Enter via Playhouse!! Just moved to 93001 and dying to find best ribs/brisket/TriTip. Found the joint right here. Add the “Brisket Beans” for total meal. Yum.Parking: Go just past Music House on right. Unmarked
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs
Jeff Ditto
Legitimately well done Texas style BBQ Brisket. We also had the Maple Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Texas Twinkie(Bacon wrapped, meat stuffed jalapeno), and Loaded Corn Cup, The Brisket was just a little dry (I judge Brisket really hard, so...) everything else we had was really well done. I did not care for their BBQ sauce it was too vinegary for me.Parking: Parking is in the back of the Ventura Music Hall
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Brisket
Maja Adamski
Delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Dolores P.
Finger licken good! Meat falling off the bone and into your mouth. You can tell the owner, Jason, has a passion for grilling. All the food is cooked perfectly and to make it even better the bbq sauce is just delish to smother on top of everything. Or maybe I can ask for a straw to drink it directly . I recently tried the brisket esquite, and I don't think I can have one anywhere else now. So yummy! Right now, you can enjoy this deliciousness at the Ventura Music Hall, which is actually a pretty cool spot. But there will be a new location soon, so stay posted so you know where to find this amazing bbq.
Matt Couse
Fantastic BBQ! Stand outs today were the brisket, beef rib and the esquite! The ribs were fall apart tender and the brisket just Mets like heaven in your mouth. The esquite is super garlicky and has the perfect crush. It’s exactly the perfect pairing with the bbq meats.The Mac and cheese could be cheesier- I wouldn’t get this again next time.Overall the quality, taste and tenderness matches it beats the best bbq I have had in Texas. And locally, the same or better quality than Moo’s!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket
Melissa L.
My foodie friends have been encouraging me to come to this spot for forever now & the peer pressure was real! I knew they were serving up some tasty BBQ in the 805 and I was also lucky enough to sample their fixings at an event last year which was awesome. Even better then the food in my opinion was the hospitality and passion of the owner. He was extremely nice & gracious, exited to have everyone try his food and BBQing is clearly a labor of love so I tip my hat off to anyone who can do it well. With that said, is Ruff House BBQ one of the best BBQ spots in the 805, very likely (haven't tried them all but out of the ones I've tried this was definitely good). However, the hype got to us a little and as a group of three we were expecting this to be some of the best BBQ we've ever had based on the ongoing word of mouth and stellar yelp reviews. It was good don't get me wrong, but I don't think it completely lived up to what everyone said as every bite wasn't a 5/5 and having been blessed to travel the states trying BBQ from Texas and Kansas I had higher expectations then I should have. I was actually the most generous as I thought Ruff House was a solid 4/5 but the other two at my table were closer to 3.5 tough crowd and I guess even better they aren't leaving the reviews. I personally love the location as I frequent the Ventura Music Hall often and I love a more hidden locals only pop up. The venue is spacious and can fit a good amount of people as they definitely get a long line and can get busy. Nice that Ventura Music Hall opens up their bar during these hours if you want some booze. I'm also really excited about their business that they'll be opening up in downtown Ventura, a brick and mortar business is exactly what they need to get more foot traffic. Staff are super friendly and nice. Not sure if the staff working in the restaurant kitchen side are ruffs team or staff from the music hall but either way everyone was super nice and helpful. Like I said before the owner has always been nice and great that the good vibes carry over to the team working the weekend bbq shift. Be prepared to wait, nothing wrong with that - shows that people like it but this isn't a quick in and out grab unless you come right at opening. We came about 11:20am and we were not eating until closer to 12pm. This didn't bother me at all, good food takes time. Just noting for others who might be more particular about this. Pricing is a little costly but meat is expensive I get that. I'll pay a lot for a good meal but the platter we ordered for three people was $110 and given that we didn't leave noting it at 5 stars yet isn't ideal. The more people the better to split the costs and to get to try a little bit of everything. Now for the foods! My hands down favorite was the brisket. It was truly delicious. Juicy, flavorful, and a glorious smoke ring. Having smoked brisket myself I know how much work it is and this was a 5/5 hands down. I'd definitely get this again. Loved the crust and it was clearly a fan favorite as we saw a lot of people getting it. As a side the broccolini was the perfect side to breakup the heavy meat filled meal, a good choice. That was about my only favorites though this trip. The pulled pork was just okay and I remember thinking this the last time I had it. The biggest bummer being a girl who loves sausage (don't worry I get jokes about this all of the time) was how overly peppery today's batch was. I like a good pepper bite and flavorful profile but all three of us agreed it was overdone and hard to eat. Probably the first time I've left sausage behind...Lastly, the Mac and cheese just isn't for me, I've had it twice now and I don't find it to be as creamy or rich as I like my Mac and cheese to be. The BBQ is heavy enough, so maybe this is intentional but between three of us we didn't finish that side. All in all there were some mega hits and a couple misses. That's why I think 4 stars is just despite
Isaac E.
