The best bars & nightlife in Ventura

40 bars & nightlife we’ve checked and stand behind — with the story on each one. Not a ranking; a record.

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Nightlife · 40 places · showing the latest additions first

Tomat

Nightlife

Tomat turns peak-season produce into modern Californian plates that actually taste like L.A., then backs it up with sharp cocktails,…

6261 W 87th St (Los Angeles)

, then backs it up with sharp cocktails, thoughtful wine, and local beer. Slide by this week for morning espresso and pastries or a low-key dinner that feels special, all fed by their urban garden and a menu that changes with what’s growing.

From the Inglewood newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Frolic Room

Nightlife

Since 1941, Frolic Room has kept things simple and strong, a no-frills bar with movie-star portraits, classic cocktails, and cold drafts.…

6245 Hollywood Blvd (Los Angeles)

Since 1941, Frolic Room has kept things simple and strong, a no-frills bar with movie-star portraits, classic cocktails, and cold drafts. Grab a stool, let the jukebox pick the mood, and remember why unfussy drinks in a friendly room just hit different.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 9, 2026

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Small, old Hollywood hipster hangout featuring cocktails, dartboards & a jukebox.

1714 Highland Ave (Los Angeles)

Small, old Hollywood hipster hangout featuring cocktails, dartboards & a jukebox.

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La Descarga

Nightlife

Whether your closet needs a reason to shine this week or you just want a night that actually feels like a night out, La Descarga delivers…

1159 N Western Ave (Los Angeles)

Whether your closet needs a reason to shine this week or you just want a night that actually feels like a night out, La Descarga delivers with bottle service, proper cocktail vibes, and a real dress code that keeps the scene sharp. Make a reservation and go be glamorous.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 25, 2026

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Chandeliers cast a warm glow at this vintage-chic cocktail bar, plus patio, fireplace & happy hour.

6423 Yucca St (Los Angeles)

Chandeliers cast a warm glow at this vintage-chic cocktail bar, plus patio, fireplace & happy hour.

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Dark & moody, this long-standing hangout offers classic cocktails, plus DJs, burlesque & live bands.

1123 Vine St (Los Angeles)

Dark & moody, this long-standing hangout offers classic cocktails, plus DJs, burlesque & live bands.

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If you're craving a proper cocktail without crossing town, Damn, I Miss Paris is a neighborhood spot in historic West Adams where the…

5162 W Adams Blvd (Los Angeles)

If you're craving a proper cocktail without crossing town, Damn, I Miss Paris is a neighborhood spot in historic West Adams where the drinks take center stage. They also book out the space for private events, so keep it in your back pocket for birthdays or album-listening nights.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 4, 2026

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Part New Orleans parlor, part fever dream, Sassafras Saloon nails that lived-in Southern vibe with wicker chairs, antique bar trinkets, and…

1233 Vine St (Los Angeles)

Part New Orleans parlor, part fever dream, Sassafras Saloon nails that lived-in Southern vibe with wicker chairs, antique bar trinkets, and a creaky conveyor belt parading bottle-aged cocktails overhead. Cozy for a date, fun with friends, and surprisingly perfect if you need a vibey private event.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, September 16, 2026

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Ever Bar

Nightlife

When you want a polished sip without trekking too far, Ever Bar nails midcentury vibes, craft cocktails, and shareable snacks. It’s the…

1800 Argyle Ave (Los Angeles)

When you want a polished sip without trekking too far, Ever Bar nails midcentury vibes, craft cocktails, and shareable snacks. It’s the kind of Hollywood spot that feels relaxed before a show, then hums later... ideal for a low-key date or catching up with friends.

From the Lynwood newsletter, September 13, 2026

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Tiki-Ti

Nightlife

Craving sunshine in a glass this week? Tiki-Ti mixes legendary, rum-forward tropical cocktails inside a tiny room drenched in tikis and…

4427 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Craving sunshine in a glass this week? Tiki-Ti mixes legendary, rum-forward tropical cocktails inside a tiny room drenched in tikis and Hawaiian vibes, the kind of old-school charm that flips your mood fast, a perfect midweek pick‑me‑up with no plane ticket required.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 19, 2026

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The Wiltern

Nightlife

Historic theater featuring mostly pop & rock bands in a sizable yet intimate art deco space.

3790 Wilshire Blvd (Los Angeles)

Historic theater featuring mostly pop & rock bands in a sizable yet intimate art deco space.

