While off the beaten path per se, this is a chill cool place right off the 101 and Via de Ventura. There is a nice patio with tables and a long bar on the inside with tables. I've been many times and talked with the Manager Jay, a really nice guy. If you go, tell em "Croft" sent ya. You may get a free drink!
I haven't tried the food so I can't speak to it but they do have a good beer drink special, $2 pints $3 22 oz Bud Lights all summer long.
The outdoor area is open to the bar as well and you can belly up there as well and watch many of the flat screens they got going. This is a great spot to catch football games without the crazy loudness you'd usually here at Zipps.
If you are a smoker, next door they have an entire bar smokers room. They sell cigars, not sure about cigarettes.