Live Music and Other Nightlife Options In and Around Ventura County

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Guitar Player

Are you a night owl looking for something to do around town? Here's a list of places in and around Ventura County that have things to do during nighttime hours, including live music, concerts, dancing, darts, comedy, trivia and other activities scheduled on a regular basis.

This compilation includes restaurants as well as some bars. TVs are great, but don't count as "something to do" for the purposes of this compilation.

Are we missing something? Let us know!

For other nighttime fun, check out these compilations of Ventura County area movie theaters, comedy shows and entertainment venues. Or bowling. Perhaps wine tasting.

Local area craft breweries with taprooms!

(Information is subject to change, so contact the business to confirm.)

Conejo Valley (Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village)

Azar's Sports Bar at 2215 Michael Drive, Newbury Park has Tuesday night karaoke and live music and dancing on Fri/Sat nights. 805.498.2365 azarsportsbar.com

Crown and Anchor at 2891 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks is a British restaurant and pub, offering authentic British dishes along with American fare. Live music on the patio Fri/Sat nights and Sun afternoons. 805.497.0070 crownnanchor.com

14 Cannons Brewery at 31125 Via Colinas, Suite 907 in Westlake Village offers trivia nights, open mic nights and comedy nights 818.652.6971 www.14cannons.com

Mikey’s Restaurant at 579 N. Ventu Park Road in Newbury Park offers karaoke, live music and comedy on select nights. Contact them for more information. www.instagram.com/mikeysrestaurant

NABU Wines at 2649 Townsgate Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village offers live bands and dancing on many nights. nabuwines.com or 805.778.1100 or 818.835.3704.

Naughty Pine Brewing Co. at 766 Lakefield Dr., Ste A in Westake Villlage offers live music and trivia nights most nights as well as food trucks. 808.269.7975 www.naughtypinebrewingco.com

Pedals & Pints Brewing Company is located at The Oaks mall east parking lot, offering freshly brewed beer, artisan pizzas, baked tater tots, wings and other small plates…and live music every Saturday night, trivia nights at 7pm on Wednesday nights, and periodic special events on Friday nights. 805-551-0547 www.pedalsandpintsbrewing.com

Sunland Vintage Winery Tasting Room at 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard #108 hosts live music on Thursday and Friday nights as well as other events. 805-379-2250 www.sunlandvintagewinery.com/events

Sunset Terrace Restaurant and Lounge at Janss Marketplace has live music, dancing, three pool tables, shuffleboard, four lanes of bowling and more. 805.497.4847 www.sunsetterracerestaurant.com

Tarantula Hill Brewing Company at 244 Thousand Oaks Boulevard offers live music and other events - check their events calendar at www.tarantulahillbrewingco.com/events for details.

Lions Peak Tasting Room at 1321 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks has periodic live music, such as a jazz sax performer or a guitarist. Check their events calendar at lionspeakwine.com/events

The Bamboo Room is a craft cocktail lounge at The Shoppes at Westlake with a DJ and dancing on Friday/Saturday nights and Happy Hour Thursdays. www.bambooroomwlv.com

The Mighty Axe at Janss Marketplace in Thousand Oaks offers the ultimate in nighttime excitement…axe throwing and beer! And you can order food from eateries at Janss. themightyaxe.com

The Original Pizza Cookery at 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd offers live music most Friday/Saturday nights. See www.pizzacookery.com/entertainment for details.

The Tipsy Goat at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks has karaoke, pool tables, a dartboard, ping pong, shuffleboard, video games, trivia and more. tipsygoat.com 805-494-9996

Louie’s (formerly Bogies) at the Westlake Village Inn at 32001 Agoura Road, Westlake Village is a bar/nightclub open Wednesday through Saturday nights. 818.889.2394 www.clublouies.com/calendar

Zin Bistro Americana at 32131 Lindero Canyon Road, Westlake Village (The Landing) offers live music on certain nights. 818.865.0095 zinwestlake.com

Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Malibu

The Canyon at Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills is a hot spot for live music of all types, from original rock bands to cover bands, tribute bands, comedy and more. 888.645.5006 wheremusicmeetsthesoul.com

Sagebrush Cantina at 23527 Calabasas Road hosts karaoke on Thursday nights, live music and dancing on Fri/Sat nights and music on Sun afternoons. 818.222.6062 sagebrushcantina.com

Ventura

Bombay Bar & Grill, located at 143 S. California Street in Ventura has a DJ and dancing on weekends. 805.643.4404 bombayventura.com

Margarita Villa Mexican Restaurant at Ventura Harbor Village, 1567 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura hosts live music Friday through Sunday - check for times and schedule at margaritavillaventura.com/music.html 805-654-7906

The Garage is a dive bar located at 1091 Scandia Avenue, Ventura with live music on Fri/Sat nights. 805.814.2234 www.facebook.com/TheGarageBarVTA

The Twist on Main at 454 E. Main Street in Ventura offers live music daily, including jazz on Thursday nights. 805.641.0053 thetwistonmain.com

The Greek at the Harbor at Ventura Harbor Village offers belly dancing starting at 6:30pm on Fri/Sat nights and 6pm on Sundays. Greek dance shows Fri/Sat at 7pm. 805.650.5350 www.thegreekventura.com

Keynote Lounge at 10245 Telephone Road in Ventura is a bar with live music on Fri/Sat nights. 805.647.9390 www.keynotelounge.com

Leashless Brewing at 585 East Thompson Blvd., Ventura is a tasting room that hosts live music most Thursdays through Sundays. Check their events calendar at www.leashlessbrewing.com/event-calendar. 805.628.9474

O'Leary's Tavern at 6555 Telephone Road, Suite 7 in Ventura has a pool table, shuffleboard, air hockey, dartboard machine, karaoke and live music. 805.644.4619 www.facebook.com/olearysventura

Paddy's Bar & Lounge at 2 W. Main St, Ventura is a LGBT owned/operated nightclub bar offering pool, darts, karaoke on Wed nights and more. 805.652.1071 paddysventura.com

Prime Steakhouse at 2009 E. Thompson Blvd, Ventura has live music three to four nights a week, including "Frank Sinatra" Tuesdays. 805.652.1055 www.primesteakhouseventura.com

The Saloon at 456 E. Main St in Ventura has live music. 805.667.8550 www.thesaloonvta.com

The Grape House of Jazz & Spirits is a winery and jazz club with a full menu at 2351 E. Main Street in Ventura, offering live jazz Tues through Sun nights. 805.643.7300 thegrapeventura.com

Ventura Music Hall is located at 1888 E. Thompson Boulevard in Ventura. Live music from local talent and touring musicians, along with food from local eateries and drinks at several bars throughout the venue. Learn more at www.venturamusichall.com.

