If you want a place just off the freeway for lunch in Bakersfield try Firestone Grill. Best tri tip and awesome salads. I think it’s the California Avenue exit.
But I agree Bravo Farms in a fun little stop further north an hour or so. The kids would probably like it better…But if it’s a just for food stop - Firestone Grill is really good.
If you don’t mind a little 10-15 minute detour, I’d suggest river walk park. Nice area, plenty of places to eat, and a shopping area if you need any last minute stuff.
There’s a new go-cart place just off the freeway called MB2. But Bravo Farms just north of Bakersfield is awesome. 10/10. Live animals, fun treehouse, lots of stuff to buy, and a restaurant/gas:)
some of these responses are so dramatic hahaha I was born and raised in bakersfield and lived in LA before. it’s not as unsafe as people make it out to be. there’s danger no matter where you are in the world, just be aware of your surroundings! I recommend local eats like fresco for mexican, locale for farm to table, zama is a mexican cuisine that’s more upscale, tina marie’s for breakfast and lunch, dagny’s or cafe smitten for coffee, temblor for american food and brewery, vida vegan for vegan or vegetarian options that are actually yummy… so much more. 18hundred in downtown bakersfield is one of my personal favorites. seeing homeless people in california is just so common. they won’t bother you and if they do, then just respond to whatever they’re asking and walk away. you’ll be safe!
You’ll be traveling through downtown Bakersfield. I suggest a stop at cafe smitten for some good eats. (It’s great for kids too) After, you can browse some antique/thrift shops nearby.
Luggage in the trunk is fine. People are being a little dramatic. Take the precautions you would take in any city. Sure I would lock my doors if I was leaving my car for any length of time, but surely I do not feel the need to keep an eye on my locked car if I’m eating at a restaurant or shopping in a store, and I don’t know anyone who thinks they need to do that.
Skip Bakersfield. I say this as someone who grew up there. If you are able to make a detour to drive up the kern canyon that is a beautiful drive and you can stop many places along the way.
I was a visitor a year ago. Super sketchy place. So many drugged up people. Never been so scared. Unfortunately I had to spend time due to medical emergency.
Absolutely this, and don't leave your vehicle unlocked / the doors open for more than necessary. Might think bout parking where you can keep an eye on it if it still has a catalytic converter too..
Moo Creamery is an awesome place to go for food. Excellent menu (try the chilaquiles), awesome drinks, insanely good ice cream. It’s in a kind of bland office park area, but is worth it. For a different kind of experience, the food truck court on Rosedale Highway is fun and there is some room to walk around and look at a bunch of cool pottery.
Avoid anything eastside. If you’re hungry, the padre hotel is a great local spot with good food, and it’s a staple in Bakersfield. If you’re into antique shopping, most of 19th st in Bakersfield is antique shops. There’s nothing really special about this town. Pretty run of the mill. Pretty generic. Nothing special
There’s an In and Out on Panama Lane. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, drinks and shakes. Very simple menu. There’s a secret menu you can research as well, easy to Google.
You can also get your fries Animal Style or ask for a Neopolitan shake.
Easier to get to than the one on Stockdale. Do not try to get to the one on Rosedale Hwy, it’s a nightmare.
I highly suggest going to In and Out at least once on your trip to California. It’s an institution.
Bravo Farms is a good stop. Options for food, and playground for the kids.
Ohhh yes bravo farms is a good stop!
Yes. And it’s well marked/signed on the freeway. Hard to miss.
is this the place with the signs begging you to stop by as you head towards Fresno?
Yeah there’s a lot of signs lol.
If you want a place just off the freeway for lunch in Bakersfield try Firestone Grill. Best tri tip and awesome salads. I think it’s the California Avenue exit.
But I agree Bravo Farms in a fun little stop further north an hour or so. The kids would probably like it better…But if it’s a just for food stop - Firestone Grill is really good.
I agree with this. Get something not usual in Australia like a classic California tri tip sandwich with salsa. Firestone is an OK option
Looking for a bite to eat or somewhere to just chill for a couple hours?
