Dargan's Irish Pub and Restaurant has a location in Ventura as well as Santa Barbara. While they are the obvious choice for a Saint Patrick's Day celebration, the pub is also a popular choice for pub food and drinks. Their full bar offers quick service and a famous sign that states their motto, "Alcohol is proof that God loves us and wants us to be happy." It's a popular location for locals to meet for a night on the town. With a good number of tables as well as bar seating, it's also popular for those looking to mingle and enjoy a night downtown. The drinks are often strong with generous pours. With several television sets, it's also a favorite spot for sport enthusiasts to sit down for a drink during the game. Free parking is available just behind the pub.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: Dargan's has quick service and a central location to all downtown venues. The pub is the perfect place to grab a drink and watch the game.
Tori's expert tip: Dargan's stays true to its Irish roots and serves perfectly poured Black & Tans.
The Wine Rack is just off Ventura's main downtown street, offering wine selections and appetizer platters. The staff is friendly and helpful, giving recommendations to those who are new to wine tasting and sharing advanced knowledge with those who are looking to experience new wines. They also offer speciality cheese platters and a large selection of wine-related gifts for the aficionado. The Wine Rack even includes live music sets in their nightly hours, making it an ideal stop for those looking for a stop before or after dinner. It's also a great place to spend an evening, enjoying good wine, company and music. Their selection is broader than you will find at a typical restaurant so its a favorite among those planning a special occasion.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: While Ventura has several full bars and brew pubs, The Wine Rack is a specialty stop among the downtown scene.
Tori's expert tip: Check their schedule for live music, it pairs well with wine.
More performance venue than club, this one-time movie house opened in 1928 and boasts elaborate details to complement its mission-style architecture. These days, the restored place is one of the area's most desirable concert halls, showcasing such talents as Johnny Lang, Counting Crows, Phish, Arctic Monkeys, Tori Amos and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. A full bar is available, along with some food if you're peckish. Other entertainments - like comedians - are occasionally booked as well. Floor space is for standing attendants and there is seating on the top floor, with 21 and over standing space in between the two areas. With its central location to downtown Ventura, it's a popular venue to catch an intimate show with your favorite performers.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: The Majestic Ventura Theater brings in both old and new names, offering a small venue that allows for intimate shows and strong acoustics.
Tori's expert tip: If you are over 21, the bar area has a view overlooking the floor space so you can drink and enjoy the show.
Barrelhouse 101 is a drinking venue near downtown Ventura that's obviously here to stay. With 101 standing for the number of beers they offer, its no surprise the restaurant is a popular stop for beer enthusiasts. While they also have a full menu offering appetizers and entrees, most patrons are quick to order a cold pint. The venue also hosts special tastings and events by breweries, offering seasonal brews and samplers. Most caft beers come from California, but there are also labels from Oregon, Washington and Utah, to name a few. Locals usually stop by Barrelhouse 101 for a beer before heading downtown, taking advantage of the bar and outdoor patio for a fun start to the night.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: Barrelhouse 101 brings locals and visitors into its bar for the extensive range of beer options (as well as a full bar).
Tori's expert tip: Check for special sampling events, where you can find great deals on rare brews.
Social Tap is located just steps from the beach in Ventura. Social Tap is a restaurant and brew pup built to bring people together while they drink and enjoy the coastal environment. Live bands often play at the venue, creating a fun hangout for all ages and bringing in local musicians from the surrounding area. Draft and seasonal beers are popular among guests, as is bottled beer, wine and signature spirits. This quintessential California pub even offers fresh and locally sourced food, including street tacos and burgers. A fun place to spend time with friends... or make some new ones!
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: Social Tap offers indoor and outdoor areas that are always packed with beach-goers and social butterflies.
Tori's expert tip: Their filet mignon truffle tacos and truffle fries pair perfectly with craft beer.
The Tavern is Ventura's most popular dance club and bar. As a house transformed into lounge, there are separated areas for every type of nightlife. Downstairs offers big booths, a full bar and often a live band. Walk farther into The Tavern and you will find another bar, complete with dance floor and another live band or DJ. The back patio has yet another bar as well as cabanas, booths and plenty of deck space for guests to mingle and dance. The Tavern also functions as a restaurant during the day, which is the best time to enjoy their classic and rustic decor, complete with vintage books and blackboards. While its location is bit separated from downtown's main drag, its worth the short walk to take advantage of a true lounge and dance floor.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: The Tavern is one of the most popular places to dance in Ventura.
Tori's expert tip: Splurge on the Bathtub Gin, its a spicy spin on the classic drink.
And now for something completely different... to be transported in both time and place head directly to VenTiki, Ventura's only tiki bar. Here the drinks are positively tropical, the decorations are certainly magical ,and the service is just delightful. Enjoy all the classics like Mai Tais, Zombies, Singapore Slings and more, all served in appropriate tiki glassware. They also have food... so you can keep drinking of course. Sit at the bar and watch classic movies play on the TV or enjoy your drink in the sunshine on the patio. One tip: if you've got a great Hawaiian shirt, this is the place to wear it.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: The hula is a kind of dance, ok? If you're looking for more of a social club than a dance club, this is your place.
Geneva's expert tip: Check their Facebook page for specials, like Magnum Mondays (wear a mustache and get drink specials!).
If you're looking for a fun bar and lounge in Ventura with a lot of local color, look no further than Paddy's. This LGBT-friendly place to get a drink has a fun atmosphere and the nicest bartenders around. It's an easygoing establishment with an outdoor patio, dance floor and full bar. It also has pool, darts and other classic bar games. There are fun activities throughout the week, including drag queen bingo, karaoke night and more. Paddy's is a great gay bar that packs whole lot of party! One more tip before you go, Paddy's is cash only so be sure to bring some bills (and Bills, they're welcome too).
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: Paddy's has great service, solid drinks and reasonable prices. It also has drag queens and karaoke!
Tori's expert tip: Stop in on Mondays for free pool and darts all day.
Hip and boisterous, this bar and dance club isn't intended for those who might want a relaxing evening. Only head over if you're ready to break it down and party. Once there, take in the mix of music (reggae, dance, pop, rock and jazz) and wedge yourself in among the booty-shakers. Tunes are loud, folks are wired, and the place rocks with the energy of live performers and even karaoke at times. Food is also available, should you need something to help soak up the alcohol. In fact, in the middle of the night tacos are available for $1.00. Be ready to dance.
Recommended for Ventura's Best Dance Clubs because: Bombay Bar & Brill has been around for years, bringing in people looking for a place to dance.
Tori's expert tip: Stay late for $1.00 tacos, they are the perfect snack after a night of dancing.