Restaurant Rewards Programs and Birthday Freebies Around Ventura County

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It's nice finding Kids Eat Free deals around Ventura County but there are also dozens of local rewards programs and birthday clubs that give you something for FREE!!!

This list includes programs where you get something for signing up or for being a repeat customer...a free burger, gift card, dessert, etc. Excluded are programs that do not provide an obvious freebie (i.e. only sends you promotional emails).

These deals often change, so click through to the restaurant website to confirm the deal is still good. Let us know of any changes, broken links or additions!!

Corner Bakery

Corner Bakery Rewards: Sign up and get $5 off your first order, then receive 5 points for every $1 spent, to get various offer. Also, receive a free bakery sweet on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Cracker Barrel

Cracker Barrel Rewards: Earn “pegs” for each dollar spent and redeem for rewards. Free birthday reward - a dessert.

Location: Camarillo Premium Outlets

Daphne's Greek Cafe

Pita Points Rewards Club: Earn one point for each dollar spent; 100 points = $5 off any purchase. Plus another $5 credit on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Woodland Hills, Simi Valley

Dave & Buster’s

D&B Rewards: $10 free game play with $20 game play purchase for joining. $10 free game play for every $100 spent.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Del Taco

Dell Yeah! Rewards: Get two free tacos for signing up, get a free birthday reward and free ice or hot coffee before 11am daily with purchase. Accumulate points and exchange for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley (3), Oxnard (2), Ventura, Santa Paula

Denny's

Denny's Rewards: Sign up and get 20% off your next visit.  Free Grand Slam on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula

Domino’s Pizza

Domino’s Rewards - 1 order of $5 or more = 10 points. 60 points = a free pizza.

Locations: Various

El Pollo Loco

La Familia Rewards: Earn 100 points for each dollar spent. Redeem for rewards.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura Hills, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (3), Santa Paula, Ventura

Farmer Boys

VIF (Very Important Farmer) Loyalty Club: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Redeem points for rewards. www.farmerboys.com/vif

Location: Newbury Park

Firehouse Subs

Firehouse Rewards App: Use their app and earn points towards free subs and more. Get free birthday sub too.

Locations: Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura, and Thousand Oaks

Grabbagreen

Grabsomegreen Rewards: Earn 1 point for each full dollar spent and receive $5 reward for every 50 points earned (effectively a 10% discount). Receive $5 reward for your birthday. www.grabbagreen.com/rewards

Location: Thousand Oaks

IHOP

IHOP Bank of Pancakes: Earn one PanCoin for every $5 spent. Trade 3 PanCoin crypto-pancakes for a short stack of 3 pancakes and other items. www.ihop.com/en/rewards

Locations: Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Ventura, Oxnard, Fillmore, Carpinteria

Islands

Islands Locals Program: Earn 1 point per $1 spent. 150 points = $10 reward. Get a free chips, salsa and guacamole upon sign-up. www.islandsrestaurants.com/locals-program

Location: Newbury Park

Jack in the Box

The Jack Pack: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem for food. www.jackinthebox.com/account/signup

Locations: Various

Jamba Juice

My Jamba Rewards App: Earn points for each purchase good for discounts on future purchases. Spend $35, get 35 points, which is good for $3 off your next order. Effectively an 8.6% discount. You also get a free birthday smoothie.

Locations: Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ventura

Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams at The Commons at Calabasas offers a free ice cream on your birthday. Birthday guests can order any single, standard, or trio size ice cream in a cup or cone of their choice, and get their order free of charge.  The birthday special is only applicable on a customer’s day of birth. Adults must show a valid ID, and kids must be accompanied by an adult who can vouch that the day is their real birthday.

Jersey Mike's Subs

myMike’s: Sign up and earn free subs with Shore Points and receive a free sub on your birthday.

Locations: Over a dozen locations...Ventura, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Ojai, Oxnard, Calabasas, Simi Valley, Moorpark, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, etc.

Krispy Kreme

Krispy Kreme Rewards App: Register and get a free Original Glazed doughnut. Earn points towards free doughnuts and drinks and get a free gift on your birthday.

Location: 220 Riverpark Road, Oxnard

Lazy Dog Restaurant & Bar

Email Club: Sign up and get free birthday and anniversary treats (dessert or appetizer)

Locations: The Oaks Mall in Thousand Oaks and The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard

Little Calf Creamery & Cafe

Follow Little Calf: Sign up for their email list and get a free scoop of ice cream and updates. Visit website for details.

Locations: Thousand Oaks and Westlake Village.

Maria's Italian Kitchen

Maria's Kitchen Club App: Free birthday dessert. Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Cash in 200 points for a $10 award (effectively a 5% discount). Free medium cheese pizza at signup. Free birthday month dessert.

Location: Agoura Hills

Menchie's Frozen Yogurt

My Smileage Club: Earn a Smile point for each dollar spent. Cash in 50 smiles for $5 towards a future purchase. That's a 10% rebate in my book!

Locations: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard, Port Hueneme and Ventura.

Nick the Greek

Rewards App: Earn points from purchases and redeem for food and drinks.

Locations: Ventura, Westlake Village

Noah’s New York Bagels

Noah’s Rewards: Free bagel and shmear with purchase, free egg sandwich on your birthday and redeem rewards points for items.

Noahs App: Download the app and receive 2 points for every $1 spent to redeem for items. Order on the app and get a free hot or iced coffee reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Ventura

Nothing Bundt Cakes

eClub: Sign up and get a free Bundtlet on your birthday

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Old New York Deli

Deli Dough Rewards Program: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points  =  $7 in Deli Dough.

