Delis and Sandwich Places in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and Calabasas

Looking for a deli or a sandwich in the Conejo Valley? Here’s a compilation of eateries that are known for sandwiches in Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and nearby Calabasas for your dining pleasure. This list starts with the letter M.

Are we missing an eatery that primarily focuses on sandwiches? LET US KNOW

Mendocino Farms in the Westlake Plaza at 966 S. Westlake Blvd., with its vast array of interesting and unique sandwiches, deserves inclusion on this list. Some delicious alternatives include the Peruvian Steak sandwich, Vegan Banh Mi and “Unreal” Reuben (plant-based) sandwiches and others. www.mendocinofarms.com 805-379-9055

Mythpoint Greek Deli & Grill is a small Greek deli eatery that has operated since 2017 at 3825 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite E, Westlake Village in the North Ranch Shopping Plaza. In addition to delicious gyros, falafel and other Mediterranean specialties, they offer a variety of cheesesteak sandwiches that will knock your tastebuds off. mythpoint.com 805-443-4242

Pickles Deli is located in the Kohl’s center in Newbury Park at 1940 Newbury Road. Pickles is a full-service Jewish deli serving specialties like pastrami on rye and matzo ball soup, as well as a full range of breakfast, lunch and dinner items. Pickles has served the Conejo Valley since 2006. picklesdeli.com 805-480-4800

Rhineland Deli recently relocated to the Oak Leaf Square, 1817 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, offering delicious German style deli sandwiches and platters including roast beef, turkey breast, Black Forest ham, salami and more. www.facebook.com/RhinelandDeli 805-496-2045

Sienna Deli is located near the T.O. Auto Mall at 3900 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Established in 1995, Sienna offers Italian subs, roast beef, turkey and other delicious sandwiches. 805-494-7799

Subway and Jersey Mike’s Subs of course have numerous locations throughout the Conejo Valley. order.subway.com www.jerseymikes.com

The Sandwich Spot in the Smart & Final Extra plaza at 2110 Newbury Road, Newbury Park is a family owned and operated eatery that offers an array of signature sandwiches made to order. All of their sandwiches have clever names, like The Lennox Lewis (turkey, ham, roast beef and jack cheese) and The Dodger Blue (marinated chicken, hot sauce, blue cheese dressing and pepperjack cheese). www.thesandwichspot.com/newbury-park-menu 805-375-3400

Tasty sandwich from The Sandwich Spot.

Uncle Af's International Sandwiches opened in the Agoura Hills City Mall at 5901 Kanan Road in 2017. Uncle Af's is a father and son owned business offering a delicious array of sandwiches, salads and breakfast items. You'll find some unique offerings here, like the L.A. Rams Panini (Chicken Thigh, Firecracker Bacon, Green Onion, Parsley, Cilantro, Basil, Red Onion, Tomatoes, Avocado, Jack Cheese, Garlic Aioli) and more. uncleaf.com 818-584-3556

Agoura’s Famous Deli, established in 1995, is the 3rd full-service Jewish deli in the Conejo Valley. Located at 5915 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. Like the other Jewish delis, Agoura’s Famous serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and more. www.agourasfamousdeli.com 818-889-9113

Alpine Deli is located in the Conejo Valley Plaza net to Eggs n Things at 1530 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. It is one of the most well-stocked European delis in the Conejo Valley, offering German, Hungarian, Dutch, Austrian and Italian specialties,, sandwiches, subs and more. www.alpinegermandeli.com 805-496-4707

Board & Brew is a specialty sandwich place that opened in the spring of 2023 at The Shoppes at Westlake, 30734 Russell Ranch Road. They offer an assortment of 15 specialty cold and hot sandwiches, such as Turkado, Chicken Club, Left Coast Pastrami and others. Plenty of indoor seating and a variety of craft beers on tap. boardandbrew.com (818) 318-1448

Bottega Italian Deli is located at 3184 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks, offering delicious Italian sandwiches on fresh baked bread… Turkey & Fontina, Speck & Gorgonzola, Meatballs & Provolone, Roast Beef & Parmigiano and many more. bottegafoods.com/delihome 805-449-8733

Brent’s Deli has operated at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village since 2006 in a large dine-in location near the Hyatt Westlake. Full service Jewish deli serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. www.brentsdeli.com 805-557-1882

D. Mongeon’s Deli has operated as long as my brain can remember (actually 1987) at 1111 Rancho Conejo Blvd. #104, Newbury Park, offering a delicious assortment of subs made on fresh French rolls. www.facebook.com/MongeonsDeli 805-499-8713

