Coffee Shops in the Conejo Valley

Photo credit: Michaela (via Pexels)

According to the National Coffee Association in its Spring 2024 National Coffee Data Trends report, 67% of Americans have had coffee in the past day, compared to 49% in 2004. The greatest increase is among consumers 60+, whose past day consumption increased by 9%. Consumers in the 25 to 59 age groups also saw increases in consumption. 57% of American adults had a specialty coffee in the past week, up 7.5% one year prior.

On that caffeinated note, let’s take a look at what coffee shops we have here in the Conejo Valley, covering Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills, Oak Park and parts of Calabasas.

Note that this list can change at any time. We’ve listed store hours but those can also change, so check directly with the store first to confirm. (Contact us for updates, additions and edits.)

Independent Coffee Shops

Longevity Coffee is located in the Skyline Center at 2849 Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks. Longevity offers low acid, freshly roasted, certified organic coffee and shakes, smoothies, Longevity Sodas and ore. Food items offered include toasts, acai bowls, oatmeal, baked goods and more. Open daily from 7:30am to 4:30pm. www.longevitycoffee.com (805) 836-2849

Five07 Coffee Bar and Eatery is located near Vons in the Oakbrook Plaza at 2036 E Avenida de los Árboles, Thousand Oaks. Five07 offers a wide array of drinks and food items, such as crepes, toasts, baked goods and more.. Plenty of indoor and outdoor seating available. Live music too. Open 7:30am - 5pm daily. www.thefive07.com

Five07 opened a 2nd location at 2955 Thousand Oaks Boulevard in Thousand Oaks (between Bad Ass Street Tacos and Oak and Iron), on Friday, December 29, 2023. Hours are 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Saturday. Closed Sundays. This location is geared towards takeout, with limited seating and a standing bar. www.thefive07.com

Ragamuffin Coffee Roasters is located in the CVS/Trader Joe’s strip mall at 111 N. Reino Road (at Borchard) in Newbury Park. Ragamuffin offers espresso/coffee drinks, tea/non-coffee drinks and a selection of food items such as avocado toast, frittatas and baked goods (including gluten-free options). Opens at 7 a.m. daily. ragamuffinroasters.com (805) 375-9000

Honeycup Coffeehouse & Creamery is located at 360 Via Las Brisas in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Honey Cup serves coffee, tea, and smoothies. Pastries, sandwiches and handmade ice cream are also on the menu. Open daily 7am to 3pm. www.honeycupcoffeehouse.com (805) 716-3156.

Honeycup Coffeehouse is opening a 2nd location at Santal Thousand Oaks, 299 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, anticipated in the December 2024 time frame.

Conejo Coffee at 2860 Camino Dos Rios in Newbury Park (across the street from Home Depot and Target) offers coffee drinks, pastries, smoothies, breakfast burritos, sandwiches, and more. Open 5:30am to 2pm Monday through Friday and 7am to 2pm Saturday. Closed Sunday. www.instagram.com/conejocoffee (805) 498-7420.

Cafe Sapientia is located at 706 Lindero Canyon Road in Oak Park, serving specialty coffee and tea drinks, as well as their delectable pastries and Korean shaved ice. Open daily (except closed on Tuesdays) from 9am to 5pm. www.cafesapientia.com (818) 532-7112

Caffe Aroma is located in the Smart & Final Extra/CVS plaza at 2130 Newbury Road in Newbury Park, offering coffee, tea and other drinks as well as food items. Open 8am to 4pm Wednesday through Monday. (805) 375-7150

Bonibi Coffee is located in The Landing in Westlake Village at 32123 Lindero Canyon Road. They offer Stumptown specialty coffee, multiple origin coffee blend with signature notes of citrus and dark chocolate. Bonibi offers hot drinks, iced drinks, pastries and food items. Open 8am to 4pm daily. www.bonibicoffee.com (747) 283-5982

Hibye Coffee is opening January 10th at The Shoppes at Westlake Village at 30770 Russell Ranch Road, Suite D, near Figueroa Mountain Brewing Co. hibyecoffeeco.com

La La Land Kind Cafe opened on September 28, 2024 at The Promenade at Westlake in Thousand Oaks, offering signature lattes, coffee drinks, toasts and more. www.lalalandkindcafe.com

Makenna Koffee is coming soon to the North Ranch Shopping Center in Westlake Village. makennacoffee.com.

CHECK OUT OUR COMPILATION OF CONEJO VALLEY BAKERIES, MOST OF WHICH ALSO SERVE COFFEE, AT THIS LINK.

