VEN A Communal Eatery

Ate here on my way through town. The food was fresh and very good. The service was good as well.read more

The food is fresh and hot! Great selection. A wonderful place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Where…read moreelse can you get a full breakfast for $9.99, eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns ? And the slam which adds pancake option. The waffle with fresh fruit and whipped cream is delicious. Coffee always fresh.

Old school coffee shop/diner type place. Wish me luck.

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Misleading advertising.....$0.99 coffee??? But only on Monday and Tuesday upon further discussion with staff

Casey's Restaurant

4.2(47 reviews)

0.6 mi

I love good BBQ, and my husband and I both really enjoyed our pulled pork dishes. The staff was…read morewelcoming and kind, and we look forward to coming back again soon.

New location is way better! Has a much better vibe and I feel like the food tastes better as well.read more

A good amount of beef.

Margarita all sour mix

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Menu

The Burger Den

3.0(2 reviews)

0.5 mi

So this is a ghost kitchen that operates out of Denny's, which is fine, Denny's is fine. Fine is…read morethe operative word though, there is a reason that all the reviews are a 3, because everything is just fine. When I typed vegetarian food near me, it said 0 results. So I picked this because they have veggie burger which was what I wanted, and the website was giving me a hard time putting in my order so I had to put in through doordash. So, they gave me a 5:55pm pick up time, I got there at 5:42 and my food was already cold...I still ate it though ‍. As for the restaurant itself, I was only there long enough to pick up my food, and the building looked old and it seemed dark inside, but it seemed clean enough, so...it was really just the definition of "fine".

Why is this a thing. It's just Denny's. Same address same burger. I have a hard time with…read morerestaurants changing the name but serving the same or part of the menu under a different name

It looks good, but the fries where cold and mushy.

Any vegetarians out there, the "burger" was okay, but it was very bean heavy.

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Roaming Dog Kitchen

4.9(73 reviews)

0.4 mi

So good. Just hope they would open earlier for my lunch break. Satisfying portions too.read more

Great food and people. I like to get the Frito Fido Every time I go. Still waiting for them to make…read morea fat Christian!

The food truck.

Corner cart dog

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Poker dog a take off on buffalo wings and Dog!!

Fireside Cafe & Dinner House Bar & Grill

1.5(2 reviews)

0.8 mi

The new "Fireside Cafe & Dinner House Bar & Grill" has been open for about 2 weeks now inside the…read moreHeritage Inn and Suites off of Norma. Rumor said that they had done some renovation to what was the old Victoria's Restaurant, but we encountered the same Paris courtyard motif that was the "trademark" of the old restaurant. We were greeted with a "sit wherever you want" by someone wearing a white t-shirt and paint spattered jeans. The menu was presented to us and it certainly was not impressive in style, with its typos and sentences that just ended incompletely (the cordon bleu apparently is "breaded with a creamy"). Our waitress, Diane, took our orders promptly, but the salad that comes with dinner took about 10 minutes to make it to our table; we were the only diners. I had the shrimp scampi, while my husband ordered the ribeye steak, medium rare. His steak came medium to medium well and the toast that came with my scampi was burned on one side and untouched on the other side. The scampi came with 5 plump shrimp, tails intact. Since it was served in a high sided dish, cutting off the tails was a challenge. The sauce on the scampi was tasty, though the lemon flavor was a surprise, hovering at the edge of being almost too much lemon. No dessert was offered, so I don't know if they have any at this time. The menu is close to what is being offered at Ale's, which is in the same parking lot, so the Fireside is going to have to work hard to make themselves special in some way. Diane handled our concerns professionally and she was the best part of our evening. It would be good to have the staff wear something to differentiate them from the customers, as we had no idea who were actually working and who were just friends sitting around. We'll be giving the Fireside another try in a couple of weeks to see if they've worked out some of the kinks. :) All in all, I think they have a HUGE battle ahead if they want to stay afloat and not lose their hotel guests to Ale's and to attract non-hotel clientele. Brainstorming a way to make them special will go a long way in achieving that goal.

By far the most disappointing dinner I've ever had. Upon arrival we were greeted by the…read morehostess/waitress/bartender who told us to have a seat anywhere honestly I think she's the only worker in here. I ordered the ribeye cooked rare it arrived well done with no flavor what so ever and served with frozen veggies and batch made mash potatoes. My girlfriend ordered the chick cordon blue which looked like a Costco chicken bake cut in to 1/4's and served with soggy French fries.

