I'll be honest, I was a little confused at first. I saw the name "VEN A" and expected something more Mexican or Spanish, then I looked at the menu and wasn't really sure what to expect. It felt a bit all over the place at first. But the reviews were so strong compared to everything nearby that we decided to try it on our way to Mammoth. When we got there it was pretty quiet, and the owner sat us and took our order himself. He was really friendly and took the time to walk us through the menu and give recommendations. We ended up talking with him quite a bit, and once he explained his background and how his food is influenced by different cultures, the menu started to make a lot more sense. You can tell he really cares about what he's making, and he's very genuine and easy to talk to. We ordered the jerk chicken tacos, the creole pasta, and the soul bird sandwich. I had asked about modifying the sandwich and he mentioned he doesn't really do modifications, which I actually respected. It felt like he really stands behind how each dish is meant to be eaten. The food ended up being really good. The pasta surprised me the most. It looked simple at first, but it was creamy, slightly peppery, and really flavorful without feeling heavy. The beef had a nice char that added a lot. The jerk chicken tacos were also really good, super juicy and flavorful, and everything worked well together. The habanero sauce wasn't very spicy, more on the sweeter side, but it complemented the dish well. There was a small mix-up with my sandwich at first, but he caught it right away, fixed it, and even let us keep the first one. Both versions were good, but the one with pickles had a better balance. The tang really pulled everything together. We ended up finishing everything, which we weren't planning on. Overall, it was just a really good experience. Good food, and a really nice conversation with the owner that made the whole visit feel more personal. We actually wanted to stop by again on our way back, but they were closed. I wish we lived closer because we'd definitely come back. It's a spot that deserves more attention. read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - the soul bird sandwich - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

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Went to 2nd time. Food was good as before. Service was a little slow but it didn't bother us. The open kitchen is great and looks clean. I wish for a little more seating space between tables. But overall we like it. read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - Jerk chicken platter and Shrimp crawfish? mac and cheese. - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

Back from Los Angeles and back at VEN. You know a restaurant is good when : - You have a crazing for their dishes - your friend who refuses -- consistently -- to even try a salad dives into the crispy chicken - a person next to you on the communal table takes a bite of a single French fry and then pushes the bowl to his 6 friends and says "these fries are really good, you need to try them " Bon appetite ! read more

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A cute new spot serving delicious comfort food in Ridgecrest! I've always been impressed with the restaurant scene in Ridgecrest given the town's size, but the addition of VEN really takes things to another level. I remember enjoying their burger when they were only a food truck, albeit it was a bit pricey. But now that they have the full restaurant open do I really get the vision - the service is great, food is absolutely delicious, and it's clear they really take pride in the food they make. Even if it were in a bigger city with more options, I know VEN would still be in my regular rotation. So far i've tried the jerk chicken platter and the il figo salad which were both delicious! The food comes out quick and is a good size portion. The fig vinaigrette on the salad was so yummy, the salmon I added on top made it the perfect light dinner. My coworkers loved the shrimp and crab mac n cheese, which i'll definitely be trying next time! read more

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Amazing find. We stopped at Ridgecrest on the way to Death Valley. We googled eatery around there and decided to try the soul food. Food is awesome. Service is by husband and wife who are super friendly. We shared the table with 2 other group of people, we chatted with them. Soul chicken salad is sooooo good, the jerky chicken meal is wonderful. We also ordered a side garlic fries, which we thought would be too much, they were all gone. Will certainly come back again if we are in the area. read more

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What an awesome gem! Stopped on our way home to SoCal from Tahoe and so glad we did. Since it was the day before a holiday, I called to see if they were open and we lucked out. Two in our party of three need gluten free and their menu was clearly marked with our options. They were up front that they aren't dedicated GF, but they are knowledgeable and try hard to limit cross contact. We had the Cajun shrimp tacos and the jerk chicken tacos with a side of their garlic parm fries (the normie had a burger). It was all DELICIOUS!! I'm very sensitive and I had no issues. The owners were there and were a delight to chat with. I wish we lived closer because there were so many dishes I wanted to try. Support this local establishment because you won't be disappointed! read more

This restaurant should be packed every day, the food is amazing, I'm addicted to the jerk chicken tacos with extra sauce, so fire! Reese and his wife are amazing people too, so like i said this place should be packed everyday! read more