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The Taproom at Wagon Wheel Brewing Company is brewing on site and cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, so you can pair a juicy burger…

2601 Wagon Wheel Rd Ste 15 (Oxnard)

The Taproom at Wagon Wheel Brewing Company is brewing on site and cooking with fresh, seasonal ingredients, so you can pair a juicy burger with a Wagon Wheel Blonde Ale, Roller Garden West Coast IPA, or Road Rash Hazy DIPA. Keep an eye out for trivia, live music, and neighborly hangouts.

From the Oxnard newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Tabula Rasa Bar pours 20 wines by the glass and backs it up with a 200-bottle list, plus a full food menu that makes lingering dangerously…

5125 Hollywood Blvd (Los Angeles)

Tabula Rasa Bar pours 20 wines by the glass and backs it up with a 200-bottle list, plus a full food menu that makes lingering dangerously easy. They keep things lively with rotating events and food pop-ups, so swing by this week and let the staff point you toward a new favorite.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 4, 2026

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Magnavino Cellars pours award-winning, handcrafted wines in a beautifully curated Oxnard tasting room built for lingering chats and making…

961 Rice Ave (Oxnard) · ✓ checked Jul 27

Magnavino Cellars pours award-winning, handcrafted wines in a beautifully curated Oxnard tasting room built for lingering chats and making memories. Peek their calendar for community events, grab a bite from the food menu, or plan a private celebration that actually feels like you.

From the Oxnard newsletter, September 7, 2026

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BellRinger Brewing Company is a family-owned Downtown Ventura brewpub pouring award-winning beer brewed on site plus rotating guest taps,…

472 E Main St

BellRinger Brewing Company is a family-owned Downtown Ventura brewpub pouring award-winning beer brewed on site plus rotating guest taps, alongside scratch-made, elevated comfort food. Easy spot for a quick pint or a relaxed dinner with friends, the vibe is all community and no fuss, which you probably need this week.

From the Ventura newsletter, September 19, 2026

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This week, duck into The Cave inside Ventura Wine Co for a rotating lineup of 40-plus wines by the ounce, cozy candlelit tables, and…

4435 McGrath St Unit 301

This week, duck into The Cave inside Ventura Wine Co for a rotating lineup of 40-plus wines by the ounce, cozy candlelit tables, and seasonal plates that actually live up to the pour. Then grab a bottle from their shop with hundreds of options to keep the Camarillo evenings easy.

From the Ventura newsletter, September 15, 2026

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Rumfish y Vino keeps downtown afternoons and date nights easy with a stylish patio, a proper cocktail list, and menus that swing from…

34 N Palm St

Rumfish y Vino keeps downtown afternoons and date nights easy with a stylish patio, a proper cocktail list, and menus that swing from brunch to dinner without trying too hard. Grab a table with your crew or sneak in solo, then let the conversation do its thing.

From the Ventura newsletter, August 23, 2026

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Melanie Restaurant is that cozy wine bar you end up calling your spot, with a smartly curated list, shareable apps, and actual wine classes…

8310 W 3rd St (Los Angeles)

Melanie Restaurant is that cozy wine bar you end up calling your spot, with a smartly curated list, shareable apps, and actual wine classes for leveling up your palate. Perfect for a low-key weeknight swirl or a slightly celebratory dinner, plus they handle intimate private events too.

From the Beverly Hills newsletter, September 18, 2026

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VenTiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai serves Trader Vic style Mai Tais, Don the Beachcomber’s 1934 Zombie, and a rum list they tout as the best in…

701 E Main St

VenTiki Tiki Lounge and Lanai serves Trader Vic style Mai Tais, Don the Beachcomber’s 1934 Zombie, and a rum list they tout as the best in Ventura County, all to island tunes beside tiki torches and a fire pit. The Punk Rock Kitchen dishes Loco Moco, sushi rolls, and rotating specials.

From the Ventura newsletter, September 10, 2026

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LP Vinyl Bar

Nightlife

LP Vinyl Bar is a low-lit hideaway pairing serious cocktails with a live vinyl soundtrack, powered by KCRW DJ Raul Campos’ record…

1704 Vine St (Los Angeles)

LP Vinyl Bar is a low-lit hideaway pairing serious cocktails with a live vinyl soundtrack, powered by KCRW DJ Raul Campos’ record collection. If you’ve been craving the Lost Property mixology vibe with extra groove, this Hollywood spot is a quick hop from Glendale.