Firehouse Subs is opening in the Northgate Plaza, 111 S. Westlake Blvd in Westlake Village, soon. Visit www.firehousesubs.com 818-337-1032

Italia Deli & Bakery at 5657 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills has served the local community since 1981. Italia bakes delicious Italian rolls and bread daily from scratch and carries a wide array of meat, cheeses and imported Italian groceries and of course a large selection of sandwiches. italiadeli.com 818-991-4838

Lovi’s Deli is just over the Calabasas grade at 24005 Calabasas Road. Another popular Jewish deli that also serves a wide range of options for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor seating available. www.lovisdeli.com 818-223-8777

SANDWICHES NO MORE

Togo’s Sandwiches in Westlake Village closed in the spring of 2022

Which Wich at The Shoppes at Westlake Village closed in December 2021

Peebee & Jay’s opened in August 2020 in the Thousand Oaks Marketplace (Walmart/Walgreen plaza) in Newbury Park and closed in the fall of 2022.

Roxy’s Deli in Thousand Oaks closed its doors in June 2011, after 20 years serving the Conejo Valley.

Nate ‘n Al Deli operated at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks from November 2009 to the beginning of January 2012.

Hillside Letters in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

There are over 500 hillside letters, or “mountain monograms,” in the United States, including 81 in California. What are hillside letters, you ask. They are simply large single letters, abbreviations and sometimes even messages erected on a hillside, usually by a school or town.

The Big “C” overlooking UC Berkeley (From Wikipedia; public domain)

One well known hillside letter is a giant concrete block letter “C” built in the hills overlooking UC Berkeley that was constructed on March 23, 1905.

We have our share of hillside letters here in the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County, some of which you may be aware of…others, perhaps not.

The mountain monograms visible in our neck of the woods include:

• The CLU in the hills above Cal Lutheran University

• The A on the hill above Agoura High School

• The VC in the hills above Ventura College

• The V in the hills above Ventura High School

• The F in the hills just east of Fillmore

• The SP in the hills south of Santa Paula (off the 126)

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The letters CLU on Mt. Clef Ridge above Cal Lutheran University are maintained by students.

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Hilltop A overlooking Agoura High School up a steep hill. Made out of wood, I believe.

Here is a view of the letter VC north of Ventura College in late April 2019.

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If you drive north up Catalina Street, west of Ventura High School, you will be able to see this letter V on the hillside.

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The letter F is located in the hills west of Fillmore and is quite easy to see.

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This letters SP letters in the hills south of Santa Paula is cleared brush. They originated originated in 1922. More information on THIS PAGE.

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Happy Face Hill in Simi Valley is not a mountain monogram but is perhaps the visible hillside attraction throughout Ventura County.

Bakeries, Cupcake Places and Donut Shops in the Conejo Valley

There’s nothing wrong with enjoying an occasional donut, cupcake or pastry as long as they are consumed in moderation. And moderation for me is a dozen donuts (ha ha - only kidding). So on that nutritional note, we’ve compiled a list of local area bakeries and donut shops in Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village and Agoura Hills for those of you looking to expanded your baked good horizons.

Bakeries

La Cereza Cafe & Bakery opened at 280 E.Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks in September 2023, offering fresh baked pastries, bagels, empanadas and other goodies. www.instagram.com/la.cereza.cafe

Historia Bakery Cafe is located at 11 E. Hillcrest Drive, Thousand Oaks (at Moorpark Road), in the Grocery Outlet plaza. Historia opened in October 2019, serving a variety of decadent creations, including danish, crepe cakes, pastries, croissants, as well as sandwiches, juices, teas and coffees. www.historiabakerycafe.com (805) 371-1127

Emil’s Bake House is located at the Shops at Kanan Village, 5005 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (at Agoura Road, where IHOP and Islands are located). Emil’s opened in December 2019, offering freshly-baked pastries, breads, desserts, fruit tarts, cakes, muffins, fresh quiche, Lavazza coffee, fresh juices and more. www.emilscafe.com (818) 532-7664

Village Bakery & Cafe is located at 5839 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills in the Agoura Hills City Mall. They offer delicious pastries, cakes, bagels and breads, not to mention a full range of breakfast and lunch items, smoothies and Turkish coffee. www.agouravillagebakery.com (818) 736-9898 Open daily at 7am.

