20 Best Cocktail Bars in Ventura

“Ventura’s best burgers on Main Street and beyond! I make it a point to eat here and hang every time I’m in Ventura.

The Captain Crunch Chicken strips are amazing and can be enjoyed with or without sauce.

But it’s the Brisket/Ground Beef burgers that keep me coming back. The atmosphere is always chill and the beer is always ice cold.“

“Fun place to get together with friends“

“Had such a fun time at Strange Beast! Came here with friends on a Thursday for karaoke night and the atmosphere was amazing 🎤🔥

The food was seriously so good and the drinks were even better definitely some cocktails you have to try 🍹 The energy, music, and overall vibe made it such a great spot for a night out.

Highly recommend checking this place out if you’re in Ventura and looking for good food, drinks, and a fun time with friends!“

“Had bought tickets for an event here that ultimately ended up being cancelled without us knowing…we showed up confused and staff was so so kind about the situation and helped us figure out what was going on. Manager gave us a sweet round of shots and it really uplifted our vibes! Thank you!! Great drinks, fun atmosphere, awesome service!“

“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!“

“Best end of night going out:-)“

“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“

“Karaoke 🎤 with Steve Luke and Joanie 💜“

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

“Highly recommend any style fish you order get it Sally sand dab style! I usually get the white sea bass Sally sand dab style with the brussle sprouts and the potato cake its sooooo delicious! The calamari with their Chipotle sauce is yummy to! I also get a cup of clam chowder half white half red you wont regret it!“

“We hadn't been here since before the lockdown, and I was pleasantly surprised. My salad was crunchy and fresh, my salmon was great and the sauteed onion/pepper bed was well seasoned. And of course, the marina views are very relaxing. We'd go back....“

“We were visiting from out of town, staying at an Airbnb across the street looking for a way to spend the night. The staff here had a way of making the whole place feel like a big, warm common ground place for people of all types. It’s just such an easy-going, wonderful vibe. I was reminded why I love playing pool so much for the first time in a long while, and I've played all across bars on the west coast! It was so cool just hanging out and learning from others who love the game as much as I do. It’s a rare thing to find a place that feels this genuine and welcoming. We’ll definitely be back!“

“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.“

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

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Oak Street in downtown Ventura has quietly become one of the coolest little pockets to explore. Step off Main Street and you’ll find a street that’s had real energy breathed into it — trees wrapped in lights, a lively atmosphere, and a collection of businesses that make the block worth lingering on.

You’ve got VCBC Brewing pouring some of the best beer in town. Across the street is Jaguar Moon, the agave and mezcal-focused cocktail bar with its beautiful patio, paired with Corazon Cocina by Michelin-starred chef Ramon Velazquez. Nearby sits NAMBA Arts Center with its incredible programming — everything from children’s dance classes and concerts to stand-up comedy and live performances.

One of my favorite newer additions is the public community library built into the façade of the Great Eastern storefront — take a book, leave a book, completely free to the Ventura community.

But what has really evolved is Model Citizen.

We’ve eaten there for years, but our most recent dinner may have been one of the best meals we’ve had in Ventura.

There’s clearly a new level happening in the kitchen. A chef who came in from Los Angeles a few months back has elevated the menu in a big way. The standout? A Harry’s Berries dessert on a house-made pastry that was absolutely memorable.

Dinner started with house-made focaccia with aged balsamic and EVOO, marinated olives layered with fennel and citrus, and a shaved cabbage and fennel Caesar with fried capers and parmesan that was fresh, bright, and unexpectedly addictive.

The rigatoni alla vodka with ’nduja sausage and burrata was rich and balanced, and the prime hanger steak frites with au poivre sauce and gremolata was spot on.

The room feels alive — great bar energy, warm ambience, and surprisingly approachable pricing for the quality coming out of the kitchen. My wife enjoyed a couple glasses of Chardonnay, I had my NA beer, and we left talking about when we were coming back.

Ventura has some excellent dining. Model Citizen just reminded us why it belongs firmly in that conversation.“

“Great teppanyaki food and entertaining chef performance!“

“The baja taco with fried or grilled fish is fire!!!! The elote chicken taco & the elote are both homes runs also! The chips have the PERFECT amount of hint of lime to them and the salsa is spectacularly perfect. The dude working the front makes customer service the main priority and will assure you time here is amazing even if its just a quick taco stop. Highly recommend!! It's a favorite spot for sure!“

“We've been coming here since it opened in 2018. It is our favorite Mexican restaurant! We've brought so many family and friends here over the years. Everyone loves Blue Agave and it is the best! The food and drinks are always so good and the service outstanding. Thank you!“

“Fantastic drinks! Great location!“