Sportsman Restaurant & Lounge

53 South California Street
Ventura, CA 93001-2801
(805) 643-2851

First Impression - 6/10
Upon entering this steakhouse and seafood restaurant we are immediately immersed into very dim lights and a hunting lodge type atmosphere.  A small aquarium with two large fish at the entry way and large swordfish decorate the walls of the dining area.  The restaurant has a full bar with a typical long bar with about 15-20 stools and the dining room separated into another room to the left upon entry.  No one was at the door or the podium to greet us, one of the waitress' hollered to us from the back of the dining area "If you want to be seen to be seated, you've gotta come all the way in...." 

Service - 7/10

The service….  Well…  Have you ever been to a Waffle House?     You know the type, loud, not afraid to say what’s on their mind, talks loudly to the other servers across the room and has a loud overly exaggerated smokers laugh?  Yup..   There were 3 waitresses serving the dining area and all 3 with the same personalities.   Don’t get me wrong; they are friendly enough, just not what I would have expected in a nicer atmosphere restaurant.  Our waitress was kind, quick and to the point.   One nice gesture that I don’t see in too many restaurants that I like is the fact she left a carafe of soda for us on the table.   I like this, and not too many places do this, because often enough, when you finish the last of your soda - the server doesn’t come back for a while.  

Menu - 6/10

The menu had plenty of variety, but most everything seemed generic.   That is, nothing special to this restaurant that you wouldn't be able to find at any other restaurant of the same caliber.  Burgers, sandwiches, steaks and some seafood.  The burgers and sandwiches are in the ballpark of $10 and the steaks hovering $20+…    I’d say it’s reasonably priced compared to similar restaurants.

Food - 8/10

I ordered a Steak Sandwich for $15.95.   The menu really didn’t offer any description of it, so I was curious what cut of meat and any seasonings they use.   My first impression as the waitress set the plate in front of me was, “This isn't a sandwich!”   Basically, the ‘sandwich’ was a piece of toasted bread underneath a sirloin steak topped with an onion ring.  So I pulled out the knife and fork for this sandwich, and on first cut I noticed it was prepared exactly as I had asked – medium.  My impression of the first bite of the steak, delicious!   This steak was easy to cut and chew and was seasoned just right.  There really wasn’t any over powering of the seasoning.

My wife ordered the ABC Burger.  This burger was a typical Avocado, Bacon and Cheese burger.   I was able to sneak a bite of the burger and just like the steak, the burger was delicious!   The meat cooked to order and properly seasoned makes this a great burger.   The avocado was fresh and bacon crisp.   My wife couldn't stop raving about it the rest of the meal!  

Overall - 6.75

I'd say the ambiance is a little outdated and could use a little modernization but the food is excellent!  Based on my steak, I imagine the other steaks are just as delicious as well as the rest of their burgers.    Would I return?  Not likely on my suggestion.  If someone else were to suggest the restaurant, I wouldn't refuse.   Nothing at this restaurant is pulling at me to rush back.   They didn't have anything special on the menu, but perhaps they don't need to because the food is really good and prices are decent.