DISCLAIMER! The commentary in this blog should not be considered a real review and should not be used as a means for ratings of coffee around Ventura. The shops are listed in the order we visited them. This entry is purely for the love of coffee, photography, and hipsters everywhere. Don’t ruin a good thing.
And with that, let me just say, I don’t know anything about Coffee. I don’t drink it. I don’t really like it. HOWEVER, as they say in every heist movie, “I know a guy.”
Alex Bradt knows a thing or two about the roasted bean. A modest connoisseur, he can do a slow pour that blossoms like a flower from the Amazon while saying, “yeah this is just whatever guys, no big deal.” With our powers combined, we set out on the town of Ventura to check out some of his local faves. Get ready, this post is about to go all half-and-half!
PROSPECT COFFEE
92 S. Laurel Street
Ventura, CA 93001
www.prospectcoffee.com/
Upon showing up to this corner coffee shop, we ran into three people we knew. It was a sign! There’s also word that local graphic design legend Ben Blanchard frequents this place as well. With a light, minimalistic interior, counter service, its own packaged coffee for sale, and friendly baristas, Prospect was the place for downtown VTA regulars.
Did you know: Espresso is often served with a glass of sparkling water to cleanse your palette before embarking on your caffeinated crusade. It also comes with a tiny spoon. You see, the thicker part of the espresso sinks to the bottom, while the lighter elements float to the top. If you simply take a shot of espresso, it’s like a first come, first serve for your taste buds. Make sure to give your espresso a nice stir from top to bottom next time so you get a more comprehensive experience. Thanks, barista!
At first, I thought this guy was cleaning a bowl with a really odd hipster brush, but it turns out he was making a special matcha thing. Never seen it before, seemed legit, didn’t question it.
We were off to a great start. Well, Alex was at least. First cup, done! On to the next.
STOKEY COFFEE CO
451 East Main Street #8
Ventura, CA 93001
www.facebook.com/stokedcoffeeventura/
From what I’ve heard, this place used to be called Stoked Coffee Co, but really the way they did that “d”, it could go either way. A google search for either would bring you to the place you’re looking for. Stokey sells (and I believe uses) Dune coffee, a roaster from Santa Barbara. Despite Alex’s recommendation on coming here for coffee, I was surprised to find out that they have amazing acai bowls. It’s hard to call it their side gig because looking around the patio, everyone was bowling. It was also in an alley. Bowling alley! Anyway, if you’re walking around Main Street VTA, keep your eyes peeled for an A-frame with the Stokey logo on it—it’s easy to miss!
This might be the part where Alex started shaking uncontrollably and we thought about taking him to the hospital. Nah, he was a champ. More coffee, please!
HARVEST CAFE
175 S Ventura Ave, Ventura, CA 93001
Ventura, CA 93001
www.harvestcafeventura.com/
Okay, it’s impossible to not mention vegan and/or organic while talking about Ventura. True story: I walked into this place once before and ordered a caramel macchiato. Luckily they did not throw me out into the back alley and ban me from ever coming back. Instead, they recommended an organic date latte. Okay! I get it now. More proof that I don’t know anything about coffee. Alas, I returned back to the cafe with no grudges whatsoever.
This golden latte was unlike anything I’d ever seen—truly golden! Breton, who joined us at this leg of the crusade, tasted hints of turmeric shining through every sip.
If you see this guy, you’re in good hands! He is the man behind the roast at Harvest Cafe and was eager to tell Alex stories about the places he’s been to find the perfect beans. He gave us a sample from one of his latest excursions. If he didn’t have dreads, we might not have taken him seriously.
Located by an apartment complex exclusively for artists, Harvest had a natural, earthy vibe to it. Artistic shot of espresso cup below, because art.
We’re getting pretty tired and about 15 dollars deep in coffee expenses at this point. Let’s call it a day. What’s that? One more?! Alright, I mean, it’s 5 o clock somewhere.
CAFE FICELLE
390 South Mills Road B,
Ventura, CA 93003
www.cafeficelle.com/
Escaping the downtown scene, we ventured over towards the Pacific View Mall to a relatively new spot boasting the tagline “VENTURA’S PREMIER FRENCH BAKERY & CAFÉ.” Having just been to France, I was willing to put it to the test. By this time, our posse had grown from Alex and I to four people deep, which meant more coffee!
Not sure if this is a French thing, but Alex pointed out that the espresso was served in the shot-glass like format. Usually, the espresso is transferred from this cup to the tiny one with the handle and spoon. Maybe the chocolate croissant was throwing everyone off.
Edgar who joined us here, ordered this fancy cup-a-joe. So fancy, you had to pour the second half yourself! Kind of like the KBBQ of coffee! Comes on fancy wood block for extra fanciness.
Ok—FINALLY—something I can relate to. High-carb life. I ordered myself a French baguette with some butter and went to town on it. I will say that it was a good baguette, and to compare anything made in America (let alone Ventura) to its actual country of origin is just unfair. Look at all that! Gluten-free aint me.
Got a favorite coffee shop? Love to talk about coffee? Well… don’t look at me.
This was a lot of fun to shoot! I feel like I’ve learned a lot about the subculture of coffee and more importantly about the city of Ventura. It will be impossible for me to grow a full beard and have a man bun, but I can at least start with some flannel plaids and roll my jeans up a little bit. There, that’s a start. I’m on my way!