Social Tap Ventura — Restaurant in Ventura

Truly the worst dining experience I have had in a very long time. I hate writing negative reviews, so I typically abstain from doing them, but today I’m making an exception!

For context: it was around 5pm, it was not busy at all - plenty of seating inside and outside, and plenty of waitstaff in the establishment.

Ambiance: bad.

Server: the most unfriendly human being I have ever met.

They messed up literally EVERY SINGLE THING we ordered.

We ordered the truffle fries with garlic - they had neither truffle nor garlic, and were lukewarm. Whatever, we’re not going to complain! Maybe the rest of the meal will make up for it.

I ordered the fried fish tacos - the waitress asked if I wanted flour or corn tortillas. I said corn, and asked for extra sauce on the side. The fish tacos came out on cold flour tortillas, the fried fish was barely warm, and there was little to no sauce. The tacos were bland and tasteless - I couldn’t even finish them.

My date had ordered a burger and when asked how she wanted it cooked she had said “medium rare”. Do you know that this burger came out grey and fully burnt on the outside?? It was so bad she couldn’t eat it, and we had been waiting so long at that point (40 minutes from the time we ordered and, again, it was not busy that day!) that she was beyond hunger and didn’t bother ordering a replacement.

Our friend had ordered a chicken burger - hers was just ok, but she had asked for more sauce (and I had asked for some extra as well), and our waitress never came back with either. We did politely bring to her attention that the burger was overcooked, and it was removed from our bill, so hey, at least they did the bare minimum there.

Listen, if the restaurant had been packed, I would be a lot more understanding. Or even if our waitress had just shown us a crumb of hospitality! The last straw was that the waitress brought us our bills separated into my date and I on one, and my friend on her own. That would have been fine! …..if we had asked for that??? The waitress never asked us how we wanted to pay or whether we wanted separate tabs - I have never in my life had a waitstaff just assume who was paying with who. It was bizarre, and combined with all the terrible service and food, we just felt weirdly targeted. But who knows! Maybe they treat all their customers this badly and make assumptions about their financial situations. All I know is, I wish we had gone to the Thai place down the street. That place is...

Ah, Social Tap in Ventura, California—a coastal haven where the ocean breeze marries the warm scent of culinary delights, and the libations flow as freely as the conversations. Stepping into this establishment feels like entering an enchanted oasis where the worries of the outside world are washed away by the Pacific tide.

Let's dive right into the menu, shall we? It's not just a list of dishes; it's a curated collection of experiences, each item seemingly designed to spark joy and ignite the palate. Whether you're a seafood aficionado or a burger enthusiast, Social Tap offers a feast for all senses.

The atmosphere is nothing short of electric. Yet, it maintains an intimate charm, making it the perfect setting for any occasion, be it a laid-back lunch with friends or a romantic evening under the Ventura sky. The décor perfectly captures the coastal vibe—chic yet casual, inviting yet exclusive.

Oh, the drinks! If cocktails had personalities, Social Tap’s would be the life of the party—vibrant, playful, and unforgettably delicious. Each sip feels like a mini-vacation, transporting you to a tropical paradise or a buzzing metropolis, depending on your drink of choice. And for those who prefer the classics, the beer selection is a commendable tribute to both local and international craftsmanship.

Now, for the pièce de résistance: the service. In an era where the art of hospitality often takes a backseat, Social Tap puts it front and center. The staff doesn't just serve you; they make you feel seen, heard, and most importantly, valued. It’s the kind of award-winning service that turns first-time visitors into lifelong patrons.

In summary, Social Tap is not just a dining venue; it's a sanctuary for the soul, a gathering place for friends old and new, and a testament to the art of social dining. If you find yourself in Ventura, consider it your civic duty to pay this place a visit. Trust me, it's not just a meal; it's an affair to remember. You won’t just leave satisfied—you'll leave as part of a community, eagerly awaiting your next chance to tap back into the social fabric that makes this place so...

Updated 7/28/18.... absolutely abhorrent excuse for the so called "halibut ceviche" combo that wasn't even halibut, and several excuses made. Including, but not limited to..... yeah, they boiled the fish before putting in, that's why it looks that way. Really? Not how ceviche is made, period. PLUS.... it still wasn't halibut lmao!!! I have been eating halibut at your restaurant for years and continually see you substitute cod and not change the menu, as you no longer have it as fish and chips... and I even asked today if the ceviche was actual halibut, and the server said yes. You are liars!!!! I will report you. I cook halibut myself all the time, and I KNOW the difference!

I did not want to cause a scene in front of my family, but they were witness to this and other lies and degradations on their menu. We've lived here since 1998, before they opened, and have seen their decline through the years we've attended. Do not go here unless you want only standard bar food, and just watch sports on TVs.

Old- No halibut fish and chips anymore!!!... used to love this place for this dish, and occasionally got other stuff. Now they don't offer it anymore, and haven't for a while. Don't even come here half as often anymore because of this. Sorry. And the wait staff won't even tell you this unless you specifically ask if the halibut ON the menu is actually halibut. This ha been for almost a year now. Also... most the wait staff is rude, and always has been... even when I loved their food more. The only reason I give them 3 stars is because of the location, and some of their other menu items are still good of you want something else. My family has been here long before this place had even existed, and we were so excited and loyal for a long time. Only come here as a last...