The burger can feel like a last resort—a greasy patty slapped between buns when nothing else appeals. But not all burgers are like that. Some are masterpieces of flavor and craft, worth seeking out. This is a collection of those burgers in Bakersfield, where each bite proves why they’re celebrated.
Ortega’s Charburgers
$ | (661) 325-5586 | WEBSITE
The combo meal deal from this Bakersfield burger joint is where you really get value for your money. The generous platter spans a juicy charburger to crispy fried chicken and perfectly cooked fries. And we’d highly recommend adding on the giant breakfast platter with its massive portions and satisfying flavors. Grab a booth by the window if you want to enjoy the welcoming neighborhood atmosphere while you eat.
Root Beer King
$ | (661) 638-0112 | WEBSITE
Stepping into Root Beer King’s bustling, no-frills space, the aroma of seasoned fries fills the air from one side, and the sizzle of fresh burgers on the grill echoes from the other. And the wallet-friendly prices on the menu at this Bakersfield classic make every generous portion taste even better. You get a perfectly seasoned burger with that unique spice blend on the bun (yes, the salad burger option is available) and a side of those famous French fries everyone raves about.
Young’s Drive-In
$ | (661) 399-7874 | WEBSITE
Young’s Drive-In tends to have a constant stream of cars at lunch and dinner. The classic American drive-in is an extremely popular spot in Bakersfield and their $12 Double Combo is one of the city’s best quick meal moves. It’s a straightforward experience that begins with a perfectly soft bun and fresh produce, before moving on to a generous portion of fries—that may include an excellent banana shake—and satisfaction.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
$ | (661) 587-3374 | WEBSITE
It’s easier to skip the indecision when you know you’re in good hands regardless. That’s the charm of Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, a laid-back burger joint in Bakersfield with straightforward food that hits all the right notes. You’ll find classics like the double smash burgers that are juicy and perfectly cooked, or the chili cheese dog that’s surprisingly hearty and satisfying. We’d recommend bringing the family, as this is one of Bakersfield’s most relaxed and welcoming spots.
Sam’s Burger
$ | (661) 322-5315 | WEBSITE
This cozy Bakersfield burger joint is one of the city’s most satisfying hidden gems, but on weeknights you should treat yourself to Sam’s Burger for a little comfort food therapy. The affordable combo meal is a straightforward double cheeseburger with fries and fruit punch for $12. Think crispy fries, stuffed jalapenos, or the popular pastrami burger with its good balance of flavors.
Luigi’s Restaurant and Delicatessen
$$ | (661) 322-0926 | WEBSITE
Some Italian restaurants don’t offer a tonne of excitement, but every one of Luigi’s carefully curated dishes packs a punch. The cozy family-friendly restaurant in Bakersfield has one of the area’s most authentic menus from start to finish. From things like wild mushroom ravioli with brown butter sage and spaghetti and meatballs, to the adventurous pickled tongue appetizer and French Dip Sandwiches on Thursdays.
Happy Jack’s Pie ‘n Burger
$ | (661) 323-1661 | WEBSITE
The classic burger menu at Happy Jack’s Pie ‘n Burger only serves hits. They include things like an Ortega Burger with perfectly seasoned toppings on a fresh bun that is juicy and flavorful and will invade your dreams. Plus, the cozy Bakersfield dining room is a lovely place to be. Try and get one of the comfortable red vinyl four-person booths, surrounded by nostalgic decor and overlooking the bustling kitchen.
Country Boy Drive In, LLC
$ | (661) 589-0822 | WEBSITE
The longstanding gold standard of drive-in burgers, Country Boy Drive In offers one of Bakersfield’s best deals in the Rosedale area. If you’ve got $10-ish knocking about, this is where you spend it. You won’t get better-value classic burger joint cooking anywhere else. The menu stays consistent but expect delicious, fresh-made comfort food like excellent cheeseburgers and crispy onion rings before finishing with some kind of breakfast burrito or popular BBQ dinner.
Carousel Drive In
$ | (661) 399-8950 | WEBSITE
At Carousel Drive In, you don’t need to worry about anything because you know exactly what you’re getting every single time. This old-school, classic drive-thru operates on pure consistency where you pull up, order your favorites, and they’ll have it ready in minutes. The Philly Cheesesteak is $10, while the chocolate malt will set you back about $4. And there’s no minimum order—just drive up solo or bring the whole family. But it’s worth it as we’ve never had a disappointing meal here.
The perfectly cooked onion rings are especially joyful.
