East beach
No, but thanks for guessing!
East Beach, near the East Beach pavilion?
Back Bench Pizza is the best pizza! Worth a return visit.
We recently had a lovely time walking around Downtown Ventura, visiting from Santa Barbara. But you’re right to call attention to this: “Two fountains are connected by a channel that I love the look of but wonder how frequently people trip on it.” I tripped on it and fractured my shoulder badly. I’m currently recovering from Reverse Total Shoulder Replacement surgery.
Gross enough to have to deal with it human to human, but when your kids have to be subject to things you aren't quite ready or want to have to explain to them- well it sucks. Do-gooders never put facilities in their neighborhood
Looks vibrant, no people anywhere 😄 both Ventura and Santa Barbara need to admit it didn't work. Sales tax down, business sales down (unless you get cheap/free outdoor seating to sell food/Bev) parking revenues down, retailers leaving, vacancy up...it's all connected
I have been approached at the gas station and Habit in intimidating ways. I have felt scared and threatened with my young kids. I would like the non-profits who help the homeless to provide some accountability and safety to the neighborhoods they set up in. I never saw any patrol outside PATH and if they are there to feed and offer service why am I being approached, just feet away? It certainly seems to be a meeting place for drug addicts and suppliers, as said above.
It's Santa barbara. The politicos will need another raise to come up with an additional tax to make up for any shortfalls.
Gracie's is awesome
I think I'm the only Ventura person who agrees with some of the feedback, and didn't get the takeaway that you didn't like our city. Ventura is great, but it could use some love. The storefronts and streets could use some cleanup, just like the medians and roadways could use maintenance. No, we don't want to be Santa Barbara (and frankly... I think SB overstates how "nice" it is), but having pride in your city doesn't mean neglect. I hope the city will learn that one day too because I do love the funk of it overall. Definitely come back and explore more of it... there's a lot to love!
Ok
The Jazz at the lion tail is the perfect vibe. Not too loud, very cool. Had a great night cap after dining at Lucky’s and was the perfect night
We really object to your characterization of our older buildings as “Drecky” and shows a side of your observations as lacking in historical references, yet you seem to do a horrible job of even inciting long term history of the Ventura community. Your diatribe was condescending and without merit on so many levels and we suggest you take that snobbish attitude back to SB and stay there. We all love Ventura and our “drecky” lifestyle's, so Bon-voyage and good riddance.
They really need a Arby’s because Ventura is a long drive to get one! Burger King to Lompoc is a long ride to get a whopper! Long John Silver Bakersfield is too long for a ride ! Please build these places I’ll give you a dollar or ten dollars
Venturans love the funky beach town feel of our city. I don't think you understand that we have no desire to be anything like Santa Barbara. But then, your negative attitude about Downtown Ventura is typical of a Santa Barbarian.
You speak for Allah? HOLY SHIT! Someone call Nipper!
Had brunch at Gracie’s last weekend and it was fabulous. Can’t wait to go back for dinner and try the sole in brown butter. The bar is stunning!
‘Went to Intermezzo recently for dinner.
Wait staff was disjointed/inattentive and we had to ask several times for our waitress to provide service. Food/drinks were wrong twice during the meal and came out cold upon service.
I’ve eaten in town for years, and while I understand vagaries occur, having our busser be the best of service on the night was disappointing.
Oh no, you poor thing. You read an online article and it made you scared. Life must be so hard for you.
Bless your itty bitty, teeny weenie, evil heart Christine. Allah loves you regardless. The rest of us? Not so much...
Love you and the contradiction you post- you say that the business owners want the street open to bring more customers and you want it closed because you prefer walking and milling around…. then you’re against the parking structure to park the cars in? Explain it to me please, so it makes sense.
There is one in progress there, but it is not open. Here's what I wrote last time you asked.... The restaurant is still happening; it has a kind of step-sibling relationship with S.Y. Kitchen. From the last big restaurant roundup: “S.Y. Kitchen’s Luca Crestanelli is opening an Italian restaurant in the former Via Vai space in the Upper Village: ‘The core idea is doing what we do best,’ he says. ‘Simple dishes made with high-quality ingredients. A relaxed and vibrant atmosphere. Comfortable space. Good wine. Good service. Hopefully we can get a liquor license.'” I wouldn't expect it to open for some time.
Is there a functioning restaurant in the location of the former Via Vai in the upper village? If so, does it have a name and what do they serve?
Excited about Arnie's (bar upstairs at Linden). I have known Arnie Sturham from living on Bainbridge Island myself for almost 30 years until this last January (now in SB). And his place on the island was amazing! An absolutely gem in the neighborhood - a place we all gathered for celebrations or just grabbing a drink. Congrats Arnie! Looking forward to it!
The Upham Hotel is the longest continuously operating hotel in "Southern" California... (not all of California). Cool history with Abe Lincoln's cousin though!
