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    Rabalais' Bistro

    4.6 (1.1k reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 2:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Rabalais' Bistro Photos

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    RABALAIS' BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Classy
    Casual
    Moderate noise
    Good for kids

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    Recommended Reviews - Rabalais' Bistro

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    Coconut macaroon.
    Darlene R.

    I had rated this New Orleans style "bistro" a "4" last time, but I'm raising them to a "5", due to one of the best po'boys I've ever eaten. And that includes 9 years of New Orleans living! I had the catfish po'boy, my husband had the gumbo, and we were both highly satisfied. My only complaint is the amount of dressing in their cole slaw, but when I complained he offered to swap it for a side salad. Side salad, indeed! It was huge. All in all, a nice night out, again.

    Gluten free carrot cake
    Chloe B.

    Absolute Hidden Gem! We've been going to Rabalais Bistro for a couple of years now since they first opened, and it is definitely a family-friendly favorite! The New Orleans-style Cajun food and atmosphere are absolutely wonderful. The restaurant and menu are exceptional, making you feel like you've traveled straight to the South without ever leaving Santa Paula. It's the perfect spot for a date night out, but also great if you are looking for a quick bite to go--their coffee and pastries are delicious (and you can even order special cakes!). Whether you want a quick treat or a full sit-down course meal complete with a full bar and wine, this place has it all. Highly, highly recommend!

    Cookies and muffins
    Susan B.

    Yesterday evening I brought 8 women to Rabalais' Bistro for their first time. Some had concerns that it would be too spicy because it's Cajun themed, but decided to give it a try anyway. Since the patio was empty and the weather was nice, we were able to sit out there. Oh my goodness, everyone had such a good time! The food and the service was a 10+. Beignets yummy! Thank you to our servers, gal from Indiana and fellow from Virginia, you were amazing! I look forward to seeing you soon on a Weds for lunch with my cycling buddies from the Old Kranks.

    Betty M.

    Stopped here in the way home for breakfast and we hit the jackpot. The place is so cute with side walk seating and patio seating where alcohol can be served. Th indoor dining room will transform you back to New Orleans style restaurant. We ordered the short ribs omelette and some coffee and both hot the spot. Coffee was so good that I didn't even need to add anything. The omelette was fluffy and stuffed with tender short rib meats with brown gravy and melted cheese served with seasoned potatoes and onion. They also have full case of bake goods on the bar side serving from coffee to muffins to cookies and quiches. Can pack them home if you don't have a room left. It's Cajun types of cuisine but not too heavily. Less than 2 hours drive from LA. This is a good place for a day trip. We were so hungry and didn't get a chance to take some pictures of our foods.

    Lemon Blueberry Cake

    I honestly came on here to talk about our server Tamara because she was absolutely wonderful! She was patient with us, explained things thoroughly, while also giving her own thoughts on menu items and coffee drinks, and seemed very knowledgeable about it all. She suggested a coffee drink to me and it was absolutely fabulous and was just the right ratio of milk to coffee like I said I wanted! Food was great as well, but I had to come on here to talk about her great service because she was the best!!

    Big Easy Omelette. Very tasty!
    John H.

    My wife and I met my sister-in-law and brother-in-law here for breakfast. It was our first time going, but will NOT be the last. First of all, we had no idea that Santa Paula had a historic downtown mainstreet. Rabalais is a comfortable restaurant with a large bakery counter on one side and seating on the other. They serve breakfast until noon, lunch after that. It's a hard timeline...no lunch available at 11:45 and no breakfast after 12:01, so plan accordingly. We ordered their beignets, which were hot, delicious and covered in powdered sugar. They serve them all day long, and come with a praline sauce that is very good. They are must-order items. I had their Big Easy omelette with potatoes for breakfast. It is huge and stuffed with your choice of ham, bacon, sausage or vegetables. The potatoes were nicely seasoned and was also included a toasted piece of french bread that was fantastic. They have a small outdoor patio on the sidewalk that would be nice when the weather is nice if there is seating.

