Local here - I was recommended by a friend a couple years ago (maybe back then it was worth it); however, super underwhelming taste for the price. Only giving it 2/5 because the guy who seated us was nice, but ~ $45 for 1 dz of oysters was not worth it. Better luck at getting oysters from Lure Fish House.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Natalie T
Definitely a tourist spot, and overpriced for what we got. Food quality was slightly below average.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
Sunny Saha
One of a kind of place…. Just live the spiritual, ecological, sustainability environment. Just live it!!!You have to experience the energy around. The guys are just zing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oyster Taco, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell 1 2 Doz, Uni Tostada Grilled Oysters Jolly Style and Cajun Style, Grilled Oyster with Artichoke, Bay Scallop Ceviche, Grilled Oysters, Uni Ceviche Tostada, Oysters on the Half Shell, Fried Oyster Tacos, Baked Oysters, Seafood, Uni Sea Urchin, Grilled Oysters Steamed Clams and Panko Oysters, Panko Deep Fried Oysters, Panko Fried Oysters, Manila Clams, Clam
Tonya Thomulka
The best Oyster Place ever!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
James “Sage” Ebalo
If u haven't been here...then you are missing out! By far, this is the best place to satisfy your seafood craving. They got it all. The first truck offers food that is prepared for you. From panko crusted oysters and oyster tacos to sea urchin tostadas and scallop ceviche, all made fresh to order. There is also a variety of oysters ready to eat raw or grilled, with multiple sauces and variations to stimulate your taste buds , best part is that you can do the shucking and grilling yourself, but for those unable to, they offer it shucked as well. The second truck offers things you can grab and go as well as artisanal crafted food. Canned smoke clams, a 3 cheese cheese board, crafted ice creams, and an amazing key lime pie. BONUS: you literally right next to the beach so what more can you ask for. TIP: park in the San Buenaventura state park and tell them you're here for the jolly oyster and you will get the first hour of parking free! Great food and great experiences guaranteed
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oyster Taco, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell 1 2 Doz, Bay Scallop Ceviche, Uni Ceviche Tostada, Seafood, Habanero, Clam
Shain H.
Great oysters and scallop ceviche!! - great environment. Kid friendly. Chris, who also took our order had great recommendations! Highly recommend. Cheers
Dolores P.
Refreshing and chill place to have some yummy oysters. It's such a fun experience to shuck your own oysters. Bring your own shuckers, lemon, and whatever else you like. You can also buy toppings at the location. The staff is always friendly and very knowledgeable of all their oysters. And definitely try their cooked clams in the buttery goodness sauce
tledina L
Outdoor sitting, staffs are friendly, quick response. Food are AMAZING… You must come and try out yourself to feel them. Fresh outcomeKid-friendliness: Bicycle welcome, skateboards welcome, close to beach sidewalk
Recommended dishes: Oyster Taco, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Max Jackowitz
Perfect place to spend some time outside and enjoy some great quality seafood. The baked oysters are creative and delicious. Bay Scallop Ceviche was solid, but nothing mind blowing. Ask to top your oysters off with some fresh Uni and be prepared to wait awhile for your food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bay Scallop Ceviche, Grilled Oysters, Habanero, Uni Sea Urchin
Rick Evans
My wife Brenda find's great places to try out and this is one of my favorites. We love the fried oysters, she prefers the Habanero and I prefer the Creole, fact is they are both great. Our first time we ordered the sample, 2 each to try all 3 flavors. We bring our own wine and other snacks to complement the meal. One time we were camping at Ventura Beach RV resort and rode our bikes there, otherwise park at the Ventura State Beach (1st hour free).Highly recommend this unique relaxing experience, spend time in the moment, don't rush.
Visited after hearing all the hype... was really disappointed, dissatisfied with the super small portions, the oysters were not good at all, 2 were bad, service truck guy was rude. Maybe we weren't the right color. Guy sitting us was really cool. ? not recommended really pricey for what you're getting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Mandy W.
We decided to stop at The Jolly Oyster for a quick snack on our way out of town, and it was phenomenal. We grabbed a few items and enjoyed them on their picnic tables nearby. It was a bit crowded as it was a holiday weekend, but we received our orders relatively quickly with plenty of seating under the sun with a lovely view. Free and plenty of parking is available nearby, and the restrooms were very clean during our visit.
Ly T.