Chain Coffee Shops

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is located in the Oakbrook Plaza at 1772 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. offering coffees, teas and more. Open weekdays 5:30am to 7pm and weekends 6am-7pm. www.coffeebean.com (805) 241-2499

The other Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf location is in the Westlake Plaza, 968 S. Westlake Blvd., #6, Westlake Village. Open 5:30am to 7:30pm weekdays, 6am to 8pm Saturday and 6am to 7pm Sunday. (805) 497-1256

Nordstrom Ebar is located outside of Nordstrom on the first floor of The Oaks mall, offering expresso drinks, coffee, smoothies, pastries and healthy snacks. Open 10am to 8pm Monday to Saturday and 11am to 7pm Sunday. (805) 418-4015 www.nordstrom.com/store-details/united-states/ca/thousand-oaks/nordstrom-thousand-oaks

Peet’s Coffee is at 595 Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks near Janss Marketplace. Peet’s is a California-based coffee chain founded in 1966, offering tea, blended drinks, pastries, sandwiches and their signature coffee. Open daily 5:30am to 6pm. www.peets.com (805) 497-8366.

Dunkin’ (formerly Dunkin’ Donuts) bills itself as “the world’s leading baked goods and coffee chain” and thus their location at 30895 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. #101, Westlake Village (cross street Lindero) is included on this list. Their menu includes espresso, coffee, teas, frozen drinks and more, along with their signature donuts, sandwiches and other menu items. Open 5am to 8pm daily. locations.dunkindonuts.com/en/ca/westlake-village/30895-e-thousand-oaks-blvd/355298 (818) 991-5555

Another Dunkin’ is coming to the Conejo Gateway plaza in Newbury Park, near the corner of Wendy Drive and Old Conejo Road. This 1,800 sq ft location will be a drive-thru, with outdoor seating areas. Timing TBA.

Philz Coffee opened November 10, 2022 at 33 N. Moorpark Road, in the Village at Moorpark in Thousand Oaks, in the former Starbucks between Men’s Warehouse and Jamba Juice. Philz brews an assortment of dark, medium, and light blends of coffees, along with their featured tea and coffee creations, such as their Iced Mint Mojito. www.philzcoffee.com

Philz Coffee opened another location at The Summit at Calabasas, at the corner of Lost Hills Road and Agoura Road. www.philzcoffee.com

And how could we not forget Starbucks, with nearly 34,000 stores in 80 countries. Starbucks currently has 22 locations in the Conejo Valley, including numerous locations inside supermarkets literally across the parking lot from stand-alone locations.

  • Thousand Oaks: 2072 E. Avenida De Los Arboles (at Erbes) (Oakbrook Plaza) Open 4:30am to 7pm weekdays and 5:30am to 7:30pm weekends. (805) 241-8026

  • Thousand Oaks: 2048 E. Avenida De Los Arboles (at Erbes) inside Vons. Open 6am to 8pm daily. (805) 492-2497

  • Thousand Oaks: 3366 Thousand Oaks Blvd (at Auto Mall Drive). Drive-thru location. Open 5am to 10pm weekdays and 5:30am to 9:30pm on weekends. (805) 230-9267

  • Thousand Oaks: 1195 East Thousand Oaks Blvd (at Rancho). Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 8:30pm weekdays and 5am to 9pm weekends. (805) 379-1750

  • Thousand Oaks: 605 E. Janss Road (at Moorpark Road). Open 6am to 7pm daily. (805) 497-3499

  • Thousand Oaks: 401 Moorpark Road (at Brazil) at Janss Marketplace. Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 10pm weekdays and 5:30am to 10pm weekends. (805) 666-3158

  • Thousand Oaks: 1790 N. Moorpark Road inside Vons in the Park Oaks Shopping Center. Open 6am to 8pm daily. (805) 497-8652

  • Thousand Oaks: 350 West Hillcrest Drive (kiosk inside The Oaks Mall). Open 10am to 8pm Monday through Saturday, 11am to 6pm Sunday. (805) 371-4399

  • Thousand Oaks: 1500 Moorpark Road inside Ralph’s at the Conejo Valley Plaza. Open 5am to 9pm daily. (805) 379-3100

  • Thousand Oaks: 101 Memorial Parkway (at Cal Lutheran Univ, Ullman Commons). Open 8am to 5pm weekdays and 8am to 11am weekends. (805) 493-3669

  • Thousand Oaks: Southeast corner of Moorpark Road and Avenida De Las Flores, across the street from Thousand Oaks High School. Drive-thru location.

  • Newbury Park: 975 Broadbeck Drive (The Village at Newbury Park - near Islands). Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 8:30pm weekdays and 5:30am to 8:30pm weekends. (805) 375-6163.

  • Newbury Park; 2705 Teller Road (inside Target). Open 8am to 8pm daily. (805) 480-9114

  • Newbury Park: 421 S. Reino Road (at Kimber Drive) (Albertson’s/CVS plaza). Open 4:30am to 7pm weekdays and 4:30am to 6:30pm weekends. (805) 498-8287

  • Newbury Park: 540 North Ventu Park Road (Walmart/Walgreens center). Drive-thru location. Open 4:30am to 9:30pm weekdays and 5am to 9:30pm weekends. (805) 499-2581

  • Westlake Village: 925 South Westlake Blvd. Drive-thru location. Open 5am to 8:30pm weekdays and 5:30am to 8pm weekends. (805) 777-1196

  • Westlake Village: 2755 Agoura Road (at the Westlake Plaza). Open 4:30am to 7:30pm weekdays and 5:30am to 7:30pm weekends. (805) 379-2499

  • Westlake Village: 30740 Russell Ranch Road (inside the Target at The Shoppes at Westlake Village) Open 8am to 8pm daily. (818) 661-2361

  • Westlake Village (COMING SOON): 5750 Lindero Canyon Road (cross street Russell Ranch Road in the Westlake Village Marketplace). Currently (as of 12/18) hiring at careers.starbucks.com.