    Mufalatta salad
    Viken C.

    Never gets old, what a wonderful gem in downtown Santa Paula. Fantastic food, drinks and amazing deserts.

    Bar view from the back of the long room.
    Cynthia C.

    Have you ever enjoyed your meal and conversation so much that breakfast rolls into lunch, you're hungry again, so you request to see the next menu? Well, that's how I feel about the hospitality at Rabalais'. A cute, relaxing, southern hospitality vibe that has me so comfortable I could spend the day relaxed and eating here. And I HAVE! This time my friend and I arrived for breakfast on Saturday around 11:30 - DON'T JUDGE, she's a busy Mama! She went with the Creole Crab Cake Benedict, proclaiming it yummy, and I the Redneck Breakfast(fried green tomatoes, thick cut bacon, 2 eggs and fried potatoes, topped w/hollandaise sauce, served on a bed of spinach). This is only my 2nd time having fried green tomatoes and Rabalais' does theirs with a gritty corn meal. Interesting, but a bit too crunchy for my palette. No worries, because before long, it was 1:30, we were still flapping our jaws in an effort to play catch up on the Days of Our Lives, and then we were hungry again. I went back to the hostess stand and asked, if they weren't too busy, could we keep the table and order lunch? Sure! was the answer with a knowing laugh, it wasn't the first they'd seen. For lunch, we both opted for the large Arugula Salad topped with fresh sliced pear, praline pecans, crumbled Gorgonzola and house balsamic on the side and added blackened salmon - FABULOUS! The hefty salmon steak was cooked to perfection and the seasoning was not over done. We both also enjoyed their Chai Latte, mine hot, hers on ice. I'm surprised we both skipped the sweet case this time, but there will definitely be a "next", so until then, laissez les bons temps rouler at Rabalais' and CHEERS! "CC"

    Short rib omelette
    Caitlin M.

    Great location. Loved that there's indoor and outdoor seating available. Service was fast and friendly. The menu isn't overwhelming with options and has some great eye catchers! Love the fact that there's a bar in case it's 5 o'clock somewhere. Short rib omelette! Yum!!! Pulled pork Benedict also yum! Both dishes were full of flavor and generously portioned. The beignets are HUGE!!! They look like giant pillows and they are perfectly crisp on the outside and chewy on the inside. I definitely recommend ordering the pecan praline sauce for them, you won't regret it. We all enjoyed the atmosphere, our food and the overall experience! Can't wait to come back and try those lunch options!

    Berta B.

    One of my friends introduced me to this restaurant, and I loved it. The restaurant is located in downtown Santa Paula. I wasn't expecting much from what it looked like from the outside, but once I stepped inside, I was impressed. The restaurant is so cute with ample space. You can grab a quick coffee and pastry or sit down and have a meal there. They also have a bar, so you can sit and have an alcoholic drink if you want. The service was great. Although I just stopped to catch up with my friend while we had a drink, I'll have to come back to try their food.

    Molasses chocolate chip cookie 5-2-25
    Sara B.

    I love this place so much! Stopped in yesterday on my lunch break and ordered an iced pumpkin spice latte and a red velvet cookie. Friend ordered a hot chai and a snickerdoodle cookie.

    Pastry case
    Adam F.

    I liked it. Seemed a bit on the pricey side. But, very tasty. I ordered some coffee drinks with a chocolate chip cookie(tasted vey fresh). I also took an order of fried green tomatoes and a small order of beignets to go. It was my first time trying both of them. What a good surprise. I would suggest having the beignets there. The food and drinks came fast and were very tasty. Service was pleasant . Cash register/pastry area, coffee drinks, and food to go all great. I thought the layout was cool and inviting. I got things to go, however, sitting down is a nice option. Vaulted ceilings and wood floors. Felt spacious. Nice chairs and pictures on the walls. Much more food options if you go there for lunch or dinner. Totally worth a try. You might like it.

    Beignets

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    4 months ago

    Good coffee and fresh pastries. The cookies are huge and moist. Will be back to try lunch.

