Rookees Sports Bar Lounge & Grill

My friends and I came in from San Diego and Hawaii, and I took them here. And since they were gay, they would not let one in because of the shorts which is fine. But then he changed into pants, and the security was still on all of us claiming these Ralph Lauren pants are «joggers» and it’s not allowed. They were being completely disrespectful to us. I could even hear them continually talk smack right by my side about us. And it hurts– it is clear that these security guards have no experience in an urban environment and multicultural acceptance of minorities. I understand it is a private establishment. And coming from a small business owner from Ventura county with a background in HR, I am truly ashamed for bringing my friends from out of town into this establishment. They were following us everywhere and it made me sick to my stomach. They treated us like we were not even humans. It’s absolutely horrendous that this place can treat gay men like this, in the state of California I highly suggest you research the gay laws and liabilities because there will be one waiting for you if you continue with the same tactics the security currently has here. It is clear to me that they just have a «tough» look and that’s not all it takes to be a good security guard, have a balance and know how to handle situations. If you support the gay community, DO NOT COME HERE they made us stand in the pouring rain after traveling straight from LA to this establishment. It’s not okay and it’s inhumane, the establishment is fine but the security clearly has a certain mindset already– it’s a lost cause and best of luck to you. I would give this place 0 stars for the treatment. Could not even buy a drink in there because I was absolutely disgusted at the way we were treated I felt like I was in the 2000s around the time prop 8 came around. All in all don’t come here if you support gay community whatsoever.

Pros, Cons, then summary
Went here with my wife. We did not stay too late for the «club» atmosphere.
PROS – Plenty of Tvs. Food was ok, and the beer was fine. We didn’t stay here too long, but it was fine. It was kind of empty as we were here early on a Saturday evening. It has regular food. what I mean by that is many downtown restaurants are «artsy-​fartsy» or ethnic food. Which isn’t bad, but I’m not a big fan of it. I want a burger.
CONS – Waitress was kind of inattentive for the number of people in the restaurant. Beers were a tad pricey too. The bathrooms were disgusting. while that isn’t necessarily the fault of Rookee’s, they do have to check to make sure they are clean.
Overall would I go back? Yes, if I’m ever downtown. I kinda like the number of TVs.

The security in the front «Joe» is the RUDEST most arrogant; disrespectful person I have ever met. You can’t complain about what a person is wearing and not let them in when he didn’t even look at what he was wearing & just said he couldn’t come in after just judging him from his face. According to Joe, only people with skinny jeans can go in. So Christopher (who I was told was management) you need a new security & maybe some drug testing done please contact me regarding this ! I will will also be contacting corporate. Thank you in advance.

So far, all my visits for drinks or food have been great. I have no complaints what so ever. I have scanned other reviews and those who have chosen to give a bad review based on your butt-​hurtedness; get over it, better yet, don’t come back. This is a private business and any private business has the right to refuse service to anyone based on the patron’s actions, tattoos, clothing, and attitudes. You are free to go somewhere else do eat, drink, or watch the game. Don’t blame the bouncers because of your choice of tattoo could be considered «gang related» or if your date is too lazy to put on a long pair of big boy pants before going out. If you think the bouncers have an attitude or are racist, maybe review your own attitude and make sure you’re not throwing the race card while they’re checking your ID at the door. If the bouncers are doing their job like it sounds they are based on the whiny reviews, I’m glad; keeps the punks out while i’m enjoying my meal and game.

From the outside this place looks welcomming so I chose it over some of the other popular places. When I walked in I was immediately greated by Host/​Manager. Thank you for that theres nothing worse then walking into a place for the first time and none of the staff acknowledges you!
Next I sat down at the bar and was provided with an awsome experience. The bar tender was super attentative and friendly. Beer selection was normal. The regular menu had options but nothing looked good so I went with the pizza. It was on happy hour special for $ 5.00 so I cant complain. I will say the dough and ingredients were fresh, maybe just not the highest quality/​grade food. In the end this place is a good time for drinking, hanging with friends, watching sports because of the staff! If they werent amazing I would never go here.

Pretty disappointed with the kitchen here (although what else should I expect from a sports bar!?). They came up with a soggy, overcooked burrito followed by an omelette with the wrong ingredients and the wrong side.
Although they’ve got great TV placement and are pretty good at serving fireball shots, though.

Went to have happy hour and watch a little game. Walked in 2 ladies in the place 1 was server 1 was bartender. Ordered iced tea as I wait for the rest of my party to get there. Server says «oh umm sorry we have no ice tea this week». Me WHAT? So I asked will you have it Sunday for football? Server «ohm mm I don’t think so but I am not sure. Me heart broken. At one time I lived at Rookies every night and Sunday’s for sure. Last couple of times the pizza did not have the flavor as used to BUT I was giving it another try. Now sorry to say no more try’s from me

Not your typical «sports bar» menu. Hands down best food for your value in Ventura. Great staff, great service. Always my go to for sporting events and a night out on the town.

My husband and I live in the area and frequent Main Street often to just hang out and people watch. Last night, we were walking around and happened to see that Tommy Castro and the Painkillers were playing a benefit here for $ 30PP with all money being raised going to a charity. We have seen them before in Big Bear so decided to go. The Venue is much bigger than it appears on the outside. All the spots in the restaurant were taken but no worries, there was still seating in the bar area. We could see him perform just fine from where we were and were served beers pretty promptly. Of course it was very loud and there is no chance of discussion with your date/​spouse if you want that, but overall a very nice time. I believe the beers were about $ 6 a piece, which is reasonable, especially considering they have entertainment. I would like to check out their dancing sometimes as I just read it appears to be the place to go on Saturdays.

