I love Zoey's. Great bar, great rooms, great patio. The drinks & food are top notch, and I love the open mic comedy night on Wednesdays, and all the local and national bands that come through. It's a great place to meet friends. My only issue is the service. For some reason there is only every one bartender no matter how busy it is. There was a night recently where there were 6 of us at the bar and THREE people behind it, all with their backs to us for about 10 minutes. No one said a word to us. I usually see two people behind the bar with the bartender doing random things but never taking orders or making drinks. It always takes SO LONG to get a drink at that bar and I don't understand. This shouldn't be an issue. Or bartenders that talk to others too long, don't remember the water you asked for, serve others who just came up when you've been standing there for 20 minutes. There's got to be a way to imrove this.
Review Source:Cool spot. Good bartender (Doc). Wonton poppers and spicy chicken were both awesome. Â Happy Hour deals made me feel like I was a thief. The place has a very local feel but without the local only attitude. They had live music. The bands were good but not my style. There is nowhere to hide from the music so if it bothers you, you're out of luck.
Review Source:Let's face it, customer service in Ventura SUCKS!! I moved away for over 20 years, I come back and I am just amazed at what has happened to REAL customer service. For the most part Ventura is big on... rude staff, unfriendly servers, lack of attention to detail and just an overall attitude that they can take or leave your business. I am over it. But then, I waltz into Zoey's and the bartender not only greets me right away, but offers me a wide range of selections since I am unsure as to what I REALLY want. The food was excellent. The owners, BOTH, came over and said hello and asked us how everything was. I LOVE THAT BY THE WAY, don't YOU???? Not to mention they have an array of musicians that perform there weekly as well as Trivia on Thursday evenings (7:30pm). I am now addicted to Trivia, I am addicted to their food and I am just over all addicted to THIS bar. If you are sick of being treated like (enter expletive HERE) get your bones on over to Zoey's and see how they roll, you won't regret it!!!!
Review Source:Impromptu stop turned into an impromptu dinner and concert. I am not sure if you call it a concert, the venue is tiny but very intimate. The fact that we lucked out into getting tickets was nice as it was sold out before showtime. Came for dinner to try something new and there was a Yelp deal for 1/2 off happy hour. Place was empty. Makes you think twice and we debated to leave but gave it a chance. No beer on tap but the bar has no room for it. Wish they'd set up some taps somewhere else because the place is pretty big. Glad we stayed because the food was great. Jalapeno won-tons were consumed almost instantly. So good. Burger was handmade and tasty. Wanted to order three more.
We liked the uniqueness of the place and the fact that they have live music. Anytime you can offer good food, stiff drinks, and a different experience, we're in.
the BEST spot to see live music in Ventura. I lived in Ventura for 4 months last summer and I would pop into Zoey's on a random night and they always had live music. 9 times out of 10 I would end up loving the artist playing. Great staff, great sounding room, & a great food & drink menu.
Review Source:Best music venue in Ventura. Â Full bar, great staff and food. Â Talked to the owner for a while last time. Â He's a pretty relaxed nice guy. Â They even carry my favorite local beer - South Swell from Surf Brewery. Â Can't go wrong for a good night of music at Zoey's. Go. Try. Listen.
Review Source:As a restaurant designed to serve upscale pub food this place leaves something to be  desired.  The sandwich was good, but not great, same with the fries.  Food seemed like a complete afterthought, which if you are going for the live music is irrelevant, but makes this not a food destination.  Service was meh, when it was good it was attentive, then it just sort of disappeared, which was sort of weird.  Overall I probably wont be back, unless it is for the music.
Review Source:I was looking forward to coming here since it was well recommended. My girlfriends and I ordered drinks and let me tell you , they need to upgrade this bar. Tequila was horrible, we asked for a blended margarita and was told they don't have a blender? really? OK . I ordered nachos!! Nachos were brought in a small plate, tostito chips, melted cheese from a can and sliced Chile Verde ...Awful. The bartender was not friendly and yet did not bother to waive our nachos after we returned them.
Drinks, place is cute, but will not return
We went there for the music, which was great acoustic music with a nice ambiance. I was pleasantly surprised with the food. It was very fresh, good quality. We had pizza appetizers and salads. All were a hit, as were the happy hour prices which they nicely extended a little past the 7pm time frame. Service was very attentive.
