Ethel's Old Corral

It's been years since I've been out to Ethel's. We decided to meet at 11:30, I was warmly greeted by Ashley as I entered. 3 TVs in the main dining area pictures and memories on walls rustic comfortable feeling, large outdoor patio area with views of foothills close to the Kern River I was a little early Ashley brought me over a gigantic ice tea. There were 3 tables of workers enjoying their lunches.My guys showed up and Ashley had their beverages in a flash. After a few minutes of BS we got down to the business of lunch, 1 patty melt 2 pastrami's and a cheese burger all with fries. Ashley was out in about 10 minutes with our orders. My Patty melt was excellent, generous seasoned burger with a thick slice of grilled onion complemented by 2 cheeses all on toasted rye, fries were crinkle cut and good. The pastrami's were loaded they looked delicious as well as Kent's cheeseburger. We solved many world problems while enjoying a great lunch. If you haven't been out to Ethel's stop in, you won't be disappointed

Classic Bakersfield hang out. Service with a smile. Nice western decor including local music history photos. Outstanding food including lunch and dinner specials during the week. Hubby had the taco salad which he really liked. I had the patty melt with a salad (nice fresh crisp lettuce, tomato cheese, beets and tomatoes). Portion sizes and quality of food are great. Cold beer and drinks make for a day or night of fun

We've driven by this place so many times I can't count but have never stopped in to try it. Today was the day and we found out that the ownership just changed 7 months ago. The owners of the Knotty Pines another favorite diner of ours now owns it. This was exciting news to us. The place is western and had a fun chill vibe inside. They are redoing some of the chairs so there are some metal chairs temporarily but that is okay. We met the new owner and he's really nice. Friendly and helpful s out the menu.I order a Diet Coke and it tasted funny but they were quick to swap it out. We got the appetizer sampler with fried okra, fried zucchini, and fried jalapeño poppers and all of it was good. My husband got the pastrami and said it was good. I had a small bite and agreed. Probably our favorite thing. I got the deep pit tacos and was less impressed. They had an overwhelmingly burnt taste to the meat that overpowered all the other ingredients. I wouldn't get them again. I did get the peach cobbler to top off the meal and it was delicious. Overall, a great experience and we will go back to try more in the future.

Food is very well made and the servers are friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a traditional old western/country diner ambiance, making a fun local pit stop.

Hey there! I just wanted to share my recent visit to Ethel's Old Corral. My husband and I went there for a late lunch/early dinner after our eye doctor appointment. We had a fantastic time at this charming, old-fashioned, western-style cafe.The moment we stepped in, we were greeted warmly by the friendly hostess/waitress who led us to our table. We chose a cozy spot by the window with a great view of the Tall Indian that marks Ethyl's on Alfred Harold Hwy. The waitress handed us the menus and took our drink order right away. Our drinks were served quickly, and we placed our food order with her. I ordered the pastrami sandwich with fries for $15.00, while my husband ordered the deep-pit dinner priced at $15.00 also.While we waited for our food, we enjoyed the pop and country music playing on the jukebox. I couldn't help but notice how the new owners had significantly improved the place, including new floors and overall cleanliness. It was my first time back at Ethel's Old Corral since Ethel herself worked and owned the place. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic work of the new owner. (Check out the pictures!)Our food was served quickly and was piping hot. I have to say - Ethel's pastrami sandwich was one of the most delicious sandwiches that I've had in a long time! The meat was piled high, and the sandwich was perfectly juicy without being too greasy. And those crinkle-cut French fries were amazing! I don't know what the chef did to them, but they stayed hot throughout our meal. As my husband put it, "These fries are addictive!" I also had a taste of my husband's Deep pit meat, and let me tell you, it was smokey and tender! His dinner came with a roll and a cup of beans with cheese.I was so engrossed in eating my sandwich that I completely forgot to take a picture until I had already eaten half of it. Oops, my bad! Don't worry, I did take some photos of the cafe's interior. It's so charming and clean, you'll love it!Overall, Ethel's Old Corral was the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. We had a great time, and we're definitely coming back for other meals. I highly recommend it!

