I love this place! I always stop by here whenever my family and I make the drive out to Santa Barbara. The man that helped us yesterday was so charismatic and genuinely kind. I've had more bad servers than good, so when you do get a good one it makes you want to tip them well and leave them a good review. We ordered the blueberry pancakes, kids pancakes, and the eggs/bacon/potatoes plate. They are very generous with their portions! The little jukeboxes on the side of the table were super retro. The whole diner exudes that 50's drive in & I Love Lucy vibe. My daughter enjoyed coloring the little activity sheet they gave her. Till next time! read more

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Overpriced mediocre food. The tri-tip is reheated not fresh to order. My 12-year old refused to eat her burger and the one bite she managed to try was immediately spit out. She hated it. Won't be coming back. Just to expensive for what you get. Not worth the $17 a sandwich. read more

Busy Bee redeemed themselves on July 3rd. Very busy day. Jesus managed the seating arrangements as though it was effortless and consistently with a smile on his face and a pep in his step. We asked to sit outside and we were seated within 5 minutes. It was a beautiful day. They have three sizes of bloody Mary's and a pitcher!! My Bloody Mary was 32 oz and tasted very good and spicy per my request. Our server was a tall brunette Caucasian with a very sweet demeanor, cheerful, and helpful...she was on her A game. She recommended the Mexican Scramble and I ordered a side of salsa and sour cream...it was made excellent. My friend has the blueberry pancakes and she loves them. The fruit and salsa were fresh. The food was very very good, the eggs were cooked to perfection (not well done). I decided to try breakfast after my last terrible experience. I've since been there for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. I will continue to be a customer as long as the experience remains consistent. Thank you Busy Bee for managing the issues with the morning crew. What a completely different vibe this visit! read more

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We were hanging in downtown Ventura & decided to get a little brunch. We were seated within 10 minutes & water was brought, & orders taken quickly. We ordered a meat lover omelet with toast & hash brown. The food did take some time to hit the table & when it came out it wasn't very warm. The price is fair for portion size & the taste was ok too. Would still come back to try their lunch menu at some point. Service was friendly! read more

Busy Bee Cafe - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

Our first time visiting Ventura Beach yesterday for my birthday. Just stopped by this restaurant while waitlisting at another restaurant, and I was already in love with the traditional American design of Busy Bee Cafe. Feeling like I have been traveling back to the 1980s or 1960s which was a perfect spot for taking pictures hehe. I only seen this restaurant on American movies but finally i have the chance to explore. Food is soo good here we ordered beef liver and seafood soup. I highly recommend the beef liver plate. Price was so reasonable especially they came with such a big portion. Thanks for this wonderful experience read more

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Great Bar B Q catering! Super yummy Food with Chef Raymond and his really nice assistant ! read more

What a happy place; a time warp from the best of the 1950s! Don't worry, it has also kept pace with the BEST of the following decades with great music You Choose on the Juke Box. You may have to explain what "LP" means to your kids! There is a Happy Hour, full bar, healthy choices, vegetarian possibilities and something great for everyone in your group to select. For larger gathers there is a large booth in front of the restaurant; you can watch the World walk in. And a party place in the back! The food is fantastic- breakfast, brunch, lunch, happy hour and dinner. You Could stay here all day. If not inclined to do that... our service was quick and our smiling server was helpful! Pics tell the story. You'll be glad you stopped in for a bite or an old favorite Dish! read more

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Poor service even when empty . Staff more interested in each other than their customers . Over priced read more

I must say I was not mad at that burger! It was an all American made in your home kitchen kind of burger. It was juicy, not dry like a hockey puck and cooked they way I ordered. . The contents of the burger had a diner feel such as the perfectly melted overly yellow/ orangey colored square of cheese, a bun that most likely hitched a ride on an 18 wheeler that traveled across the country to be delivered. The curly fries being that it didn't taste like it was freshly made ( a huge pet peeve...HUGE) most likely came in frozen causing a lack of potato taste. YET, the 100% percent grinded ground chuck beef used in the burger even though it cries for salt, WORKED! It was a respectable burger! I don't know how or why but it was. I got true delight in eating it. And as I write this review a few hours after consuming, I am happy to say my tummy is still intact. The small hot fudge sundae came in a huge glass ice cream bowl which was the highlight of it all. It reminded me of the kind I would get as a kid when gourmet preparation, and organic this and that didn't matter. It was nostalgic and made me a happy 8 year old, so 4 stars it gets. Plus pretty good ice cream, French vanilla even! . Bring quarters for the jukebox. You may think you have no interest but your gonna wanna. read more

