24 Best Cocktail Bars in Ventura

“The Yard Bar & Grill is a great place to enjoy tasty food in a fun and relaxed setting. The menu has a wide variety of options, from hearty meals to lighter bites, and everything is served hot, fresh, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of spot where you always leave full and satisfied.
The service is excellent—staff are friendly, attentive, and always ready to help with recommendations or quick refills. Food comes out in good time, and the team works hard to make sure customers are happy.
The atmosphere is lively and welcoming, with a mix of casual comfort and good vibes. It’s perfect for hanging out with friends, watching a game, or enjoying a night out. With delicious food, great service, and a fun environment, The Yard Bar & Grill is definitely worth coming back to.“

“Fun place to get together with friends“

“Favorite local place for craft cocktails. The bartenders here know their craft and they stock hard to find liquor that most local places don’t have. On my most recent visit I ordered a La Louisiana which in addition to whiskey and vermouth also requires Benedictine and Absinthe, which most local bars here don’t carry.“

“When I used to frequent this place, the aspect that I truly appreciated was the speedy service they offered, especially when compared to other establishments. It was often quite challenging to have drinks promptly served elsewhere. Moreover, one of the highlights of visiting this bar was the engaging nature of the customers. They enjoyed interacting with me, striking up conversations, and creating a lively atmosphere“

“This dive bar had such a cool vibe going on when I arrived. I was amazed! It was mid-day on a Friday and the place had many friendly patrons come in for a drinks while I was there. Check this place out, across the street from the Ventura Theater!“

“Best end of night going out:-)“

“Great place!! Love this bar and all the regulars. 🥰“

“Last visit was a Friday evening shortly after opening so I'm not sure that all of the normal staff was up and running at the time. Also customers stopping our server to ask a whole load of questions while he was on the way to get our eating utensils, and him obliging them while we wait 5 minutes + looking patiently at our food in front of us. It's not rude to say I'll be right back to help you.“

“Karaoke 🎤 with Steve Luke and Joanie 💜“

“Lure Fish House is one of my go-to happy hour spots. Happy hour runs Monday–Friday from 3:00–6:00 pm and Sunday from 11:30 am–5:00 , which is honestly elite timing.

First of all, the complimentary bread deserves its own shoutout. Warm, comforting, and dangerous in the best way.

I’m obsessed with their oyster bar, especially the Grassy Bar oysters and the charbroiled oysters. I always order the house-made chowder 50/50, it’s half Classic New England and half Veracruz fish chowder. It’s rich, flavorful, and truly the best of both worlds.

I’m a big fan of their shared plates, which is where Lure really shines. Favorites include the bacon cheddar biscuits with whipped honey goat cheese, crab cakes, and a classic Caesar salad that never disappoints. Everything is well-executed and perfect for sharing.

Their specialty cocktails are also worth ordering and pair well with the food, especially during happy hour.

The vibe is lively but not overwhelming, making it perfect for after-work drinks or a casual dinner with friends. I personally love sitting at the bar or oyster bar, it’s the best way to experience the space. Service has always been friendly and efficient,

Parking is easy too. Free parking is available in the structure behind the restaurant, which is a huge plus in downtown Ventura.

I honestly never make it to dessert because I’m always completely full, and that says a lot. Consistent, welcoming, and a solid go-to for seafood and happy hour in Ventura.“

“After having the opportunity to eat there with crew and clients we can say that, at least our order of the Scampi ; Depicted; we will be coming back again to try other menu options. The portions were sizeable enough to take some home if you haven't decided to take a beach walk beforehand. The prices are fair assuming you know that you're getting quality grade seafood by the beach; with a stellar view of the harbor we may add.“

“Everything is perfect 😍 Always I go to the Finney’s in Westlake for dinner 🍲 I love this restaurant 🤩“

“Best neighborhood bar in town! All of the bartenders are amazing, the owners and staff are friendly and fun, and they work hard to make this an all inclusive, comfortable spot for a quick drink after work or really get your party on with live music on the weekends. They have taco and trivia on Tuesdays, game nights on Wednesday, Tiki drink Thursdays and Monday is potluck and karaoke. There's always something happening at The Garage Bar!“

“Great views , good food! Casual place. \n\nWe wanted to eat by the water. We sat inside but there is also outside seating. \n\nHusband had Ahi sandwich and it was cooked rare, and he said it was good. It was pretty big with fries! I had shrimp and crab quesadillas, they were served with an avocado cream sauce over it and a large scoop of shredded cabbage. Delicious! (2 could split it) \n\nFull bar available too! Place your order and you get a beeper, head over to the bar and order your drinks, pay separate from food. \nGet your parking ticket stamped for free parking.“

“Great teppanyaki food and entertaining chef performance!“

“Model Citizen is one of those vibey spots that feels elevated without being stuffy, and Mondays are my favorite time to go.

They are open Thursday through Monday from 4 pm to 9 pm and closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Happy hour runs daily from 4 to 6 pm and all night on Mondays. And yes, you can order happy hour from anywhere you sit in the restaurant, which immediately earns bonus points.

Mondays have the best energy. It is relaxed but still lively. I am obsessed with their salads, especially the Caesar, heavy on the parm please.

The happy hour menu never misses. Smash burger with fries and garlic aioli is a must. And if you are getting a drink, go for the Negroni. They make a very good one, balanced and done right.

Great food, strong drinks, and a really good vibe. Model Citizen is a go to when you want something fun, elevated, and reliably good.“

“Fantastic drinks! Great location!“

“Big ole BRC w/Avocado Burrito $10 includes chips/salsa 👌🏾“

“Great tacos! 🌮 really impressed with how fresh and flavorful each one was

The elote chicken was a really pleasant surprise

We also had the classic fried baja fish tacos, potato taco and calamari taco. And a side of chips and guacamole

Enjoyed them all with a beautiful sunset 🌅“

“We finally stopped in for dinner before going to live music at Namba. It was the perfect addition to the evening. My wife and I ordered the side order size of the roasted vegetables and quinoa salad. Also the Ceviche app. That was all delicious and more food than we could finish. So it was an inexpensive dinner for this area. Our server was very nice.“

“When making reservations, be informed that if you decide to eat inside it is in the upstairs bar area. The music is loud and more for the younger patrons. That aside, the food was great!! Completely made up for the loud atmosphere. Next time it will be on the patio or wait downstairs for a table.“

“Yummy food and Drinks! Great atmosphere! And great fair prices.“

“Always have family lunches here and it’s always on point“

“I love Paddy's its my FAVORITE place to go in Ventura can't wait to get home so I can go again!! The staff ROCK and so does the ATMOSPHERE!!❤❤“