Fun little bar with speak easy feel. The bartenders are sweet, sarcastic, and witty. And more importantly, they make great drinks and serve then with finesse! They were out of a few items on their food menu that I wanted to try out, but they didn't fall short on any of the items that were available. Insensitive to come back! read more

See all

Three stories for three vibes. Excellent staff. Shrimp and rice to die for. If you're into nice suburban views, definitely recommend. If you're into a dungeon like bar, also recommend. read more

Great ambiance! Good music and drinks. Perfect for a first date. Live music and dim lighting.

Note: we were originally looking for the restaurant named "La Dolce Vita", not having heard that the name had changed to "The 1901" in 2021. Fortunately, the La Dolce sign is still on the building, so we were able to locate it, hidden in the historic Laurent-McGrath House in Oxnard's Heritage Square complex. We were pleasantly surprised at The 1901's menu, greatly expanded over the previous menu shown in Yelp for La Dolce Vita. Not only were there more appetizers, soups, and entrées, the available specials were incredibly varied. To start we had champagne mushroom soup and Cajun clam chowder, as well as the astoundingly large beet salad, all of which were delicious. The cup portions were plenty, I can't imagine how much you get in a bowl. The beet salad is a huge platter with greens, candied pecans, coarse-cut tomatoes and avocado, all ringed with thick-cut red and gold beets, and a terrific lemmon-oil dressing. I am so sorry we didn't think to get a picture of it. Our group of 10 sampled many of the entrées, and all were perfectly prepared, well, seasoned, and beautifully presented. The lasagna portion was huge, beautifully layered, the potato gnocchi tender and light under a tasty sauce, and chicken marsala rich with mushrooms and marsala flavor. The Rack of Lamb in particular was impressive, eight large chops prepared precisely to medium rare as requested, with plenty of sweet mint chutney on the side. Portion sizes are generous -- we all had takeaway boxes. For desert we had the flourless chocolate cake, small but intense, and the massive bread pudding, which is made from two thick slices of French toast with blueberry preserves, all drenched in sweet white chocolate icing. Our Maitre D', Samuel, was very competent and attentive, engaging in interesting discussion, and extremely knowledgeable about the history of the establishment, the menu, and The 1901's co-owner Chef de Cuisine Steven Sokol. From my later research, Executive Chef Michelle Kenney, also a co-owner, previously studied under her mother, Gerry Moreno, at La Dolce Vita Trattoria Deli & Catering, from 2007, in Hollywood Beach and Port Hueneme. Despite its renaming, the establishment has a rich continuity of culinary talent and genuine business expertise. I'm not surprised that the place was full up on a Saturday night! The 1901 is an amazing gem on the Oxnard Plain. Prices are reasonable (we spent about $25/person including tip), service excellent (although understandably a little slow given the many guests that night), and the food top notch. Our new fine dining go-to. read more

We had the misfortune of dining at this establishment, the 1901, last night which we mistakenly thought was still the La Dolce Vita. Once we were seated, we learned that the restaurant changed hands, so we thought we would stay to see how they compared. 1901 was not even close to the quality of food and service we experienced with La Dolce Vita. Big mistake! To add to further injury, the food was extremely overpriced for the quality and variety of food offered. The seating was so close, I introduced my wife and I to the other diners who were less than a foot apart. Talk about cramming more tables to drive revenue at the expense of customer's comfort. We ordered the "handmade" Alfredo pasta that tasted like it came from a boxed variety. I ordered the Linguine and clams. The clams were gritty with sand and the wine sauce looked like dish water. The hosting staff and wait staff (particularly Karin or Karina) were especially arrogant with abruptness that had "whadya want to order" attitude with no explanation for the specials being offered that evening. Where is La Dolce Vita when you need them? Highly recommend that you give this establishment a pass and search for better quality and service. read more

This place is great. I love everything about it. Plenty of seating. Easy parking. Adorable location. The cocktails and service are outstanding. Their food is delicious. We had the brisket and mac and cheese, which was one of their specials. I will definitely return and this is an awesome place to grab a cocktail with friends. Will's Mai Tai is my favorite drink read more

