Top Three Independent Coffee Shops in Ventura, California

First stop on our Java Junket, is to Ventura's privately owned and operated "Latte 101." Owners describe their shop as, "a rockin' coffeehouse," and when live entertainment arrives, they live up to their claim! Latte 101 is located at 5722 Telephone Rd., Unit 11 (in Von's shopping center), and they invite you all to, "Come check us out!" Loyal followers get updates and invitations via Facebook.com, where Latte 101 blogs up-to-date news on great new additions to their selection of delicious coffees, teas, snacks and meals.

Be sure to visit Latte 101's "Mobile Coffeehouse," at Ventura's "Farmer's Market," on South Palm Street, down-town Ventura, Saturday mornings, for a "cuppa joe!" You can probably count on a joke or two, if Jay is the barista of the day. Ventura County residents may also hire Latte 101's Mobile Coffeehouse to cater local events or parties. Coffee-caterers-on-call! Imagine that! Find more info about "Ventura's Farmers Markets" at Ventura Farmers Markets.

You can find Latte 101 customer reviews at Insider Pages. You may also choose to visit local Ventura publication, " VC Reporter, where D. K. Crawford, reports Latte 101, " -- served a mean breve mocha -- " (04/16/2009,). The Ventura County Star reported "Americans are still willing to spend on little luxuries," in an article by Kim Lamb Gregory, Saturday, August 23, 2008. Kim Lamb Gregory further reported in the same article, that " -- Small things in strange ways make life more enjoyable." For more info, visit Latte 101, online.

Java Joes Coffee and Expresso Bar

Another enjoyable local coffee shop is Java Joes Coffee and Expresso Bar, at 2950 Johnson Dr, in Ventura, CA. I love it when I get the chance to visit them. It's in front of the Ventura Century 16 Theaters on Johnson Drive, close to several different little restaurant outlets in the food court (all under the same roof). And this is the coffee shop I stop in at, when I visit " Journey Home."

Java Joes Coffee and Expresso Bar is also walking distance from the Motel 6, also on Johnson Drive, convenient for out-of-town visitors, and right across from the local, "Toys R Us," store. They have an open mic night there, which seems to be its biggest draw to its customer base. Check out their customer reviews, online, at the: Ventura County Star.

Stir Crazy Coffee

On the west side of Ventura, leaving Highway 101, and turning onto Highway 33, you start to head towards Ojai. Here, highway turns into country road, winding next to creek-side views, passing by and under towering oak trees that fill the Ojai Valley. You'll find the "Stir Crazy Coffee" house at 11534 N. Ventura Avenue, in Ojai, (805) 646-7433.

In small town Ojai, with its own unique experience, they give great care while providing refreshing beverages and great food. They also show their big heart, by supporting local artists and hosting art shows, bringing in many local artists and their supporters.

In 2006, Stir Crazy hosted a Jazz Fusion Concert to benefit the Matilija Junior High School music department, when local saxophonist, Joseph Horswell, fused his talents with Grammy-nominated trumpeter, Bobby Rodriguez, for a benefit concert, as reported in the Ojai Valley News. You may also choose to quietly cruise the internet, while sipping your favorite beverage at Stir Crazy. All of this making for a more "home-town" feel, adding to your java experience. You can find croissant or wrapped sandwiches, coffee, a coffee garden in the back, and a conveniently located nursery with moderate grounds next door, adding to your experience there.

Just One More --

The last stop here today, is not a coffee shop per se, and is not included in the "Top 3 Independent Coffee Shops," although it is one of the best places in-and-around Ventura for Coffee, and comes with high recommendations, from nationally renowned artist, MB Hanrahan. She tells me it's one of her favorite places for, "hair raiser" coffee. It's "My Florist Cafe and Bar," located in down-town Ventura.

It's walking distance from the San Buenaventura Mission, the historic Bella Maggiore Inn, the one-of-a-kind Sea Things, and the Ventura beach and pier. This is a nice place to just relax, or entertain out of town guests. Visit down town Ventura, shop, explore, find lots of hidden treasures and then visit the, " My Florist Cafe and Bar." You can find their menu and additional information on their website. You'll also see some great artwork when you visit there.

Drink up!