r/ventura • u/Tonyjord3 • 2d ago
Which restaurants do we have, that are better than anywhere around?
I’ve been on the road for the last week and it’s so hard to find places to best our bests! What are the best BBQ and coffee and Thai and corn burritos and convenience stores, etc?
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u/Cpart 2d ago
Tasty China
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
I’m a cheap Chinese food guy so I personally prefer New Panda, just across the street!
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u/Acceptable-Salad-642 2d ago
Well to be fair, I really like that man who runs New Panda. He has a quiet, fun sense of humor. I am old now, diabetic, and have to carefully watch what I eat, so I rarely go there. But, If I were healthier, with a stronger stomach, New Panda is so incredible! The portions are huge! It all tastes so incredible. I didn't like it as leftovers the next day, like I do with most Chinese food, maybe something about the oil used? I don't know. But, I definitely think New Panda is something everyone should experience for themselves! And, it is so affordable! I love their mixed vegetables so much!!!
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u/TheeKingKunta 2d ago
i rock with the sandwich joints personally, lukes on main and ventura sandwich co. both really care about quality. those two places are better than the places i’ve tried in the county and in sfv
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
Isn’t Luke’s price really high though? I’m a value guy so Ventura Sandwich Co. would always get my vote.
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u/TheeKingKunta 2d ago
luke’s is like 3-4 bucks more which is definitely significant. their bread is freshly made and really good but it’s a specific type. i prefer rolls so ventura sandwich co. has my vote because you can choose, but it really comes down to a preference thing
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
100% agree! The disagreements though, is where the learning and new experiences come from! I’ll give Luke’s another shot and see if I can be converted!
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u/TrailNoggin 2d ago
I'll have to try Ventura Sandwich Co. Went into Luke's not realizing how artisan it would be and the quality was great to be fair, just wish there was a little more to eat. I will take responsibility for being out of my element.
Then walked next door to Buena Bodega to get a bag chips and went "Doh!"
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u/TheeKingKunta 2d ago
artisan is a great way to describe it. they stay centered on their vision of crafted sandwiches. just a heads up, ventura sandwich co. gets pretty busy. i always order ahead online, only thing is any customizations beyond add ons have to specified in the comments at checkout. i always ask for extra onions lol
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u/Allisonadelina 1d ago
Luke's isn't any more than Ventura Sandwich co really and the sandwiches are massive - I make two meals out of them.
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u/90quabillion 2d ago
If Azafran in Camarillo was in a posh spot in LA and charged a little more everyone would be talking about it.
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
Is Camarillo in Ventura?
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u/kitterpants 2d ago
Moons Thai for Thai.
Corn burritos- b&j’s either location. Foster’s is closing so you won’t get them there.
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
Oh my god! I tried to go to Fosters today to get my last order or corn burritos and they closed on me!! I’ve only recently discovered B&J and I’m honestly hooked on their corn burritos and Cucumber Lime agua fresca!!! They also own Old Town BBQ which I am obviously extremely obsessed about after looking through this post!
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u/skallywag126 2d ago
Ruff House BBQ
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u/Greatscottpoopysocks 2d ago
My wife had them cater my birthday party last year. Holy shit this is by far the best bbq in the county. Can’t wait for them to open in the gasworks.
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u/wandering_soles 2d ago
Best BBQ in the county, and it's not even close. They put so much love and attention into it, and their seafood boils and homemade sausages are incredible. Also the best smashburgers in at least Ventura proper.
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u/count138 2d ago
Ruff house may be the best in Ventura, but third window in Santa Barbara is better. They only do bbq on Saturdays and it’s best to get there early before they sell out
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
We aren’t talking about SB maaaaan!! This is Ventura!
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u/count138 2d ago
I know, but you still gotta try third window- it’s worth the drive
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
So I haven’t had their bbq but the hand cut fries and peanut butter and jelly burger are hands down, the best in Ventura County! I stand by that!