Pop’s Drive-In
$ | (661) 872-0967 | WEBSITE
The best thing about this classic, American drive-in restaurant in Bakersfield is the experience of eating here. It feels like being inside a very welcoming family’s kitchen during a summer cookout. Neon light glows against retro-looking signs of burgers and shakes, and the customizable burgers are great-value. Dishes are like a well-stocked diner has been raided for classics—pastrami that’s sweet and juicy, generous fries seasoned to perfection, and crispy onion rings.
Pop Pop’s Pizza
$ | (661) 706-8151 | WEBSITE
The classic cheese pizza at this Bakersfield favorite is a highlight reel of Pop Pop’s best offerings. There’s still some choice and happily, it’s an edible pick-your-own adventure where every scenario is going to be good. Fluffy dough with a crunchy bottom, well-seasoned sauce, fresh toppings, and those delicious garlic knots are all part of the $22 pie. The fact that it feels like you’re at your cool friend’s backyard gathering instead of a food truck park is just the bonus on top.
California Burger Express
$ | (661) 491-3004 | WEBSITE
No spot in Bakersfield is more burger-ready than California Burger Express, where a meal can take as long as you want it to. The dining area at this excellent restaurant was built with modern convenience, and a menu with American classics like the avocado burger with added cheese, the western burger, tasty wings, and the delicious pastrami sandwich, only adds to that classic casual dining feeling.
Jolly Kone Drive-In
$ | (661) 831-6344 | WEBSITE
A hidden gem in Bakersfield that can make a simple cheeseburger feel like a celebration, Jolly Kone Drive-In wants everyone to taste the nostalgia with its classic drive-in menu. There’s a choice of fresh burgers, ground beef tacos, and crispy sides—from a standout double cheeseburger combo with bacon, to crunchy fries made daily, to refreshing vanilla Pepsi on hot days. It’s available for kids too, with free meals making it family-friendly.
Ritmo Kitchen and Lounge
$$ | (661) 679-6804 | WEBSITE
There’s no shortage of steakhouse classics at this well-regarded Bakersfield spot. A classic fillet mignon starts around $38, and there are burger and New York steak options, too. Everything at Ritmo Kitchen and Lounge is, at the very least, quite satisfying. Whether you go for the ribeye that comes with a side of mac and cheese and a salad, or the old-fashioned cocktail that’s reasonably priced, you’ll get a quality meal.
Plus, the spacious interior is an excellent place to drop in solo and enjoy yourself.
Combo Kitchen at Juicy Burger
$ | (661) 325-2222 | WEBSITE
From the first bite of those crisp waffle fries (yes, waffle fries), to the final swipe of that spicy, creamy burger sauce, Combo Kitchen at Juicy Burger is a show of rich American comfort. The burger combo at this cozy and potentially nostalgic-feeling 50’s-inspired spot is always going to lean classic. A Double Cheeseburger here, garlic Parmesan wings there. Two combo options feels straightforward, but this restaurant is made for leaning back and very hearty meals.
Know that for dinner, the combo meal is around $18.
Shake ‘ N Buns
$ | (661) 835-1717 | WEBSITE
Shake ‘N Buns’ straightforward, all-American menu may seem simple at first. It’s got quick decisions and the delightful certainty of satisfaction written all over it—especially as almost everything at this burger spot in Bakersfield is completely delicious. But for regulars, ‘The Western Burger Knows Best’. This classic combo has all their greatest hits, like their juicy patty, fresh toppings, well-seasoned fries, thick shakes, and crispy, crispy zucchini sticks.
John’s Burgers
$ | (661) 326-7600 | WEBSITE
You come to John’s Burgers for a satisfying, casual meal and, during happy hour, one of Bakersfield’s best burger deals. The downtown restaurant has a straightforward menu that will make you feel like a classic American diner done right. Tasty breakfast burritos, chili cheese fries with fresh toppings, and crispy corn dogs have all been highlights on recent visits.
Carl’s Jr.
$ | (661) 665-2396 | WEBSITE
Carl’s Jr. is one of Bakersfield’s most reliable fast food spots. The restaurant on its corner location has the capacity to serve a whole burger’s worth of satisfaction, and its menu is an excellent choice for a quick, no-fuss meal. The food is familiar flavours done right, and combined with its clean, friendly atmosphere, it makes for one of the best fast food experiences around.
In-N-Out Burger
$ | (800) 786-1000 | WEBSITE
In-N-Out Burger is one of those reliable spots that can fit pretty much any kind of craving, and its classic menu has similar mass appeal. There’s a fresh, never-frozen beef patty on a toasted bun followed by a choice of customizations, like the “animal style” burger with grilled onions and special sauce or the simple cheeseburger with crisp lettuce and tomato. A side of hand-cut fries and a soft drink complete the meal as well.