Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Busy Bee Cafe

    3.5 (622 reviews)
    Closed 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Order Busy Bee Cafe Takeout or Delivery

    Busy Bee Cafe Photos

    Business Info

    BUSY BEE CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Outdoor seating
    Dogs allowed

    You might also consider

    More like Busy Bee Cafe

    Recommended Reviews - Busy Bee Cafe

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos

    Jasmine R.

    Walking around we decided to just walk inside this cafe. Nobody was there, it was a ghost town! Our server was the sweetest girl. She was quick with us, maybe since we were the only ones there haha!! The food hit the spot, it was bomb. The pancakes were my favorite. We were all so full. They have a good amount of options to choose from! Their menu is pretty big. I suggest coming here if you're craving breakfast anytime of the day.

    Fish and Oľ London Fish 'N' Chipschips
    Randy A.

    It was peaceful to eat out on the patio area. I was craving fish and chips, though I have had better. Not bad, but not great either. Fish could have been crispier, and felt bland.

    Holly B.

    We came here for the vibes, but stayed for the food! Most diners we go to have great atmosphere/ambiance with the retro feel, but the food is often mediocre. This was the tastiest food we've ever had from a diner so a huge win for our California road trip!

    Patrick W.

    A lovely 50s diner atmosphere with friendly and attentive staff. My order was two dinner meals - one was a Salmon w/ Veggies and rice. The other was Chicken Schnitzel w/ Mushroom gravy on the side and Mashed Potato. I got the gravy on the side since i prefer lemon on schnitzel. I fished the mushrooms out of the gravy as it was a bit rich in flavor for me. The dinner meal also included a salad (or soup), drink and dessert. For my dessert, I ordered the sundae which was a petit size. I was satisfied with everything, I would surely return if in the area and looking for a nostalgic atmosphere with my meal.

    Christina G.

    Really cute place! I loved the miniature jukeboxes they had at every booth. I found Busy Bee Cafe on Yelp whilst looking for diners near the Amtrak station. The service is great - Lily was amazing. Attentive and really friendly. The food was okay, a little underwhelming. I was really excited to have pancakes but after a few bites, I felt like I could taste bacon. Maybe the grill wasn't fully cleaned or perhaps the oil being used wasn't fresh. They just had an oily and salty taste (we sent it back but didn't want a replacement). We also ordered the fried egg sandwich. I liked that it was almost like a grilled cheese! But the sourdough bread also has a funky oily taste. Hash-browns and coffee were alright. Maybe we came on a bad day?

    the interior
    Zan L.

    A great little retro diner in a busier part of sleepy Ventura. I was passing through town from West LA and had been wanting to try this diner for quite some time so finally got my chance today. It's located in the downtown district around a bunch of other bars and walkable shops. We were able to find a free parking spot in a parking lot across the street so parking is very easy in this area. Inside is quite small, but in a really homey and cozy kind of way. They have a long counter as well as a lot of booth seating. Inside is as you would expect it, a total throwback to 1950s Americana. I loved all of the neon and retro signage decorated all throughout the inside. It's a sort of place that is fun to stay a while, especially because you can take control of the jukebox. Our server was also very polite and everything that we ordered came out very fast. For my breakfast, I chose the Chicken Fried Steak and thought it was fantastic. It was larger than I could even finish so definitely make sure you're hungry if you order this one. It comes with three eggs which were cooked perfectly and overall, I was really happy with it and would recommend. I would stop in to Busy Bee again in the future next time I am in Ventura and would recommend to anyone else in the area or passing through as well.

    Menu
    Connie H.

    The food is meh if ordering anything but burgers. I had the spinach salad and it comes with balsamic vinegrette. My friend had a burger. Burger was great. Salad- well I have never had strawberries in a spinach salad - drenched in what was supposed to be balsamic. This dressing rated like good seasonings bottle Italian dressing and someone added some red wine e vinegar. I have balsamic at least three times a week and this was not. I could not eat this salad as hard as I tried. There was more of this stuff on the side. If the salad was undressed I had a chance. I don't waste food and very rarely do I ever send anything back or complain. But I had to. This was inedible and it was a shame. My complaint t was met with an argument that this was balsamic. I'm Italian and have eaten balsamic everywhere. This was not it and the attitude in taking it back getting me to pick something else and her telling the chef to rush it when we were not in a rush was really uncalled for. Staring at me eating the eggs Benedict made me wonder what was done to them. I am so sorry we even stopped by this place. Ambiance looked so cute- with attitude on the side I guess.

