Finney's Crafthouse - Ventura — Restaurant in Ventura

Stumbled upon this restaurant while walking the Ventura Farmers Market day with our friends (while visiting Ventura for a few days) and decided to try for lunch and we loved it so much that we went back for dinner on the same day!

When deciding to go to a restaurant in a new place, and do not have the time to read all online reviews, I usually use my old fashioned way of gauging whether a restaurant is good or not by looking at their menu, their guests on how busy they are and how quickly they get served, aside from the cleanliness and quality of the food and ambience. This was what we had to do quick because we were famished from walking the whole downtown.

We chose to be seated out in their front patio and we loved it! Apparently they took over an old bank building so it has an interesting ambiance.

We ordered their very popular Margarita Flight and am glad we did because we learned what we liked from the 4 margaritas they had. It was definitely worth it!

Food was great! We all ordered different things in the menu and all of us 4 were very happy with our orders. I ordered the grilled tuna salad and my partner ordered the French dip and we both loved what we ordered and shared them. Our friends also loved what they ordered!

We came back for drinks/ appetizers at the bar the evening of that same day and we had a blast! They had the soccer play off going in all of the screens and we got to enjoy the game. Drinks and cocktails were great! We had appetizers and the coconut shrimp stood out for me and we enjoyed it!

There were also games available upstairs and I noticed some family with kids playing up there which shows me that there is something for everyone here.

Overall I enjoyed this place and will recommend it when in Ventura.

Service was quick in spite of the heavy crowd / full tables.

We were able to park in metered parking in the streets but we noticed there were also parking structures available...

The black truffle burger is probably the best I have had in CA! Service was amazing from the moment I approached the hostess stand - all the staff were attentive, friendly, and good natured with my overly friendly pup. The service was exceptional - Bridget was my server and had the perfect balance of checking in but not disrupting. When she heard it was my first time there, she offered me her favorite facts about the building (about books - I’m going to assume she tailored them the me because I was alone and reading). The food was delicious and served quickly. The manager stopped by as well and didn’t just do a quick required stop, she genuinely asked about my experience. I was dining outside and solo (with my pup), and I have to say that I often get pretty mediocre service when I do that- but not at finneys! Food was great and service exceptional. My only comment: consider reducing the price if skeeball from $1 to $.50. I moved here from a city with an active skeeball league and the original skeeball machines would draw me in if it weren’t so expensive!

Status update: after recommending this place to several people since my first visit, I came here again a week-ish later, and had a totally different experience with the service. I waited outside to put my name down, and there were initially three staff members there who all walked away without acknowledging me at all. They went inside and started talking to other staff members who were standing around, talking. Eventually someone came out (a line was building behind me) and was told there was a 10-25 min wait (frustrating, since half of the outdoor tables were open), but 25 min later - no sign of anyone leaving. I left, and will hesitate to recommend this place to anyone again. The burger is only good if you’ll be able to eat it...

Stepping into Finney's Crafthouse in Ventura is like entering burger heaven, where each bite feels like a revelation. This isn't just a restaurant; it's a culinary wonderland where the humble burger is elevated to an art form.

Let's start with the star of the show—the burger. Calling it the best burger I've ever had doesn't do it justice. It's a symphony of flavors and textures, with each component singing in perfect harmony. Juicy, perfectly cooked, and seasoned to perfection, it's a masterpiece sandwiched between two buns.

But the magic of Finney's doesn't stop at burgers. The tacos are a fiesta of flavors, each bite bursting with fresh, zesty goodness. It's like a little party in your mouth where everyone's invited and the dress code is 'delicious.'

And for the drink enthusiasts, Finney's is a treasure trove. The "tons of stuff on tap" is an understatement. Their selection is like a who's who of craft beers, each more intriguing than the last. Not to mention the cocktails—oh, the cocktails! They're not just mixed drinks; they're liquid creativity served in a glass.

The pet-friendly aspect is the cherry on top of an already delightful sundae. It's not often you find a place where your furry friend can join in on the fun. It adds a layer of warmth and inclusivity to an already fantastic atmosphere.

In summary, Finney's Crafthouse in Ventura isn't just a dining experience; it's a celebration of good food, great drinks, and the joy of sharing those with our four-legged pals. If you haven't been here yet, you're missing out on one of life's great pleasures. Trust me, one visit, and you'll be hooked, not just on the food, but on the whole vibe. It's a place where every visit feels like coming home to something...