Location: Camarillo

Panera Bread

MyPanera: Sign up and receive a free "surprise" like a free pastry or sweet. Then receive other surprises as you accumulate points.

Locations: Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley

Papa John's

PapaRewards: Earn 1 point for every $5 you order ONLINE (including tax and delivery). Accumulate points for food items.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Peet’s Coffee

Peetnik Rewards App: Earn points and exchange them for drinks and food. FREE drink or baked good on your birthday.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Ventura

Pickles Deli

Pickles Deli Rewards - Fill out a form or download the Royalty Rewards Member App to receive $10 off your next visit for signup, free birthday reward and earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 100 points equals a $5 reward certificate.

Location: Newbury Park

Pizza Hut

Hut Rewards - Earn 2 points for each $1 spent. Use points for free pizza and other items.

Locations: Various

Pizza Man Dan's

Pizza Lover's Email Club: Free pizza on your birthday and much more.

Locations: Ventura (2), Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Moorpark and Camarillo

Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers

Caniac Club: Get a free box combo for signing up.

Location: Oxnard

RedBrick Pizza

RedBrick Rewards: Earn 10 points for every dollar spent. Receive a $10 reward for every 1000 points. Effectively a 10% discount. Receive a small gelato after registering.

Location: 4990 Telephone Road, Ventura

Red Lobster

My Red Lobster Rewards: Earn points for your purchases and redeem for food items. Receive something on your birthday too.

Location: Oxnard

Red Robin

Red Robin Royalty: Free burger on your birthday and every 10th item free.

Locations: Simi Valley, Ventura, Oxnard

Regency Theatres

Regency Rewards: Earn points on purchases. 10 points for each adult ticket...100 points gets you a free companion ticket.

Locations throughout the area.

Rise Southern Biscuits & Righteous Chicken

Rise Rewards: Earn points for each dollar spent. Redeem points for food and beverages.

Location: Thousand Oaks, near Topper’s Pizza.

Rita's Italian Ice of Newbury Park

Rita's Birthday Club: Sign up and receive free birthday treat.

Location: 2290 Borchard Road, Newbury Park

Rori’s Artisanal Creamery

Birthday Club: Sign up for Rori’s email list and get a free birthday scoop

Locations: Camarillo, Ventura

Sbarro

Sbarro Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food items.

Locations: Pacific View Mall in Ventura, The Oaks Mall

Subway

Subway MVP Rewards: Earn 4 tokens for every $1 spent on food and drinks. 200 tokens = $2 reward. Free cookie with sub purchase.

Locations: Everywhere

7 Eleven

7Rewards Loyalty Program: Download app on your smartphone, scan when you purchase coffee, Slurpees and other fountain drinks, and get 7th drink free. Not a bad deal!

Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill

Sharky's Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. 100 points = $7 good toward future purchases. Effectively a 7% discount.

Locations: Calabasas, Camarillo, Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Ventura, Westlake Village and Woodland Hills.

Sprinkles

Sprinkles Perks: For every $1 spent, get 5 points. 300 points equals a free item (cupcake, cookie or brownie).

Location: The Promenade at Westlake

Starbucks

My Starbucks Rewards: Members receive a free birthday drink or treat. Free refills and other items based on number of Stars collected over designated periods.

Locations: Everywhere

Stonefire Grill

SFG Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Every 125 points equals a $10 reward. Free birthday dessert.

Locations: Thousand Oaks

Taco Bell

Taco Bell Rewards: Sign up and get a free reward, then earn 10 points for each $1 spent. Earn a new reward every 250 points.

Texas de Brazil Churrascaria

eClub: Sign up and get $20 savings on two regular dinners combined and gifts on your birthday and other special occasions.

Location: The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard

Urbane Cafe

Urbane Cafe App: Download the app, use it to pay for your purchases, and receive $5 credit for every $100 you spend; a 5% discount. I also received a $3 birthday credit.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Simi Valley, Agoura Hills, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura

Wienerschnitzel

Wiener Lovers' Club: Get a free chili dog for signing up and other stuff.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard, Ventura

Wingstop

Email Club: Free birthday gift.

Locations: Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura, Thousand Oaks

Yard House

E-Club: Register and receive a free appetizer

Location: Oxnard

Yogurtland

Real Rewards Program: Earn points for each ounce purchased and exchange points for free yogurt and birthday treats.

Locations: Simi Valley, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Ventura and Camarillo

Arby's

Arby’s Email List: Get free Classic Roast Beef with purchase of full-price menu item after signing up.

Locations: Ventura, Simi Valley

Baja Fresh

Club Baja: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. Every 100 points gets you a $10 reward. Special offer on your birthday.

Locations: Camarillo (2), Simi Valley (2), Calabasas, Oxnard, Westlake Village

Bandits Grill & Bar

Bandits' Roundup Club: Free birthday gift, specials and more.

Location: Thousand Oaks

Baskins-Robbins

Birthday Club: Free small scoop on your birthday!

Locations: Newbury Park, Camarillo, Moorpark, Agoura, Simi Valley (2), Oxnard (2), Thousand Oaks (2), Santa Paula, Ventura (2)

BJ's Restaurant

BJ's Premier Rewards Plus: Earn 1 point for each $1 spent and redeem for discounts. For example, cash in 350 point for $25 off your meal, effectively about a 7% rebate. Free Pizookie at registration and on birthdays.

Locations: Westlake Village, Oxnard

Black Bear Diner

Bear Lovers E-Club: Sign up and get a free meal now and another on your birthday.

