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New Yorkers 1st Choice
Top picks in Ventura

Cool bars

A bar that feels genuinely interesting without trying so hard that you cannot hear yourself think.

Based on 469 Opinions
+466
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Updated April 2026
01
Sans Souci Cocktail Lounge image 1
Sans Souci Cocktail Lounge image 2
Sans Souci Cocktail Lounge image 3
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Small dive bar with red light bulbs and a lively patio hosts live bands and DJs regularly. Atmosphere feels cozy and friendly, encouraging socializing among diverse, bohemian crowds. Music and vibe create a chill, old-school experience distinct from typical bars.

Dive bar atmosphere shines with friendly bohemian crowds and a cool vibe. Live music and great shows complement awesome bartenders and a lively patio.

A cool vibe fills the space with a jukebox adding to the atmosphere. The bartender Josh stands out as professional and cool.

People are saying

"This dive bar has a cool, old-school atmosphere."

"This dive bar always has great live music."

"It's a cool little spot with a jukebox."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Monday, starting at 10pm.

2

Live music or a DJ is featured most weekends.

3

The bar stays open late, unlike many others in the area.

02
The Yard Bar & Grill image 1

Restaurant combines cozy bar, spacious outdoor patio, and a speakeasy vibe with live music in the back. Atmosphere blends elegant style with a slight sports bar energy, creating a friendly and inviting environment. Burgers and cocktails stand out, drawing a crowd for both dining and casual drinks.

An elegant bar with a slight sports bar vibe offers a great atmosphere and a neat back patio. The mezcal cocktails stand out, and the pub fries add a unique, tasty touch.

Fun and friendly atmosphere creates a super cool vibe. Staff adds to the cool energy, and drinks like the Backyard refresher feel refreshing and cool.

People are saying

"These burgers are perfectly cooked and well seasoned."

"I found the atmosphere and vibe to be really cool."

"The cocktails here are delicious and creative."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 4-6pm on weekdays with discounted drinks and appetizers.

2

The patio is pet-friendly, making it a great spot for dog owners.

3

Credit cards and mobile payments are accepted; cash is also welcome.

03
Strange Beast image 1
Restaurant

Small, eclectic space with Kaiju decor and neon accent lighting creates a mod, quasi-bar atmosphere. Dim lighting and chill vibe suit late-night eats and casual drinks. Unique sushi and trend-setting cocktails attract a crowd looking for creative flavors and a fun setting.

Authentic Japanese whiskey-inspired craft cocktails stand out here. The bar offers a hipster-genX Tokyo vibe with original highball drinks and Japanese pub-food.

Cool decor creates a vibe that feels like a hip spot in Japan. Staff add to the cool atmosphere with their style and presence.

People are saying

"I found the food here to be solid and addictive."

"The cocktails here are unique and delicious."

"I found the staff to be cool and responsible."

Good to know

1

Karaoke happens every Wednesday night, making it a fun midweek activity.

2

Ramen night is on Sundays, featuring special ramen dishes.

3

Reservations are not required for karaoke, but arrive early for a good spot.

04
KJs neighborhood bar image 1

Live music sets a chill vibe with LED lights enhancing the atmosphere during performances. Cushions and pillows along the back walls add comfort while the space remains too small for dancing. The crowd enjoys phenomenal energy paired with tasty cocktails and delicious thin crust pizza.

Live music features some of the best acts in the area. Staff at the bar are super friendly, and the place is often not too busy.

Chill vibe fills the space with a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. It serves as a cool spot to hang out and unwind.

People are saying

"The pizza here has a yummy, airy, light crust."

"I found the live music here to be great."

"It's a cool spot to hang out."

Good to know

1

KJs neighborhood bar hosts a drag brunch every Sunday at 11 AM.

2

Karaoke nights take place every Thursday starting at 10 PM.

3

Open mic nights are held on Wednesdays at 8 PM.

05
Bombay Bar & Grill image 1

Large outdoor patio and light, airy interior create a relaxed setting with live music and a DJ that energizes the space. The vibe shifts from lively party atmosphere to a more low-key spot for watching sports on multiple TVs. Unique features include jell shots in syringes and two simultaneous dance floors with skilled dance teachers.

Live music creates a lively atmosphere alongside a high-class kitchen and bar setup. The bar and grill concept works well, offering everything a bar should have for a memorable night out.

Great live music sets a cool vibe here. The bouncers, bartenders, and DJs all add to the atmosphere.

People are saying

"I loved the vibe and the live music here."

"The drinks here are generously poured and really good."

"The nightclub music went from good to great."

Good to know

1

There is no entry fee at the venue.

2

Happy Hour offers $4 beers and great nachos on Thursdays.