My husband and I attended a private Valentine's 5-course chili and chocolate infused dinner at Ven Communal, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Each course was beautifully presented and thoughtfully curated. The way chili and chocolate were infused throughout the menu was creative, balanced, and surprisingly sophisticated. Every dish felt intentional bold flavors layered perfectly without overpowering one another. The service was just as impressive. Melissa was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about each course, which elevated the entire evening. You could feel the care and coordination from the whole team. Major compliments to Chef Reese and the entire staff for creating such a unique and memorable Valentine's experience. It wasn't just dinner it was an event. We'll absolutely be back, and I highly recommend experiencing one of their special dinners if you get the chance. Johnny and Marina read more

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Amazing! Amazing intentional menu, that tastes perfect. We tried the jerk chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, fries, and Cajun pasta. The owner and his wife are amazing, great service and conversation. Relaxing and friendly environment. Will definitely be coming back. read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

Our first time here. We really enjoyed the food. The Jerk chicken tacos were so flavorful, the fries were good as well. Friendly and attentive staff. Atmosphere is welcoming so that's always great. Stop in if you're in the area!! read more

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Another amazing meal! The service, the ambiance, and most importantly our dishes were superb. I recommend Ven once again. You won't be disappointed. read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - The Vanguard Burger - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

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We came here for the first time tonight and can I just say OMG why haven't I come sooner!! Best flavor !! The jerk chicken was amazing and so full of flavor! The tacos are the best and even the burger is so delicious and not just a patty of tasteless meat! The ambiance is so relaxing and chill. Smooth tunes, great lightening not too much not too little. The owner is the nicest and so attentive. This is the best place in Ridgecrest in my opinion!!! read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - Jerk chicken player half eaten!! - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

We walked in with about 15 people on a Tuesday evening and the staff was more than willing to accommodate. We were in town on business and looking for a good spot we could all eat. The food was outstanding and it was only outshined by the staff and service. Several people ordered the Shrimp & Crab Mac & Cheese and others ordered the Chicken & Waffles. Everything that everyone ordered was outstanding. The restaurant was modern, clean, and a great atmosphere. Highly recommend if you're in town. Probably the best restaurant in the area. read more

We were driving through the area after visiting Death Valley for the super bloom. It was on the later side of the evening but this spot was open & looked great. We were not disappointed! The husband & wife team were sweet, professional & attentive. And the chef knows what he's doing! My husband got the chicken & waffles which he really enjoyed & I loved the cinnamon they add to the waffle batter. I got the jerk chicken platter & was stoked it was truly jerk chicken with that lovely kick. Rice was so yummy too. It was all delicious! If we ever find ourselves back in the area we are definitely going back for more home cooked goodness. read more

Amazing food and the service is always top notch!! Clean and the food comes out quickly and piping hot!! read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - Hunny Lemon Chicken Sando and Watermelon Ginger Lemonade - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

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The food is always delicious and the environment is cozy and communal. The ginger lemonade is EVERYTHING and VEN makes some of the best fried chicken I have ever eaten. read more

Great experience. Stopped here on my way through town, and found the food to be delicious, hit atmosphere, and above all outstanding service. Will be back. read more

Great good, great vibes and wonderful people! Always try to support local but they make it easy.

This restaurant was amazing! We ordered the smash burger/fries and Cajun shrimp tacos. They both were so delicious! My son said they were the BEST burger and shrimp tacos he's ever had and I agree with him! You gotta get a side of the secret sauce and ranch that is homemade. They are so yummy! It's a family owned business and they are so welcoming and friendly. The service was outstanding. Definitely worth checking out! read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - Owner with my family! - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

We just left and as always food was delicious. I tried a vegan option Tacos enrollados which is something out of my wheel house (I am a carnivore to my soul) but it was absolutely Devine and I would eat it again. This was my boyfriend's first time here and he got the deluxe bubba burger and it was gone so fast. The garlic and herb frites were also yummy! But the real star of the show was the SLAW that came on the enrollados (secret menu item). This also comes on the jerk chicken tacos which is what I'm going to get next time. As always the service was amazing. If you haven't tried Ven please go do so. read more

Great food, cool atmosphere, and friendly service! Every time I go to Ven's I try something new and have never been disappointed. Everything is fresh and flavorful! Love the long table with the ability to sit with new people. read more

