6 July 2008
Ojai’s Mexican Restaurants
Posted by Lelah under: Ojai; Ojai Restaurants .
One of the first comments on this blog asked about Ojai’s best Mexican food, so here goes. Eating well is one of the joys of life, and eating out is one of the fun parts of traveling–if you choose your destinations wisely. Ojai offers a wide range of culinary treats, but they do vary in quality. As far as Mexican food goes, there are four main options. Each of the following establishments has its own pros and cons, and each can be enjoyed under different circumstances.
Casa de Lagos has been a longtime local favorite. At two locations, one on Ojai Avenue at S. Fulton St. and one in Oak View on Ventura Avenue at Santa Ana Blvd., it offers traditional California-Mexican dishes and friendly service. My family members are frequent visitors there, and we call it simply “Casa.” It’s the type of place where the entrees are numbered and regulars usually know they want the number 1 with a chicken taco before they even sit down at one of the few inside booths or at the plastic tables in the sunny outside courtyard. The food is filling, plentiful and not particularly imaginative, but if you want comforting beans, rice and enchiladas, there is no place better in the valley. (Ojai: 805-640-1577, Oak View: 805-649-9595)
Los Caporales is an altogether more authentic take on Californian-Mexican fare. It succeeds at offering fresh and tasty Mexican dishes in a relaxed but colorful atmosphere. The ambiance can be noisy in the tile floored main dining area, or you can sit outside under umbrellas, drinking cerveza and watching the foot traffic on Ojai Avenue. Located in an old bank building which now houses some galleries and the restaurant, it is smack in the middle of town, across from the Ojai Arcade and adjacent to Libby Park. Family-run, you might not get comfort food, but you’ll get something homemade with flair and competence. (805-646-5452)
Ruben’s Burritos is as much of an Ojai institution as Bart’s Books. Located on Signal Street between Ojai Avenue and Matilija Avenue, its plain shingle is a beacon for anyone wanting a famous-and delicious-burrito. Though they have an extensive menu, which includes horchata, taquitos and quesadillas, one really shouldn’t order anything but one of their large burritos. You get beans, rice and meat shoved into a massive flour tortilla. Be prepared to wait for it, though. Lines can stretch out the door on any given day, especially at the high school’s lunch hour, when students from Nordhoff will drive over to pick something up to get them through the last two periods of the day. Ruben’s is a favorite of Thacher students as well. There’s even a Thacher Burrito, named for the boarding school on the hill. Since there are only two tiny tables and a couple of stools at the ordering counter, you’d do well to get your burrito to go and head over to Libby Park to eat it under the oak trees. (805-646-6111)
Jim and Rob’s Fresh Grill is another entry into the Ojai Mexican food offerings. A mini-chain, the Ojai franchise just moved into a new location in the brand new shopping section of town at the west end of Ojai Avenue. While the food here is not my personal favorite, lots of people swear by their fresh tacos, burritos and tostada bowls. The new location is similar to a Baja Fresh-type place. You order and they give you a number. There’s a soda fountain and several televisions inside. You might get a good meal there, but for a unique Ojai experience, I’d recommend one of the other three spots. They also have a location in Ventura. (805-640-1301)
I’d love to hear about other places to get great Mexican food in the valley. Where do you like and what do you like to order?
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