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    Esau's Cafe

    3.9 (481 reviews)
    Closed 7:30 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 2 months ago

    Esau's Cafe Photos

    ESAU'S CAFE ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Moderate noise
    Casual
    Dogs allowed
    Good for groups

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    On The Alley  - Fish & Chips

    On The Alley

    4.4(172 reviews)
    18.2 mi
    $$

    What a fantastic casual-comfort dining spot. Indoors, there's plenty of seating and the service is…read moregreat. Very patient staff. Everyone was on it to keep the place clean + tidy. There's an outdoor patio with birds swooping by for free entertainment, and they'll even bus tables when you're not looking. One thing to note: The menu is filled with lots & lots of good choices. A case of indecision threw me for a loop when I read over the menu. To limit down my 7 first choices (yes 7), I managed to decide on something locally caught or farmed. My first thought: If I'm at a harbor, I'd like to eat fresh fish that's locally harvested. I was craving FISH TACOS but discovered that they're "flash frozen fresh" and not local. Then I thought a bowl of BROPHY'S CLAM CHOWDER would be good under the same principle. They're not local clams. The FRESH CATCH FISH & CHIPS, however, were caught locally (but I had that the night before so the timing was off). Quickly, I pivoted and ordered my original first choice. * CAULIFLOWER SANDWICH * It's locally farmed. An unsung hero on the menu, it's made with pickled onions, large, breaded cauliflower patty, green onions, lettuce, and pickles. It's filled with a roasted garlic sriracha aioli that adds a nice kick and pulls all the flavors together. The portion size is also very filling. * KID'S CHEESEBURGER * My kiddo enjoyed the tots that came with it and we added some extra greens for a small up-charge. Worth it. The portion size was more adult-sized so it's a good value for your buck. Other tasty items on their menu: WAFFLE STICKS, AVO TOAST, and BREAKFAST BOWLS. There's also CORN DOGs, Grilled Cheese, and Seafood Salads. See why it was so tough to decide?! After all that contemplation and heavy decision-making, I built up a three-person line behind me. It seemed that a few senior locals were battling a case of getting hangry. I don't blame them, but I also think a good tip is to not go there too hungry because it'll be near impossible to order quickly. So please leave your case of the Hangries for the birds. The sun, harbor, and that view should be a reminder to chase it away when it starts to bubble up.

    Last Sunday we were ready to get out of the relentless summer heat of the east side of the county,…read moreand headed for the coast. I told Dear Hubby that fish & chips at the harbor seemed like a great idea, and he agreed. Initially, I tried to get us a table upstairs at Brophy Brothers, overlooking the water. That was going to be about an hour's wait, so we retreated downstairs to Brophy's fast casual option - On The Alley. Essentially, it's the same fish & chips recipe, so all good there. The line was short and moved pretty quickly. While DH finished up ordering, I went out to the indoor-outdoor room to scout a table. I wasn't able to get one against the window, but we were still able to have a water view, just a bit further away. DH was hungry, so he ordered a burger, as well as the fish & chips. He shared a small portion of said burger, and it was really good. At a Brophy's establishment, I think of seafood, but thumbs up on that burger! The portion of fries they provided were extra generous. We missed having Adored Granddaughter with us, as she would have help demolish those fries! We brought some home to revive in the air fryer. I only had water, as they don't really have any beverage options that work with my restrictive dietary preferences. (i.e., no caffeine, and low- or no-sugar). The fish & chips hit the spot, although the fish was somewhat oilier than usual. DH got a cup of their delicious clam chowder, which was served with their delicious sourdough bread. That I got to have some of, and happier for it. Sunday afternoon at the harbor made for a great spot to people-watch. There were lots of folks who seemed like they had come from points east to get a break from the heat, just like us. We all tend to have a look that doesn't portray "Ventura local". Lots of young families, which was nice to see. Made us miss our granddaughter, for sure.

