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    The Victorian Tavern

    4.0 (28 reviews)
    Open 5:00 pm - 12:30 am (Next day)

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    Azin A.

    This bathroom situation is beyond ridiculous and they destroyed everyone vibes with disgusting lines.if you can't find any solution about it close it down and let you know the bathroom situation is horrible

    Erica G.

    As a true local Ventura County girlie .... I am going to show my age but I don't care! I first remember this spot as Candlelight but I'm sure it was something before that. A few years later it rebranded to The Tavern. In my 20s... it was the spot to party for my group and we had the times of my lives! Climbing those stairs to wait in line to use the restroom was not fun but Imade a lot of memories in this building . Hahhahahaha! So happy it's back to life with The Victorian Tavern. It is gorgeous and they have bathrooms downstairs. Thank you, Jesus! Love all the space indoors and the vibes. The patio is nice too with plenty of fire pits/ heat lamps to keep you warm if the booze doesn't. We stopped in for Happy Hour after a long week at work. Now their Happy Hour is real , 5-8pm, Thursday to Sunday. Apps are 50% off and cocktails are too. We shared the beef sliders -$7, Truffle Fries-$5, Arancini Fritters-$7 between two. I got the Cactus Blaze but subbed the mezcal for tequila -$7, another drink I can't remember-$7 and a vodka soda -$5. My friend got a few drinks too all for $6/7 ! Absolutely loved this place and can't wait to be back. Those prices cannot be beat! Like what ...in today's economy? Yes.. please ! Such a great time with my amiga. Great service too!

    Jessica B's Copper Disco (modern Moscow mule)
    Melissa L.

    The Tavern is back people! Now as the elevated and stunning Victorian Tavern. A much needed and soon to be adored addition to downtown Ventura. The Victoria tavern is simply stunning. It's moody with a library nook entrance and old tavern type of a feel. But then the bar is lively With a beautiful floral background and fun decor. I love that there is limited seating inside in some ways as it gives more of a lounge and hangout vibe. They also have a traditional Bar top which feels inviting and cozy. A semi hidden pool table area near the bar. This is a tavern worth exploring. It's a large property and I read that it's going to be used for renting event spaces and such in the future so that's very cool that the bar and venue is multi purpose. Shoutout to my yelp bestie Jessica B. for stumbling in with me to try some cocktails. We really had the best time and we loved all of the cocktails that we were able to sample. Shoutout to our new favorite bartender Jamie! She's an absolute doll and she was probably one of our favorite things about this bar. She was such a sweetheart, so welcoming and she put up with our newbie questions. She makes a stellar cocktail and she's a truly knowledge mixologist. We adored her and would come back just to be served by her again because she was truly awesome. Service was a 10/10! Now on to the cocktails. Delicious, fun, and innovative! Yes they have well drinks and beers but you really need to come here for the stellar cocktail menu and specials. My friend and I loved the different cocktails we tried. They were well balanced and also pretty. An Instagram worthy menu! I started with a prickly pear Margarita (off menu) and it was exactly how I like it. A little sweet, a little sour - perfection in a pink cup. For my second drink I tried their Neon Lizard. Gin, cucumber, lime: super refreshing you really can't go wrong with a drink like this. Cocktails were A+. Overall this spot is off to a great start having only been open three weeks. Ventura is super lucky to have this spot and I'm eager to come back. They have a brunch and small bites menu which all read pretty tasty. They also have very good happy hour specials and pricing. More details to come but if you are in downtown you need to try this spot. Open four days a week, Thursday - Sunday, it's a great weekend pick me up. Hospitality, service, ambiance, cocktails and decor were a 5/5 in my books. Hoping they will only keep the momentum going from here because this place rocks.

    Jess B.

    ~ MODERN TAVERN WITH A MOODY TWIST ~ A friend and I stumbled upon this gem, and we're so glad we did! From the moment you arrive, it's obvious that a lot of thought and care went into the renovation. It's definitely going to be the new hot spot in downtown Ventura--and bonus, it's super Instagrammable! The outdoor area is filled with lush greenery and cozy spots to sit, whether you're with a date or a group of friends. For being open only a few weeks, it already looks stunning, and I can easily see it getting even more popular as the weather warms up. As we walked in, I immediately fell for the hallway lined with books--such a unique and magical touch! Inside, the space opens up into a large room with low lighting and stylish decor, creating a chic, modern tavern vibe. The bar is spacious with plenty of seating, both at the bar as well as small tables/couches, and there's also a separate room with a pool table. We didn't get to explore everything, but I heard there's much more to check out, so I'll definitely be back! As soon as we walked in, bartender Jamie greeted us with a big smile and great energy. She was super friendly, answered all our questions, and mixed up some delicious cocktails! I loved the Prickly Pear Margarita (off the menu) and Copper Disco (similar to a Moscow mule)-- both were perfectly balanced and had a nice kick. We were headed to dinner, but would've ordered some appetizers if we had more time. I definitely recommend stopping by during happy hour for great deals. They also serve brunch on weekends and have tons of events lined up, including live music. I can't wait to come back and try more drinks and food!