Victoria Pub & Grill at 1413 Victoria Avenue, Suite F, Ventura has pool tables and darts. 805.650.0060 www.victoriapubandgrill.com

Winchester’s Grill & Saloon hosts live music Thursday through Sunday plus open mic night on many Tuesdays. www.winchestersgrill.com 805-653-7446

Simi Valley/Moorpark/Heritage Valley (Fillmore, Santa Paula)

Arena Sports Grill at the Grand Vista Hotel, 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley has live music, dancing, pool tables, dartboards, video games, 20 TVs and more. 805.583.2000 arenasimi.com

Chuy's Mesquite Broiler Simi West at 1397 E. Los Angeles Avenue hosts live music various nights 805.582.4897 www.facebook.com/ChuysReno

Enzo's Italian Restaurant at the historic Glen Tavern Inn at 134 N. Mill St, Santa Paula offers live entertainment on weekends. 805.933.5550 www.glentavern.com/dining.aspx

The Golden Nugget Pub and Tavern at 4435 Cochran St, Simi Valley is the oldest bar in Simi, established in 1964. Trivia on Monday and Wednesday nights. 805.583.9715 www.goldennuggetpub.com

Lucas Sellers Winery at 330 Zachary Street in Moorpark (at The Alley in Moorpark) hosts live music most Saturday nights from 6-9pm. www.facebook.com/LucasSellersWine

Lucky Fool's Pub at 75 E. High Street in Moorpark offers Sunday night trivia games, a pool table and dart board, not to mention live music several nights a week. 805.532.1500 www.luckyfoolspub.com

Rock & Roll Pizza at Harley’s Valley Bowl, 5255 Cochran Street, Simi Valley, offers live music on Friday/Saturday, Reggae on Sundays, Karaoke Night 9-12 on Tuesdays and Live Comedy on many Wed nights. Details at www.harleysbowl.com/rocknrollpizzabar 805-584-2695

Other West Ventura County (Camarillo, Oxnard, Port Hueneme, Ojai)

Copper Blues Rock Pub & Kitchen at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard opened in September 2016, with live music on Saturday nights and more. 805.457.5551 www.copperblueslive.com/oxnard

Corner Pocket Billiards on 7th & A Street in Oxnard is a billiards, arcade, lounge, restaurant and sports bar for the whole family. 805.844.7266 www.facebook.com/cornerpocketoxnard

The El Rey Cantina at 2302 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo has occasional live music. 805.484.4433 www.instagram.com/elreycantinacam

Four Brix Winery at 2290 Eastman Ave, Ste 109, Ventura offers live music every Saturday and Sunday from 1-3:30pm. www.fourbrixwine.com

Harley’s Camarillo Bowl offers live music most Saturday nights and select other nights. Check their events calendar at www.harleysbowl.com/camarillo-events 805-482-0747

The Lamplighter is dive bar at 1936 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo that has three pool tables, foosball and darts for your nighttime activities. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064177201671 805-484-2113

The Lookout Bar & Grill at Channel Islands Harbor (2800 Harbor Blvd, Oxnard) offers Tuesday night trivia and live music on designated days. Open mic night on Mon nights. 805.985.9300 www.facebook.com/TheLookoutBar

The Manhattan of Camarillo at 5800 Santa Rosa Road, Suite 140 offers live music and dancing Thursday through Sunday nights. Also Trivia Night on Thursday nights. 805.388.5550 www.themanhattanofcamarillo.com

The Ojai Deer Lodge at 2261 Maricopa Highway showcases live local entertainers up to 5 nights a week. 805.646.4256 deerlodgeojai.com

Q Club Oxnard at 2362 N. Oxnard Blvd is a sports lounge with 25 TVs and 15 pool tables, karaoke, games, DJ and more 805.278.1231 www.facebook.com/qcluboxnard

Onyx Bistro at 2390 Las Posas Road (at Arneill) offers live music from 5;30-8:30pm on Friday/Saturday nights. 805.991.7356 onyxbistrocamarillo.com

Ric's Restaurant at 2500 Las Posas Road, Camarillo offers live music on Sunday afternoons and other time frames. www.ricsrestaurant.com/entertainment 805.389.9919

The Shores Restaurant at 1031 S. Harbor Blvd in Oxnard has karaoke on Thursdays and live music on weekends. 805.984.5533 www.facebook.com/theshoresoxnard

Sam’s Place at 308 E. Ojai Avenue offers live music Wednesday thru Sunday from 8-10 PM www.facebook.com/The-Vine-1471139523136821 805.646.1555

Beerly departed:

Indoor Play Places In and Around Ventura County

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There are hundreds of parks with play areas throughout the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County compiled at THIS LINK, but if you are looking for an indoor playtime experience with your little ones, from toddlers to teens, here are a number of options to check out.

This is just a small sampling of kids' activities highlighted here on Conejo Valley Guide.

FUN FOR THE KIDS AT LOCAL VENTURA COUNTY AREA SHOPPING MALLS

The three story foam ball projectile and climbing area at Kids World in Oak Park.

