Ever find yourself craving mediocre drive-thru fare? Didn’t think so. In Bakersfield, where the sun beats down and appetites run high, settling for subpar fast food is simply not an option. That’s precisely why we’ve scoured every strip mall and corner lot to bring you this definitive list of the valley’s finest quick-service gems.
FireWater Co.
$ | (661) 808-9280 | WEBSITE
Fast food spots can, after a while, all start to taste the same. But FireWater Co. isn’t just any fast food joint—it comes from the welcoming owner Alex and serves some excellent, creative agua frescas. Located with hours posted on Instagram stories, the cozy seating feels like it belongs in a vibrant Mexican courtyard. They have an impressive hot sauce selection, several taco options that deserve streets named after them, and an incredible quesabirria. Save it for a refreshing summer treat.
Del Taco
$ | (661) 664-8888 | WEBSITE
Going out of your way for fast food usually makes it taste less satisfying. But Del Taco’s vegetarian burritos are so delicious, it’s completely worth the extra effort to visit. The Gosford location is tucked away in a convenient spot, always serves food fresh and hot, and prepares each generous portion with care. For those unfamiliar, their bean burritos mean flavorful fillings wrapped in warm tortillas—we’re particularly fond of the quesadillas, but you can’t make a bad choice here.
The food is consistently satisfying, no-disappointment situation—it holds up even with the creamy beans, tangy sauces, and crispy french fries—and each bite is well-balanced with fresh ingredients throughout. So if you’re making time to try this fast food, which you definitely should, don’t just order one item. By the time you finish it, you’re going to want another.
Jack In The Box
$ | (661) 363-7921 | WEBSITE
There’s no shortage of fantastic fast food restaurants in this city, but there is a shortage of great sourdough bacon cheeseburgers. Lucky for us, there’s Jack In The Box, a sweet, fast, and friendly dining spot perfect for grabbing a quick meal before work or sharing some curly fries with the kids after school. The whole menu is worth exploring, but the real specialty here is that Sourdough bacon cheeseburger.
We can’t stop thinking about it, which comes stacked with crispy bacon, melty cheese, and juicy beef, all on that signature sourdough bun. Jack In The Box’s commitment to quality means you know those burgers are good.
Long John Silver’s
$ | (661) 834-6976 | WEBSITE
This classic fast-food seafood spot keeps the menu simple—two- or three-piece fish dinners, plus sides like hush puppies, fries, and green beans. They’re all consistently good, especially the crispy, tender fish, which is the star of some of the best fish and chips in Bakersfield. The tartare sauce is just as memorable as the main dishes—it’s creamy and tangy, and delicious whether it’s paired with the fish or simply spread on the hush puppies.
It’s a pretty popular spot with regulars (thank you, consistent quality), so show up during off-peak hours if you want to avoid the occasional line.
Wienerschnitzel
$ | (661) 397-5351 | WEBSITE
Wienerschnitzel thrives on consistency. Every chili dog comes with that signature snap. Each order of Jalapeno Poppers delivers that perfect crunch. Every meal incorporates that friendly service that someone probably practiced in the mirror. These facts would normally point to a forgettable fast-food joint.
But between the genuinely smiling staff—always ready with a warm greeting and efficient service—and the spotless dining room with its well-maintained windows and parking lot, you’ll be pleasantly locked into your experience. Come for a quick lunch and, unless you hate yourself and/or don’t eat chili, add on the extra ranch dressing (our favorite disappointment in the city).
In-N-Out Burger
$ | (800) 786-1000 | WEBSITE
This beloved West Coast burger joint has a menu that includes things like a double-double burger animal style with grilled onions and special sauce, a fry lineup featuring animal style fries with cheese and spread, and a few vegetarian options like the grilled cheese animal style. It’s the kind of place that starts to feel like a second home after a few visits, especially since the staff makes you feel so welcome that you may end up chatting with them like old friends.
While a meal here will run you about $12 (and more with the worthwhile $2 milkshake), a stop at the spotless spot is more than worth it. Whatever they serve you, you’ll be replaying every bite in your mind all week like a highlight reel.
Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers
$ | (661) 587-3374 | WEBSITE
If you want the best fast food in Bakersfield, just look for the welcoming red and chrome decor. It’s the signature style at Freddy’s, which has been serving delicious steakburgers and frozen custard for years. The restaurant is never crowded, but service is friendly so meals come out quickly. Of course you’ll need to order the perfectly cooked, uniquely textured fries, but the understudies here are just as impressive as the star of the show.
Freddy’s also makes excellent double smash burgers, chili cheese dogs, and frozen custard with fun add-ins like Oreo and strawberry cheesecake, all in satisfying portions, perfect for sharing with family or enjoying solo.
Frosty King
$ | (661) 633-9017 | WEBSITE
Frosty King is a Bakersfield fast-food spot that serves up classic comfort food with surprising consistency. Whether it’s the picture-perfect burger that looks just like the menu photo or the massive 20-piece chicken nugget meal, everything on their straightforward menu delivers. Go for the super burger or try the chicken tenders—just be sure to order the M&M frosty blend or the cherry high with one pump of cherry syrup, which are among the most satisfying treats in town.
It’s perfect for a quick family dinner, or swing through the drive-thru, grab some corn dogs, and enjoy a meal that’s more reliable than finding a parking spot downtown.
Golden Ox
$ | (661) 837-8590 | WEBSITE
Golden Ox, a classic burger joint in Bakersfield, nails the perfect balance between nostalgic fast-food spot and fresh, flavorful destination. The bright, clean dining area feels timeless—with red vinyl booths and chrome accents that transport you back to the golden era of drive-ins. But the lively atmosphere means you’ll likely catch the staff smiling and chatting with regulars while flipping burgers on the grill.
The straightforward menu of burgers and classics is full of winners like the California avocado burger piled high with ripe slices, and the crispy fries with that homemade ranch dressing are some of the best bites in town. Almost every item rings in under $15, so it’s easy to bring the family and try a few favorites. What a treat.
Happy Dragon – Chinese Fast Food
$ | (661) 218-9719 | WEBSITE
Thanks to its standout orange chicken, crispy potstickers, and jalapeño chicken with robust flavors, this Bakersfield spot works just as well for a quick solo lunch as it does for a family takeout feast. Like its reputation for the best tasting chow mein in the area, it’s a popular choice that can mean a short wait during peak hours. But a satisfying meal here is worth the drive. They make consistently tasty Chinese fast food without any of the pretentiousness that sometimes comes with it.
House of Wings & Boba Drinks
$ | (661) 836-0603 | WEBSITE
This wings and boba spot could only exist in Bakersfield. The spacious fast-food joint has floors so clean you could eat off them, service so friendly you’ll want to hug the staff, and boba drinks that we think about more than our next paycheck. The menu is built around their signature wings and boba combos, but you’ll find generous portions of everything from classic buffalo to sweet chili glazed. We always get the honey garlic wings with taro boba, and tell everyone we know to do the same.
Flame Broiler
$ | (661) 322-1010 | WEBSITE
Flame Broiler is one of the first places we send people for fast food in Bakersfield. Almost everything here is made fresh—from the Angus beef bowls with brown rice to the extra veggies and vegetarian tofu options. And while you might find healthy bowls on lots of menus, Flame Broiler does the basics better than anyone else.
The small, clean restaurant looks like it’s designed for a casual meal you’re not overthinking, so why not make it a regular stop—they make some of the best affordable meals in the city.
Hot Tender Wings
$ | (661) 748-1070 | WEBSITE
It’s wild that one spot off Union Ave makes Bakersfield’s best tacos and wings. But that’s Hot Tender Wings for you. Come when you want the best of both worlds, like their al pastor tacos with that perfect char, the signature mango habanero wings that balance sweet heat with crispy skin, and a classic asada taco with the juiciest carne in the city (just be prepared to park). People care a lot about tacos and wings in this town, and after you eat at Hot Tender Wings, you’ll understand why.
Carla’s Drive In
$ | (661) 399-8728 | WEBSITE
Few things in life will prepare you for the satisfaction you’ll find when pulling up to Carla’s Drive In. Only hitting a jackpot at a slot machine can come close. But when you do get a chance to eat at this Bakersfield icon, you’ll get to taste classics like juicy burgers, savory Philly steak and cheese sandwiches, and perfectly crispy fries. Everything on their affordable menu is good, but their homemade spicy mayo and kid-friendly options are the highlights (when you’re in the mood).
