food items a bit greasy, but the overall experience is highly recommended for its charm and culinary highlights.
"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"
Maddie Haneline
"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."
Ricki G
"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."
Luis Gonzalez
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
To reach Cold Spring Tavern from Santa Barbara, take Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass Road) north. Turn right onto Stagecoach Road. Be prepared for a winding, narrow mountain road with limited cell service. Downloading offline maps is recommended.
The drive involves winding mountain roads, so caution is advised. Drivers heading north on Stagecoach Road should be mindful of the curves. Leaving north is downhill and can be easier.
For cars, parking is often on the shoulder of the road, which can mean a hike. Motorcycles have a designated, albeit uneven, area. Arriving early on weekends is key.
Yes, the drive along Highway 154 offers beautiful views. Some visitors mention a breathtaking arched bridge along the route.
While GPS can get you close, cell service is unreliable on the mountain. It's best to download offline maps or have directions handy before you lose signal.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there are no admission tickets required to enter Cold Spring Tavern. It operates as a restaurant and bar.
Cold Spring Tavern typically opens around 11:30 AM and closes at 4:00 PM. However, hours can vary, especially on holidays. It's always a good idea to check their official channels or call ahead.
While live music is common on weekends, there isn't typically a separate cover charge mentioned. The atmosphere is part of the dining experience.
Reservations are generally not taken, especially for casual dining. Due to limited seating and popularity, arriving early is the best strategy.
Cold Spring Tavern has offered special Thanksgiving menus in the past, but it's essential to confirm their holiday hours and offerings directly with the establishment.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Cold Spring Tavern is famous for its tri-tip sandwich, often praised for its tender meat and delicious BBQ sauce. They also serve burgers, French dips, and daily specials.
The menu features American fare with Western influences, including burgers, sandwiches (like the tri-tip and French dip), chili cheese fries, and sometimes chef's specials like steak. They also offer onion rings.
Some reviews mention the burger and onion rings can be a bit greasy, but overall the food is considered good and tasty. The tri-tip sandwich is a consistent favorite.
Information on specific vegetarian options is limited, but typical American fare often includes sides that can be enjoyed. It's best to inquire directly about current offerings.
They offer beer, wine, and a full bar, making it a great spot to enjoy a drink with your meal. Local wines are often featured.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the rustic charm of the historic saloon, the surrounding oak trees, and the scenic mountain views on your drive. The biker gatherings on weekends also make for dynamic shots.
Yes, the atmosphere is very photogenic. However, on busy weekends, navigating crowds for the perfect shot might be a challenge. The drive itself offers scenic photo opportunities.
The tavern is nestled under a canopy of trees, providing dappled shade. Midday can be bright, while late afternoon offers softer light. Consider the time of day for your desired photo aesthetic.
The historic building itself, the antique decor inside, and the scenic mountain vistas on the drive are prime photo subjects. The unique biker culture on weekends also presents great photo ops.
Focus on the rustic architecture, the natural beauty of the mountain setting, the food (especially the tri-tip sandwich), and the lively atmosphere, particularly during weekend events.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the biggest crowds and make parking easier. Pack snacks and drinks for the drive, as services are limited. The outdoor seating can be more relaxed with children. Ensure children are supervised, especially around the uneven terrain in the motorcycle parking area and the winding roads leading to the tavern.
🏍️ Motorcycle Riders
Many riders specifically seek out the tavern for its legendary tri-tip sandwich and the camaraderie. The ride itself, particularly approaching from the south end of Stagecoach Road and heading north, is often described as beautiful with great views. Be mindful of the winding roads and potential for other traffic, especially on busy weekends. It's a place to soak in the biker culture and enjoy the mountain air.
🚗 Day-Trippers & Scenic Drivers
To maximize your day trip, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid the weekend rush and parking challenges. Arriving earlier in the day will also provide a more relaxed experience. The tavern's operating hours are typically until 4 PM, so plan your visit accordingly to enjoy lunch and the atmosphere before it closes. The limited cell service can be a welcome respite for those seeking to unplug.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Historic Charm of Cold Spring Tavern
Its location off the beaten path contributes to its allure. The drive up the winding mountain roads, while requiring caution, offers spectacular views and a sense of adventure. This remoteness also means limited cell service, encouraging visitors to disconnect and immerse themselves in the experience. The laid-back vibe and the natural beauty of the surroundings create a truly memorable visit.
Culinary Delights: The Famous Tri-Tip
Beyond the tri-tip, the menu offers other American comfort foods. Expect to find classic burgers, French dip sandwiches, and hearty sides like chili cheese fries and onion rings. While some reviewers note that certain items can be a bit greasy, the overall consensus is that the food is tasty and satisfying. The tavern also boasts a full bar, offering beer, wine, and other beverages to complement your meal.
Weekend Buzz: Motorcycles, Music, and More
While the atmosphere is exciting, it also means the tavern can get very busy on weekends. Parking, particularly for cars, can be a challenge, often requiring visitors to park on the shoulder of the road and walk a bit. Motorcycles have a dedicated parking area, though it's noted to be on an uneven dirt and gravel surface. Despite the potential crowds and parking hassles, many visitors find the lively weekend experience, complete with music and fellow enthusiasts, to be well worth it.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit