Mattei's Tavern
Est. Prior to 1930
2350 Railway Ave, Los Olivos, CA, United States
Up to 200 guests
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Host an exquisite event in the Santa Ynez Valley at this 19th-century former stage coach stop. 
Located in picturesque Santa Barbara wine country, the charming historic tavern offers several enchanting dining rooms to host your next birthday dinner or anniversary celebration.
The Lowdown
Type
Banquet Hall / Event FacilityGardenHistoric BuildingRestaurant / Private Dining
Views
CourtyardGardenHistorical MonumentLandscaped GroundsMountainsRolling HillsValley
Style
Country
Garden Party
Rustic
Vintage
Western
Best type of Celebrations
Adventure Travel
Baby Shower
Birthday Party
Charity Event
Corporate Event
Product Launch
Dinner Party
Family Reunion
Group Getaway
Holiday Party
Rehearsal Dinner / Welcome Reception
Retreats: Corporate, Spa, Wellness, Etc.
Wedding Ceremony
Wedding Reception
Workshops: Creative, Photo, Etc.
Anniversary
Engagement Party

Venue Setting

Allow the history of Mattei’s Tavern to become part of yours. For almost 130 years, distinguished guests ranging from John D. Rockefeller to Clark Gable have been drawn to Mattei’s Tavern for its blend of natural beauty, romantic heritage and classic luxury – this blend is what makes Mattei’s Tavern an exquisite event venue. The iconic white water tower and original craftsman structures surrounding the ceremony site are softened by pastoral landscaping; providing an unparalleled old west wedding experience. The lush outdoor lawn is the perfect reception area – watch the sunset while dining then dance the night away under the stars. For a more intimate reception or dinner party - enjoy the Garden Room or dine in one of the four dining rooms inside the landmark Mattei’s Tavern. After your event concludes, retreat to one of the 7 charming guest cottages on-site.

Capacity

Seated
200
Buffet
N/A
Standing
200
Fees
(Prices listed here are estimates only & are subject to change)
Price range

Does this include catering fees?

No

Additional charges

Security Deposit:
In addition to the venue deposit, a refundable $1,000-$5,000 security deposit is due upon contraction execution.
 
Property Buyout:
A Cottage Buyout is required (7 Cottages, sleeping 40 people) with all large events. 

Insurance

Additional Insurance May Be Required Depending On The Event

Connect
Request a Venue Tour
Call: 8053353237
Event Logistics and Amenities
(Essential event logistics and amenities to ensure a seamless and memorable experience for you gathering)
Celebrations hosted here since
Prior to 1930
Curfew
10 PM
Venue spaces
Indoor & Outdoor Venue Spaces Available
Catering
Client Must Select A Caterer From The List Provided By The Venue
Alcohol
Licensed Server Is Required
Music
Indoors & Outdoors
Smoking
Non-smoking Venue
Accommodations
Seven on site guest cottages for overnight accomondations (17 bedrooms, 14 bathrooms in total) - the Hartley House and West Cottages adjacent to the ceremony grounds and the other four Bungalows have views looking out to downtown Los Olivos. Lush landscaping surrounding The Cottages providing brilliant contrast to their white washed frames while rocking chairs warmly greet all guests on the front porch. Inside, curated historic photos and old west remnants celebrate The Cottages' history in a clean and modern presentation. 
Eco/Green Events
Yes
Pet-Friendly Events
Yes
Kid Friendly Events
Yes
Handicap Accessible
Yes
Other
Yes
Amenities
  • Bridal Suite/Changing Rooms Onsite
  • Street Parking
  • Wifi
  • Ample Parking Onsite
  • Onsite Restrooms
Venue Features
The scene:
Built in 1886 as a stagecoach stop by Swiss-American Felix Mattei, this two-story gabled building was originally known as the Central Hotel. The property offered a bar, dining room, and seven bedrooms upstairs, and was a favorite for those traveling between San Francisco and Los Angeles, which remains the case to this day.

With the arrival of the railway in 1887, the success of Mattei’s Central Hotel was cemented. Since then, it has thrived as many concepts, including the Hotel Los Olivos in 1890 and the Chart House in the 1970’s. Regardless of the concept, however, Mattei’s has always been the shining gathering place of the community, as well as a favorite stop for travelers.

Mattei’s Tavern received Historic Landmark status in November 2010.
Design:
Multiple craftsman style structures are scattered across the lush pastoral site. Curated art and décor on site alludes to the site’s history, while clean modern presentation promtes an engaging experience for discerning guests. The tasteful blend of history and modernity throughout the site is the hallmark of the Mattei’s Tavern experience.
Extra perks:
VENUE INCLUDES:
PICNIC TABLES, PICNIC BENCHES, COWBOY CAULDRONS, STRIPED UMBRELLAS, METAL BISTRO TABLES W/ CHAIRS, HARDWOOD & SOLID STEEL BAR/TABLE, ROCKING CHAIRS, 2 CORN HOLE GAMES, VINTAGE CROUQUET SET, ANTIQUE CARRIAGE, ORANGE TRAFFIC CONES

AVAILABLE TO RENT:
TEARDROP WOODY TRAILER -$500
6 STAINLESS STEEL PROPANE HEATERS - $350
Awards & Notables
Awards, recognitions, or noteworthy achievements associated with the venue.
OUR FAVORITE WEDDING BLOG FEATURES:

Kim & Tyson,Jeremy & Emily, Jamie & Connor,Jackson & Jenna, Nicole & Nathan,Elan & Hillary, JD & Pilar.
Celebration Locations
This section outlines the various spaces available within the venue for different types of events.
Outdoor Ceremony Grounds - The Keenan Hartley Courtyard
View: Rolling hills, historic water tower, and other historic site features
Max capacity: 200
Outdoor Reception Lawn - Water Tower Garden
View: Rolling hills, historic water tower, and other historic site features
Max capacity: 200
Indoor Bar & Lounge (2018 Events)
Includes: On-site furniture in bar and lounge, area for band set-up, behind the bar access for hired professional bar staff, access to restrooms, and on-site parking.
Max capacity: 50
Venue matched with reports
Gatherings
Holiday Recipes and Styling Tips for a Winter Wonderland Dinner Party
  It’s the most wonderful time of the year and we’re here to share holiday recipes, wintery styling tips and dinner party secrets from the pros. We recently caught up with the dynamite team behind a winter wonderland dinner party at Mattei’s Tavern and they shared not only the inspiration behind these gorgeous photos, but lots of noteworthy advice for hosting your own holiday dinner party. Whether you have a handful of guests gathering at your house or you’re hosting a bigger party at a venue, there’s plenty you can learn from these pros. Read on below to find out how Wild Heart Events founder and creative director Jaime Kostechko uses family heirlooms to set a holiday table. Le Petit Chef, Denisse Salinas shares her recipe for oat milk horchata white Russians (yum!) and roasted parsnip soup. And, seeing as we enjoy sharing hot tips and tricks, there’s plenty of prep advice in the mix too.
Read report
Mattei's Tavern
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