Compilation of Pizza Places in the Conejo Valley

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The first pizzeria in the United States opened in Little Italy, New York City, in 1905. Lombardi’s is recognized as that first pizzeria, specializing in Neapolitan pizza, which is made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Margherita pizza is a typical Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil.

Other varieties of pizza include New York thin-crust style, Chicago style (deep dish, thick crust), Detroit style (rectangular, thick crust, sauce on top) and Sicilian (square cut) and others.

But without further ado, here’s a compilation of pizza places in and around the Conejo Valley (including Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and portions of Calabasas).

This list includes places primarily known for pizza, and thus excludes eateries where pizza is on the menu, but not the primary offering. Listed in reverse alphabetical order.

Winners Pizza, 1805 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. winnerspizza.com (805) 379-4212. Regular pizza, heart shaped pizza, gluten-free option, cauliflower crust option.

Valentino’s Pizza, 2072 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. www.valentinosgourmet.com (805) 380-4969. Valentino’s offers freshly-made “take-n-bake” pizzas as well as pizzas baked on site. Gluten free crust available.

Two Doughs Pizza Co. is located in the Whizin Market Square at 28860 Roadside Road, Agoura Hills. www.twodoughs.com (818) 707-2121 Specializes in thin crust sourdough pizzas and Sicilian thick crust pizzas. Gluten-free options available.

Toppers Pizza Place is located at 1416 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. topperspizzaplace.com (805) 495-4444. Toppers is a Ventura County based success story, founded by the Jonkers in 1990 and growing to 10 locations.

Tony’s New York Pizza, 3333 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. (805) 499-0365 www.tonysnewyorkpizzamenu.com Tony’s has served the Newbury Park community for decades in the Kimber Plaza.

The Original Pizza Cookery, 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.pizzacookery.com (818) 887-4770. Offers traditional pizzas, Margherita and whole wheat crust options. Gluten-free options available.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. www.slicehouse.com Slice House offers New York, Sicilian, Detroit and Grandma style pizzas.

Round Table Pizza has reopened in the Oakbrook Plaza, 2060 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. www.roundtablepizza.com

Pizza Hut has locations at 2705 Teller Road, Newbury Park (Pizza Hut Express inside Target) and 75 S. Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 371-3700. www.pizzahut.com. Offering various options, including Udi’s Gluten-Free Crust.

Pizza Nosh, 3013 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills. (818) 991-3000 www.pizzanosh.com. Pizza Nosh is the only vegetarian, kosher pizza place in the Conejo Valley.

Pizza Twist opened in June 2023 at the Conejo Gateway Plaza, 711 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park. They offer traditional, gluten-free and vegan pizza options. pizzatwist.com (805) 467-8479

Pieology Pizzeria is located in Janss Marketplace, 205 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. (805) 660-4527 www.pieology.com Custom pizzas. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan are available.

Parma Pizzeria Napoletana, 796 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. parmaspizzeria.com (805) 370-1370 Parma serves Detroit, New York and Neapolitan style pizzas. Detroit style can be made gluten-free.

Parma’s Pizzeria, 5649 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. parmaspizzeria.com (818) 318-1079. Parma’s 2nd location offers Detroit, New York and Sicilian style pizzas, including a gluten-free Detroit style option.

Greco’s New York Pizzeria is located at Janss Marketplace, near the movie theater. www.grecosnewyorkpizzeriamenu.com (805) 777-7271. Offers various NewYork style pizzas, including a jumbo 28” party pizza.

Fresh Brothers at The Promenade at Westlake (805) 777-8448 www.freshbrothers.com/locations/westlake-village Offering traditional pizzas on various crusts - original, skinny, cauliflower, deep dish, gluten-free and keto.

Freda’s Pizza is located at 3835 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite A2, Westlake Village (805) 852-5260. www.fredaswoodfiredkitchen.com Freda’s offers New York style and brick oven pizzas. Also located in Old Town Camarillo.

Domino’s Pizza has locations at 723 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks (805) 435-8399), 2220 N. Moorpark Road, #104, Thousand Oaks (across from TOHS) (805) 496-6221, 2409 Michael Drive, Newbury Park (805) 499-0681 and 30867 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (818) 735-5400. www.dominos.com Domino’s offers hand-tossed, handmade pan, thin crust, gluten-free crust and Brooklyn style options.

