Chicken fried chicken dinner is a must have! I've been going here for years and the home town flavors are still there. All the wait staff is friendly. This is hands down the place to eat if your looking for food that tastes like home. Delicious! read more

Don't go to Cafe 126, but mostly because I don't want you to take my seat. The country breakfast is as good as described in other reviews. The biscuits lived up to my expectations about their size after reading other reviews, with enough gravy to coat the entire concoction. I was even offered more gravy if I wanted. My coffee mug was never empty and the service was fast and friendly. The home fries were a great surprise to me. They were well-seasoned and cooked properly. I left happy and well-fed. read more

as one of the previous yelps said, everyone's got their own standards and although the person who said didn't have much kind things to say (what do you expect from an 'elite' yelper? LOL what a joke) this place is phenomenal. I have been coming here at least once a month for the past 5 years and I have never had a bad meal or experience. it seems people these days like to point out everything wrong just so their yelps can seem a little more interesting. (sorry there aren't enough bathrooms for you. maybe open your own restaurant with more?) anyways. this place is fantastic and their chicken fried steak is out of this world. read more

I would say we need to start a campaign to get Cafe 126 voted in as "Best Breakfast in Ventura County" but this is a place I'd rather have less people know about, for my own selfish reasons. Heh. When we arrived on Sunday morning there was a huge crowd outside but the wait really wasn't that long. My mom will kill me but the chicken fried steak was the best I have ***ever*** had, and I'm a fatass that's eaten plenty of the stuff. Everything tasted freshly prepared and homemade, none of the food service CFS frisbees and gravy from a can that you might be used to at other, unnamed local breakfast chains. My GF's country breakfast was bomb too. Our waitress had a smile on her face the whole time and way more personality than the robots at the aforementioned local spots, bar none. To the person that said they are a big eater and the chicken fried steak breakfast was too much to handle, I was skeptical at first, but this is an undisputable fact. My GF had to roll me back out to the car afterwards. True story! read more

this is THE best breakfast place! the gravy was the best I've had since coming from the south. the california omellet was the best I've had ever! dont let the outside fool you; we almost didnt come in, now I cant wait to come back! read more

Cafe 126 - Breakfast & Brunch Near Me - Ventura, California

So my first new breakfast adventure of 2016 was not a success. I'd heard good things about this place but of course everyone has their own standards. I had Beth's scramble and it wasn't bad but it wasn't great either. In my opinion, it was the potatoes, which come covered in something red, that really held this plate back. My wife wasn't a fan of the potatoes either but she had bigger problems. Her turkey bacon and egg were both over cooked and her toast was visibly under toasted/soggy. On the positive side, my daughter's pancakes, eggs and bacon were solid and the other one had steak and eggs, which was good as well. In the end it was the atmosphere that dropped Cafe 126 from a 3 star to a 2 star. While eating we had to literally listen to several back and forth spats between the wait staff and the cooking staff. Someone ordered the California omelette and wasn't informed that there wasn't any avocado until their meal arrived (the wait staff was asking the chef why he didn't say something immediately.) Another person was ordering food "to go" and wanted his eggs, biscuits and other items equally distributed between 4 containers since he was ordering for 4 people. As the wait staff relayed this info to the chef, the chef must've been annoyed because I heard the wait staff apologize 2 to 3 times. It wasn't my order, but if it was, I don't want to know that the cook is pissed about my relatively simple request. Honestly just cook my food and smile or get another job. There were several other instances I could cover but you get the point. I should mention that our waitress was pleasant and not an issue. As an additional side note: There's only one bathroom, which had a line 5 deep at one point. Luckily I only wanted to wash my hands but in other circumstances this could have been a much bigger problem. Try it or Diet Final Word I'd have to say diet. If your traveling, grab something quick at Jack in the Box and be on your way. If your from the area, there are too many other better options nearby, skip it. read more

Recommended by friend and was disappointed with the pastrami melt. Pastrami was overcooked with much of it burnt. Swiss cheese was not melted and three thick slices overpowered the pastrami. On the plus side, the side of fries was huge. If (big if) I visit again will stick with breakfast selections which have positive reviews. read more

My girlfriend brought me here to try it and I was timid at first cause it's on the 126 but I was delightfully happy with the food the omelets were good but the pancakes were bomb definitely best place for pancakes GO RUN TRY read more

