By Visit Ventura

Posted: Tuesday, Sep 15th, 2020

Updated: Monday, Aug 1st, 2022

On Takeout Tuesday Please Spread the Ventura Restaurant Love

by Visit Ventura

There is much to be said for taking the path less traveled. For you, yes. But also for the restaurants you kindly patronize. On this Takeout Tuesday we ask you to look beyond Ventura’s downtown choices, and spread the love to Ventura restaurants beyond. Ventura has been running with “Takeout Tuesdays” since March. Yes, that would be an entire year. And Ventura’s restaurants — most of them owned by your friends and neighbors, because we’re that kind of town — still need our help. So please, let’s keep the Local Love going as we move to the light. On Takeout Tuesday — or, for that matter, any day of the week — please do what you can to help, whether it’s buying a taco to go, or treating your whole family to dinner. It all matters. Ventura has so many great restaurants scattered about town. If you’re a local, you likely know them. If you’re a visitor, this is your chance to eat where the locals eat. Below, a few win-win options. A win for you. And a win for the kindness of Supporting Local.

Marshall’s Bodacious Barbecue

Ain’t fancy to look at (though the giant rooster on the roof is eye-catching) inside or out; Marshall’s is tucked along a frontage road off the 101 freeway. But no one comes here for the view. They come for ribs, chicken and tri-tip that stand with the best you’ll ever have.
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Taqueria Cuernavaca

Some claim Taqueria Cuernavaca has the best tacos anywhere. Why not investigate that claim? Start with the al pastor (marinated pork) or veggie tacos (potatoes or mushrooms; they have lots of good vegetarian options). Proceed from there. Thoroughness is an admirable trait.
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La Parilla Yucatan 

The Lopez family takes pride in everything on their wide-ranging Yucan-style menu, from chile relleño burritos, to barbacoa, to chilaquiles, to what some say is the best Pollo Pibil (Half roasted chicken, marinated in sauces and spices and slowly cooked in banana leaves) anywhere. They try to keep everything local, from their ingredients to their beers.
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Santa Cruz Market

Santa Cruz Market is off the tourist track but on the local radar because their deli is as good as it is interesting. Great Mediterranean and Middle Eastern fare. Their Shawarmas are mouthwatering; chicken, lamb and tri tip cooked perfectly, cut thin, and served in a saucy wrap.
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Danny’s Deli & Grill

Locally owned (there’s a theme here), Danny’s is a New York style deli serving all the things you’d expect: thick Reubens, crispy on the outside steak fries, Tuna Melts, and soups, breads and pies made daily. All that’s missing is the traffic and the sharp elbows of New Yorkers.
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Stephen’s Market and Grill

Greek and Mediterranean food, in generous portions, served via a bakery, market and sit-down deli. Gyros, kebobs, moussaka, lip-smacking sauces, and homemade baklava with just the right amount of crisp. And Greek family-owned.
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Cafe Ficelle

Diets are overrated — do not miss the almond croissant. It’s not just about the fresh-baked goods either — the Caprese sandwich is delicious.
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Himalaya Restaurant

Dishes from Nepal, India and Tibet; curries, vegan and vegetarian entrees, even Tikka Masala pizza. Don’t miss the Samosa appetizer (a crispy pastry wrapped about mildly spiced potatoes and peas, accompanied by homemade mint and tamarind chutneys). If you’re not so familiar with South Asian cuisine, their helpful staff are expert at offering helpful direction.
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