Denino’s Pizzeria & Cafe, 1710 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks www.deninosthousandoaks.com (805) 371-7105 Denino’s serves authentic New York style pizza and has a gluten-free option.

D’Amore’s Pizza, 2869 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks www.damoresthousandoaks.com (805) 496-0030. Offers traditional New York style pizzas. Gluten-free and cauliflower crust is available.

California Pizza Kitchen at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.cpk.com (805) 777-1778 Offers a variety of 10” specialty pizzas. Gluten-free cauliflower crust available.

Butler’s Pizza opened in October 2015 at 1655 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. www.butlersnypizza.com (805) 379-1121 Butler’s serves New York style pizza, including gluten-free options.

Boney Mountain Pizza Company, 722 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park www.boneymountainpizzaco.com (805) 498-6511. Boney Mountain is a sports bar with a particular focus on California style pizza.

Ameci Pizza and Pasta has locations at 1724 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-2914, 1560 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805) 499-8300 and 5776 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste C, Westlake Village (818) 889-7722 www.amecipizzaandpasta.com Offers New York style pizza at 40 California locations. They do have gluten-free options.

Allegro Pizza, 427 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 492-3571 www.allegropizzaca.com. Traditional pizza, including a gluten-free option.

Pizza Partings

MOD Pizza Newbury Park closed its doors in May 2024.

Barone’s Pizza Thousand Oaks closed its doors on May 28, 2024.

Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village closed its doors in September 2024 after 33 years serving the local community Lamppost Newbury Park closed in December 2011.

Ma Dukes in Agoura Hills, which offered unique, artisan flatbread pizzas, closed its doors on September 22, 2024 to refocus on its growing catering business.

Michael’s Pizza Agoura Hills closed in the fall of 2024 but continues operating its Calabasas location. michaelspizzapasta.com

Mexican Restaurants In the Conejo Valley

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According to Pew Research Center analysis published in 2024, approximately 11% of restaurants in the United States serve Mexican food. Though Mexican restaurants are present in 85% of U.S. counties overall, nearly 40% of all Mexican restaurants in the country are in California (22%) and Texas (17%). Based on data from March 2023, Los Angeles County had 5,484 Mexican eateries; imagine, it would take you over 15 years to try one of these eateries every day.

So, here we have compiled a list of Mexican eateries in the Conejo Valley, which stretches over portions of both Ventura and Los Angeles counties and includes Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas, west of the Calabasas Grade. Eateries are categorized by full service (sit down and be served), order at the counter (and be served, or pick up your food), and fast serve.

Full Service (Sit Down and Be Served) Mexican Eateries

Adobe Cantina first opened in 1997 in a rustic setting at 29100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Plenty of outdoor and indoor seating available. Feels “off the beaten path” yet really isn’t. www.adobecantina.com (818) 991-3474

Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant at 1712 E. Avenida De Los Arboles in Thousand Oaks opened in 1999, serving authentic Mexican food indoors and outdoors. The first Cisco’s opened on Westlake Boulevard in 1974, making Cisco’s the longest-operating Mexican eatery in the Conejo Valley. ciscosthousandoaks.com (805) 493-0533

El Sancho Loco Cantina opened in the North Ranch Shopping Center at 3845 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Unit B, Thousand Oaks in June 2023. This cousin to El Sancho Loco Taqueria is a full service, sit down eatery, serving Mexican food, along with a full bar, serving signature cocktails. www.sancholococantina.com (805) 795-0922

Habanero Mexican Grill operates at 520 N. Ventu Park Road in Newbury Park (Walmart/Walgreens Center), where it opened in February 2017, offering a full selection of Mexican specialties. habaneromexicangrills.com (805) 375-0755

La Paz Mexican Seafood has operated in Calabasas at 4505 Las Virgenes Road since 1989, a sit-down and be served restaurant serving Yucatan style Mexican food. www.lapazmexicanfood.com (818) 880-8076

Los Dos Amigos operates at 1421 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, where it offers Mexican specialties for lunch and dinner in a sit down and be served environment. www.los2amigos.com (805) 373-0087

Patron Mexican Bar & Grill offers traditional sit-down service at its locations at 1620 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805) 498-3188 and 3709 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Westlake Village (805) 418-7717. Taco Tuesday 4pm to close and happy hour from 3-6:30pm daily. patronmex.com

