Some days, you’ll be driving down Highway 99 and suddenly crave a plate of tri-tip so vivid it feels like a memory. Maybe you just rewatched a Central Valley documentary, or perhaps Taft’s oil derricks have you dreaming of hearty meals. Either way, this guide to Taft’s best restaurants is your answer. While many gems cluster downtown, delicious surprises await across this sun-baked Kern County town—each worth the detour.
Asian Experience
$ | (661) 763-1815 | WEBSITE
According to longtime Taft residents, Asian Experience offers a welcome twist on familiar Asian flavors in a town not exactly known for culinary diversity. Compared to other Asian spots in the area, this one leans slightly upscale, meaning portions are a bit smaller and prices are a touch higher than you might expect, but you’re also getting something more refined than typical takeout fare.
The friendly staff provides excellent service in a clean, modern space with warm lighting and subtle Asian-inspired décor, making it feel like a proper dining destination rather than just a quick meal. Dishes like the rich Massaman curry, savory Pad See Ew, and flavorful Garlic Delight Chicken earn their positive reviews, though the garlic chicken pizza might be one fusion experiment too far.
For those seeking a taste of Asia in the Bakersfield area, Asian Experience’s consistent quality and pleasant atmosphere make it a go-to spot that just might become a local favorite.
La Salsa Restaurant & Cantina Taft
$ | (661) 765-7321 | WEBSITE
This Taft cantina has a loyal following and an outstanding table salsa. It also has delicious drinks, like chelada beer that starts at $6, and it’s perfect for a lively night out when you want to share a bunch of things (like steak fajitas and veggie fajitas) and leave without spending all your paycheck. Start with the chili relleno, and make a reservation. This place fills up at night.
The Bank Sports Lounge
$ | (661) 745-4963 | WEBSITE
The Bank Sports Lounge is one of those Taft spots that feels like it’s been around forever, but stays under the radar. The focus at this unfussy restaurant is very much on the food, which includes a simple, but skillfully prepared Really Good Burger with bleu cheese and waffle fries that remains a popular choice, and a satisfying patty melt with waffle fries and iced tea that ends up being a surprise favorite.
The dining room could use a little pizzazz, but this is still a good spot to become a lunchtime regular, and you’ll see people having semi-formal celebration dinners and date nights here too.
Ranch Grill Restaurant
$ | (661) 745-4136 | WEBSITE
Of all the spots on this list, Ranch Grill Restaurant is the only one where families can truly settle in for a comfortable, no-fuss meal. This place is part neighborhood hangout and part reliable dining destination, and there’s a spacious area up front where you can grab a table and spread out while the kids dive into coloring books.
There’s always a solid selection of things like enchiladas, rice, beans, and breaded shrimp dinners, and when your server brings everything hot from the kitchen, you’ll be glad for every last bite you ordered. As an added bonus, this place offers home delivery. The only real downside is that the booths are mostly worn out, but sitting at a table with chairs is worth it. So round up the family, and bring some friends.
Tacos Los Rabanitos
$ | (661) 745-4308 | WEBSITE
Corn tortillas are the greatest tortillas. For proof of this, you should go to Tacos Los Rabanitos in Taft and order anything that comes with them. They’re made fresh, extremely corn-y, and hold up on the plate like little edible canvases. This spot is definitely on the casual side, and you should save it for meals where everyone is comfortable spending very little money. Order the pollo taco and shredded chicken sope, and it’ll be worth it.
Frosty King
$ | (661) 763-1603 | WEBSITE
If you dropped Frosty King in a trendy LA neighborhood, there would be a line of cars wrapped around the block every afternoon. That’s how satisfying these burgers are. Luckily for you, this spot is in Taft, where there’s plenty of classic American comfort food – and you can probably pull right in and order without waiting. This place serves some of the best customizable burgers in town, and they also make some very good fried chicken that you’ll crave when you’re thinking about dinner later.
Bring the family or a group of friends, and enjoy the friendly service that makes the whole experience feel like a local secret.
Black Gold Brewing Company
$$ | (661) 765-6556 | WEBSITE
Black Gold Brewing Company is one of Taft’s best-loved downtown spots. Between the consistently excellent food and fun, friendly atmosphere, we’ve never had a bad experience here. Beer is the specialty, and your order should be built around whatever appropriately named brew sounds best with a side (or two) of smoked tri-tip or classic rib-eye.
Bulk it out with some sharable starters, like the freshly popped popcorn served at the bar, and the complimentary steak salad they drop at the end of the meal.
Sno-White Drive-In
$ | (661) 763-1732 | WEBSITE
Part of the reason why we like Sno-White Drive-In is because it feels like the kind of place where you can get a soda, ice cream, or a full meal, and everything just works. It’s a classic drive-in spot, with a clean dining area, tidy bathroom, and a well-kept parking lot that makes it easy for everyone to visit. And the other reason why we like this place is for the delicious, straightforward food.
