New Restaurants, Fish Market & Craft Brew Festival Coming to Ventura Harbor Village!
A food and beverage renaissance is taking place at Ventura Harbor Village, where several new or newly-renovated eateries are planning openings by late spring or early summer. Ventura Harbor is committed to bringing in new restaurants, enjoyable renovated spaces and new concepts by the water to Ventura Harbor Village.Here’s a review of what’s coming:
Coffee Dock & Post, the only coffeehouse in Ventura directly on the water, is undergoing a major renovation and is upgrading menu offerings and services. Coffee Dock, a family-owned and operated business, has merged with its next-door neighbor, Windrose Gifts, to deliver food, beverages and gifts in one space overlooking the boats at Ventura Harbor Village. Coffee Dock & Post will offer free Wi-Fi and a fresh café menu, featuring sandwiches and salads from local fresh-food vendors. A variety of coffees, pastries, smoothies and shaved ice will also be on the new menu. Coffee Dock & Post is set to reopen in late spring 2015. https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeDockPost.
Wild Local Seafood Co. is opening a new daily fish market at Ventura Harbor Village in summer 2015. This well-established fish and seafood market focuses on sustainable fishing practices, and already enjoys a large and loyal clientele from Santa Barbara, Los Angeles and Hollywood. But the shop in Ventura Harbor Village will be Wild Local Seafood Co.’s first “brick and mortar” location. The company is led by Captain Ben Hyman, an emerging “seafood celebrity” with almost 20 years of experience working on commercial fishing vessels for species including tuna, crab, live rock fish, local black cod, live local halibut, squid and more. Wild Local Seafood Co. does not buy or sell any farmed fish or fish caught internationally; all seafood is caught under strict California and federal guidelines for size, season and by-catch, and only with sustainable practices. Hyman’s seafood is used on several celebrity chef television shows and he has been featured twice in the last year on NPR’s “Good Foods” program. Hyman also has been a guest host on PBS’ program, “Movable Feast.” http://wildlocalseafood.com.
The 805 is a new Cuban-American cuisine restaurant coming this spring to Ventura Harbor Village that will also feature nightly music and live entertainment by the water. Owner Andres Fernandez also owns the 805 Bar & Grilled Cheese at Ventura Harbor Village. He is expanding to combine both restaurants under the new name, The 805, with more waterfront seating. The 805 will offer all the great grilled cheese dishes plus gourmet and classic Cuban dishes like rice and beans, chicken Cuban-style, paella and fried plantains, as well as full bar service. Entertainment will include live music, jazz and dueling pianos as well as special live performances. An opening is expected in late spring or early summer. http://805barandgrilledcheese.com.
Boatyard Café, a new restaurant offering hearty entrees for breakfast and lunch, a full bar, craft beers, Wi-Fi and live acoustic music on weekends, has just opened in Ventura Harbor Village. The menu features delicious dishes and items, including homemade corned beef hash; the popular chicken fried steak; charbroiled Angus burgers smothered with chili, onions and cheese; burritos, wild salmon and eggs; sandwiches; salads; chowders; appetizers like crab-stuffed mushrooms; and seasonal fish grilled or pan-seared. The restaurant boasts an iconic fisherman’s bar open into the evening with a lighter menu and outdoor seating. Open seven days a week at 7 a.m., Boatyard Café has a casual walk-up to order atmosphere. www.theboatyardcafe.com, (805) 850-0202.
Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festival is coming to the Ventura Harbor Village on Saturday June 13, 2015. The Trek Bikes of Ventura Surf ‘n’ Suds Beer Festival announces a “Beer Festival with a Surf Twist” at Ventura Harbor Village. The event will feature over 45 top craft breweries, three live bands and a DJ. VIP tickets allow early entry and tasting specialized beers not available during the General Admission entry. VIP tickets are $65 and include a complimentary souvenir logo glass, beer samples and entry at 11:30 a.m. General Admission tickets are $50 and include a complimentary souvenir logo glass, beer samples and entry at 12:30 p.m. Designated Driver tickets are $20 and allow an 11:30 a.m. entry time plus all the entertainment. Consider arriving on the free DowntownHarbor Trolley, by Amtrak or bus. There will be a free trolley pickup at the Amtrak station to bring guests to and from the festival. Another transportation option is the Trek Bikes of Ventura Cruiser Run. The Cruiser Run starts at Trike Bikes of Ventura, 4060 E. Main Street at 11 a.m. Riders arriving at Surf ‘n’ Suds can park in the complimentary Bicycle Valet. Festivalgoers can dine seaside at a variety of Ventura Harbor Village restaurants or catch a live comedy show at the Ventura Harbor Comedy Club. Event tickets and information can be found at www.surfbeerfest.com.