Plata Cocina Mexicana opened at The Oaks mall, across from the AMC theatres, in August 2024. This former Red Robin location was completely remodeled, with nearly 300 seats, large patio area, and a large, beautiful bar. This is a sit down and be served style eatery. www.eatplata.com (805) 750-5957

Plata Taqueria & Cantina is located in the Whizin Market Square, 28914 Roadside Drive #110, Agoura Hills. This family owned eatery opened in January 2015 and over the years became so popular that it expanded to a second location at The Oaks mall in August 2024. This is a sit down and be served eatery. www.eatplata.com (818) 735-9982

Red O Taste of Mexico restaurant is anticipated to open in the winter of 2025 at The Promenade at Westlake in the former The Grill on The Alley location. RED O serves Baja-inspired seafood, unique Mexican plates, and craft cocktails. www.redorestaurant.com

The Alamo Mexican Grill and Cantina at 2311 Borchard Road in Newbury Park was established in 1976. In addition to the traditional sit down and be served eatery, The Alamo has a popular take out window out front. www.alamo-rest.com (805) 498-3115

The Cliffdiver Restaurant serves primarily Mexican cuisine at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, where it opened in June 2022. Burritos, fajitas, taco platters, and more. www.thecliffdiver.com (805) 370-1585

The Latigo Kid at 5617 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills has served authentic Mexican food in a sit-down setting since 1987. www.facebook.com/TheLatigoKidMexicanRestaurant (818) 889-1195

The Latigo Kid in Agoura Hills (with the “old” sign)

Tiki Taco opened in the Best Buy Plaza at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks in April 2023, offering tacos, tostadas, taquitos and other Mexican specialties. tikirestaurantbeachbar.com (805) 494-8454

Order at the Counter Mexican Eateries

Bad Ass Street Tacos operates at 2951 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, serving up its street tacos and other specialties. Small indoor area and decent sized outdoor patio area. www.badassstreettacos.com (805) 370-TACO (8226)

Cafe Rio opened in the spring of 2020 at 595 N. Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks, serving made-to-order Mexican favorites. www.caferio.com (805) 329-4111

El Sanchito is located behind El Sancho Loco Cantina at 3845 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard, where you can order at the counter for takeout or eat at tables onsite. www.elsanchito.com

El Sancho Loco Taqueria opened at 2271 Michael Drive in Newbury Park in the summer of 2010 in what was previously Taco Bell, offering authentic Mexican fare in a casual atmosphere. Order at the counter and they will call your name - there are plenty of tables inside and outside. www.elsancholocotaqueria.com (805) 376-8226

El Taco Chico opened at 640 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park in early 2020. No website www.instagram.com/eltacochico (818) 532-7363

Establos Meat Market & Taqueria at 140 Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks offers a full range of Mexican food specialties, such as tacos, burritos, tostadas, tortas and more. (805) 370-0124

Frankie’s Breakfast Burritos is COMING SOON to the Roadside Plaza, 28708 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills. They plan to serve breakfast burritos, bowls and more when they open.

La Esquina Mexican Grill is located at 2397 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, next to Slice Pizza. Order at the counter for takeout, or eat at tables under the covered patio outside. www.thecornermexicangrill.com (805) 371-5333

La Poblana Mexican Grill opened at 540 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks in August 2024. Owned by the same folks who operate the La Poblanita Taco Truck at 420 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.lapoblanamexicangrillca.com (805) 261-4389

Latino Market & Grill has offered authentic Mexican specialties since 1991 in the Oaks Plaza strip mall at 711 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.latinomeatmarket.com (805) 244-6498

Los Agaves de Luna Restaurant is located at The Shoppes at Westlake, 20750 Russell Ranch Road, Westlake Village, where it opened in July 2015. It is a family-owned and operated restaurant that originated in Santa Barbara in 2008. You order at the counter and are served your delicious, authentic Mexican food indoors and outdoors. https://los-agaves.com (818) 874-0779

Manny’s Mexican Grill is a quick-serve eatery located at 1038 Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, serving traditional Mexican food. (805) 492-4709

Reynalda Cucina & Amor opened in January 2023 at 2865 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, serving Mexican specialties and offering hand-made tortillas. Order at the counter and take your food to go or eat one one of tables inside. www.instagram.com/reynalda_cucina_amor (805) 852-8116