The three story foam ball projectile and climbing area at Kids World in Oak Park.

Wine Tasting Options in Ventura County and Adjacent Areas

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According to the Wine Business Analytics, there were 11,654 wineries in the United States in January 2024, 42% of which were in California. These wineries produced 325 million cases of wine in 2023.

So where can we imbibe here in Ventura County and adjacent areas? Here's a compilation.

(Note: Contact us for changes/additions. We have attempted to include only those places that currently offer wine tasting to the general public.)

Agoura Wine & Beer Co. in the Whizin Market Square, 28851 Agoura Road, offers 2 oz and 5 oz pours of all wines offered in the bar. The bar is open daily; hours vary. www.agourawine.com 818.337.8832

Alma Sol Winery wines are poured, on a limited, reservation only basis at Sunland Vintage Tasting Room, 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, #108, Thousand Oaks www.almasolwinery.com Schedule a tasting appointment on their website.

Back Patio Cellars is located at 930 Flynn Road, Suite F, Camarillo, offering mostly red wines such as Syrah, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and blends. Open Friday 4-7PM, Sat 1-5M and Sun 1-5PM. www.backpatiocellars.com 805-388-3457

Barrel 33 is a wine bar at 1067 E. Thompson Blvd in Ventura is a wine bar that also serves food. Due to space limitations, they ask that you call in advance at 805-652-1810 for reservations. barrel33.squarespace.com

Beckmen Vineyards is a working vineyard located at 2670 Ontiveros Road, Los Olivos. Wine tasting daily 11am to 5pm. www.beckmenvineyards.com 805.688.8664

Boccali Vineyards and Winery at 3277 E. Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Open for wine tasting weekends from 12-5PM. 805.669.8688. www.boccalivineyards.com

Buddy’s Wine Bar is located at 1786 E. Main Street in Ventura. Open for tastings Wed-Fri 3-10PM, Sat 1-10PM and Sun 1-8PM. www.buddyswinebar.com

Buttonwood Farm Winery and Vineyard at 1500 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang is open daily 11am to 5pm. Children welcome, as are well-behaved, leashed dogs. 805.688.3032 www.buttonwoodwinery.com

Cantara Cellars has a tasting room at 126 Wood Road, Suite 104 in Camarillo that is open Thursdays 2-8pm, Fridays 2-9pm, Saturdays 1-9pm and Sundays 1-6pm. www.cantaracellars.com 805.484.9600

Cavaletti Vineyards is an artisan winery that produces authentic wines from hand farmed estate vineyards in Ventura and Los Angeles Counties. Cavaletti offers outdoor tastings by appointment on Saturdays and Sundays from noon to 6pm at 165 Poindexter Ave, Suite D, Moorpark. www.cavalettivineyards.com

Cork Dork Wine Bar at 1125 Lindero Canyon Road in Westlake Village offers a selection of high-end wine pours that usually are not available by the glass at restaurants, as well as a full menu of farm-to-table, locally sourced California cuisine and a curated selection of local beers. Open Mon-Sat 4:30-9;30PM. www.corkdorkwinebar.com 818.532.7284

Cornell Winery and Tasting Room is located at 29975 Mulholland Highway in Agoura www.cornellwinery.com. Its tasting room is open noon to 7pm Thursday through Sunday. 818.735.3542

Deep Sea Wine Tasting Room opened at Ventura Harbor Village, 1591 Spinnaker Drive, Suite 115, Ventura in September 2022. Siblings John, Gillian and Tom Conway’s Deep Sea and Conway wines can be enjoyed by-the-glass, by the bottle or in one of the Signature or Reserve Tasting Flights. Chocolate pairings and cheese and meat plates available. Learn more at conwayfamilywines.com or call 805-321-9463.

Fess Parker Winery and Vineyard at 6200 Foxen Canyon Road in Santa Ynez www.fessparkerwines.com 805-688-1545

Firestone Vineyard, 5017 Zaca Station Road in Santa Ynez Open for walk-in tastings 11am-4pm Thursday through Monday. 805.688.3940. www.firestonewine.com

Four Brix Winery is a craft winery with a tasting room open 12-4pm Friday through Sunday at 2290 Eastman Ave, Suite 109, Ventura. 805-256-6006 fourbrixwine.com

Friendly Noise Wines & Ciders is an independent winery with a tasting room at 111 Poindexter Avenue, Suite D, Moorpark. It opened in November 2024. Currently open 4-9pm Friday and noon to 7pm Saturday/Sunday. friendlynoise.com

Gainey Vineyard at 3950 East Highway 246, Santa Ynez Open daily 11am to 5pm. 805.688.0558 www.gaineyvineyard.com

Giessinger Winery & Tasting Room in Fillmore at 365 Santa Clara Street (open Wednesday through Sunday; closed Tuesday; hours vary) 805.524.5000 and 3059 Willow Lane, Westlake Village (open Wed/Sun 2-6PM, Fri/Sat 2-7PM) (805.405.5557) giessingerwinery.com

Happy Accidents is a small batch winery from Santa Barbara with a tasting room located at 607 E. Main Street in Ventura that opened in late 2023. Open 5-8PM Wed, 5-9PM Thu-Fri and 1-9PM Sat/Sun. 805-628-3947 happyaccidents.co

Herzog Wine Cellars at 3201 Camino Del Sol in Oxnard offers tastings daily, except Saturday, herzogwine.com. 805.983.1560

Labyrinth Winery and Tasting Room is located at 607 East Main Street in Ventura www.LabyrinthWinery.com Open Wednesday through Sunday; hours vary. 805.585.2238

Lester Family Cellars Winery and Tasting Room is located at 6650 Crescent Street, #8, Ventura. Open weekends from 1-6PM or by appointment. lesterfc.com 562.714.9465

Lion’s Peak Winery Tasting Room is located in the Northstar Plaza at 1321 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. Open Thursday through Sunday, 1pm to 6:30pm (7pm on Saturday). https://lionspeakwine.com/tasting-room 805.423.1134

Lucas Sellers Winery operates a tasting room at The Alley in Moorpark at 330 Zachary St #108. Open Tue-Fri 4-9pm, Sat noon-10pm and Sun noon-7pm. Live music on Sat night. www.facebook.com/LucasSellersWine

Magnavino Cellars is located at 961 N. Rice Avenue, Suite 5, Oxnard and its tasting room is open Fri 5-8pm, Sat 12-6pm and Sun 12-6pm. Visit www.magnavino.com or call 805.276.1353

Majestic Oak Vineyard is located at 321 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai. Their tasting room is open daily from noon to 6 pm. No reservations required. Visit majesticoakvineyard.com or call 805.794.0272 for more information.

