This place was an awesome find. Made date plans for wife and I while in Ventura. We went in on a…read moreSaturday afternoon around 5-6pm to plenty of seating. The interior is a nice cocktail lounge layout. More cozy seating and a few chairs at the bar. We were greeted immediately, our server was sweet! We asked to switch spots after seating ourselves because we didn't realize the AC was going to be blasting right at us. She offered to turn the AC down so we didn't have to move but we're still welcome to. The drums were AMAZING. I got the Brazilian lemonade (green in photo) that tastes basically like a sweet Pandan slushie, couldn't even tell there was alcohol until it hits you lol My wife got the equally amazing clarified Ube sour which was the same story. Both tasted so good we got a second order. Paired with fries for something to munch that comes with 2 out of a choice of 3 dips! They were chili, jalapeño, and garlic if I remember correctly. Highly recommend this spot for drinks and dates!

Came in on a Saturday night around 8pm and luckily it wasn't too packed. We sat down immediately…read more The inside is really nice, i'd stop by for a drink in the future with the couch styled lounge. Felt like we were skipped over a bit during service. There was a couple who sat at the bar 15 minutes after us and got drinks and calamari given to them at the exact same time we got our drinks (weren't able to order any food yet). The tables near us were checked on a lot but not us. Food was just okay. Linguine pasta, calamari, and sliders were all bland. Sliders were super basic, just meat, sauce and bun. They charge $2 for a side of sauce in a tiny ramekin. The woman bartender was really nice and upbeat and helped us close out at the end of our meal. Honestly, just much better food and experiences next door.

Ventiki was totally solid! Very decent drinks and sushi, and the prices are fair…read more Service is...apathetic. As a side note, please work on extending your sunshades to go the full length of your outdoor patio. The sun is pretty brutal and the shades stop short of the bench seating by a good 24".

Disappointing experience! We arrived on a Sunday around 1pm and were seated quickly. However, we…read morewaited over 30 minutes to receive our first round of drinks, no food ordered yet. We were ready to walk out, but our drinks finally arrived. I suggested we ask for the check sooner than later, considering how long it took to get our drinks. (Others who arrived after us did not seem to have to wait as long as we did.) Moments later, the vibe completely turned around when the bartender blew a conch shell to award a patron a Ventiki fez, accomplished after drinking all 60 cocktails on their in-house passport. That energy really helped recapture any aloha we felt upon arriving and we ended up staying for hours and chatting with staff. The place redeemed itself. We promised to return with some friends shortly who were driving through Ventura. We stepped out to grab coffee while waiting for our friends to arrive. We were excited to show them this place. When our friends got there around 4pm, they received an incredibly cold greeting at the entrance. They sent us a text and we told them we were a block away having just picked up a coffee and heading their way. When we all arrived together, a bouncer was at the front stand, boorish and inhospitable... his immediate attitude was downright insulting. (He wasn't around when we were there earlier.) He had previously refused to seat our friends at a table for four--even though we were just a block away--demanded we throw away our coffees, and asked us for ID. (My husband and I are in our late 50s/early 60s, and friends late 40s.) We literally had just been there for a couple hours and spent a good amount of money. Sure, I understand places have policies, but this attitude was COMPLETELY different than when we were there earlier. The bouncer was a self-important jerk about the whole thing. We went from giving them a second chance after they rekindled the aloha spirit to being completely turned off by the bouncer's egomaniacal attitude. Again, 4pm Sunday, no line or anything. Not some nightclub. Utterly unnecessary brute at the front. Rude and completely uninviting customer service. We ended up going down the street to a local brewpub that welcomed us, no attitude, no carding, and they didn't bat an eye at our coffee cups. AND when we parted ways with our friends, they told us they swung by Ventiki to talk to the manager. The manager told them she supports her bouncer and was unapologetic. If there was a society for tiki lounges with a membership card, this place should have their card revoked. They are not worthy. Tearing up the fez passport I started and will never set foot in there again.