Carrara Pastries is an Italian pastry shop located in the Whizin Market Square, 28914 Roadside Drive, Agoura Hills. Carrara offers fresh cakes, pastries like cannoli, cream puffs, tiramisu and fruit tarts, www.carraras.com (818) 661-9006

La Princiere French Bakery, Patisserie and Cafe is now open in the Northstar Plaza in Thousand Oaks, 1321-1345 Thousand Oaks Blvd. La Princiere offers long-fermentation artisanal breads, French baguettes, sourdough and a full French breakfast, lunch and eventually, dinner menu. www.facebook.com/frenchbakerypatisseriecafe.

Le Pain Quotidien opened in March 2015 at the Westlake Plaza, next to Gelson’s, at 2728 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. They offer croissants, pastries, tarts and other baked items, as well as breakfast and lunch items. Pronounced “Luh Pan Koh-Ti-Dyan.” www.lepainquotidien.com (805) 322-4696

Siblings Bakery opened on January 14, 2021 in the former home of Jaime Cakes at 1625 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. They offer custom cakes and other goodies…muffins, cupcakes, brownies, etc. www.siblingsbakery.com

Itala Bakery & Cafe opened on the 2nd floor of The Oaks Mall (east side, top of the escalator, near Macy’s) in July 2021. Offers a variety of fresh pastries and coffee. Open daily. www.shoptheoaksmall.com/Directory/Details/815530

Karma Baker opened in the Pavilions Plaza at the southwest corner of Lindero and Kanan in October 2014. Karma offers a delicious array of organic, vegan, dairy-free, egg-free and gluten-free baked goods, including carrot cupcakes, chocolate cupcakes, cookies, brownies, bundt cakes, muffins, tarts, seasonal pies, the original "Karma Cakes" and more. The bakery is currently open 10am to 5pm M-Sat, but you can also find their products at JOi Cafe and Lassen's. karmabaker.com (747) 222-7379 (NOTE: KARMA BAKER ANNOUNCED ON 3/4/24 THAT IT WILL BE CLOSING ITS DOORS ON 3/30/24.)

Viktor Benês Bakery is located inside Gelson’s Market at 2734 Townsgate Road, Westlake Village. They offer high quality pastries, cakes, bread, danish, cupcakes, cookies, coffee cakes and snacks as well as custom cakes. viktorbenesbakery.com (805) 496-0045

Nothing Bundt Cakes is located at 1610 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Suite D, Thousand Oaks. Everything you could ask for in bundt cakes is right here - different sizes, multi-tiered cakes, “bundtlets” and more. www.nothingbundtcakes.com/bakery/ca/thousand-oaks (805) 446-3082

Francis Bakery Panaderia is located at 1080 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (next to Cajun Crab Shack), offering Mexican baked goods, pastries and cakes. (805) 241-8682

Mercados Guadalajara Tortilleria Y Panaderia is located at 2454 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park. They offer Mexican cakes, pastries and other baked good as well as tamales and other foods and drinks. (805) 375-2333

Sarai Bakery Panaderia is located at 2326 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks in the Select Plaza (at Conejo School Road, across from The Lakes at Thousand Oaks). They carry a variety of traditional Mexican baked good specialties as well as other Mexican foods (burritos, tortas, tamales, tacos, etc.) (805) 494-1584

Cafe Ficelle Boulangerie & Patisserie open its doors on April 9, 2024 at 1710 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, across from Denino’s Pizzeria in Thousand Oaks. With locations in Ventura and old town Camarillo, Cafe Ficelle offer freshly baked goods, breakfast and lunch items, coffees, teas and more.  www.cafeficelle.com

Furn Saj Bakery is located at The Summit at Calabasas, 26791 Agoura Road, Unit D-1. This is a Lebanese bakery that serves shawarma, falafel and other cuisine on fresh-baked saj bread, along with a variety of sweet items like Baked Nutella with Banana, Nutella Pizza with Banana, Labneh with Honey and Tahini Bread. www.furnsaj.com (818) 914-5001

Cupcake Places

Sweet Arlene’s is located in the Westlake Plaza at 960 S. Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village. Sweet Arleen’s is a 3-time winner of the Food Network Cupcake Wars, offering a wide variety of flavors - red velvet, vanilla, chocolate, lemon, carrot walnut, peanut butter, chocolate marshmallow, strawberry cream, banana caramel, coconut snowball, mocha truffle, pina colada, cookies and cream, boston cream pie, peach cobbler…the list goes on. sweetarleens.com (805) 373-7373

Sprinkles Cupcakes is located at The Promenade at Westlake, offering cupcakes, cakes, brownies and more. Flavors include red velvet, dark chocolate, birthday cake, vanilla, strawberry, salty caramel, banana, carrot, chocolate marshmallow, lemon, coconut, peanut butter chocolate, triple cinnamon and more. Opens at 10am daily. sprinkles.com (805) 370-5306

(There is also a Sprinkles “ATM” vending machine located on the 1st level of The Oaks, near Starbucks.)