Mizel Estate Wines is located in Hidden Valley in Thousand Oaks. Mizel offers wine tasting in its stunning vineyard on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month. Reserved seatings at 1pm and 2:30pm. Call 805-795-2506 or email info@mizelestate.com to reserve your spot. www.mizelestate.com

NABU Wines offers tastings at 2649 Townsgate Road, Suite 200, Westlake Village and is open for wine tasting daily 12-6PM, Fri/Sat 12PM-11PM with music 8-11PM. Visit nabuwines.com or call 805.778.1100 or 818.835.3704.

Nectar of the Dogs Wine is a Simi Valley based boutique wine company with a tasting room at 791 Chambers Lane, Suite 110 in Simi Valley. Open 3-7pm Thursday, 4-9pm Friday and 12-6pm Saturday/Sunday. www.nectarofthedogswine.com. Visitors must be 21+. No children allowed. Only well-behaved, leashed, service dogs are permitted inside the tasting room.

Oak Creek Ranch Winery is located at 10024 Old Creek Road, Ventura. Located on an 850 acre cattle ranch in the Ojai Valley. oldcreekranch.com 805-649-4132

The Ojai Vineyard Tasting Room is located at 109 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai. Open 7 days a week. Visit ojaivineyard.com or call 805.798.3947.

Pantess Cellars Tasting Room is located at 537 Constitution Avenue, Suite D, Camarillo pantesscellars.com. Tasting room open Fri 6-9pm, Sat/Sun 1-6pm. 805.388.3279

Plan B Wine Cellars is a working winery located at 3520 Arundell Circle, #107, Ventura Open for tastings on weekends from 1-5PM. 805-233-1453

Rancho Ventavo Cellars is at 741 South A Street in Downtown Oxnard 805.483.8084

Roblar Winery is at 3010 Roblar Avenue in Santa Ynez www.roblarwinery.com 805.686.2603

The Naturalist (previously Casa Barranca Organic Winery) is located at 208 East Ojai Avenue in Ojai Tasting room hours are 12-5PM Sun-Thurs and 12-6PM Fri/Sat. www.naturalistwine.com 805.640.1255.

The Stonehaus at 32039 Agoura Road, Westlake Village is open 7 days a week (hours vary) for wine tasting. the-stonehaus.com/wine 818.483.1152

Strey Cellars is located at 951 N. Rice Avenue, Oxnard and is open weekends from noon to 5PM. Visit www.StreyCellars.com or call 805.988.1087.

Sunland Vintage Winery and Tasting Room in Thousand Oaks www.SunlandVintageWinery.com is open Thursdays/Fridays 6-9PM, Saturdays 1-6PM and Sundays 1-5PM. 805.379.2250

Sunstone Winery at 125 North Refugio Road, Santa Ynez is open for walk-in tastings 11 am to 5pm daily, with the last seating at 4PM..www.sunstonewinery.com 805.688.9463

The Barn at Cielo Farms at 31424 Mulholland Hwy, Malibu offers wine tasting Wed through Mon. Reservations required at woodstockmalibu.com/the-barn-tasting-room 424-234-7242

Ventura Wine Co. "The Cave" wine tasting at 4435 McGrath St #301, Ventura thecaveventura.com 

Wades Wines Wine Tasting at 30961 Agoura Road, Ste 321 Westlake Village www.wadeswines.com open Thursday to Sunday.

We Vino Restaurant and Wine Lounge will be soft opening in early 2025 at 31149 Via Colinas #601 in Westlake Village (Lindero Oaks, across the street from the Four Seasons Westlake), offering fine dining and wines. Stay tuned for updates at www.we-vino.com

West Tasting Room is located at 1867 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Open Tuesday through Sunday. Hours vary. Showcases wineries from the California, Oregon and Washington. Learn more at www.westtastingroom.com.

Art and Wine Sipping Options

Painting With a Twist in Camarillo

Ventura Spirits at 3891 N. Ventura Ave, #B2A, Ventura has a tasting room that is open for drop-in tastings Mon to Fri 12-5pm; reserved tastings available Fri-Sun.. venturaspirits.com 805.232.4313

HOW ABOUT A BEER!? LOCAL AREA FRESH BREWED BEERS

Wine No More

Gone West Cellars at 5963 Olivas Park Drive, Ste A, Ventura closed in December 2016.

We Olive & Wine Bar Tasting at The Oaks Mall closed permanently in August 2018.

The Tasting Room at River Ridge at River Ridge Golf Club (closed 10/6/17)

SIP Malibu Grapes in Agoura Hills www.sipmalibugrapes.com (SIP was destroyed by the Woolsey Fire of November 2018; but stay tuned at their website for possible rebuilding plans)

VinTura Tasting Room & Wine Rack at 14 S. California Street in Ventura (closed February 2019)

DeLiese Cellars opened a tasting room at 1850 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks in late December 2016. but closed in March 2021.

The Topa Mountain Winery property in Ojai was acquired by the Ojai Valley Inn but they continue operating online at www.topamountainwinery.com

Boar Dough Tasting Room at 5015 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills closed December 2023.

