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!

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.

Did happy hour a few weeks ago and forgot to add the review. Had a random weekday off and as I was…read moredriving home, this popped up on the search. Pretty solid deal for happy hour - 3 to close Tuesday -Thursday in the dining room and 3 to close every day on the patio/beer garden. The bartenders were amazing - I think Jessica or Jasmine and Mike or Stever? Quick, efficient, friendly, on top of it. food came out right and quickly. For me, the food was mediocre. 23 bucks for a burger and fries and the shrinkflation was clear. But the drink prices more than made up for it. I'd have to try a few more things to get a better picture of the food but if the burger doesn't slap out of the gate it's not always the best sign. That aside, I'd go out of my way to go back based on the service and the staff.

So darn loud! You have to drink yourself numb to escape the atmosphere here. You can't even escape…read moreit on the patio. I had fish and chips - blah. Even the watery chowder was a disappointment. I don't anticipate going back here to try anything else. If you just want to drink and not talk to anyone, this is the place.

I'm a little reluctant to post a positive review of Oak & Iron, but that's purely out of…read moreselfishness. I really don't need more people finding out about this place and taking my seat. I love slipping into Oak & Iron for a quick drink, and one of the best parts is that you can bring over tacos from Bad Ass Tacos--or really whatever you're eating--and enjoy them with your drink. They don't mind at all. On certain nights, they also serve some seriously high-end BBQ that's definitely worth checking out. The vibe is calm, cool and just a little speakeasy-ish. It's the kind of place where you can actually relax and have a conversation without screaming across the table. They also have a really fun trivia night, and the staff has always been attentive, friendly and completely chill. Bring a friend. Bring a group. Have some food and a couple of drinks. Just please don't tell too many other people about it. Because if I show up and can't get a seat, I'm sitting with you.

Cleanliness: 5 out of 5 Service: 5 out of 5…read moreAtmosphere: 5 out of 5 Drinks: 5 out of 5 Reflection: I don't remember my order, but you know how you go to some-places and you can tell by the quality of the product that you are having an experience and that the people love their job???? That's exactly how I describe my experience at Oak and Iron! You can tell that you're experiencing a work of art and a person's labor of love. Erika was our host and she was phenomenal! I'm definitely looking forward to my next experience at Oak and Iron!

I came here for the first time to try some wine and snacks after dinner. We sampled some of their…read morewines from their very cool-looking dispensers. And we ordered the chefs charcuterie board. The charcuterie board was delicious! The bread was warm and obviously homemade. All the different cheeses tasted fresh and there were also candied walnuts which were fantastic. I was really impressed by their wine dispensers and how many varieties they had of different selections. I think overall we tried 4-6 different wines for less than $40. The ambiance of the inside reminds me a little bit of Squidwards house (but in a good way) with a high arched ceiling and classical decor. I would love to come back and try their other food and sample more wine.

Last December, a friend came across The Cave while looking for a place to have lunch in Ventura and…read moresuggested we give it a try. I'm really glad he did because it's the kind of place I probably wouldn't have found on my own. The first thing that caught our attention was the self-serve wine dispensers lined with bottles ready to sample. We had a lot of fun walking back and forth, looking over the different selections, and deciding what to taste next. Being able to sample wines by the ounce before committing to a full glass made the whole experience feel interactive. I especially liked that I could compare different Cabernet Sauvignons side by side, which isn't something you get to do very often. After trying a few different Cabernets, Chimney Rock ended up being my favorite. The dining room added to the experience. The cave-like ceilings, warm lighting, and comfortably spaced tables made it easy to settle in, enjoy our lunch, and catch up without feeling cramped or rushed. If you enjoy trying different wines, it's easy to lose track of time here. We started with a cheese plate, which turned out to be much more generous than I expected. It came with a nice assortment of cheeses, crisp apple slices, grapes, candied walnuts, crostini, and a savory relish on the side. It was a great dish to share with our wine. My friend ordered the tuna poke tower, and we shared the cheese flatbread and sweet potato fries. I went with the Original Cave Salad with salmon, which came with a generous piece of perfectly cooked salmon over fresh greens, apples, grapes, walnuts, and blue cheese. Everything tasted fresh, and the portions were generous enough that we left completely satisfied. One thing I appreciated was that we never felt rushed. Lunch naturally turned into an afternoon of catching up, comparing notes on the different wines, and deciding which pours we wanted to try next. Before we left, we wandered through the wine shop one more time. If you discover a favorite during lunch, you can pick up a bottle before heading home, which is a nice touch. I'm really glad my friend found this place. The next time I'm in Ventura, it'll definitely be on my list again.