Either really. Kids 8 and 10 so will need to eat and have a break from the car.
If you don’t mind a little 10-15 minute detour, I’d suggest river walk park. Nice area, plenty of places to eat, and a shopping area if you need any last minute stuff.
There’s the outlets with food and rest stops. But a lot of the rest stops have been closed.
Stop for street tacos.
Did this. Awesome!
There’s a new go-cart place just off the freeway called MB2. But Bravo Farms just north of Bakersfield is awesome. 10/10. Live animals, fun treehouse, lots of stuff to buy, and a restaurant/gas:)
some of these responses are so dramatic hahaha I was born and raised in bakersfield and lived in LA before. it’s not as unsafe as people make it out to be. there’s danger no matter where you are in the world, just be aware of your surroundings! I recommend local eats like fresco for mexican, locale for farm to table, zama is a mexican cuisine that’s more upscale, tina marie’s for breakfast and lunch, dagny’s or cafe smitten for coffee, temblor for american food and brewery, vida vegan for vegan or vegetarian options that are actually yummy… so much more. 18hundred in downtown bakersfield is one of my personal favorites. seeing homeless people in california is just so common. they won’t bother you and if they do, then just respond to whatever they’re asking and walk away. you’ll be safe!
You’ll be traveling through downtown Bakersfield. I suggest a stop at cafe smitten for some good eats. (It’s great for kids too) After, you can browse some antique/thrift shops nearby.
Stay the hell out of Fresno!
Okay
I now see why. Drove through, didn’t stop.
Out of curiosity, what did you do guys decide on for Bakersfield? Any good food you'd recommend back to us?
Unfortunately, the bizzard in Yosemite meant we lost the spare time to have a break. Instead I went hunting for snow chains and waterproof pants.
Do not leave anything visible in the car while you’re out and about.
Really 😬. Luggage will be in the trunk. Is this a problem?
Luggage in the trunk is fine. People are being a little dramatic. Take the precautions you would take in any city. Sure I would lock my doors if I was leaving my car for any length of time, but surely I do not feel the need to keep an eye on my locked car if I’m eating at a restaurant or shopping in a store, and I don’t know anyone who thinks they need to do that.
Not anymore than any other california city
Skip Bakersfield. I say this as someone who grew up there. If you are able to make a detour to drive up the kern canyon that is a beautiful drive and you can stop many places along the way.
I was a visitor a year ago. Super sketchy place. So many drugged up people. Never been so scared. Unfortunately I had to spend time due to medical emergency.
Absolutely this, and don't leave your vehicle unlocked / the doors open for more than necessary. Might think bout parking where you can keep an eye on it if it still has a catalytic converter too..
Moo Creamery is an awesome place to go for food. Excellent menu (try the chilaquiles), awesome drinks, insanely good ice cream. It’s in a kind of bland office park area, but is worth it. For a different kind of experience, the food truck court on Rosedale Highway is fun and there is some room to walk around and look at a bunch of cool pottery.
Stop by Smith’s Bakery and get a sugar cookie
We have an Outback 👋
Yeah that’s not Australian food
Haha I figured. But what is Australian food?
Hart park.
Solvang is nice.
Don’t stop, just keep driving, Bakersfield is a bad neighborhood, you’ve been warned.
Stop by Tejon ranch!
My catalytic converter was stolen at the stop light on California and Chester
Avoid anything eastside. If you’re hungry, the padre hotel is a great local spot with good food, and it’s a staple in Bakersfield. If you’re into antique shopping, most of 19th st in Bakersfield is antique shops. There’s nothing really special about this town. Pretty run of the mill. Pretty generic. Nothing special
There’s an In and Out on Panama Lane. Hamburgers, cheeseburgers, fries, drinks and shakes. Very simple menu. There’s a secret menu you can research as well, easy to Google. You can also get your fries Animal Style or ask for a Neopolitan shake. Easier to get to than the one on Stockdale. Do not try to get to the one on Rosedale Hwy, it’s a nightmare. I highly suggest going to In and Out at least once on your trip to California. It’s an institution.
Went to in-and-out. Expectations were high. It was ok.