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Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
Master Critic Review
Sharky's Woodfired Mexican Grill
7.8
Modern Mexican with non-GMO and organic ingredients catering to diverse dietary needs since 1992. The fast-casual chain emphasizes healthy power plates and customizable burritos with wood-fired preparations, offering vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options in a neighborhood-friendly space.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fiesta Burrito, Americano Breakfast Burrito, California Chicken Taco
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.1
Food Quality: 7.9
Atmosphere: 7.4
Cultural Relevance: 7.3
What makes it special: Extensive vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options with non-GMO ingredients since 1992
Who should go: Health-conscious diners and families with dietary restrictions
When to visit: Breakfast or lunch for power plates and fresh options
What to order: Fiesta burrito with slow-roasted pork, breakfast chilaquiles, Santa Fe burrito
Insider tip: They have their own parking lot, a rarity on Ventura
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Dedicated parking lot on-site - rare convenience on Ventura Boulevard
Dress code: Casual - athletic wear, jeans, whatever you're comfortable in
Noise level: Moderate - fast-casual environment, easy conversation at tables
Weekend wait: Order-at-counter format - typically 5-10 min to get food
Weekday lunch: Steady midday flow but moves quickly, 10-15 min max
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Excellent - multiple dedicated options including veggie power plates and customizable burritos
Vegan options: Strong selection - clearly marked vegan proteins, plant-based bowls, dairy-free options
Gluten-free options: Comprehensive - corn tortillas, rice bowls, dedicated gluten-free menu items
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for casual early dates or daytime meetups - the counter-service format and health-focused vibe work well for active couples, but skip it if you want romantic ambiance or full table service.
Can I get a table without a reservation? No reservations needed - it's fast-casual counter service. Order at the register, grab a table, and they bring the food to you. Peak lunch (12-1pm) means less seating availability but no actual wait.
Is it kid-friendly? Very kid-friendly - casual atmosphere, kids menu available, quesadillas and simple options work for picky eaters. Parents appreciate the healthy alternatives to typical fast food.
How does it compare to Chipotle? Similar format but emphasizes non-GMO and organic ingredients with more extensive dietary accommodation. Slightly higher quality at a modest price increase - think Chipotle's health-conscious cousin.
Is the breakfast worth trying? Yes - the chilaquiles and breakfast burritos leverage their wood-fired preparation well. Available until 10:30am on weekdays, 11am weekends. Strong option for brunch that's healthier than typical diner fare.
Best For
Better for: Health-conscious Mexican cravings with dietary restrictions - the non-GMO commitment, extensive vegan/vegetarian options, and transparency around ingredients beat typical fast-casual chains. Also wins on convenience with dedicated parking.
Skip if: You want authentic street-style tacos, romantic date ambiance, or traditional indulgent Mexican food - the health focus means less richness and complexity than traditional preparations. Go elsewhere for special occasions or when authenticity trumps nutrition.