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    VEN A Communal Eatery

    4.8 (72 reviews)
    Closed Closed
    Updated 3 weeks ago

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    Recommended Reviews - VEN A Communal Eatery

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    Jerk chicken platter and Shrimp crawfish? mac and cheese.
    Rie D.

    Went to 2nd time. Food was good as before. Service was a little slow but it didn't bother us. The open kitchen is great and looks clean. I wish for a little more seating space between tables. But overall we like it.

    Jerk Chicken Platter
    Natalie P.

    A cute new spot serving delicious comfort food in Ridgecrest! I've always been impressed with the restaurant scene in Ridgecrest given the town's size, but the addition of VEN really takes things to another level. I remember enjoying their burger when they were only a food truck, albeit it was a bit pricey. But now that they have the full restaurant open do I really get the vision - the service is great, food is absolutely delicious, and it's clear they really take pride in the food they make. Even if it were in a bigger city with more options, I know VEN would still be in my regular rotation. So far i've tried the jerk chicken platter and the il figo salad which were both delicious! The food comes out quick and is a good size portion. The fig vinaigrette on the salad was so yummy, the salmon I added on top made it the perfect light dinner. My coworkers loved the shrimp and crab mac n cheese, which i'll definitely be trying next time!

    Soul chicken salad
    Linda D.

    Amazing find. We stopped at Ridgecrest on the way to Death Valley. We googled eatery around there and decided to try the soul food. Food is awesome. Service is by husband and wife who are super friendly. We shared the table with 2 other group of people, we chatted with them. Soul chicken salad is sooooo good, the jerky chicken meal is wonderful. We also ordered a side garlic fries, which we thought would be too much, they were all gone. Will certainly come back again if we are in the area.

    Marina S.

    My husband and I attended a private Valentine's 5-course chili and chocolate infused dinner at Ven Communal, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. Each course was beautifully presented and thoughtfully curated. The way chili and chocolate were infused throughout the menu was creative, balanced, and surprisingly sophisticated. Every dish felt intentional bold flavors layered perfectly without overpowering one another. The service was just as impressive. Melissa was warm, attentive, and knowledgeable about each course, which elevated the entire evening. You could feel the care and coordination from the whole team. Major compliments to Chef Reese and the entire staff for creating such a unique and memorable Valentine's experience. It wasn't just dinner it was an event. We'll absolutely be back, and I highly recommend experiencing one of their special dinners if you get the chance. Johnny and Marina

    Beth C.

    Amazing! Amazing intentional menu, that tastes perfect. We tried the jerk chicken tacos, shrimp tacos, fries, and Cajun pasta. The owner and his wife are amazing, great service and conversation. Relaxing and friendly environment. Will definitely be coming back.

    Our first time here. We really enjoyed the food. The Jerk chicken tacos were so flavorful, the fries were good as well. Friendly and attentive staff. Atmosphere is welcoming so that's always great. Stop in if you're in the area!!

    The Vanguard Burger
    Monica P.

    Another amazing meal! The service, the ambiance, and most importantly our dishes were superb. I recommend Ven once again. You won't be disappointed.

    Jerk chicken player half eaten!!
    Suzette C.

    We came here for the first time tonight and can I just say OMG why haven't I come sooner!! Best flavor !! The jerk chicken was amazing and so full of flavor! The tacos are the best and even the burger is so delicious and not just a patty of tasteless meat! The ambiance is so relaxing and chill. Smooth tunes, great lightening not too much not too little. The owner is the nicest and so attentive. This is the best place in Ridgecrest in my opinion!!!

    Hunny Lemon Chicken Sando and Watermelon Ginger Lemonade
    Mark M.

    Amazing food and the service is always top notch!! Clean and the food comes out quickly and piping hot!!

    Owner with my family!

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    1 year ago

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    8 months ago

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

    This restaurant is a must visit if you are in Ridgecrest. The people are very hospitable. The food was delicious!!!

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    1 year ago

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    2 years ago

    Best burger in town!! Love the Bubba burger go get one you won't be sorry!! Reese and Miriam are really great folks !!

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    Reese H.

    We appreciate you!

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    10 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    Reese H.

    We appreciate you! Thank you for choosing to dine with us.

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    2 years ago

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    Reese H.

    We appreciate you!

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    Reese H.

    Thank you for sharing your experience! We appreciate you.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    Hands down the best food in town! The Bubba Burger Probably the best burger I've ever had!

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    2 years ago

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    Reese H.

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    2 years ago

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    2 years ago

    INCREDIBLE food, and is run by an amazing family ! You won't regret trying this. It is a must do in Ridgecrest!

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    Reese H.

    Thank you for your review! We appreciate you. Please come back soon!

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    6 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    Reese H.

    Thank you! We hope to see you again soon!

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    5 years ago

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    Reese H.

    Thank you so much for your kind words!

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    6 years ago

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    Reese H.

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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    Reese H.

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    6 years ago

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    Reese H.

    We love food and are happy that you love it too!

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    6 years ago

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    Reese H.

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    6 years ago

    Great new place to try in town! Their poutine is delicious and they have new food options every week!

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    6 years ago

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    Reese H.

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    Page 2 of 2

    Ask the Community - VEN A Communal Eatery

    Ale’s Crab House - Clam chowder bowl

    Ale’s Crab House

    4.0(101 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Stopping on my way to Anaheim and Ale's came up as one of the highest rated places. It was…read moredefinitely decent. Just gotta drop a star because our waitress was a bit short and irritable, and the food was really nothing crazy amazing. Ended up having the shrimp and lobster fries appetizer which was pretty yummy, the shrimp on it is the best part. Even the kids loved the fries and ended up also splitting a chicken sandwich that was pretty basic, but cooked well and had a tasty bun. Wife and I split a pastrami burger, and gotta say the pastrami was really good, that was a great choice. It had a bunch of creamy cheese sauce on it as well and was gone in seconds. Ambiance was fine, place was really clean, and service was SUPER QUICK. One critique is when we asked for extra plates to split out food, the waitress told us they were out of plates because they used them all on the party that was in there. This was at max a party of 10, and the restaurant had to only have 10 more people in it total. Kinda weird to be out of plates at 20% capacity... she did end up getting us additional "trays" to use. Totally fine, just a bit odd. All in all, if you need some quick grub, stop in here on your way through. Price was pretty fair, 2 burgers, and an appetizer with ice teas for $50. Decent.

    Had a shrimp boil with Cajun spice. Very tasty but recommend order sealed shrimp as whole shrimp…read moreis a bit messy. Good service clean resturaunt clean restrooms. Quiet atmosphere in side.

    Photos
    Ale’s Crab House - Shrimp basket

    Shrimp basket

    Ale’s Crab House - Regular Michelada with Modelo.

    Regular Michelada with Modelo.

    Ale’s Crab House - Snow crab boil (1lb) with potatoes and sausage with all 3 sauces.

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    Snow crab boil (1lb) with potatoes and sausage with all 3 sauces.

    VEN A Communal Eatery - newamerican - Updated September 2026

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