Location: Ventura

Buca di Beppo

Buca E-Club: Join and receive $10 gift.

Location: Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks

Buffalo Wild Wings

Blazin' Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for free food. Get 10 free boneless wings for signing up.

Locations: Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cafe Rio

My Rio Rewards: Earn 1 point for every $1 spent. Receive $10 reward for 100 points. Effectively 10% off.

Location: Thousand Oaks

California Pizza Kitchen

CPK Rewards: Free small plate when you register. Earn 1 point for each $1 spent. 75 points equals a $5 reward.

Locations: Thousand Oaks (The Lakes), Simi Valley Town Center, Ventura (Pacific View Mall)

Chick-fil-A

Chick-fil-A One App: Earn points with each purchase and redeem them for free food rewards.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Ventura

Chili's Grill & Bar

My Chili's Rewards: Get free chips and salsa or non-alcoholic beverage on every visit. Free dessert on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Chipotle

Chipotle Rewards: 10 points for every $1 spent. Redeem points for free menu items, apparel, accessories or charitable donations. Get free guac at signup and on your birthday.

Locations: Newbury Park, Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard

Cold Stone Creamery

My Cold Stone Club® Rewards: Earn 1 point for each dollar spent. 50 points can be used as a $5 reward towards purchases of $5 or more. 25 points earned just for registering.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Oxnard, Ventura, Simi Valley

Non-Food Rewards

Ulta

Ultamate Rewards: Earn points for purchases and exchange for discounts. Free birthday item.

Locations: Thousand Oaks, Camarillo, Simi Valley, Oxnard, Calabasas

Forty-Seven Things to Do In Thousand Oaks

The City of Thousand Oaks was incorporated on September 29, 1964. Most of Newbury Park was annexed by the city in the 1960s/1970s. Casa Conejo, Newbury Park's first planned community built in the early 1960s and the Lynn Ranch area of Thousand Oaks are unincorporated areas of Ventura County that technically are not annexed into the City of Thousand Oaks. The City of Thousand Oaks also annexed the Ventura County portions of Westlake Village in 1968 and 1972. That said, this list also includes a few things to do in the City of Westlake Village.

Enough history for now! Let's look at the future...like tomorrow or this coming weekend. Here are 47* things to do in the City of Thousand Oaks in random order.

*It started out as 47 things to do but we've lost count since originally posting this.

View of Boney Mountain from the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area.

View of Boney Mountain from the Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area.

Older version of City of Thousand Oaks sign.

Older version of City of Thousand Oaks sign.

Conejo Valley Meal and Shelter Program Providers

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Conejo Valley WINTER SHELTER ACTIVITIES ended 2020-2021. Instead of nightly sit-down meals and shelters, Harbor House hosts a daily lunch/meal program at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1 W. Avenida de los Arboles, between 4:45-5:30 pm. www.harborhouseto.org/daily-meal-program

Harbor House also provides rental assistance, case management, gas and electric assistance, showers and laundry service, and more.

Learn how you can volunteer, including preparing sack lunches, hot meals and other support for Harbor House at www.harborhouseto.org/volunteer

Make donations at www.harborhouseto.org/donate


Delis and Sandwich Places in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas

Looking for a deli or a sandwich in the Conejo Valley? Here’s a compilation of eateries that are known for sandwiches in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and nearby Calabasas for your dining pleasure. This list starts with the letter M, for meal.

Are we missing an eatery that primarily focuses on sandwiches? LET US KNOW

Mendocino Farms in the Westlake Plaza at 966 S. Westlake Blvd., with its vast array of interesting and unique sandwiches, deserves inclusion on this list. Some delicious alternatives include the Peruvian Steak sandwich, Vegan Banh Mi and “Unreal” Reuben (plant-based) sandwiches and others. www.mendocinofarms.com 805-379-9055

Mythpoint Greek Deli & Grill is a small Greek eatery that has operated since 2017 at 3825 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite E, Westlake Village in the North Ranch Shopping Plaza. In addition to delicious gyros, falafel and other Mediterranean specialties, they offer a variety of cheesesteak sandwiches that will knock your taste buds off. mythpoint.com 805-443-4242

Pickles Deli is located in the Kohl’s center in Newbury Park at 1940 Newbury Road. Pickles is a full-service Jewish deli serving specialties like pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup, as well as a full range of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Pickles has served the Conejo Valley since 2006. picklesdeli.com 805-480-4800

Rhineland Deli recently relocated to the Oak Leaf Square, 1817 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, offering delicious German style deli sandwiches and platters including roast beef, turkey breast, Black Forest ham, salami and more. www.facebook.com/RhinelandDeli 805-496-2045

Sienna Deli is located near the T.O. Auto Mall at 3900 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Established in 1995, Sienna offers Italian subs, roast beef, turkey and other delicious sandwiches. 805-494-7799

Subway and Jersey Mike’s Subs of course have numerous locations throughout the Conejo Valley. order.subway.com www.jerseymikes.com

The Sandwich Spot in the Smart & Final Extra plaza at 2110 Newbury Road, Newbury Park offers an array of signature sandwiches made to order. All of their sandwiches have clever names, like The Lennox Lewis (turkey, ham, roast beef and jack cheese) and The Dodger Blue (marinated chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing and pepperjack cheese). www.thesandwichspot.com/newbury-park-menu 805-375-3400

Tasty sandwich from The Sandwich Spot.

