Storied Past. Tasty Present.

The name Tarpy comes from Matt Tarpy, an Irish settler who once lived near present-day Watsonville. Known locally as a respected horseman and enforcer of frontier justice. Tarpy's reputation took a dark turn following a dispute over land boundaries with neighbors Sarah and Murdock Nicholson. His version of 'accidental' justice resulted in Sarah being shot, nine times. After being found guilty, a furious local mob took matters into their own hands. Tarpy was publicly hanged in the area now known as Tarpy Flats. The stunning stone building that now houses Tarpy's sits on 3.5 acres once part of the historic Ryan Ranch homestead. Construction started in the late 1800's and completed around 1917 by Charles and Alice Ryan, the home stood on 454 acres of rolling hills and meadows once known as Saucito Ranch. Over the years, the property passed through various hands until it was transformed into Tarpy's in 1992, blending rich history with rustic elegance and award-winning cuisine.