Cookies, anyone? Crumbl Cookies opened at The Shoppes at Westake Village, 30768 Russell Ranch Road, on July 14, 2022, offering fresh baked cookies from a rotating weekly menu. . crumblcookies.com (805) 601-6653.

Crumbl Cookies also has a 2nd Conejo Valley location at The Village at Newbury Park, 935 Broadbeck Drive, Unit B.

Donut Shops

We are not lacking a variety of donut shops in the Conejo Valley - Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park and Agoura Hills.

Star Donuts is located in the Smart & Final plaza at 2160 Newbury Road, Newbury Park. Open nearly 24 hours a day and also offering boba drinks and sandwiches. (805) 499-3877

Sugarbox Donuts is located in the Wendy-Kimber Plaza at 3303 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. Also offers croissant sandwiches and iced drinks. (805) 498-4318

Judy’s Donuts is located at 2393 Michael Drive, Newbury Park. Offering an array of standard donuts but specializing in custom donuts for any occasion. (805) 498-6877

Newbury Donut is located at 766 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park, offering donuts, ice blended drinks and sandwiches. (805) 498-6454

Foster’s Donuts is located at 1398 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks, offering donuts, croissant sandwiches and drinks. (805) 495-1174

Best Donuts is located near the Thousand Oaks Auto Mall at 3900 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village, offering mostly donuts, (805) 495-4436

Donut Depot is located in the Select Plaza, just east of the The Lakes at Thousand Oaks at 2354 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks., offering donuts as well as ice blended drinks. (805) 494-9840

Fresh Donuts is located in the Trader Joe’s plaza at 409 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, offering donuts, croissant sandwiches and ice blended drinks. (805) 492-0566

Gladstone Donuts is located at 664 Lindero Canyon Road, Oak Park, offering donuts, breakfast bagels, croissant sandwiches and ice blended drinks. (818) 777-4400

Heart-shaped Valentine’s Day donuts at Dunkin.

Dunkin’ (they removed donuts from their name years ago) operates at 30895 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (at Lindero), offering donuts, sandwiches, espresso drinks and more. www.dunkindonuts.com (818) 991-5555

(A Drive-Thru Dunkin’ is planned to be built at the Conejo Gateway plaza at the corner of Wendy Drive and Old Conejo Road in Newbury Park. Timing TBA.

Yum Yum Donuts is located at 5833 N. Kanan Road, Agoura Hills, offering donuts, bagels, breakfast sandwiches, croissants and more. yumyumdonuts.com (818) 706-1402 Open 24 hours.

Donut hesitate to CONTACT US with any updates to this list.

And How About Some Bagels

Here are places in the Conejo Valley serving up fresh bagels:

Western Bagel at 3825 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite G, Westlake Village has been a popular bagel place for decades. westernbagel.com (805) 496-0344

East Coast Bagel in the Westlake Plaza (next to Sea Casa) at 1014 S. Westlake Blvd, Suite 2, Westlake Village is another long-time bagel standby. eastcoastbagelco.com (805) 494-9099

Noah’s NY Bagels is an old standby at 33 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. Next to Jamba Juice. locations.noahs.com/us/ca/thousand-oaks/33-n-moorpark-rd (805) 381-9893

Baking No More

E. T. Donuts in the Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks closed its doors 3/1/21.

Flatiron Bagel at 1817 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks in the Oak Leaf Square is officially closed as of April 2021.

The beloved Chocolatine French Cafe at 2955 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks, served its last croissant on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

Sweet Lady Jane was located at 23653 Calabasas Road in Calabasas, across the street from The Commons at Calabasas. The company closed its doors on 12/31/23.

Hillcrest Brush Fire Historical Landmark Markers in the Conejo Open Space in Thousand Oaks

There are five historical landmark markers in the Hillcrest Open Space in Thousand Oaks in tribute to firefighter Angel Castro. On December 10, 1978, Castro was severely burned while fighting the Hillcrest Fire, which burned 100 acres in two hours on a windy day with erratic gusts up to 40 MPH. He was working as a "Dozer Swamper," hauling and unloading heavy equipment. As a result of his injuries, he recommended several modifications to operating procedures that VCFD implemented. Further down this path are four other markers with questions to help challenge and educate firefighters and civilians.