The Painted Cabernet in Oxnard closed its doors on March 18, 2024.

Very sad to report that the Rosenthal Winery and Tasting Room at 18741 Pacific Coast Highway in Malibu was destroyed by the Palisades Fire in January 2025 Check for updates for future rebuilding plans at www.rosenthalestatewines.com.

Coffee Shops in the Conejo Valley

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Photo credit: Michaela (via Pexels)

According to the National Coffee Association in its Spring 2024 National Coffee Data Trends report, 67% of Americans have had coffee in the past day, compared to 49% in 2004. The greatest increase is among consumers 60+, whose past day consumption increased by 9%. Consumers in the 25 to 59 age groups also saw increases in consumption. 57% of American adults had a specialty coffee in the past week, up 7.5% one year prior.

On that caffeinated note, let’s take a look at what coffee shops we have here in the Conejo Valley, covering Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and parts of Calabasas.

Note that this list can change at any time. We’ve listed store hours but those can also change, so check directly with the store first to confirm. (Contact us for updates, additions and edits.)

Independent Coffee Shops

Longevity Coffee is located in the Skyline Center at 2849 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Longevity offers low acid, freshly roasted, certified organic coffee and shakes, smoothies, Longevity Sodas and ore. Food items offered include toasts, acai bowls, oatmeal, baked goods and more. Open daily from 7:30am to 4:30pm. www.longevitycoffee.com (805) 836-2849

Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery is located near Vons in the Oakbrook Plaza at 2036 E Avenida de los Árboles, Thousand Oaks. Five07 offers a wide array of drinks and food items, such as crepes, toasts, baked goods and more.. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. Live music too. Open 7:30am - 5pm daily. www.thefive07.com

Five07 opened a 2nd location at 2955 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks (between Bad Ass Street Tacos and Oak and Iron), on Friday, December 29, 2023. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays. This location is geared towards takeout, with limited seating and a standing bar. www.thefive07.com

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters is located in the CVS/Trader Joe’s strip mall at 111 N. Reino Road (at Borchard) in Newbury Park. Ragamuffin offers espresso/coffee drinks, tea/non-coffee drinks and a selection of food items such as avocado toast, frittatas and baked goods (including gluten-free options). Opens at 7 a.m. daily. ragamuffinroasters.com (805) 375-9000

Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery is located at 360 Via Las Brisas in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Honey Cup serves coffee, tea, and smoothies. Pastries, sandwiches and handmade ice cream are also on the menu. Open daily 7am to 3pm. www.honeycupcoffeehouse.com (805) 716-3156.

Honeycup Coffeehouse is opening a 2nd location at Santal Thousand Oaks, 299 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, anticipated in the December 2024 time frame.

Conejo Coffee at 2860 Camino Dos Rios in Newbury Park (across the street from Home Depot and Target) offers coffee drinks, pastries, smoothies, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and more. Open 5:30am to 2pm Monday through Friday and 7am to 2pm Saturday. Closed Sunday. www.instagram.com/conejocoffee (805) 498-7420.

Cafe Sapientia is located at 706 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park, serving specialty coffee and tea drinks, as well as their delectable pastries and Korean shaved ice. Open daily (except closed on Tuesdays) from 9am to 5pm. www.cafesapientia.com (818) 532-7112

Caffe Aroma is located in the Smart & Final Extra/CVS plaza at 2130 Newbury Road in Newbury Park, offering coffee, tea and other drinks as well as food items. Open 8am to 4pm Wednesday through Monday. (805) 375-7150

Bonibi Coffee is located in The Landing in Westlake Village at 32123 Lindero Canyon Road. They offer Stumptown specialty coffee, multiple origin coffee blend with signature notes of citrus and dark chocolate. Bonibi offers hot drinks, iced drinks, pastries and food items. Open 8am to 4pm daily. www.bonibicoffee.com (747) 283-5982

Hibye Coffee opened January 10, 2025 at The Shoppes at Westlake Village at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suite D, near Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. hibyecoffeeco.com

La La Land Kind Cafe opened on September 28, 2024 at The Promenade at Westlake in Thousand Oaks, offering signature lattes, coffee drinks, toasts and more. www.lalalandkindcafe.com

Makenna Koffee is coming soon to the North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village. makennacoffee.com.

CHECK OUT OUR COMPILATION OF CONEJO VALLEY BAKERIES, MOST OF WHICH ALSO SERVE COFFEE, AT THIS LINK.

Chain Coffee Shops

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is located in the Oakbrook Plaza at 1772 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. offering coffees, teas and more. Open weekdays 5:30am to 7pm and weekends 6am-7pm. www.coffeebean.com (805) 241-2499

The other Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf location is in the Westlake Plaza, 968 S. Westlake Blvd., #6, Westlake Village. Open 5:30am to 7:30pm weekdays, 6am to 8pm Saturday and 6am to 7pm Sunday. (805) 497-1256

Nordstrom Ebar is located outside of Nordstrom on the first floor of The Oaks mall, offering expresso drinks, coffee, smoothies, pastries and healthy snacks. Open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm Sunday. (805) 418-4015 www.nordstrom.com/store-details/united-states/ca/thousand-oaks/nordstrom-thousand-oaks

Peet’s Coffee is at 595 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks near Janss Marketplace. Peet’s is a California-based coffee chain founded in 1966, offering tea, blended drinks, pastries, sandwiches and their signature coffee. Open daily 5:30am to 6pm. www.peets.com (805) 497-8366.

Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) bills itself as “the world’s leading baked goods and coffee chain” and thus their location at 30895 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. #101, Westlake Village (cross street Lindero) is included on this list. Their menu includes espresso, coffee, teas, frozen drinks and more, along with their signature donuts, sandwiches and other menu items. Open 5am to 8pm daily. locations.dunkindonuts.com/en/ca/westlake-village/30895-e-thousand-oaks-blvd/355298 (818) 991-5555

Another Dunkin’ is coming to the Conejo Gateway plaza in Newbury Park, near the corner of Wendy Drive and Old Conejo Road. This 1,800 sq ft location will be a drive-thru, with outdoor seating areas. Timing TBA.