I've been going to Café 126 for years on my lunch break. I love when they offer their broccoli or potato soups, both are excellent! I usually pair the soup with a veggie or grilled cheese sandwich! Def check them out if you find yourself on the East end of Ventura, CA : ) read more

My son and I finally visited this place after living around the corner from it for over a year. I wish we would've come sooner. We both had a basic breakfast of pancakes and eggs. While the food was great, the service is even better! Even though the place was packed, our food came quickly and the server stayed on top of our needs and requests. This will now be one of our top breakfast choices! read more

Wow really good food here. Small place but the staff is helpful and friendly. I had the bacon and avocado cheese burger and it was delicious. read more

I'm not big on breakfast- even the smell bothers me. But this place is good! My kids love the lil choo choo train that drives around as they eat.. The service is great, they are all friendly and accommodating . All of The food is really good, tastes homemade! read more

I am a fan of eggs benedict and this place is hands down the best in ventura. I always order it at other places and they just don't compare to cafe 126. The side of fruit is also great and HUGE. They serve american portions (aka super size) so you can share or save some for later...or just eat the whole thing and go into a food coma. read more

Though I work in the Saticoy area, I would not recommend anyone to order food from here to go. Every time I have ordered, there is ALWAYS something missing. When I walk in to pick up the order, I'm not greeted or asked if I have been helped for a good few minutes. Major lack of customer service to guests who do not go in frequently like the "usuals". They have recently raised their prices which is ridiculous because the food isn't that great. If you do happen to come here, just expect the worst experience and you'll get what they give you.... read more

Woke up late after a long night, feeling like entering a food coma so what better time to get some down home country breakfast?? Cafe 126 is right down the street so I made my way. Me and two buds entered the slightly cramped premises and snagged a booth. We were greeted quickly, drinks were fast. I of course got the chicken fried steak with fixins and the guys got some regular sissy breakfast. The food came out in like 8 minutes!! (awesome) My feast spanned 3 plates and smothered in amazin gravy. After stuffing ourselves silly, the service was great, clearing tables, refilling drinks. All in all, great service and amazing food. Check it out, but don't be a local and crowd the place!! read more

I think I'm in Kansas y'all! I love cafe 126. 3 words: CHICKEN FRIIIIIIEEED STEAAAKKKKK. Simple but ridiculously good! Service is great too. I was feeling really uncomfortable being asian and all, going to the boondocks of Ventura where it's mostly one type of race. But they make u feel right at home. It's one of those places where everyone knows each other but they are just as welcoming to new faces. We've been there around 5 times and each server I've had has been soooo sweet. I will make it a habit to come here. Oh yeah don't forget to get an order of corn beef hash...its made from scratch, trust! You'll never go back to that mush in a can. read more

Small dumpy cafe with big dumpy food. It's not bad, and I'll go back soon. Not healty by any means, but, the gravy and biscuits is worth the heart blockage. read more

I came in for a late breakfast based on yelp, I was not disappointed. The corned beef hash was the best I've ever tasted in my 45 years, and the biscuit and gravy were nothing short of fantastic. Looking forward to another visit. read more

Im sorry to say that im disappointed with this place. Usually I have had great experiences with small locally owned cafes but this one was sadly lacking. First off the service from our waitress was good and the servings are huge so your getting your moneys worth. Unfortunately the food was pretty bland. The pancakes I ordered were huge but lacked flavor. So I felt like I had to smother it in syrup just to taste something. My boyfriend ordered the country fried steak with a biscut and gravy. The servings were also big and the steak was good but the biscuits and gravy was soooo bland! I have had some delicious biscuits and gravy at other breakfast joints but definitely not at 126 cafe. This place is for people who want to pay $8-10 dollars a plate for big servings but no flavor. read more

Excellent home-cooked yumminess! Food was mouth watering good! Service was friendly and great!

This is such a cozy breakfast spot! I ordered the corned beef and hash and it was excellent! It has nice fresh brisket and potatoes, and the whole place has got a great charm about it. read more

My favorite little hole in the wall restaurant in Ventura! I've been going here for years and I've never had one bad service ever! The food is always piping hot, the prices are amazing and the locals are fun to talk to. The only issue I have is every time I eat there I leave smelling like I swam in bacon fat. Other than that the best place to eat breakfast! read more

I almost don't want to write this as to keep this place on the down low. It's that good. Breakfast cafe at it's finest. Great homestyle food at reasonable prices with some of the nicest waitresses in town. Simple as that. read more

Love, love, love this place and everyone who works here. Both locations are good but my go to is the one on Citrus and Wells Rd. I have been a loyal customer for 15 years now! Everything on the menu is good, we are talking comfort food, home cooking, mama's in the kitchen good!! read more

The food was great...our server...Sue was beyond exceptional...very friendly place...kind of like you're with family...the food is always delicious and made to order...I love this place!!!! read more

If you like home cooked food and farm fresh eggs this is the place to go!! Portions are huge and the chicken fried steak was amazing and the coffee is the best I've had in years!! Definitely have to come back!! read more

REAL corned beef hash and biscuits & gravy were delicious! Definitely enough to share, gravy was extra rich... Yum.

