What should I order at Busy Bee Cafe?
Busy Bee Cafe
Pastrami Sandwich
Mentioned multiple times as excellent and shockingly good, better than many recent pastrami sandwiches tried by reviewers.
Reuben Sandwich
Frequently praised for being loaded with corned beef and a favorite among guests, indicating it as a standout sandwich option.
Breakfast Pancakes (Flapjack combo / Honolulu pancakes)
Several reviewers highlight the pancakes as really good and amazing, often paired with breakfast combos, making it a popular breakfast choice.
Turkey Sandwich
Recommended for its generous filling and tasty quality, noted alongside fries and appreciated for being a hearty sandwich option.
Onion Rings
Described as sweet, cake dough-y but good, repeatedly mentioned as a tasty side option.
Potato Wedges
Praised for being crispy outside and soft inside with perfect seasoning, seen as a nice alternative to typical fries.
Beef Dip Sandwich
Mentioned as good, though overshadowed by the pastrami sandwich, still a recommended sandwich choice.
Chicken Tenders
Enjoyed as an appetizer option with good service, indicating a reliable choice for starters.
Milkshakes
Called killer and worth trying, including alcoholic versions, making them a popular beverage choice.
Fish and Chips
Noted as a great menu item enjoyed often by repeat customers.
Country Fried Steak
Specifically mentioned as delicious by a reviewer, suggesting it as a must-try entree.
Machaca
Also praised by a reviewer alongside the country fried steak, indicating good quality and flavor.
Beef & Barley Soup
Recommended in combination with the pastrami sandwich, described as excellent.
Chicken Pot Pie
Mentioned as a favorite alongside the Reuben sandwich, indicating it's a well-liked comfort food option.
Hours
| Monday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Wednesday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Thursday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Friday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Saturday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
| Sunday | 8 AM to 9 PM |
About Busy Bee Cafe
Kitschy American diner with burgers & fries alongside table jukeboxes & staff in 50s-style costumes.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Delivery
- Onsite services
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Great beer selection
- Great cocktails
- Great coffee
- Great dessert
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Cocktails
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Happy hour drinks
- Happy hour food
- Hard liquor
- Late-night food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Vegan options
- Vegetarian options
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Catering
- Counter service
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Bar onsite
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Historic
- Trendy
Crowd
- Family-friendly
- Groups
- Tourists
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Paid parking lot
- Paid street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Pets
- Dogs allowed outside
Frequently asked questions
What is Busy Bee Cafe known for?
Busy Bee Cafe is best known for its all-day breakfast and retro diner experience, especially the pancakes, breakfast sausage, and jukebox-filled 1950s atmosphere. Reviewers also call out the chicken fried steak and milkshakes as standout items, with portions described as generous for the $10 to $20 price range.
What dishes are most recommended at Busy Bee Cafe?
Reviewers most often recommend the pancakes, breakfast sausage, chicken fried steak, and pastrami sandwich. Other specific favorites mentioned are chicken pot pie, beef dip with onion rings, beef and barley soup, and the milkshakes, which people say are worth trying.
What is the atmosphere like at Busy Bee Cafe?
The vibe is a small, cozy retro diner with checkered floors, neon, table jukeboxes, and a strong 50s Americana feel. It is described as warm and lively, and it seems to suit groups, families, tourists, and solo diners who want a nostalgic meal in downtown Ventura.
Is Busy Bee Cafe good value, and what is the price range?
Busy Bee Cafe is in the $10 to $20 range, and reviewers say the portions are generous enough that the meals feel worth the price. Even when some diners note it is a little pricey, they still mention hot food, friendly service, and filling plates like chicken fried steak or pancake breakfasts as good value.
What should I know before visiting Busy Bee Cafe?
The cafe is popular enough that it can feel busy, but reviewers say service is fast and the food comes out quickly. It is located in Ventura’s downtown area near walkable shops and bars, and people also mention easy parking across the street or nearby.
Is parking available at Busy Bee Cafe?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Paid parking lot, Paid street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Does Busy Bee Cafe have vegetarian options?
Yes, Busy Bee Cafe offers vegan options.
Is Busy Bee Cafe kid-friendly?
Yes, Busy Bee Cafe is good for kids.
Restaurants like Busy Bee Cafe in Ventura
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city