Mexican Cuisine in the Conejo Valley and Surrounding Areas
/There is no shortage of local Mexican cuisine in the Conejo Valley and greater Ventura County. Here are a number of choices along with opinions/observations when available. This list includes everything from fast food take out to sit down with a margarita, and everything in between. Only requirement is that burritos are available! Have an addition to this list? Contact us!
Adobe Cantina is at 29100 Agoura Road, Agoura Hills (818.991.3474). CVG reader Stephanie says the Adobe is her favorite Mexican place in town and really loves the ribs and wonderful outdoor seating. www.adobe-cantina.com
Agave Maria's is located at 106 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai (805.646.6353). This restaurant was newly renovated and re-opened in 2010, having been a Mexican restaurant since the 1960s (I believe it used to be called Antonio's Mexican Cantina). Have heard nothing but good things but haven't been there yet myself. Visit www.agavemarias.com. Also in Camarillo at 710 Arneill Road.
The Alamo Mexican Grill is at 2311 Borchard Rd., Newbury Park (805.498.3115). Also at 5617 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818.889.5092). Good, traditional Mexican food. This is a comfortable, casual sit down restaurant. Reasonably priced. www.thealamobarandgrill.com
Baja Fresh locations in the area include 595 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (near Janss Marketplace) (805.778.0877), 888 New Los Angeles Avenue, 1-A, Moorpark (805.523.2143), 1464 Madera Road, Simi Valley (805.520.7301), 2679 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.581.6001), 5021 Verdugo Way #101, Camarillo (805.484.6731), 1855 Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.383.6884), 23697 Calabasas Parkway #100, Calabasas (818.591.2262), 4726-2 Telephone Road, Ventura (805.650.3535) and 2350 Vineyard Avenue #1, Oxnard (805.988.7878).
Baja Fresh is the granddaddy of local Mexican take out. It originated in Newbury Park in 1990. Today there are 300 locations around the country. I’ve always loved this place and I feel that I am eating healthy when I’m there. The kids meals are great…quesadilla, rice, applesauce and a drink. www.bajafresh.com
Bobbi's Mexican Food is at 302 N. Lantana, Camarillo (805.484.0103). I know people that swear by Bobbi's food and others that aren't as thrilled, but they have been around since 1974 so that must tell you something. I have not tried the BBQ'd tri tip but it sure smells good! They have large portions here I've also discovered. bobbismexicanfood.com
Chipotle Mexican Grill make your own meal style Mexican food that is extraordinarily popular in my household has locations in Newbury Park at 935 Broadbeck Drive, Westlake Village at 5754 Lindero Canyon Road, the Simi Valley Town Center, Oxnard at 369 W. Esplanade Drive and Ventura at 1145 S. Victoria Avenue and 488 S. Mills Road. www.chipotle.com
Chuy's Mesquite Broiler is at 590 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Moorpark (805.523.3184), 1397 E. Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley (805.582.4897), and 5840 E. Los Angeles Ave, Simi Valley (805.520.7424). The décor is really funky and fun to look at. Food is not particularly memorable for me but this is a fun place to go.
Chipotle Grill is at 935 Broadbeck Dr., Newbury Park (805.499.3561), 1263 Simi Town Center Way, Simi Valley (805.584.0514), 1145 S. Victoria Avenue, Ventura (805.650.6627), 488 S. Mills Road, Ventura (805.654.0143) and 5754 Lindero Canyon, Westlake Village (818.597.1603). I know some people that swear by Chipotle, including my wife and kids. For those not familiar, Chipotle gives you many choices for your burritos and other Mexican cuisine so that you can customize your own food...kind of like a Subway. High quality ingredients, tasty, HUGE burritos! My 16 year old loves the beef burrito and I enjoy the veggie burrito.
Cisco's Mexican Restaurant is at 1712 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805.497.3959). Cisco’s serves reliable traditional style Mexican fare. It has been awhile since I’ve been there but as I recall the food is pretty good. Margaritas are good there too as I recall.
Del Taco is at 591 North Ventu Park Rd., Newbury Park (805.499.4439), 848 Los Angeles Ave., Moorpark (805.552.0654), 1408 E. Los Angeles Ave., Simi Valley (805.527.1939), 2000 N. Rose Ave., Oxnard (805.988.7500) and 4393 E. Main Street, Ventura (805.642.2145). I personally don’t see much difference between Del Taco and Taco Bell but they both serve a need. Quick, cheap, fast food.