Ruperto’s Kitchen Mexican Food opened at 3321-B Kimber Drive in Newbury Park in July 2019, serving Mexican specialties. www.rupertoskitchenca.com (805) 668-7999

Sharky’s, a popular, Mexican fast-serve eatery, has locations at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, 111 S. Westlake Blvd in Westlake Village, and 1930 Newbury Road in Newbury Park. A long-time local favorite. www.sharkys.com

Snapper Jack’s Taco House is a fast-serve “Cal-Mex” eatery located at 604 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks. www.snapperjackstacoshack.com (805) 494-9777

The Sea Casa is a fast-serve Mexican eatery that has served the Conejo Valley at the Westlake Plaza, 1014 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village for as long as I can remember. www.theseacasa.com (805) 374-1921

3 Amigos Fresh Mexican Grill is a quick-serve Mexican favorite, located at 365 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-1033 and 139 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (805) 499-7200.

Chain Mexican Eateries

Baja Fresh, which originated in Newbury Park in 1990, has one remaining location in the Conejo Valley, at 30861 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village. www.bajafresh.com (818) 889-1347

Chipotle Mexican Grill has locations in Newbury Park (935 Broadbeck Drive), Thousand Oaks (Oaks Mall near the AMC Theaters) and Westlake Village (5754 Lindero Canyon Road), offering popular Mexican fare. www.chipotle.com

Del Taco operated one location in the Conejo Valley, at 591 North Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park (805.499.4439). www.deltaco.com The first Del Taco opened in Yermo, CA on September 16, 1964, under the name “Casa Del Taco.” Publicly-traded company Jack in the Box (Nasdaq: JACK) acquired Del Taco in March 2022.

El Pollo Loco (Spanish for “The Crazy Chicken”) operates locations at 591 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks, 2750 Camino Dos Rios, Newbury Park, and 5050 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. El Pollo Loco U.S. is traded publicly under stock symbol LOCO, serving Mexican-style grilled chicken, tacos, burritos, and more. www.elpolloloco.com

Taco Bell locations in the Conejo Valley include 1928 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, 25 Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks, 5589 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, 791 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, and 4955 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas. A little Taco Bell history. Glen Bell opened his first Taco Bell restaurant in Downey, CA in 1962, serving what his customers called “Tay-Kohs.” Before creating Taco Bell, Bell started Bell’s Drive-In and Taco Tia in the San Bernardino area. Bell passed away in 2010. www.tacobell.com Taco Bell is owned by Yum! Brands (NYSE: YUM), which also operated KFC, Pizza Hut, and The Habit Burger.

Source: “About 1 in 10 restaurants in the U.S. serve Mexican Food,” Pew Research Center (https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/01/11/about-1-in-10-restaurants-in-the-us-serve-mexican-food)

Adios Burritos (Mexican Eateries That Have Closed Over the Years

Margaritas Mexican Grill in Oak Park opened in April 2015 and closed in late summer 2024 for a nine year run.

The historic Lupe’s Mexican Restaurant in Thousand Oaks closed its doors on August 29, 2016, after serving the Conejo Valley for 69 years.

Mejico Grill & Tequila Lounge opened at 29008 Agoura Road in Agoura Hills in September 2018 but closed in February 2021 after a fire in February 2021. Still closed as of October 2024.

Loteria Grill at The Promenade at Westlake opened in April 2012 and closed in February 2017.

Cisco’s Mexican Restaurant Westlake Village closed its doors in February 2018.

Casa Escobar closed its doors at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village on September 10, 2016 after six years at that location.

Julio’s Agave Grill operated at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village, in the former Casa Escobar location, from November 19, 2018 to July 1, 2023.

Sabor Cocina Mexicana operated at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks from August 2010 to March 2020.

Rubio’s Newbury Park served its last fish taco in January 2019, after over eight years in operation. It also had a location at Janss Marketplace at one point.

Letty’s Mexican Food at 2454 Hillcrest Drive in Newbury Park was a local favorite for over 20 years, until it closed in April 2015.

Casita Valdez operated 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks from 1961 to 1979, when it changed ownership and became Enrique’s Mexican Restaurant until 2009.

El Torito closed its Thousand Oaks location on Moorpark Road on January 24, 2012, a sad day in history.

