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    The Thirsty Ox

    4.1 (58 reviews)
    Open 3:00 pm - 2:00 am (Next day)

    The Thirsty Ox Photos

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    THE THIRSTY OX ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    DJ
    Live music
    Juke Box
    Divey

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    Recommended Reviews - The Thirsty Ox

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    Monique H.

    Reggie was tonight bartender! He finds the most unique ways to create the perfect cocktail! Reggie made sure all the customers received the best service! Make sure to ask him about his freshly made lemonade drink !

    My favorite regulars
    Alejandro B.

    The minute I rolled into the Thirsty Ox, I was mesmerized by Cailin. She immediately knew what I wanted to drink and had it ready for me. Like the quote from the movie Casa Blanca "Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine" We immediately connected and it was amazing the service she gave. Not just with Cailin, but with all the staff at the Thirsty Ox. Reggie with his fresh produce and snacks, Tori with her kindness and sweet attitude Andrea with her bubbly kindness... Gabby & Ronnie with their commitment and dedication to running a nice place to enjoy a drink or two. I've enjoyed coming here ever since it changed from Jolly's (which was far from Jolly to go to)

    Ice cold Michelob Ultra
    Corinne A.

    Haven't been here in years and it's now under new management. The owner is so welcoming and friendly to everyone who walks into her bar. Been here a couple times this past week and bartenders are really nice. As a women who goes to bars alone sometimes it's nice to be able to go to a local spot where I can feel safe. Thanks for the cold beer, tasted lemon drop martinis and good company!

    Annalise T.

    Thirsty Ox is my go to dive bar! The bartenders are all super nice and seem like they're genuinely interested in having a conversation with you. Cailin is always a full of good energy and I trust her to make my drinks right. Especially their yummy watermelon candy shots

    a drink in a tall glass on a bar
    Anthony V.

    This is my go to spot for an after work beer/shot or a good miche! Cailin makes some of the best! I recommend checking them out on the weekends too, they have DJs Friday and Saturday nights and it's a fun atmosphere.

    The start to a great evening!

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    11 days ago

    Great music for all ages very nice staff great people there old school hip hop old school rap music great Spanish Cumbias

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    7 months ago

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    1 year ago

    This place is grimy and gross. Drinks are cheaper than most places but not worth coming back for.

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    11 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    Went there for the first time a few weeks ago and didn't have any problems service was good and bartender made us feel welcome

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    2 years ago

    Had a good time. Loved the drinks. I would not mind coming back to have some drinks with some friends

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    3 years ago

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    2 years ago

    My sister lives near here, she goes regularly with her guy. I've been here a couple of times. Place sure is a dive but, not my type of dive.

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    2 years ago

    Business owner information

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    Rony O.

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    4 years ago

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    Rony O.

    Thank you for your feedback, hope to see you soon!

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    4 years ago

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    Rony O.

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    3 years ago

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    7 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Rony O.

    Thank you so much appreciate the feedback! Tori is great!!

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    4 years ago

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    Rony O.

    Thank you for the feedback!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Mariah helped us out she was super friendly and made good drinks. She was on top of it and helpful.

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    2 years ago

    Mariah is the most amazing, considerate and consciou bartender I've ever come across. the drinks are amazing!

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Rony O.

    Thank you Mr John, appreciate the good feedback!

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    6 years ago

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    Rony O.

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    7 years ago

    Great hole in the wall bar. Late 80's,90's and 00's music. Good vibes family like bar. Cheap drink

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    7 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Rony O.

    Thank you AnnaMarie appreciate the good feedback!

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    3 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    7 years ago

    The whiskey coke was wack. The place smelled. Karaoke was a little weird but I imagine it could get going as the night went on.

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    10 years ago

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - The Thirsty Ox

    Do you still have comedy night?

    Not at the moment but hopefully soon!

    Does this bar have trivia nights?

    Not right now but sounds fun! We will look into this!

    What kind of music do they play?

    A whole mix of everything!

    Aye bro you got modelo?

    Absolutely they do!

    When do they have karaoke?

    Tuesday nights.

    Can 18+ plus enter?

    It's a bar only so no it's 21+

    View All 10 Questions

    Review Highlights - The Thirsty Ox

    Cailin is always a full of good energy and I trust her to make my drinks right.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    Ox & Ocean

    Ox & Ocean

    4.2
    (574 reviews)
    3.2 mi
    $$$

    Last night my husband and I popped into Ox and Ocean for the first time and the hostess Leah was so…read moresweet and caring. She greeted us with a warm smile and strong conversation. My waitress Rachel was on top of everything and the food was perfectly seasoned and cooked well. 10/10 Will be coming again soon!

    We've been to plenty of fancy restaurants in OC and LA but this place probably beats out majority…read moreof them. The food here is absolutely AMAZING. We came here to celebrate my girlfriend's birthday. We each ordered a cocktail. She got a blueberry margarita and I got a cucumber gin mixed drink. Both were refreshing and delicious. We ended up ordering another round. For appetizers we ordered the crispy maple Brussels and tuna & salmon tartare. The Brussels were fried to perfection and glazed a sweet maple syrup. It also came with thick cuts of bacon. Definitely recommend this. For the tartare, it was also delicious and fresh. It was mixed with avocado and turnip. We thought the turnip would be off putting but it actually meshed well with the flavors. Came with fried wonton chips. For the main course we shared the NY strip and Lobster Malfaldine. The steak was cooked to perfection with a very nice sear and flavored well. Probably one of the better steaks I've ever had. Definitely beats out any steakhouse steak. The Lobster Malfaldine was also absolutely delicious. Most of the time, lobster pasta is usually a bit bland and lacking in lobster. NOT HERE. They included big chunks of lobster and the sauce was so good. Lastly, we ended our dinner with the Strawberry Hand Pie. This is basically a warm strawberry strudel with vanilla bean ice cream. They used locally sourced strawberries and I'm still thinking about it as I'm writing this review. Adrienne was our server and she was very nice and attentive. Since it was my girlfriend's birthday, they comped our dessert. Super nice staff!