Located inside the state park. You can either pay the fee at the kiosk, or you can look for street parking, and walk in. If you follow the pedestrian path, it'll lead you up to the back of the blue Jolly Oyster truck. You wait to be seated. The gentleman at the front was really nice and kindly explained the set up. As you enter, there are two set ups where you can purchase your oysters. On the left, is a truck that sells oysters to-go. You shuck it yourself, and you prepare it (grill) it yourself. They have a few grills available for you. The truck on the right, you can purchase food ready to eat. We picked the latter.Outdoor seating benches with umbrellas. Kids and dog friendly. Dirt floor. We ordered the clam steamers, habanero butter grilled oysters and the jolly style grilled oysters, a dozen of Kumamoto oysters, grilled oyster tacos, and the panko fried oysters. Everything was fresh and delicious! The Kumamoto oysters were saltier than usual, which we found odd, but tasted fresh and delicious. The clams were perfect. Didnt find sand in any of the clams, and the crostini that came it was perfect for dipping. We ordered the habanero butter grilled oysters and the jolly style grilled oysters twice, it was THAT GOOD. The kids loved the panko fried oysters, the clams, and the jolly style grilled oysters the most. Overall, this was a delicious lunch! Definitely must try if you're in the Ventura area.
Kevin H.
I've been here a few times over the years and Zach is the man! I've gotta say that every time I visit, Zach is always working quickly, and literally running from place to place, while keeping a great attitude.The Jolly Oyster serves oysters on the half shell, ceviche, uni boxes, and many other ready to eat foods. However, if you are feeling more adventurous, they also offer oysters by the dozen which you can shuck yourself. This place is the reason why I decided to learn how to shuck oysters. After my first visit, I watched a few YouTube videos, bought my own oyster shucker, and anti-cut gloves. When I returned on the next visit, I asked Zach to demonstrate for our group. Now, I am efficient at opening oysters after shucking many dozens of them!You can BYOB and any picnic items and easily spend a few hours here. The vibe here is relaxed and within walking distance to the beach (though the beach has a lot of debris washed ashore).Parking is available at the park where The Jolly Oyster is located. The first hour is free (just let the booth attendant know where you are heading), and you can pay a reasonable fee thereafter via an app.Looking forward to the next visit!
Local here - I was recommended by a friend a couple years ago (maybe back then it was worth it); however, super underwhelming taste for the price. Only giving it 2/5 because the guy who seated us was nice, but ~ $45 for 1 dz of oysters was not worth it. Better luck at getting oysters from Lure Fish House.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 2
Service: 4
Definitely a tourist spot, and overpriced for what we got. Food quality was slightly below average.
Atmosphere: 2
Food: 2
Service: 2
One of a kind of place…. Just live the spiritual, ecological, sustainability environment. Just live it!!!You have to experience the energy around. The guys are just zing.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oyster Taco, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell 1 2 Doz, Uni Tostada Grilled Oysters Jolly Style and Cajun Style, Grilled Oyster with Artichoke, Bay Scallop Ceviche, Grilled Oysters, Uni Ceviche Tostada, Oysters on the Half Shell, Fried Oyster Tacos, Baked Oysters, Seafood, Uni Sea Urchin, Grilled Oysters Steamed Clams and Panko Oysters, Panko Deep Fried Oysters, Panko Fried Oysters, Manila Clams, Clam
The best Oyster Place ever!!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
If u haven't been here...then you are missing out! By far, this is the best place to satisfy your seafood craving. They got it all. The first truck offers food that is prepared for you. From panko crusted oysters and oyster tacos to sea urchin tostadas and scallop ceviche, all made fresh to order. There is also a variety of oysters ready to eat raw or grilled, with multiple sauces and variations to stimulate your taste buds , best part is that you can do the shucking and grilling yourself, but for those unable to, they offer it shucked as well. The second truck offers things you can grab and go as well as artisanal crafted food. Canned smoke clams, a 3 cheese cheese board, crafted ice creams, and an amazing key lime pie. BONUS: you literally right next to the beach so what more can you ask for. TIP: park in the San Buenaventura state park and tell them you're here for the jolly oyster and you will get the first hour of parking free! Great food and great experiences guaranteed
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Oyster Taco, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell 1 2 Doz, Bay Scallop Ceviche, Uni Ceviche Tostada, Seafood, Habanero, Clam
Great oysters and scallop ceviche!! - great environment. Kid friendly. Chris, who also took our order had great recommendations! Highly recommend. Cheers
Refreshing and chill place to have some yummy oysters. It's such a fun experience to shuck your own oysters. Bring your own shuckers, lemon, and whatever else you like. You can also buy toppings at the location. The staff is always friendly and very knowledgeable of all their oysters. And definitely try their cooked clams in the buttery goodness sauce
Outdoor sitting, staffs are friendly, quick response. Food are AMAZING… You must come and try out yourself to feel them. Fresh outcomeKid-friendliness: Bicycle welcome, skateboards welcome, close to beach sidewalk
Recommended dishes: Oyster Taco, Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
Perfect place to spend some time outside and enjoy some great quality seafood. The baked oysters are creative and delicious. Bay Scallop Ceviche was solid, but nothing mind blowing. Ask to top your oysters off with some fresh Uni and be prepared to wait awhile for your food!