    Country fried steak
    Melissa L.

    My friends were in town and we walked the Blvd looking for something for brunch. My girlfriends wanted a traditional American breakfast and when they saw the menu and cute old school diner vibes they said we had to go in. I'm really glad we did because this spot is legit. Surprisingly for some many years I've walked right by this spot and never come inside, because this really is a classic feel good diner. One of the things I loved most about this spot is how awesome the menu is! They have pages upon pages of food. Breakfast, lunch, classics, unique bites, you name it. I was also pleasantly surprised how large their cocktail menu is. When I think diner I don't usually think cocktails but here I was super impressed they had so many drink options and with pictures! The vibes were cute, red and white decor and lots of old school diner memorabilia. Oldies were playing overhead it was definitely a vibe. Our waitress was very sweet and patient with us. With the menu being so big it took us a little while to figure what we wanted but she was nice and gave good recommendations. She was very attentive and also ensured that our drinks were always refilled. I definitely appreciated the stellar service here. Nice people work here. 5 stars for service and ambiance. The food is a solid 4 stars and overall was pretty good. My friends liked their dishes more than I did but that's ok. I had the chicken fried steak and while presentation wise it looked good the texture and taste just wasn't there for me. Better CFS in the 805. However my scrambled eggs were cooked perfectly and the hash browns tasty. My friends loved their meals. I love that when you ask for the bacon here extra crispy they deliver! My other friend got a unique vegan Ruben sandwich and she was in heaven. I love that their vegetarian and vegan dishes hit the spot. Overall definitely a great spot for brunch and I'll be back.

    Pink Paloma and Margarita
    Sheila C.

    Trying to find food after an evening of drinking and we saw this place and said yes! The service was very friendly, the food was amazing, though we were starving, LOL and the place is right out of the 50's. Perfect little diner atmosphere and fun vibe. Glad we found it on our walk!

    Ruben sandwich

    See all

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Randy A.
    55
    27
    29

    6 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 1

    2 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Austin C.
    414
    43
    37

    25 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    14 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Regina P.
    46
    35
    16

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 7
    Thanks 1
    Love this 6
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tara K.
    0
    46
    15

    1 month ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Bianca A.
    36
    125
    75

    4 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 month ago

    Fun place to go to experience the past with modern day food. Huge comfort food selction, and yummy yummy drinks

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of M F.
    1
    147
    67

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 months ago

    Everything was just what I wanted going in... bomb food, nice people, and good vibe. Will be back again real soon!

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Food was good. Service was slow. Nice menu. Will come back.next time we're in Ventura.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Tiara B.
    119
    141
    38

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Paul D.
    0
    78
    43

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    1 year ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Mark R.
    0
    33
    16

    9 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    4 years ago

    Helpful 13
    Thanks 0
    Love this 16
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1
    Photo of Dan ..
    0
    77
    144

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Great food. We ate breakfast. I had an omelet, which was tasty. Great, attentive service. Love the diner vibe.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 16

    Busy Bee Cafe Reviews in Other Languages

    Ask the Community - Busy Bee Cafe

    Do you have gluten free breakfast options?

    They do yes

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    You might also consider

    Cafe Nouveau

    Cafe Nouveau

    4.5
    (3k reviews)
    0.9 mi
    $$

    Wow- Cafe Nouveau is a hidden gem! New to the area we decided to ride our bikes over for a late…read morebrunch. When we arrived we asked where would the best place be to keep our bikes and we were ushered to a secure area. We dined outdoors and the service was incredibly attentive an friendly. The menu is eclectic and it took us some time to first decide between breakfast or lunch and then what to order. From the fresh juice in the mimosas to the flavorful Korean bowl and chorizo scramble, everything was delicious and the portions are large. Due to the variety of menu items, this is a great restaurant for a large group as there is something for EVERYONE- vegan, gluten free, pescatarian, health conscious, and for those who want to channel their inner Elvis or just be a little naughty, please try the peanut butter bacon banana French toast sandwich. We will be back!