    Photos
    On The Alley  - Covered patio view of the Ventura Harbor

    Covered patio view of the Ventura Harbor

    On The Alley  - Cioppino

    Cioppino

    On The Alley  - The view

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    The view

    Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Awesome Tempura Fish Taco

    Spencer Makenzie's Fish

    4.0(2.4k reviews)
    15.6 mi
    $$

    Had my usual Spicy and shrimp and veggies and some chips and red salsa, always good but today a bit…read morebetter. First, let me say I am not family to anyone that works at Spencer's although I am a long time customer. I'd like to point out how understanding my waitress was today, her name is Jackson. I received my food right away and refills when needed but I'd like to comment on the three women seated in the table next to me and how Jackson handled them. Kindly put these three were demanding and not very understanding of Jackson's time. The MANY times they asked for changes to the food, several other things they "asked" for Jackson kept her cool and quickly gave them what they requested. It's hard being a server and Jackson may have working at a first of second job (she looked 17-18) but she was a star. Well done Jackson...keep up the good work.

    I ate a grilled fish taco at Spencer MaKenzie's many years ago and think about it each time we…read moredrive through Ventura. It was a solid grilled fish taco with not a ton of pomp and circumstance. Just unadulterated goodness. Fast forward to my recent visit - it didn't quite hit the same though I'm sure my palette has since evolved. The World Famous grilled fish taco ($7.95) was good, but was only made better with the in house sweet chili fire sauce. Of the things we ordered, I did really enjoy the ahicado ($13.75) which is ahi tuna mixed in lemon infused olive oil on top of avocado and served with wonton chips. I love a wonton chip situation and paired with the fresh ahi, it made for a perfect bite. The guy next to us ordered several Parmesan hard shell tacos ($5.50) so I did too (with shredded chicken). The flavorful chicken was perfectly shredded so you didn't get unmanageable hunks with each bite. These were unexpectedly very tasty. Highly recommend if you like a hard shell sitch. Judging from the lines at 2:00PM on a Saturday afternoon, Spencer MaKenzie's is a Ventura institution even if I won't be thinking about the grilled fish tacos n-e-more. PSA: dining on the patio is the move even if you have to wait.

    Photos
    Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Inside pic #1

    Inside pic #1

    Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Tempura Fish and Chips

    Tempura Fish and Chips

    Spencer Makenzie's Fish - Carne Asada  Street Tacos

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    Carne Asada Street Tacos

    Fitzpatrick's Tavern

    Fitzpatrick's Tavern

    3.9(1.1k reviews)
    37.8 mi
    $$

    Spinach, artichoke, pepper jack queso dip OH EM GEEEEE!! I…read morewas going to get the chicken pot pie, which looks amazing, after this. But this dip was so incredible. I couldn't stop eating it. Absolutely no room for the pot pie. Owner is super cool and inviting. All kinds of different people in this place. I love to come back here every time I'm in solving.

    This is my second visit here, and I am remiss in not having reviewed my first visit - but, ""s for…read moreeach visit! This place is non-descript yet just off the main park downtown, and an easy walk from most of the major hotels in town, or the central parking lot - plus lots of street parking as well. It seems rather small, with one area for bar seating and small tables, plus a larger dining area "next door" to the bar, but I like the bar ambiance, so it may be challenging on busy tourist days. Luckily, I travel on non-busy days and have always had a good seat. The ambiance is great, with a typical, colorfully decorated pub feel with TVs offering an invitation to relax and have a pint - or two! The menu is varied, and I had planned for what I wanted, but when the server/bartender/boss offered the daily special as an option, I quickly jumped at the chance. The special was a queso dip with house-made chips, and I had to try it! Sadly, I also ordered my usual, the Cobb salad. Sadly, because after the "appetizer" arrived, I quickly realized the full consequences of the saying "your eyes are bigger than your stomach!" The dip and chips were plentiful in both, and for me would have made a great meal on their own. But I was committed and managed to finish the salad. On my previous visit, I had the mac 'n cheese and the Cobb salad, along with a Guinness dark! That was sooo tasty as well! The food at this visit was great, and the service was as well. Sam, who is the owner, bartender, server, and jack-of-all-trades, is always friendly, professional, and efficient, no matter how busy it is, and this visit was the only one outside the kitchen. If you're in the area, give them a try! And leave room for dessert - I have yet to do that, but you can learn from my mistakes!

    Photos
    Fitzpatrick's Tavern
    Fitzpatrick's Tavern
    Fitzpatrick's Tavern

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    Esau's Cafe - breakfast_brunch - Updated September 2026

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