Mexican Cuisine in the Conejo Valley and Surrounding Areas
Wednesday, January 25, 2012 at 03:35PM 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 (no website) 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. I have been to Adobe Cantina many times over the years and my best recollection is the good margaritas and to relax outdoors there.
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.
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. They have been around over 25 years. Can’t go wrong there. There is also a take out window. You can get a full blown rotisserie chicken meal for your family for around $11 here. Can’t beat it. I’m getting hungry just writing about it. www.thealamobarandgrill.com (CLICK HERE FOR ALAMO DISCOUNT COUPONS ON BOGOPOD.COM!)
Baja Fresh locations in the area include 30861 Thousand Oaks Blvd, Westlake Village(818.889.1347), 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. www.bobbisburritos.com
Cantina Joannafina is located at 1127 Seaward, Ventura (805.652.0360). Has been awhile since we ate there. Close to the beach!
Casa Escobar is located at 2809 Agoura Road, Westlake Village (805.777.7747). When El Torito Thousand Oaks closed in January 2012, several Facebookers noted that Casa Escobar is one of their favorite Mexican restaurants in town. www.casaescobar.com
Chronic Tacos is located at 6593 Collins Drive, Suite D4 in Moorpark (across from Moorpark College) (805.529.4422). I was made aware of Chronic Tacos for the first time in March 2010 and hope to stop by sometime soon! The chain was founded in Newport Beach in 2001 and the popularity of their made-to-order Mexican food in large portions as they have grown to over 25 locations. This is currently the only Ventura County location and it opened in late summer 2009.
Chuy's Mesquite Broiler is at 650 N Moorpark Rd., Thousand Oaks (805.374.9737), 311 Carmen Drive, Camarillo (805.383.2705), 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. (Agoura location is no mas...Ladyface Alehouse is now there.)
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) and 488 S. Mills Road, Ventura (805.654.0143). 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. Very satisfying. I highly recommend eating in the restaurant while the burrito's hot!
Cisco's Mexican Restaurant is at 1712 E Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks (805.497.3959) and 686 Lindero Canyon Drive, Oak Park (818.879.1150). 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 Ventura Street (or Telegraph Road) 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 even enjoyed some flan afterwards. Stuffed. Delish. Authentic. www.elpescadorfillmore.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. Taco Bell used to be in this spot, so it is obviously not a fancy joint (e.g. they retained the old Taco Bell tables and mounted hard chairs). While I've not been there, to quote my neighbor, "This place rocks! Homemade tortillas!" I checked out their menu and it looks pretty good and reasonably priced...and they serve breakfast too! Since I know my neighbor has good taste (well, at least good taste in neighbors, ahem), this place is worth a visit.
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.
Familia Diaz Cafe / Cantina 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. Gotta stop by. www.familiadiazrestaurant.com
Freebirds World Burrito, located at 5752 Telephone Road in Ventura (805.477.0174) opened on June 15, 2011 to the excitement of many in my Twitter stream. Apparently they have killer burritos. One of these days I will confirm this for myself. www.freebirds.com
La Paz is located at 4505 Las Virgenes Road, Calabasas and serves Mexican food Yucatan style. I used to dine often at the Woodland Hills location 20 years ago and was always satisfied by the taste and selection. Try the seafood! www.wix.com/lapazmexicanfood/1
La Salsa Fresh Mexican Grill is at 382 West Hillcrest Dr., Thousand Oaks (Oaks Mall) (805.496.1327), 341 W. Esplanade Drive, Oxnard (805.981.2276), 22800 Pacific Coast Highway, Malibu (310.317.9466) and 4799 Commons Way, Calabasas (818.591.7787). La Salsa has been around since 1979. To me, this place is more authentic tasting than the Baja Freshes and Sharkys of the world. My 2 year old completely cleans his plate when we eat there. I enjoy their Carnitas Guadalajara tacos when they are piping hot. www.lasalsa.com
Letty’s is at 2454 West Hillcrest Drive #106, Newbury Park. (805.376.2320). Letty’s serves authentic Mexican food and I used to go there all the time. Rarely did I leave Letty’s unsatisfied. A choice off the beaten path in a little strip mall close to Smart n Final.
The Latigo Kid is at 28914 Roadside Drive, #16, Agoura Hills (Whizins Shopping Center). Several CVG visitors have indicated they enjoy Latigo Kid's traditional Mexican food with large portions and mighty margaritas (I've heard the term "killer margaritas" multiple times). Note to self: Visit Latigo Kid!
Los Agaves Mexican Grill is at 2350 E Thousand Oaks Blvd, Thousand Oaks (805.777.7532) I’m pretty sure that I dined here years ago but it was so long ago that I cannot recall the meal. One CVG reader "BN" states that the menu is mainstream Mexican-American, with some higher-end specialties...and a full bar. Any other input out there?
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.
Luna's Mexican Tradition is at 2508 Las Posas Road, Suite E Camarillo (Camarillo Village Square Shopping Center) (805.987.2277). I eat here from time to time and has been ok. You order your food, grab a bowl of chips, fill up your drink and find a table. Simple and clean place. I personally do not find Luna's particularly memorable but I don't hesitate eating there occasionally.
Lupe's Mexican Restaurant is at 1710 East Thousand Oaks Blvd., Thousand Oaks (805.495.3573). Lupe’s is a sit down place that has been around forever...1947 to be exact. Lupe's has been closed for remodeling and is set to be open for business again on June 15, 2009. CLICK HERE for more info.