    Cafe Nouveau is a great brunch spot in Ventura County, if you're in the area…read more I suggest checking in via the Yelp app, to the virtual "waitlist" on the weekends. My family and I waited only 5 minutes to get seated, as we kept track of our virtual place in line. Service was attentive, efficient and friendly. I was very impressed. For a busy, busy bustling restaurant ...as service did not ever lack or get cranky. I ordered the maple bacon beignets and strawberry matcha pancakes (see my pics) for the table and we devoured it all. So good and definitely would order them again. I tried the ahi avocado roll, which came with grilled veggies and at least the ahi wasn't canned (see my pic). I'd be back to try other items on the menu. Cozy interior. Outside covered patio seating here too. We parked in a free lot, across the street and behind other businesses.

    Photos
    Such a cute place in this old house
    Such a cute place in this old house
    Chili relleno omelette w/au gratin potatoes
    Chili relleno omelette w/au gratin potatoes
    Nouveau breakfast

    See all

    Nouveau breakfast
    Immigrant Son Caffe

    Immigrant Son Caffe

    4.7
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.1 mi
    $$

    A perfect place for brunch! We were enjoying the farmers market and spotted this location with…read moreunique dishes. Had to give it a shot and it did not disappoint! They are on one of the main streets of downtown Ventura. There was a short line we had to wait on, but did not have to wait that long. The hostess and our waitress were super friendly! Their coffee was great - I had it black. We tried their breakfast lasagna and wow what a great dish. I could have this everyday! We also had one of their sandwiches which we enjoyed. Their fruits were so fresh! They also had so many other dishes we wanted to try. Definitely will come back to try more next time we visit Ventura.

    Came in here for brunch few weeks back and had a really good experience overall. We had to wait…read moreless than 10 minutes to get seated - they have a nice mix of indoor and outdoor seaing which made the atmosphere feel comfortable and relaxed. It was easy to find and parking can take a little patience since it's downtown, but we ended up parking in the structure nearby. The service was friendly and attentive, and even though the place was busy our server came to check in on us multiple times and also gave us his recommendations. The food was fresh, flavorful, and certainly live up to the hype. We ended up ordering: - Avocado Pomodoro Toast: sub poached eggs with scrambled eggs - Focaccia Breakfast Sandwich - Oat Milk Caramel Latte Loved the decor and definitely worth checking out if you're in the area!

    Photos
    Caffe open to the outside.
    Caffe open to the outside.
    Breakfast Lasagna
    Breakfast Lasagna
    Vodka pasta in bread bowl

    See all

    Vodka pasta in bread bowl
    Paradise Pantry

    Paradise Pantry

    4.6
    (706 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$

    Paradise Pantry is truly a gem and hands-down our favorite restaurant in the area. We keep coming…read moreback because we know every meal will be consistently delicious, thoughtfully prepared and made with the highest-quality ingredients. Their commitment to locally and sustainably sourced food really shines through in every dish. Everything tastes incredibly fresh and dishes are made from scratch. The service is always warm, attentive and welcoming. Tina is exceptionally knowledgeable about wine and has a wonderful ability to recommend the perfect pairing to complement your meal. Her passion and expertise elevate the entire experience. Her co-owner, the chef, is clearly talented and dedicated to creating memorable dishes that never disappoint. Paradise Pantry is one of those rare places where outstanding food, genuine hospitality and consistency come together beautifully. We always leave looking forward to our next visit. Highly recommend!

    SERVICE: I appreciated the cheese samples once seated…read more There's a deli in the back to buy blocks of cheese or spreads. Nextdoor also carries a lovely room of some great wines. The employees were kind, place was clean, there's in and outdoor seating, and parking is what you make of it as PP is located on a blocked off street where cars are not permitted. All to say, research where you wish to walk about, find a meter or free parking lot - enough around, and put on your good yet cute walking shoes because you'll enjoy strolling about after your meal here - or drink. FOOD: I sooo loved my grill cheese. Instead of mushrooms I swapped for spinach - you're welcome. AND THE PICKLE ON THE SIDE - delish! So why 4 and not 5? Because of my limited lifestyle I found the menu a bit limiting. However, I am not a HUGE cheese person and I don't drink. With that said, I feel anyone else who loves to indulge in that world should have a super great experience. Mine was still great. WELL: I actually enjoyed my time and shall return. My mother loves a good red wine so I'll bring her too.

