If you're going to hang your hat on the speakeasy aesthetic--dim lights, hushed tones, whispers of exclusivity--then understand this: you're entering into an unspoken pact with your patrons. We expect a certain standard, a level of care that borders on obsession. So when I catch Evan Williams--respectable, questionable, but barely twelve bucks a bottle--making an appearance behind the bar, it feels like a breach of trust. A quiet betrayal under low lighting. The illusion only works if the details hold up under scrutiny... and that pour? It broke the spell. And then comes the real offense: discovering that your Old Fashioned--the crown jewel of any respectable cocktail program--are built on bottom-shelf, dust-collecting bourbon. That's not just a letdown, it's a slap in the face. A cocktail like that deserves reverence, not shortcuts. And as if to twist the knife, there it was--a massive can of red maraschino cherries sitting shamelessly atop the bar, like some relic from a dive that's given up on finesse. It wasn't just a misstep. It was disrespect. In a place claiming the speakeasy mantle, details like these matter. They're the difference between theater and parody. The cocktails did not warrant the $15 price tag. Moreover, I would have paid more had I know the class of bourbon upfront. What ultimately redeems the space is its ambiance. The low flicker of the fireplace, the soft embrace of worn leather sofas, the curated hum of music floating just above conversation--it's seductive, even soulful. The room itself is small, intimate--the kind of place where you're bound to recognize a face, or at the very least, feel inclined to invite a stranger to share the sofa and maybe a story. And then there's the setting--tucked beneath a historic relic, a basement bar built into the bones of old Americana. The building dates back to the early 1900s, echoing with a past that deserves to be honored, not phoned in. That's exactly why I expected more from the cocktails. A place with this much atmosphere shouldn't fall flat when it comes to what's in the glass. It's a mismatch--a beautiful stage, but a script that doesn't quite rise to meet it. read more

I absolutely cannot get enough of this place. The basement here is really the place to be. I love the ambiance, and the history on the walls. The cocktails change so it's always fun to come back! I always try to be there when this section opens. I love the calmness of the space and it gets livelier as the night progresses and it does get packed Always one of my highly recommended spots for people who want great drinks, fantastic atmosphere and delicious food. I'm looking forward to my next stop in! read more

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Friend meet up was the perfect excuse to finally visit 1901 after it changed ownership! We ate upstairs but can't wait to be back to the bar area. Def Speakeasy vibes! Wonderful staff ....as soon as I walked in the bartender at the bar greeted me and was super sweet. I headed up the stairs and was greeted by staff there. Our waitress so young and a bit shy but nice . She was the only one working so a bit swamped! Food was good but I won't say amazing . I had the Alfredo pasta and shared the grilled artichoke! No booze as I was trying to be good on a weekday! So I must be back! To try the cocktails at the bar to get the Speakeasy experience! read more

1901 Speakeasy - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Love this bar! Great location, amazing drinks, and the bartenders are so talented and welcoming. We live close to this place and couldn't be happier that this is our local bar. Very well made drinks and great atmosphere. They have live music sometimes and it's just so nice to go and relax at such a great place. Love coming here and love to being friends and family to enjoy it. read more

1901 Speakeasy - Starry night - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

I was really looking forward to checking out The 1901 in Oxnard -- I've heard good things and was excited to finally try it out. Unfortunately, when I arrived, the place was completely closed. The plaza was deserted, and there was no sign of life at the restaurant. What's more confusing is that Yelp (and other sites) still listed them as open. I'm not sure if they've recently shut down or if it was just a one-off closure, but it was definitely disappointing to make the trip and find it dark and empty. If they are out of business, I hope the owners are doing well -- but if not, I'd recommend calling ahead just in case. read more

Crazy how many times I've gone to dinner upstairs at the 1901 but barely went to the speakeasy for the first time recently. Definitely a vibe, the food live music and ambiance is perfect! Plus it's not just bar food you can order the food from the 1901. I'm so glad they changed it around, we've been to the bar it use to be like 8-9 years ago and thought it was the same, most definitely was wrong. If you want a date night or somewhere to just chill, grab a drink with a nice bar and ambiance this is the place. read more

