Atly Logo
New Yorkers 1st Choice
Local picks

Cool Spots in Ventura

Somewhere that feels genuinely cool without trying so hard that it becomes exhausting to be there.

Based on 542 Opinions
+539
User
User
User
Updated
01
Transmission Brewing image 1
Transmission Brewing image 2
Transmission Brewing image 3
View all

Glass building offers ocean views and a lively beer deck with craft beers. Music and top-notch pizza create a fun vibe indoors. Dogs are welcome, and the upper deck is perfect for sunsets and socializing.

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

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

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.

02
KJs neighborhood bar image 1
KJs neighborhood bar image 2
KJs neighborhood bar image 3
View all

Live music and LED lights create a chill vibe perfect for unwinding. Cushions and pillows add comfort while enjoying tasty cocktails and thin crust pizza. Space is cozy, so dancing is limited but energy stays high.

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

People are saying

"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.

03
Freedom Coffee (Ventura Promenade) image 1
Freedom Coffee (Ventura Promenade) image 2
Freedom Coffee (Ventura Promenade) image 3
View all

Outdoor coffee cart on the beach offers full espresso machine and flavorful coffee with ocean waves and coastal breeze creating a relaxing vibe. Barista with a cool accent makes it a great spot to meet new friends and enjoy the lively promenade.

A real full espresso machine powers drinks made by an awesome barista with a cool accent. The spot feels like a great place to make new friends and hang out.

Good to know

1

Freedom Coffee is located just steps from the beach.

2

There is a parking lot available nearby.

3

Freedom Coffee offers a variety of vegan options.

04
Back Bench Pizza image 1
Back Bench Pizza image 2
Back Bench Pizza image 3
View all

Small, cozy spot with punk rock music sets a hip tone. Staff are super nice and easygoing, adding to the cool vibe. Known for New York style pizza with a unique crust mix, it delivers great slices without fuss.

Owner and staff bring a really cool vibe. Everyone working there is super nice and easygoing.

Good to know

1

The restaurant only offers walk-in service and does not accept delivery or takeout.

2

Back Bench Pizza is closed two days a week.

3

The business may close before their stated hours, so check before visiting.

05
The Yard Bar & Grill image 1
The Yard Bar & Grill image 2
The Yard Bar & Grill image 3
View all

Cozy bar and spacious outdoor patio offer a speakeasy vibe with live music. Burgers and cocktails shine, creating an inviting spot for dining and drinks. Friendly staff and a fun atmosphere add to the cool energy, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a Backyard refresher.

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

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

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.

06
Kuu Sushi image 1
Kuu Sushi image 2
Kuu Sushi image 3
View all

Small sushi spot with fresh fish and intimate atmosphere. Modern decor shines with cool murals and a dark dining room. Perfect for quiet dinners or lively date nights with comfy seating and low-volume game TVs.

Modern atmosphere features very cool murals. Dark dining room adds a cool vibe to the interior.

People are saying

"It's so cool they welcome your dog with a water dish."

Good to know

1

Happy hour runs from 8 PM until close with great prices.

2

Kuu Sushi offers a diverse menu including unique sushi rolls and ramen.

3

The restaurant stays open later than most, until 10 PM.

07
Sans Souci Cocktail Lounge image 1
Sans Souci Cocktail Lounge image 2
Sans Souci Cocktail Lounge image 3
View all

Small dive bar glows with red light bulbs and a lively patio. Live bands and DJs fuel a chill, old-school vibe that feels cozy and friendly. Bartender Josh adds a professional, cool touch to the bohemian crowd's social scene.

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

"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.

08
Rocks & Drams image 1
Rocks & Drams image 2
Rocks & Drams image 3
View all

Rustic lounge offers cozy couch seating and a stylish bar for a laid-back vibe. Live entertainment and good music create a cool atmosphere that feels unique and inviting. Indoor and outdoor seating make it perfect for casual drinks or date nights.

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.

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
Strange Beast image 1
Strange Beast image 2
Strange Beast image 3
View all

Small space with Kaiju decor and neon lights sets a mod vibe. Unique sushi and trend-setting cocktails draw a creative crowd. Staff style adds to the cool atmosphere, making it feel like a hip Japan spot.

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 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.

10
Surfers Point Café image 1
Surfers Point Café image 2
Surfers Point Café image 3
View all

Indoor and outdoor seating blend with surfboard-themed décor and local art for a laid-back beach vibe. Friendly staff add coastal cool to the mellow atmosphere. Sunny patio seating offers a quiet spot just steps from the shore.

Surfboards form a unique fence along the busy boulevard, adding a distinct vibe. Staff bring a friendly, coastal cool that shapes the atmosphere. The spot works well for a quick bite or pick up.

People are saying

"The coffee here is bold, smooth, and rich."

Good to know

1

The café has parking and plenty of seats.

2

There was no/minimal line, plenty of available seating, and quick service.

3

The café closes at 3 PM instead of 4 PM.

11
Pho Gyu Vietnamese Noodle House image 1
Pho Gyu Vietnamese Noodle House image 2
Pho Gyu Vietnamese Noodle House image 3
View all

Wide open, airy space combines traditional and modern elements with comfortable, spacious seating. Atmosphere feels casual and lively, often busy and a bit loud, with classic rock music playing. The place offers both indoor and outdoor dining options.

Good to know

1

They’re open till 10pm.

2

Parking is easy in the lots near the restaurant.

3

Prices are reasonable for the quality and quantity of food.

12
The Grape image 1
The Grape image 2
The Grape image 3
View all

Jazz club offers intimate live music with fantastic acoustics in a spacious, artsy setting. Staff are very cool, creating a lively, friendly vibe. Seating keeps everyone close to the stage for a great experience.

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

"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.

13
Bombay Bar & Grill image 1
Bombay Bar & Grill image 2
Bombay Bar & Grill image 3
View all

Large outdoor patio and live music create a cool, relaxed vibe. Two dance floors with skilled teachers keep energy high. Multiple TVs make it great for sports fans, while unique jell shots in syringes add fun to the bar scene.

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

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.

14
Baja Bay Surf n Taco image 1
Baja Bay Surf n Taco image 2
Baja Bay Surf n Taco image 3
View all

Small Mexican spot shines with best fish tacos and a dog-friendly patio. Outdoor seating brings a cool ocean breeze and a family-friendly vibe. Casual, cozy, and full of love in every dish.

Good to know

1

Taco Tuesday happens every week with special deals on tacos.

2

A 20% gratuity is added for parties of six or more.

3

The restaurant offers takeout options for those who prefer to eat elsewhere.

15
Pacific View image 1
Pacific View image 2
Pacific View image 3
View all

Mall offers Pacific Ocean views and a spacious food court with a clean kids' playpen. Many stores are closed, but cool clothes shops add trendy vibes. Overall, energy feels subdued and design is outdated.

Lots of cool stores fill the mall with trendy options. Clothes there stand out as really cool, making it a cool place to hang out.

People are saying

"It's a cool place to shop and hang out."

Good to know

1

The mall has a Macy's, JCPenney, Old Navy, and Target store.

2

Restrooms are well-maintained and clean throughout the mall.

3

The playground for kids is clean and well-kept.

Discover more

Ventura, California

Area guide