El Pescador Restaurant is at 1305 W. Ventura Street in Fillmore (805.524.9999). My family has been here and it was very authentic and enjoyable. I loved the tortilla soup and a fish dish. My kids and wife all cleaned their plates. We also enjoyed some flan afterwards.www.elpescadorinfillmore.com
El Pollo Loco locations in the area include 2750 Camino Dos Rios, Newbury Park (805.480.9050), 591 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (near Janss Marketplace) (805.370.0330), 399 North Las Posas, Camarillo (805.482.4009), 5050 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818.706.0766), 1111 E. Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (805.522.6363), 2780-A, Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.581.4884), 3155 Saviers Road, Oxnard (805.385.9800), 200 Vineyard Blvd., Oxnard (805.382.9975) and 1722 S. Victoria, Ventura (805.654.1723). Want really inexpensive, decent fast Mexican food? Can’t beat EPL’s $1 “Loco Value Menu.” The food is sometimes hit or miss but overall I can’t think of a better value for your dollar. But you can’t compare the food here to the “higher end” Mexican fast food chains. This is a top choice for VALUE. www.elpolloloco.com
El Sancho Loco Taqueria opened at 2272 Michael Drive in Newbury Park in Summer 2010. To quote my neighbor, "This place rocks! Homemade tortillas!" My family has enjoyed the food here several times, including tacos, tacos and more tacos...but also chilaquiles, chile rellenos and a burrito or two. All good! You'll get very authentic Mexican grub here!
El Torito Mexican Restaurant & Cantina is located at 2498 Erringer Road, Simi Valley (805.522.6882) and 1720 E. Ventura Blvd., Oxnard (805.485.4887). While I want to dislike this place because they are not as “authentic” as the Alamos and the Lupes' of the world, that doesn’t stop me from stopping by every so often and enjoying a large, varied menu and good, filling food. Can’t go wrong here, especially after a margarita or three. Thousand Oaks location closed on 1/24/12.
Chapala Mexican Restaurant (formerly Familia Diaz) at 245 S. 10th Street, Santa Paula (805.525.2813) has been around since 1936. Old style sit-down Mexican family restaurant that you just have to visit if you are stopping by Santa Paula. Decent food. www.chapalamexicanfood.com
Freebirds World Burrito has locations at 5752 Telephone Road in Ventura (805.477.0174), 29125 Canwood St, Agoura Hills (818.874.9171) and 2490 Sycamore Dr, Simi Valley (805.581.1689). They make your burritos to order and a lot of folks I know really like them. www.freebirds.com
La Paz at 4505 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas and serves Mexican food Yucatan style. www.wix.com/lapazmexicanfood/1
The Latigo Kid relocated from Whizins Shopping Center to 5617 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills in March 2014. Several CVG visitors have indicated they enjoy Latigo Kid's traditional Mexican food with large portions and mighty margaritas.
Los Arroyos Mexican Restaurant is at The Promenade at Camarillo Premium Outlets, 630 Ventura Boulevard, Suite 1217 (805.987.4000). It opened in December 2009. Family owned restaurant in business since 1999, with locations in Santa Barbara and Montecito. You order at the counter than eat at the indoor/outdoor tables or take out. This is NOT fast food Mexican...a step above. Pricier but if you like quality, it is worth it. I tried the special of the day, the chicken enchiladas in mole sauce, served with rice and beans. Delicious. My friend dines there once a week and loves the enchiladas and pretty much everything Los Arroyos serves...consistent quality. They serve beer and wine too.
Mariscos El Pulpo is at 3550 Saviers Road in Oxnard (805.247.9221). I've never been here but my friend and his Peruvian wife have, and often. They enjoy the food here so much that I've posted one of his photos of their food below.
Money Pancho Mexican Restaurant is at 3661 Las Posas Road, Camarillo (805.484.0591). Located next door to the Camarillo Police Department. I have dined there and enjoyed my "old school" Tacos del Mar plate...2 delicious soft fish tacos, rice and beans preceded by old school chips, salsa and pickled cucumbers, carrots and such. I liked it all.
Olas Mex Grill at 1860 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo has consistently good traditional mexican food (burritos, enchiladas, tamales, etc.) served in large portions. Bring cash as they charge a fee for using credit cards. Quite a popular little place. www.olasmexgrill.com
Rubio’s is at 2121 N. Rose Avenue, Oxnard (805.485.8603), 2916-B Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley (805.522.1504), 1788 S. Victoria Ave., Ventura (805.642.2644), 3301 E. Main Street, Ventura (Pacific View Mall) (805.658.6712) and 2751 W. Hillcrest Drive, Newbury Park (805.948.6475). Rubio's is a decent choice for low budget, solid and consistent Mexican food. My kids always seem to like it here.