Uncle Af's International Sandwiches opened in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5901 Kanan Road in 2017. Uncle Af's is a father and son owned business offering a delicious array of European paninis, salads and breakfast items. You'll find some unique offerings here, like the L.A. Rams Panini (Chicken Thigh, Firecracker Bacon, Green Onion, Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Avocado, Jack Cheese, Garlic Aioli) and more. uncleafs.site 818-584-3556

Village Trader Neighborhood Market & Deli at 330 Via Las Brisas, Suite 110, Newbury Park (Dos Vientos) offers 19 delicious classic and specialty sandwiches. The deli is open from 9am to 7pm daily. Phone orders welcomed at 805-499-7533 www.facebook.com/villagetrader

Agoura’s Famous Deli, established in 1995, is the 3rd full-service Jewish deli in the Conejo Valley. Located at 5915 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. Like the other Jewish delis, Agoura’s Famous serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. www.agourasfamousdeli.com 818-889-9113

Alpine Deli is located in the Conejo Valley Plaza next to Eggs n Things at 1530 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Since 1989, Alpine is one of the most well-stocked European delis in the Conejo Valley, offering German, Hungarian, Dutch, Austrian and Italian specialties, sandwiches, subs and more. www.alpinegermandeli.com 805-496-4707

Board & Brew is a specialty sandwich place that opened in the spring of 2023 at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30734 Russell Ranch Road. They offer an assortment of 15 specialty cold and hot sandwiches, such as Turkado, Chicken Club, Left Coast Pastrami and others. Plenty of indoor seating and a variety of craft beers on tap. boardandbrew.com (818) 318-1448

Bottega Italian Deli is located at 3184 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, offering delicious Italian sandwiches on fresh baked bread… Turkey & Fontina, Speck & Gorgonzola, Meatballs & Provolone, Roast Beef & Parmigiano and many more. bottegafoods.com 805-449-8733

Brent’s Deli has operated at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village since 2006 in a large dine-in location near the Hyatt Westlake. Full service Jewish deli serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.brentsdeli.com 805-557-1882

D. Mongeon’s Deli has operated as long as my brain can remember (actually 1987) at 1111 Rancho Conejo Blvd. #104, Newbury Park, offering a delicious assortment of subs made on fresh French rolls. www.facebook.com/MongeonsDeli 805-499-8713

Firehouse Subs, which opened in May 2024, is located in the Northgate Plaza, 111 S. Westlake Blvd in Westlake Village. Visit www.firehousesubs.com 818-337-1032

Italia Deli & Bakery at 5657 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills has served the local community since 1981. Italia bakes delicious Italian rolls and bread daily from scratch and carries a wide array of meat, cheeses and imported Italian groceries and of course a large selection of sandwiches. italiadeli.com 818-991-4838

Lovi’s Deli is just over the Calabasas grade at 24005 Calabasas Road. Another popular Jewish deli that also serves a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating available. www.lovisdeli.com 818-223-8777


SANDWICHES NO MORE

Togo’s Sandwiches in Westlake Village closed in the spring of 2022

Which Wich at The Shoppes at Westlake Village closed in December 2021

Peebee & Jay’s opened in August 2020 in the Thousand Oaks Marketplace (Walmart/Walgreen plaza) in Newbury Park and closed in the fall of 2022.

Roxy’s Deli in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in June 2011, after 20 years serving the Conejo Valley.

Nate ‘n Al Deli operated at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks from November 2009 to the beginning of January 2012.

Craft Breweries with Onsite Tasting Rooms In and Around Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

According to the Brewers Association, there were 9,247 craft breweries operating at the end of 2021 in the U.S., which is over four times the total just 10 years prior in 2011. As of year-end 2021 there were 1,886 microbreweries, 3,307 brewpubs, 3,708 taproom breweries, and 223 regional craft breweries.

A craft brewer is defined as being small (annual production of 6 million barrels of beer or less), independent and traditional (flavors derived mostly from traditional or innovative brewing ingredients).

We've seen and experienced this growth in and around Ventura County, so how about if we summarize them right here! This list includes local craft breweries with onsite tasting rooms ranging from the Conejo Valley out just past Ventura County into Carpinteria.

Conejo Valley (Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, Agoura Hills)

14 Cannons Brewery and Showroom opened at 31125 Via Colinas, Suite 907 in Westlake Village in September 2017, featuring a handful of freshly brewed craft beers as well as an actual brewery showroom. www.14cannons.com 818.652.6971

Tavern Tomoko and Ladyface Brewery (formerly Ladyface Alehouse & Brasserie), the Conejo Valley's first microbrewery and brewpub, opened in November 2009 at 29281 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills. Offering a full selection of craft brews and full lunch/dinner menus daily. Rebranded in 2019 to also include contemporary Japanese small plates along with American gastropub fare. taverntomoko.com 818.477.4566

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company opened its Westlake Village taproom at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, in December 2015. Offers craft beers brewed onsite as well as at other locations in Santa Barbara. Also a full-service restaurant with indoor/outdoor seating. Open daily. www.figmtnbrew.com 818.874.1305

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company opened in July 2019 at 244 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. They offer numerous brews on tap, along with several ciders and wine. Fantastic outdoor patio, wood-fired, organic pizzas, sandwiches, salads, tacos, appetizers, fresh ice cream and more. tarantulahillbrewingco.com 805.538.1191

Pedals & Pints Brewing Company is located in The Oaks mall east parking lot, between Olive Garden and Bank of America. Along with fresh brewed beer, Pedals & Pints offers artisan pizzas, delicious crispy baked tater tots loaded with flavor, wings and other small plates. www.pedalsandpintsbrewing.com