GETTING HERE: I will not lie and say it's easy to get here. :) I don't frequent downtown Oxnard too often, but Heritage Square! Get the directions and head this way. Look for the outstanding historical homes and when you find parking, head towards 1901. (It's located down some steep stairs and I imagine there must be an elevator to access but I cannot swear to that.) REVIEW: Oh! I almost let this review slip away. Have you been here yet? Love the vibe; it's amazing. I will get my thesaurus for other words to describe amazing, but just know that amazing really does cover it all here. I have been seeing 1901 Speakeasy for a while on the Yelp. So when my co-worker and I were looking for a good HH I mentioned this place - and Oh Yeah! Sadly, we didn't make it when there was live music, but the bartender/server was so awesome and thorough. Genuine and not sickly sweet. There is a way to offer good/great service, and this gentleman had it. The garlic fries check check. The sliders also check check. Honest to goodness, this was a solid evening with fabulous food. It's on my calendar for another trip immediately. Very much do recommend. Thanks! read more

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We ended up dining in the Speakeasy bar area and ordered off the dinner menu. We arrived early, so seating wasn't an issue, but by around 7:30/8, when we were leaving and the live music started it fills up quickly with little seating available. Our drinks weren't anything to write home about. In fact, the purplish drink in the photo (I forgot the name) was so unbalanced and tasted like straight gasoline we had to return them for something simple. The beet salad had really good flavors. We shared it amongst three ladies. One said it had too much dressing to her liking. The Caprese salad again tasted good, but the dressing was a little thick and didn't present well. The mussels were delicious and we basically drank the juice! So yummy The seafood fettuccine didn't disappoint either. There wasn't anything left to take home. We capped off the night with the bread pudding and that was to die for! Highly recommend this dessert! All the portions were significant and can easily be shared. As mentioned there were three of us and we shared all the items and there was enough to go around! read more

1901 Speakeasy - Bread pudding - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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I had this long and soppy review, but honestly I don't care anymore. I came in asked for a specific whiskey that a speakeasy bartender should have known, especially because it was on the menu. He ignored me and referred me to the other bartender because he doesn't want to deal with me, or he doesn't know what is on his own menu. The bartender that was competent brought me over the bottle of Eagle Rare to confirm that's what I wanted and I told him yes that's perfect. I just think thay the whole idea of a "speakeasy" is serving prohibition area drinks, specifically moonshine and whiskey, But they have a young man that is uneducated, and unwilling to help anyone that doesn't want a jack and coke or tequila sunrise. read more

This place surprised us! We have lived here for years so it seemed like a hidden treasure:), The Speakeasy is downstairs. The drinks are good and the atmosphere is happy. Lots of friendly people. We'll be back for sure. The entertainment at the Speakeasy makes it worth your time and money! Upstairs is the restaurant. The food was fantastic. Our large party ordered a wide variety of dishes. The staff was so friendly and the right amount of attentive. This is probably one of the more expensive places to dine in Oxnard read more

10/10 on the vibe. It's classy old school jam! Also the drinks are pricey however they are made somehow good every time I have gone. Also, not sure who the bartender who looks like the sons of anarchy guy is but he makes the best old fashions. Very good for a girls night out or a just a pre game drink alone. read more

The Food, staff and Ambiance are fantastic and would definitely recommend this place for a nice night out with really good food, Handcrafted drinks, and an exceptional staff. read more

Wow, I was blown away by my experience here! First off, the food is excellent. I ordered the NY Steak, and the strips of steak were fatty and cooked medium rare, just as I wanted. I also adored the roasted garlic cloves; they melt on your tongue and make a delicious butter to eat with the steak. The portion size was also enormous--besides the good-sized steak, there were so many veggies as well as a big baked potato! You definitely get your money's worth. My boyfriend ordered the bolognese, and he was very happy with his food as well. I'm not used to having such good food in an establishment which presents itself as being a bar first, so I was very impressed. And the drinks, of course, were quite tasty. The atmosphere is also amazing. The restaurant is located in a renovated old house, so it feels very homey and fits the speakeasy theme so well. There are also comfy couches by the fire which are a great place to sit and have a drink. We came in on a night where there was live acoustic guitar music going on, and that was a fun time. It's not a very big place, so be warned--if you sit too close to the musicians, it might be hard to have a conversation. What a lovely surprise this place was. I'm super excited to return! Great food, a beautiful space, and live music. What's not to enjoy? read more