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    Page 1 of 27

    Ask the Community - Rabalais' Bistro

    Can you bring dogs inside?

    We welcome friendly dogs on our beautiful patio, but not inside.

    Is there internet to work here?

    No there isn't

    Are dogs allowed outside?

    Yes

    How is the Gumbo? There is no pictures & no reviews on the Gumbo. Just wondering if anyone has tried it. Thank you

    I had it once and it was okay. I will try it again to be fair.

    What days do they serve fried chicken?

    I believe it's Tuesdays but the answer is all over their website and social media pages

    Any vegan options on the menu?

    No vegan options but a handful of vegetarian options and many things can be modify as long as it is within the kitchens capability.

    Do they serve champagne?

    Yes. I've posted a picture of the drink menu and I believe champagne was an item on the drink menu especially since I had a mimosa there ;)

    View All 9 Questions

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    Parque 1055

    Parque 1055

    4.4
    (157 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    $$
    Locally owned & operated
    Free WiFi

    My wife and I came here for a date night, and it couldn't have been a better choice. It was a…read morebeautiful summer evening, so we sat outside on the huge patio, which has an incredible atmosphere. The World Cup match was on, there was a beautiful fountain creating a relaxing ambiance, and the whole place has a really cool vibe. The building itself is unique. It's an old automotive repair shop that's been transformed into a beautiful restaurant, with what was once the parking lot now serving as a massive outdoor dining patio. It's a great blend of history and modern design. We came during happy hour, which was a great value. My wife enjoyed a glass of wine, I had a beer, and both were discounted. We shared the surf and turf (ahi and filet), which was excellent, along with the flatbread pizza. The clam chowder was one of the highlights--a huge bowl loaded with real clams. We finished the evening with fried ice cream and an espresso, which was the perfect ending to a fantastic meal. The service was outstanding. Every person we interacted with was friendly, welcoming, and attentive. Overall, it was a fantastic experience from start to finish. Great food, great drinks, outstanding service, and one of the best outdoor dining atmospheres in Ventura County. We'll definitely be back.

    It's a real struggle to get another round of drinks after your first one at this bar. Maybe it's…read morebecause we're not locals that they know? We've been in a few times now, and we want to like the place, but the service is lacking. Edited to add context - we sat for a good 15-20 minutes with empty plates and glasses before finally getting follow-up from the bartender but by then we just wanted to leave and asked for our check. It wasn't busy, we watched other customers getting follow-up service right next to us while we were ignored. We've both worked in restaurants, we go out regularly, we're not fussy or demanding - we understand how the business works and what it's like when you're slammed - that wasn't the case. It was pretty quiet in there, a Friday afternoon with a few other customers, there wasn't a rush, but there were several employees around the bar area, which seems to be the norm, which is fine, but you might think that one of them would notice the people with the empty plates and glasses and do something about it. And the same thing happened the last time we were in, with the same bartender, but we thought maybe it was an off day, so we gave him a pass - it happens. But now it's happened again, and this time it was worse - last time we waited but not as long and eventually got another round. This time? It seems like a pattern. And it's not just on the one bartender - plenty of other staff was around, including the owner who went behind the bar to make a drink, and the marketing person who stopped to visit with the people next to us. It would have been nice if one of them noticed our empty dishes and either asked if we needed anything or reminded the bartender that we were there. We felt invisible. We were in restaurant purgatory. I wasn't even sure how we were going to get our check. I literally said to my husband that we could walk out and they wouldn't even notice (we would never but it's probably true). It was weird. We likely won't be back, but please try to do better on the follow-up with others, we just wanted another round.

