Venus Spirits Cocktails & Kitchen | Beachside

We visit Aptos several times a year and we nearly always dine at Venus. The food is consistently very good and the atmosphere is nice, although a bit noisy. Our party of 3 all has the miso salmon, it was very good and offered some unique flavors and ingredients.

From the start, it sucked . Ordered drinks that took 20 minutes to get. Then, our waitress told us that we couldn't order appetizers before our entrees, which has never happened, ever. Still, we manned up and ordered apps and entrees. Both appetizers pretty much sucked, cold focaccia @$3 a slice and almost inedible smoked chicken liver mousse on stale bread. Summe risotto was bland and cold. Linguine and clams was barely edible and I sent back my NY steak that was so chewy as to be a solid no. Waitress actually said that the owner “likes the steak that way” unreal. The waitress actually tried to smooth over the situation with a couple of dixie cup sized drinks , which she didn't describe and just placed in front of us? All in all a bad experience that we will never endure again. Too bad cuz Cafe Rio was the spot for many years, oh well...

The clam linguine is spectacular! It is, by far, the best clam linguine I have ever eaten. The sauce was delightful, full of garlic and the occasional crunch of a piece of croutons that made an extraordinary impression. The wait staff was very pleaser and attentive. The others had lamb bolognese, clam chowder and lobster roll. All were pleased with the food. We began outside on the patio, but moved inside when it began to sprinkle. The staff were very accommodating. I would prefer tablecloths, the only disappointing feature. But, the food presentation was excellent.

We went to celebrate my birthday. Our server clearly hates her job. We tried chatting her up mentioned it was my birthday asked to check with the kitchen on the oysters. She didn't care, never checked with the kitchen and made us feel like we were imposing. Why do they ask for info on a celebration if they hire people that don't care.

Service was fair, not very attentive. Food was good but nothing special. Drinks were good. Not sure if we would return.

Wonderful experience and delicious food. We were surprised and how good it was. Service was excellent! (and try their gin martinis!).

Great spot with partial ocean views.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

All over the place in terms of flavor. Nothing special on the menu and at times the food was pretty bad- over seasoned or under seasoned. Location and vibe is good. Food took an hr to arrive and expensive for the quality

Atmosphere: 4

Food: 2

Service: 3

Our server was the best!!! Super attentive made a lot of round and didn’t rush us, even though we were there past closing.
Drinks are always on point. A must when my partner and I visit Santa

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We are very disappointed. We went to this place called a café for the first time and for the last time. The food was terrible. The potatoes were old and there was such an impression that they were left over from the previous order and they just warmed them up for us. The salad was inedible because all the spices they had that day were poured into it. The service was terrible. The lady who served us was very rude and expressed her hostility with all her appearance. After eating something we didn’t like, and after such an unpleasant attitude towards ourselves, we decided to pay and leave. As befits us, we left a tip, but what was my surprise and unpleasant amazement when, checking my card payments, I saw that they threw money on top and took out this money from my card!!!!!!!!!!! What impudence and violations of financial regulation. I have already contacted my bank to start an investigation because no one isn't protected from these people who can get into your pocket. My advise: STAY AWAY from this place.

Atmosphere: 1

Food: 1

Service: 1

Tonight was clearly a difficult one for front of house and kitchen staff alike - we waited for around two hours for our food to come out due to unprecedentedly short staffing - but our waitress and the manager were attentive and apologetic, the food was delicious, and while the atmosphere was a little tense due to delays, nothing felt frazzled or out of control. All in all it was clear that everyone was working their asses off, so I want to give the accolades they deserve - bravo. One rough evening won't be nearly enough to keep me from visiting again, keep doing what you're doing

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Crispy Brussels Sprouts

Great food, great service, on the beach. How can you go wrong

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic find!

I wasn't sure what to expect. Went in with a friend we sat at the bar. The bartender/server was awesome. She made the absolute best Manhattan!

We had the shrimp cocktail, calamari which were excellent. I had the NY strip which was cooked perfectly and topped with an amazing chimichuri. The potatoes were duck fat fried. I can't wait to go back. Amazing fantastic Experience and food!!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Cocktails, food and service were amazing. So much homemade on the menu. Highly recommend.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Fantastic service, classy atmosphere and delicious food!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5