Driving up the 154, you go up the mountain through winding roads that are sometimes steep, with no chance to pass the car ahead of you for quite some miles. It's a chance to pull over and marvel at the view of all of Santa Barbara, from downtown all the way to Isla Vista, and as far out as the Channel Islands.
Right before the Cold Spring Bridge, make a left at Stagecoach Road and it will lead you to the most magnificent, unobstructed view of the county's largest bridge. Keep going down that road and it will take you the historic Cold Spring Tavern. Over 100 years ago, it was used as pit stop for stagecoaches to change horses and for travelers to grab a hot lunch. Today, it is still a fully operating restaurant serving food true to theme of the old wild West, like duck, rabbit, buffalo burgers, rack of lamb, and even a venison steak sandwich. The Wild Game Black Bean Chili sounds adventurous, with venison, rabbit, and buffalo simmered in a black bean chili sauce. On a cold day, the hot food warms the soul.
The Cold Spring Tavern bar area is in a separate wooden building called the Log Cabin Bar. There's a stone fireplace to warm up to and listen to bands that play every weekend. Called one of the most romantic spots in town, I can see why it was packed on Valentine's Day!
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