Busy Bee Cafe - Bacon cheese burger with curly fries. - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

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Great comfort food after a day hiking at Channel Islands. Fresh, warm and yummy Roast Turkey and Chicken Pot Pie. Tapioca and bread pudding were good too read more

We love this place! The pastrami Reuben is out of this world. The skinny margarita is the best I have ever!!! All of the people are lovely, helpful and hard workers!!! It is a fun vintage setting!!! read more

We typically have a nice time at Busy Bee. Unfortunately, the last few visits have been less than enjoyable. Our last visit was on Aug 3, 2021, at 7 pm. We got to the restaurant at about 6 pm. The outside patio had 2 tables full when we initially sat down. Within about 15 minutes a few other tables were filled. The service was probably the worse we've had at Busy Bee. The server, Jessica, served all of the other tables prior to ours. Not only did the other tables get their food and drinks before our table, but it also took almost 20 minutes for our server to come let us know they were out of something we had ordered. Honestly, I would give 1 star for the service. I am hoping this was just a bad day for the server. We totally understand when the servers are busy but this wasn't one of those occasions. Even if she was busy she should've provided much better service. We will come back and give them another chance... read more

We have dined here more times than I can count. We come here to enjoy good homemade diner fare with a few additions. The food is hearty, homemade, filing and tasty. There are always great daily specials and homemade soups listed on the board if you crave something off the menu. The old soda fountain drinks and malts/shakes are what you would imagine from this 50's style diner. Whether it is a cherry Coke, lime phosphate soda, delicious malt, creamy shake or even a cocktail they got you covered here. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is served here. You can order breakfast at anytime which is something I always appreciate. I am a total breakfast for dinner type, so this makes me happy. However, you can't go wrong with anything else listed on the menu either. I really like the Chicken and Waffles special. They are always accommodating with my request for chicken strips because I hate bones. However if you like Chicken on the bone their homemade fried chicken will not disappoint. My strips are served with a Belgian style waffle that is always hot, fluffy and moist. Paired with a hot chocolate that has hints of cinnamon and delicious whipped cream is perfection. Try this combination and decide for yourself. You will definitely feel like you stepped into a 1950's soda fountain diner. The oldies played on the jukebox will get you rockin' and rollin to the beat. Select the songs you like from the jukebox catalog and put a quarter in at your table side for 2 songs. The friendly and welcoming staff all provide excellent service. Great service is not always the Norm anymore so you will feel you stepped back in time. Do not forget to order some of their delicious homemade desserts to complete your meal. Whether it is an ice cream sundae, bread pudding. Tapioca pudding. Strawberry shortcake, variety of pies etc. Your sweet tooth will be more than satisfied. Take a step back in time and visit the Busy Bee you will be glad you did. read more

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Sometimes it feels good to feel normal again... I decided to take the family out for a fun day by the beach and the Busy Bee was the perfect stop for some dessert. It was an absolutely beautiful day and Busy Bee had a terrific outdoor set up right in front of their place. We got a table after a short 5 minute wait then decided to order just about everything on their dessert menu. All our choices were spectacular and the portions were all very generous. I think the hot apple turnover ala mode was the crowd favorite, though the strawberry shortcake was no slouch either. Busy Bee was always a great choice for gettting a burger when in Ventura, and now I know it is a great place for dessert too, and I thank them for letting my family feel normal once again during this ongoing pandemic, Aloha read more

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For a good bite to eat or somewhere to find good ambience, this is the place for you, it feels as if you were taken back to the days of the 1950s in films or shows like Happy Days or Grease. The servers are very polite, friendly and welcoming, another aspect of the place i admire as its not too common nowadays to have such attentive and respectful people that can smile and wave you out after you pick your bill on the way out from a good and wholesome meal. This is one of those places where the experience is part of the meal and being able to just soak it in and just take time to catch a break from the hectic and crazy world outside. For any families, people or anyone just wanting a quiet but safe place to find a good meal, this is it. read more