Nice to see a brewery at the Ventura Pier. It is located on the top floor, pretty small operation…read more I am glad they are here. Customer service is very nice. Great outdoor seating and views. I wish they had more seating inside, it was windy when we visited and all tables were taken, not too many to begin with. But if you come on a mild wind day, snag an ocean facing seat. Nothing can beat that view! Beer selection - not amazing for me! They specialize in IPA-s which I don't like. They have no dark beer on tap, no ambers or stouts! I settled on a Pilsner, Czech type which was decent (I got to try it first), but a better selection is necessary! They give you a metal cup for outside tables, so you won't see my beer, but it was enjoyable. Flexible about bringing food in since they don't sell it. Nice spot on the pier to enjoy a cold one!

I have had Made West beer before in cans I have found in San Diego. I had never had it fresh from…read morethe tap before. So, when visiting a friend in Ventura and we were invited to grab a couple pints we were happy to oblige. They have two spots in Ventura, one on the pier and the main brewery in a business park. We stopped by both. I had the coffee vanilla porter, it was so good! I also later had the IPA but I'm not a good judge of IPA. Dont take my word for it though, try them yourself!

Awesome place. We stopped here for late night food and drinks on a Sunday. There was a small but…read moredecent crowd. The bartender was the best! The place has a nice chill vibe and the drinks were tasty. I had three hand rolls and the had some of the karaage. The hand rolls I had the spicy, scallop, and salmon. Def recommend this place!

Came here on Father's Day night. We were hesitant at first to check it out as there were only 2…read moreindividuals at the bar and wasn't sure if minors were allowed. Glad we didn't let that deter us and came in after checking in if kids are allowed. Waitress and bartender were welcoming and nice. Nice ambiance, dark with good music. It got busy as the night went on. Every food item we ordered were pretty good and recommendable. The edamame had a good spice to it. Hand rolls were good. Really liked the chicken wings. The katsu sandwich was flavorful and well portioned with fries. Ramen was flavorful, but felt like something was missing in it. A spice? Drinks were good as well. Would return again to try other things in their menu.

We randomly drove by and decided to stop. The beers were crisp, refreshing and honestly some of the…read morebest beer I've had in awhile. The horchata stout was perfect and not too sweet. The added bonus was that the Mother's taco truck was also there so we got lunch too. And they are dog friendly. So glad I got to check this place out!

Great brewery with awesome vibes! Really liked their decor at this place. They had some great music…read moreplaying when we were there. A good selection of beers as well but with they had more hazy and west coast options. Lots of seating. Friendly service. Dog friendly. Great times!

The Topa Topa on Thompson is my personal favorite location. All of them are great, and each one…read morecarries that welcoming, familiar energy, but the downtown spot just feels different. No matter which Topa you walk into, you see familiar faces. There is a real sense of family there, and I would hate to lose that. The Thompson location specifically feels like home. When I lost someone very near and dear to me, Topa became a place where I could breathe again. On the worst days, walking through those doors made things feel just a little lighter. Sometimes it felt like I was holding my breath all day until I got there. There is a steady comfort in that space. Mama mia, that kind of place is rare. I have definitely "invested" ;) my fair share into the pool table and the pinball machine. Trivia nights with the awesome host, the food pop ups, Nicks Smash Burgers and Ramos Tacos are the best. Being introduced to new bands and almost always leaving a live show with a vinyl or CD by the end of their set. It truly is a community. Supporting local artists and seeing the same people show up for each other over and over again is part of what makes it special. And the beer is unreal. I was never much of a beer person, but a few years ago they pulled me in with Moo Bae then the Althlone Ranger, and then the 4 and 20. My current favorite is The Tux. Every time I go in, that is what I get. I loved when they had more dark beers too. Topa Topa opened the door for me into the craft beer world without ever feeling intimidating. Once you find a place where you feel appreciated and respected, where you feel known, you do not want to lose that. A huge part of that for me is seeing my regular beer tenders, Mike, Lea, Marie, and Zion. They are part of what makes walking through those doors feel like coming home. The Thompson location is that kind of place. Really messed up what you did. EDIT- This is nothing against the newer employees of Topa, but has everything to do with corporate. What were you thinking getting rid of 15% of your staff? The people that have helped build the foundation of your brand. The people that build the individual personalities of each taproom. The people that we have gotten to know and they've gotten to know us. Like I said before Topa is a family. I get that the craft beer scene is getting smaller but getting rid of family is so dumb. Your regulars have developed a relationship with these people. It's so disheartening to go now. When we go we aren't greeted by these friendly faces that know us. You'd think you'd focus more on your regulars you know the people that actually spend money here rather than the "next generation". Like I said, this has nothing to do with the new workers. They're nice. But the people we've developed relationships could NEVER be replaced. The lovers of topa topa do not like this. And I've already seen on Reddit people are saying they aren't going back.