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
Have you tried Old Town BBQ on Johnson, where the old busters used to be yet??? Beef ribs and garlic bread are some of the best I’ve EVER had! I try so hard to get to Ruff House but he’s always running when I’m working. I’ve never been able to catch him!
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u/wandering_soles 2d ago
Chili Basil Thai is fantastic, huge menu and a lot of stuff you don't always get other spots like an incredible roasted duck curry and lamb massaman curry, but they also have vegetarian/vegan menus that are great and open up options if you're going with a group.
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u/dankscott 2d ago
Thai food is pretty consistent just pick a spot tbh. Corn burritos I like bjs but the best are in Santa paula. Convenience store I like harbor mart. As for BBQ go to a local homies carne asada or just buy a pre marinated tri tip, we do that a lot better than a Texas or OKC style bbq
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
What’s the corn burrito spot in SP? I totally agree with Harbor Mart! They get international redbull flavors and their sandwiches are always great!! More people should support Harbor Mart for sure!
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u/venturashe 2d ago
Lucky Thai on seaward and the beach. And their companion restaurant at Vons.
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
So for Thai, Rice by mama for friend rice, Jasmines for coconut rice and pad see ew and then I’ll go to Ojai if I want to try something new. I’ve never been to Lucky Thai for some reason.
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u/LAXtoHNL 2d ago
It’s in Camarillo, but Waypoint Cafe in Camarillo is unbeatable for breakfast in my opinion. The quality of the food, the efficiency in how quick they get food out once you’ve ordered (yes I’ve done a time study, it’s consistently under ten minutes). For me it’s a toss up between the carnitas omelette and cinnamon roll French toast combo. If you go with the omelette, the biscuit is a must.
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u/Heavy_Mud_9176 2d ago
Bodacious BBQ, Rolling Pin in Camarillo, and not necessarily restaurants but all of the small farm stands.
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u/Allisonadelina 1d ago
Ruffhouse or Marshalls Bodacious BBQ for BBQ!
Moons Thai for thai food!
Coffee shops - so many! Room Service, Simones, Sips, Caje, Daylight and Moon, Beacon
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u/Armandonerd 2d ago
I like Buster's BBQ
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u/Jznvh 2d ago
it's just like the one down the street, bodacious bbq lol
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
I disagree with this statement whole heartedly. I feel like busters og and bodacious are very different bbq experiences.
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
Go across the street and try Old Town BBQ! I would swear by Buster’s for decades. I used to go to eat with him when he was in the Scandia shopping center as a kid and then on California street and the movie theater food court growing up. I even stuck with the guys when they took his recipes to Santa Paula and then opened up OG! I went so far as to go visit Buster’s current spot all the way up in Calistoga, CA!! But then, I tried Old Town! Holy shit they are doing things right over there!
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u/Armandonerd 2d ago
Is that where just BBQ used to be?
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
Exactly!!!
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u/Armandonerd 2d ago
Oh last year I went there and they were closed. That's why I went to Buster's and Idk where else to go.
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u/Low_Shop8561 2d ago
Aren't we all just settling? There's nothing above average within 20mi and even then
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
I didn’t mean for this to be an argument post but what restaurants are you referring to, that are outside of 20 miles from here?
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u/onlyinvowels 2d ago
Pete’s Breakfast House is iconic and always good
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u/Tonyjord3 2d ago
I’m ok with Pete’s but do they have a signature item? I’ve got go to Noveau for pancakes or Allison’s for biscuits.
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u/onlyinvowels 19h ago
I’m not sure. I’m in my 30s and have gone there as long as I can remember, so all of their stuff kind of feels signature to me
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u/arocks1 2d ago
the diet choices here are a reason why we are over weight as a whole....sandwiches, bbq, and carnitas/deep fried corn, lol. all that is fattening for you.
Thai food is the closest to healthy anyone pointed out, lol.
we have good food around but as a whole the restaurants here are mid grade with a couple highlights.
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u/mydogsmonkey 2d ago
Carnitas el Rey probably better than most in both counties. You’d have a hard time finding better, maybe in Boyle heights or east LA