They also have great deals on burgers, fries, and soda that make the whole experience truly enjoyable.
Mochido
$ | (661) 808-9379 | WEBSITE
There’s no other spot in Bakersfield quite like Mochido, the Korean-fusion restaurant serving customizable drinks and unique dishes like the out-of-this-world Korean corn dog. This is flavor in HD—you can taste every element of the lineup, which includes the fantastic bubble tea and the popular mochinut. A lively atmosphere where staff hand out tastes of test dishes could easily feel casual.
But Mochido gets warm and welcoming, thanks to friendly service, a locally owned vibe, and customers polishing off their Korean milk donuts with crème brûlée flavor. If you’re a bubble tea aficionado, the drinks alone warrant an immediate visit. But if you aren’t, you should still go. Mochido is the best fast-food experience you’re going to have in a town that’s full of them.
Get It Twisted
$ | (661) 333-0500 | WEBSITE
The next time you want to dive into a satisfying meal, have a memorable lunch or dinner, and forget the rest of the world exists, come to this Mexican and BBQ food truck in Bakersfield. They even have beautiful ceramic pots and water fountains so you can bring a group of friends here to enjoy your meal with loaded fries topped generously with special sauce that makes them taste like sidewinder fries, a variety of Mexican dishes, or crispy BBQ options.
Pair any of them with the coldest drinks and refreshing lemonades, especially the Mango lemonade.
Golden Bull
$ | (661) 587-0727 | WEBSITE
This popular fast-food spot in Bakersfield has a straightforward counter where you can order your meal, and a clean, bright dining area with booths, tile floors, and large windows. It’s an atmosphere that’s somehow both quick and welcoming, and no matter what you order you’ll get a satisfying bite. The menu is affordable, with most items under $12, and you can expect things like the must-try avocado burger, tasty pancho burger, flavorful chilaquiles, and asada fajitas with fries.
When your meal is over, grab a fresh ice tea or a great cup of coffee, and keep the visit going.
Blaze Pizza
$ | (661) 246-1777 | WEBSITE
Blaze Pizza serves a quick, $12 custom pizza that you can get in about five minutes, and to grab a slice, you’ll just need to walk up to the counter during their regular hours. You’ll choose barbecue chicken or vegan toppings and watch the staff assemble your pie, all while they slide it into the blazing hot oven. Vibe-wise, a meal here is more like hanging at a casual neighborhood spot than eating at a typical fast-food chain. It’s super convenient, and totally satisfying.
Wendy’s
$ | (661) 589-4830 | WEBSITE
This Bakersfield fast food spot is in our Best Breakfast, Best Quick Lunch, and Last Meal Before A Road Trip guides. Okay, the last one was exaggerated, but that’s how much we appreciate Wendy’s reliability. The place combines consistently hot food, friendly service, and a remarkably clean dining area. And it just keeps delivering through every busy lunch rush.
Come solo for breakfast and enjoy some fresh breakfast sandwiches and hot coffee, then bring the family back for lunch and share a Biggy Bag and crispy chicken sandwiches. It’s that rare fast food place that works for everything from a quiet morning coffee to a hectic afternoon meal with kids. And that’s why we (and most of the neighborhood) keep coming back.
Devorame Mexican Grill
$ | (661) 374-4172 | WEBSITE
For authentic and flavorful Mexican food in a clean and welcoming setting, look no further than Devorame Mexican Grill. The Bakersfield restaurant’s modern space includes a family-friendly dining area, booths for groups, and tables surrounding the open kitchen where you can watch the dedicated staff at work. The menu is satisfyingly straightforward—your best bet is to come hungry and explore the range of options.
You’ll want some tender, richly seasoned tacos that taste too good to share, and the unique, must-try birria pizza. Save room for one of the hearty burritos or tortas, and at least one of the refreshing aqua frescas. From their home-style cooking to friendly service, Devorame Mexican Grill is a spot you’ll want to return to whenever you’re in the area.