The Best Diners in Bakersfield

Cope's Knotty Pine Cafe

★★★★★ 4.5 (986) • $$

"They're food , service, and ambiance are always on point . I'm a food porn guy and if I remember to always take pictures I will so everyone can see what we're eating."

Crazy Otto's Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (515) • $$

"This place did not disappoint! The service was very attentive and accommodating of us with our 2 year old. They were able to put us in the corner so we didn't feel our daughter's high chair would be in the way which was super nice. The food was great. The portions are big and definitely worth the price. If you're looking for a quick bite that is a large portion this is the place! They even have flavored coffee creamers which my wife loves. We will definitely be going back!"

Old River Grill - Riverlakes Plaza

★★★★☆ 4.2 (376) • $$

""A sandwich for Lunch", yes it should be the title. Great, clean ambiance when I had a late lunch at this restaurant. I ordered their pastrami and bacon sandwich with fries and jalapeño pepper popper on the side. To my surprised, it was delicious and tasty. Oh I had a great time munching it slowly. I finished the plate. Waitress are attentive and all of them are asking me if I need anything as I sat alone in their bar. I would recommend this restaurant to anyone looking for breakfast, lunch sandwiches and pancakes. I have to try eating breakfast with them next time."

Katz N' Jammers Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.3 (318) • $$

"Started our 2025 Valentines Day weekend and got my wife a little pick me up service was amazing as always and although there was a line out the door and every seat taken inside, we were taken care of pretty quickly! Thanks to the staff and the two cooks kicking butt behind the scenes!"

Tacos Las Salsas

★★★★☆ 3.7 (377) • $$

"Las Salsas never fails to not only fill us up but for a good price. The food is always made to order with love and care. The service is wonderful we never had to look for someone to fill our drinks or give us extra napkins. The environment is beautifully decorated with Mexican revolutionary zappata. I really enjoy the home feel when walking into this restaurant. Thank you for having a place we can call home."

Route 66 Classic Grill

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (413) • $$

"Apart from great chili, the most tender Chicken tenders, excellent Acapulco salad perfect patty melts, crispy steak fries great 50s ambiance and attentive, smart service, I have special place in my heart for Route 66. They support our community in probably more ways than I even know. But here's one that's meant alot to me... When a high school team makes CIF playoffs or wins, the whole team comes to Route 66 for a party and all a gift. Tonight we happened upon Taco Tuesday. Hubby jumped at the Asada Fries, which were ample, tasty and tender steak, yummy chipotle over crispy fries. My fish tacos were divine. Light fluffy batter perfectly fried fish was just what I hoped for and for $5.99! I enjoyed one of my granddaughter's light baster fried chicken tenders. Couldn't ask for more! Thank you, Route 66, for lots of great meals, fun monthly car shows and for supporting our families and kids!"

New Taj Palace Indian Restaurant

★★★★☆ 4.1 (273) • $$

"This review is based from last 2 visits. First time, my fiance and I came for the lunch buffet and it was delicious. We tried just about everything in the buffet. I think some of our favorites were the chana masala, butter chicken, rice pilau, chicken tandoori, and garlic naan. The quality of the food is great. Given that we were the first ones there right when they opened. Buffet is only served between 11am-3pm.Second visit was dinner time and we tried the chicken tikka masala, bread basket, keema samosa, and chicken biryani. We asked for mild spice on the chicken tikka masala and chicken biryani. I love spicy food and my fiance prefers a mild spice. The keema samosa was crispy on the outside and very flavorful inside. The chicken biryani had a good spice to it. The bread basket has a variety of breads and it's a large portion of bread. Definitely come with a hungry stomach, the portions are great between 2 people!"

Crazy Otto's

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (396) • $$

"First time trying and did not disappoint . Gave the classic diner look. Staff was friendly, fast, helpful.They weren't kidding on the portion size haha definitely come with an empty's stomach forsure . . Overall great place would come back again"

Skillets Diner

★★★★☆ 3.9 (182) • $$

"We've been to Skillets Diner a few times now and each time the food has been consistently delicious and the wait staff very friendly and efficient. Their chili verde omelette and/or skillet is spicy enough for people that like it hot but not so much for others that don't. I've also had their spinach and mushroom omelette and it quickly became one of my favorites. I would definitely recommend for a tasty and enjoyable meal."