The Hillcrest Open Space Preserve trailhead is located on Hillcrest Drive, just west of Blue Mesa Street, about half a mile west of Westlake Boulevard.

LOCAL AREA TRAILS AND HIKES THROUGHOUT VENTURA COUNTY

Breakfast Eateries In and Around the Conejo Valley

Breakfast. Is it the most important meal of the day? Perhaps. But who cares, we’re just hungry and want to eat something delicious for breakfast right here in the Conejo Valley. And to that end, we’ve compiled a list, in no particular order, of eateries in the Conejo Valley that are known for their breakfast options.

(While hours of operation are listed, they are subject to change, so check with the eatery to confirm. Contact us with updates, addition and edits.)

Country Harvest is located at 3345 Kimber Drive in Newbury Park and has served the community since May 2002. Country Harvest opens at 7:30 a.m. daily for traditional breakfast options like Corned Beef Hash & Eggs, Three-Egg Omelets, eight different Benedict (open-faced English muffin) options, favorites like Chicken & Waffles, pancakes and more. They also have locations in Camarillo and Moorpark. countryharvest.restaurant (805) 375-4598.

Honey & Herb Belgian Waffle House (formerly The Waffle Experience; it changed in December 2023) is located in the Conejo Gateway Plaza at 765 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park Dr. Here you will find quite a unique array of savory and sweet waffle options. Open for breakfast and lunch Mon to Thu at 8 a.m. and Sat/Sun at 7:30 a.m. honey-and-herb.com (805) 375-9998

CiCi’s Cafe is located at 30990 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village, across the parking lot from Lure Fish House. CiCi’s, which originated in 2006 and opened this location in December 2016, is known for its incredible selection of unique pancakes, waffles, and crepes as well as savory breakfast and lunch items. The menu is over 30 pages long! Open at 7:30 a.m. daily. ciciscafe.com (818) 874-3391

Side Street Cafe is located at 996 Lawrence Drive, #103 in Newbury Park, tucked into an industrial park, but well worth going slightly out of your way for. Open Mon-Fri 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Sat/Sun 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Specializes in an all day breakfast menu featuring egg breakfasts, egg scramblers, egg benedicts, omelettes, waffles, pancakes, French toast and other specialties. sidestreetcafenp.com (805) 499-9323

Zooza Cafe is located in the Paseo Market Place at 3687 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks. Open 8am to 5pm daily with a breakfast menu that includes omelets, egg sandwiches, oatmeal and more. zoozacafe.com (805) 496-9669

The Royal Egg Cafe at 30815 E Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Westlake Village (in the North Ranch Gateway Plaza) offers a variety of organic breakfast items, including savory favorites, avocado toasts, breakfast burritos and much more . Opens daily at 8 a.m. theroyaleggcafe.com (818) 532-7710

Mikey’s Restaurant opened in the former home of The Nook Restaurant at 579 Ventu Park Road, Suite D, Newbury Park in mid-January 2024. Similar menu to The Nook, with a wide range of breakfast specialties. Open 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily. www.mikeysrestaurantca.com

Pickles Deli & Restaurant originally opened in 2006 at 1940 Newbury Road in Newbury Park. Open daily at 9 a.m. until 8 p.m., this traditional Jewish deli serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Their breakfast menu is served all day includes egg dishes, lox, omelettes, Mexican specialties, French toast, pancakes and much more. picklesdeli.com (805) 480-4800

Brent’s Delicatessen & Restaurant at 2799 Townsgate Road in Westlake Village offers a large number of breakfast items - pancakes, French toast, fish plates, omelets, benedicts, egg specialties and more. Open 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily. brentsdeli.com (805) 557-1882

Agoura’s Famous Deli is located at 5915 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills in the Agoura Hills City Mall. You’re in luck for breakfast - pancakes, egg dishes, omelettes, waffles and more are offered . Open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.. agourasfamousdeli.com (818) 889-9113

Eggs ‘n’ Things in the Ralphs’s shopping center at 1542 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks is one of four Eggs ‘n’ Things in Ventura County. Their extensive breakfast menu includes omelettes, French toast, pancakes, their special Swedish Pancakes, scrambles, benedicts and more. Open for breakfast at 6 a.m. weekdays and 7 a.m. weekends. eggsnthings.net (805) 497-1711

