Keynote Lounge

All-​in-​all a pretty good place. It’s a neighborhood bar so more about meeting or going with friends rather than the meet market type place. I’ve been there a couple of times when in that part of VTA. They have dancing with live music. The last night I was there a good ¹⁄₃ of the people were friends with the band so they hibernated in one corner of the bar that threw the room out of balance. Taco truck outside was supplying food. The crowd was older, not in their 20s, which is one reason I like it [not in my 20s either] Got to admit — friendly and gorgeous bartenders. Sorry to point out gorgeous because I thought they were good bartenders and one was wearing a ring. [wasn’t there to pick up on the bartenders or the cocktail server who was also very beautiful] Anyway, it’s a friendly, unpretentious place I will keep on my list of places to go if in the area.

Very basic neighborhood bar, weak happy hour $.50 off. Has stage for music, probably better later in evening.

Every time we go there we have a blast. It’s a dive bar with a fun and laid back atmosphere. The live band’s make it even better. If you aren’t stuck up this is a great place to go hangout!

Friendly bar tenders, drunk old dudes who buy the young ladies drink, cool cover bands. Can’t go wrong. Love the vibe of this dive bar.

this place is an unmitigated disaster. what a dump. the service is the worst. don’t bother. if you want to party up there, take a drive to the Watermark or the Tavern in Ventura for a much better place to spend your hard earned money.

I have been singing & playing guitar in clubs since I was 15 (about 5,000 years ago).
I toured through several countries and played every venue (with 2 to 80,000 people in attendance) that existed in L.A. & O.C. (and other countries) through the 60′, 70’s & 80’s. After I escaped from L.A. to Ventura 3 years ago, I searched in vain for a friendly Classic Rock place to enjoy some of this time I have left on Earth.
The Keynote is just plain the closest thing to being at home I have encountered in my experience.
The new owner knows what she is doing and the folks who frequent this venue are practically family. (Like in the movies family friendly. Not like, unfortunately for most, real-​life family battle fields.)
As I continue my 6^th attempt to put together a pro Classic rock/​blues band in the past 3 years here, I look forward to finding a few pro musicians worthy of The Keynote Lounge so I may let my 1972 Gibson SG Deluxe once again sing, cry & send out the true feeling of true Classic Rock.
What a relief to be able to find a good place to relax or dance or just listen and hey, the things that well-​managed venue afford to share.
Jeff Austin Addison

The Keynote Lounge is an east Ventura dive bar with a twist. The patrons are a mix of regulars, country bumpkins (western hats, shirts, boots and belts with plate size buckles) and biker wannabees. The floorplan consists of a long bar, numerous café tables, small dance floor and elevated stage for live bands. Live music is featured on Friday and Saturday nights with the bookings being local cover bands. The clientele seem to enjoy themselves here despite the mediocre drinks, décor and music. A decent place to have a drink and listen to some live music if going solo for the evening. This spot isn’t date or couple worthy.

Stopped in for a bourbon last week around 3pm instead of going back to the office. Friendly bartender and patrons. I’m kind of intrigued about going back there when the joint is rockin’. They’ve got a small stage in the corner for bands or karaōke or whatever. Has potential.