  • Agoura Hills: 5827 Kanan Road (at Thousand Oaks Blvd.). Open 4:30am to 7:30pm weekdays and 5am to 8pm weekends. (818) 735-0268

  • Oak Park: 688 Lindero Canyon (at Kanan). Drive-thru location. Open 5am to 8pm weekdays and 5:3am to 8:30pm weekends. (818) 865-2184

  • Calabasas: 26531 Agoura Road (at Las Virgenes in the Albertson’s Plaza). Open 4:30am to 9pm daily. (818) 878-0503

  • Calabasas: 26521 Agoura Road (inside Albertson’s). Open 6am to pm daily. (818) 880-9080

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.

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.

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.

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.

PaloComadoSign.JPG

Although the trails in the Lang Ranch/Woodridge Open Space in Thousand Oaks are NOT FLAT and indeed quite HILLY, they are worth checking out with the kids because they wide and have some 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.

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.

Compilation of Happy Hours in the Conejo Valley

Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “happy hour” as a period of time during which the price of drinks (as at a bar) is reduced or hors d’oeuvres are served free or at a discount. According to a Wikipedia article, as of July 2015, happy hour bans existed in Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Indiana, Maine, Massachusetts, North Carolina, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, Utah and Vermont.

The Massachusetts law was put into place in 1984. It prohibits discounted or free drinks at any time of day and prohibits sale of beer or other drinks by the pitcher except to two or more persons at a time. It does not prohibit offering free or discounted food or entertainment, however.

In any case, California does not have such law, so here’s a compilation of happy hours at established in the Conejo Valley - Thousand Oaks, Westlake Village, Newbury Park, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and part of Calabasas. CONTACT US with any updates, or additions to this list. (Note that the information below is as of one point in time and subject to change at any time. Check directly with each restaurant to confirm.)

Brent’s Bar at Brent’s Deli Westlake Village, 2799 Townsgate Road offers a happy hour menu daily from 3PM to 6PM Tuesday through Sunday. $10 signature cocktails, $7 well drinks, $2 off draft beers and wine and happy hour menu. www.brentsdeli.com/happy-hour 805-557-1882

Figueroa Mountain Brewing Company at The Shoppes at Westlake Village, 30770 Russell Ranch Road, offers “Hoppy Hour” Monday through Thursday from 3-6PM. $2 off draft pints, $20 select pitchers and more. www.figmtnbrew.com/westlake-village 818-874-1305

Azar’s Sports Bar at 2215 Michael Drive, Newbury Park offers happy hour Monday through Friday from 4-7pm, $1 off all beer, wine and mixed drinks and discounted prices on appetizers. azarsportsbar.com 805-498-2365

Sunset Terrace at Janss Marketplace Thousand Oaks has happy hour specials Monday through Thursday sunsetterracerestaurant.com/daily-specials 805-497-4847

101 North Eatery & Bar at The Village at Westlake Village offers happy hour specials from 4-6PM Tuesday through Saturday. Tap beers and well cocktails $7, other drink specials and an assortment of food specials. www.101northeateryandbar.com/menu 805-852-1588

Holdren’s Steaks & Seafood at 1714-A Newbury Road in Newbury Park offers happy hour specials from 4-6PM Tuesday through Sunday, including some $5 draft beers, $3 Corona and Coors Light and numerous other wine and cocktail specials as well as delicious appetizers like French Dip Sliders ($12), Steak Bites ($13) and much more. www.holdrens.com/np/menus/happy_hour 805-498-1314

The Cliffdiver at 720 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks offers happy hour 3-6PM and 8PM-Close Wednesday to Sunday and Taco Tuesdays ($3 select tacos, $5 select beers). www.thecliffdiver.com 805-370-1585

Finney's Crafthouse & Kitchen in the Westlake Plaza, 982 S. Westlake Boulevard, Westlake Village offers happy hour drink specials such as draft beer for $5, wine and cocktails and appetizers from 3-5PM Monday through Friday. www.finneyscrafthouse.com/westlake-village (805) 230-9950 (updated May 2024) Other locations at 494 E. Main St, Ventura (805) 628-3312 and 580 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo (805) 702-0010.