Great ambience.....ordered the mussels and they were very tasty! The lights at the bar are a bit too bright and it was very cold the day I was there. I felt like the temperature was set for the employees vs the customers...bummer. Great place overall though!! read more

Fabulous little gem tucked away in Oxnard's Heritage Square. The food, attention and ambience is wonderful. We love the outdoor heated balcony with our pup Luna and a bottle of amazing Tempranillo from the Rancho Ventavo winery next door. Had the tropical prepared halibut and mushroom chicken risotto with fresh mushroom soup for starters. Finished with Smoked maple bourbon toasted pecan ice cream. Wow! Enjoy. Cheers! read more

1901 Speakeasy - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

My husband and I visited for the first time and it was great. The martinis are yummy and so was the spring roll with ginger plum sauce. Sam is a fantastic bartender, he does everything but cook! The price is steep but worth special occasions. Thx Sam read more

The drinks are ridiculously delicious i mean the main reason im not an alcoholic is because i genuinely think most cocktails are trash hot garbage really but the hipsters they have workin da he'll outta this place Lowkey go so hard the aesthetic is like prohibition which is totally predictable nothing wrong with that just tripped me out like i was sitting in there they got two old ass ppl singing some Paramore song i was like cooooool but reading the wall of information on Al Capone or whatever but then i left also the bartenders cant take a joke so be dry w em or else they'll look at u like ur a fucking idiot read more

Wonderful everything! House made, warm bread and bruschetta, with a cucumber water, just to start! Then they offer a delicious array of soups. The main courses were hard to chose because each one sounded amazing. I went with the southwest chick with penne. It did not disappoint. Also, they are generous with their portions. Be prepared for leftovers. We shared the smoked bourbon ice cream for dessert. You really need to try this place out! It beats the old restaurant that was here by a long shot! read more

1901 Speakeasy - Front of the drink menu - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

We were there this evening. The ambience was fun, the food was absolutely delicious. We had the Pork Lion, lasagna, tomahawk, mahi special & dessert. We can't wait to go back. Fresh farm to table food. Server Samantha & manager Allison were a delight. read more

Best place I found anywhere near Oxnard, Ventura, or Camarillo. The drinks and food were great.

Great local talent and ambiance with fire place and great bar food. Bruschetta could use a do over. Sam was a great bar tender and took great care of everyone. read more

Super cool place! The owner is the bar tender and he's pretty chill on slow night making my visit that much better. This place might not be for those out there looking to rage, but definitely a place to chill and have a drink and relax after a long day of work. Live music on Thursdays from 6-8 which makes the great atmosphere even better! You should definitely come check this place out read more

1901 Speakeasy - Pre prohibition old fashioned! Don't asks them to change it... trust me you'll enjoy the change from what you're used to - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

I took my BFF for her birthday & loved the ambiance of this cozy restaurant. The seafood linguini was wonderful. We also had the truffle soup was very tasty. the best part was the bread pudding!! Thank you! read more

I'm quite a fan of Speakeasies and think there are three key items that make one great 1) the drinks being interesting and unique 2) the bartenders being great personalities that engage with the patrons and 3) the ambience including the feeling that it's a secret to get in. For the last point, 1901 falls short but I can understand why they didn't do that from a business perspective. However, it does detract from that authentic Speakeasy vibe. My one big gripe is that we went for Happy Hour and although one sign says appetizers are half price, it's not at all clear that only certain ones are. And we bought exactly none of those. So a pre-dinner visit ended up being $100, which was not as planned. read more

10/10 a MUST if you're looking for that speakeasy vibe with stiff cocktails ranging from the classics to just about anything you can think of that isn't a garbage cocktail. Don't come here if you want something lame and basic. DO come here if you enjoy a craft cocktail made by passionate bartenders. read more

This place is so cool! The decor, atmosphere, the vibe... I think I have found my go-to watering hole. This place does not have bartenders, they are true mixologists. Anything you order is perfectly crafted, and they are so friendly and easy to talk to. I'm just in awe when they are making drinks - the detail they put into each cocktail - some even garnished with dried tropical fruit... absolute perfection. Even if you're a person who typically orders the same drink everywhere you go, watching them work, you're tempted to ask for the same drink they've crafted for someone else. And the food is excellent as well. It's a little away from Ventura but so worth the drive. I found this place on a Tuesday and was back later that week. I'm definitely going to become a regular. read more

