Johnny's Mexican Food

176 N Ventura Ave, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
+1 805-648-2021
$$$ Mexican restaurant
(650 Reviews)
Price Range $10–20

Welcome to Johnny's Mexican Food, a cherished gem nestled in the heart of Ventura, CA. If you're craving authentic Mexican cuisine that doesn’t skimp on flavor, this cozy eatery is the place to be. Located at 176 N Ventura Ave, Johnny's offers a delightful mix of traditional fare with a touch of Californian flair.

The first bite at Johnny’s is like stepping into a warm hug from an old friend. The aroma of sizzling meats and fresh ingredients fill the air, instantly awakening your appetite. Their burritos are simply iconic, with options like the Original Burrito and the Chile Relleno with Pork that promise to take your taste buds on a delightful journey. For meat lovers, the Carne Asada 3 Way offers a perfect blend of grilled flavors that satisfies every savory craving.

But let’s not forget the crispy tacos! Customers rave about the hard-shell tacos, especially the nostalgic shredded beef taco, which combines a crunchy fried shell with a generous layer of cheese and crisp iceberg lettuce. One bite reveals the tender meat that may be slightly dry for some but is perfectly complemented by the house salsa, which brings a punch of flavor with its black pepper kick. This blend of textures and tastes makes for an unforgettable meal that transports you to the sunny shores of SoCal.

Don’t overlook the irresistible add-ons and sides like Johnny's savory chips and guacamole. The chips are often hailed as some of the best in the business, transporting travelers to a flavor paradise, while the guacamole adds a creamy touch to elevate your meal further. Pair everything with their zesty pico de gallo or simply enjoy the famous chips with house-made salsa for an authentic snacking experience.

The atmosphere at Johnny's is laid-back and welcoming, making it an ideal spot for casual dining with friends or a family outing. However, be prepared—this little haven can get busy, so plan accordingly as parking is limited. Additionally, it's a good idea to allow a bit of time for your meal to be prepared, as every dish is created with care and served fresh.

Whether you're a local or just passing through Ventura, Johnny's Mexican Food is a must-visit. With their hearty portions and vibrant flavors, this restaurant captures the spirit of Mexican cuisine beautifully, making every visit feel like a delightful culinary adventure. So gather your friends, grab a seat, and indulge in a feast that pays tribute to the rich traditions of Mexico, right here in Ventura!

For more information, feel free to reach out at +1 805-648-2021.

Accessibility
Has wheelchair-accessible car park
Has wheelchair-accessible entrance
Has wheelchair-accessible seating
Service options
Has outdoor seating
Offers takeaway
Serves dine-in
Highlights
Has fast service
Popular for
Popular for breakfast
Popular for lunch
Popular for dinner
Good for solo dining
Offerings
Serves coffee
Serves comfort food
Serves food
Quick bite
Serves small plates
Dining options
Serves breakfast
Serves lunch
Serves dinner
Has seating
Amenities
Has toilet
Atmosphere
Casual
Cosy
Historic
Crowd
Good for groups
Popular with tourists
Popular with university students
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Accepts credit cards
Accepts debit cards
Accepts NFC mobile payments
Credit cards
Children
Good for kids
Parking
Free of charge street parking
Free parking lot
Somewhat difficult to find a space
Openings Hours
Checking

Monday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Tuesday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Wednesday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Thursday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Friday

8:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Saturday

8:00 AM - 6:00 PM

Sunday

8:00 AM - 2:00 PM

650 Reviews
Morgan Greenhalgh

04 Sep 2025

A pleasant, nostalgic slice of Americana. The hard shell shredded beef taco brings that old-school SoCal vibe to the plate. You get a crunchy fried shell, a generous hit cheese, and a layer of crisp iceberg lettuce. The braised beef is a little dry, not offensive but not exactly juicy either. The salsa leans heavy on the black pepper and is absolutely necessary to bring everything up to par. This isn’t a taco that’s going to haunt your dreams, but it’s better than anything you’ll find at Del Taco. If you’re in the mood for what Mexican food might have felt like in the 1950s, this will scratch the itch. It’s a solidly decent experience.

Cyndi Pina

01 Sep 2025

Found this place on tik tok and came specifically for their crispy beef tacos. I have to tell you they did not disappoint $2.75 ea. Small but packed with shredded meat lettuce and cheese. Delicious p.s. parking is limited in the street. There is no restaurant parking

John Grove

15 Aug 2025

Pretty dang good burritos and tacos. Though the tacos are a bit small. Parking sucks.

NICK MENNELL

03 Aug 2025

Johnny’s Mexican Food - Ventura: A Chip Off the Old Block (And It’s Pure Gold) Let me start with the real MVP here: Johnny’s chips. I’ve traveled the seven seas (okay, maybe just the 101 freeway), tasted chips from here to Timbuktu (alright, fine, just around SoCal), and I can say with complete confidence that these chips are some of the best I’ve ever had. They’re so good, I’m pretty sure they could solve world peace if we just got everyone to sit around a basket and crunch together in harmony. But Johnny’s isn’t a one-trick pony riding on chip fame alone. The food here hits harder than my dad’s jokes at Thanksgiving dinner – and somehow manages to be way more satisfying. Every bite is like a warm hug from your Mexican abuela, even if your actual abuela is a sweet Polish lady named Gertrude who makes pierogies. The staff treats you like family (the good kind of family – not the kind that asks when you’re getting married every five minutes). The portions are generous enough to feed a small village, or one very determined college student during finals week. And the prices? So reasonable, you’ll check your receipt twice thinking they forgot to charge you for something. Fair warning: once you experience Johnny’s, other Mexican food will just taste like sadness wrapped in a sad tortilla. You’ve been warned. Come for the chips, stay for everything else, leave planning your next visit before you’ve even made it to your car.

Tim Wienand

01 Aug 2025

Traditional crispy tacos and taco sauce. Loved the cold lettuce on top of the hot meat between the cheese. Each bite has different textures and temperature for a truly delicious bite. Prepared to order so it can take some time. Crushed the 6 pack for $11.25 with so much of the red taco sauce

Felix Franco

23 Jun 2025

It’s a small place but they have some good food. My friend gave me a half bean and cheese burrito and I thought it was so good. Simple but yet so good. I will need to try some other things from their menu but it seems like they have good food here.

Checking
Listing Image

Lemón Zëst

9310 Reseda Blvd, Northridge, CA 91324, United States
Mediterranean restaurant
(140 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Good Truckin' Diner

1218 Turner Rd, Lansing, MI 48906, United States
Diner
(2056 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Hanny's

40 N 1st St, Phoenix, AZ 85004, United States
Restaurant
(2544 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Neon Commissary

243 Wallace Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 1V5, Canada
Coffee shop
(279 Reviews)
Checking
Listing Image

Royal Buffet & Grill

1930 Buchholzer Blvd, Akron, OH 44310, United States
Buffet restaurant
(3034 Reviews)

Join the Johnny's Mexican Food Newsletter

Get the latest updates on seasonal pastries, special events, and local highlights directly in your inbox.