Rudder Room — Restaurant in Channel Islands Beach

The Rud is a local legend and a serious hot spot on the weekends, but let's get real. It's a tav. Nothing more, nothing less. What makes it wholly unique is that you can sit on the beach with your drinks -- from my understanding there are very few places in Cali where you can do that (legally). The view IS spectacular, whether hotties are playing beach volleyball on the 'court' right outside or not.

Well drinks are strong, but the bartender (owner?) was almost comically rude to his customers. If he hadn't been so serious about it, I would have laughed. Just so you don't get yelled at, know right now that The Rud is a CASH ONLY establishment. Don't worry, though, there's a handy ATM in the bar that charges a hefty fee.

Weekends are INSANE at The Rud -- tons of bike clubs swarm around it like flies on you-know-what. Parking is almost non-existent on nice weekends, but weekdays wouldn't be a problem.

Oh, and don't count on much in the way of food, as they don't serve any and the "deli" out front is terminally bad. We ordered a pastrami sandwich and while it was piled high with sauerkraut, there were two VERY THIN pieces of pastrami. Fries were fine. (My review of Rudder Room doesn't take this part into account, just thought you should know what to expect.)

As a bar, I'd really give The Rud two stars, but the strong drinks and spectacular location bumped...

Old school place with lots of character and good drink prices. Probably not the place to order an "apple-tini" or anything, though...stick to basics like whiskey and coke or gin and tonic and you'll be fine. Literally right on the beach, you can sit on the sand if you want to. Good sunset spot.

Haven't been there in awhile but from what I hear (and some of the other reviews) it sounds like it hasn't changed. I'd avoid Friday and Saturday nights because it can get wild and it can be a bit trashy. Good afternoon spot.

Be very very careful about getting a DUI...Oxnard cops are about the biggest a-holes in the world and they know well about this spot and its strong pours...they hide in the area. Another reason to avoid Friday and Sat. nights.

This is a true California experience that should be done if you are in the area...

This is an iconic piece of peace and fun on the Harbor and beach front. It's hard to call it a "dive bar" because I've never seen one on the sand or by the water. It has that feel like Cheers though. The floors were redone during pandemic. The good old smells mentioned in older posts are gone I'm sorry to say. 2 pool tables. Bar looking at the beach, side patio, beach patio, Channel Islands Harbor view, Volleyball nets, and a few local dogs that love everyone. The people love everyone too. People from all walks of life and ages. My daughter and other kids love to play on the beach. Golf and sports on the TV's. Favorite drink: Margarita with salt. Favorite bartender: Frankie Favorite owner: George

Have fun!!

PS. Cash only. No food. Eat before...