Jinky’s Cafe is located at 1724 E. Avenida De Los Árboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-8809 Opens at 8 a.m. daily, offering pancakes, French toast, waffles, crepes, breakfast specialties like Yucatan Quesadilla, Huevos Rancheros, breakfast burritos and more. jinkys.com

Corner Bakery Cafe is located at 111 S. Westlake Boulevard in Thousand Oaks. Open daily at 7:30 a.m., Corner Bakery offers pancakes, scramblers, egg bowls, breakfast sandwiches, breakfast wraps, oatmeal, yogurt and more. cornerbakerycafe.com/location/thousand-oaks (805) 496-6993

Denny’s is located at 2830 Camino Del Rios in Newbury Park, serving breakfast 24/7. Who doesn’t love a Grand Slam? And of course pancakes, crepes, omelettes and classic breakfast that Denny’s offers. (805) 498-4440 dennys.com

IHOP is located at 5031 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (open 24/7) (818) 991-4957 IHOP offers, if you can believe it, pancakes! Plus omelettes, crepes, Belgian waffles, French toast and breakfast combos. The chain’s name was officially shortened from International House of Pancakes to IHOP in 1979. restaurants.ihop.com

JOi Cafe, located at 2855 Agoura Road in Westlake Village in the Westlake Commons, is a fantastic plant-based eatery that’s open for breakfast daily at 7 a.m. You’ll find unique choices on their breakfast menu, such as Superfood Pancakes, The JOi Scramble (no eggs involved), JOi Breakfast Burrito and more. www.joicafe.com

JOiBIRDS Cafe opened at 299 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks in November 2023, offering a variety of breakfast items and goodies. www.joibirds.com

Sunrose California Eatery opened on October 24, 2023 in the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills. Their breakfast and brunch is served all day, featuring a variety of options including toasts, burrito, omelet, pancake, egg dishes and more. Opens for breakfast at 8 a.m. daily. www.thesunroseca.com

Marmalade Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake, opens daily at 7:30 a.m. for breakfast. You know, I’ve eaten there dozens of times, but never for breakfast, but their menu looks great! Southern Fried Chicken & Waffles, Chorizo & Eggs, frittatas, benedicts, pancakes, combos and much more. I’ll have to check it out. marmaladecafe.com/locations/westlake-village/breakfast-menu (805) 370-1331

Justine’s Cafe is located in the Westlake Village Industrial Park, 31356 Via Colinas #103 in Westlake Village. Open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Justine’s offers a full breakfast menu that includes egg dishes, omelets, breakfast burritos, french toast and more. www.justinescafe.com (818) 879-8786

Bo’s House of Omelettes & Waffles (formerly the iconic Harold’s House of Omelettes), has served the Conejo Valley since 1961. Located at 2440 East Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks and open 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily, Bo’s serves Belgian Waffles, Omelettes (well duh), Eggs Benedict, Huevos Rancheros, scrambles, pancakes, combos and more. houseofomelettesto.com (805) 906-2138

The Breakfast Cafe, believe it or not, serves breakfast, of all things, daily, starting at 7 a.m., at 686 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park. You will find all of the standard breakfast favorites here…pancakes, French toast, waffles, omelettes, breakfast burritos, egg combos and more. www.breakfastcafe.online (818) 865-8807

P & L Burgers is located at 2000-A East Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks in the Oakbrook Plaza. So what is a place named after burgers on this breakfast eateries list? Because they serve a great breakfast daily starting at 7 a.m. - egg dishes, omelettes, pancakes, French toast and more. pandlburgers.com/BreakfastMenu.html (805) 493-5336

There is a separate list of COFFEE SHOPS IN THE CONEJO VALLEY and all of these coffee shops serve some form of breakfast - Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery, Honeycup Coffeehouse, Longevity Coffee, Caffe Aroma, Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters, Conejo Coffee, Cafe Sapientia, and others are on this list.

Novo Cafe in The Shoppes at Westlake Village has a nice breakfast menu that includes all your favorites - benedicts, French toast, egg dishes, omelettes and more. But geared towards late sleepers - they open at 11 a.m. Tue-Sat and 10:30 a.m.Sun. www.novocafe.com/westlake (818) 318-1466 (updated 12/14/23)

There is a separate list of BAKERIES IN THE CONEJO VALLEY, many of which offer up more than pastries for breakfast -Village Bakery & Cafe in Agoura Hills, Le Pain Quotidien in Westlake Village, Emil’s Bake House in Agoura Hills, Historia Bakery Cafe in Thousand Oaks, La Cereza Bakery and Cafe, Furn Saj Bakery in Calabasas, Cafe Ficelle (opened 4/10/24) and others.