3

Thursday night music and dancing features live performances.

06
Transmission Brewing image 1

Glass building with ocean views and a unique beer deck creates a lively, fun atmosphere. Music plays while people enjoy craft beers and top-notch pizza shared indoors with a connected pizzeria. The space welcomes dogs and offers an upper deck perfect for sunsets and social gatherings.

Plenty of bar seats accommodate solo visitors. Friendly staff and locals assist with a wide selection of beers on tap. The rooftop bar offers an ocean view behind the brewery.

Great atmosphere combines with a cool building and a laid-back vibe. The top deck view adds to the picturesque, relaxed setting.

People are saying

"I tried so many great beers, they did not miss."

"The beer here is great, especially the Downshift Pilsner."

"The beer here is ridiculously good; you won't have a bad one."

Good to know

1

The upstairs room with a view opens at 5PM and is for over 21 only.

2

You can order food from Toppers Pizza and have it delivered to the brewery.

3

Parking is limited, especially on football Sundays.

07
The Grape image 1
Jazz club

Jazz club styled like a traditional speakeasy offers intimate live music with fantastic acoustics and a spacious, artsy setting. The atmosphere stays friendly and lively, attracting people who enjoy blues and jazz performances. Seating arrangements keep every spot close to the stage, enhancing the music experience.

Built like a traditional speakeasy, the bar offers excellent cocktails and a great crew behind the counter. The vibe fits well with jazz and club scenes.

Jazz music sets a cool vibe here, paired with a neighborhood bar feel. Staff come off as very cool, creating an enjoyable atmosphere.

People are saying

"I found the live jazz music here to be top-notch."

"This bar has amazing live music and talented performers."

"The staff and atmosphere here are really cool."

Good to know

1

The cover charge is $20 for entry.

2

The Grape often sells out, so buy tickets ahead of time.

3

There is no food available at The Grape after 7pm.

08
Rocks & Drams image 1
Japanese restaurant

Rustic lounge with cozy couch seating and stylish bar offers a laid-back vibe with live entertainment and good music on certain nights. Indoor and outdoor seating create a comfortable setting for casual dining or drinks. The atmosphere suits date nights and pre-dancing gatherings.

A sophisticated lounge with cozy seating and a stylish bar creates a warm, welcoming vibe. Drinks come at reasonable prices and the fries stand out as a top bar snack.

A laid back atmosphere sets the tone here, creating a cool vibe that feels both unique and inviting. The ambience keeps things relaxed and easygoing.

People are saying

"The food here is amazing, especially the filet hibachi."

"The bartenders here craft delicious custom cocktails and know their stuff."

"It's the perfect spot for date night with its warm, welcoming lounge vibe."

Good to know

1

Karaoke night happens every Thursday with loud music until 11:00 pm.

2

Food is served until 9:00 pm on event nights.

3

Sunday brunch features a special menu and live music.

09
GiGi's Cocktail Lounge image 1

Dive bar with two pool tables and indoor/outdoor seating offers a relaxed, friendly vibe with a mix of regulars and visitors. Live bands and karaoke add to the chill atmosphere, while an outside taco truck provides food options. Crowd is easygoing and the place stays lively until 2am.

A friendly neighborhood bar with an older crowd and attentive bartenders creates a relaxed vibe. Live bands, karaoke, and pool add to the casual, welcoming atmosphere where regulars and visitors mix.

Bartenders craft great drinks with a cool vibe in a neighborhood bar setting.

People are saying

"The karaoke crowd here is fun, easy, and friendly."

"This dive bar has great vibes and attentive bartenders."

"I went for karaoke and they had live bands."

Good to know

1

Karaoke is available from Thursday to Sunday, starting at 9pm.

2

Open mic nights are hosted every Wednesday evening.

3

Parking is free and available near the bar.

10
The Varsity Club at S.I.S image 1

Large open space with sports simulators and multiple activity options creates an energetic, noisy atmosphere like a concert. Polite crowd gathers around big screens and a huge back patio with fireplace and heaters. Clean, modern decor complements the lively vibe, making it a fun spot for families and groups.

Sports themes dominate with screens throughout the venue showing games. Bar service stays kind and prompt, creating a lively vibe for a good time.

A creative concept shapes the whole spot, making it stand out. The back area with cornhole adds a fun, laid-back vibe. Staff members are cool and informative, enhancing the experience.

People are saying

"The food here is really good and delicious."

"This bar has a great atmosphere with games and screens everywhere."

"I found the environment super cool for bringing the whole family."

Good to know

1

Bingo night happens every Wednesday at 8pm.

2

Reservations are needed for the golf simulators, book at least a week in advance.

3

Prices for drinks are around $9 for a pint of beer.

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Ventura, California

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