Tony’s Pizzaria: One of Ventura’s Longest Standing Small Businesses

Tony’s Pizzaria, a Ventura Staple Since 1959

If you’ve lived in Ventura for any amount of time, you’ve probably been to Tony’s Pizzaria or at least heard of it. Located on Thompson Blvd just down the street from the beach, Tony’s is more than just a pizza place it’s a part of Ventura’s history and has been serving the community for over 60 years.

Tony’s first opened in 1959 and was founded by Johnny ‘Tony’ Barrios. What started as a small family business quickly became a local favorite, and what makes it even more special is that it’s still in the same location today. In a world where restaurants come and go, that says a lot about how strong this business really is.

One of the reasons Tony’s has lasted so long is because it has stayed family-owned. The recipes, traditions, and values have been passed down through generations, keeping everything authentic. The current owner, Bruce Barrios, is actually my spouse’s old friend. They knew each other from back in the day when they both used to DJ at Skating Plus, which makes this place feel even more personal to us.

We actually went there a couple weeks ago to celebrate a birthday, and we even got to visit with Tony himself. That experience really shows how connected this business still is to its roots and the community.

The food is another big reason people keep coming back. Tony’s is known for its New York-style, hand-tossed pizza with fresh dough made daily. The menu also includes wings, salads, and other simple favorites. It’s not trying to be fancy it just focuses on good, consistent food. The bonus part is, Tony’s serves their pizza in paper bags to keep it warm while letting steam escape, which helps prevent the crust from getting soggy and keeps it crispy. Yum, my type of pizza!

The atmosphere is what really makes it stand out. Being so close to the beach gives it that relaxed Ventura vibe. There are palm trees, outdoor seating, fun decorations, and even games you can play. They also have live music sometimes, which makes it feel more like a place to hang out than just eat.

You’ll see locals, families, students, and tourists all in one place. It really brings people together.

Tony’s has also helped the community in a lot of ways over the years. It’s provided jobs, supported local events, and stayed a reliable place people can count on. In a time where big chain restaurants are everywhere, Tony’s shows how important small, family owned businesses are to a city.

At the end of the day, Tony’s Pizzaria isn’t just about pizza, it’s about family, history, and community. The fact that it’s been around for over 60 years shows how much people love and support it, and why it continues to be such an important part of Ventura.

“If you’re ever in Ventura, it’s definitely a spot worth checking out.”