Charlie's Pub and Grill

3.3(68 reviews)

0.5 mi

Food is good. Few places in Ridgecrest sale grilled fish so it is now one of my few places to go…read more The reason I give this place 4 stars instead of 5 is because twice I ordered for pickup from them and twice they forgot some food . First time they forgot my chicken wing order. Luckily they have my number so they called and offered to bring it to me. Second time they forgot my cheesecake. This time they didn't have my number since I ordered it at the front. I was two months after surgery so was still feeling discomfort when getting in and out of the car so didn't go back to ask for it. So remember to check your order if you order for pickup to make sure.

I will never come back here or would never tell anyone to go here. We were never greeted upon…read morewalking in also seek seating by ourselves and waited over 20 minutes waiting to not be served, like we were invisible. They don't like people of color at all here very unpleasant experience. Just watching them serve people around and even attended to someone walking in that we didn't get.

Dining area- remodeled with cozy booths for a great dining experience

Turkey Avocado Club

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Charlie's Bar & Grill

Lugo's Grill

3.5(114 reviews)

0.7 mi

This is a nice Mexican diner that has ample seating and open dining area. They have great brunch…read moreitems and lunch specials. My particular favorite is the Huevos Rancheros. Just the perfect portion with the right amount of gooey cheese and over medium eggs. The hash browns are also crisped to perfection! Can't complain about the service. Food comes out quick and everything is very hot once you get it. They don't bring the check out to you, so make sure you go to the register towards the back near the kitchen to get your bill settled.

The food and service is always superb! I ordered machaca and had them add jalapeños. The salsa is…read morejust the way I like it.

Outside view

Senior lunch meatloaf with mashed potatoes, veggies, and garlic toast.

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Prime rib special Fridays

Denny's

I like me some Denny's…read more We got stuck in the desert for 3 hours with our truck and this was the only restaurant open new years eve. It was nice and warm inside, everything clean, including the bathroom. Our waiter was super funny and nice, same with the chef. I love night crew antics The morning/day crew needs to get it together because they did not prep the kitchen well with defrosted meats that were on the menu. So there were people waiting up to an hour for their takeout while we sat in the restaurant. Which I feel is unacceptable because they are a 24 hour establishment, get it together and take care of your night crew because they also work off tips and it's a disrespectful practice. Gave my kind waiter a fat tip and called it a day, after eating a fire burger with bacon, and this really good sauce that he recommended. Get the mozz sticks ! Thank you to the night crew, we see your hard work!!

TWENTY MINUTE WAIT FOR NO FOOD. The staff was too busy to…read moreserve me even though I was the only customer in the place. On Sunday 5-24-2026, at five am I was seated in the Ridgecrest Dennys to order breakfast. The waiter was busy clearing tables & eventually served me requested coffee & ice water. He took my order, a Superslam. Never got it. Had no choice but to leave after leaving the waiter a ten on the table. The waiter did apologize for the long wait. Terrible service. Ridgecrest Dennys lost my business & I passed along my experience to friends & coworkers. They won't be dining there either. Tim Plueger Ridgecrest, California

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Mulligans Grill

4.3(3 reviews)

2.4 mi

Had an opportunity to eat lunch at NAWS China Lake at Mulligans grill which is located at the golf…read morecourse. Very easy to find, just follow the signs. We ate a late lunch so we had the place to ourselves. They do have a lunch special but I went ahead and ordered the Philly cheesesteak combo. Waited less than 5 min for my food. While we were waiting the seating area was very clean and plenty of chairs. I was pleasantly surprised when I tasted my fries. There was rosemary on them which I like the taste of. The Philly cheesesteak was ok, the bun instantly split apart when I picked it up but it was good nonetheless. If you are ever on base and have time go ahead and swing by for some good eats at a reasonable price.

If you are on China Lake and need a quick lunch this is your spot. The carne asada breakfast…read moreburrito is very good and very large.

Things to do in Ridgecrest

Lunch menu

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12 reviews that are not currently recommended

The reviews below are not factored into the business's overall star rating.

jeremy m.

0

1

0

1 year ago

My wife and I went to Ven for datenight this evening. First, Miriam and Reese (owners) were both there, and personally welcomed us. The atmosphere was very inviting. The tables are a very handsome butcher block. The music was the perfect volume. Overall, the vibes were excellent. The menu was a single page....which I LOVE. It shows that the establishment is focused on food, and doing it right....and they nailed it. We started with the "Tacos Enrollados"; a beautifully seasoned vegetarian black bean hummus, rolleds in a crispy tortilla, topped with a lovely fresh salad. For the main course, my wife ordered the Shrimp Mac N Cheese......omg......it was sooo good. Rich and creamy, with Cajun seasoned shrimp.....it hit....in all the right ways. I had the Soul Bird Chicken sandwich. VEN did not skimp on the soul, or the bird. There was a lot of both, and it was incredible. Crispy....perfectly seasoned, and the bite was just right. They drive all the way to a farmers market in LA for the pickles.....and It shows. They were perfect, crispy. And added just the right tang to an already nearly perfect sandwich. The homemade "secret sauce" was the perfect finish for the sandwich. In all, hats off to VEN. The owners love what they do, and it shows in their food and the atmosphere. I would expect to find food this quality in Downtown San Diego, not in Ridgecrest. Well done......I'd have taken pictures....but the food didn't survive long enough read more

Tommy B.