Really good cocktails! Had the old fashioned and tequila old fashioned both were on point. Place is small and cozy. The band that played that night was awesome too! read more

Part of me doesn't want to review this place because I don't want to fight with people to get a table here! But I have to give props where props are due... this place is AWESOME! I LOVE the vibe in here so much. Especially when there is live music. The drinks are fire in a great way. The bartender even made me a Specialty drink that he thought I would like. I ended up preferring the old fashioned, but it was such a nice touch that he would try to make a personalized drink just for me. Also, maybe it sounds weird, but my boyfriend LOVES the spaghetti bolognese here. He keeps comparing every spaghetti to the one here...! I only wish there was live music every night, but understandable that there isn't. Can't wait to come back! read more

We had a BLAST here Saturday night! The drinks were delicious and well worth the price. You can go anywhere and get a cocktail, but what makes 1901 unique is the style, the ingredients and the atmosphere! I really enjoyed all of their drinks! I would recommend putting them in larger glasses only because the cocktails I ordered all came in pretty small glasses... I really loved the Ginger Moscow Mule! YUM! Very cool place. Blue Motel Room performed that night and we had so much fun listening to the music and enjoying the drinks! I really hope this place advertises more because there was only 2 other people there on a Saturday night... and I want to come back here over and over again! I will be back for Happy Hour - it's daily from 4-6. Super fun place! read more

This is the first restaurant/bar I visited as things began to reopen from COVID-19. I've been at least 10 times now and every visit has been exceptional. This is a great spot for a dinner with friends, a date, a work dinner/meeting, or an awesome spot to grab a seat at the bar by yourself. They have awesome live music on Friday/Saturday nights as well. Will, the bartender/bar manager, makes every drink with attention to detail AND he provides great service. The food is excellent too, offering Italian favorites that are lovingly crafted and served. This place is an absolute must if you're in Ventura County. I recommend it to all my friends and colleagues, and will continue going here as long as I'm in the area. read more

Great atmosphere and drinks, superb food. The bartenders are awesome too.

amazing food in an elegant atmosphere! And great music in the club downstairs. I had a Tomahawk steak that blew my mind! Chef Steve is an amazing chef.. Were lucky to have in Oxnard. read more

I think we should reinstate prohibition, so we could have more places like this again. Hands down, one of the most relaxed spots I've had the pleasure of running into. You know how all the kids nowadays can't talk to each other without their dating apps anymore? Here you can engage in genuine conversation with people that did not fall on their heads. And there's live music. And food. And a lovely bartender. If y'all are tired of 21st century trends, come here and enjoy a nice Moscow Mule and a good chat. Which makes me realize, I've sat here for ten minutes typing this and people start looking weirdly at me. I shall return to considering how I might be able to stay in this fair country of yours. Cheers friends read more

I had a Side car, and it was amazing, it was sweet. The ambiance was very lovely. Also the garlic Parmesan fries were amazing! Very enjoyable experience, and great customer service read more

1901 Speakeasy - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

HIDDEN GEM! Great hidden bar under the Dolce Vita Restaurant! Great food, music and cocktails from Jared the mixologist straight out of prohibition days! I love the vibe here.. SHHHH don't tell anyone....It's a secret....Great date night! Owners are super nice too! A++ read more

Love this place!!! Been here about 5 times in total (before and after the renovation) and it just gets better each time!! Drinks are always phenomenal, staff is great. A cool place to meet with friends or just come and chill by the fireplace and relax with a stiff drink and a book. The vibe depends on you! read more

See all

Super cool spot. Unfortunately the bartender admittedly said he couldn't "get the mix right" for a Sazerac. Waaay too much absinthe. The Old Fashioned wasn't quite right either. We asked what Bourbons he had and he told us about a rye. Knowing your liquor is key on top of knowing how to make a drink. He was the only bartender. There was four of us but it seems to be the norm that when you bring a drink for one person, you ask everyone else if they'd like something. Not the case here And taking the empty glasses wound be a plus. The couple that came in and sat by us left because they never got service. We were sitting by the fireplace. Karen Eden was performing. She's always Sweet and an awesome singer so it seems like it was mostly her regular fans which is great! read more