From the Hollywood newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Ann’s Wine Bar pairs Caroline Styne’s favorite new and old world pours with Suzanne Goin’s a.o.c. small plates, so your Hollywood Bowl…

2301 Highland Ave (Los Angeles)

c. small plates, so your Hollywood Bowl night starts deliciously. If you’ve got a concert on the calendar, make it a mini date, explore the list, then float to your seats smiling.

From the Chino Hills newsletter, August 27, 2026

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Some nights call for a cold, well chosen pint and a tangy-crisp sourdough crust you can hear crackle. Fluid State Beer Garden keeps a…

692 E Main St

Some nights call for a cold, well chosen pint and a tangy-crisp sourdough crust you can hear crackle. Fluid State Beer Garden keeps a rotating tap list and turns out legit pies, the kind you plan to split then guard like a dragon.

From the Ventura newsletter, August 24, 2026

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Cardinale du Vin is a Pico-Robertson neighborhood bistro and wine bar pouring small-producer, minimal-intervention bottles with an Old…

8912 W Pico Blvd (Los Angeles)

Cardinale du Vin is a Pico-Robertson neighborhood bistro and wine bar pouring small-producer, minimal-intervention bottles with an Old World lean, plus a rotating menu where fish sauce and butter happily coexist. Bonus points for Leopard Pizza Co. pop-ups and vinyl nights that keep the vibe effortlessly local.

From the Beverly Hills newsletter, September 7, 2026

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Craving laid-back coastal comfort close to home? The Shores | Bar & Restaurant turns out beer-battered fish and chips, grilled shrimp…

1031 Harbor Blvd (Oxnard)

Craving laid-back coastal comfort close to home? The Shores | Bar & Restaurant turns out beer-battered fish and chips, grilled shrimp tacos, lamb lollipops, and a happy hour lineup of wings, potato skins and street tacos, plus hefty burgers and sandos built for post-beach appetites.

From the Ventura newsletter, August 19, 2026

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Strey Cellars

Nightlife

Strey Cellars keeps weekends lively with award winning wines poured in a fun, welcoming tasting room, plus live music, local bands, and…

951 Rice Ave (Oxnard)

Strey Cellars keeps weekends lively with award winning wines poured in a fun, welcoming tasting room, plus live music, local bands, and food trucks in their barrel room. From sparkling to bold reds to dessert sips, it is a laid back Ventura County spot worth making your go to this week.

From the Camarillo newsletter, August 24, 2026

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SIPS Coffee Wine Beer is a family-owned hangout in nearby Ventura pouring curated coffee, wine, and craft beer with yummy bites, plus…

2950 Johnson Dr #125

SIPS Coffee Wine Beer is a family-owned hangout in nearby Ventura pouring curated coffee, wine, and craft beer with yummy bites, plus weekly King Trivia nights for bragging rights. Pop in to catch the neighborhood vibe, or grab bottles to go and upgrade your couch nights.

From the Oxnard newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Rincon Brewery is a casual brewpub pouring easy-to-like pints alongside the pub grub you actually crave, think wings, sliders, and…

4100 Telegraph Rd · ✓ checked Sep 4

Rincon Brewery is a casual brewpub pouring easy-to-like pints alongside the pub grub you actually crave, think wings, sliders, and shareable bites. A reliable meet-up when you want flavor without fuss, plus a chill vibe that feels very Ventura.

From the Ventura newsletter, September 11, 2026

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Victoria Pub & Grill has that cozy English pub vibe without the passport, pouring draughts alongside British staples and American…

1413 S Victoria Ave F

Victoria Pub & Grill has that cozy English pub vibe without the passport, pouring draughts alongside British staples and American favorites. Grab a friend for darts or billiards, stake out a lazy weekend breakfast, and let the cheerful chatter remind you why neighborhood spots still matter.

From the Oxnard newsletter, August 18, 2026

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Home Restaurant nails that bar-and-grill sweet spot with heaping plates of homestyle comfort grub, plus cocktails that actually taste like…

1760 Hillhurst Ave (Los Angeles) · ✓ checked Aug 27

Home Restaurant nails that bar-and-grill sweet spot with heaping plates of homestyle comfort grub, plus cocktails that actually taste like someone cared. Grab a seat on the big heated patio and linger, because this is the kind of place you come hungry, stay chatty, and leave happily full.

