The best bars & nightlife in Ventura

“Photos of movie stars deck the walls at this historic, no-frills bar, famous for its jukebox.”

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

“A Cuban-themed nightspot with a dress code offering a cigar lounge & burlesque-style salsa acts.”

“Laid-back spot with a large outdoor area offering cocktails and bar food.”

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

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

“Mixology-focused bar & event venue offering a swanky take on the Old West theme for private events.”

“Midcentury vibes greet hotel guests & Hollywood industry types for craft cocktails with snacks.”

“This local landmark whips up tropical drinks in a tiny room covered in tikis & Hawaiian decor.”

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

“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, August 3, 2026

“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

“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.”

“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, August 7, 2026

“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 Camarillo newsletter, August 3, 2026

“Buzzy gastropub featuring Central American plates & inventive cocktails, along with a stylish patio.”

“Polynesian food & sushi from a laid-back bar featuring an island theme & patio with a fire pit.”

“Handsome, low-lit & moody lounge for mixology & cocktails with a focus on whiskey.”

“Stylish outdoor steakhouse offering choice cuts, seafood & more with Bowl views. Open seasonally.”

“Easygoing outfit with rustic-chic decor & plush seating serving draft craft beers & sourdough pizza.”

“Surfboards & vintage photos add to the contemporary beach theme at this bright bar & grill.”

“Casual brewpub featuring wings, sliders, and other typical pub fare, plus happy-hour specials.”

“Relaxed mainstay for British & American tavern fare & draft beer, plus darts & pool tables.”

“Hipsters fill up on heaping plates of homestyle comfort grub plus cocktails on the big heated patio.”

“Casual venue for jazz musicians, with jam sessions, an old-time vibe and friendly service.”

“Cozy taproom featuring an ever-changing lineup of hard ciders, along with wine and beer.”

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

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

“Family-run trattoria serves Italian comfort food, including handmade pasta, amid modest decor.”

“Wines by the glass, plus craft beer & light nibbles, draw locals to this cozy, urbane spot.”

“Lively bar offering tacos and other Oaxacan eats and cocktails featuring mezcal and tequila.”

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

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