Hands down the best bbq I've had outside of the south. Saying the food was delicious is an understatement.The brisket, burnt ends, brocollini and Mac n cheese are a must try. The service was great. I'd definitely recommend this spot to friends and family.
Efrain Cazares State Farm Agent
Ruff House BBQ is an absolute barbecue paradise! I recently had the pleasure of savoring their mouthwatering dishes, and the experience left me utterly impressed.From the moment you walk in, the inviting aroma of smoked meats sets the stage for a flavor-packed adventure. The menu offers a fantastic variety of barbecue delights, from tender brisket to succulent ribs. Each dish is expertly prepared, showcasing a true passion for barbecue craftsmanship.The standout at Ruff House BBQ is undeniably the smoky goodness infused into every bite. The meats are perfectly cooked, retaining juiciness and flavor that make each mouthful a culinary delight. Whether you're a barbecue connoisseur or just looking for a memorable meal, Ruff House BBQ is a must-visit. It's a haven for those who appreciate the art of slow-cooked, flavorful barbecue. I'm already planning my next visit to indulge in more of their delicious offerings. Ruff House BBQ, you've won me over!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs, Brisket
Jessica Y.
I feel so fortunate that I stumbled upon the best BBQ spot thanks to Instagram! We don't really eat BBQ much but I didn't really have super high expectations since I figured it would just taste like any old BBQ but boy was I wrong. The sampler platter comes with a variety of meats and two sides, perfect to share for a group of 3-4. They set up at Ventura Music Hall every Sunday and it was a much nicer venue than I thought it would be. There are some booths and plenty of tables, as well as a clean restroom. The menu switches up a bit so be sure to give Jason a follow on IG @ruff_house_bbq to see what is on the menu for the week. Looking forward to coming back soon!
Vance B.
Very casual, we had the pulled pork and the brisket burnt ends. Plus the corn and the coleslaw. It was all really delicious highly recommend it.
Ruff House BBQ left an ever-lasting impression on me since the day I traveled to Ventura to try it. I arrived just before they opened, and even though the line didn't seem too long; I still had to wait about an hour and a half to finally place my order. So, come with patience here! I promise the wait is totally worth it. BTW, it is located in the Ventura Music Hall and only offered on Sundays from 11am-3pm (or until they sell out), but Jason the master BBQ wizard does occasional pop-ups at other locations. Check out his IG page for daily updates @ruff_house_bbq Ok, so I was kind of overwhelmed on what to order even though I stared at the menu while waiting in line. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, but then again it always does when you haven't eaten. I ended up going with the Chipotle Cheddar Beef Hot Link ($7), 1/2 pound Spare Ribs ($14), and 1/2 lb. Maple Bacon Pork Belly Burnt Ends ($14). I also ordered the banana cream pie pudding cup ($8), which was mind blowing delicious! It wasn't overly sweet and very well put together. These are made by Jess who teams up with Jason on Sunday's to provide the best desserts to accompany the BBQ. Her IG handle is @awkwardpastrychef if you'd like to check out her page.As for the food, the beef hot link wasn't too spicy and the Dijon dipping sauce to accompany it was the perfect balance of sweet n tangy. The spare ribs were love at first bite!! The meat was super tender, melt in your mouth delicious, and it had the perfect amount of smokiness. Honestly, these were the best I ever had in all my life lol. I also enjoyed the bbq sauce that was served with this, but you could eat them just as is.The Maple Bacon Pork Belly Burnt ends are a must order! They are little pieces of heaven and melt in your mouth. I devoured these in my car, and they didn't even require a dip in the bbq sauce that came with it. This is Cali meets Texas style BBQ, and although I've never tried Texas BBQ; this has got my stamp of approval and deserves an award!This was one of my favorite BBQ experiences I've ever had and I am looking forward to going back soon!
Alana M.