Greetings,
I had dinner at Rookees last Friday evening and I was just surprised by how good their food was as I was expecting bar food but, instead, was treated to fresh quality family style restaurant food. My waitress (sorry but I’m bad at remembering names) was great and provided useful suggestions. I tend to lean heavily on the staff for inside tips about the bartender’s specialties and popular menu items and my waitress was great. I would recommend Rookees to anyone looking for a comfortable place to eat, drink and hangout.

Walk in, go to the bar, ask for Sterling. He makes better drinks than Poseidon, heavier pours than Katrina, stronger than superman on pcp. ¹⁰⁄₁₀

We have been frequenting Rookies for the past 4 – 5 years, my family and I. The atmosphere is always great and during the 12−5pm time frame its never crowded and seating is pretty much wide open. It always picks up in the evenings though. The food is always great, and you get good portions for what you pay. The service from the servers themselves has always been fantastic! The bartenders leave something to be desired, from my experience anyways. As someone whos been in customer service for 16 years, it doesn’t hurt to smile and say thank you to the people that are padding your pockets.
Over the last year or two they had a change in management and this is why I am knocking this from a 5 star to a 3 star as some of the menu/​policies have changed.
We always use to come in here for UFC fights and didn’t mind paying the cover charge. It is a shame they stopped showing the fights. They also don’t serve all the same foods as before, and as minor as it may seem, they don’t offer black beans even though it was on the menu (my wife loves black beans on everything!).
Aside from a few small things, this place is still great and we will still visit when we are in the mood, just have to find a new sports bar to watch UFC.

Great food & amazing prices!!! There’s a happy hour, power hour, & kids eat free daily. Also… it’s a club on Friday and Saturday nights??? great DJS, drinks, & lights, along with a cheap late night menu, and some seriously good looking servers

Rookees is the Ventura bar of choice if you want to get yout groove on (Friday/​Saturday nights)! The music is primarily hip-​hop, R&B, and some top 40 so you can really move to it.
I’ve met some fun characters here, but at the same time I’ve also met some weird characters. I was once dacnigh with a guy and his friends tried to record us. Who does that?!
I’ve heard good things about watching the game here on Sundays, but once I’ve danced all over this establishment it’s hard for me to separate the sports bar from the dance fest.
I only recommend it for dancing. There are nicer, more up-​scale, less sweaty places to enjoy a drink with friends.

Absolutely terrible!
They would not let my boyfriend in ON MY BIRTHDAY because he was wearing nice shorts instead of jeans.
Absolutely ridiculous for a place in Southern California on the beach to not let him in.
Ridiculous, never ever returning!

Rookies, what happened to you? You had something great but now it’s all ghetto (for lack of a better word) the security there is super rude! I asked for a drink and not only did I wait 10 minutes (I was the only one ordering a drink) but the bartender had to ask how to make my drink and when I got it, I honestly thought I was drinking warm fruit punch!!! The bathrooms are so dirty toilet seat covers all over the floor!

My cousins took me here two years ago on my 40^th Birthday. While there is nothing wrong with this bar, it’s definitely not geared for forty-something’s. Twenty year old guys with baseball hats and flannel shirts looking to get a good buzz, not to dance and flirt with newly christened Cougars. Lol.

Another two part review from a great night in Ventura.
Part 1: Friday night. AKA Black Man’s Dream.
I don’t know if it’s every Friday night, but this Friday night was dance party at the Sports Bar. And this dance party was filled with thick (thick) Mexican chicks. Which I’m a fan. Lots of club atmosphere to this one… dance floor tight as could be, guys prowling the outside of it looking for a fawn to pick off, liquor and beer flowing like wine. Thumbs up though for branching out.
Part 2: Sunday morning. AKA Sports Bar
Football at Rookees is also done very well. You don’t have to guess like you do at a Chili’s or some other places, they label the TVs to which game will be playing on it BEFORE 10, so you can choose your seat based on what you want to watch. Since we (Broncos) had the 1PM game, I sat at the bar and had great views of about 5 games. Almost overloaded me with happiness. And if you look at my Dargan’s review, the bartender this morning: the chick I met Friday night at Dargan’s!
Great place. Sunday morning parking is obviously 10x easier, but that’s common for the DT Ventura area. Go big or go home!

Im definitely not the target demo for RSBL&G
The good:
1. Attentive service from bartenders and waiters. These guys are really trying.
The bad:
1. No rye in the bar.
2. Inside gets filled with cigarette smoke from patio outside.
The ugly:
1. Specialize in crappy shots — Malibu Rum, and Cuervo Gold.
2. plastic glassware
3. Who shakes a Manhattan?
4. You will be patted down by security on entry.

Located in the city area of Ventura. This large sports bar looks small on the outside but definitely could host a large crowd.
Staff was prompt and friendly to greet my friends and I. Menus and drinks orders came without a wait. Waitress was versed on the menu choices which helped us each make respective decisions.
Food order to delivery was quick. I ordered a burger. Cooked properly. Hot and seasoned. I was full.
Check was provided promptly and bill settled without much hesitation from the staff.
Good: knowledgeable efficient staff and delicious food.
Bad: nothing at this time.
Overall if I come through town I would stop in again. Four stars.