The Workz

★★★★☆ 4.1 (156) • $$

"A great stop for a quick bite while recharging or refilling gas. Prices are great and portions are generous.Highly recommend getting the DUI Chili Fries, it is enough for 2-3 people to share.The staff is also very friendly. They messed up my friends order but corrected it and still gave us the extra food that was placed on accident."

Molly J's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (164) • $$

"The service is quick and amazing! This is my second time coming here. The food is great but could be better. You do get big portions and the prices are not bad either. The environment is cozy and quick parking too. They had breakfast, lunch and dinner available at 9am on Sunday."

Chubby's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (67) • $

"When visiting the local Native American casino in town all the way from Atascadero, we have had 3+ positive experiences at this strip mall, old school vibe diner.We've had breakfast multiple times and some lunch items as well. Never a complaint and that's the big tell because my near 80 year old mother will let anyone and everyone know if anything negative creeps up with the food. On 5/11/24, she had the French Toast with Strawberries and actually had compliments about the different type of bread that they used. I asked the server what kind of bread they used because my mother found it unique. We were told it was made in house. He didn't know if it was white or sourdough but my mother said it didn't taste like sourdough bread so it had to be white. Regardless, a happy (fed) mother and wife makes for a good day. I recommend this diner (with enjoyable 50's music always on the speakers) for any and all seeking a solid and affordable breakfast or lunch burger [sorry, can't speak to dinner or other item menus].NOTE: Cash is preferred here for a small discount. However, the restaurant has added the Clover Tap System for any and all card purchases (and Clover point accumulation). This was an absolute improvement from past visits.Keep twisting, like we did last summer, Chubby's!"

The Original Karen's Kitchen

★★★★☆ 3.5 (59) • $$

"Big portions, big flavors- small hit on your wallet. Good breakfast experience. Your table will come equipped with hot sauces- and the coffee is fresh. Located in a outdoor mall type setting, try this little breakfast joint if staying at any of the locals hotels. Breakfast all day too if you're tired of typical dinner fare. Luckily we didn't see any "Karen's" there."

Chubby's

★★★★☆ 3.7 (44) • $

"Visited this location for the first time. Was undecided as the outside windows make the establishment look particularly unfavorable. However having eaten at other locations and food was good decided to try out. Glad we did ! Alice our waitress was very pleasant and provided great service. Food was delicious and food portions were excellent. Definitely visit again. Recommend for sure. Don't let the outside fool you."

Golden Ox

★★★★☆ 3.5 (42)

"Service was fast, (counter ordering,) place was clean. The folks at The Ca Fruit Depot told us about this gem. My husband's burger was great he said, reminded him of 5 Guys! My grilled chicken salad was very fresh and the chicken was cooked perfectly, seasoned perfectly, and VERY good quality. It was huge too! Great deal for less than the prices listed on their website"

Varsity Grill

★★★★★ 4.5 (21) • $$

"Came in here with my son after seeing a video on IG. Came in again with the wife the very next day. Both days the food was good and the service was just as good. Both times we had gone there for breakfast and the place had a relaxed chill feeling to it. And so far, the prices for these dishes were on point. Good food, good people, and good prices. Yeah, we'll be planning on going there more often."

24th Street Cafe

★★★★☆ 4.3 • $$

"Love Love coming here when I'm in Bakersfield. The service was good. We got seated right away on a Monday. Though when we went on a weekend one time, we did wait about ~half an hour, but thats pretty expected for any brunch/breakfast spot. Anyways, I always order the cajun seafood omelette! (It isn't on the menu, but you can still order it) with potatoes & a biscuit + gravy. I'm not a biscuit and gravy person, but this one hits soo different. The biscuit is soft and moist and the gravy is sooo good! Will always come back when i'm in the area."