5995 Stagecoach Road
Santa Barbara, California 93105

DINNER RESERVATIONS REQUESTED

(805) 967 - 0066

(805) 964 - 5995  (FAX)

coldspringtavern@aol.com



coldspringtavern.com


Audrey Ovington,
Co-Founder

In 1941 the tavern was purchased by Adelaide Ovington for $2,000 who, along with her daughter Audrey, operated the tavern for over sixty years. It was their life's work to preserve the tavern so that future generations would be able to see the tavern as it was. "If anyone wants to celebrate a special event and has plans to celebrate an anniversary of that event in later years and expect to remember it as it was, they would be well advised to have it here because we never change." "Memories endure here"

History of the Tavern

The Cold Spring Tavern was built in the 1860's as a way station to serve the travelers on the new "turnpike" over the San Marcos pass that was constructed by Chinese laborers to ease transportation over the mountains. Passengers boarded stagecoaches that were very uncomfortable and they endured dangerous roads and the inevitable highwayman to make the trip over the pass. It was a time in our history that was both hazardous and romantic. The danger has long since passed but the romanticism has been carefully preserved and can still be found at the Tavern.

est. 1876

Old West

Over one hundred years ago, dusty stagecoaches stopped at the "Cold Spring Tavern" relay station to change horses and added two more in order to get over the mountain. The stop also allowed the passengers to enjoy one of the most delicious meals in the Old West.

Rest Stop

Today it is still a "rest stop" only the passengers arrive in coaches that are a little bit more modern. The food, refreshments, and entertainment are still among the best in California.

Road Gang House

While at Cold Spring check out the old "Road Gang House" where the Chinese Road Gang bunked when they built the Toll Road through the rugged San Marcos Pass in 1868.

Ojai Jail

Across from the Chinese Road Gang House is the Ojai jail which was built by Andrew Van Curen in 1873. It was once featured in "Ripley's Believe It or Not". The two buildings keep each other company through the ages.

The Smallest Town

The four storage building at the back of the property we found in a little ghost town called Gopherville, California. They were all that remained and we bought them all and moved them here so we feel like we bought the whole town.

Audrey's Favorite Story

Best compliment I heard about the Tavern: An older man was having lunch with a younger man. The older man said, "Do you know what I like about this place?" "No", said the younger man. The older man said, "I brought your father here and it hasn't change one bit."

Log Cabin Bar History

There was bottling plant in what is now The Log Cabin Bar. 40 or so years ago, the leasee was losing money so just planned to leave the machinery there as it was too large to remove through the door. We removed the end wall and built the beautiful stone fireplace in it's place.

Original Purchase

Someone asked my mother why she bought the Tavern. Her reply was "I didn't buy the Tavern, I bought the door and the Tavern came with it.

Tavern Tales

The Tavern is named "Cold Spring" even through there are 52 springs on the property. I guess we just wanted to confuse people.