I absolutely love Ruff House. I was introduced to them at a Yelp event but have had their bbq several times since. It's without a doubt my favorite BBQ in the county and I follow them on IG to see where they are having pop ups, from breweries to golf courses! They're usually at Ventura Music Hall on Sundays but follow their social media to be sure. The brisket is incredibly flavorful and is my absolutely favorite. They are always offering new items on the menu. For example, we came once for the crawfish broil which my boyfriend really enjoyed. I love their brisket, pulled pork and Mac n cheese. You can tell the owner is very passionate about bbq because the quality of the food is excellent!
Laura M.
Absolutely love this place! I often find myself disappointed when I'm craving BBQ in Ventura, but with Ruff House I'm only disappointed when it's not Sunday. That's right, they're only open one day a week for a few hours, but it's absolutely worth the wait. I've tried the ribs, burnt ends, brisket, and chicken, plus all the sides, and everything has been outstanding. Special shout out to the chicken, often overlooked at BBQ places - it was soooo juicy and delicious. Strongly recommend!!
Alex F.
I happened to be in Ventura and was lucky enough to stumble upon Ruff House when looking for a lunch spot. The bbq is absolutely incredible and I can't say enough about the quality of the smoked meats. The flavor and bark on the pork spare ribs was the best I've had, and the Mac n cheese has a unique smokiness/chipotle type flavor that's hard to describe but I absolutely loved it. Definitely looking forward to trying out more of the menu next time, and leaving room for dessert.The restaurant is inside of a music venue and I didn't see a single sign, banner, etc. for the restaurant on the outside which was pretty confusing, but I'm glad that I poked my head in to make sure I was in the right spot. Conclusion - If you're in the mood for great bbq I would highly recommend. It's worth driving 30+ minutes because it's that good, but make sure to come early as they do sell out!
Allison C.
If there is one thing that comes to my mind when I think about Ruff House BBQ it is how passionate they are about what they are doing. You can tell that this is more than just a business to them. They care about providing quality food to the Ventura community and keep affordability in mind. I was fortunate enough to sample most of their foods at a Yelp Elite event and have been twice now to take advantage of their $5 smashburger appreciation days. I hope to make it out one weekend to get some more of their fantastic pulled pork, brisket, and mac n cheese soon! They currently do not have a permanent "home" and mostly operate out of the Ventura Music Hall on the weekends and sometimes at Poseidon Brewery. They offer a variety of meats including home-made sausages, tri tip, ribs, chicken, and more! Jason really knows what he is doing and it shows in the quality and flavor of the food!
Enter via Playhouse!! Just moved to 93001 and dying to find best ribs/brisket/TriTip. Found the joint right here. Add the “Brisket Beans” for total meal. Yum.Parking: Go just past Music House on right. Unmarked
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 5
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs
Legitimately well done Texas style BBQ Brisket. We also had the Maple Pork Belly Burnt Ends, Texas Twinkie(Bacon wrapped, meat stuffed jalapeno), and Loaded Corn Cup, The Brisket was just a little dry (I judge Brisket really hard, so...) everything else we had was really well done. I did not care for their BBQ sauce it was too vinegary for me.Parking: Parking is in the back of the Ventura Music Hall
Atmosphere: 4
Food: 4
Service: 4
Recommended dishes: Brisket
Delicious ?
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Finger licken good! Meat falling off the bone and into your mouth. You can tell the owner, Jason, has a passion for grilling. All the food is cooked perfectly and to make it even better the bbq sauce is just delish to smother on top of everything. Or maybe I can ask for a straw to drink it directly . I recently tried the brisket esquite, and I don't think I can have one anywhere else now. So yummy! Right now, you can enjoy this deliciousness at the Ventura Music Hall, which is actually a pretty cool spot. But there will be a new location soon, so stay posted so you know where to find this amazing bbq.