Review Source:The photos are very misleading. Though their photos show delicious looking food, they didn't have salmon or fish - or entrees at al!. They ONLY had pizza, sandwiches and salads. Â I was starving and didn't feel like a salad... and I was sad to have such limited and high-calorie choices, otherwise. Â So kind of a bummer for me. Â We thought maybe that was because it was around 9 in the evening, but the server/bartender said that what we were offered was their all-the-time menu. Its really more of a bar / music venue. Â The music was good (something really cool with a harp!) and the service was friendly and fast.... but they really need to change their yelp photos so people have realistic expectations. :(
Review Source:The atmosphere is really nice but if you are 20 and under(like me) you won't be as excited about this place until you are the drinking age limit. It's more of a bar and band type of place.
Wasn't that smart to celebrate a 19 year old birthday with a party of 12+ considering there was only 2 waiters serving everyone at the place. We didn't get our food 1.5 hrs later.
Other than that I will probably visit again when i am older because the scene was real cool and hip! (you probably won't take my word since i'm saying hip :p) Â but ya thought i was in L.A while there!
Finally got to try this place and may I say, so happy I came. Started off with the wonton poppers...oh my gosh I could have eaten them all night. I had the veggie sandwich with sweet potato fries....SO GOOD! Was very satisfied with the orders.
Got there right at 5 when they opened so it wasn't busy at all and it was happy hour so the poppers were half off!!! $3 for 5 poppers... Worth it!
The people were very nice and the food was yummy. I know I will be going back soon and wasn't even there for the entertainment which I have heard is great.
nice place
i played a show here
the sound dude was decent - tried to be attentive - but a little green. Â he would mute channels while we were talking on stage. as a bonus, he came to the stage to listen to the acoustic guitar sound to try to replicate it in the house.
didn't eat. Â didnt drink.
i have it 5 stars because personal magic happened for me at this place that i will never forget. Â i will definitey go back, if not for to relive the moment.
ventura looks like a cool town but i couldnt do it since i was touring.
If I live near Ventura, this will be my hangout spot every weekend! Great food, good drinks and great music! And when you are here to see a gig, they have the most intimate venue. Dressed in red and dim the lights, a few of my favorite bands has played here and I enjoy every minute of it. J.R. Richards shows are always sold out! Chalk FarM, Meiko, Glen Phillips! I love these artists and usually would travel wherever they would perform. And when they do it at Zoey's, I'll make my little weekend trip out there and always a blast!
P.s.~ and don't forget to end the night with their desserts! :-)
I visited this quaint little music venue more than once, to see my favorite artist, Glen Phillips. Â Loved the ambiance; felt as if you're in someone's living room with good friends. Â The menu was limited, and server was quite busy, but my group enjoyed a pizza and salad with a nice glass of wine. Â Both times were an enjoyable experience; we'll definitely go again!
Review Source:A 3 hour tour, a 3 hour tourrrrrrrrr (from OC)!!!
But nevertheless, I love the intimate atmosphere of the venue. Like Hotel Cafe but with more tables and smaller space (standing possible in the back if you want).
Meiko and Rosi Golan have been here, so you know it's good!
Love also that downtown Ventura has FREE parking structures (yeah, I'm Asian like that).
LOCAL MUSIC / GREAT TIME!
I got to know Steve and Polly, the owners, when I worked in Ventura with a non-profit organization. Â Super nice people! Â The cafe downstairs, and the music venue and bar upstairs is sooooo great. Â Terrific sound, lovely and comfortable setting, nice salads and amazing pizza. Â It's makes a really nice evening out, whether you are on vacation or just in the area.
As a side note, the whole downtown Ventura is terrific.  Main & California to be exact are filled with nice and varied restaurants and bars, movie theatre, and the 3 best things -- the beach, super nice and unpretentious locals, and fantastic  local musicians!
Was there Friday night to catch some live music. Â Bartender was great, live music was great and so were the food/drinks. Â Really nice place. Â Will definitely go back for more.
Tiny bummer: I had to order my food and drink at the bar because of the waitress...Soon after  I got both, she handed me the check before even asking if I wanted to anything else (I did want another mojito).
But other than that, a great place!
First off, I haven't been to the location in two years and when it was originally Hush and before Table. Anyways I went with my fiancé, long story short she doesn't like to spend Valentine's Day on V-Day. We went out the Saturday before. I found this place on Yelp. Thank you Ventura Yelpers for giving your reviews.
