Customers` Favorites
Customers` Favorites
“Ambiance was amazing very alluring & fun experience. Staff super friendly and upbeat. Food options were wonderful. Food is very flavorful and very well portioned. The “adult” beverages top notch :) servers were fast and friendly. We always had what we needed never had to wait or ask for anything. Family friendly and welcoming staff. A must try if you’re in Ventura.“
Customers` Favorites
“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....“
Customers` Favorites
“If you’re a seafood taco lover, do yourself a favor and make the trip—no matter how far—to Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company in Ventura, California. I’ve driven several hours more than once just to eat here, and every time it’s 100% worth it. The fish tacos are unreal—hands-down the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly cooked, super fresh, and packed with flavor, with just the right amount of crunch and spice. They’re the kind of tacos that ruin you for all others. But it’s not just the food that makes this place special. You can feel the family-oriented values the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, the staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and you can tell this is a family-run spot that takes pride in everything they do. Spencer Makenzie’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a destination. Whether you’re local or traveling from hours away like I do, this place is an absolute must-visit. Can’t wait for the next trip back to Ventura just for another bite!“
Customers` Favorites
“Wow. WOW WOW WOW! this place deserves it all good was made with love and care the owner was beyond attentive you can tell he cares so much about his craft and his people. I got the Filet Mignon and it melted in my mouth it was so flavorful and not too strong on the sauce it danced on my mouth. The atmosphere was very intimate. if you have an anniversary or date night please do yourself a favor and come here. It is on the expensive end, but you get every single dollar worth of food, every single dollar worth of service. I cannot recommend this place enough“
Customers` Favorites
“Love this place and have been coming for years specifically for their parmesan crusted tacos, think Taco Bell on steroids! They have a lovely patio, you can bring your pups, and the service is outstanding! 👍🏻👍🏻🌮❤️“
Customers` Favorites
“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.“
Customers` Favorites
“If you’re a seafood taco lover, do yourself a favor and make the trip—no matter how far—to Spencer Makenzie’s Fish Company in Ventura, California. I’ve driven several hours more than once just to eat here, and every time it’s 100% worth it. The fish tacos are unreal—hands-down the best I’ve ever had. Perfectly cooked, super fresh, and packed with flavor, with just the right amount of crunch and spice. They’re the kind of tacos that ruin you for all others. But it’s not just the food that makes this place special. You can feel the family-oriented values the moment you walk in. The atmosphere is relaxed and inviting, the staff is incredibly friendly and attentive, and you can tell this is a family-run spot that takes pride in everything they do. Spencer Makenzie’s isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a destination. Whether you’re local or traveling from hours away like I do, this place is an absolute must-visit. Can’t wait for the next trip back to Ventura just for another bite!“
Customers` Favorites
“I love it here, I don't know why people are complaining about there being only 2 servers like you can tell this is a family owned so they are doing their best, plus bigger is not better the house seasoning has got to be the best I've had and its quiet and chill, I'd prefer giving my money to honest people instead of a chain restaraunt, they really do fill the bags up with tons of seafood you just have to know how to order. I recommend the shrimp star with clams and crawfish great price and portion for one person.“
“Clean and great bar !! Breakfast was delicious“
Customers` Favorites
“A beautiful friendly restaurant with a unique and delicious menu and drinks.“
Customers` Favorites
“I gotta say it's was my first time being there to experience the breakfast on the cozy patio. I order the pecan pancakes with crispy bacon and their special syrup so deelish. The beignets are magnificent. The staff super Friendly!!! I highly recommend you try this French restaurant out . Follow Your Taste Buds!!!“
Customers` Favorites
“The food has always been good, Went there 4th of July weekend. Ordered halibut fish and chips $32.99 per order times 4, the cashier and other workers looked at bill after I paid with credit card and you could see the disgusted looks on there faces when they saw no tip, this is a walk up and order fast food restaurant. I did give the gal that cleaned our table a tip she worked harder than any one else“
Customers` Favorites
“Super fun. We had a great group dinner. The food was great and so were the staff.“
Customers` Favorites
“Great breakfast, bloody Mary's and staff!“
Customers` Favorites
“Impressive customer service, while our waiter was busy w/other tables (which is understandable and totally fine) there is a busy bus boy buzzing around with water, clearing off plates and bringing extras people are asking for. Our waiter came and took our drink order. Malbec for me… so good, I had to ask what it was: Öko 🤤 and my husband ordered a smash berry something. THAT was SO BOMB! A hint of mint and full flavor of berries bursting bar god deliciousness! We ordered the butter board, now the presentation could use some work… I’m more about flavor and that butter (two options) was finger lickin good. The waiter took a few minutes to chat and told us it was pineapple butter. 🤯 it’s served with small pieces of… maybe focaccia bread (which btw alone was so good too). Meanwhile, the manager has his eye on everything. He saw the moment we put down our menus, and was there to ask is we has any questions. I did: there’s no house salad on the menu & he accommodated my request for one, which was a deciding factor for my main course. The SoCal Bolognese was bursting with flavor. This is new to the menu, we’ve been a few times… my husband is a fan, I was never impressed… until last night. The chorizo was spicy, but not overpowering, pasta cooked perfectly. The house salad could’ve used more tomatoes, but I really can’t complain since it’s not on the menu to begin with. My husband ordered the ahi steak on top of green beans and he said it was really good. It looked amazing, but I was in heaven with the butter board & the bolognese, my palate couldn’t handle the flavor overload 😜 After about 6 visits, I finally found something worth writing home about. For sure putting this place back into rotation. And the prices… very reasonable. Might be coming here a lot more. Everyone was super nice and helpful.“
Customers` Favorites
“Best Mexican on this side of Ventura! Insanely kind staff, and you can tell the food is always cooked with love.