    Photos
    Banquet area available
    Banquet area available
    Homemade Clam Chowder!
    Homemade Clam Chowder!
    Beautiful views

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    Beautiful views
    1901 Speakeasy

    1901 Speakeasy

    4.6
    (155 reviews)
    12.8 mi
    $$

    If you're going to hang your hat on the speakeasy aesthetic--dim lights, hushed tones, whispers of…read moreexclusivity--then understand this: you're entering into an unspoken pact with your patrons. We expect a certain standard, a level of care that borders on obsession. So when I catch Evan Williams--respectable, questionable, but barely twelve bucks a bottle--making an appearance behind the bar, it feels like a breach of trust. A quiet betrayal under low lighting. The illusion only works if the details hold up under scrutiny... and that pour? It broke the spell. And then comes the real offense: discovering that your Old Fashioned--the crown jewel of any respectable cocktail program--are built on bottom-shelf, dust-collecting bourbon. That's not just a letdown, it's a slap in the face. A cocktail like that deserves reverence, not shortcuts. And as if to twist the knife, there it was--a massive can of red maraschino cherries sitting shamelessly atop the bar, like some relic from a dive that's given up on finesse. It wasn't just a misstep. It was disrespect. In a place claiming the speakeasy mantle, details like these matter. They're the difference between theater and parody. The cocktails did not warrant the $15 price tag. Moreover, I would have paid more had I know the class of bourbon upfront. What ultimately redeems the space is its ambiance. The low flicker of the fireplace, the soft embrace of worn leather sofas, the curated hum of music floating just above conversation--it's seductive, even soulful. The room itself is small, intimate--the kind of place where you're bound to recognize a face, or at the very least, feel inclined to invite a stranger to share the sofa and maybe a story. And then there's the setting--tucked beneath a historic relic, a basement bar built into the bones of old Americana. The building dates back to the early 1900s, echoing with a past that deserves to be honored, not phoned in. That's exactly why I expected more from the cocktails. A place with this much atmosphere shouldn't fall flat when it comes to what's in the glass. It's a mismatch--a beautiful stage, but a script that doesn't quite rise to meet it.

    I absolutely cannot get enough of this place…read more The basement here is really the place to be. I love the ambiance, and the history on the walls. The cocktails change so it's always fun to come back! I always try to be there when this section opens. I love the calmness of the space and it gets livelier as the night progresses and it does get packed Always one of my highly recommended spots for people who want great drinks, fantastic atmosphere and delicious food. I'm looking forward to my next stop in!

    Photos
    The BEST Manhattan in the 805.
    The BEST Manhattan in the 805.
    Ribeye Steak Special with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies
    Ribeye Steak Special with mashed potatoes and grilled veggies
    Very yes. 8/22/23

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    Very yes. 8/22/23
    Ventura Crab N Spice

    Ventura Crab N Spice

    3.8
    (553 reviews)
    11.7 mi
    $$

    GETTING HERE:…read more Ventura Crab N Spice is located a few doors down from The Habit on Telephone in Ventura. The footprint is the Winco shopping center. REVIEW: First timer here (what.) and it was so good! Quiet, not too busy on the day we went (during the week). I remember in my baby years of Yelp I used to note that a restaurant was "good" if it was busy. Post-shutdown and currently 2026, it's OK to me if it's ghost town inside. :) We ordered the Clam Chowder Bowl and Sweet Potato Fries. GREAT! The chowder had nice flavor and was thick, and the clam pieces were tasty. The bread was warm and soft, so full of flavor. Service was good. Love the vibe inside, too. Love the decor and the entire vibe. As much as I love seafood, I can't wait to go back to try their other menu items. Thank you for a great meal. Highly recommend!

    I had a really disappointing experience at Crab N Spice…read more We arrived around 7:50 PM, knowing they close at 8 PM. There was no wait, and we stood there for about 10 minutes without being helped. Finally, a waitress came over around 8:05 PM and told us they were closed at 8 and couldn't seat us. That doesn't make sense--if you close at 8, you should still be seating guests before that time, especially when they've been waiting and there's no line. The lack of communication and basic customer service was frustrating and unprofessional. It wasn't about the timing it was about how it was handled. Standing there with no acknowledgment and then being turned away last minute is just bad service. Definitely not the experience we expected.

    Photos
    Ventura Crab N Spice
    Ventura Crab N Spice
    Ventura Crab N Spice

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    Rabalais' Bistro - bakeries - Updated July 2026

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