239

29

1

1 year ago

1. This is a full service restaurant, no longer just a food truck. Yelp needs to update this. Yes, Yelp, I'm talking to you. 2. The Bubba Burger is bomb, came out hot, melting cheese, and sauced to perfection. Seriously so good. Fries are on point, thin cut, crispy, and seasoned with just the right amount of kick. 3. The restaurant has a great atmosphere, warm and inviting, and the staff were attentive and friendly. They answered all our questions about the menu and even spent time chatting with us after our meal was finished. 4. If you're still reading this, you should just go and eat here. We're definitely coming back. You will too. read more

Alex D.

0

1

0

2 years ago

From the moment you walk up to VEN, you know you're in for a treat. The smell alone will draw you in. The Bubba burger here is nothing short of amazing. Their crisp, golden fries are the perfect accompaniment to the Bubba burger. What sets VEN apart is their attention to detail and commitment to quality. The staff is friendly and passionate about their food, adding to the overall fantastic experience. You can tell they love what they do, and it shows in every bite. At VEN, it's not just a meal; it's an experience that will leave you coming back for more. Don't miss out on the best burger in town! read more

Courtney W.

0

1

0

2 years ago

Tried this new restaurant tonight and it was everything this town needs and more. I had the jerk chicken tacos that had the best pickled slaw and salsa to top, creole pasta that was heavenly, and a ginger lemonade. I love fusion food but more importantly, I love food with flavor that sates your tastebuds. The pricing is the same as any restaurant in town and the service was fantastic. Finally found a go-to spot when visiting here for work. read more

Israel P.

0

1

0

4 years ago

Five out of five stars these guys are so amazing we were just at freedom park in ridgecrsst CA and there was a kid who was having a diabetic episode where it dropped really low the guy at the window no questions asked immediately gave him some food to help him get his blood sugar up and it was amazing service too if I ever see these guys again I am for sure going there as my first choice and I will definitely be giving them a huge tip read more

Lou H.

0

3

0

6 years ago

We love this place stumbled across it last week and very impressed Really enjoyed the Caribbean flavors and the food was cooked very well Definitely stop by if you get the chance we will for sure read more

Scott M.

2031

75

140

5 years ago

I love their food. Their Bubba burger is AMAZING and their impossible Bubba burger (meatless patty) is just out of this world. it's cooked to order and definitely worth it. read more

Anthony H.

0

2

3

19 days ago

We had a good experience the first time, but we'll need to go back again to make sure the high score was earned and it wasn't a fluke

Janet R.

0

2

0

1 year ago

The food at Ven is phenomenal! The service is great!! This is a great restaurant and we are so glad it is in Ridgecrest!

Daniel M.

25

10

25

2 years ago

Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good Good good

Ashley M.

0

2

0

1 month ago

this place had the most delicious food and it was delivered promptly. Great night out with friends and family.

Jayda T.

0

1

0

2 months ago

dont hesitate, the restaurant is a experience you really wouldn't want to miss. flavors out of this world

VEN A Communal Eatery - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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Kristy's Family

3.9

(261 reviews)

Ate here on my way through town. The food was fresh and very good. The service was good as well.read more

The food is fresh and hot! Great selection. A wonderful place for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Where…read moreelse can you get a full breakfast for $9.99, eggs, bacon, toast and hash browns ? And the slam which adds pancake option. The waffle with fresh fruit and whipped cream is delicious. Coffee always fresh.

The Golden Ox

4.1

(118 reviews)

The best patty melt you will have and always fast service. Good value for the money at a greasy…read morefood place

The food and service were excellent! My crew came through hungry for a good breakfast burrito on…read moreour way to job. We left very full and satisfied. The asada, bacon, and chorizo were all a hit. Thanks again for the hospitality.

Classic Gyros

4.2

(202 reviews)

I wrote a terrible review a couple weeks ago. I was…read morecontacted by the owner who asked me what happened, I explained and he made it right. I'm happy to say I just went and ate there again, and the meal was fantastic. 5 stars. Sometimes in the kitchen things happen and I believe my bad meal was a fluke, I was careful to order this one over the phone and pick it up at the window so the employees wouldn't see me. It was a great meal so I am updating my review to 5 stars. My compliments to the staff and cooks and especially the owner for a job well done.