I’ve been here a few times, one of which I ordered online and when I came to pick it up, they were actually closed for construction. The cashier, who I’m assuming was the manager, was very apologetic and offered to call in my order at a restaurant nearby. But I had a migraine and honestly just wanted to go home. Today I came in to pick up dinner, and he insisted that it was on him!! So not necessary, but so kind. <3
The birria combo is really good. If you want something filling and fast their rice and bean burrito with chicken is great too!“
Customers` Favorites
“sushi is delicious!!!!!! Love it ❤“
Customers` Favorites
“If you're searching for a quiet meal on the beach, this place has few rivals. We came here for our anniversary, and LOVED the rooms, the peace and quiet, the row of chaise lounges at water's edge, the restaurant on site, and the gracious continental breakfast. The management was chill, and we couldn't ask for more.“
Customers` Favorites
“The staff was friendly and very fast. I had the fish and chips. It was excellent, one of the best I have had. I would definitely recommend this place.“
Customers` Favorites
“:
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.“
Customers` Favorites
“Love Sunday Brunch…. Never gets tired of coming back…“
Customers` Favorites
“Great food and drinks.The spice Jalapeno Margarita is excellent 👌 The staff is very friendly and it comes with a beautiful view“
Customers` Favorites
“We tried the AYCE and it was such a good bang for your buck! Service was attentive and the food was SO good. We will definitely be back and recommend that you try it out if you're curious! (The CNS Lemon Pepper was finger-licking good).“
Customers` Favorites
“Beach House Tacos is an absolute Ventura staple that you cannot pass up. The seafood burrito is insane—packed with flavor, fresh ingredients, and exactly what you want after a day by the beach. Their craft tacos are just as impressive, with bold flavors and quality in every bite. This place delivers the full Ventura experience: great food, coastal vibes, and a menu that keeps you coming back.“
Customers` Favorites
“Great food and all the staff’s are friendly“
Customers` Favorites
“Great Coctel de Camarón 👍🏽👍🏽“
Customers` Favorites
“A homey restaurant, with the most friendly staff that makes you feel at home, so much so I forgot to take pictures and videos of the place 🤣. The star of the show came right away, the refried beans with the chips and salsa! 🤤🤤🤤. I can't remember the last time something was that good! Plenty of on site parking, handicap ♿️ friendly parking and entrance, lots and LOTS of menu options (including vegan)
Wheelchair accessibility: Plenty of parking, entrance and 1st floor entrance (only 1 floor)“
Customers` Favorites
“delicious steak and eggs, greAt waitpeople but miss the old wheat bread“
Customers` Favorites
“Large plate is pretty filling so come hungry. The crab salad is a great add on if you're lookin for more protein. Sauce option: Ponzu + Spicy Mayo + Sriracha = 👌 btw. this place is Keto Friendly“
Customers` Favorites
“Delicious food. Nice staff who very attentive and treat us like family. Great entertainment on most nights -- Salsa on Thursdays and Country dancing on Saturdays with a DJ or a good band. Vaquero is a favorite restaurant of ours.❤️“
Customers` Favorites
“Always have family lunches here and it’s always on point“
Customers` Favorites
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“Awesome place. Perfect vibe and food. The quintessential California beach experience. This was our first time and we can’t wait to return!“