The hamburger with pastrami and fries is especially good here—but if you just want one thing, order a peanut butter shake.
Jo’s Restaurant
$ | (661) 763-4621 | WEBSITE
Jo’s Restaurant has about as many options for breakfast and lunch as there are coffee mugs in a well-stocked diner. But unlike a mug that’s just for show, you’ll actually want to fill this one up—the coffee is fresh, hot, and comes with endless refills. Pick your favorite (if you need a recommendation, the tri-tip sandwich and salad offer great value) and then get a Vegetarian Omelette on request or the Mickey Mouse pancake for the kids.
The amount of tables at Jo’s is just right, with easy parking out front and a cozy, down-home feel inside. This is some of the best comfort food in Taft—which, as you’ll notice from this guide, is saying something.
Route 33 Sandwich Co
$ | (661) 763-3333 | WEBSITE
Taft has its share of sandwich spots, but you’ll always find a steady stream of customers at Route 33 Sandwich Co, and for good reason. Their sandwiches (like the Spicy French dip and BBQ panini) are made with care, and they pile on large, generous portions, as seen in the Club Me with extra lettuce and mayo.
The best moments here are unplanned, when the aroma of grilled chicken and bacon from the BBQ chicken bacon panini drifts through the outdoor area, and you can’t help but settle in for a satisfying meal under the ceiling fans, with great music keeping the vibe lively.
Pizza Factory
$ | (661) 765-5311 | WEBSITE
Pizza Factory is a local pizza spot in Taft that offers a solid buffet on Sundays, though some folks have found the pizza cold. The salad bar is well stocked, and the wings are great. The pesto garlic sun dried tomato pizza is delicious, but service can be slow. Despite some dirty tables, the calzone is worth trying. The restaurant has friendly staff, although service can be off at times. Parking can be a challenge due to nearby businesses. The arcade is a nice addition for entertainment.
A good local alternative to chain pizza restaurants in the area, with pies running about $15–$25 and a casual, no-frills dining room with booths and bright lighting.
Buena Vista Road House Cafe
$ | (661) 763-4782 | WEBSITE
Buena Vista Road House Cafe serves up classic American comfort food with a friendly, nostalgic twist. There’s a hearty and satisfying burger with all the fixings, and some crispy, golden onion rings that we’d happily order as a side any day. This Taft spot is the sort of welcoming, down-to-earth place where you could bring your kids for a casual dinner or meet up with friends for a laid-back evening.
There’s a spacious dining area inside with relics from past decades decorating the walls, and outside, there’s plenty of convenient parking just waiting for you.
Jacob’s Burger
$ | (661) 769-9600 | WEBSITE
If you want a satisfying burger in Taft, Jacob’s Burger is the best place to have it. During any visit, they have standout items like their fully loaded burgers with crispy patties, and very good crinkle cut fries that complement the meal well. For something different, the chicken nuggets have been praised for their flavor. The restaurant is budget-friendly, offering high-quality food without breaking the bank—expect to pay around $10-15 for a complete meal.
If you’re looking for value, the rewards points offer extra benefits, and everything is made fresh and hot. The cozy atmosphere with old pictures on the walls adds to the hometown feel, and parking is decent with a large lot, though the drive-thru can be tight for larger trucks.
Starbucks
A standout, welcoming Starbucks in the small town of Taft. This location is one of those spots that regulars know about and absolutely love for its fantastic service and atmosphere. Focus on the friendly, quick employees who make an effort to recognize their customers, and then make sure to start your day with their delicious coffee and food.
Burger King
$ | (661) 996-5252 | WEBSITE
Burger King is the name of a fast-food chain known for flame-grilled burgers. It’s also the name of this convenient Taft location that serves a decent chicken fry meal (don’t overthink this while you’re there). This fast-food spot is a bit more basic than some of the other dining options in town, but the efficient drive-through and fresh food make it worth a quick stop.
They serve popular items like the spicy chicken sandwich with jalapeños, but we like some of the accommodating options best and would come back again just for the impossible burger.
The Same Place Cafe
$ | (661) 765-2131 | WEBSITE
The front counter of The Same Place Cafe in Taft has a big glass case on display of fresh-baked pastries that call out to you like they’re whispering your name. But move past the sweets and you’ll see a cozy dining area warm enough to host a family reunion (we’re certain these happen here). This place is inviting, and usually pretty bustling with regulars drinking bottomless coffee and ordering breakfast from the chalkboard menu up front.
We especially like the linguica scram here, and the omelette with vegetables that’s served with crispy hash browns into a comforting plate. If you’re looking for somewhere to have a reliable meal, this is a great choice.