    Bar area
    Jan J.

    We went in 3 of us at 9:00pm on a Sunday night - the kitchen was still open and we had burgers that were pretty large and tasted pretty good. bartender was very attentive and music was very chill - place was pretty empty and has a very cool vibe. I would have given it higher marks but went to use the bathroom and it was plugged and disgusting.

    Brunch menu - pretty affordable (October 2025)

    The outdoor ambiance is very nice, and its a nice place to chill. Brunch is really affordable. We had the breakfast bagel and avocado toast. They also have bottomless mimosas and burgers. Breakfast was not crowded at all and it could be a good spot for people with kids and dogs since the outdoor areas are spacious.

    Bar area
    Lisa M.

    Great drinks, good food, cool atmosphere. I'll be back! There's a pool table and two outdoor spaces to choose from. Lots of craft cocktails to choose from.

    This the one. Golden hour, it is.

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    Young, fun atmosphere. Shoot some pool, dance to the music or just kick back and enjoy some drinks with friends. Always a great time!

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    The staff here is top tier! Super friendly bartenders and bouncers! All around good vibes and good atmosphere!

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    As soon as we walked in, bartender Jamie greeted us with a big smile and great energy.

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    The Livery has become one of my favorite places to stop for a cocktail downtown…read more What sets it apart is its focus on local and regional producers. The cocktail menu features ingredients from Ventura Spirits, Mario's Hard Espresso, local breweries, and other Central Coast makers, giving the drinks a real sense of place. I've especially enjoyed their cocktail program because it feels creative without being pretentious. I also love the concept. It's more than just a bar--you can enjoy a drink while browsing a thoughtfully curated collection of local goods, making it a fun place to bring friends or visitors from out of town. I haven't tried the food yet, so I can't speak to the bar menu, but based on the drinks, atmosphere, and commitment to highlighting local products, The Livery is a unique addition to downtown Ventura and a spot I find myself returning to.

    I absolutely love this place! The Livery is located next door and part of Rumfish y Vino, where you…read morecan sip on wine or a cocktail and shop the local vendor displays. They range from clothing, hats, housewares, candles, jewelry, and more! The atmosphere is beautiful, spacious yet cozy and inviting. I especially love that they have a separate room exclusively for wine tasting. I'm definitely interested in checking it out next time. We didn't order food because we had already eaten, but the Rosarita margarita was a nice refreshing cocktail. I also purchased a non-toxic pumpkin spice candle. It smelled heavenly burning on display and I couldn't pass it up. It's a subtle smell of pumpkin spice and fall. I love it! I can't wait to come back and purchase some of the beautiful glassware. I'll take more pictures of the shopping area next time.

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    Ventiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai

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    Ventiki was totally solid! Very decent drinks and sushi, and the prices are fair…read more Service is...apathetic. As a side note, please work on extending your sunshades to go the full length of your outdoor patio. The sun is pretty brutal and the shades stop short of the bench seating by a good 24".

    Disappointing experience! We arrived on a Sunday around 1pm and were seated quickly. However, we…read morewaited over 30 minutes to receive our first round of drinks, no food ordered yet. We were ready to walk out, but our drinks finally arrived. I suggested we ask for the check sooner than later, considering how long it took to get our drinks. (Others who arrived after us did not seem to have to wait as long as we did.) Moments later, the vibe completely turned around when the bartender blew a conch shell to award a patron a Ventiki fez, accomplished after drinking all 60 cocktails on their in-house passport. That energy really helped recapture any aloha we felt upon arriving and we ended up staying for hours and chatting with staff. The place redeemed itself. We promised to return with some friends shortly who were driving through Ventura. We stepped out to grab coffee while waiting for our friends to arrive. We were excited to show them this place. When our friends got there around 4pm, they received an incredibly cold greeting at the entrance. They sent us a text and we told them we were a block away having just picked up a coffee and heading their way. When we all arrived together, a bouncer was at the front stand, boorish and inhospitable... his immediate attitude was downright insulting. (He wasn't around when we were there earlier.) He had previously refused to seat our friends at a table for four--even though we were just a block away--demanded we throw away our coffees, and asked us for ID. (My husband and I are in our late 50s/early 60s, and friends late 40s.) We literally had just been there for a couple hours and spent a good amount of money. Sure, I understand places have policies, but this attitude was COMPLETELY different than when we were there earlier. The bouncer was a self-important jerk about the whole thing. We went from giving them a second chance after they rekindled the aloha spirit to being completely turned off by the bouncer's egomaniacal attitude. Again, 4pm Sunday, no line or anything. Not some nightclub. Utterly unnecessary brute at the front. Rude and completely uninviting customer service. We ended up going down the street to a local brewpub that welcomed us, no attitude, no carding, and they didn't bat an eye at our coffee cups. AND when we parted ways with our friends, they told us they swung by Ventiki to talk to the manager. The manager told them she supports her bouncer and was unapologetic. If there was a society for tiki lounges with a membership card, this place should have their card revoked. They are not worthy. Tearing up the fez passport I started and will never set foot in there again.