Philz Coffee opened November 10, 2022 at 33 N. Moorpark Road, in the Village at Moorpark in Thousand Oaks, in the former Starbucks between Men’s Warehouse and Jamba Juice. Philz brews an assortment of dark, medium, and light blends of coffees, along with their featured tea and coffee creations, such as their Iced Mint Mojito. www.philzcoffee.com

Philz Coffee opened another location at The Summit at Calabasas, at the corner of Lost Hills Road and Agoura Road. www.philzcoffee.com

And how could we not forget Starbucks, with nearly 34,000 stores in 80 countries. Starbucks currently has 22 locations in the Conejo Valley, including numerous locations inside supermarkets literally across the parking lot from stand-alone locations.

  • Thousand Oaks: 2072 E. Avenida De Los Arboles (at Erbes) (Oakbrook Plaza) Open 4:30am to 7pm weekdays and 5:30am to 7:30pm weekends. (805) 241-8026

  • Thousand Oaks: 2048 E. Avenida De Los Arboles (at Erbes) inside Vons. Open 6am to 8pm daily. (805) 492-2497

  • Thousand Oaks: 3366 Thousand Oaks Blvd (at Auto Mall Drive). Drive-thru location. Open 5am to 10pm weekdays and 5:30am to 9:30pm on weekends. (805) 230-9267

  • Thousand Oaks: 1195 East Thousand Oaks Blvd (at Rancho). Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 8:30pm weekdays and 5am to 9pm weekends. (805) 379-1750

  • Thousand Oaks: 605 E. Janss Road (at Moorpark Road). Open 6am to 7pm daily. (805) 497-3499

  • Thousand Oaks: 401 Moorpark Road (at Brazil) at Janss Marketplace. Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 10pm weekdays and 5:30am to 10pm weekends. (805) 666-3158

  • Thousand Oaks: 1790 N. Moorpark Road inside Vons in the Park Oaks Shopping Center. Open 6am to 8pm daily. (805) 497-8652

  • Thousand Oaks: 350 West Hillcrest Drive (kiosk inside The Oaks Mall). Open 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm Sunday. (805) 371-4399

  • Thousand Oaks: 1500 Moorpark Road inside Ralph’s at the Conejo Valley Plaza. Open 5am to 9pm daily. (805) 379-3100

  • Thousand Oaks: 101 Memorial Parkway (at Cal Lutheran Univ, Ullman Commons). Open 8am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 11am weekends. (805) 493-3669

  • Thousand Oaks: Southeast corner of Moorpark Road and Avenida De Las Flores, across the street from Thousand Oaks High School. Drive-thru location.

  • Newbury Park: 975 Broadbeck Drive (The Village at Newbury Park - near Islands). Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 8:30pm weekdays and 5:30am to 8:30pm weekends. (805) 375-6163.

  • Newbury Park; 2705 Teller Road (inside Target). Open 8am to 8pm daily. (805) 480-9114

  • Newbury Park: 421 S. Reino Road (at Kimber Drive) (Albertson’s/CVS plaza). Open 4:30am to 7pm weekdays and 4:30am to 6:30pm weekends. (805) 498-8287

  • Newbury Park: 540 North Ventu Park Road (Walmart/Walgreens center). Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 9:30pm weekdays and 5am to 9:30pm weekends. (805) 499-2581

  • Westlake Village: 925 South Westlake Blvd. Drive-thru location. Open 5am to 8:30pm weekdays and 5:30am to 8pm weekends. (805) 777-1196

  • Westlake Village: 2755 Agoura Road (at the Westlake Plaza). Open 4:30am to 7:30pm weekdays and 5:30am to 7:30pm weekends. (805) 379-2499

  • Westlake Village: 30740 Russell Ranch Road (inside the Target at The Shoppes at Westlake Village) Open 8am to 8pm daily. (818) 661-2361

  • Westlake Village 5750 Lindero Canyon Road (cross street Russell Ranch Road in the Westlake Village Marketplace). Opened 1/23/25

  • Agoura Hills: 5827 Kanan Road (at Thousand Oaks Blvd.). Open 4:30am to 7:30pm weekdays and 5am to 8pm weekends. (818) 735-0268

  • Oak Park: 688 Lindero Canyon (at Kanan). Drive-thru location. Open 5am to 8pm weekdays and 5:3am to 8:30pm weekends. (818) 865-2184

  • Calabasas: 26531 Agoura Road (at Las Virgenes in the Albertson’s Plaza). Open 4:30am to 9pm daily. (818) 878-0503

  • Calabasas: 26521 Agoura Road (inside Albertson’s). Open 6am to pm daily. (818) 880-9080

Farmers' Markets and Farm Fresh Produce Around Ventura County

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Looking for fresh produce in Ventura County? Lettuce help you! There are over a dozen farmers' markets in and around Ventura County each week, not to mention another dozen or so stores and Community Supported Agriculture programs that sell organic produce.

Times, dates and places subject to change. Let us know of any updates!

