CENTRAL COAST
THE PREMIER L G B T Q + BUSINESS & SERVICE DIRECTORY Vol. 2
2 TABLE OF CONTENTS RESTAURANT GUIDE EVENTS SCHEDULE BAR GUIDE LGBTQ+ ORGS & ATTRACTIONS BUSINESS DIRECTORY ABOUT 03 04 06 12 13 16
LGBTQ+ Central Coast
From the epic grandeur of Big Sur to the scenic Santa Barbara coastline nicknamed “the American Riviera,” this region of picturesque hamlets, jagged sea cliffs, and rolling wine country has long mesmerized visitors with dreamlike beauty. A drive along Highway 1 is an absolute must—be sure to leave time for stops at the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Hearst Castle, and a San Luis Obispo County beach town or two. Cowboy culture still permeates Paso Robles and environs, and so does the low-key wine scene. Discover hidden gems in the Santa Ynez Valley, Ventura County, and pretty much everywhere else. Red tiled roofs, Spanish Revival architecture, and a quintessential charm all contribute to the character of the gay-friendly city of Santa Barbara. Early in the 20th century, Santa Barbara was a prime resort locale that Hollywood’s elite would escape to. On the other hand, Ventura is Southern California’s whispered secret. A real deal surf town with empty beaches that call to surfers, swimmers, kayakers, and beach-lovers who just want to relax. The fact is that California’s Central Coast has something delightful for all its residents and visitors! Come explore!
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ABOUT
RESTAURANT GUIDE
Aloha Steakhouse
Popular waterside spot for prime rib, seafood & more steakhouse specialties in a relaxed atmosphere.
364 S California St, Ventura, CA
Beach House Fish
Pier’s wood-decked, bi-level mainstay has a tapas bar & a seafood menu for daily catches & more.
668 E Harbor Blvd, Ventura, CA
Boathouse at Hendry’s Beach
Upscale seafood & brunch spot on the beach with panoramic ocean views & a heated outdoor patio.
2981 Cliff Dr, Santa Barbara, CA
bouchon Santa Barbara
Californian French cuisine made with organic farm-fresh ingredients & paired with local wines.
9 W Victoria St, Santa Barbara, CA
Brophy Bros.
Fresh, locally caught seafood & signature Bloody Marys in a hip, harborside location.
119 Harbor Way, Santa Barbara, CA
Loquita Santa Barbara
Farm–fresh Spanish tapas & craft cocktails are served at this busy haunt with a cozy vibe & a patio. 202 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Los Agaves Restaurant
Mexican restaurant & bar for enchiladas, chile relleno & more in a casual, hacienda-style space.
600 N Milpas St, Santa Barbara, CA
Louie’s California Bistro
Relaxed eatery serving Californian comfort cuisine & local wines in the Victorian-age Upham Hotel.
1404 De La Vina St, Santa Barbara, CA
Opal
Go-to for globally influenced Californian fare & specialty drinks with bustling street views.
1325 State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Rumfish y Vino Buzzy gastropub featuring Central American plates & inventive cocktails, along with a stylish patio. 34 N Palm St, Ventura, CA
Social Tap Ventura
Upscale American grub like burgers, chili & wings, plus craft beer & happy hour in a vibrant space. 1105 S Seaward Ave, Ventura, CA
SPASSO Cucina Italiana
Homey Italian eatery offering classic pizzas & pasta dishes, plus a bar & patio seating. 1140 S Seaward Ave, Ventura, CA
The Black Sheep “SB Brasserie” Stylish, cozy venue offering inventive, Asian-inflected American plates, craft brews & wine. 18 E Cota St, Santa Barbara, CA
Toma Restaurant & Bar Sunny eatery featuring Italian cuisine & a sizable wine list in a compact space with harbor vistas. 324 W Cabrillo Blvd, Santa Barbara, CA
Water’s Edge Restaurant and Bar Elegant waterfront bar & grill with a piano bar & scenic views, specializing in steak & seafood.
1510 Anchors Way Dr, Ventura, CA
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
inspires them to go beyond what they ever thought was possible. Set to an original score by beatmaker Millimetric and featuring live onstage vocals. For more info visit: ticketing.granadasb.org/17447
FEB 8-18
SANTA BARBARA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Santa Barbara International Film Festival utilizes all Santa Barbara cinema has to offer with events and film screenings held around town and in historic and beautiful theaters, including gems like The Arlington Theater, Lobero Theater and the beloved Riviera Theater to name a few.
For more info visit: sbiff.org
FEB 18
TRANSFORMATION BY THE SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY
Escape the mundane and experience the power of musical transformation. From Maurice Ravel’s compelling
Acclaimed choreographer Annabelle Lopez Ochoa explores these diverging legacies and more, reclaiming the narrative of the iconic Latina figure by a Latina choreographer.
For more info visit: ticketing.granadasb.org/17453
APRIL
APR 26-30
SANTA BARBARA FAIR & EXPO
Make plans to enjoy some great talent on the Fair & Expo Stages. Music, illusions, dancing, magic and more will keep you and your family entertained for hours!
