Anacapa Brewing Co

We have been here several times and have had several items on the menu.  The Louisiana Fried chicken Salad is wonderful.  I have had several other salads as well and love the Blue Cheese Salad (hold the onions) and the Thai Chicken Pasta.  The beer flights are always good.  This place ties with a favourite of ours in Carpenteria for beer tastings.  WARNING.  The beers tend to the British style of brewing.  I happen to enjoy that style but many people don't understand different styles, or the bitters associated with British brewing.

They have a patio in front of the door that is dog friendly. We always try to sit where we can see people with their dogs sitting in the front.  The people that bring the dogs are always friendly and treat their dogs like dogs instead of people.  Needless to say; as a result the dogs are perfectly behaved.  We often see the waitress bring water for the dogs when she brings water to their tables.  We have considered bringing our Collies for one of our day trips, but the rest of Ventura is not as dog friendly.

My culinary goal is the search for the perfect chicken schnitzel and the perfect Fish and Chips.  So far the best Fish and Chips I have had were in Piraeus,  Greece.  Last time we went I ordered their fish and chips since they don't offer schnitzel.  It came to my table with the fish pieces all cooked together.  Clumped. Raw and undercooked where they were stuck together. I was very disappointed the chef would allow such a thing to leave his kitchen.  I was disappointed the waitress would deliver such a thing to a table. Was even sadder no attempt to remedy the situation was made.  The search continues.

I had high hopes for this place due to the location but was not impressed.  One star for good service and one for good food.  We purchased a 5-beer sampler and only really liked one, the porter.  We love craft beer but I don't think of myself as especially picky, I've NEVER been to a brewery and only liked one beer.  Bummer.  We had the wings, hot and delish as well as the asiago cheese dip which was rich but good.   Since the appetizers were overpriced the beer not-so-good, we won't go back.  I really wanted to like it more, but I'd rather go to BJ's and that's saying something.

Ok, I'm easily amused but I really do love this place ~ wondering if they'd put brass nameplate on my favorite barstool ....

Relocated from Michigan which abounds in craft breweries, a fairly new concept only recently finding market niches in Ventura County  = breweries and beer shops suddenly springing up in SoCal ... but Anacapa is grand-daddy of 'em all ~ gal who manages bar been there 13 years and this place just doesn't turn staff over - suspect it is employee-owned because they're so competent & committed.

Fitting i bumbled in to Anacapa after meeting owner/manager while getting MRI's -- located smack in midst of  Ventura's beautiful walk-around Mission district, Anacapa a cool & quiet spot to snag lunch and sample the half-dozen or so beers on tap.

Brick, wood & huge vats on west wall behind bar w/ tables both inside and on small front veranda ... menu mostly burgers & pizza, nicely done -- don't eat mammals but find both their 9" veggie pizza and fish&chips very satisfying lunch plates, reasonably priced .

Am partial to dark beers and do look forward to their Porters & Stouts. Chalkboards over bar describe the half-dozen or so brews on tap,  and staff all know food & brews very well, will intelligently describe/discuss what Anacapa does. //  Yes they sell Growlers.    

Can get a little crowded at peak lunch / dinner hour but afternoon ambiance generally quiet & conversational, typical Ventura mix of locals + visitors = nice place to hang out.