For those who enjoy liver and onions this is the place to go. The staff is Great to accommodate special instructions on the orders. The chef is outstanding. And prepares the food taste like it was prepared for your mothers table. Thank you thank you thank you. read more

Food was delicious, staff is friendly and the ambiance is great! Service was a little slow but overall a great experience. We will be back

The food was average. The atmosphere was nice. Very retro and cool! I feel most of the food could have used a little more salt and pepper so it wouldn't be on the bland side. Our waiter was kinda slow. Never got a refill on drinks and only came over to take our order, give us our food, or give us the checks. read more

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There location is great, as a passerby you see the smells and the ambiance that drew us in. We sat down quickly and new what we wanted to eat right away. There breakfast items are delicious. The Chicken Fried Chicken was good and so was the mashed potatoes and gravy. But the Fish and chips was horrible!!!!!! It was flaky not crispy at all. It tasted like the same batter as the Chicken Fried Chicken. Service was great. read more

Busy Bee Cafe - This is horrible!!!! They call it fish and chips. It's the same batter as their Chicken Fried Chicken. - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

Yes, 5 stars they get. Amazing all around, for a diner. Simply put, you will be satisfied no matter what you get. I had the chicken and waffle and boy am I glad I did. The chicken, perfectly fried. The waffle, so fluffy and soft but at the same time well cooked. I've never tried such delicious chicken and waffles. Roscoes, move over, these guys take the price. 5 stars forbthe following: Portions are nice and big Prices are just right for what you get Location, inside and out is very nice Staff,very friendly and attentive You have to try it for yourself, you will be back, I promise. I sure will be back again with wify and friends. Speaking of, wife has been here a couple of times and I finally had the chance to try it and was not disappointed Come on over, plenty of free parking and walking on main st was nice! read more

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Awful.....won't be back See the photo attached The pastrami sandwich comes with literally nothing on it and paid $1.25 for cheese that was old and dry Mayonnaise was old and oily read more

Busy Bee Cafe - So glad I paid $1.25 extra for this dried out old cheese to be added to my sad pathetic pastrami..... Won't be back - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

This place is always amazing, I had the vegan pastrami, with onion rings, and a side salad, the sandwich was amazing to be a vegan pastrami, onion rings are just right, the place next door has live music in the street, bonus , place and waitresses are always great and fast. read more

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Great food and excellent service. I had the onion rings and Cobb salad. Both were excellent.

we have been customers over the years this visit last week as we are eating roaches starting coming out of the corner of the booth ROACHS we informed the waitress her response was (oh they came out) yes ROACHS !! We put our forks down paid the FULL bill Never again!!!!! read more

Can be pricey depending on what you're getting but overall pretty good! Great atmosphere to sit and have a meal at any time of day and the servers are always nice. I always get their strawberry shortcake which is only $9 and comes with a big scoop of ice cream which isn't typical but sooooo good! read more

good food at reasonable prices in a throw back environment.. my favorite place to eat when in town... read more

First time here and it was awesome! Kimberly was a great server, very attentive, the mushroom cheese burger was cooked to my specifications, med rare, the strawberry malt and chocolate Sunday were yummy, and the classic 50s tunes had us singing all the way through our meal! read more

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Ate brunch on Sunday July 25, 2021 The ambiance and the servers were nice But the food taste like the chef was over worked, And working with no pride in his work. Four meals brought to our table was nothing To come back for. Please owner or manager the back kitchen needs some supervision. Next time someone invites me, I'll only order a shake Maybe a pie or sweet roll, but no meal. The food was disappointing. read more

Busy Bee Cafe - Outside seating - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

OK the positives.......the scrambled eggs were cooked OK and the hash browns were decent. I ordered the corned beef and hash, and my wife ordered the eggs benedict.......her eggs were so runny that you could not get them on a fork, and the insides were cold and runny. The biscuit that came with my breakfast was hard as a rock on the bottom, and sucked all moisture from my mouth. Worst part? We grab our seats and the waiter tells us we need to use a QR code reader to access the menu.......after downloading one, I look at the sign on the other side of the table, and it says the website to go to for their PDF of the menu. Things have certainly gone downhill since I was there several years back. read more