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    4.2
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    0.3 mi
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    This place was an awesome find. Made date plans for wife and I while in Ventura. We went in on a…read moreSaturday afternoon around 5-6pm to plenty of seating. The interior is a nice cocktail lounge layout. More cozy seating and a few chairs at the bar. We were greeted immediately, our server was sweet! We asked to switch spots after seating ourselves because we didn't realize the AC was going to be blasting right at us. She offered to turn the AC down so we didn't have to move but we're still welcome to. The drums were AMAZING. I got the Brazilian lemonade (green in photo) that tastes basically like a sweet Pandan slushie, couldn't even tell there was alcohol until it hits you lol My wife got the equally amazing clarified Ube sour which was the same story. Both tasted so good we got a second order. Paired with fries for something to munch that comes with 2 out of a choice of 3 dips! They were chili, jalapeño, and garlic if I remember correctly. Highly recommend this spot for drinks and dates!

    Came in on a Saturday night around 8pm and luckily it wasn't too packed. We sat down immediately…read more The inside is really nice, i'd stop by for a drink in the future with the couch styled lounge. Felt like we were skipped over a bit during service. There was a couple who sat at the bar 15 minutes after us and got drinks and calamari given to them at the exact same time we got our drinks (weren't able to order any food yet). The tables near us were checked on a lot but not us. Food was just okay. Linguine pasta, calamari, and sliders were all bland. Sliders were super basic, just meat, sauce and bun. They charge $2 for a side of sauce in a tiny ramekin. The woman bartender was really nice and upbeat and helped us close out at the end of our meal. Honestly, just much better food and experiences next door.

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    Topa Topa Brewing Company

    Topa Topa Brewing Company

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    The Topa Topa on Thompson is my personal favorite location. All of them are great, and each one…read morecarries that welcoming, familiar energy, but the downtown spot just feels different. No matter which Topa you walk into, you see familiar faces. There is a real sense of family there, and I would hate to lose that. The Thompson location specifically feels like home. When I lost someone very near and dear to me, Topa became a place where I could breathe again. On the worst days, walking through those doors made things feel just a little lighter. Sometimes it felt like I was holding my breath all day until I got there. There is a steady comfort in that space. Mama mia, that kind of place is rare. I have definitely "invested" ;) my fair share into the pool table and the pinball machine. Trivia nights with the awesome host, the food pop ups, Nicks Smash Burgers and Ramos Tacos are the best. Being introduced to new bands and almost always leaving a live show with a vinyl or CD by the end of their set. It truly is a community. Supporting local artists and seeing the same people show up for each other over and over again is part of what makes it special. And the beer is unreal. I was never much of a beer person, but a few years ago they pulled me in with Moo Bae then the Althlone Ranger, and then the 4 and 20. My current favorite is The Tux. Every time I go in, that is what I get. I loved when they had more dark beers too. Topa Topa opened the door for me into the craft beer world without ever feeling intimidating. Once you find a place where you feel appreciated and respected, where you feel known, you do not want to lose that. A huge part of that for me is seeing my regular beer tenders, Mike, Lea, Marie, and Zion. They are part of what makes walking through those doors feel like coming home. The Thompson location is that kind of place. Really messed up what you did. EDIT- This is nothing against the newer employees of Topa, but has everything to do with corporate. What were you thinking getting rid of 15% of your staff? The people that have helped build the foundation of your brand. The people that build the individual personalities of each taproom. The people that we have gotten to know and they've gotten to know us. Like I said before Topa is a family. I get that the craft beer scene is getting smaller but getting rid of family is so dumb. Your regulars have developed a relationship with these people. It's so disheartening to go now. When we go we aren't greeted by these friendly faces that know us. You'd think you'd focus more on your regulars you know the people that actually spend money here rather than the "next generation". Like I said, this has nothing to do with the new workers. They're nice. But the people we've developed relationships could NEVER be replaced. The lovers of topa topa do not like this. And I've already seen on Reddit people are saying they aren't going back.

    I wouldn't call myself a big beer fan, but Topa Topa is one of those places that always pulls me…read morein. I usually order a flight so I can try a few different things, especially their special release beers. Two favorites I've loved during special releases are the Ojai Pixie Citrus IPA and Harvest Swoon Sangria-Style Sour. Both are super flavorful without being overwhelming. Their hard seltzers are also a great option when I'm in the mood for something lighter. The Ojai location has a relaxed, welcoming vibe and shares the space with Little Sama, which makes it an easy place to hang out. They also host community events like trivia nights on Tuesdays, which adds to the fun. A great spot whether you're really into craft beer or just enjoy a casual drink in a laid-back Ojai setting.

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    The Victorian Tavern - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

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