We got there and pretty empty, there probably two other couples and that was it. I was questionable but okay. We say down and order the wonton poppers. they were good not great. I also hadn't eaten all day, so I was pretty hungry. Ordering a Thai salad. Getting a drink and that was the end.
I would go again..recommend to friends.
Love love love Zoeys! Â It really has everything you need, great food, live music, full bar, amazing owners (Steve and Polly), and they have literally created a music scene so strong Ventura wouldn't be the same without them. Â
There's a listening room that is separate from the bar, so you can hear the music as it's meant to be heard. Â Usually they have the performances being pumped into the bar area and broadcast on the TV so if you want to socialize but still experience the music, you're set. Â
A great selection of bottled beers (all the standards, plus Delerium Tremens, Telegraph and Chimay for you big hitters), and of course a full bar. Â I love their toasted veggie sandwich.
If you're into a great atmosphere to have drinks, hear music and hang out, go here. Â
Also! Â Open mic every other tuesday....10 artists max and signups are at 7:30. Â Great place to get some easy stage time in.
This is a sweet little place. Their house wine, the cupcake chardonnay was yum for $24 a bottle but ask for the lavender fresh lemonade infused with some strong vodka ($7) and you got yourself a stiff yummy drink. Remember to let the bartender, Doc, know you like it stiff and he'll take care of you. Ask for a taste before you order...he'll take care of u. Â The live venue of gypsy jazz and blue grass is fun if you're into that scene....every other tuesday. The pizza was ok but pricey for $11 small but you can not skip the wonton jalapeno poppers...omg yum. You can get it for happy hour for $3 or $6 regular price. If you like spicy, fried and cheese then need I say more? Worth a visit if you like non scene scenes lol
Review Source:ok so i was going to this place just to see White Buffalo (dont know about him, look him up!!) so i didnt really care about what this venue was going to be like, i didnt look em up on yelp or anything.
On the drive to ventura from orange i decided to call just to see if they even sold food. Â The man who answered the phone was Steve, who i found out later was the owner (i love when the owner cares so much about his place that he even answers the phone!) and he was so friendly, let me know that they served food & had a full bar. Â I told him how i was driving up to see the Buffalo & he sadly told me it was a sold out show. BOO! Â BUT he said that MAYBE (it was a big maybe) that there could possibly be room to fit another chair or two into the room.
Once i arrived i sat at the little bar, the bartender was a bit standoffish at first, he quickly warmed up once all his prep work was done though. I should also mention the restaurant/bar/venue is attached to the clocktower inn, so the bathroom is a bit of a walk bc you enter the inn but it was fully stocked and clean. Â So the bar doesnt have any beer on tap, but they have a great selection of beers, nothing typical, even great IPAs. Â We ordered pizza and appetizers, which were so good, the chef even brought our food out, and greeted us & was also totally nice.
We overheard the bartender call for steve, the owner, so when we saw steve not running around, which was only about 2 seconds, we introduced ourselves and mentioned that we called. Â He reassured us that he would try to squeeze us in but that it wasnt looking good. Â Apparently there are multiple rooms that are available for shows and The White Buffalo was playing in the smallest room. Â And if all else fails they stream the live performance into the bar so you can see and hear the singer.
About 1/2 way through his performance Steve walked over to us, thanked us for being cool & patient & let us squeeze in. Â He mentioned that he NEVER does that but since we were so friendly he wanted to make sure we had a good time. Â HOW COOL IS THAT?!
In the end we were more than ecstatic to have eaten great food, drank delicious beer, had such great service and were treated to well, not to mention we saw a very memorable performance!!!! Â
It is definitely a place to return to, when i make it back up that way!
Zoey's has become the latest of the ever-changing businesses occupying the front space at the Clocktower Inn below the Mission. In moving from its prior location, it has assumed a larger and more prominent location, but has lost a fair bit of the charm that originally made it such a wonderful venue.
I miss the old Zoey's.
Drove from LA to see a band at Zoey's on a Saturday night.
This is a diverse space with a large patio with a retractable roof, private party room in the back, main bar with cocktail tables around, plus the music hall.
We arrived early and enjoyed a few cold Green Flash IPAs and watched the place fill up from our seats at the bar.
The bar staff was very friendly and seemed to know the majority of the patrons coming in. It seemed like a family atmosphere and we felt welcome as well.
The music rocking from the stage sounded good. I spent the first half of the set sitting on the right hand side on the long booth. I found it comfortable because I could cross my legs do a little tricky yoga to see correctly, but I heard some guys down the row saying otherwise. The second half I was bouncing around listening from the front row and the music was loud and clear - just how I like it.