Let me start by saying the location is def "speak easy" in my opinion because if you pass by car or walking by you won't see it. Unless you get close by and see the stairs It's below ground and it's nice and cool laidback atmosphere is just right the interior lighting and fireplace gives that in home,basement bar. Jared the bartender whips up some great drinks you can't find anywhere else due to that he infuses his liquors with different spices and ages whiskey in house! Let's not forget LIVE entertainment every Friday and Saturday.This place is a must if you're local or just passing by the city. My girlfriend and I fell in love with the place and we keep coming back for more. read more

See all

My boyfriend and I heard about 1901 earlier today and was given a wooden nickel. We were told to give it to the bartender. We arrived this evening around 8pm and whoa, what a cool vibe! The food, music & atmosphere was awesome. I've never been to a place like this before and we will definitely be back. The violinist- chris was so great and Jared the bartender made some pretty awesome drinks!! I'm so excited we decided to stop by for dinner and drinks. We are going to spread the word!! read more

Christian, Will and Billy are amazing!!! They make bartending look easy. Amazing customer service and excellent drinks!

My seafood linguine was good but nothing I would go back for. My friends lamb was very tough and not much flavor at all. The only really lovely dish was the beet and goat cheese salad. That we all liked. My other friends had the rib-eye steak which was ok but nothing to go back for. Drinks were great but very small portions, we all enjoyed those. Staff was wonderful considering they were short staffed. They deserve a lot of credit. They did well in difficult circumstances. Actually they are the best thing they have going! 3/11 read more

Really love this place, the atmosphere and mostly the amazing drinks that are made by one of my absolute favorite mixologist Sam!!! I have never gone to a bar where I just let the bar tender surprise me and have them make anything, his drinks are made to perfection!! His service to his customers and always checking on us is phenomenal, I've never had to sit there and wait for the bartender to acknowledge me to see if I needed another drink or have to flag him down. However, this last week when I went he wasn't there, it was one of the usual bartenders. And they're ok, drinks are made ok, but I can taste the difference. But just overall the service is way different, less interactive and bartenders seem kind of monotone. Maybe it's just me, I'm a bubbly person, so having a positive inviting attitude makes all for a better experience. Hopefully he's there this week! If not then I'll most likely not be coming back, which sucks I really wanted to have my med school graduation party there. read more

Solid atmosphere, solo artist playing music... & tasty drinks they make you want a 2nd! Bartender on point! Fantastic evening!

One of favorite lounges to visit. Excellent cocktails, expert mixologist, very relaxed setting. Music on weekend is great too. Appetizers from the restaurant next door. Old school speakeasy feel. read more

Will is the bartender at 1901 and boy, does he know his stuff. Watch him make your drink. There is no way it can't taste good. I love the Last Word. read more

This is seriously one of my favorite places on this planet. It's not hard to pour alcohol in to a glass, anyone can mix a drink, but where Jared excels is perfecting the details of the drinks! These are some of the most amazing cocktails I've ever tried in my life. If you're a fan of quality alcohol, perfectly mixed drinks and prohibition aesthetic you need to try this place. He is incredibly knowledgeable and a true artist when it comes to mixing drinks. You will not be disappointed. I'll even put my name behind this. ~Trevor Long read more

I've been coming here twice a month for almost a year now. This place a is breath of fresh air here in Ventura County, it is a one of a kind atmosphere that is upscale and sells the "secret" bar setting while at the same time being welcoming to everyone. The drink selection is great with specialty classic cocktails, drinks on tap, wine, canned drinks, and many of the regular cocktails you expect at any great bar. Jared is a skilled bartender and great guy to talk to while having a drink after a long day. All of this is paired with excellent prices, dedicated happy hour, and regular music nights! read more

1901 Speakeasy - Lounges Near Me - Oxnard, California

See all