Great date spot to take your best gal! A lot of great options in both food and shareable desserts! The one thing that brought it down a star was its prices! I get it that inflation sucks but it can be a lot if you get carried away and order too much! Staff is friendly and tentative! read more

The food was good, the hot dog was huge and the ambiance was fun. The only downside is the price was high

Dog friendly patio, good amount of vegan/vegetarian options, service was ok. They are just simply order takers here. No conversation, might as well order at a kiosk or drive through. Super chill ambiance. read more

Busy Bee Cafe - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

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Love love loveee this place, timely and very attentive . Great mimosas Definitely a great deal read more

Busy Bee Cafe - Drink menu - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

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A gem of a spot in downtown Ventura, Ca. Sidewalk seating. Great staff and yummy eats. All makes for a prefect start of the day. Plushy you can't pass up a 50s diner theme. read more

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One two step into a lifetime before yours (most likely). This voluptuous piece of Americana can still be found tucked into the elbow of California. Busy Bee Cafe will make you happy you stopped in for a bite. The décor was very well placed all throughout, including a unique restroom system in which you put 'an olde timey' coin you get from one of the employees into a slot of the door to get inside. Cute restaurant. Breakfast brunch is served here. Beers on tap too. Lovely street-side patio seating too. It's worth visiting when you're in downtown Ventura. read more

My order was wrong 3 times after sending it back, 3 times! Requested napkins and mustard 2 times before they were brought to us! Drinks were wrong as well! Poor seevice at best tonight! read more

Average American diner. The plate I ordered was a combo breakfast with breakfast meats, potatoes and eggs. Which was good, can't really ruin eggs and potatoes. I had a side of biscuits and gravy. The biscuit seemed to be baked fresh but the gravy needed some help. It was very sour tasting. Our server was attentive and checked on us as she should and was very sweet. If you are wanting that 50's style diner feel, with music that fits the diner then this place is a good place to stop. read more

Busy Bee Cafe - Diner setting - Diners Near Me - Ventura, California

What was this place? How did I get there? These are the questions I ask myself looking back at my visit to the Busy Bee Cafe. I think it might be cool to go here for a shake with your kids or something but for a meal forget it! All of the food we ordered lacked any flavor despite 'looking good'. Not pictured was the soggy and pathetic hot dip sandwich which was clearly microwaved meat of the lowest quality and salty faux aus jus. My friend ordered something else forgettable, but I forget what exactly. Our waitress Kim was very attentive and courteous. She was the lone bright spot during this ill advised stop. I'm not sure why we even went here but I'm definitely sure that I will never be back. read more

We love to visit Ventura and when we do the place we go for breakfast is Busy Bee Cafe...my husband likes their 3 eggs and bacon with the home fries...I like the polish sausage and eggs...not really a fan of the gravy...but I love their fluffy biscuits...the portions are good sized without being huge...the coffee is some of the best you'll get anywhere...our server Gustavo was awesome and the people in this place as a whole are some of the nicest you'll meet anywhere...they truly make the place worth going into...this is why when we come to Ventura this is the place we come for breakfast.. read more

We were looking for a 50s diner and were so excited to come to the busy bee. Imagine my surprise to walk into a 50s diner and not hear any music playing. I feel like that is essential. When I inquired I found out that they were having some problems with their music. They did manage to get their jukebox working and so we had a ton of fun ordering songs from the table. I didn't have any quarters on me so I told them to add money to my bill and they had no problem doing that to bring me some quarters. We do think that not every song we selected was played, and that some of our quarters were eaten by the machine but overall it was great fun. The menu was very extensive as you can see in my photos the kid menu was small, but my son did not order off of it. They have gluten-free bread which can be used on any of the sandwiches. Please please do double check your bread. I looked at the bread that mine was served with, and I had to inquire about if it was gluten-free or not... I'm glad I did because it was not gluten-free and had been incorrectly given to me. I was also incorrectly served french fries, which had a gluten,l coating but I had already been eating them before I was told. What can be done? They had some of the best old fashioned barbecue and honey mustard that brought me right back to when I was a little girl eating in American style diners. I absolutely loved it. Rave reviews on the food which we found to be very tasty. The area is a little shady and the restaurant can get very cold towards the back and where the bathrooms are. Overall I'm glad that we went but I think I would look for a different 50s diner next time. read more

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