34°31′24″N 119°50′07″W / 34.523315°N 119.835408°W / 34.523315; -119.835408 Cold Spring Tavern was established as a stagecoach stop in 1865.[1] Originally known as the "Cold Spring Relay Station", it was a horse changeover and meals break station. 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).

Cold Spring Tavern in 2010

The tavern serves steak, lamb, venison, duck, and rabbit.[2]

In 1956, Cold Spring Tavern was the first restaurant to serve one Steve Henson's salad dressing. Henson had recently moved to a nearby ranch and decided to try selling his dressing in the local area. It became known as ranch dressing.[3]

Recognition

The tavern was chosen as the BEST place for a Romantic Getaway and The Santa Barbara Independent called it "pure MAGIC!"[4] They have been noted as one of the few (if not only) restaurants serving bear.[5]

In 2019 it was featured in a Santa Barbara episode of the Cooking Channel's Man v. Food.

See also

References

  1. ^ Meier, Marcia (November 14, 2010) "Keeping the Old West alive in Santa Ynez Valley" Los Angeles Times
  2. ^ Reynolds, Christopher (Nov 15, 2007). "Cold Spring Tavern". LA Times. Archived from the original on August 21, 2008. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  3. ^ Redmon, Michael (2015-11-25). "Ranch Dressing Originated in Santa Barbara's Mountains". The Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 2023-08-09.
  4. ^ "Cold Spring Tavern". The Santa Barbara Independent. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  5. ^ "10 Best Editor Review". 10 Best. Archived from the original on 2013-01-16. Retrieved 2008-11-15.

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