Crawford’s Social at 974 South Westlake Blvd, Westlake Village now offers happy hour specials from 2-5PM Monday through Thursday. Enjoy bites like the Calabrian Meatballs ($5), Roman Style Pizzas ($10) or the Crawford’s Burger Jr. Combo, served with fries + choice of soda or any happy hour beer or wine for under $20. Drink specials too. www.crawfordssocial.com/happyhour 805-510-0105

Patron Mexican Bar & Grill at 1620 Newbury Road in Newbury Park and 3709 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village, offers happy hour drink and food specials daily from 3-6:30PM (NP) and 3PM-Close (Westlake). Domestic beer $4.99, imported beer $5.99, draft beer $5.99, 3 street tacos for $8.99 and more. patronmex.com/happy-hour

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse at 3955 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village offers happy hour in the bar and patio area Monday through Friday 3-7PM and Sunday through Thursday 9PM to close, as well during all pro football games. $4 domestic bottles, $6 margaritas and well drinks, $7 appetizers and more. www.bjsrestaurants.com/happyhour 805-497-9393

Q Sushi at The Shoppes at Westlake Village offers Happy Hour specials 4-6PM daily on the patio, at the bar, sushi bar and community table. See details at www.qsushi.com/menus/happy-hour 818-540-3231

Marmalade Cafe at The Promenade at Westlake Village offers a happy hour menu Sunday through Thursday 3-6PM. All happy hour food and drink offerings just $7. marmaladecafe.com/locations/westlake-village/happy-hour-menu

Paul Martin’s American Grill at The Promenade at Westlake offers happy hour specials Sunday through Thursday 3-6PM and Friday/Saturday 2-5PM in the bar. Happy Hour menu is at paulmartinsamericangrill.com/menus/happy-hour 805-373-9300

Plata Taqueria & Cantina offers happy hour specials from 2-6PM at both of its locations - Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills (818-735-9982) and The Oaks mall in Thousand Oaks (805-750-5957) www.eatplata.com

Wood Ranch BBQ at 5050 Cornell Road in Agoura Hills and at The Oaks mall offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM weekdays in the bar area only. www.woodranch.com

Novo Cafe at The Shoppes at Westlake Village hosts happy hour Tuesday through Thursday from 4-6PM and Friday to Sunday 4-5:30PM, featuring 40% off entire dinner menu. www.novocafe.com/westlake-menu#menu=happy-hour-westlake 818.318.1466

Phil’s at 3316 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd in Thousand Oaks offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM Monday through Friday. Menu at www.phils1000oaks.com/menu-1

Cronies, with Conejo Valley locations at 1620 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805-498-7888) and 5687 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills (818-889-0889) offers happy hour specials on weekdays. Call to confirm times/specials. cronies.com

Dog Haus at 50 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks, offers happy hour specials Mon-Thu from 3-6PM, such as $2 off draft beer and wine, $3 off wings and more. See doghaus.com/location/thousand-oaks

The Tipsy Goat at 159 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks announced a new happy hour menu from 4-7PM Tuesday to Sunday, including $4 beers and other drinks on its Facebook page on 11/3/23 at THIS LINK. No website as of May 2024, so contact them for updates.

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House at 28434 Roadside Drive in Agoura Hills hosts happy hour specials on cocktails, draft beer, wine and food from 3-6PM Monday through Friday. www.tavern101agoura.com/menus

Outside the Conejo Valley

Twisted Oak Tavern at 2433 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo offers happy hour drinks and bites from 3-6pm daily. All draft beers $2 off. House wine, well drinks, margaritas and Moscow Mules $7. Variety of starters and flatbreads available. www.twistedoaktavern.pub/menuhappy-hour 805-586-4005

The Arena Grill & Lounge at 999 Enchanted Way, Simi Valley offers happy hour drink specials and 25% off appetizers from 4-7PM. Also, “Power Hour” is 9-10PM, with $4 well drinks and $2.50 street tacos. arenasimi.com Over TV screens and a big dance floor too. 805-915-1528

The Twist on Main at 454 E. Main Street in Ventura offers happy hour libations Wednesday through Friday from 4-7pm, including $5 draft beers, house wine and well drinks. thetwistonmain.com 805-641-0053

Aloha Steakhouse at 364 S. California Street in Ventura has happy hour pricing 3-6PM Monday to Friday on selected drinks and appetizers. www.alohasteakhouse.com 805-652-1799

Beach House Fish is located on the Ventura Pier at 668 Harbor Blvd., offering happy hour Monday through Thursday 3-6PM and Reverse Happy Hour on Fridays from 7-9PM. Discounted drinks and select appetizers. www.beachhousefish.com/happy-hour-1 805-643-4783

Chapala Mexican Restaurant at 245 South 10th Street, Santa Paula offers happy hour specials Tuesday through Friday from 3-6PM. chapalamexicanfood.com/happy-hour (805) 525-2813

Latitude 34 at 660 Ventura Boulevard, Camarillo offers happy hour specials Monday through Friday from 3-6PM. l34camarillo.com/menus/HappyHour.pdf

Social Tap at 1105 S. Seaward Avenue, Ventura offers “Social Hour” Monday to Friday from 3-6PM, featuring discounted appetizers and drinks. socialtapventuraca.com/menu/#HHVentura (805) 667-8485