Fantastic BBQ! Stand outs today were the brisket, beef rib and the esquite! The ribs were fall apart tender and the brisket just Mets like heaven in your mouth. The esquite is super garlicky and has the perfect crush. It’s exactly the perfect pairing with the bbq meats.The Mac and cheese could be cheesier- I wouldn’t get this again next time.Overall the quality, taste and tenderness matches it beats the best bbq I have had in Texas. And locally, the same or better quality than Moo’s!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Brisket
My foodie friends have been encouraging me to come to this spot for forever now & the peer pressure was real! I knew they were serving up some tasty BBQ in the 805 and I was also lucky enough to sample their fixings at an event last year which was awesome. Even better then the food in my opinion was the hospitality and passion of the owner. He was extremely nice & gracious, exited to have everyone try his food and BBQing is clearly a labor of love so I tip my hat off to anyone who can do it well. With that said, is Ruff House BBQ one of the best BBQ spots in the 805, very likely (haven't tried them all but out of the ones I've tried this was definitely good). However, the hype got to us a little and as a group of three we were expecting this to be some of the best BBQ we've ever had based on the ongoing word of mouth and stellar yelp reviews. It was good don't get me wrong, but I don't think it completely lived up to what everyone said as every bite wasn't a 5/5 and having been blessed to travel the states trying BBQ from Texas and Kansas I had higher expectations then I should have. I was actually the most generous as I thought Ruff House was a solid 4/5 but the other two at my table were closer to 3.5 tough crowd and I guess even better they aren't leaving the reviews. I personally love the location as I frequent the Ventura Music Hall often and I love a more hidden locals only pop up. The venue is spacious and can fit a good amount of people as they definitely get a long line and can get busy. Nice that Ventura Music Hall opens up their bar during these hours if you want some booze. I'm also really excited about their business that they'll be opening up in downtown Ventura, a brick and mortar business is exactly what they need to get more foot traffic. Staff are super friendly and nice. Not sure if the staff working in the restaurant kitchen side are ruffs team or staff from the music hall but either way everyone was super nice and helpful. Like I said before the owner has always been nice and great that the good vibes carry over to the team working the weekend bbq shift. Be prepared to wait, nothing wrong with that - shows that people like it but this isn't a quick in and out grab unless you come right at opening. We came about 11:20am and we were not eating until closer to 12pm. This didn't bother me at all, good food takes time. Just noting for others who might be more particular about this. Pricing is a little costly but meat is expensive I get that. I'll pay a lot for a good meal but the platter we ordered for three people was $110 and given that we didn't leave noting it at 5 stars yet isn't ideal. The more people the better to split the costs and to get to try a little bit of everything. Now for the foods! My hands down favorite was the brisket. It was truly delicious. Juicy, flavorful, and a glorious smoke ring. Having smoked brisket myself I know how much work it is and this was a 5/5 hands down. I'd definitely get this again. Loved the crust and it was clearly a fan favorite as we saw a lot of people getting it. As a side the broccolini was the perfect side to breakup the heavy meat filled meal, a good choice. That was about my only favorites though this trip. The pulled pork was just okay and I remember thinking this the last time I had it. The biggest bummer being a girl who loves sausage (don't worry I get jokes about this all of the time) was how overly peppery today's batch was. I like a good pepper bite and flavorful profile but all three of us agreed it was overdone and hard to eat. Probably the first time I've left sausage behind...Lastly, the Mac and cheese just isn't for me, I've had it twice now and I don't find it to be as creamy or rich as I like my Mac and cheese to be. The BBQ is heavy enough, so maybe this is intentional but between three of us we didn't finish that side. All in all there were some mega hits and a couple misses. That's why I think 4 stars is just despite
Hands down the best bbq I've had outside of the south. Saying the food was delicious is an understatement.The brisket, burnt ends, brocollini and Mac n cheese are a must try. The service was great. I'd definitely recommend this spot to friends and family.
Ruff House BBQ is an absolute barbecue paradise! I recently had the pleasure of savoring their mouthwatering dishes, and the experience left me utterly impressed.From the moment you walk in, the inviting aroma of smoked meats sets the stage for a flavor-packed adventure. The menu offers a fantastic variety of barbecue delights, from tender brisket to succulent ribs. Each dish is expertly prepared, showcasing a true passion for barbecue craftsmanship.The standout at Ruff House BBQ is undeniably the smoky goodness infused into every bite. The meats are perfectly cooked, retaining juiciness and flavor that make each mouthful a culinary delight. Whether you're a barbecue connoisseur or just looking for a memorable meal, Ruff House BBQ is a must-visit. It's a haven for those who appreciate the art of slow-cooked, flavorful barbecue. I'm already planning my next visit to indulge in more of their delicious offerings. Ruff House BBQ, you've won me over!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Pork Ribs, Brisket
I feel so fortunate that I stumbled upon the best BBQ spot thanks to Instagram! We don't really eat BBQ much but I didn't really have super high expectations since I figured it would just taste like any old BBQ but boy was I wrong. The sampler platter comes with a variety of meats and two sides, perfect to share for a group of 3-4. They set up at Ventura Music Hall every Sunday and it was a much nicer venue than I thought it would be. There are some booths and plenty of tables, as well as a clean restroom. The menu switches up a bit so be sure to give Jason a follow on IG @ruff_house_bbq to see what is on the menu for the week. Looking forward to coming back soon!