So this place is a little out there but we'll worth the drive and the little bit of a wait we had, which was off-set by the coffee the give you. I listen to the other reviews and got the chicken fried steak. They were right it was amazing and a huge portion. It was dinner that night too. We all got something different and tried a little. No one left unsatisfied. This will definitely be on the short list for brunch locations. read more

This place is a hidden gem... Breakfast and lunch are both great. Tortilla soup is delicious and there fruits and veggies they use are top quality. prices are reasonable As well. read more

Greasy Spoon! This place is ok for breakfast but for better or worse it reminds me of my dear old dad's cooking. The hash browns were crispy and cooked just right but they also carried the flavor of everything else cooked on the grill. My fried eggs had been cooked in fair amount amount of the same grease used for the hash browns. I suspect that they use the fat drippings from the bacon and sausage which is fine and very tasty but I could feel my heart starting to chug. The indoor seating is comfy but you may notice that the tables have a couple of decades of grease that have been worked into the surface much like the kitchen cabinets above the stove at my 95 year old dad's home. In short it is simple country cooking like you would find at a truck stop. Just like dear old dad makes. read more

Went this afternoon. Hadn't been in awhile. We used to go at least twice a week. It was really bad! I can't believe it! Had a burger...tasted like it was cooked in the morning, heated up for me in the pm. They used to be awesome! Juicy and good. Don't know what happened but were not going back!!!! read more

We really love this little diner! My husband's go-to is the chicken fried steak because it's the best in town - hand-battered deliciousness. I tend to be more adventurous. Their hash is wonderful, as are the eggs benedict and the seasonal pumpkin pancakes. And, added bonus, they are very family friendly. read more

This place is a lunch time favorite. The office is right down the street so I am in there at least one a week. I have yet to find something I didn't like there. I have to say their hot pastrami is to die for! Just make sure you have them add on all your favorite fixin's read more

I had heard about their "great" Chicken Fried Steak breakfast and had to sample it for myself. You can count on my 2-fingered hand how many restaurants serve up "fresh", (not a pre-made patty) Chicken Fried Steak the way the recipe was created to be made. This cafe is one of them. A huge serving, thick batter covered steak, cooked perfectly and served to our table fast. I highly recommend this eating establishment to any and all Chicken Fried Steak connoisseurs to try it out if you are within driving distance. A small and casual restaurant with extremely friendly staff. read more

I was really surprised by how good this place is. It doesn't look like much in the strip mall that it's in but damn is it good. The best breakfasts and lunch around. I love the monte cristo and Reuben. Now, only if they served mimosas! read more

Great food and great customer service. My grandma and I had the French toast and it was delicious and the eggs where really good too. I am definitely going back. read more

OMG!! THEE best kept secret in Ventura County!! If you leave here hungry- Well you just can't. Good old diner food! Not for the artsy fartsy and be nice to your waitress because they are super neat ladies!!! read more

The food was a 6 out of 10. Service was okay. I left a generous tip and rounded my bill up to the nearest dollar so it would be an even amout. When I looked at my online statement I noticed the amount they charged me was more than what I had rounded my bill up to with tip included. I was shocked. Why would they do that? I suggest checking your statement after you dine there to make sure you're not being over charged. read more

I can only speak for the Ham breakfast cause I refuse to try anything different. This is definitely the BEST Ham and Egg breakfast in the 805. I usually have to take half the ham home and that gets turned into a Ham Sandwich for dinner. read more

I ordered the chicken fried steak and eggs and along with my english muffin, it took up three plates. CFS was crispy and covered in delicious gravy, eggs cooked perfectly... it's a good meal. Sandra was our waitress and she was great. Seems like a great local hangout, but I know a few people there must have been driving down the 126 heading to Santa Barbara like we were! I recommend it and will be there again (soon!). read more