Anacapa Brewing Company: Brewpub Delights along Ventura’s Main Street

Anacapa Brewing Company is somewhat of a historical Landmark along Downtown Ventura’s main street. With the large beer vats right on the other side of the bar—and it’s a long bar—there’s nothing like the assurance that your beer is being imported from arm’s reach, fresh as can be. The place has been brewing up a storm for 16 years and counting, and serving up some delectable brewpub fare to go along with.

Anacapa Brewing Company’s beer selection is about as intimate as the restaurant itself, enough to navigate comfortably with little to worry about getting lost. The Oktoberfest German amber lager is suitable for anyone looking for deep flavor without an overwhelming IBU, while the rock-knocker amber has that bitterness some actively seek out. The drink menu also has a healthy bottle selection, as well as house-made root beer.

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Food-wise, the Asiago cheese dip is not to be missed, with a spectacular beer bread rich with cheese and onions fused within. Add the ahi rolls to the list, with very generous portions of seared ahi meld with avocado and a cucumber wasabi ranch dipping sauce.

On the entrée end, the pretzel fried chicken is a novelty worth the indulgence, with spikes of salty crunchiness and a mushroom ragout complimenting what was already a finger-lickin’ good recipe, plus beer-infused mashed potatoes alongside. It’s worth noting that Anacapa Brewing Company actually makes three different recipes of fried chicken, fitting in with selections such as the chicken and waffles and the Louisiana fried chicken salad.

The Mission fig burger features a fun spin on the blue cheeseburger, adding fig marmalade and bacon. Additional items include salads, brick-oven pizzas, pastas and other sandwiches. And for dessert, the white chocolate bread pudding is every bit as decadent as it looks.  

Anacapa Brewing Company is located at 472 E. Main Street, Ventura, CA 93001. Open 11:30 a.m. – 9 p.m. Sun – Thurs, 11:30 a.m. – 10:30 p.m. Fri/Sat. Avg. out-the-door price for split appetizer, entrée and 1 – 2 drinks is ~$45/person. For more information, call (805) 643-2337 or visit Anacapa Brewing Company online.

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