1901 Speakeasy - NY Steak; Bolognese in the background - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

Came back to Dolce Vita, 1901 Speakeasy, or the 1901. Great service and fantastic cuisine. Sam was our server and mixologist. Had a perfect Cabernet with our meal. Tried the lamb chops and started with corn chowder. My cohort had other dishes which included mushroom champagne soup, beet salad, and of course rib eye. Finished our meal with bread pudding, praline ice cream, flourless chocolate cake, and tiramisu. If you haven't been to the 1901, you've got to try it. It's a very warm ambiance in a Victorian style house and you couldn't ask for friendlier or more helpful staff. For the quality and quantity of food, it is reasonable. This is our third visit to this gem of a restaurant and it did not disappoint. Thank you for the warm memories and happy tummies. read more

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The ambiance was cool and lively. The food was amazing so delicious. The cocktails were wonderful full of flavor

What an absolute gem of a speakeasy which looks right in the middle of the neighborhood! Their smoky tequila old fashioned was a delight & the comfy decor was great to lounge in. Bartenders put on a show with their skills & make you feel like a local. read more

The 1901 Speakeasy is a very cool find in Oxnard. The restaurant is very nice and good service. But... the speakeasy downstairs has terrible service. It has a cool vibe with live music. There were no waiters or servers. We had to go to the bar to get our drinks every time. The drinks were good but too expensive. I ordered a vodka soda water and was charged an extra $2 for the soda?? An employee actually put another person's dirty plate on our table while waking by and left it. I will make sure to note the food was really good. read more

1901 Speakeasy - This is a picture of The second one is better and Old Fashioned. - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

Such a cool little hangout spot and bar, it's downstairs under 1901 restaurant in Downtown Oxnard Heritage square, has a prohibition early 1900s decor and vibe to it. Walked in about 10 pm a Friday night and approached the bar and was able to get drinks fairly quickly and service was good all bartenders were nice. Drinks were strong and on point! They had live music and it was a great time and atmosphere. It was busy but not overwhelming and me and my group had a great time read more

1901 Speakeasy - Tequila old fashioned, two mai tais and a liquid candy IPA - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Wow! What a hidden gem! Located downstairs from the La Dolce Vita restaurant at Historic Heritage Square in Oxnard... such a cool spot! The vibe, the decor, all this history! 1901! The bartenders look so cool and they give "hand crafted cocktails" a whole new meaning! I had their Pre-Prohibition Old Fashion and I swear it was the best I've ever had! Smooth and perfectly blended! My husband loved his drinks, Will's Mai Tai and holy cow! Best we've ever tasted! So that's how a Mai Tai is supposed to taste!? The food!! Add yet Another amazing taste bud experience at 1901! I had the Risotto with chicken & porcini mushrooms drool drool! Soooo good! I am already craving this! My husband loved his pork loin! Incredible flavors! The only thing is it was over cooked :o\ (small disappointment) when they took his order they recommended it medium and my hubby said "yes definitely!" Still... he ate the entire meal and loved it! We also had an order of mussels which were bombalicious! As I said, the vibe here is so cool with live music Friday/Saturday nights to top things off was an all around perfect evening! The music was amazing-band comprised of some true "all stars" much like what you get when you go to "The Baked Potato" down by Universal City (and they've played there too). I've been wanting to bring my husband here for a while and he loved it! After the first 15 minutes he says "we've gotta come here again!!" Haha! Can't wait to try La Dolce Vita upstairs! I'm sure it's wonderful! So with all that said? HIGHLY RECOMMEND checking this place out! You won't be disappointed! A little pricy - WORTH EVERY PENNY!! read more

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We shared an appetizer and enjoyed drinks from the bar. The service was quick. It's a comfortable place with sofas to lounge around on. The Beatles tribute band really made it a memorable evening. Check this place out! read more

