
Foodie Road Trips Across the World in Bakersfield, California, United States
1. Bakersfield Farmers Market
Weekly market offering fresh produce and local goods. Experience the vibrant food culture of Bakersfield.
- Local Produce: Supports local farmers and offers a variety of fresh, seasonal fruits and vegetables.
- Artisan Goods: Showcases artisanal products such as handmade soaps, honey, and baked goods.
- Community Gathering: Brings together the local community to enjoy food, live music, and activities.
2. The Garlic Capital of the World (Pacoima)
Visit Pacoima, just a short drive from Bakersfield, known for its annual garlic festival and garlic-centric cuisine.
- Garlic-Infused Food: Enjoy dishes with unique garlic flavors, such as garlic ice cream and garlic pasta.
- Garlic Farm Tours: Learn about the cultivation and history of garlic during farm tours and workshops.
- Annual Garlic Festival: Participate in the annual festival celebrating garlic with live music, food booths, and cooking demonstrations.
3. Mama J's Kitchen
Authentic Southern comfort food restaurant serving classic dishes such as fried chicken and collard greens.
- Family-Style Dining: Enjoy a family-style meal in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.
- Home-Cooked Meals: Savor dishes prepared with love and traditional recipes passed down through generations.
- Wide Variety of Sides: Indulge in a selection of delicious sides, including macaroni and cheese, cornbread, and sweet potato pie.
4. Sweet & Saucy BBQ
Highly-rated barbecue joint offering slow-smoked meats and creative side dishes.
- Slow-Smoked Meats: Experience tender, flavorful brisket, ribs, and pulled pork.
- Creative Sides: Try unique sides like mac and cheese waffles or deep-fried pickles.
- Food Truck: Find their food truck at local events and festivals for a taste of their BBQ on the go.
5. The Hitching Post
Famous steakhouse made famous by the movie 'Julia and Julie'. Known for its signature dish: The Hitching Post Burger.
- Celebrity Connection: Dine in the restaurant made famous by Julia Child and Paul Newman.
- Signature Burger: Taste the legendary Hitching Post Burger, topped with bacon, avocado, and signature sauce.
- Wine Selection: Choose from a wide selection of local wines, including Central Coast favorites.
6. The Bakersfield Tacos Project
Food truck offering creative taco combinations and rotating menu items.
- Creative Tacos: Enjoy unique, mouthwatering taco creations like Korean BBQ or lobster tacos.
- Rotating Menu: Experience new and exciting flavors as the menu changes regularly.
- Food Truck Experience: Find them at various locations throughout Bakersfield or invite them to your event.
7. The Squeezebox
Craft beer bar with a rotating selection of local brews and a menu featuring gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches.
- Local Beers: Sample an ever-changing selection of beers from Bakersfield's best craft breweries.
- Gourmet Grilled Cheese: Savor artisanal grilled cheese sandwiches, such as the classic bacon and cheddar or the upscale Caprese.
- Live Music Venue: Listen to local bands and musicians while enjoying your meal in a laid-back atmosphere.
8. Pappy's Pit BBQ
Traditional barbecue restaurant serving smoked meats and Southern-style sides.
- Slow-Smoked Meats: Taste tender, flavorful ribs, brisket, and sausage.
- Homemade Sides: Pair your meal with classic sides like collard greens, macaroni and cheese, and cornbread.
- Catering Services: Order catering for events, parties, or family gatherings.
9. Ron's Donuts
Iconic donut shop serving classic and unique flavors since the 1960s.
- Classic Flavors: Satisfy your sweet tooth with classic donuts like glazed, chocolate, and strawberry frosted.
- Unique Flavors: Try adventurous flavors such as bacon maple or honey glazed.
- Community Gathering Place: Join the local community for breakfast or a snack at this beloved donut shop.
10. Dream Cafe
Breakfast and brunch spot with a menu featuring creative dishes like avocado toast and waffle sandwiches.
- Creative Breakfast Dishes: Indulge in unique breakfast and brunch options, such as the acai bowl or breakfast burrito.
- Community Gathering Place: Meet friends, family, or colleagues for a relaxed meal in a cozy atmosphere.
- Catering Services: Order catering for events, parties, or office meetings.
11. The Bakersfield Olive Oil Company
Specialty store offering olive oils, vinegars, and other gourmet food products.
- Gourmet Products: Discover a variety of high-quality olive oils, vinegars, and condiments.
- Tasting Room: Sample different flavors in the on-site tasting room before making your purchase.
- Cooking Classes: Participate in cooking classes to learn how to use their products creatively.
12. Kern River Brewing Company
Craft brewery offering a rotating selection of beers and a food menu featuring burgers and sandwiches.
- Rotating Beer Selection: Sample an ever-changing selection of brews, including IPAs, stouts, and lagers.
- Food Menu: Pair your beer with delicious burgers, sandwiches, or salads.
- Tours and Events: Take a tour of the brewery or attend events like trivia nights or live music.
13. The Dust Bowl Brewing Company
Popular brewery offering a variety of beers and a menu featuring gourmet pizzas and sandwiches.
- Rotating Beer Selection: Sample an ever-changing selection of brews, including seasonal favorites.
- Gourmet Food Menu: Enjoy handcrafted pizzas and sandwiches made with fresh, high-quality ingredients.
- Tours and Events: Take a tour of the brewery or attend events like tap takeovers and live music.
14. The Grapevine Cafe
Casual restaurant serving California-inspired cuisine, including salads, sandwiches, and entrees.
- California Cuisine: Experience fresh, flavorful dishes inspired by the bounty of California's Central Coast.
- Farm-to-Table Approach: Savor locally sourced ingredients and seasonal flavors in every dish.
- Wine Selection: Choose from an extensive wine list featuring local wines and favorites from around the world.
15. Cinnaholic
Vegan bakery offering a wide variety of creative and indulgent cinnamon rolls.
- Creative Cinnamon Rolls: Indulge in unique cinnamon roll flavors like mint chocolate, salted caramel, or cookie dough.
- Vegan Options: Enjoy delicious, dairy-free desserts that are suitable for vegans and those with dietary restrictions.
- Customizable Orders: Design your perfect cinnamon roll by choosing from various frostings, toppings, and drizzles.