I would come to Zoey's again if a special band was coming to town. Rock On!
We stopped by on our drive through while on vacation.  I read all of the great reviews and thought it would be a nice place to stop.  Zoey's looked nice upon arriving; it reminded me of the days when I was willing to splurge and go somewhere cool for dinner and a drink during college days.  That was my initial impression; unfortunately, they must have been  either shorthanded or busier than usual for lunch the day we arrived because the server/ bartender who greeted us after several minutes told us to make ourselves comfortable as he was the only one on duty that
day. Â The server was clearly very nice and super professional to so nicely
let us know that it would be a long wait. Â We did
not have a huge amount of time to wait so we chose to dine elsewhere.
I bet this location is a nice place for couples to go at night but it just didn't
work out for us. Â Â Â
As a traveler passing through, I chose to continue on my way ( my kids were pretty hungry and I figured that the kind server was using polite code to let us know we'd be waiting for a long while before he'd be able to get to us four). LOL
All in all, I would have really enjoyed sitting outside on the warm patio for a pleasant lunch but asi es la vida.
My only humble tip...If you have the time to hang around and chat with friends, stop in and check out the dark and enchanting interior of this cafe or linger out on the street facing patio; at least the server will tell you what to expect, but call ahead if you have your mind set on going while on a schedule.
No food reviews to give unfortunately. Â All I really noticed was a nice looking bar.
Went here last Friday night to see The White Buffalo with a group of people. Â The restaurant has a private live performance area over on the right where you can reserve tables for dinner. Â The restaurant itself has a bar and outside seating. Â Apparently they have only been in this location for a little over a month. Â
The food is slightly overpriced for what you get. Â A small personal sized Thai Pizza was $11. Â It was really good though. Â My husband and I shared a Greek Salad that was pretty bland. Â Would not order that again. Â My husband had the Tortilla soup and he said it was AhhhhMAZING.
The drinks were $9 each. Â I had 2 Climaxes, but they weren't strong enough. Â I have had much stronger ones :) best to stick to wine and beer here we drank A LOT of that.
Overall, we had a good night with good people. Â The White Buffalo was entertaining as well.
We will definitely come here again.
We came here the other night before catching a movie down the street. Â On Mondays lots of locals musicians come out to play bluegrass in the main dining room. Â Jesse and I had a drink while we watched about 18 musicians trickle in and play some awesome bluegrass. Â It was especially cool because there were only about 4 people there who weren't playing, and we were 2 of them. Â I docked a star because the menu didn't seem that appealing and my drink was a little weak (Lavender Lemon Drop). Â Jesse's Hoogarden only cost $3 though!
Review Source:This laid-back cafe in downtown Ventura offers a relaxed setting and live jazz, folk and bluegrass in the evening.
If you want to get a feel for what Ventura is all about, I highly recommend Zoeys. A delightful ambiance, very good food for the price, excellent wines, indoor/outdoor old town location, you'll meet lots of local Ventura folks. I'm not into Bluegrass but Thursday nights they jam for free!
I travel up here quite a bit. It's a great quick get-away from the L.A. scene.
My husband and I went to Zoey's for the first time Saturday night, and we loved it! Â There was a special three-course Valentine's Day menu (which was delicious) and then we headed upstairs for the live music. Â Lex Land and Jim Bianco were the musicians for the evening, and both were great (Jim had indulged in a few cocktails before the show, which made him even more entertaining :) Â The service was excellent downstairs and up -- the owners were always running around making sure everyone was happy. Â We'll definitely be back to try the regular menu, and to listen to more music!
One thing I would suggest to the owners... Â in the future, could you post the menu options online when it's a special meal like this? Â We made our reservations on the website, and there wasn't any mention of the limited menu choices.
