Big Buddha Lounge

The service was bad. How long do you have to stand at the bar to close your tab? Or order? And the food was just plain tasteless. Beyond bland. The building itself seems nice, I liked the decor, and the patio is large. I'm an Ojai native and have only been in here once and unless someone else absolutely insists on going here, I won't be back.

This was the first place I went to when I landed in Oak View.  I miss it dearly. When I first walked in they were playing Waylon Jennings, which was when I knew I was gonna like it there (they play more than awesome old country, for the record). Further cementing that assertion, they have ice cold PBRs available for just a couple bucks.
As a 30-something, I appreciate that they don't slang hard stuff here, just beer and wine. That's not to say you won't get your fair share of whacky drunk people, but they're less apt to be blacked out drunk or the collegiate type. The staff are really good folk, and the live music most nights provides a fun atmosphere. As well as the neat, funky decor.
Oh yeah and the food! Most items come tasty and grilled, and their rice bowls are affordable and delish. They have daily specials, too!
Alas, I may be 350 miles away, Big Buddha, but you are in my heart. And I will be back.

Super cute inside yet the bar guy, David, could care less of our arrival and just wanted to chat to the only two people there other than us. Oh, some dude was meditating on the outside patio with his dog.  The lack of greeting . . . none actually, he just slide a menu towards us. No smile or hello. Just a menu.  We left. He killed it.
(only reason I know his name is I asked his name after getting his attention to answer a question on the menu . . . then he pushed back to his two peeps he was rather taken by in talking to.) For a place that only had 3 customers . . . two more should get some cheerful attention.