Agoura Village Bakery (formerly called Village Bakery & Cafe) is located in the Twin Oaks Shopping Center at 5839 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. In addition to a fantastic array of decadent pastries and other baked goods, they offer omelettes, scrambles, French toast, pancakes, protein shakes and more. Opens at 8 a.m. daily. www.agouravillagebakery.com (818) 736-9898

You may not be aware that Cronies Sports Grill is open daily for breakfast at 9 a.m. Mon-Fri and 8 a.m. Sat/Sun at 1620 Newbury Road in Newbury Park (805) 498-7888 and 8 a.m. Mon-Fri and 7 a.m. Sat/Sun at 5687 Kanan Road in Agoura Hills (818) 889-0889. Cronies’ breakfast menu includes pancakes, waffles, eggs, breakfast sandwiches, omelets and more. cronies.com/breakfast-food

Panera Bread’s Conejo Valley locations in Thousand Oaks (Janss Marketplace) (opens at 7 a.m. daily) and Westlake Village (5784 Lindero Canyon Road) (opens at 7 a.m. Mon-Sat and 8 a.m. Sun) serves breakfast sandwiches, baked egg soufflés, oatmeal and more. www.panerabread.com

Chef Burger at 1771 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. in Thousand Oaks opens at 7;30 a.m. daily and offers breakfast burritos, omelettes, egg dishes, pancakes and more. This is a little, let me say, hole in the wall place - let’s just say, it is not a fancy, sit down place. (805) 495-0524

Rise Southern Biscuits Righteous Chicken opened in the summer of 2022 in the Conejo Valley Plaza at 1408 N Moorpark Road in Thousand Oaks. Rise specializes in chicken, biscuits, donuts and other southern specialties. Very limited outdoor seating. Open 7 am - 2 pm risebiscuitschicken.com/locations/thousand-oaks (805) 291-4274

On a side note, something I’ve found interesting in compiling this list is that most eateries offer omelettes, while a few offer omelets. According to Grammarly.com, omelet is the American English spelling whereas omelette is the British English spelling. Thus, I regret to inform you that most Conejo Valley breakfast eateries are not using proper American English. But I guess as long as the omelette is delicious, we’ll give them a pass.

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Breakfast No More

Chocolatine French Cafe was located at 2955 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks, but closed its doors in August 2023.

The Newbury Park IHOP closed its doors on November 19, 2023.)

Jinky’s Kanan Cafe at 29001 Canwood St in Agoura Hills closed its doors on 12/12/23 but they indicate that they plan to reopen elsewhere in Agoura Hills.)

Stella’s Gourmet Restaurant at 2385 Michael Drive, Newbury Park, which served the local community, since 1981, closed its doors in December 2023.

The Nook Restaurant in Newbury Park closed in December 2023 but reopened under new ownership as Mikey’s Restaurant in mid-January 2024. It originally opened in September 2019.

Hike to the Teepee, Paradise Falls and Little Cave at Wildwood Park in Thousand Oaks

One hiking experience that everyone in the Conejo Valley and neighboring areas has to experience is Wildwood Park. With 14 trails covering 17 miles in the nearly 1,800 acre park managed by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency, there is plenty to see and do in Wildwood Park.

One particularly fun and fairly easy family hike at Wildwood takes you from the main parking lot at the west end of Avenida de los Arboles to the Teepee, Paradise Falls and Little Cave (formerly Indian Cave**). Take the Mesa Trail about a 3rd of a mile until you see the sign below, then take a left.

Another third of a mile and you're at the teepee, where you'll find another clearly marked sign pointing you in the direction of Paradise Falls.

Hike down some switchbacks and stairs and you'll see be at the beautiful Paradise Falls. Always a fun place to take the kids, though we're warned not to go into the water, which is largely urban runoff.

But it is sure popular and enjoyable to sit back and enjoy this year-round waterfall that is so nicely hidden yet so close to hustle and bustle of suburban Thousand Oaks.

The Little Cave is roughly half a mile east of Paradise Falls and can be accessed from the trail directly above the falls or by hiking back up to the teepee and going the other direction.

Trail adjacent to Paradise Falls that takes you towards little Cave.

A quarter of a mile or so and you'll see the sign below.

Little Cave (Formerly Indian Cave) sign

Formerly called indian cave

Another 100 yards or so and you've reached the staircase that will take you up to the Cave.