FARMERS' MARKETS (In "day of the week" order)

VENTURA: Wednesdays 9 am to 1 pm at Pacific View Mall in the west parking lot, near Red Robin and the former Sears. Call 805.529.6266. www.vccfm.org/midtown-ventura

OXNARD: Thursdays 9 am to 1:30 pm at Plaza Park, 5th and C Streets. Call 805.247.0197. downtownoxnard.org/farmers-market

THOUSAND OAKS: Thursdays 11 am to 4 pm at the The Oaks Mall east parking lot. Produce, flowers, food and more! www.vccfm.org/thousand-oaks

OJAI: Thursdays 3 to 7 pm at the Ojai Unified School District courtyard at 414 E. Ojai Avenue (at Montgomery). Produce, fish, crafts, food and more. www.ojaicommunityfarmersmarket.com

SIMI VALLEY: Fridays 11 am to 3:30 pm at Simi Valley Civic Center Plaza, 2757 Tapo Canyon Rd..(at Alamo Street) www.facebook.com/simivalleymarket or 805.643.6458

DOWNTOWN VENTURA: Saturdays 8:30 am to noon 200 block of Main Street, from Palm Street to Mission Park. Call 805.529.6266 or visit www.vccfm.org/downtown-ventura

CAMARILLO: Saturdays 8 am to noon 2220 Ventura Boulevard camarillofarmersmarket.com. Proceeds benefit Camarillo Hospice. Call 805.386.3584.

CALABASAS: Saturdays 8 am to 1 pm in Old Town Calabasas on Calabasas Road west of El Canon Avenue (across from Sagebrush Cantina). Call 818.591.8161. ccfm.com/calabasas-farmers-market

SANTA PAULA: Saturdays 10am to 2pm at Anna’s Cider, 801 E. Main St. www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094783585689 (NOTE: Closed for “a couple weeks” as of 1/3/25: Check Facebook link for updates.)

VENTURA: The Ventura College Foundation Weekend Marketplace at Ventura College takes place on Saturdays and Sundays from 8 am to 2 pm, in the east parking lot, 4667 Telegraph Road. Fresh produce, nursery plants, flowers and more offered. venturacollegefoundation.org/weekend-marketplace-2

WESTLAKE VILLAGE: Sundays 10 am to 2 pm at 2797 Agoura Road (at the Westlake Commons) Call 818.591.8161. https://rawinspiration.org/locations/westlake-village-farmers-market/

OJAI: Sundays 9 am to 1 pm at 300 E. Matilija Street year-round, rain or shine. Produce, flowers and gourmet food. Call 805.698.5555. www.ojaicertifiedfarmersmarket.com.

OXNARD/CHANNEL ISLANDS HARBOR: Sundays 10 am to 2 pm at 2805 South Harbor Boulevard year-round. www.channelislandsharbor.org/listing/farmers-market

MALIBU: Sundays 10 am to 3 pm at Legacy Park, 23500 Civic Center Way. www.facebook.com/malibufarmersmarket

LOCAL STORES WITH FRESH PRODUCE:

Underwood Family Farms Market at 3370 Sunset Valley Road, Moorpark has farm fresh produce, pickled items, honey, nuts, juices, dried beans, farm fresh eggs and fresh cut flowers. Open year-round. Call 805.529.3690. underwoodfamilyfarms.com/farm-market

Underwood Family Farms Market at 5696 E. Los Angeles Avenue in Somis is open every day year-round 9am to 6pm (5pm after DST) with the exception of some holidays. Call 805.386.4660. underwoodfamilyfarms.com/somis

Underwood Family Farms - Somis Location

Underwood Family Farms Market in Moorpark.

Underwood Family Farms Market in Moorpark.

McGrath Family Farm at 1012 West Ventura Blvd, Camarillo is open March through December Tuesday through Sunday and offers organic fruits, flowers and vegetables.  Freeway convenient off the Central Avenue offramp of the 101. Call 805.983.0333.

Lassen's Natural Foods, with locations in Thousand Oaks, Oxnard, Camarillo, Ventura and Simi Valley, has offered fresh produce since 1971.

Apricot Lane Farms at 10700 Broadway Road in Moorpark opens its Farmstand on Saturdays and Sundays from May to October. Hours are 10am to 3:30pm. Guests are welcome to take a self-guided tour of the regenerative market garden, enjoy the children’s playground, and have a picnic on the beautiful garden lawn. www.apricotlanefarms.com/where-to-buy

Sprouts Farmers Market sells local farm fresh produce as well as a full range of other grocery items, with local area locations at:

Whole Foods Market organic fresh produce and a full range of grocery items, with local locations in Thousand Oaks (740 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks) 805.777.4730 and Oxnard at The Collection (650 Town Center Drive) 805.751.4300

Green Acres Farm Market (2918 Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley) opened in 1968 and offers farm fresh produce, meat, fine wines and gourmet groceries. Call 805.526.1312. www.simigreenacres.com

Rodela Produce and Flowers (formerly A & F Country Market) is at 4550 Olivas Park Drive in Ventura (at Telephone Road). From Thousand Oaks, take Victoria offramp from 101 south to Olivas Park and make a right. Store is on your left. Nice stop on your way to/from the Olivas Adobe and Ventura Harbor Village. 805.644.5470.

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Santiago’s Produce is located on the northwest corner of Olivas Park Drive and Telephone Road at 4551 Olivas Park Drive.

The Berry Best stand at 3030 Dodge Road (at Pleasant Valley Road, just east of Rice Avenue) is strawberry, fruit and vegetable stand. Call 805.271.4490.

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Prancer’s Farm is a family owned farm and produce stand located at 18540 E. Telegraph Road, Santa Paula. Open daily 10am to 6pm.

The Gerry Ranch offers freshly picked blueberries at its farm in the Santa Rosa Valley. Visit www.gerryranchberries.com for more information.

Francisco's Fruits is located at 1782 E. Telegraph Road in Fillmore. Fruits, nuts, snacks, and more. Great place to buy citrus! www.facebook.com/FranciscosFruit 805.524.4616

Lil Red Barn is located at 100 S. Victoria Avenue in Oxnard, with seasonable produce like strawberries, avocados, vegetables and more. 805.382.0799

Paty’s Farm at 3260 Somis Road in Somis is a produce stand that offers fresh fruit and vegetables. 805.947.6764

CSA (COMMUNITY SUPPORTED AGRICULTURE) AND LOCAL DELIVERY PROGRAMS

Local Harvest Delivery is based in Santa Barbara and delivers harvest boxes to homes as far as Ventura and Ojai.