For more info visit: earlwarren.com/fair-and-expo
APR 30
SANTA BARBARA EARTH DAY FESTIVAL
Explore two days dedicated to stepping into climate leadership. Join in on conversations with climate leaders,
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EVENTS SCHEDULE
entertaining atmosphere. We invite you to see what our amazing county has to offer and try something new!
For more info visit: venturawellnessfestival.org
MAY 20-21
CALIFORNIA
STRAWBERRY
FESTIVAL
California Strawberry Festival is returning at our NEW location, the Ventura County Fairgrounds. The fun heats up May 20-21, 2023 with all the same great fun you’ve come to love. Explore strawberry-inspired treats like strawberry shortcake, strawberrytopped funnel cakes, strawberry-filled crepes, and more. There will also be carnival rides, live music and entertainment, and a variety of arts, crafts, and vendors for festivalgoers to enjoy. For more info visit: castrawberryfestival.org
JUNE
JULY
JUL 1-16
TEQUILA & TACO
MUSIC FESTIVAL
Tequila & Taco Music Festival Travels California, making stops in San Diego, Ventura, Santa Clarita, and Santa Cruz. 2 Days of Tequila, Tacos, and Live Music! For more info visit: tequilaandtacomusicfestival.com
JUL 14-15
CALIFORNIA WINE FESTIVAL
Experience the quintessential California wine tasting and enjoy hundreds of California’s finest vintage wines, delicious gourmet foods samples and lively music. Discover new wines at every Festival, find a new favorite and pair it with a dizzying variety of fresh gourmet appetizers like artisan breads, cheeses, olive oils and so much more. For more info visit: californiawinefestival.com/santabarbara
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Artesia Bar
Cocktails & draft beer are offered at this easygoing gay bar with a pool table, trivia & karaoke.
1995 Artesia Blvd, Redondo Beach, CA
C-frenz
Informal gay bar & club offering daily happy-hour specials, dancing & themed parties.
7026 Reseda Blvd, Reseda, CA
Crush Bar & Tap
A beer and wine bar serving delicious, locally sourced beer, wine, food & cupcakes.
1129 A State St, Santa Barbara, CA
Elsie’s Tavern
Open weekday mornings for coffee, matcha, tea, and scones at 7:30am through 2am.
117 W De La Guerra St
The Bobcat Room
Hand-crafted cocktails
Wed-Sunday. 11 W Ortega St, Santa Barbara, CA
The Bullet Bar
Drink specials attract a crowd at this casual hangout & nightclub with pub food & lively events. 10522 Burbank Blvd North Hollywood, CA
Trunks
Unassuming neighborhood gay bar with billiards, sports TV, patio seating & a laid-back vibe. 8809 Santa Monica Blvd West Hollywood, CA
Wildcat Lounge
Lively bar serving specialty cocktails along with DJs spinning theme-night tunes for dancing. 15 W Ortega St, Santa Barbara, CA
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BAR GUIDE
LGBTQ+ COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATIONS & ATTRACTIONS
Diversity Collective
Ventura County’s LGBTQ community, lifting each other up even when it’s hard, building allies, opportunities and resources to live our best lives and help those around us do the same. diversitycollectivevc.org
Pacific
Pride Foundation
Providing services to the HIV/AIDS and LGBTQ+ communities of Santa Barbara County. All of our programs are free or low-cost. pacificpridefoundation.org 608 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA
Rainbow Umbrella
Provides a peer support group for individuals who are 13-23, identify as LGBTQQIAP2+ or who are discovering/ questioning their identities. 2471 Portola Rd UNIT 100, Ventura, CA
SCV LGBTQ Center
A resource hub for the Santa Clarita Valley LGBTQ+ community. Connecting our diverse community with opportunities, resources, and each other, to reach our vision of a stronger, healthier, loving, and more equitable home for LGBTQ+ people and our allies. scvlgbtqcenter.org
SFV LGBTQ Center
A broad-based coalition made up of organizations serving the LGBTQ population in the San Fernando Valley. sfvlgbtqcenter.org
Ventura County Pride
Ventura County Pride Festival is a weekend-long event in August with over 5,000 attendees that celebrate the LGBTQ+ community, supporters, and allies in Ventura County. bit.ly/3X1EfRB
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16 BUSINESS DIRECTORY ACCOUNTING Ledger Financials Inc ........................... 11 AUTO BODY SHOP Virgil’s Auto Body & Paint Inc ............. 13 BOOKKEEPING Ledger Financials Inc ........................... 11 ESTATE PLANNING Solo Aging Solutions LLC ...................... 5 PLUMBING SERVICES George the Rooterman.......................... 1 STAND IN POWER OF ATTORNEY Solo Aging Solutions LLC ...................... 5 TOURISM Ventura Port District ...... Back Inside Cover WEALTH MANAGEMENT Westlake Private
