Stagecoaches featured prominently in California's early history. These horse-drawn carriage-like vehicles transported passengers, goods, and mail from one place to another, especially over mountain passes like the San Marcos Pass between Santa Ynez and Santa Barbara. Stagecoach stops were places where drivers could rest, change horses, and enjoy a meal before continuing their journey. This historic restaurant in Southern California was once such a rest stop.
The original structure known as the Cold Spring Tavern is thought to have been built in 1860 and began operating as a stagecoach stop in 1868. It has changed hands several times over the years and has served various purposes.
There are actually several old buildings on the property, some original and some which were moved on-site over the years by the owners.
A plaque on the property shares a bit of history, including the fact that stagecoaches were often robbed on their journey. One rumor has it that thieves once stole and then buried $50,000 near the tavern.
Cold Spring Tavern offers full-service dining for lunch and dinner in this rustic location surrounded by rocks, tall trees, moss, and ivy.
The tavern is filled with antiques and maintains that old world saloon vibe with low lighting and wooden furnishings.
The log cabin bar is open on weekends, and the evening hours include live music and appetizers.
While the old tavern does have modern electricity and running water, to keep the historic ambiance intact, dining is by gas lanterns, wood-burning stoves, and large stone fireplaces.
In addition to the signature molasses bread, the tavern is known for fresh barbecue sandwiches and hearty portions of a variety of meat dishes, including venison steak, rabbit medallions, wild boar tenderloin, tri tip, duck, chicken and fish.
On weekends, the restaurant fires up the large outdoor barbecue grills, live bands play, and the ambiance really comes alive as people come to eat and enjoy the outdoors.
The tracks of the old stagecoaches can still be seen in some of the rocks around the the area.
And yes, there is actually a lovely cold water spring on the property at Cold Spring Tavern.
More than a rest stop, this historic restaurant in Southern California is now a fun destination and venue in its own right. Did you know about California's stagecoach stops? You can learn more about this place and its history on the Cold Spring Tavern website or on Facebook. Have you ever been to Cold Spring Tavern? What did you think? Share with us in the comments, and check out this list of other historic SoCal restaurants.
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