Naughty Pine Brewing Co. opened its doors on September 25, 2021 at 767 Lakefield Road, Unit A in Westlake Village. This 2,200 sq ft microbrewery and tasting room offers classic and contemporary beers. They also offer live entertainment and trivia nights. www.naughtypinebrewingco.com

Eureka Brewing Company is now open at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks, next to Karma Indian Cuisine. This is a tasting room, offering beers brewed at their facility in Gardena. eurekabrewco.com

Naughty pine brewing co. on lakeview drive, just east of hampshire road in westlake village

Ventura

Topa Topa Brewing Company is a microbrewery with taprooms at its headquarters location at 4880 Colt Street in Ventura (805.535.4366) (also a nice outdoor beer garden area with tables, cornhole and food trucks) and at 104 E. Thompson Boulevard in Ventura. www.topatopa.beer 805.628.9255

Poseidon Brewing Company opened its tasting room on August 11, 2014 at 5777 Olivas Park Drive, Unit Q, Ventura and is open Tuesday through Sunday.www.poseidonbrewingco.com 805.477.0239 Also a dog-friendly tasting room.

MadeWest Brewing Company opened in January 2016 and is located at 1744 Donlon Street, Ventura, offering a variety of craft beers, plenty of indoor/outdoor seating, food trucks and more. www.madewest.com 805.947.5002 MadeWest also operates a taproom on the Ventura Pier.

Ventura Coast Brewing Co. is at 76 S. Oak Street in Downtown Ventura. Offers indoor/outdoor patio seating, flights, 4 and 16 ounce pours of its creations. Open 7 days a week. www.vcbc.beer

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Leashless Brewing opened in July 2017 at 585 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura, offering organic, Belgian style ales. Over 10 beers on tap. www.leashlessbrewing.com. Open Mon-Thu 4-10pm, Fri 3-11pm, Sat noon to 11pm and Sun noon to 9pm. 805.628.9474

Transmission Brewery and Tasting Room opened in January 2020 at 1098 East Front Street, Ventura, offering 15 different beers on tap. transmissionbrewing.com

Seaward Brewing is open at 1920 Goodyear Ave., Suite D, Ventura. Seaward is a microbrewery offering craft beer brewed onsite with 10 rotating taps. Food trucks available on weekends. Food can be brought in. Family and pet friendly! Hours are Tue-Thu 3-9pm, Fri 3-10pm, Sat Noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm. www.seawardbrewing.com

A second Rincon Brewery (the original one is in Carpinteria) is open at 4100 Telegraph Road, Ventura. Follow their Facebook at www.facebook.com/pg/rinconbreweryventura and visit rinconbrewery.com/ventura-location. 805.676.0020 Open Sunday to Thursday, 11am to 9pm and Friday/Saturday 11am to 10pm.

Bellringer Brewing Co. premiered on February 18, 2023 at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura (formerly Anacapa Brewing Co.), offering its own selection of brews and guest beers from other local breweries. They also offer a menu that includes burgers, tacos, hot dogs, salads and more. Open M/W/Th noon to 8pm, Fri noon to 10pm, Sat 11am to 10pm and Sun 11am to 8pm. 805-643-2337 bellringerbrewco.com

Bright Spark Brewing opened in November 2022 and is located at 4561 Market Street, Ventura in the space previously occupied by Concrete Brewing and Surf Brewing. Offers a selection of 10 of its own brews plus some guest taps. Their menu includes salads, burgers, pizzas, sandwiches and more. 805-322-8884 www.brightsparkbrewing.com

Camarillo, Oxnard

Institution Ale Company is a microbrewery and tasting room at 3841 Mission Oaks Boulevard in Camarillo. Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. Indoor seating with 7 TVs, game room and outdoor patio area with fire pit. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

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Casa Agria Specialty Ales is a small brewery located at 701 N. Del Norte Boulevard, Suite 310 in Oxnard, brewing up a handful of specialty beers since February 2015. There is now a small onsite tasting room open to the public Thursday through Sunday. www.casaagria.com 805.485.1454

Red Tandem Brewery is a nanobrewery featuring 7 high quality ales brewed onsite to customers at its tasting room at 109 Harbor Boulevard, Oxnard Shores at Channel Islands Harbor. Founded in September 2014 and opened in May 2016. Open Wednesday through Sunday. www.redtandembrewery.com 805.236.2105

Twisted Oak Tavern opened at 2433 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo in the historic J.F. Lewis & Sons - 1916” building) on Monday, June 15, 2020. www.twistedoaktavern.pub

Flat Fish Brewing is a brewery co-owned and located with Cantara Cellars at 126 N. Wood Road, #104 in Camarillo. Taproom offers both beers (9 of them at last count) and wines. Currently open Wednesday through Sunday. flatfishbrewing.com 805.484.9600

Topa Topa Brewing Company also has a tasting room in Old Town Camarillo at 2024 Ventura Blvd, just east of Cedar. www.topatopa.beer 805.702.4091 Open daily.