From the Lancaster newsletter, September 2, 2026

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The Grape

Nightlife

Slide into The Grape for an intimate listening room where A-list players roll through from across the map, plus locals jumping in at The…

2733 E Main St

Slide into The Grape for an intimate listening room where A-list players roll through from across the map, plus locals jumping in at The Grape Gratitude Jazz Jam. Sip a PB+J Old Fashioned or go zero-proof, settle in, and remember why live music still hits different here at home.

From the Ventura newsletter, August 30, 2026

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If your beer-loving friend and your cider-curious self need neutral ground, Alma's Cider & Beer keeps a rotating lineup of hard ciders plus…

904 Virgil Ave (Los Angeles)

If your beer-loving friend and your cider-curious self need neutral ground, Alma's Cider & Beer keeps a rotating lineup of hard ciders plus thoughtfully chosen beers, poured in a cozy, conversation-friendly room that makes weeknights feel special without trying too hard.

From the Los Angeles newsletter, August 12, 2026

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Small batch, low intervention wines made sustainably in Ventura County from Central Coast grapes, fermented with natural yeast and zero new…

4517 Market St Ste 7

Small batch, low intervention wines made sustainably in Ventura County from Central Coast grapes, fermented with natural yeast and zero new oak so the fruit actually speaks.

From the Ventura newsletter, September 20, 2026

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lolo wine bar

Nightlife

Wines by the glass, or to-go by the bottle, with globally-inspired bites in a candlelit room.

5140 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Wines by the glass, or to-go by the bottle, with globally-inspired bites in a candlelit room.

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Elbow Room

Nightlife

Lively eatery offering pizza, sandwiches, and other comfort foods with craft beer and a full bar.

1634 N Cahuenga Blvd (Los Angeles)

Lively eatery offering pizza, sandwiches, and other comfort foods with craft beer and a full bar.

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Old-bank charm meets Italian cocktail craft at Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, an Italian-influenced cocktail bar and restaurant in Downtown…

394 E Main St

Old-bank charm meets Italian cocktail craft at Bank of Italy Cocktail Trust, an Italian-influenced cocktail bar and restaurant in Downtown Ventura. Slide in for thoughtful drinks, craveable bar food, and that unmistakable Good Lion Hospitality touch when you need a weeknight upgrade that still feels local.

From the Ventura newsletter, August 22, 2026

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Break your weekday rut at PADI Indonesian Restaurant & Wine Bar for bold Indonesian cooking in a warm, welcoming space made for sharing.…

6464 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Break your weekday rut at PADI Indonesian Restaurant & Wine Bar for bold Indonesian cooking in a warm, welcoming space made for sharing. Hit the Gado - Gado, hand-pulled Bakmi Ayam, Sate Ayam, and those aromatic Beef Ribs with West Sumatran green chili sambal, then linger over the wine list.

From the Hollywood newsletter, August 20, 2026

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Covell

Nightlife

At Covell the crew turns your vibe into the perfect pour, asking for one word then nailing the glass that matches it. Think thoughtful…

4628 Hollywood Blvd (Los Angeles)

At Covell the crew turns your vibe into the perfect pour, asking for one word then nailing the glass that matches it. Think thoughtful wines by the glass, a few craft beers, and light bites in a mellow Los Feliz room that feels like your friend’s cool living room.

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Jaguar Moon

Nightlife

Jaguar Moon is Downtown Ventura’s mezcal and tequila cocktail bar, pouring agave-forward creations alongside a full nightly food menu that…

97 S Oak St

Jaguar Moon is Downtown Ventura’s mezcal and tequila cocktail bar, pouring agave-forward creations alongside a full nightly food menu that actually keeps up with the drinks. Eater LA even called it a taste of the Yucatán, which checks out. Make it your midweek treat or Friday finisher.

From the Ventura newsletter, August 29, 2026

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Renowned comedy club (part of a chain) opened in 1974 & featuring a roster of shows, plus dining.

8162 Melrose Ave (Los Angeles)

Renowned comedy club (part of a chain) opened in 1974 & featuring a roster of shows, plus dining.

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Laugh Factory

Nightlife

Well-known comedy club for seasoned & emerging stand-up acts, plus surprise celebrity guests.

8001 Sunset Blvd (Los Angeles)

Well-known comedy club for seasoned & emerging stand-up acts, plus surprise celebrity guests.

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