    Photos
    Paradise Pantry
    Charcuterie
    Charcuterie
    Cheese Club Red Witch Cheeses

    See all

    Cheese Club Red Witch Cheeses
    Frontside Cafe

    Frontside Cafe

    4.6
    (277 reviews)
    0.6 mi
    $$

    My favorite breakfast and lunch spot in Ventura!…read more At this point, I think I've tried everything on the menu! I've even gotten to the point of creating my own little custom breakfast by combining different side dishes! All the fruit is fresh, the salads and sandwiches are big enough to share, and the coffee is good enough to get one to go for an afternoon pick me up (they close at 2pm). I love the high quality ingredients they use, from the eggs to the produce, nothing is industriel or pre-made. There is a parking lot in back, but during the weekday it's easy to park on the street.

    This is the most joyous place - I'm in love!!…read more It's located in a business park. Street parking is easy. We checked in with the hostess and had a 15 minute wait. Once your seat is ready, you order at the counter and you get a number. The staff that took our order was awesome. Friendly, warm, high energy, and efficient. Our order came out in about 10-15 min. Water is self serve. Drip coffee- perfect and high quality. It tasted like Kona coffee! Lavender matcha- great and well balanced Japanese milk bread- this fell a tad short for me. I would've liked both sides to be seasoned/flavored. Japanese Milk bread is typically moist and fluffy , however this was a little dry likely due to the toasting of the bread. The color overall was lighter than expected. It's served with a berry sauce which is really yummy. Side of smashed potatoes- really good. Perfectly seasoned and ketchup tasted homemade Aussie meat pie- soooooo delicious! The crust was awesome and the meat was tender. We also loved the side salad because it had a little zing of lemon. A rare moment where a side salad is actually fantastic! Miso chicken katsu Sando- really loved this! The chicken breast is huge. As other reviews stated, it's not a typical chicken katsu. If you like honey, you'll like this. The honey sauce hits you on the front end and ends with a little acidity from the aioli and slaw. The sandwich was super juicy and flavorful. While large, it didn't feel heavy. Each bite got better and better. Brontë bowl - OUR FAVORITE!!!! Ok first off, I hate mushrooms with a passion, but I kept them in the order because they are curried and I knew theyre an essential part of the dish. They were awesome. I didn't mind them one bit. This dish does not need salmon, and if anything I think adding it would've been too salty. I naturally eat fast but this bowl makes you slow down because of the layers/elements. The sweetness of onions, the creaminess of the feta and avocado, the crunch from the seeds, the delicious pesto, the buttered bread, the perfectly poached eggs - UGH! So perfect! Everything had a purpose. I am obsessed with this bowl. It is so much more filling than you'd think. I could eat this everyday and I hope they never change it. Ambiance was great. We sat at the bar which felt spacious. The inside is gorgeous and just puts you in a good mood. The best thing about this place is the staff. Literally every single person we interacted with was amazing! Everyone here is friendly, warm, and just looks happy to be there. I can't wait to return!!!!!

    Photos
    Frontside Cafe Indoor, patio & my Brontë Bowl from the menu
    Frontside Cafe Indoor, patio & my Brontë Bowl from the menu
    Japanese milk bread cinnamon toast
    Japanese milk bread cinnamon toast
    Fried chicken sandwich

