Cold Spring Tavern Menu 2026: Tri-Tip, Chili & Wild Game

Cold Spring Tavern is best known for its tri-tip sandwiches and wild boar chili. The restaurant is a historic 1860s stagecoach stop in the Santa Ynez Mountains above Santa Barbara, CA, and is celebrated for its rustic atmosphere, wild game menu items (venison, buffalo, wild boar), and popular weekend live music. It's a beloved road-trip destination on scenic Stagecoach Road (SR-154) between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley.

Cold Spring Tavern is located at 5995 Stagecoach Road, Santa Barbara, CA 93105, in the Santa Ynez Mountains along Highway 154 (San Marcos Pass Road). It is approximately 10 miles north of downtown Santa Barbara, making it a popular stop for motorcyclists, cyclists, and weekend road-trippers traveling between Santa Barbara and the Santa Ynez Valley wine country.

Yes. Cold Spring Tavern is known for its weekend live music schedule, typically featuring blues, rock, and Americana acts. Live music generally takes place on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and evenings. Check the official website at coldspringtavern.com for the current schedule, as lineups rotate regularly.

Yes. Cold Spring Tavern serves weekend breakfast — typically Saturday and Sunday mornings. The breakfast menu includes biscuits and gravy, breakfast burritos, eggs, and pancakes. Hours for breakfast service can vary seasonally; confirm directly with the restaurant or check their website before visiting.

Cold Spring Tavern is generally open weekdays for lunch and dinner, and weekends from morning through evening. Weekend hours typically run longer to accommodate the brunch crowd and live music. Hours can vary by season and holiday. Always confirm current hours at coldspringtavern.com before making the drive up the mountain.

Cold Spring Tavern is widely known as a motorcycle and cycling destination — Highway 154 / San Marcos Pass is a popular riding and cycling road, and the Tavern's outdoor patio is a common gathering point for riders on weekends. The outdoor areas are generally dog-friendly, though policies can change. Call ahead or check the website for current pet policies.

Cold Spring Tavern operates primarily as a walk-in restaurant and bar. The Tavern does not consistently accept standard advance reservations for the main dining room, though policies can vary for larger groups or private events. On busy weekend afternoons with live music, expect a wait. Check the official website or call (805) 967-0066 for current reservation and group dining policies.

Cold Spring Tavern dates to the 1860s, when it served as a stagecoach relay station on the stage line between Santa Barbara and the interior valleys. The original log cabin structures are still standing and in use. The property is listed on the Santa Barbara County historical register and is one of the most intact examples of a 19th-century California stagecoach stop still operating as a functioning restaurant and bar.

Wild game is a defining feature of the Cold Spring Tavern menu. Regularly featured items include venison sausage (typically as a sandwich or plate), wild boar chili (the most-ordered item), wild boar ribs, and buffalo burgers. Specific availability can vary by season and supply. The wild game focus sets Cold Spring Tavern apart from any other Santa Barbara-area restaurant.