Ventura's Mexican Restaurant

You Wont Believe Our History! In 1919 a man named Fred Stork opened the Stork Nest at this address, then a reputed speakeasy that illegally provided booze, gambling, and women of easy virtue. The gangster Licavoli provided the liquor, his gang a faction of Chicagosinfamous Capone mob. Capone would visit Licavoli here at the Storks Nest, where they would practice their skill with firearms on the back acreage. Jack Kennedys gangsters were the rival faction locally during the Roaring Twenties. Once they tried to take over the liquor at the Storks Nest by forcing the Stork family and their help against the wall at gunpoint. That scared Mr. Stork out of business. He opened the Corner Store at Heysler & Bancroft, having sold the Storks Nest to a Harold Miller, who ran it until his death in 1973. Art and Jeanne Lang started remodeling the Storks Nest in 1973. Only the buildings original shell was used after six months of complete refurbishment inside and out. It also had a new name the Cow Palace. In February 1978 Jim & Rhonda Baldwin took over carrying the name Carmels, which began at 606 Oak Street in East Toledo. In November 1984 after some painting and remodeling the restaurant was opened once more, named Venturas. In 1990 the building underwent a major overhaul. New restrooms, dining rooms and kitchen were installed for your convenience. In 2002, Venturas need for additional dining room seating was met, with the expansion of a beautiful garden room, now allowing us to provide three dining rooms for our customers. Entering upon our 27th year of business, Venturas built and opened a beautiful new Patio addition in July of 2011. This outdoor seating created a relaxing atmosphere for those wishing to enjoy dinner, or to just sit back with friends and enjoy a few cocktails. We sincerely hope you enjoy our food and hospitality.