UPDATE! UPDATE!! UPDATE!!!…read more Club 14 Wine bar had moved!! Check out their new location in 1000 Oaks located in the speakeasy bar below Oak & Iron: ------------------------------------ "Well, well, well, How the turntables"... -(Micheal Scott) have turned, Club 14 went on a short hiatus But they're back; so no need to be concerned. They are in their newly set up space The word cozy describes it best, Just a few steps below Oak & Iron Where they will be serving you as their guest. You'll be greeted by Owner Charlie Owner Lauren is ready to give you a splash, And if you're a wine club member like me You might just get a taste from their secret stash. Wine is definitely in their blood But it's the people that make them do what they do, Spend an evening conversing with either of them And I know you'll feel the same way too. Come and have a glass of Chablis Or Chenin Blanc if that's what you prefer, Maybe a glass of twenty 05' Burgundy If you're a real wine connoisseur. No matter the rhyme No matter the reason, The wine will never stop flowing No matter the season. You cannot stop Charlie & Lauren Their following has grown entirely way too big, But don't you dare show up on Friday or Saturday As it's now only a Sunday through Thursday Gig. Come super early to snag a barstool Show up casually late for a high top table, Come chill on one of their comfy couches And order a bottle of their private label. Join me in raising our glasses to Charlie & Lauren Cheers to all the success that's coming their way, Whether you're drinking a Syrah, Pinot or a Cab Don't leave this place with trying a French Gamay. So now you know exactly what to do You better hurry before you run out of time, Go grab us two seats at Club 14 I'm about to end this epic rhyme. Dedicated to Charlie, to Lauren, & to Club 14.... Thank you for sharing your love of wine with us. Now let's go drink some Gamay!!

Finally found a wine bar speak easy. If you go to Oak and Iron it's downstairs. The ambience is…read moreamazing and the owner of the wine club is the nicest and very accommodating. We went to Oak and Iron, but because we didn't get the best service we went downstairs to see what was there and found a hidden gem in Thousand Oaks. Plus the wine selection was amazing. We got to try some delicious wines. It was awesome to talk to the owner of the wine club. Who knew everything about each selection and let us try various wines. Honestly, this is a hidden gem in Thousand Oaks and you have to check it out. I am seriously in love with this place. You have to check it out.

Great stay at Santa Paula Inn! From the moment we booked, everything felt welcoming and easy. The…read morephone reservation was especially pleasant--friendly, courteous, and the owner/manager answered my questions directly (a hospitality level I haven't experienced in years). Arrival was smooth. The half-circle drive off Mill Street is easy to enter and was open when we arrived. The only tip I'd add is once you get past the front area, head toward the rear parking lot for the best flow. Walking up to the front door is charming--Swiss/German country cottage style with historic character, dark wood tones, and shingle siding (with white end units). The lobby setup is warm and inviting, with great lighting and multiple seating areas where you can relax or have a conversation. Check-in was quick and friendly. The staff explained the room ventilation controls and the split cooling system (new technology). The room stayed very quiet and comfortable--our third-floor room cooled to about 65°F each night. The stairs to the third floor were exactly as expected--no elevator--and they felt well designed with consistent tread depth and height. The hallways also have fun movie posters from the 20-60s, which adds personality. We stayed in Room 301, and it was roomy (about 300 sq ft). The room had a chaise lounge with an ottoman, plus a desk and chair. The bathroom layout is a bit old-school, with the sink just outside the bathroom area inside the bedroom, but it worked fine. There's a small step up (around 1 1/2 inches), and the tub/shower and toilet were comfortable and clean. The shower had plenty of hot water. The bed was a highlight--pillow-top comfort with very soft sheets and comforters. The king pillows were large, soft, and easy to adjust (even though I usually prefer smaller ones, these were great). Overall, the room and property felt quiet. It seemed like most guests were in by around 9:00, and we had a peaceful, restful night's sleep. Also worth noting: there are four EV chargers in the rear parking lot for electric vehicle owners. The restaurant looked amazing and smelled great, though we didn't dine this trip--we're planning to next time we fly into Santa Paula Airport. Finally, Monica, the manager, was wonderful--an absolute pleasure to talk with and genuinely kind. And a special thank-you for the complimentary morning coffee and muffins. Highly recommend for anyone who wants comfort, charm, and quiet peace.