Freebirds World Burrito operated in Agoura Hills from 2011 to 2016.

Chuy’s previously operated in Thousand Oaks on Moorpark Road (Whole Foods Plaza) but closed in 2011. It also had a location in Agoura Hills at Kanan and Agoura Road.

Places Where Kids Can Eat Free in Ventura County

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KidsEatFree.jpg

Here's a list of restaurants that have "Kids Eat Free" deals around Ventura County! These deals are subject to change at a moment's notice, so make sure to call the restaurants in advance.

 Let us know of any changes or additions! Now let's go EAT!!

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Fire Island Grill at 1230 Madera Road, Simi Valley offers a Kids Eat Free deal on Saturdays/Sundays. Get a free kids chicken bowl or mac and cheese with the purchase of an adult entrée. Kids must be under 8 and present.

Red's Barbecue at 3090 Cochran St, Ste A1 in Simi Valley is offering Kids Eat Free every Thursday from 11am to close. Get up to 2 free kids' menu meals for every adult meal ordered. Dine in only. Ages 11 and under only.

Kids Eat Free on Wednesdays 4pm to close at Patron Mexican Bar & Grill, 1620 Newbury Road, Suite 2, Newbury Park. One kids meal with purchase of an adult meal for kids 12 and under.

The Kebab Shop at 3980 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village offers a Kids Eat Free deal every Saturday and Sunday. One free kids box for every wrap, box, plate and fountain drink purchased at regular price. In-store only. thekebabshop.com/locations/ca/los-angeles/thousand-oaks

D'Amore's Famous Pizza at 300 N. Lantana in Camarillo is currently offering a Kids Eat Free deal on Sundays all day for ages 4 to 12. One child per paid adult meal, dine in only. Call 805.445.6534 to confirm.

Denny's offers Kids Eat Free for 10 and under from 4 pm to 10 pm on designated nights. Up to 2 free kids meals for each paid adult entrée. Call location to confirm.

Baja Fresh at 30861 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Westlake Village has a kids eat free deal on Sundays. www.bajafresh.com/stores/mexican-food-westlake-village/30664 (818) 900-1846

Huarache Xpress at the east end of the Simi Valley Town Center offers a kids eat free deal every Wednesday for kids up to age 16 with each paid adult meal, limited to two free meals. www.huarachexpresstogo.com. (805) 422-8858 (Updated as of 4/10/24)

Casita Valdez Mexican Restaurant Operated in Thousand Oaks From 1961 to 1979

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(Image courtesy of Conejo Through the Lens, Thousand Oaks Library.)

Louie and Dee Valdez opened Casita Valdez out of their home at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, in 1961. It was expanded in 1963 by converting the garage into a dining area, then the adjacent home was acquired to further expand the popular Mexican eatery. It was remodeled as seen here in 1975. It operated until 1979, when it was sold to Henry Valdez (not related to Louie and Dee), owner of Enrique's Mexican Restaurant in Van Nuys. Enrique's Mexican Restaurant operated until 2009. Tipsy Goat opened here on March 17, 2011. And there you have the history of 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard.

Throwback: Lupe's Mexican Restaurant in Thousand Oaks

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Lupe's Mexican Restaurant operated at 1710 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard for 69 years. Martha Zuniga opened the original eatery, Lupe's Mexican Cafe, in 1947. It was named after her 3rd daughter.

The popular eatery was rebuilt and enlarged in 1965 and again in 2009, when it was expanded from 1500 sq ft to 3100 sq ft. Martha passed away in 1997. Lupe continued operating the restaurant until the property was sold in 2016. When it closed, it was the oldest continuously operating eatery in the Conejo Valley and one of the five oldest eateries in Ventura County.

Today, 1710 on The Blvd is a mixed use property with 36 townhome-style apartments and Denino's Pizzeria.

New Eateries That Opened in 2022 and Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County as We Enter 2023

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We’re at the end of 2022, just a week away from 2023. Here’s a compilation of the some of new local eateries that opened in the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas in 2022 and eateries anticipated to be opening soon in the new year.

New Eateries That Opened in 2022

Eateries That Are Anticipated to Open in 2023

Comparing In-N-Out Burger to Whataburger

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Whataburger location that I visited in Birmingham, Alabama.

