+1 805-648-2021
Johnny's Mexican Food, nestled in the heart of Ventura at 176 N Ventura Ave, offers an authentic taste of classic Mexican fast food that locals have cherished for decades. This unassuming eatery is a go-to spot for those craving hearty, flavorful meals served with a nostalgic Southern California vibe. Despite its modest size, Johnny’s packs big flavors and a loyal following that appreciates its straightforward, no-frills approach to Mexican cuisine.
The menu shines with beloved staples like the crispy Beef Crispy Taco and the signature Corn Burritos, each bite bursting with well-balanced textures and rich savory notes. Don’t miss the Asada Fries, a perfect harmony of crispy fries topped with tender grilled meat and melted cheese—a true comfort food delight. Fans rave about the Chili Relleno Burrito and the Shredded Beef Tacos, which offer layers of seasoned meat wrapped in warm tortillas that instantly transport you to the heart of traditional Mexican fare.
Breakfast lovers will appreciate the Bacon & Egg Breakfast Burrito, a satisfying start to the day with smoky bacon, fluffy eggs, and just the right mix of cheese and spices. The Enchilada Dinner 3 Way Burrito & Tacos combo caters to those wanting a full meal of classic flavors—each element crafted with care to deliver a balanced, tasty experience. For a lighter yet flavorful snack, try the Supreme Nachos piled high with fresh Pico de Gallo and melty cheese, a crowd-pleaser perfect for sharing.
Inside, Johnny’s Mexican Food offers a simple indoor dining area that echoes the classic fast food atmosphere—but many patrons prefer the convenience of takeout given the limited seating and challenging street parking. Customers often mention the limited napkins and salsa available, a small quirk that doesn’t overshadow the overall enjoyable experience. As Felix Franco put it, the food is “simple but yet so good,” a sentiment echoed across multiple reviews.
The atmosphere is reminiscent of old-school Southern California Mexican eateries—unpretentious, genuine, and focused on delivering satisfying food that hits the mark every time. Morgan Greenhalgh captures this perfectly, describing it as "a pleasant, nostalgic slice of Americana," where the hard-shell shredded beef taco delivers a crunch and cheesy bite balanced with crisp lettuce and bold salsa. Though some find the braised beef a bit dry, the rich pepper-spiced salsa expertly enhances each mouthful.
Whether you're a longtime loyalist like Genie Klement who’s been enjoying Johnny’s since the 1980s, or a newcomer drawn in by glowing TikTok recommendations like Cyndi Pina, this spot is a charming reminder of the enduring appeal of well-prepared, comforting Mexican fast food. It’s ideal for anyone seeking quick, delicious, and authentic eats in Ventura without the fuss. Be sure to bring your appetite (and maybe some extra napkins) when you stop by Johnny's Mexican Food—you’re in for a truly satisfying, flavor-packed experience.
Contact: +1 805-648-2021
Address: 176 N Ventura Ave, Ventura, CA 93001, United States
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.
I have been going here since the 1980s. The hard shell taco is classic here. I love this place for a delicious yummy burrito. There is an indoor dining area but to go is a better option. One funny thing is for whatever reason they are pretty stingy on napkins and salsa. It’s a small thing, but kinda irritating and this is every time I go here.
Pretty dang good burritos and tacos. Though the tacos are a bit small. Parking sucks.
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
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.
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.
My wife and I shared a burrito and it was honestly one of the tastiest burritos I’ve ever had and it was big enough to share and we both felt full afterwards. I thought it was a little pricey but what isn’t these days.
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