Wagon Wheel Brewing Company opened May 4, 2023 at 2601 Wagon Wheel Road, Suite 15 in Oxnard. Wagon Wheel offers nine exclusive brews and another 11 collaborative and guest beers from other local breweries. They have a full menu, including burgers, sandwiches, salads and more. www.wagonwheelbrewingcompany.com 805.351.0449

Moorpark, Simi Valley

Enegren Brewing Company opened in July 2011 in Moorpark and is now located at 444 Zachary Street, #120 at The Alley where they operate up to a dozen taps.  www.enegrenbrewing.com 805.552.0602

Angry Ferret Brewing opened in mid-2021 at 11990 Hertz Street in Moorpark, specializing in English, Irish, Scottish beers. Open 3:30-10PM Mon-Fri, Noon-10PM Sat and Noon-7PM Sun. www.angryferretbrewing.com 805.209.5963

Other Local Cities

The Ojai Valley Brewery and Tap Room is located at 307 Bryant Street in Ojai. The taproom is open daily. ojaivalleybrewery.com 805.798.9282

Rincon Brewery at 5065 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria is a craft brewery and restaurant open 7 days a week. rinconbrewery.com 805.684.6044

Institution Ale Company in Camarillo brewery/taproom has a 2nd taproom at 516 State Street, Santa Barbara. Open 7 days a week. Food offered includes artisan flatbread pizzas and soft baked pretzels. Indoor seating with 10 TVs, outdoor patio area and extended back room area. institutionales.com 805.482.3777

Island Brewing Company has been brewing in Carpinteria since July 2001 at 5049 Sixth Street (Linden at the railroad tracks). Its open redwood beam tasting room was originally built as a packing house for lemons and citrus. Open 7 days a week. www.islandbrewingcompany.com 805.745.8272

BrewLAB is an artisanal nano-brewery located at 4191-8 Carpinteria Avenue in Carpinteria. Tasting room is open Thursday through Sunday. www.brewlabcraft.com 949.922.9152

Topa Topa Brewing Company in Ventura also has a tasting room in Ojai at 345 E. Ojai Ave. www.topatopa.beer 805.798.9079 Open daily.

Red Engine Brewing Company is now open at 803 Ventura Street (Hwy 126) in Fillmore. This is a firefighter-owned, family operated brewery that will offer handcrafted beer, artisan pizzas and (soon) charcuterie boards. redenginebrewing.com 805.823.5479

Malibu Brewing Company Taproom & Eatery is located at Trancas Country Market, 30745 E. Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu. They offer 22 taps, with a selection of lagers and ales, food, wine, and more. Open daily at 11 a.m. www.brewmalibu.com 310.684.2408

Other Options on Tap

(Some additional craft beer tasting options in the area are highlighted below. These establishments serve local craft beers on tap from other breweries and/or produce the beer elsewhere. We have included on this list bars/taverns serving at least a dozen craft beers on tap.)

Conejo Valley

Bottle & Pint is a specialty craft beer store and taproom at 1714 Newbury Road, Suite G, Newbury Park. Open seven days a week, they have a revolving list with 20 beers on tap. Bring your own food or have it delivered. 805.480.9500 www.instagram.com/bottleandpint

The Crown and Anchor at 2891 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks has 17 draft beers and ciders on tap, serves food, lots of TVs and periodic live entertainment. www.crownnanchor.com 805.497.0070

Boney Mountain Pizza Co., located at 722 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, has 25 beers on tap, including a variety of craft beers. www.facebook.com/BoneyMountainPizzaCo 805.498.6511

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen is located at the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village. They serve 30 craft beers on tap. www.finneyscrafthouse.com 805.230-9950

Wades Wines at 30961 Agoura Road, Suite 321, Westlake Village offers over 50 beers on tap, wine tasting and thousands of other spirits for sale and tasting. Retail store is open daily. Tasting is open Thursday through Sunday. www.wadeswines.com 818.597.9463

Other Local Cities

Bottle & Pint has a 2nd location at The Annex, a cool food "court" area within The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard.

Barrelhouse 101 at 545 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura has an insane number of craft and micro beers on tap...over 100. Open daily with full menu. www.barrelhouse101.com 805.643.0906

Finney's Crafthouse is also located at 494 E. Main Street in Ventura, They serve 30 local craft beers on tap. www.finneyscrafthouse.com 805.628.3312 Their newest location at The Promenade section of the Camarillo Premium Outlets opened in January 2023. 805.702.0010

The Golden Nugget Pub at 4435 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, offers 30 beers on tap at this dive bar established in 1964. www.goldennuggetpub.com (805) 583-9715

The Local Beer & Wine Bar is located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo, Suite E. It is open daily at noon (11am on Sundays). 16 rotating taps are offered. thelocalcamarillo.com

The Dugout Sports Grill serves about 22 taps of beer along with cocktails, food and 32 TVs at 109 W. Cochran Street, Simi Valleywww.thedugoutsimi.com 805.955.9200

Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 632 East Main Street in Ventura has over 30 beers on tap, mostly craft types. They also have a full menu and full bar. www.winchestersgrill.com 805.653.7446

Yard House at The Collection at Riverpark in Oxnard has well over 100 beers on tap of all varieties.  www.yardhouse.com/locations/ca/oxnard/oxnard-the-collection-at-riverpark/8349 805.981.8707

Two Trees Restaurant and Taps is located at 7822 Telegraph Road in Ventura, serving up 28 beers on tap along with full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. www.twotreesrestaurantandtaps.com 805.659.3365

Fluid State Beer Garden, located at 692 E. Main Street, Ventura, offers craft beers, sourdough pizzas and more. www.fluidstatebeer.com 805.628.3107

LOOKING FOR WINE? CLICK HERE FOR LOCAL WINE TASTING OPTIONS

NIGHTLIFE OPTIONS IN AND AROUND VENTURA COUNTY

Beer No More

Darryl's Couch was a craft beer bar located at 795 Camarillo Springs Road in Camarillo.  www.darrylscouch.com They closed on Sunday, March 11, 2018, after operating for 5 1/2 years. Now located there is The Local Beer & Wine Bar.

Surf Brewery was the first packaging craft brewery in Ventura County when it opened in June 2011. It closed in early 2018. Now operating at this location is Concrete Jungle Brewing.

