Santa Barbara, California 93105
Once there, your nose will guide you straight between the bar and the restaurant to the outdoor grill that Cold Spring Tavern sets up every weekend. However, you will need to purchase your tri-tip sandwich coupons inside the bar. I recommend showing up at Cold Spring Tavern way before the band starts playing their set at 1:30pm, so you can find a good spot and avoid the long lines.
Once you get your tickets, go back outside to claim your prize
Santa Maria style grill.
At first glance, the roll looked too bready for me. But thankfully it wasn’t. It was nicely toasted inside to give a slight crunch, but otherwise it was soft and chewy and had a good bread to meat ratio. The salsa was nice and fresh with chucks of tomatoes, green onions, and peppers. A nice surprise was their apple horseradish. Most horeseradish can be pretty overpowering, but this wasn’t and added to the flavor of the meat instead of masking it.
Of course, the most important aspect of the sandwich was the flavorful meat. Besides the nice rub they use on the outside, I think what does it is that the grill it over oak wood. You can just really taste it in the meat. Additionally, they know when the meat is done, so it is nice and tender.
Enough describing, just go there already and indulge yourself in pure bliss 
Since you’re already up in the mountains, I suggest exploring the area and enjoying the beautiful panoramic views of the mountains and Lake Cachuma. This photo was taken near Snyder Trail.
