VENTURA, CA
How could I not have seen it before?? Ventura, a town that hugs the shores of Southern California, is one of the most beautiful places on earth. I must have been blinded by my stubborn youth and arrogance, eager to escape to the great beyond. But now I’m back, older and wiser—and so in love!
After 16 years apart, I’ve had to learn the area all over again. And one of the first orders of business was to meet my neighborhood baristas. They’re pouring cold brews and crafting cappuccinos, but I want to share the skinny on their oat lattes.
I hope you’ll visit and enjoy a cup. 🖤
Singing Sun Coffee, 1930 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
1. Singing Sun Coffee
Singing Sun sits on the corner of E Main Street and Santa Cruz, with a gorgeous view of the hills only a few blocks away. The shop’s decor is minimal, with great big windows in the front, a high ceiling, exposed concrete and brick along one side, and a modest collection of plants. Some people stay awhile on their laptops, and there is always a steady flow of devout locals, but I’ve never had difficulty finding a seat.
The oat latte here is divine! I’ve spotted Califia Farms Oat Barista Blend behind the counter, which steams and froths ever so lusciously. There must be magic in the beans as well because Singing Sun’s espresso and oat milk combination holds an extra special place in my heart, where other vegan favorites abound. You can try one any day of the week, 7a–5p.
Bonus: Timbre Books, an independent store featuring a thoughtfully curated selection of good reads, sits right next door. I like to grab a fresh paperback and enjoy the first few pages with my latte. 🐛
The Saloon, 456 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
2. The Saloon
The Saloon on Main Street in downtown was previously my home away from home, but they recently went from all-vegan to not. They’ve still got a great draft beer selection and fabulous fries (only $6 during happy hour), and they know how to show people a good time with events like Artist’s Brew. Plus, the shop design and location are perfect for people-watching and enjoying the stunning blue sky and sun-kissed flora waving in the ever-present ocean breeze.
Friday through Sunday, they’ve got all the coffee favorites. Like little works of art, the lattes here are made to be appreciated and savored, slowly and thoroughly.
Bonus: Dogs welcome.
Peet’s Coffee, 1171 S Victoria Ave, Suite E, Ventura, CA 93003
3. Peet’s Coffee
Yes, Peet’s Coffee stands apart from the others on this list because it’s a chain, with 340 locations in the U.S., but it earns a spot in my Fab 5 for having an all-vegan breakfast sandwich (now a permanent menu item). And who doesn’t go crazy for a handheld stack of sausage, egg, and cheese in the morning?!
The Everything Plant-Based Sandwich features seasoned Beyond Breakfast Sausage, folded JUST Egg, and melted vegan cheddar on a toasted bagel. I’m falling deeper in love with Peet’s for doing even more for herbivores across the country. This spring, the coffee shop is offering a dedicated plant-based menu:
- Everything Plant-Based Sandwich
- Plant-Based Mediterranean Flatbread Wrap: crispy lavash bread with warm JUST Egg and Violife vegan smoked provolone cheese, wrapped with pesto, kale, tomatoes, and bell peppers
- Hazelnut Oat Latte
- Vanilla Almond Latte
- Cold Brew with Vanilla Oat Foam
Annnnnd, their classic oat Latte is pretty damn tasty too.
92 S Laurel St, Ventura, CA 93001
4. Prospect Coffee Roasters
Standing on South Laurel, you can see the ocean in one direction and green-dusted hills in the other. Every trip to this darling corner shop reminds me how lucky I am to live in paradise.
Of the five, Prospect Coffee Roasters feels most like a small WeWork satellite, with remote workers and creative types parked at every table. The few times I’ve gone, I’ve sat at the bar with a book or my laptop, enjoying the vibrant space until the last few sips of my oat latte (featured image) have cooled, the sign that I’ve reached the end of my stay.
My dreamiest memory of Prospect Coffee Roasters happened on a rainy day—a rare phenomenon for Southern California. The water poured down in thick sheets, and I relished the view, with hot coffee in hand and the company of strangers. *Long exhale.* I find coffee shops to be some of the most romantic places in the world.
Palermo, 321 E Main St, Ventura, CA 93001
5. Palermo
Palermo, in downtown Ventura, is part espresso bar, part gelato shop, and part gift store. It’s a fun place to wander through while waiting for your oat latte—small, medium, or large.
Bistro tables are set up in front of the cafe, perfect for watching people as they pass along Main Street. Early birds can get started by 7 am; others can stay as late as 7 pm. On Fridays and Saturdays, Palermo stays open until 9. ✨
I couldn’t possibly rank these five coffee spots by taste—I love them all! So instead I listed them in the order of how often I visit for my morning jam.
*Approaches soapbox*
Unfortunately, they all upcharge for oat milk.
I can’t wait for the day when businesses and consumers have to pay up for the environmental impact and cruelty involved with dairy production, when plant-based alternatives are encouraged, and when the coffee boards look more like this:
*Climbs down from soapbox and looks wishfully into the distance*
Next I’ll be heading north to find the best oat lattes in Santa Barbara. Recommendations welcome!
🖤 With love from Ventura, CA