I have driven past this place probably 100 times and never stopped to eat but today our family decided to go have lunch there and I'm glad we did. I know it's under new ownership so I can't compare. Anyway, It was a pretty cool place, they had a live band going with some country music. It was busy, but the waitresses were attentive. Our food came out in a timely manner, and everything was Great. We had a pretty good size party and they were very accommodating and arranging things so we could all sit together. That was a plus. Everyone liked their food. I had the cheese burger with fries. It was your standard burger but was good. Fries were great. Tried some of the deep pit my sis had and that was really good. We also got a sampler with green beans, zucchini, poppers and mozzarella sticks. All of them were great. We will defiantly go back as soon we can!

Good ole Ethel of the Old Corral may have come from somewhere in Texas, maybe Big Spring. This may be the quintessential symbol of the Bakersfield of old when Big Oil & Country Western were king. It borders near the huge, expansive, dystopian oil fields of the Standard Oil Corporation where pumps & derricks can be seen in a desolate landscape where many trees stand like sun bleached dead skeletons. "Don't Tread on Me" flag waves high as well as a culturally appropriated giant Native American statue of a people whose lives were killed & lands stolen away. So it seems that the very sentiment of not tolerating being treaded on goes out the window if you're the one doing the treading.  Big crowd, many in casual, country-western garb gathered around the bar. The stygian interior contrasts against the harsh sunlight outside so it's like a cave accentuated with nasal Country Western sing'in. You can save yourself from having to drive all the way to the Permian Basin.  Buffalo Burger double patty is the best buffalo burger since the time I ate one at the Catalina Island Airport arriving on a friend's Cesna years ago. Nice aged, gamey blood minerality, beefiness. Seems flavoured with a sort of Lawry's seasoning spice salt & black pepper. Cooked perfectly between medium rare & medium so the reddish pink interior & slightly charred meat is moist with a pleasant chaw. Condiments included sweet sour pickles, sharp greenish yellow Peperoncini, purple onion, tomato, green lettuce. I ordered ripe, creamy avocado & lightly smokey strips of salty, porky bacon. Buffalo burger made in heaven via Bakersfield. Side of french fries are thin, house cut skin on. Fried to a nice crispness for the most part, but Benji's Belgian fries still reign in Bako. The amiable waitress suggested Lagunitas IPA. Loads of bitter hops, sweet, heavy bodyGood acidity, treacle, brown sugar toastiness that could handle the buffalo. If you're hankering for a great buffalo burger and Country Western music, Ethel's Old Corral can't be beat.  Big outdoor patio in the back as well as indoor table seating.  I may not always agree with Ms. Ethel's Weltanshauung. However, 4 stars for food only.

This place is a surprising gem hidden on the outskirts of Bakersfield! My friend suggested I come to try out the pastrami sandwich and dang it didn't disappoint! This is not just your run of the mill pastrami y'all, this is thick as brisket, fatty, perfectly cured pastrami! Some people get the bread part on these things wrong, but owner clearly knows that a good bread needs to support a great meat! Servers were extremely friends and even got to say hi to the owner for a bit when she rolled by. Love the western vibe and the serenity around the area. I'm not in Bakersfield often, but when I get back in town I will be back!

Great time and good vibe. This place is old school which I like. Now the service was excellent a nice home town vibe with good people.

Great place to eat and meet friends. My father took me to Ethel's when I was a kid. A burger chips and a coke or a candy bar. Ethel was a special woman and I loved her stories. Years later, I'd ride out for that burger horseback. This Western themed restaurant and bar has changed over the years, but still holds a special place in my heart. The new owners have another successful restaurant, so the food is great. Also, one of the few places for live music on the patio. I love this bar song comes to mind.