We recently stayed at the Glen Tavern Inn and had a mixed experience…read more The highlight was the staff. At check-in, we realized our assigned room was near two very barky dogs, and the front desk was kind and accommodating in relocating us to another room. I think it was even a better room. I appreciated their willingness to help. Unfortunately, the room itself felt more worn than charming. The furniture had visible wear and staining, the ceiling showed patched areas and water stains that really needed a fresh coat of paint, and the overall impression was tired rather than historic. A few relatively simple updates would go a long way toward elevating the experience. The bathroom was tight, and it had a small step up that we kept forgetting about, despite the (small) warning sign. The provided toiletries were among the worst I've encountered at a hotel. I had forgotten my own shampoo and soap and planned to use what was provided, but it was SO bad. The tiny disc of soap did not lather. On the positive side, the property felt safe and the room was clean. The lobby had dark wood and a homey feel. But what could have felt like a charming historic inn instead came across as simply old and overdue for some attention. While I appreciated the friendly service, I wouldn't choose to stay here again until I knew they had made some upgrades. From what I hear, this is the nicest place in Santa Paula, so I guess we would stay in nearby Ojai at a similar price point.

I've been able to watch most if not all the FATC performances and all of them have been stellar…read more The originals are well written and hilarious. The actors have serious talent and when they integrate music, the musicians that grace the stage are overflowing with talent. FATC shows are always a great time, don't miss out.

Fractured Actors is so much fun to work with! Their pieces are brave, relevant, and exciting. I…read moreparticularly enjoy the annual Speakeasy Project which features new plays by local artists. I highly recommend seeing a show and/or getting involved!

Great time visiting here…read more Mike treats you like a local. Pours heavy. Tells you about every wine. The service is in point. The ambiance is super chill. Definitely will be back. The reds, whites, roses, and ports are on point. Bought a couple bottles. Can't wait to come back. Thanks Mike and team for a great time! I really love how they give you packaged bread sticks in between tastings. Nice touch!

Tasting: $15 (return flight $9, because sometimes one flight is not enough)…read more Wonderful wines and awesome customer service sum up what this family owned/operated winery is all about. Two sisters (Elissa & Holly) married two brothers (Matt & Mike) and started this weekend project which has turned into quite a fun weekend escape. Elissa and her father, Walt, are usually manning the tasting room and are the most gracious hosts. It's a quaint, boutique winery and tasting room, which recently joined forces with the folks from Trois le Fou Winery. They each have their own tasting rooms, but they're joined and share a large production/barrel room area, which is also available for private events in addition to scheduled events and live music/comedy. They don't offer food, but you are welcome to bring in your own snacks/charcuterie. Parking is plentiful, as the business park is mostly closed on the weekends. WINES: Their wines change regularly, as they purchase their fruit from Paso Robles, Lodi, and San Antonio Valley, among other places. I think that their Sauvignon Blanc is a standard and we really enjoy it, but they also do a nice Sangiovese, Zinfandel, Malbec, Syrah, Petite Sirah, and Cabernet Sauvignon. Their "Speakeasy Wine Club" offers three levels of membership: "Blind Grape (6/yr)", "Bootlegger (12/yr)", and "Last Call (18/yr)", depending on the number of bottles you want per shipment/pick-up. Bottles currently run in the $38 - $50 range (before club member discounts). We love visiting the Lester Cellars family and highly recommend you stop in and check out their latest vintages. The service and wine are wonderful, and I'm betting you'll enjoy yourself as much as we do.