A friend and I stopped by to grab dinner. I ordered the tri tip and fries. She ordered the beet salad and shrimp penne. My steak was flavored well, but cooked quickly, instead of slowly, so it wasn't as tender as it could be. The fries were over fried, almost veggie straw consistency. Her beet salad was amazing. The shrimp pasta sauce was very thin, almost watery. There were pieces of shell in the sauce. The manager came out and was incredible. She took the pasta dish off our tap. She was more than willing to hear and wanted to know, to make it better. She was incredible. read more

1901 Speakeasy - Tri tip with fries - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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One of my favorite hidden gems in Oxnard. I absolutely love coming to this bar! I've been here many twice and each visit has been a great experience. This bar has a nice lowkey, intimate feel. During the colder months they have the fireplace lit, there is plenty of seating to cozy up near the fire with your drink or a bite to eat. They provide menus at the bar so you can order food while you drink, also there is an actual restaurant upstairs. On certain nights the bar has live bands playing for entertainment. The bartenders are nice and make great tasting drinks. I typically go for the Will's Mai Tai. But I also like Starry Night for something sweeter and Daq to Death for a smokier taste. I highly recommend this bar! It makes for a great date night or night out with friends. read more

Amazing bartenders, incredible service. They smile at you, making you feel welcome and excited to order a sexy drink. They're fast and efficient. The place was crowded, but there were a lot of exciting conversations and drinks. The bartender who stood out the most is. Laureano. read more

1901 Speakeasy - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

Cute and cozy little hidden spot perfect for a night out! We had a few drinks and had a great time. Service at the bar was pretty fast.

Love this place. The staff is excellent. The food is really amazing. It's also such a cool place to have cocktails downstairs and dinner there or upstairs. Really like everything about it. read more

The place was recommended to me by friends and I'm so glad i went. The servers got me seated on a table even though I did not reserve because I wanted to sit at the bar ( the bar is first come first serve ) but then when I saw the restaurant up there, I wanted to sit there so bad and they did not hesitate to move us as i asked . and I love that from them because I understand they get really busy . so always reserve at the restaurant before going.. The speakeasy is quiet and looks really elegant. The whole place is romantic more like couples thing or maybe a group of other people but definitely not for loud friends group "Good I didn't go with my friends. lol Concept is Italian food. It is good and flavorful. My only comment is the pasts are too saucy. It's hard to feel or taste the pasta itself, but everything else was great! read more

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Love the ambiance. Me and my friends went for the first time recently and I was shocked that such a cute place is hidden. Definitely would go again. Service can be slow depending how busy it is though. read more

HIDDEN GEM!!!! We were at an event in Heritage Square so we decided to stop in here before heading home. And so glad we did. We ordered two manhattans that did t disappoint. The bartenders were really good, personable and friendly. If you haven't been, trust me...you'll love it here. read more

1901 Speakeasy - The BEST Manhattan in the 805. - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Upon entering I was so confused, no host to lead us to a table. I stood there awaiting for the bartender attention to just tell us you can sit anywhere you like. Ended up on the patio with a much better ambiance for 1 on 1, service was great. Started us off with bread and bread was not quite cooked fully, seemed like they didn't rest the bread after pulling it out the oven. Ordered the calamari and it was terrible, super rubbery hard to chew, seemed like they had them in the freezer for a while and just toss them in the fryer for a few minutes. The steak was a great choice, came with a loaded potato. The garlic clove was a great touch, I basically battered it all over my steak on each bite. read more

Came here with my girlfriend while visiting Oxnard. I made a reservation for the speakeasy bar as well as the restaurant upstairs. We went to the speakeasy before having dinner upstairs. The drinks at the speakeasy were good and strong we had a good server. After cocktails at the bar we went upstairs for our reservation dinner. I'm a chef and the food was terrible. My gf begged me not to complain but fyi the food isn't good. I suggest just to go the bar and get drinks read more