Farm Cart Organics provides local delivery service. Visit www.farmcartorganics.com.

Farmivore offers farm to door delivery throughout Ventura County, plus Agoura Hills and Calabasas. https://farmivore.localfoodmarketplace.com

Farm Fresh to You delivers organic fruits and vegetables to your home. www.farmfreshtoyou.com

Farmers' Market Websites:

Farm Bureau of Ventura County: www.farmbureauvc.com/farm-to-table

Ventura County Certified Farmers Markets: www.vccfm.org

Retired Farmers' Markets:

NEWBURY PARK: Fridays 2pm to 7pm (The Village at Dos Vientos Ranch). Announced on 12/9/13 that market is closed.

SIMI VALLEY: The Simi Valley Town Center Market was discontinued effective 11/26/14 after running for a year and a half.

AGOURA HILLS: Sundays 9 am to 2 pm at 5835 Kanan Road (Agoura's Famous Deli parking lot) closed 6/28/15.

CAMARILLO: Wednesdays 3-7pm Pleasant Valley Certified Farmers' Market at the Camarillo Community Center parking lot closed 9/30/15.

NEWBURY PARK: Saturdays 9 am to 2 pm at the Newbury Park Library parking lot (Borchard Road and Michael Drive) closed Feb 2017

OXNARD: Thursdays 4 pm to 8 pm at The Collection at RiverPark short-lived

OXNARD: Saturdays 8 am to 2 pm at The Collection at RiverPark located -short-lived in 2022

MOORPARK: Sundays - to be relocating - check for updates at www.facebook.com/moorparkcfm

Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Locations in Ventura County

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The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program recruits volunteer tax preparers to provide free preparation of federal and state income tax returns to taxpayers with incomes of $67,000 or less in 2024. VITA benefits these taxpayers by eliminating the cost of commercial tax return preparation and by securing valuable tax credits such as the Child Tax Credit and EITC.

Local VITA location sites are as follows (see this IRS link for details, including dates and times and contact information for making appointments, when required):

  • Newbury Park Library, 2331 Borchard Road - Wednesdays 10am to 4pm, 2/5/25 to 4/9/25. Appointments not required.

  • Conejo Creek South Park Community Building, 1350 E. Janss Road, Thousand Oaks - Mon-Fri 8:30am to 4pm, 2/3/25 to 4/15/25. Appointments not required.

  • Moorpark College - 2/1/25 to 4/30/25. Appointments are required. www.moorparkcollege.edu/departments/academic/business-administration/program/accounting/VITA

  • East County Job and Career Center, 2900 N. Madera Road, Simi Valley - 2/5/25 to 4/30/25. Appointments are required.

  • Oxnard College, 4000 South Rose Avenue - 2/6/25 to 4/30/25. Appointments are required.

  • United Way of Ventura County, 702 County Square Drive #100, Ventura. 2/4/25 to 4/30/25. Appointments are required.

  • Ventura Community Service Center, 4651 Telephone Road, 2nd Floor. Appointments are required. 2/1/25-4/30/25

Also see www.ventura.org/human-services-agency/tax-preparation

What to bring:

  • Proof of identification (photo ID)

  • Social Security cards for you, your spouse and dependents

  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter may be substituted for you, your spouse and your dependents if you do not have a Social Security number

  • Proof of foreign status, if applying for an ITIN

  • Birth dates for you, your spouse and dependents on the tax return

  • Wage and earning statements (Form W-2, W-2G) from all employers

  • Pension, Retirement and Social Security Income statements (Forms 1099)

  • Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099)

  • A copy of last year’s federal and state returns, if available

  • Proof of bank account routing and account numbers for direct deposit such as a blank check

  • Total paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider's tax identifying number such as their Social Security number or business Employer Identification Number

  • Forms 1095-A, Health Insurance Marketplace Statement

  • Copies of income transcripts from IRS and state, if applicable

To file taxes electronically on a married-filing-joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms

www.irs.gov/individuals/checklist-for-free-tax-return-preparation

The IRS partners with software companies to provide “IRS Free File” guided tax software for taxpayers with adjusted gross income (AGI) or $84,000 or less for the 2024 tax year. Learn more at apps.irs.gov/app/freeFile. Providers for 2024 filings include FreeTaxUSA, 1040.com, FileYourTaxes.com, 1040NOW, TaxAct, OLT.com, TaxSlayer, and ezTaxReturn.com.

Building of the Norwegian Grade from Conejo Valley to Camarillo 1909 to 1911

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This historic photo and information was generously provided by Gerry Olsen, grandson of Nils Olsen, one of the original settlers in the Conejo Valley in the 1890s.

Back at the turn of the century, farmers in the Conejo Valley grew dry crops like barley and wheat and had to take their harvest to Port Hueneme/Oxnard via horse-drawn wagons. Their only routes were the treacherous (at the time) Potrero Road or down the unpaved Norwegian Grade to Santa Rosa Road.

So in 1909, with a $60 donation from the county to purchase dynamite, Norwegian families Olsen, Pedersen, other volunteers and paid helpers blasted into the hillside from Nils Olsen's property, 1 1/2 miles down to Santa Rosa Road.

It took two to three years to finish the project using the dynamite, manual labor and horse-drawn earth moving machines called Fresno Scrapers (named after a Scottish chap in 1883 who formed the Fresno Agricultural Works to manufacture it).  Here is a historic photo of these early Conejo Valley roadbuilders.

I used to run up the grade from time to time and that was a pretty tight squeeze, with its steep descent and cactus on the side of the road. While most of us take the 23/101 freeways to get to/from Thousand Oaks/Moorpark/Camarillo these days, the Norwegian Grade provides an alternate 2-lane route with a direct linkage to the gritty Norwegian settlers who had the guts and determination to build it.