Sabor Cocina Mexicana opened at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks in August 2010. Delicious high-end Mexican a bit on the pricey side. The margarita was huge. The portions moderate at best. www.saborcocinamexicana.com 805.497.2457
Sharky’s is located at 1930 Newbury Rd., Newbury Park (by Kohl's) (805.376.1404), 111 S. Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village (southwest corner of T.O. Blvd/Westlake Blvd intersection) (805.370.3701), 2410 Sycamore Drive, Simi Valley (805.522.2270), 26527 Agoura Road, Calabasas (818.880.0885) and 4960 Telephone Road, Ventura (805.339.9600). Another healthy choice for Mexican take out. Sharky’s has been around since 1992 with its first store in Sherman Oaks. I put Sharky’s on a par with Baja Fresh. I definitely enjoy the food there though I do feel that something is given up in taste in order to stay organic and healthy. So at least one does not feel guilt when dining at Sharky’s! www.sharkys.com
Snapper Jack's Taco Shack is at 4850 Verdugo Way, Ste A, Camarillo (805.384.0334) and 5100 Telegraph Road, Ventura (805.642.5111). We have been to the Camarillo location, where you walk up and order and grab a table. They offer up beer and wine along with traditional, fresh Mexican fare. Fun atmosphere. I was too busy running around after the kids to remember how the food tasted to be honest! But vaguely remember enjoying the fish tacos between gulps of beer! www.snapperjackstacoshack.com
Taco Bell locations include 791 N. Wendy Drive, Newbury Park (805.499.1316), 1330 North Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks (805.557.0248), 25 Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks (805.495.1709), 1928 E. Avenida de los Arboles (805.492.9572), 5589 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818.991.8268), 95 Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.389.3283), 1505 Flynn Road, Camarillo (805.383.3355). I’ve never been a big fan. One positive is that they are open late in case you need a grease fix.
The Sea Casa is located at 1014 South Westlake Blvd., Westlake Village (805.374.1921). When I worked in Westlake Village this place was a staple for me at least one time a week. Very tasty food with a healthy bent. Excellent service. They kick butt at lunchtime. The guy who manages the place is really on it. Boy oh boy did I always enjoy the fajita burrito there. My mouth is watering. Solid value. Really small place inside but there are also tables outside.
Taqueria Tepatitlan Authentic Mexican Cafe is located at 362 N. Ventura Ave., Ventura (805.653.0508). I haven't been there but I hear they serve draft beer in ice cold schooners!
3 Amigos Fresh Mexican Grill (www.3amigosonline.com) has 2 locations, 139 N. Reino Road, Newbury Park (805.499.7200) and 365 E. Avenida de los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805.493.1033). Excellent fast food Mexican. A small place with good, quick service. Really nice people work there so I enjoy stopping by every so often. 10/22/08 UPDATE: Last night the kids and I went there and I ordered the Chicken Tortilla Soup. This soup was awesome! I think it was the best CT Soup I've ever had! Served hot, large portion, homemade with nice chicken, flavorful broth, some onions and tortillas! I ordered it as a side dish and instead it became my entire meal! I'm practically slobbering on the keyboard thinking about it. The kids loved the quesadilla, rice and beans and the portions were quite large. One thing I don't like there is the shredded chicken.
Yolanda's Mexican Cafe has 4 locations, including 86 E. Daily Drive, Camarillo (805.389.9922), 590 East Los Angeles Avenue, Simi Valley (805.306.9933), 1601 South Victoria Avenue, Oxnard (805.985.1340) and 2753 E. Main Street, Ventura (805.643.2700). Yolanda's serves traditional Mexican food in my favorite style...LARGE portions! One CVG reader states they enjoy the enchiladas and margaritas here. Another reader says "The food was superb and the service was great. I just loved my chicken enchilada! The place was clean and looked brand new."
Yolies Fresh Mexican Grill is located at 138 W. Main Street, Ventura (805.652.0338). They have a buffet lunch Mon-Fre, Sunday Champagne Brunch, heated outdoor patio, etc.
Closed:
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant was at 1710 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks Closed in August 2017.
Casa Escobar was located at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village (805.777.7747). Closed in September 2016.
Chronic Tacos was located at 6593 Collins Drive, Suite D4 in Moorpark (across from Moorpark College) (805.529.4422).
Chuy’s: Agoura location is no mas...Ladyface Alehouse is now there. Thousand Oaks location on Moorpark Road closed sometime in 2011. Chuy’s Camarillo closed in 2017.
