Santa Paula 101: The Glen Tavern Inn
A Loaf of Bread, A Jug of Wine, and Ghosts
ENZO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT (AND BAR)
134 N. Mill Street
Santa Paula, California 93060
(805) 933-5550
Price: Varies ($$-$$$)
Bar tabs can push up the price considerably. Go at Happy Hour and/or order wine by the bottle.
If the ghost-hunting shows and the Travel Channel are any indication, this historic landmark is definitely haunted. And depending on your intestinal fortitude, you may or may not want to stay in the third floor’s infamously bedeviled rooms (307 and 308).
Even if ghosts aren’t your thing, the Glen Tavern has plenty to offer. The building has been lovingly restored to showcase its traditional architecture, and the beautifully manicured grounds feature a curving driveway that draws you in, slow and reassuring. Shhh…it’s going to be okay…Nothing to fear here…
Ahem…
Built in 1911, the Glen Tavern has undergone a few transformations and served several functions throughout its history, from gambling house, brothel, and speakeasy to accommodations and a favored shooting location for Hollywood luminaries including John Wayne, Carol Lombard, and Steve McQueen.
During your visit, take some time to roam the hotel’s three floors, which feature vintage movie posters and the occasional newspaper. (I believe one on the first floor marks the sinking of the Titanic in 1912.) Relics of previous ages—including some creepy-ass dolls—punctuate each area, so keep your phone’s camera handy! (I love the creepy-ass dolls, by the way.)
Inside the Glen Tavern, you’ll find Enzo’s Italian Restaurant. Both the restaurant and the menu have had recent makeovers designed to induce a carb coma for the ages. If you’re looking to go contentedly comatose, we recommend the ravioli (spinach or meat-filled), as well as the stroganoff or the chicken Gorgonzola from the Specials menu. Also recommended: For lighter fare, check with your server for the fish of the day or try the pork chop. Tender, moist, and topped with a bacon Gorgonzola sauce, it turns to a bacon-flavored religious experience in your mouth. Also, beware the baskets of garlic toast generously delivered to every table. They are addictive, and I do mean, crack served with an olive tapenade.
Looking for a place to unwind and forget reality? Make your way to the full bar, a dark and cozy cave tended by our favorite drink-slinger, James. Claiming that the hotel’s ghosts pretty much leave him alone, he serves up spirits of a different sort. He’s also been known to stop everyone in the bar to tell a joke, and when he has a moment to spare, he’s more than happy to chit-chat and share local lore and personal anecdotes.
Last but not least, don’t forget to tip your pianist on Friday and Saturday nights. The music stays true to the hotel’s historic vibes with jazz and Broadway standards. That said, Marty does invite requests and once performed a surprisingly melodic version of Britney Spears’ “Baby One More Time.” Trust me on this: It was fantastic.
Know Before You Go:
If you’re looking for modern amenities like valet parking or room service, the Glen Tavern is not for you. This hotel is about stepping back in time, so forget the little entitlements and enjoy the time travel.
Features:
Available for weddings or other special events. Check with the front desk staff.
Short walk from the shops and restaurants of the Historic Downtown district.
Pet friendly. (Except Enzo’s. Please don’t bring pets into the restaurant and bar.)
Accessible rooms on the first floor.
Enzo’s Happy Hours during the week.
Parking:
Located behind the building, with an entrance off Santa Barbara Street.
Free to hotel guests.
Restaurant and Bar Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tuesday–Thursday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Friday & Saturday: 5:00 PM–10:00 PM
Sunday: 5:00 PM–9:00 PM
Bar opens at 4:00 PM