20 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.“

“Best end of night going out:-)“

“Just visiting and I fell in love with the staff. The staff is so nice and has some great suggestions for food places in the area. They make delicious drinks and shots just taste sweeter with how nice the staff are. They have an area in front for smokers and vapors. The place is really clean and thw bathrooms didnt smell. If you are solo you will make friends and if you have a group then your group will grow. I absolutely lovveee this place! I would travel back to Ventura just to see the staff again!“

“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“

“Strange Beast is an incredible Japanese influenced bar and is really something special for the city. From the moment you walk in and see the punk posters and the different kaiju's on the walls, you know you're in for a treat. The drinks are very unique with a special take with Japanese spirits and Japanese influenced ingredients. Nick is a wonderful bartender, and truly made for a wonderful experience. From the moment you sit down at the bar, the warm welcome and just the passion he has when he is taking care of you. You truly know you are wanted at his bar. The way he truly crafts your drinks and is able to talk you through the spirits, it's a wonderful treat. Whether it be on menu or not, (if it's a slower night, because it does it get busy!) he truly knows how to craft a drink to your palate and liking! He can really make it for a special experience so I highly recommend visiting and getting a chance to visit Nick at the bar!“

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

“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.“

“This place is a hidden gem.. It's my modern day Cheer's
If you are looking for a chill place to hang out and drink, play billiards or just listen to some good live music, this is it.. They have something fun planned for you every day of the week. Check out their Instagram or sign up for text messages to be up to date on everything the Garage.
If you do, maybe I'll see ya there.“

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

“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 🌅“

“Food is delicious. If you order the flan expect a large portion! Wait staff was attentive. The only negative was the noise level in the room due to a large group with children but that can happen at any restaurant. I will definitely return.“