Winchesters Grill & Saloon at 632 East Main St in Ventura offers happy hour food and drink specials Tuesday through Friday from 4-6:30PM. www.winchestersgrill.com/food#menu=happy-hour (805) 653-7446

Lure Fish House locations at 60 California Street, Ventura, 30970 Russell Ranch Road in Westlake Village and 259 W. Ventura Blvd, Camarillo offer happy hour food and drink specials Monday through Friday from 3-6PM and Sunday from 11:30AM to 5PM. www.lurefishhouse.com

Yolanda’s Mexican Cafe in Camarillo (86 Daily Drive), Simi Valley (590 E. Los Angeles Ave) and Oxnard (1601 S. Victoria Ave, #190) offers happy hour specials from 3-6PM Monday through Friday. Bar and patio only. www.yolandasmexicancafe.com/happy-hour-menu

Casa Bella at 391 East Main St, Ventura offers happy hour specials Monday and Tuesday all night, Wednesday-Friday from 4-7PM, Saturday 4-6PM and Sunday 1-6PM. www.casabellaventura.com (805) 340-1118 (updated May 2024)

Bellringer Brewing Co at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura offers happy hour specials from 4-6pm Monday through Friday. bellringerbrewco.com/menus/food

Yard House at The Collection at RiverPark in Oxnard offers happy hour specials, including 1/2 off select apps and all pizzas and $2 off beer, wine, spirits and cocktails Monday-Friday 3-6PM and Sunday-Wednesday 10PM to close. www.yardhouse.com/happy-hour/ca/oxnard-restaurant/8349

Eric Ericsson’s Fish Co. on the Ventura Pier at 668 Harbor Blvd in Ventura offers happy hour specials Monday-Thursday from 3-6PM and Friday ‘reverse” happy hour specials from 6-9PM. Discount beers, wine and well cocktails and appetizers available. ericericssonsfishco.com/happy-hour-1

Residential Holiday Light Displays in the Conejo Valley and Surrounding Areas

Once again we expect numerous spectacular residential holiday light displays throughout the Conejo Valley and surrounding areas this 2024 Christmas season! We've compiled this list of displays that are synchronized to music and/or are particularly bright, eye catching or noteworthy. This list is growing daily, after we confirm a display is up and running.

Click the links below for more detailed information about each display. Since these are residential displays, timing can and will vary and of course be impacted by rain, wind and other factors.

HOLIDAY SEASON EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT VENTURA COUNTY

CONEJO VALLEY DISPLAYS

Entertaining residential display at 2768 Baywater Place in Thousand Oaks is simulcast to music on 87.9 FM. Learn more and vote for your favorite songs at www.baywaterlights.com. Bring canned goods to drop off if you can for the Manna Food Bank. And check out Chuck’s laser engraving offerings at www.BuiltByCharles.com

A visually appealing holiday light display at a residence on Flaming Star Avenue and Shenandoah Street in Thousand Oaks (take Lynn Road to Avenida de las Flores and head west) is back again this year for the holiday season. Light, bright and fun!

Bright, colorful display is back yet again this year at a home at the corner of Holloway Street and Wendy Drive in Newbury Park.

Another display full of colorful lights and decorations at a home on Camino Dos Rios, west of Lynn Road, on the right (north) side

A fun residential display is back again this year with music and brightly lit cast of cartoon characters at a home on Donald Avenue, just east of Wendy Drive, in Newbury Park.

Lots of lights, lighted figures and lighted palm trees at a home at the corner of Bernadine St and Wauneta St in Newbury Park.

Fun animated residential display simulcast to music at a home on Mapleleaf Ave (cross street Madrid) in Newbury Park. Music simulcast on 97.7 FM.

Fun cast of characters, including The Grinch and others, at a bright display at a home on Orangewood Avenue, north of Felton, in Newbury Park.

Residential 50,000 light and music display on Via Patricia (cross street Via Ricardo) in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park is back up and running this year. Simulcast to music on 89.7 FM. Perennially one of the most entertaining displays around town. Worth going out of your way for!

Outstanding high-tech light show set to music is back again this year at a home on Doone Street (cross street Warwick) in Thousand Oaks. Several nearby homes are nicely decorated with holiday cheer too.

Gigantic Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer and other fun decor at a home on Via Coronado, west of Borchard, in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park.

Home with giant snowmen and brightly lit front lawn at a home on Golden Crest Avenue, between Antelope and Deer Valley Ave in Newbury Park. (Note: The neighboring home, well known for its massive annual holiday display, is taking a breather in 2024 but will be back in 2025.)

Fun, festive, colorful, synchronized light display at 538 Brisbaine Avenue, Newbury Park 5PM-10PM nightly through 12/31. Simulcast to music on 100.5 FM.

Residential light show is back at 1062 Sheffield Place in Thousand Oaks. Open 5:30-10PM nightly through January 1st. Music simulcast on FM 87.9. Vote for your favorite songs at www.sheffieldlights.com.

Beautiful Christmas light display at a home on Kingham Court in Agoura Hills (north of T. O. Blvd, off of Grey Rock Road).