    Photos
    Hotel lobby
    Hotel lobby
    Lobster pasta and Jidori chicken
    Lobster pasta and Jidori chicken
    Mimosa

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    Mimosa
    1901 Speakeasy

    1901 Speakeasy

    4.6
    (155 reviews)
    1.3 mi
    $$

    I absolutely cannot get enough of this place…read more 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!

    If you're going to hang your hat on the speakeasy aesthetic--dim lights, hushed tones, whispers of…read moreexclusivity--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.

    Photos
    The BEST Manhattan in the 805.
    The BEST Manhattan in the 805.
    Ribeye Steak Special with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies
    Ribeye Steak Special with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies
    Very yes. 8/22/23

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    Very yes. 8/22/23
    Kalaveras

    Kalaveras

    3.9
    (366 reviews)
    2.5 mi
    $$

    My husband and I decided to come in for Taco Tuesday dinner, and as always the tacos were on point…read more They never disappoint! I do have to say though, I really miss the buffet-style taco bar -- please bring it back! Our server, Briseida, was fantastic. She was attentive, polite, and kept checking on us even though the place was a little busy. Great service makes the experience even better. Thank you!

    Our group of friends recently dined here, and unfortunately, our experience was disappointing…read more First, we were surprised to find that we were charged for the chips and salsa without being told there was a charge. It was only a dollar on each (5 ) of our bills but they should have told us. Many Mexican restaurants provide them as a complimentary appetizer, so it would have been nice if the server had let us know beforehand. The biggest issue, however, was the service. One person in our party never received his meal. We had to ask about it, and we were simply told, "It's coming," with no explanation or apology. We ended up waiting so we could all eat together, so my soup was cold and I ended up not eating it and had to take it home. When the bill came, I asked what had happened. I was hoping the server would apologize or at least explain the delay. Instead, she didn't really answer my question. Only after I commented that they must have forgotten it, server said his meal had burned and the kitchen had to remake it. It would have been much better if she had communicated that to us from the beginning instead of leaving us wondering what was going on. Throughout the meal, the server rarely checked on our table to see if we needed anything or if everything was okay. Given the long delay and lack of communication, I also think it would have been a nice gesture to either comp the delayed meal or at least remove the charge for the chips and salsa. And normally we would tip less but she added the tip to the bill Unfortunately, what should have been an enjoyable dinner with friends turned into a frustrating experience because of the lack of communication and customer service.

    Photos
    Drinks
    Drinks
    Enchiladas
    Enchiladas
    Guava Margarita

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    Guava Margarita
    The Livery

    The Livery

    4.7
    (18 reviews)
    7.7 mi

    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.

    Photos
    Inside views
    Inside views
    Great vibe here!
    Great vibe here!
    Bar

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    Bar
    Waterside

    Waterside

    3.5
    (628 reviews)
    3.4 mi
    $$

    Waterside Restaurant is an absolute gem in Channel Islands Harbor!…read more Every dish we tried was fantastic. For starters, we had fresh seared ahi tuna, delicious crab cakes, perfectly battered shrimp, and crispy calamari served with a marinara sauce that had just the right amount of spice. Our table enjoyed the chicken piccata, lobster ravioli, and Wagyu burger, and every entrée was excellent. The blackberry margaritas were a standout and worth the visit alone! Dessert was the perfect finish with tiramisu, rich chocolate cake, and incredible churro waffles topped with caramel cream sauce, walnuts, and strawberries. Chef's kiss to all three. The service was outstanding, and the atmosphere strikes the perfect balance between casual and upscale, with great outdoor seating and harbor views. The packed bar area made it clear this is a local favorite. Highly recommend Waterside whenever you're in the Oxnard/Channel Islands area. We will definitely be back!

    We had a waitress who was running her very first shift. She did fantastic and was very friendly…read more The restaurant was very clean and the atmosphere was beautiful. We ordered the Ribeye and Carbonara, along with the garlic fries and a blackberry margarita. The Ribeye was cooked beautifully, was juicy and had lots of flavor. At no fault to the restaurant, there was a lot of fat on our cut. Disappointingly, the veggies and mashed potatoes tasted bland and basic, as if from a can. The carbonara was delicious, with crunchy bacon bits and fresh tomato cuts. The pasta was cooked perfectly and the sauce was the right consistency. The garlic fries lacked actual "garlic" flavoring, and tasted like regular fries. The blackberry margarita was very delicious. 3/5 stars - Will return

    Photos
    Thank you to our guests!
    Thank you to our guests!
    Thanksgiving 2025- serving 350 happy diners!
    Thanksgiving 2025- serving 350 happy diners!
    Awaiting our Thanksgiving guests!

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    Awaiting our Thanksgiving guests!

    The Thirsty Ox - cocktailbars - Updated August 2026

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