My co-workers and I went here for lunch. We ate inside and it was pretty busy. I ordered the…read morechicken shawarma plate. I got it with the chicken over the rice, Greek salad, and hummus. The greek salad was good. I personally was not impressed with flavor of the shawarma chicken. My co-workers got other items and they were happy with what they got. The restaurant is very casual and the staff is friendly. I'll give it another try at some point and order something else.

Olvera's Restaurant

4.3

(268 reviews)

The food is very good for lunch and dinner especially durning happy hour (4:30-6pm). All the fav's…read moreand the chicken Molé is definitely a good one. Anything ala cart is a great deal as well. Service was hands down the best in town and the kindness of the staff was exceptional to say the least. Ambience was very relaxing and casual, but there was plenty of room for a large groups as well as a date for 2. Military and 1St Responder Discounts

I should have trusted my gut when I saw how massive the menu was--usually a sign that nothing is…read moredone particularly well. I ordered a "large" burrito, and while it definitely lived up to the size, it completely missed on quality. The ingredients tasted bland and oddly inconsistent, like they were thrown together without much care. Worse, I ended up with a stomach ache shortly after eating, which made the whole experience even more disappointing. For a place that seems to offer everything, it doesn't seem to do anything right. Definitely won't be coming back.

Xin bowl Asian Bistro

3.6

(191 reviews)

Wonderful food and great service. We are from Las Vegas and did a 12.5 hour off road jeep trip…read morethrough the mountains and Death Valley and ended up in Ridgecrest. I was concerned because I am vegan and found this place that had lots of options. I went with the sesame tofu as the waitress recommended it. I also got some fried tofu to go for our long journey back the following day. My finance got the chicken pad thai and we both had awesome portion sizes and place seemed to be very popular. Everyone was kind, ambiance was clean and welcoming. They had a bar, sushi bar and plenty of seating. They had "veggie meat", several tofu dishes, edamame, carrot salad, noodle dishes and also oil free options! I didn't take any pictures because we were starving but everything looked and tasted wonderful!

Really good Asian food and all you can eat sushi for a city in the middle of the desert.read more

Trails Drive In

4.5

(61 reviews)

Their food has always been on point. Burgers are chef's kiss. Make sure you support small…read morebusinesses like this!

For a simple desert drive-in, this place checks all the boxes. The classic cheeseburger was just…read morethat: a well cooked patty, fresh lettuce and tomatoes, and nice warm soft bun. Onion rings were a generous size, even the "small" order. Local folks working there are very friendly and helpful. No wonder the place has been around since 1958! Nice, cozy retro diner feel. A good place to stop in an area with few dining options.

Mon Reve

4.6

(239 reviews)

Amazing. Met the owner and he was delightful…read more Service was top-notch. The food was spectacular and authentic French Provençal (and every other style). I'm a snob about French cooking (I lived in Châteuaroux, 200km south of Paris in the countryside for 2 years). Very little I've EVER eaten outside of there was been this amazing. And none better. Pure perfection. Ridgecrest is lucky to have this gem. It's like a small country cafe inside: comfortable.

Everything is amazing. Been here for both lunch and dinner. Food was absolutely delicious both…read moretimes. Highly recommend.

Dumpling Street

4.2

(25 reviews)

waiting time was about half an hour, which is I would say a decent wait time…read more I tried their mapo tofu with tossed noodles, the sauce was alright, but the noodle seems a bit too dry. I tried their Chinese sausage, which was utterly dry but flavor was ok. I tried their French fries, and it's pretty bland, but it was crispy. I have not tried their other dishes yet but maybe some other time because not to lie, their menu prices are high. I spent a little over 35 Dollars on the noodle dish plus two sides. I don't know what others think, but for me I believe the price for the bowl of noodles should be like a $10 price, while the two sides should be like a decent $4-5 dollars each.

This is an amazing restauraunt, highly recommend…read more Ambiance: Clean, polished, contemporary. Even the bathrooms impressed me. Service: Quick, very friendly, attentive, kind, joyful. The people working here are amazing, truthfully. These servers stand out enough for me to comment specifically. Food: The food here is elevated Chinese food and is the premier spot for Chinese food. I don't enjoy Chinese food places outside of Ridgecrest because this place is superior to all of them! If you are outside of Ridgecrest, this spot is absolutely worth the trip. It is a gem find.

Saigon Flavor

3.8

(296 reviews)