I was born and raised in Southern California and thus I am very familiar with the allure of an In-N-Out Burger. In-N-Out Burger originated in Baldwin Park, California in 1948 and has grown to over 350 locations in California, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado, In-N-Out Burger is known for its fresh, delicious ingredients and simple menu. I grew up with In-N-Out Burger.

Whataburger was founded in Corpus Christi, Texas in 1950 and was family-owned until 2019, when a majority stake in the company was purchased by a private equity firm. There are currently (as of spring 2022) over 880 Whataburger locations, including over 700 in Texas. But there are no Whataburgers in California at the current time.*

On a recent trip to Birmingham, Alabama, there was a Whataburger directly across the street from my hotel. I've seen Whataburger from time to time in my travels, but never dined at one - nor did I know anything about Whataburger.

The topic of Whataburger came up with some folks I was hanging out with. They noted they were hungry the previous night, late at night, and that their hunger was resolved by a meal from Whataburger. Grandparents Bob and Gloria noted the deliciousness of their Whataburger late night snack. And thus, I decided it was time for me to try a Whataburger for the first time.

The layout of the Whataburger I ate at was very similar to the layout of an In-N-Out Burger. There multiple busy drive-through lines but there was also a large indoor dining area. The clean, bright, fairly spartan layout reminded me of the layout of In-N-Out Burger.

Simplicity of the In-N-Out Burger menu, circa Fall 2020..

Whataburger's menu is much more extensive than the simplistic In-N-Out Burger which I’ve always loved and appreciated. Whataburger’s menu was not overwhelming in size, but includes items such a chicken sandwiches, chicken strips, onion rings, breakfast items and more.

Staff was very friendly and attentive as soon as walked in. The manager was walking by and greeted me. The order taker was prompt. I decided to go with a simple Whataburger combo meal that came with fries and a drink. The burger comes with a 5" bun and beef patty, tomato, lettuce, diced onions and mustard. I also ordered some onion rings just to taste them. Oh, and I went with the sweet tea - which was very good.

I ate right there at Whataburger. They gave me a number to put on the table, and after a 5 minute wait, they brought my meal to me. Along with my meal, the employee gave me an assortment of condiments to choose from - ketchup, spicy ketchup and a few others. I went with the spicy ketchup (which was good, though not particularly spicy).

My first look at a Whataburger after opening up the package. Looked, smelled and tasted good.

The burger was delicious. Everything was hot and fresh - the burger patty was substantial, the tomato, lettuce and onions were very fresh, and the bun was toasted and tasted great.

The only big difference between a regular In-N-Out Burger and a regular Whataburger is the sauce. The Whataburger is made with mustard, while the In-N-Out Burger as we know is made with that delicious, addictive, special spread. Thinking about the taste of an In-N-Out Burger as I type this is really making me hungry.

From my vantage point, the Whataburger and In-N-Out Burger are equally delicious. If you don't like the taste of mustard, you can order the Whataburger with mayo, ketchup, honey BBQ or creamy pepper. If you prefer grilled onions to raw onions, that is also an option at both places. But if the In-N-Out Burger signature sauce is what you have a hankering for, you will be best served with an In-N-Out Burger.

Whataburger fries, with a cameo appearance by onion rings.

I'm ok with In-N-Out Burger fries, though I know some folks that are not fans of them. The Whataburger fries were very good. Cooked nice and crispy and more substantial in size than In-N-Out Burger fries, they also tasted very fresh. I'd have to give a slight nod overall to Whataburger in the fries department. The onion rings were ok to me but were not a standout.

Would I be happy to have a Whataburger in the Conejo Valley? Absolutely! As much as I enjoy In-N-Out Burger along with everyone else, I think Whataburger offers a fresh, delicious product that would do well here in Southern California.

Are there plans for Whataburger to expand to Ventura County, California? Not that I am aware of. But I would certainly welcome, now that I have tried it! Will I continue to be an In-N-Out Burger fan? Is the sky blue?

*Back in the 1970s until the mid 1980s, there were a number of Whatburgers in California, including locations in Thousand Oaks (400 Thousand Oaks Blvd - where Cho Cho San resides today), Oxnard (155 S. Oxnard Blvd - where A-Burger is today), 2250 East Main Street, Ventura (now Taco Bell), 1579 East Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley (now Jack in the Box) and 1650 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo (now Jack in the Box).