Westlake Brewing Company opened its small volume brewery in early 2016 at 31111 Via Colinas #200, Westlake Village. The taproom closed its doors in June 2019.

The Dudes' Brewing Company Tasting Room opened at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks on July 15, 2016 and closed March 1, 2020 to refocus efforts on other locations.

Tap’d Ventura operated at 546 E. Main St, serving 43 taps of craft beer. Closed in the Fall of 2019.

Concrete Jungle Brewing was located at 4561 Market Street in Ventura in the former Surf Brewing location. Closed in mid-2020.

Cask Alehouse was located at 5952 Telegraph Road in Ventura (at Victoria), and offered a rotating selection of 32 beers on draft. Established in December 2016. Closed in 2020.

McGregor's Craft Beer and Wine was a tasting room/bottle shop at 144 W. Los Angeles Avenue #105 in Moorpark, with 16 rotating taps. Established in 2016. Closed in September 2020.

Draughts Restaurant & Bar at 398 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks closed in mid-August 2021.

Twisted Oak Tavern opened in 2015 at 30105 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills, offering a full gastropub experience with a full lunch/dinner menu and over 30 craft beers on tap made onsite. It closed on January 16, 2022 but its newer Camarillo location remains open.

Five Threads Brewing Company at 31133 Via Colinas, Suite 109, Westlake Village opened in October 2015. Offers fresh brewed craft beers in its tasting room seven days a week. www.fivethreadsbrewing.com 805.457.5990 FIVE THREADS’ LAST DAY OPEN WAS 1/30/22.

Anacapa Brewing Company opened its doors in 2000 with a seasonal rotation of over 25 beers in this full service restaurant/brewery in the heart of Downtown Ventura. Their last day open was Sunday, October 30, 2022 after 20 years in business.

More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Serving Jury Duty in Ventura County

Jury duty in Ventura County is not so bad! Ventura County Jury service consists of one jury trial or one day of service in Ventura County. If you are not assigned to a courtroom at the end of your first day of appearance, you will have completed your service. Jury service is from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

HallJusticeVentura1.JPG

If you are summoned for duty, the night before your service you will be instructed to check online or to call after 4 p.m. for reporting instructions for the next day. If the "group number" you were assigned is called, you show up the next day.

If your group number has not been called by the end of your summoned week, your service will automatically be completed without having to appear. If this "call in" process is inconvenient, Ventura County Superior Court will allow you to schedule a firm date of appearance.

If you cannot perform jury service during the week you are summoned, you may reschedule for another time up to 90 days in the future. There’s one catch - if you reschedule, you will be required to appear on that rescheduled date. You will no longer be on call.

Hall of Justice Building

Hall of Justice Building

Jury trials in Ventura County average four days in length. The trial judge will advise jurors of the expected duration and may excuse prospective jurors from serving on a particular case if the service would amount to an extreme hardship.

Ventura County is one judicial district so all jurors are summoned to the county seat at the Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura for jury service. 

Get there early if you can. There is plenty of free parking but sometimes you have to walk a ways to get to the building. When entering the building you will be screened through a security device. Do not bring knives, scissors, handwork needles, metal fingernail files, tools, wallet chains, handcuff keys or any items that may possibly be used as a weapon.

The Jury Assembly Room has plenty of chairs, with some tables, electric plugs, etc. I highly recommend that you bring things to keep yourself busy...phone, laptop, magazines, newspaper, book, iPad, etc. They do have a TV available in one room but you'll want to bring something else to do too. There's also wireless internet access. For lunch and snacks, there is an in-house cafeteria as well as a variety of restaurants nearby.

No fees or mileage are paid for the first day of service. $15 per day and 34¢ per mile, one way from the juror’s home to the courthouse are paid for your second and additional days of service (as of November 2024; which is unchanged from the first time I checked in 2014).

[Jury duty fees are set by the California State Legislature, which consists of the 80 member California State Assembly and the 40 member California State Senate. California Code of Civil Procedure Section 215 sets the fees and mileage rate. Well guess what…it has been the same fee and mileage rate since July 2000. Cumulative inflation from 2000 to 2023 is 76%, which means the $15 would have grown to over $26. The IRS mileage rate for 2024 is 67¢ per mile, nearly double 34¢ per mile.. Might be time to write your local Assemblymember to address the issue.]

When I last served, the judge in my courtroom called us back the next day. We showed up and he subsequently cancelled the trial and we were excused to go home (or back to work). Two weeks later I received a check for $15 in jury fees and $7.82 in mileage from the Conejo Valley. YIPPEE!

Courtyard area in front of Hall of Justice building

Courtyard area in front of Hall of Justice building

Jury service is not voluntary, and there is no permanent excuse to serving. Any request for excuse must be submitted in writing. Any request to be excused from serving on a jury trial due to loss of income and/or business closure must be directed to a trial judge, only after you have appeared and have served one day as summoned. Unless notified in writing that your request for excuse is granted, you may assume it has been denied. If the date of appearance is not satisfactory, you may request a postponement to a future date within 90 days. When listing reasons such as medical, job, or dependent care issues, be prepared to receive a postponement and not an excuse.

For more information about Jury Service in Ventura County, visit www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/JuryService.

Bench Yourself in the Conejo Valley

There are over 150 miles of public multi-use trails surrounding the Conejo Valley managed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency and hundreds of miles more in the neighboring Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area. Learn more about these great trails here on Conejo Valley Guide.

All of this hiking, biking and running can make one tired. Not to worry...there are benches in strategic spots all throughout the area, all with great views! Here we highlight some of them. Click the images for more information about the trails that lead to these benches.