Gorgeous display is back again this year at a home on Middle Crest Drive, south of Thousand Oaks Boulevard, in Agoura Hills.

There is a pretty and bright display that populates the entire front yard of 1170 Earlham Court in Oak Park, south of Pathfinder Ave. Dozens of lighted snowmen and other cartoon characters.

Once again this year, there's a particularly festive, brightly lit residence on Shetland Place in the North Ranch section of Thousand Oaks. While you’re there, drive Upper Ranch Road and Golf Course Drive for some festive lighting on some beautiful trees.

Christmas spirit on display at two homes on Verde Vista Drive (across from Cambria St) in Thousand Oaks (near CLU, north of Olsen).

Neat display at a home on Montgomery Road, just south of Janss Road in Thousand Oaks that has been up consistently for the holiday season for many years.

Festive, colorful and bright displays at several homes on Yew Drive in Newbury Park. Take Borchard, turn south on Carob, then an immediate left on Yew.

See a festive display at 3337 Lang Ranch Parkway in Thousand Oaks. Visit @langranchholidays for more info.

Dozens of cartoon characters at a home on Via Grande (cross street Via Vista) in the Dos Vientos section of Newbury Park. Music simulcast on 90.5 FM.

Bright display with a tremendous cast of characters at 3337 Frankie Drive in Newbury Park. Lights on 5-10PM. The Grinch will be live and on hand from 6-8PM this Saturday night.

Fun holiday display at a home at the end of the cul de sac on Summerfield Street off of Mountclef across from CLU in Thousand Oaks.

Brisbaine display in Newbury Park. Was up before Thanksgiving this year!

NEARBY CITY DISPLAYS

Huge and awesome neighborhood display in the area of Timberdale and Pinedale Roads in Moorpark (just west of Moorpark High School, off of Countrywood Drive). Dozens of homes decorated in bright lights and decorations.

Fantastic multi-family residential holiday light display on Gemini and Waverly Ave and Saturn Street in Camarillo is back again. Great one to bring the kids to….lots of cartoon character decorations and a great area to park the car, stroll and enjoy. You won’t be disappointed. Take Arneill to Dunnigan St, east to Gemini Avenue.

Auburn Lane Community at Summerwood Avenue (at Cochran) in Simi Valley has thousands of Christmas lights strung from house to house over the streets of the entire neighborhood and most every home is decorated. Santa will make an appearance from 6-9PM on Sat 12/14. (Overflow parking at Phoenix Ranch School, just west of the neighborhood, at 4974 Cochran St. See www.facebook.com/auburnlane.

Winter Wonderland Holiday Display at 469 Highland Road in Simi Valley has well over 100, maybe 200 figurines and happy characters throughout the yard. Cross street Sinaloa, south of Royal.

Christmas light display with music synced to music at a home on Fieldcrest Drive in Camarillo.

Candy Cane Lane is a group of homes located in the vicinity of Lubao Avenue at Oxnard Street in Woodland Hills that has been fun to drive through for over 60 years.

12/8-12/26: Oxnard Christmas Tree Lane along F & G Streets between 5th and Palm in the Downtown Oxnard Historic District is a perennially great display you need to experience. Nightly 6PM-10PM.


Vegetarian & Vegan Eateries in the Conejo Valley and Neighboring Areas

According to a 2018 Gallup poll, 5% of U.S. adults consider themselves to be vegetarian and 3% say they are vegan. With a population of 840,000, that translates to 42,000 vegetarians in Ventura County. But there are a number of great vegetarian and vegan dining options in the Conejo Valley and greater Ventura County that attract vegetarians and their meat-eating friends alike. Here’s a list of such eateries.

(Note that this particular list includes places that only serve 100% plant-based food.)

In the Conejo Valley

Vegan Thyme is located in the Park Plaza Shopping Center in Newbury Park at 2247 Michael Drive. This popular eatery opened its doors in March 2019. Vegan Thyme’s menu is 100% vegan, with primarily an Asian/Fusion theme. Their meat replacement options include organic tofu, soy chicken, soy beef, soy fish, soy shrimp and vegetables. Their menu also includes burger, wraps and Mexican cuisine. Open 11:30AM - 9PM Tuesdays through Fridays and 12 - 9PM on weekends. www.veganthymecafe.com (805) 716-3088

Namaste Spiceland is located at 821 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. This popular Indian grocery market also offers hot vegetarian Indian cuisine for takeout or onsite. Inexpensive, large portions and delicious! Open daily from 10AM - 9PM. namastespicelandthousandoaks.com (805) 373-6761

JOi Café opened in late summer 2014 at 2855 Agoura Road, Westlake Village. JOi, named after co-owner Joi Stearns, offers a broad menu of organic, plant-based and gluten-free items for breakfast, lunch and dinner. They offer a wide range of coffee drinks, matcha drinks, other drinks, smoothies, toasts, salads, breakfast goodies, plates and more Open daily from 7AM to 5PM. www.joicafe.com