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Bay Scallop Ceviche, Grilled Oysters, Habanero, Uni Sea Urchin
My wife Brenda find's great places to try out and this is one of my favorites. We love the fried oysters, she prefers the Habanero and I prefer the Creole, fact is they are both great. Our first time we ordered the sample, 2 each to try all 3 flavors. We bring our own wine and other snacks to complement the meal. One time we were camping at Ventura Beach RV resort and rode our bikes there, otherwise park at the Ventura State Beach (1st hour free).Highly recommend this unique relaxing experience, spend time in the moment, don't rush.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 4
Service: 3
Recommended dishes: Grilled Oysters, Habanero
Restaurantji Recommends
Visited after hearing all the hype... was really disappointed, dissatisfied with the super small portions, the oysters were not good at all, 2 were bad, service truck guy was rude. Maybe we weren't the right color. Guy sitting us was really cool. ? not recommended really pricey for what you're getting.
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 1
Service: 2
Recommended dishes: Raw Oysters on the Half Shell
We decided to stop at The Jolly Oyster for a quick snack on our way out of town, and it was phenomenal. We grabbed a few items and enjoyed them on their picnic tables nearby. It was a bit crowded as it was a holiday weekend, but we received our orders relatively quickly with plenty of seating under the sun with a lovely view. Free and plenty of parking is available nearby, and the restrooms were very clean during our visit.
Located inside the state park. You can either pay the fee at the kiosk, or you can look for street parking, and walk in. If you follow the pedestrian path, it'll lead you up to the back of the blue Jolly Oyster truck. You wait to be seated. The gentleman at the front was really nice and kindly explained the set up. As you enter, there are two set ups where you can purchase your oysters. On the left, is a truck that sells oysters to-go. You shuck it yourself, and you prepare it (grill) it yourself. They have a few grills available for you. The truck on the right, you can purchase food ready to eat. We picked the latter.Outdoor seating benches with umbrellas. Kids and dog friendly. Dirt floor. We ordered the clam steamers, habanero butter grilled oysters and the jolly style grilled oysters, a dozen of Kumamoto oysters, grilled oyster tacos, and the panko fried oysters. Everything was fresh and delicious! The Kumamoto oysters were saltier than usual, which we found odd, but tasted fresh and delicious. The clams were perfect. Didnt find sand in any of the clams, and the crostini that came it was perfect for dipping. We ordered the habanero butter grilled oysters and the jolly style grilled oysters twice, it was THAT GOOD. The kids loved the panko fried oysters, the clams, and the jolly style grilled oysters the most. Overall, this was a delicious lunch! Definitely must try if you're in the Ventura area.
I've been here a few times over the years and Zach is the man! I've gotta say that every time I visit, Zach is always working quickly, and literally running from place to place, while keeping a great attitude.The Jolly Oyster serves oysters on the half shell, ceviche, uni boxes, and many other ready to eat foods. However, if you are feeling more adventurous, they also offer oysters by the dozen which you can shuck yourself. This place is the reason why I decided to learn how to shuck oysters. After my first visit, I watched a few YouTube videos, bought my own oyster shucker, and anti-cut gloves. When I returned on the next visit, I asked Zach to demonstrate for our group. Now, I am efficient at opening oysters after shucking many dozens of them!You can BYOB and any picnic items and easily spend a few hours here. The vibe here is relaxed and within walking distance to the beach (though the beach has a lot of debris washed ashore).Parking is available at the park where The Jolly Oyster is located. The first hour is free (just let the booth attendant know where you are heading), and you can pay a reasonable fee thereafter via an app.Looking forward to the next visit!
AMAZING!! BEST GRILLED OYSTERS IN MY LIFETIME ??
Atmosphere: 5
Food: 5
Service: 5
Recommended dishes: Grilled Oysters, Habanero