I wouldn't call myself a big beer fan, but Topa Topa is one of those places that always pulls me…read morein. I usually order a flight so I can try a few different things, especially their special release beers. Two favorites I've loved during special releases are the Ojai Pixie Citrus IPA and Harvest Swoon Sangria-Style Sour. Both are super flavorful without being overwhelming. Their hard seltzers are also a great option when I'm in the mood for something lighter. The Ojai location has a relaxed, welcoming vibe and shares the space with Little Sama, which makes it an easy place to hang out. They also host community events like trivia nights on Tuesdays, which adds to the fun. A great spot whether you're really into craft beer or just enjoy a casual drink in a laid-back Ojai setting.

The Livery has become one of my favorite places to stop for a cocktail downtown…read more What sets it apart is its focus on local and regional producers. The cocktail menu features ingredients from Ventura Spirits, Mario's Hard Espresso, local breweries, and other Central Coast makers, giving the drinks a real sense of place. I've especially enjoyed their cocktail program because it feels creative without being pretentious. I also love the concept. It's more than just a bar--you can enjoy a drink while browsing a thoughtfully curated collection of local goods, making it a fun place to bring friends or visitors from out of town. I haven't tried the food yet, so I can't speak to the bar menu, but based on the drinks, atmosphere, and commitment to highlighting local products, The Livery is a unique addition to downtown Ventura and a spot I find myself returning to.

I absolutely love this place! The Livery is located next door and part of Rumfish y Vino, where you…read morecan sip on wine or a cocktail and shop the local vendor displays. They range from clothing, hats, housewares, candles, jewelry, and more! The atmosphere is beautiful, spacious yet cozy and inviting. I especially love that they have a separate room exclusively for wine tasting. I'm definitely interested in checking it out next time. We didn't order food because we had already eaten, but the Rosarita margarita was a nice refreshing cocktail. I also purchased a non-toxic pumpkin spice candle. It smelled heavenly burning on display and I couldn't pass it up. It's a subtle smell of pumpkin spice and fall. I love it! I can't wait to come back and purchase some of the beautiful glassware. I'll take more pictures of the shopping area next time.

Great atmosphere and great music! Very busy on the weekends, but shows it's a great place!read more

My husband and I had been wanting to visit Leashless Brewery for a while, and we finally made it…read morethis past weekend. I'm not a big beer drinker, especially since I'm gluten-sensitive. Beer, in general, isn't gluten-free, so I was thrilled to find that Leashless offers three gluten-free beer options! It's located in downtown Ventura and is walking distance to the beach. The entrance is stunning, reminiscent of the buildings in Santa Barbara. They have both outdoor and indoor seating, and we chose to sit inside. The decor is charming, beachy, and rustic. Our server, Lila, was incredibly friendly and welcoming. We were excited to learn that all their beer is organic, which is a huge plus for me. I decided to order a flight of beer and one cider. The difference in taste and quality was remarkable. My favorite beer was their Vtown. We had an amazing time at Leashless Brewery and will definitely be returning.