Discovered this speakeasy by chance while looking for a place to have dinner at 9:30pm (not many options that time of night in Oxnard). I showed up without any expectations, and was blown away! Carlos, the mixologist was making exotic drinks, such as a smokey old fashioned which added such a grounding flavor to this quintessential drink, and I tried the "Second One is Always Better" margarita and let me tell you. . .it was really hard to turn down a second one! My friend and I ordered the grilled artichoke which was perfectly cooked and seasoned with just the right amount of salt. We loved the dipping sauces that came with it but the flavor of the artichoke was so good that I preferred no sauce. We also split the chicken piccata which was delicious and perfect for us to share. If you're in Oxnard and want a treat, I highly recommend this place! read more

At first, I was a little skeptical about coming here. "Downtown Oxnard?! Ummm are we really going here?!" I kid you not, 1901 has easily become one of my favorite places. You are in for a real treat! Food, drinks, and service are AMAZING. The selection of liquors is impressive. Heck, even the paper towels in this place are nice (they're individually folded and linen-like)! My personal favorite drink is the tequila old fashioned. I know, it sounds weird, but, try it! You will be amazed! The calamari is always perfectly cooked! The Cajun Clam Chowder has huge chunks of clam and the Red & Gold Beet Salad tastes delicious and was so refreshing. The live music makes this the perfect date spot or just a place to drink and unwind. I love the vibe here! I did notice that it does take a little bit of time for your food to come out, but the food is worth the wait and this place is worth every penny. read more

Will and Christian always have A1 service!!! Best drinks in Oxnard Great ambiance overall read more

I have been wanting to go to this speakeasy for quite some time. I was finally in the area, and had a 1/2 hour to spare just as they opened. The ambiance is exactly as pictured on yelp, and it's fun to walk down the small stone stair corridor, and find a cozy yet upscale bar with a fireplace. I had one of their specialty cocktails - the Mai Tai, and it was superb. Was it cheap, absolutely not. Was it special, absolutely yes. Given it was right when they opened, I wasn't really hungry for dinner, so I ordered the pork loin to go - anticipating to have it later. Later that night, I enjoyed the pork loin very much, and split it half - the other half I will be eating tonight :) I expect to be back in the area in a couple of weeks - and I can guarantee I will be back. I'm not the biggest fan of the general area, but this small little market square in the middle of Oxnard is very nice - and this speakeasy is a must. read more

1901 Speakeasy - The delicious Mai Tai! - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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Love this place the drinks, atmosphere and food are all phenomenal. My favorites are the grilled artichoke app, Mac n cheese and for drinks the Mai Tai is amazing and my new fav is the Mary Pickford couldn't tell ya whats in it but it's so good. The service is also top notch. read more

1901 Speakeasy - Will's Mai Tai the best ever! - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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The food was amazing, they have excellent steak,fish and pasta! Oxnard is lucky to have chef Steve, he's truly a culinary genius Fine dining in a beautiful setting at a reasonable price. read more

1901 Speakeasy - This Tomahawk steak was out of this World !!! It's huge and big enough to share with my girlfriend . Beyond delicious! - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

This place is great! The food was excellent! Definitely 10/10. We got a drink at the bar first and then a delicious early dinner! Highly recommend read more

1901 Speakeasy - Rack of lamb with chutney - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

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-Went to the 1901 Speakeasy at Heritage Square at night (and went by the next day for coffee). Had a delicious white wine from Oregon that is now my new favorite (see pics) read more

1901 Speakeasy - a brick fireplace in a living room - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

Last night was our first time to this hidden gem. Nice and cozy atmosphere and everyone, including other patrons, were nice. Really comfortable. I had the ahi salad, which was delicious, with lots of ahi. My friend had the cobb salad, which came with a generous portion of chicken, and her husband had the southwest burger. They, too, were very happy. We both had wine. I'm not much of a hard alcohol drinker anymore, but with all the choices, I may change my tune. Told another couple about it today, they haven't made it yet, but intend to. And the jazz was great. read more

The place has changed staff constantly for the past few months and the great vibe is pretty diminished. The bartenders are not anything like as competent ( you've got to work to screw up a negroni...it's one part each ot gin, vermouth and campari, not two parts gin cause it's cheaper to make that way) Hopefully management will get it sorted out...time will tell. read more