Incredible! I nice change of pace from other local restaurants. Flavorful food and friendly atmosphere. The shrimp and crab Mac and cheese was phenomenal. Highly recommend. read more

From the moment you step into a very welcoming space to the presentation of your food this place is a wonderful restaurant. We ordered the Jerk chicken platter. The rice was a lovely yellow color with a savory taste. The chicken was tender and so nicely spiced. The wilted cabbage was so tasty also. I would love to eat here again and again but we are just passing thru to Mammoth and San Francisco. If you live in Ridgecrest get to this terrific restaurant, support your local neighbors! It looks like this started as a truck so even more reason to support this great place now that they are in a brick and mortar place. read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - Caribbean Chicken plate - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

The food was so good and fresh. We shared plates. The arugula salad was very fast and the Il Figo salad was amazing. The pastas had so much flavor. I want to try everything read more

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If you are in the area, this is the place you want to go! We travel many places and are always looking for the unique, quality restaurants. This one is both. Reece, the owner, has a fresh perspective on food. His fusion dishes are delicious and made with authentic and fresh ingredients. The atmosphere was clean, hip, and enjoyable. He had soul music playing that was the "just right" volume. Sakoria was our server and she was friendly and attentive. The food prep and cooking are open to the dining room. Watching the expect chefs make lunch was interesting. Thank you to all for a fabulous lunch as we make our way back to the east coast. Our California experience was definitely enriched by stoping here. read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - Jerk chicken tacos - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

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This place is a gem! The food was delicious! The owners were very friendly. The communal table allows you to talk with fellow diners.

Whaaaaaat????? This food is ON POINTE! And the chef/owners are even more of it! Look!!! Y'all got Michelin Star quality food in Ridgecrest! You better know the good Lord must love ya! Visit often - you'll be glad you did. read more

Food is so delicious every single time, haven't been disappointed yet. The owners are also sooo nice, highly recommend!!

Wasn't sure what Communal was. A very long table in the center, for communal sitting/eating. And they have individual tables too. Only thing I did wrong was not knowing what The Adult Affogato was. Thought it would be a splash of wine. Turns out it could be called a wine float. read more

Best Jerk chicken platter I've ever had. Chef came to talk to every table. Service was stellar. Great clean restaurant design and concept.

I have eaten from this business twice and will continue to eat there. The food was excellent and the service was top-notch.

The taste was flavorful but for 18$ a plate I don't expect to be served on paper plates and plastic ware.. serving size was moderate but that was it no sides with your entrees...maybe need a few more different meat dishes aside from creole or Cajun or jerk... owner was very gracious and friendly read more

Worth the drive to Ridgecrest! My husband and I really enjoyed the serious bites of infusion they serve. I had a chance to meet the humble chef (who I found out is also the owner too) and he was so pleasant. Find a reason to make a trip up there, you won't regret it. Memorable for sure! read more

Great service and a really solid burger! The ambiance is a bit cold, but great if you just want to grab a bite with some friends. The food quality is top notch - this is a gem of a place to grab lunch if you are in Ridgecrest. read more

I was good but the service was really slow. We ordered a cheese cake and a peach cobbler. And it so good!

We were just looking for a quick dinner and oh my god, this was place was the happiest surprise. The owner was super friendly and nice. The food....oh my god. The best chicken I've ever had. I mourn the fact that this restaurant is 2 hours away from me....Please open something in LA. You will have a customer in me. read more

Absolutely amazing food, great atmosphere, and the staff makes you feel like family. Love this place. The Soul Bird and Waffle Plate totally slaps! read more

VEN A Communal Eatery - New American Near Me - Ridgecrest, California

Had the pasta and penne pasta was Al dente, balanced cream sauce with crumbled beef, Try the Chicken Jerk! It was awesome! The cabbage that comes in the Jerk Chicken plate was well seasoned. Staff was very friendly and kind. It was a great place to eat in Ridgecrest. Has an upper scale ambiance. Nice change compared to all the fast food or prepping food at home. Would recommend to try! read more

The food is original, spicing on-point, service is excellent. Very welcoming atmosphere - the owner visits the tables for a chat. Love this place & would recommend it for a nice date or casual night out. read more

French fries reminded me of my youth day's of eating fresh McDonalds fries for days, the salt was perfect the fries were still hot when I got home. The Bubba steak smash burger was excellent and very tasty. I'll be going back to try other menu items because they looked delicious. read more