    See all

    Fried chicken sandwich
    Beach House Tacos

    Beach House Tacos

    3.9
    (1.1k reviews)
    0.4 mi
    $$

    Beach House Tacos was a revelation. I didn't have huge expectations since it's a cute, small stand…read moreon the beach. The menu is simple and straightforward. I thought the tacos would be decent, had a good attitude coming here, but boy, what a nice surprise this place was! Small line in front, you order, pay, go inside, wait for your order at pick up window. Simple! Tables on the pier, and they have a patio facing the ocean, nice view. Picnic tables! They sell wine, beer, margarita-s. Great selection! But the tacos!!! We got 4 between me and my husband to share and sample: Baja Taco (got fried fish) had fresh ingredients, lettuce and a nice lime flavor! Beach House Tacos (got grilled fish), nice pineapple salsa, tender fish, nice sauces and lettuce. Calamari Taco - fried calamari - fresh avocado and cabbage, nice sauce - chipotle. Marilu Taco with popcorn shrimp with nice chile lime crema, not too spicy. Even the fried seafood here is fresh, not very fried, just a tad, nice and crispy, but not greasy. Loved every taco, they are all different than each other, they use fresh ingredients and vegetables, each had a great, original flavor, they don't skimp on anything - seafood or ingredients. By far, some of the best tacos I ever had, they go in my Top 5. 4 Tacos (they are big!) are enough for 2 people. My and my husband we also shared a portion of guac and chips, they reminded us of Mexico. The guac had a lime flavor and well mashed, the tortilla chips are thicker and extra friend. Great food, nice service, unpretentious taco stand on Ventura Pier. Nice views. Wonderful discovery and a nice place to eat at! I am a fan!

    This place is about everything you'd ask for from a beach taco stand. Above average effort goes…read moreinto the tacos, I can't speak for anything else but isn't that enough?? The service ranges from pleasantly passable to outstanding and at a counter service spot I don't expect anything special. The eating area has a great view and is usually clean and comfortable. If there's not an open spot or they're busier than usual and taking a while to bus a table you can just sit on the beach. Love a place with a good happy hour, too and this one hits the spot. Maybe get some more local craft brew options in here if you like want to improve for people specifically like me but overall a pretty great casual option. Who doesn't love a taco after a long, exhausting, beautiful day at the beach?

    Photos
    Beach House Tacos
    Chips & Salsa, grilled fish taco, fried fish taco, street tacos
    Chips & Salsa, grilled fish taco, fried fish taco, street tacos
    Outside from the pier

    See all

    Outside from the pier
    Duke's Beach Grill

    Duke's Beach Grill

    4.1
    (390 reviews)
    1.7 mi
    $$
    Established in 1991
    Outdoor seating

    Finally tried out Duke's and happy I did…read more Ordered: BSM Burger=bacon, swiss & mushroom 5/5 (I had it without bacon) The burger was perfect. Juicy and all the right flavors. A little messy but very worth it. Good thing they give you a lot of napkins ! Burger came with chips so I substitute it with fries for an extra $2.50. 805 beer on drafts with a lime. 5/5 *alcohol orders are made separately at their bar in the back . There's plenty of seating options I love it. There's a few inside and out with the front sidewalk view. There's plenty in the back bar area . Then the back patio where you can get some sunlight . The whole place seems to have good air flow .

    Very friendly local beach bar in Ventura! Menu features all the comfort foods you would dream of!…read moreWe started with a Ceviche Pacific snapper and shrimp marinated in lemon citrus juices, mixed with pico de gallo. Served with homemade tortilla chips & topped with avocado. My son ordered DUKE'S DOUBLE Double burger patties, double cheese, grilled onions, lettuce, tomato, served on a Brioche bun with Duke's burger sauce. MyDIL decided on the Teri Chk Bowl Grilled chicken breast served with white rice, veggies, pineapple & teriyaki sauce. My wife decided to try a Cup of house Chili and Chicken Tenders Crispy fried chicken strips & fries with Honey Mustard sauce I went with the Chili Size Burger Served open face with house-made chili and cheddar cheese. It also came with fries! The meals were all amazing truly a comfort food place. All the staff here were warm and friendly you do order when you come in but I advise you if you're a party grab some menus and a seat and then go order! Also we ordered our drinks from the bar! This place is a beach bar & grill enjoy the comfortable atmosphere.

    Photos
    Fish n chips
    Fish n chips
    BBQ Chicken Salad
    BBQ Chicken Salad
    Ahi Poke Bowl

    See all

    Ahi Poke Bowl

    Busy Bee Cafe - diners - Updated July 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...