My gf and i stumbled upon this little place looking for a place to eat lunch. Â We were glad we did venture down the little storefront-alley that dead-ends into this place. Â (Along the way, we went into a couple cute boutiques, too, and bought some stuff). Â The restaurant has upstairs and downstairs, and it's got kinda like a cute courtyard feel to it, even though there's not really a courtyard down there. Â but from upstairs, there are a couple tables on a little balcony and you can look out over the plant-covered roof adjacent. Â
it was super cute up there, and we wished we had come out the night before and caught some live music, had we known before.
my gf got the lavender lemonade, which she liked, but i always think lavender-flavored food tastes like soap. Â we shared the dried apricot salad, which was good, and the thai chicken pizza, which was really good, too. Â it was definitely the most unique pizza i've ever had. Â it had chicken, somewhat-spicy thai peanut sauce, red peppers, maybe some onions, and mangos! Â the staff was attentive & friendly, too.
the only thing i'd suggest is to fix the water pressure/flushing in the upstairs toilet. Â some guy before me took a big dump and i guess it was hard for him to flush it all down - Â he left half his business for me to flush (another reason i don't date guys)
I give this place a 41/2 star!!
Zoey's is a gem! This restaurant is rare find in Ventura. I have to say the moment you walk into the surrounding you will feel like you are in a small hidden villa. I really like the fact that the restaurant was in a small unique location which is highly inviting (41/2 star atmosphere).
While enjoying lunch outside with trees above, I began to order my meal: 1 Herbal Lavender Infused Lemonade and a Greek Salad (YuMMMMMMMY). My friend on the other hand ordered the Apollo Chicken Sandwich with a side of Cesar Salad and a lemonade. We both thought the food was really excellent and delicious. Â However, the best part of the meal was the live music played by local bands.
This is a great little place to get away from a busy life in the fast lane :)
Zoey's is one of those rare gems that Ventura has tucked away almost out of sight. It's location is small. So if you don't dig the more cramped locations, avoid it. Otherwise, it's charming and the atmosphere is pretty unique for Ventura. It's more like something you'd find in Santa Barbara.
The food is great. I've never had anything bad there and am a huge fan of their Apollo sandwich. Beer selection is pretty good too.
My favorite part though is their music scene. It seems like every time I go, there's always a jam in session or about to get underway. You can never go wrong with great live music, good beer and a cozy place to hole up in for a few hours.
Zoey's Café is one of those cool little places you discover on your return visit, it's so tucked away that it's hard to find the first time. More than just a coffee and tea bar, Zoey's has a selection of wines and beers for most palettes, and some interesting specialty drinks. The locals love it because it's tucked away from the main street, but walking distance from anywhere in downtown San Buenaventura.
Zoey's is also an entertainment venue at night, where music can be anywhere from amateur spoken word nights to professional instrumentalists and traveling rock bands. The atmosphere there is comfortable; it's upstairs from Accolades gallery and has a great 'lookout spot' right down the plaza walkway, with small shops surrounding it in a funky cocoon of comfort. Kinda feels like you're in some bistro off the beaten path in some foreign country, where minds meet and entertainment flows.
Great for lunch, their sandwiches are superior and they have a variety of goodies to choose from. There's healthy salads and snacks, share-it appetizer plates, and hot plates of gourmet finger foods. They also have thin crust pizzas thrown on the grill, delicious!
Zoey's is a the little café that does it all. Try it for lunch or an early dinner!
I have eaten at Zoey's for breakfast, lunch and dinner and the food has always been fresh, delicious and satisfying. Â It is located between Ormachea Jewelers and Peruvian Bead Co. tucked away in the back of El Jardin Courtyard. Â Especially nice to have lunch on a beautiful, sunny Ventura day. Â While they have tables located inside, I prefer to sit outside, even if the weather is a little chilly. Â Because of their location in the courtyard, you are somewhat protected from the weather (well maybe not if it's pouring rain, but that certainly doesn't happen too often).
After your meal be sure and check out the jewelry stores, especially Ormachea and the nice art gallery in the very back.
This is yet another must-visit spot in Downtown Ventura. It's tucked away from the main street in an adorable courtyard by way of hallway (to the left of Peruvian Beads) and it's a two story structure that acts as a little cafe and performance space.
Now I haven't been upstairs in the loft area where the performances happen, but I hear it has a marvelous view. Instead, I lunched there on a beautiful, near-summer day in the courtyard on the bottom level. Their beer selection is pretty good (in bottle, not tap), and they have a very nice selection of eats. I had a vegetarian tart here, and it wasn't the best I've ever had, moreso it was more like a vegetarian tostada, but it was good nonetheless. I sampled a few sandwiches they had to offer and they were very tasty.
Service is very friendly, helpful and nice, and someone will be happy to pitch an umbrella for you to shade you from the hot near-summer sun. Just be careful about the nature of your conversation, however, as the acoustics seem to be amazing and the tables in your vicinity can and will probably hear your conversation, whether they want to or not...
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