Large enough to actually hang out in, though the last time we walked in there were signs of rodents.

You can literally climb through the cave to an exit at the top and hike your way up to a connector trail that will lead you back towards the parking lot. My kids love this and so do I!

** The change in name was approved by the Conejo Open Space Conservation Agency (COSCA) in May 2022. COSCA received a request to change the Indian Creek Trail name earlier that year. On its own, the work "Indian" refers to individuals from India, rather than Native Americans, and thus did not accurately reflect the origin of the people to whom it refers.

The Indian Cave and Indian Cave Trail were renamed Little Cave as it was unclear if the cave was naturally formed and/or historically used by Native Americans.

The Indian Creek Trail in Wildwood Park was renamed Two Springs Trail as two natural springs contribute to the stream flow in this portion of the channel.

Seven Flat, Stroller and Family Friendly Hikes in the Conejo Valley

There is a ring of about 15,000 acres of open space with 140 miles of trails for public use surrounding the Conejo Valley. All too often on the Conejo Valley Guide Facebook Page we hear requests for which trails are "stroller friendly" and/or suitable for young children. Here is a sampling of some of the more popular ones in the area.

Wildwood Park to many is the single greatest spot for family hikes and stroller-friendly trails. With 14 trails covering 17 miles, including the popular hike to Paradise Falls and the teepee as well as some wide, relatively flat sections along the Mesa Trail towards Lizard Rock.

It takes a bit of driving via the Norwegian Grade and Santa Rosa Road to get there, but the Conejo Canyons Open Space in the Western Plateau section of the Conejo Open Space leads to several miles of nice, flat, well-maintained family-friendly trails leading to tree-canopied picnic areas. The Hill Canyon Trail and Hawk Canyon Trail are very easy to navigate.

Shaded picnic area off the Hawk Canyon Trail from the Conejo Canyons Bridge.

The one mile Spring Canyon Trail is a mostly flat trail that runs from Lynn Oaks Park, 359 Capitan Street, Newbury Park to the Los Robles Trail.  There are some moderate hills but with the park nearby, this makes for a fun little excursion with the little ones. (No restrooms, however.)

The main access point to the Los Robles Trail at the southern endpoint of Moorpark Road at Greenmeadow Ave starts out with a reasonably flat section that is a nice, easy family stroll.

Speaking of the Los Robles Trail, another great little hike to take with the kids is the Oak Creek Canyon Loop Trail. The first 4/10th of a mile of the trail, accessible off of Greenmeadow Avenue in Thousand Oaks, is the Oak Creek Canyon Whole Access Interpretive Trail. This is a nice, shady, flat trail with benches and picnic benches along the path. The remainder of the loop is not quite as stroller friendly, with a couple moderately steep sections that can be navigated on foot.

Picnic trails and shade abound at the Oak Creek Canyon Interpretative Trail.

The Rancho Sierra Vista/Satwiwa area managed by the National Park Service in Newbury Park has several miles of trails to explore, most of which are flat and stroller-friendly. The Satwiwa Loop Trail takes you around the area and the Satwiwa Native American Indian Culture Center makes for a fun stop with the family when open on weekends.

The Chumash home, or “‘Ap,” in the background. The one pictured has since been replaced.

Cheeseboro/Palo Comado Canyons offer great family hiking opportunities. While there's definitely hills surrounding these canyons, try the Cheeseboro Canyon Trail, the 4 to 5 mile main artery into the park. Flat and kid/stroller friendly it is. Also try the Doubletree Trailhead connector to the Palo Comado Trail. Flat, fun and scenic.

The Los Padres Trail in Thousand Oaks is a short trail, half of which is pretty flat and tree lined, if you’re looking for a short excursion with a toddler. A seasonal creek makes it even more interesting as you may hear froggies in the spring.

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Although you will encounter pretty significant hills in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space in Thousand Oaks, it is worth checking out with the kids for its wide open trails and interesting sandstone rock formations. If you are really strong, strollers are possible here, but do know that you will encounter some hills like the hill shown in the image below.

This hill in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space at the Autumn Ridge Trail is a bit daunting but worth the climb.

We're going to throw a bonus trail into the mix. The several miles of hiking trails in the Oakbrook Regional Park Archaeological Area in Thousand Oaks is an outstanding place for a flat, picturesque and oak-tree canopied place for a short hike with the kids.

For a more comprehensive compilation of trails in the Conejo Valley and throughout Ventura County, visit THIS LINK.