Views from Angel Vista Peak bench in Newbury Park.

Views from Angel Vista Peak bench in Newbury Park.

Bench at top of peak just east of Angel Vista Peak.

Bench at top of peak just east of Angel Vista Peak.

Bench at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail West.

Bench at the top of "Space Mountain" on the Los Robles Trail West.

Bench with perfect sunset view off of the Autumn Ridge Trail in the Lang Ranch Open Space.

Bench with perfect sunset view off of the Autumn Ridge Trail in the Lang Ranch Open Space.

A bench on a hilltop overlooking the Conejo Valley on Los Robles Trail East Scenic Loop.

A bench on a hilltop overlooking the Conejo Valley on Los Robles Trail East Scenic Loop.

Bench on Los Robles Loop East Scenic Loop looking towards the south.

Bench on Los Robles Loop East Scenic Loop looking towards the south.

Benches at the top of Big Sycamore Canyon Road in Point Mugu State Park (adjacent to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park).

Benches at the top of Big Sycamore Canyon Road in Point Mugu State Park (adjacent to Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa in Newbury Park).

Another bench that overlooks Sycamore Canyon from the Boney Mountain Trail.

Another bench that overlooks Sycamore Canyon from the Boney Mountain Trail.

Image of the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench after the Rancho Sierra Vista area in Newbury Park was ravaged by the Springs Fire of 2013.

Image of the Upper Sycamore Canyon bench after the Rancho Sierra Vista area in Newbury Park was ravaged by the Springs Fire of 2013.

Upper Sycamore Canyon bench was subsequently replaced. Here it is in April 2014.

Upper Sycamore Canyon bench was subsequently replaced. Here it is in April 2014.

Bench on the west side of Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks.

Bench on the west side of Tarantula Hill in Thousand Oaks.

Another view of the Tarantula Hill bench before sundown in June 2022.

This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and the Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley. Nice view towards Simi Valley.

This bench is located at the juncture of the Sunrise and Meadow Vista Trails in the Lang Ranch Open Space and the Long Canyon Trail in Simi Valley. Nice view towards Simi Valley.

Bench on Indian Creek Trail in Wildwood Park.

Bench on Indian Creek Trail in Wildwood Park.

Bench overlooking Bard Reservoir on the Sunset Hills Loop.

Bench overlooking Bard Reservoir on the Sunset Hills Loop.

Sunset Hills Trail bench in early spring 2023.

One of two benches in the hills above CLU overlooking Thousand Oaks.

One of two benches in the hills above CLU overlooking Thousand Oaks.

Oakbrook Vista Trail bench off of Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks

Oakbrook Vista Trail bench off of Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks

This bench on a hill connected to the Rancho Potrero trail in Newbury Park faces the west and gets you some nice views of several of the Channel Islands on clear days.

This bench on a hill connected to the Rancho Potrero trail in Newbury Park faces the west and gets you some nice views of several of the Channel Islands on clear days.

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Bench off the Lizard Rock Loop trail on the west side of Wildwood Park.

Bench off the Lizard Rock Loop trail on the west side of Wildwood Park.

Bench with a view of Boney Peak from the Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park.

Bench with a view of Boney Peak from the Potrero Ridge Trail in Newbury Park.

There are dozens of benches facing all directions in the beautiful hilltop Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in the heart of Thousand Oaks

There are dozens of benches facing all directions in the beautiful hilltop Conejo Valley Botanic Garden in the heart of Thousand Oaks

Another bench on the west side of top of the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.

Another bench on the west side of top of the Conejo Valley Botanic Garden.

Bench overlooking the Potrero Grade from the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park.

Bench overlooking the Potrero Grade from the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park.

This is a new bench on the Vista Del Mar Trail in Newbury Park that made its premiere in 2023.

Bench on the El Encanto Trail in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Panaromic view towards Boney Mountain while catching the sunset.

Bench on the El Encanto Trail in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Panaromic view towards Boney Mountain while catching the sunset.

Bench with panoramic views at the top of the Triunfo Canyon Trail (part of the Los Robles trail system) in Westlake Village.

Bench with panoramic views at the top of the Triunfo Canyon Trail (part of the Los Robles trail system) in Westlake Village.

Enjoy views towards Newbury Park, Wildwood Park and so on from this bench on the Lynnmere Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Enjoy views towards Newbury Park, Wildwood Park and so on from this bench on the Lynnmere Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench at Box Canyon Overlook in Wildwood Park.

Bench at Box Canyon Overlook in Wildwood Park.

Bench #1 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench #1 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench #2 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench #2 on the Albertson Motorway Fire Road Trail in Thousand Oaks.

Bench off the Western Plateau Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space near the Hill Canyon Trail.

Bench off the Western Plateau Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space near the Hill Canyon Trail.

Another bench off the Western Plateau Trail. This one is marked by a “Vista Point” sign and is across from the Outlaw Trail juncture in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

Another bench off the Western Plateau Trail. This one is marked by a “Vista Point” sign and is across from the Outlaw Trail juncture in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

This bench is near Elliot Peak in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

This bench is near Elliot Peak in the Conejo Canyons Open Space.

This bench is off the Outlaw Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space, not far from Elliot Peak.

This bench is off the Outlaw Trail in the Conejo Canyons Open Space, not far from Elliot Peak.

Another view from the bench atop Tarantula Hill….at sunset.

Another view from the bench atop Tarantula Hill….at sunset.

Bench off of the Santa Rosa Trail in Wildwood Park, overlooking Santa Rosa Valley