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. Looks pretty darn good to me.
Money Pancho Mexican Restaurant is at 3661 Las Posas Road, Camarillo (805.484.0591). Located right next door to the Camarillo Police Department, so make sure to stop by next time you're booked for something! :> I have dined there and enjoyed my "old school" Tacos del Mar plate...2 delicious soft fish tacos, rice and beans (see pic) below preceded by old school chips, salsa and pickled cucumbers, carrots and such. I liked it all. We're talking strip mall here and low budget, yet interesting, decor, plus nice service (at least what I experienced at a low key lunchtime hour). Bottom line for me is that I would not hesitate going there again, which says a lot for me! This website www.themoneypancho.com takes you to coupons at Bogopod.com.
Delish Tacos del Mar (Fish Tacos) plate at Money Pancho in Camarillo
Olas Mex Grill at 1860 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo is a lunchtime favorite at my office. Very consistently good traditional mexican food (burritos, enchiladas, tamales, etc.) served in large portions. Very nice people here. My mouth is watering as I type this in fact, so I must move my head away from the keyboard so I don't slobber on it. Bring cash as they charge a fee for using credit cards. Quite a popular little place. www.olasmexgrill.com
Qdoba Mexican Grill is at 3835-82A Thousand Oaks Blvd., Westlake Village (805.497.4747) and a brand new location in July 2011 at the Janss Marketplace near the interactive fountain (805.371.8801).
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). I enjoy bringing the kids to Rubio’s because the food is inexpensive and they enjoy the large aquarium and the toys that come with the kids meals. Otherwise, while the food generally tastes o.k., you kind of get what you pay for here. My wife hates the place but I like it every so often. Guilty pleasure...eating the kids’ quesadilla leftovers.
Rudy's Mexican Restaurant is coming to Camarillo Village Square at the corner of Las Posas and Arneill. Stay tuned.
Sabor Cocina Mexicana opened at The Lakes in Thousand Oaks in August 2010. Have heard nothing but good things about Sabor and stopped by myself with family members/kids in November. My personal opinion is that while it is very good, it is a bit on the pricey side. One friend spent $80 on his family of 4 and said it was well worth it for the high quality food. I spend $130 (tip included) on 4 adults and 2 kids and that was a bit much for me. The margarita was huge. The portions were moderate at best. My kids loved the mini kids quesadilla but the chicken strips seemed a bit tough. Loved the carne asada tacos. www.olasmexgrill.com
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! But Yolanda, if you read this, why don't you open your Camarillo location at lunch during the week!? 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.
So there you have it! I think I have indigestion now. Would love to hear your comments.
Agoura, Camarillo, Moorpark, Newbury Park, Oxnard, Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Ventura, Westlake Village | in Mexican | Email Article 
Reader Comments (9)
Thanks for the great recommendations and colorful descriptions, I noticed you were missing Joannafina's in Westlake across from the Auto Mall right next to what used to be Marie Callendars....
Cantina Joannafinas
3637 Thousand Oaks Blvd
Westlake Village, CA 91362
(805) 374-7744
It's a good spot with an outdoor patio! I have been told they also have one in Ventura but haven't been there.
Joannafina's is one of our favorite spots. The clam chowder is delicious, you have to try it! The ambiance is great there. Even the bathroom is great. The one in Ventura serves the same yummy food but the atmosphere is a lot different. The nice thing about that one is that it is within walking distance to the beach.FYI, the one in westlake has a full bar but the ventura location only serves beer, wine and maybe a margarita if you're lucky.
I love Mexican food, so I've tried a lot of different Mexican restaurants. Ok, so there is no way I can narrow it down to my number one Mexican restaurant, but I would be able to narrow it down to my top three. I love Yolandas. There are two locations. One is in downtown Oxnard. The other is on Main Street in Ventura. I love their margaritas and their enchiladas. I also really like Taco de Mexico in Ventura. They are a bit of a hole in the wall, but their food is super tasty. My third choice used to be Corrales on Thompson in Ventura, but I got really bad food poisoning from that place, so it no longer is in my top three list. So, my third choice would have to be Pepe's, a little taco/burrito stand on Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard. The carne asada tacos are awesome, and there hot salsa is delicious.
The Latigo Kid in Agoura Hills is not to be missed! Been around for decades and serves old-california style mexican food. Big portions, GREAT margaritas, not-so-healthy but delicious! Good atmosphere and often very busy, even though it's a decent sized restaurant. My only beef is that there's no happy hour, but it's not like prices are really expensive anyway. When there's a wait, you can just go up to the bar and order some margaritas while you wait for a table.
3 amigos is the best mexican food ever
Enriques has been closed since late February with a sign stating "remodeling" yet nothing inside looks like it's getting remodeled.
Also, Joannafinas in Westlake has closed.
Bummer
Just discovered the blog and it's AWESOME. Thanks so much for the whole guide, really. Great list of mexican restaurants, except you're missing Adobe Cantina in Agoura, on Agoura. Our favorite mexican place, and the ribs (surprisingly) are the best. Great outdoor seating as well!
Marisco's Cancun on Ave De Los Arboles is awesome mexican seafood we love love love it!
Mama Rita's in Westlake Village has closed down. Newbury Park location is still open for business.