Ma-Kin Vegan Sushi opened in August 2021 at 30313 Canwood St # 35, Agoura Hills in the Reyes Adobe Plaza. Ma-Kin offers unique plant-based, 100% vegan sushi dishes, along with gluten-free options. Open Tuesday through Thursday 2PM - 9PM and Friday through Sunday 11:30AM - 9PM. www.makinvegan.com (818) 699-6716

Jugo Wellness Bar is located in the Oakbrook Plaza in Thousand Oaks at 1772 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Suite I. Jugo offers organic smoothies, acai, toasts and more. jugowellnessbar.com

Other Parts of Ventura County

Vegiterranean Kitchen, located at Moorpark at 481 E High Street, offers fully vegan Mediterranean cuisine, including soups, salads, appetizers, pita wraps, entrees and desserts. Open Monday through Saturday from 11AM to 8PM. vegiterraneankitchen.com (805) 523-2209

Seed Ranger, located at 2950 Johnson Drive, Ventura, offers a vegan only memo that includes sushi, all-day breakfast entrees, burgers, pizzas and more, . Open daily 8AM - 8PM. www.seedranger.com (805) 765-4157

La Jenelle Natural Cafe is located at 2323 Roosevelt Boulevard #1, Oxnard at Silverstrand Beach. Open Monday through Friday 9AM - 5:30PM and 8:30AM - 5:30PM on weekends. Their menu offers only vegetarian/vegan options, including salads, a burrito, burger and more.. lajenelle.com (805) 263-6771

Hip Vegan is located 201 N Montgomery Street, Ojai. Open everyday 11AM - 8PM. They offer exclusively 100% plant-based items such as wraps, salads, bowls, sandwiches and more. hipvgn.com (805) 669-6363

Harvest Cafe is located 175 S.Ventura Avenue, Ventura, offering an organic, vegetarian, gluten-free menu that includes smoothies, breakfast items, pizzas, salads, and various entrees. Opens at 8AM daily (9AM on Sundays). www.harvestcafeventura.com (805) 667-8386

Café BōKU is located at 987 W Ojai Avenue, Ojai. Open daily from 8AM - 5PM. Their menu includes smoothies, breakfast items, sandwiches and more. www.bokusuperfood.com/pages/cafe (805) 650-2658

Farmer and the Cook is located at 339 W El Roblar Drive, Ojai, offering smoothies, breakfast items, lunch/dinner entrees and more. Opens at 8AM daily. www.farmer-and-the-cook.com (805) 640-9608


Vegan No More

Amy’s Drive Thru opened on June 15, 2023 at 400 N Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks but closed its doors after a brief stint on February 9, 2024.

Veggie Grill Westlake Village closed its doors after a nine year stint in the North Ranch Shopping Center in May 2023.

Sage Vegan Bistro at the Whizin Market Square in Agoura Hills opened in May 2020 and closed in June 2023.

Crossroads Kitchen at The Commons at Calabasas closed in late December 2024.

Eateries That Opened or Closed in 2024 or are Coming Soon to the Conejo Valley and Greater Ventura County

Another year is nearly behind us, so let’s take a moment to reflect on new local area eateries that opened in 2024, eateries that are anticipated to open in the coming months, and eateries that became dearly departed in 2024.

Opened in 2024

Coming in the near future

Compilation of Pizza Places in the Conejo Valley

The first pizzeria in the United States opened in Little Italy, New York City, in 1905. Lombardi’s is recognized as that first pizzeria, specializing in Neapolitan pizza, which is made with tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. Margherita pizza is a typical Neapolitan pizza with tomatoes, sliced mozzarella, fresh basil and extra-virgin olive oil.

Other varieties of pizza include New York thin-crust style, Chicago style (deep dish, thick crust), Detroit style (rectangular, thick crust, sauce on top) and Sicilian (square cut) and others.

But without further ado, here’s a compilation of pizza places in and around the Conejo Valley (including Thousand Oaks, Newbury Park, Westlake Village, Oak Park, Agoura Hills and portions of Calabasas).

This list includes places primarily known for pizza, and thus excludes eateries where pizza is on the menu, but not the primary offering. Listed in reverse alphabetical order.

Winners Pizza, 1805 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. winnerspizza.com (805) 379-4212. Regular pizza, heart shaped pizza, gluten-free option, cauliflower crust option.

Valentino’s Pizza, 2072 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. www.valentinosgourmet.com (805) 380-4969. Valentino’s offers freshly-made “take-n-bake” pizzas as well as pizzas baked on site. Gluten free crust available.

Two Doughs Pizza Co. is located in the Whizin Market Square at 28860 Roadside Road, Agoura Hills. www.twodoughs.com (818) 707-2121 Specializes in thin crust sourdough pizzas and Sicilian thick crust pizzas. Gluten-free options available.

Toppers Pizza Place is located at 1416 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. topperspizzaplace.com (805) 495-4444. Toppers is a Ventura County based success story, founded by the Jonkers in 1990 and growing to 10 locations.

Tony’s New York Pizza, 3333 Kimber Drive, Newbury Park. (805) 499-0365 www.tonysnewyorkpizzamenu.com Tony’s has served the Newbury Park community for decades in the Kimber Plaza.