Very casual, we had the pulled pork and the brisket burnt ends. Plus the corn and the coleslaw. It was all really delicious highly recommend it.
Restaurantji Recommends
Ruff House BBQ left an ever-lasting impression on me since the day I traveled to Ventura to try it. I arrived just before they opened, and even though the line didn't seem too long; I still had to wait about an hour and a half to finally place my order. So, come with patience here! I promise the wait is totally worth it. BTW, it is located in the Ventura Music Hall and only offered on Sundays from 11am-3pm (or until they sell out), but Jason the master BBQ wizard does occasional pop-ups at other locations. Check out his IG page for daily updates @ruff_house_bbq Ok, so I was kind of overwhelmed on what to order even though I stared at the menu while waiting in line. Everything on the menu sounded delicious, but then again it always does when you haven't eaten. I ended up going with the Chipotle Cheddar Beef Hot Link ($7), 1/2 pound Spare Ribs ($14), and 1/2 lb. Maple Bacon Pork Belly Burnt Ends ($14). I also ordered the banana cream pie pudding cup ($8), which was mind blowing delicious! It wasn't overly sweet and very well put together. These are made by Jess who teams up with Jason on Sunday's to provide the best desserts to accompany the BBQ. Her IG handle is @awkwardpastrychef if you'd like to check out her page.As for the food, the beef hot link wasn't too spicy and the Dijon dipping sauce to accompany it was the perfect balance of sweet n tangy. The spare ribs were love at first bite!! The meat was super tender, melt in your mouth delicious, and it had the perfect amount of smokiness. Honestly, these were the best I ever had in all my life lol. I also enjoyed the bbq sauce that was served with this, but you could eat them just as is.The Maple Bacon Pork Belly Burnt ends are a must order! They are little pieces of heaven and melt in your mouth. I devoured these in my car, and they didn't even require a dip in the bbq sauce that came with it. This is Cali meets Texas style BBQ, and although I've never tried Texas BBQ; this has got my stamp of approval and deserves an award!This was one of my favorite BBQ experiences I've ever had and I am looking forward to going back soon!
I absolutely love Ruff House. I was introduced to them at a Yelp event but have had their bbq several times since. It's without a doubt my favorite BBQ in the county and I follow them on IG to see where they are having pop ups, from breweries to golf courses! They're usually at Ventura Music Hall on Sundays but follow their social media to be sure. The brisket is incredibly flavorful and is my absolutely favorite. They are always offering new items on the menu. For example, we came once for the crawfish broil which my boyfriend really enjoyed. I love their brisket, pulled pork and Mac n cheese. You can tell the owner is very passionate about bbq because the quality of the food is excellent!
Absolutely love this place! I often find myself disappointed when I'm craving BBQ in Ventura, but with Ruff House I'm only disappointed when it's not Sunday. That's right, they're only open one day a week for a few hours, but it's absolutely worth the wait. I've tried the ribs, burnt ends, brisket, and chicken, plus all the sides, and everything has been outstanding. Special shout out to the chicken, often overlooked at BBQ places - it was soooo juicy and delicious. Strongly recommend!!
I happened to be in Ventura and was lucky enough to stumble upon Ruff House when looking for a lunch spot. The bbq is absolutely incredible and I can't say enough about the quality of the smoked meats. The flavor and bark on the pork spare ribs was the best I've had, and the Mac n cheese has a unique smokiness/chipotle type flavor that's hard to describe but I absolutely loved it. Definitely looking forward to trying out more of the menu next time, and leaving room for dessert.The restaurant is inside of a music venue and I didn't see a single sign, banner, etc. for the restaurant on the outside which was pretty confusing, but I'm glad that I poked my head in to make sure I was in the right spot. Conclusion - If you're in the mood for great bbq I would highly recommend. It's worth driving 30+ minutes because it's that good, but make sure to come early as they do sell out!
If there is one thing that comes to my mind when I think about Ruff House BBQ it is how passionate they are about what they are doing. You can tell that this is more than just a business to them. They care about providing quality food to the Ventura community and keep affordability in mind. I was fortunate enough to sample most of their foods at a Yelp Elite event and have been twice now to take advantage of their $5 smashburger appreciation days. I hope to make it out one weekend to get some more of their fantastic pulled pork, brisket, and mac n cheese soon! They currently do not have a permanent "home" and mostly operate out of the Ventura Music Hall on the weekends and sometimes at Poseidon Brewery. They offer a variety of meats including home-made sausages, tri tip, ribs, chicken, and more! Jason really knows what he is doing and it shows in the quality and flavor of the food!