House of Bamboo in Camarillo: A Tiki Bar That Earned Its Hype

I drive that stretch of Ventura Boulevard often, so I'd seen the House of Bamboo space well before it opened. As soon as it did, the social media posts took over: the hours, the three- and four-hour lines just to get in. I waited a couple of months for the buzz to settle. When I went to book, weekend regular seating was two weeks out. We took Sunday evening, not the bar.

Is the hype real? Yes.

What is House of Bamboo?

House of Bamboo sits at 2227 Ventura Boulevard in Old Town Camarillo. Owner Jamie McBride opened the doors in February 2026 after a long build-out. It's a full Polynesian-themed restaurant and bar. Hand-carved teak, lava rock, hanging plants, a rum-heavy cocktail list, and a menu that pulls from across the Pacific Rim.

The double doors are framed by full-height carved tiki totems. Inside, every surface has been thought about.

The vibe inside

I've been to tiki bars before. This is the nicest one I've ever set foot in.

Walking through the doors feels like stepping into a Las Vegas restaurant, except it's right here in Ventura County. Lanterns of every color hang at every height, no two the same.

What to drink

The specialty cocktails are all rum-based. Mai Tais, Zombies, Painkillers, Hurricanes, and a list of house creations pulled from mid-century Polynesian-pop. Some arrive in hand-carved tiki ceramic mugs.

What to eat

Four entrées on the menu, plus a handful of starters. We ordered three things. Here's how they ranked.

The Pan-Fried Dumplings were a great starter. House-made pork-and-bamboo filling, crisp bottoms, ponzu and chili oil with scallions on top. We enjoyed every bite.

The Pork Tonkatsu ($24) was great. Panko-crusted pork chop over steamed rice with a Japanese curry and a celery-and-snap-pea slaw. Hearty and well-executed. Just not something I'd order again.

The Coulotte Steak ($38, gluten-free) was the best dish of the night, and the one I'll be coming back for. Prime coulotte sliced thin over a squash puree and yellow coconut curry, with gai lan and grilled Tokyo turnips, finished with a charred herb bouquet. Worth the $38 on its own.

Should you go?

Yes. We'll definitely be back. Next time we'll be hitting up the bar.

Honestly, House of Bamboo is what new Camarillo needs more of.

The build is the real deal. The drinks are well-made. The food was great and came out quick. The hosts were warm and the service was solid. That combination is rare for a new place still riding the opening buzz.

It's a strong pick for:

• Date night. Moody lighting, deep booths, easy to actually talk to each other.
• Out-of-town visitors. They'll talk about it for weeks.
• Anyone tired of the same five Camarillo restaurants. There's nothing else quite like it in the county.

Book ahead. Two weeks out if you want a Friday-through-Sunday table in regular seating.

Note: it's 21 and up inside.

How to find it

House of Bamboo · 2227 Ventura Blvd, Camarillo, CA 93010 · houseofbamboo.com

Hours: Wednesday to Friday 3:00pm to 9:30pm. Saturday and Sunday 11:00am to 9:30pm. Closed Monday and Tuesday.

Full directory listing with hours, contact info, and the map: House of Bamboo on Ventura County Local.

Been? Have a favorite drink or dish I missed? Let me know and I'll add it.