The Original Pizza Cookery, 75 West Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks. www.pizzacookery.com (818) 887-4770. Offers traditional pizzas, Margherita and whole wheat crust options. Gluten-free options available.

Slice House by Tony Gemignani at 3297 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. www.slicehouse.com Slice House offers New York, Sicilian, Detroit and Grandma style pizzas.

Round Table Pizza has reopened in the Oakbrook Plaza, 2060 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks. www.roundtablepizza.com

Pizza Hut has locations at 2705 Teller Road, Newbury Park (Pizza Hut Express inside Target) and 75 S. Rancho Road, Thousand Oaks (805) 371-3700. www.pizzahut.com. Offering various options, including Udi’s Gluten-Free Crust.

Pizza Nosh, 3013 Canwood Street, Agoura Hills. (818) 991-3000 www.pizzanosh.com. Pizza Nosh is the only vegetarian, kosher pizza place in the Conejo Valley.

Pizza Twist opened in June 2023 at the Conejo Gateway Plaza, 711 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park. They offer traditional, gluten-free and vegan pizza options. pizzatwist.com (805) 467-8479

Pieology Pizzeria is located in Janss Marketplace, 205 N. Moorpark Road, Thousand Oaks. (805) 660-4527 www.pieology.com Custom pizzas. Gluten-free, dairy-free and vegan are available.

Parma Pizzeria Napoletana, 796 E. Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. parmaspizzeria.com (805) 370-1370 Parma serves Detroit, New York and Neapolitan style pizzas. Detroit style can be made gluten-free.

Parma’s Pizzeria, 5649 Kanan Road, Agoura Hills. parmaspizzeria.com (818) 318-1079. Parma’s 2nd location offers Detroit, New York and Sicilian style pizzas, including a gluten-free Detroit style option.

Greco’s New York Pizzeria is located at Janss Marketplace, near the movie theater. www.grecosnewyorkpizzeriamenu.com (805) 777-7271. Offers various NewYork style pizzas, including a jumbo 28” party pizza.

Fresh Brothers at The Promenade at Westlake (805) 777-8448 www.freshbrothers.com/locations/westlake-village Offering traditional pizzas on various crusts - original, skinny, cauliflower, deep dish, gluten-free and keto.

Freda’s Pizza is located at 3835 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Suite A2, Westlake Village (805) 852-5260. www.fredaswoodfiredkitchen.com Freda’s offers New York style and brick oven pizzas. Also located in Old Town Camarillo.

Domino’s Pizza has locations at 723 East Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks (805) 435-8399), 2220 N. Moorpark Road, #104, Thousand Oaks (across from TOHS) (805) 496-6221, 2409 Michael Drive, Newbury Park (805) 499-0681 and 30867 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (818) 735-5400. www.dominos.com Domino’s offers hand-tossed, handmade pan, thin crust, gluten-free crust and Brooklyn style options.

Denino’s Pizzeria & Cafe, 1710 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks www.deninosthousandoaks.com (805) 371-7105 Denino’s serves authentic New York style pizza and has a gluten-free option.

D’Amore’s Pizza, 2869 Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks www.damoresthousandoaks.com (805) 496-0030. Offers traditional New York style pizzas. Gluten-free and cauliflower crust is available.

California Pizza Kitchen at The Lakes at Thousand Oaks, 2200 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. www.cpk.com (805) 777-1778 Offers a variety of 10” specialty pizzas. Gluten-free cauliflower crust available.

Butler’s Pizza opened in October 2015 at 1655 Thousand Oaks Boulevard, Thousand Oaks. www.butlersnypizza.com (805) 379-1121 Butler’s serves New York style pizza, including gluten-free options.

Boney Mountain Pizza Company, 722 Wendy Drive, Newbury Park www.boneymountainpizzaco.com (805) 498-6511. Boney Mountain is a sports bar with a particular focus on California style pizza.

Ameci Pizza and Pasta has locations at 1724 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 493-2914, 1560 Newbury Road, Newbury Park (805) 499-8300 and 5776 Lindero Canyon Road, Ste C, Westlake Village (818) 889-7722 www.amecipizzaandpasta.com Offers New York style pizza at 40 California locations. They do have gluten-free options.

Allegro Pizza, 427 E. Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805) 492-3571 www.allegropizzaca.com. Traditional pizza, including a gluten-free option.

Pizza Partings

MOD Pizza Newbury Park closed its doors in May 2024.

Barone’s Pizza Thousand Oaks closed its doors on May 28, 2024.

Lamppost Pizza Westlake Village closed its doors in September 2024 after 33 years serving the local community Lamppost Newbury Park closed in December 2011.

Ma Dukes in Agoura Hills, which offered unique, artisan flatbread pizzas, closed its doors on September 22, 2024 to refocus on its growing catering business.

Michael’s Pizza Agoura Hills closed in the fall of 2024 but continues operating its Calabasas location. michaelspizzapasta.com