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Thai Cuisine
Jasmine & The New Taste
0.15 mi — 3 min walk
1823 Chester Ave · (661) 432-7945
A downtown staple for over seven years, beloved for its legendary yellow curry — rich, creamy, and deeply spiced — and a near-magical Chicken Tom Yum soup. Lunch specials offer outstanding value. The Thai iced tea is a must-order. First two hours of the nearby parking garage are free.
Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–9:30pm · Sat 12–9:30pm · Sun Closed
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Chinese
Rice Bowl
0.3 mi — 6 min walk
1119 18th St · (661) 323-2901
With over 2,000 reviews and a steadfast local following, Rice Bowl is a genuine downtown institution. Portions are extraordinarily generous — the lemon chicken easily feeds two. The garlic pork and beef and broccoli are timeless classics. Old-school Chinese-American charm treasured by Bakersfield for generations.
Hours: Mon Closed · Tue–Thu 11am–9pm · Fri–Sat 11am–9:30pm · Sun 11am–9pm
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Chinese · Family Restaurant
Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks
0.3 mi — 6 min walk
1203 18th St · (661) 324-9441
A Bakersfield family favorite for generations. The Paper Chicken is a standout fan favorite, the peppered beef is salty and deeply satisfying, and the house spicy mustard delivers a sinus-clearing kick. Server Lorena is widely praised for warmth and attentiveness. The timeless atmosphere feels like coming home.
Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–8:45pm · Fri–Sat 11am–9:45pm · Sun 11am–8:45pm
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Mexican · Lounge · Banquet
Mexicali Restaurants
0.5 mi — 10 min walk
631 18th St · (661) 327-3861
A beloved Bakersfield institution serving authentic Mexican cuisine. The Enchiladas Suizas are consistently outstanding — rich, cheesy, and sauced to perfection. The margaritas on the rocks are fresh and perfectly balanced. Manager Santos runs the floor with genuine pride. An excellent choice for group dinners and celebrations.
Hours: Mon Closed · Tue–Thu 11am–8pm · Fri–Sat 11am–9pm · Sun 11am–8pm
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Pizza · Pub · Live Music
Jerry’s Pizza & Pub
0.15 mi — 3 min walk
1817 Chester Ave · (661) 633-1000 · Website
Part neighborhood pizzeria, part live music venue, and entirely beloved. The pizza achieves a perfect balance of crisp and chewy. Pappi’s Hangover Burger has a devoted cult following. The two-level venue hosts live acts, comedy nights, and painting events. Beer-and-a-slice specials offer great value any day.
Hours: Mon 10am–10pm · Tue–Thu 10am–11pm · Wed 10am–12am · Fri–Sat 10am–1am · Sun 10am–10pm
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Steakhouse · Fine Dining · Historic
Horse in the Alley
0.15 mi — 3 min walk
1421 17th Place (enter from alley) · (661) 323-6889 · Website
One of downtown Bakersfield’s most celebrated hidden gems, occupying an 1890s building — former Bakersfield Elks Lodge — with a rich speakeasy history. The filet with peppercorn whiskey sauce and rack of lamb are consistently called the best in the city. The stuffed mushrooms are a legendary starter. Owners Beth and Jason bring genuine warmth to every table. Reservations required.
Hours: Wed–Thu 5:30–8:30pm · Fri–Sat 5:30–10:30pm · Mon–Tue & Sun Closed
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American Diner · Historic
The Woolworth’s Luncheonette
0.25 mi — 5 min walk
1400 19th St · (661) 520-1276
A beautifully restored historic building reborn as a nostalgic diner experience with a full bar. The Reuben is one of the city’s best — expertly stacked and generously filled. Connected to Reverb Coffee for a post-lunch espresso. A dedicated historic display lets guests connect with the building’s remarkable past.
Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–3pm · Fri–Sat 11am–8pm · Sun Closed
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Japanese · Ramen · Sushi
Hon Ramen
0.2 mi — 4 min walk
1419 19th St Suite A · (661) 558-4000
With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating from nearly 800 reviews, Hon Ramen is one of downtown’s most exciting dining destinations. The Spicy Tonkatsu Ramen features a deeply rich, perfectly seasoned broth. The Rattlesnake Roll is creative and delicious. The vibrant atmosphere and soju cocktail selection make this ideal for date nights and team dinners.
Hours: Mon–Fri 11am–2pm & 4–8:30pm · Sat 12–8pm · Sun Closed
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Latin American · Upscale
Zama Latin American Cuisine
0.3 mi — 6 min walk
1623 19th St Suite 100 · (661) 432-7835
Where downtown Bakersfield goes to celebrate. Dim lighting, vibrant cocktails, and sophisticated Latin cuisine that impresses even well-traveled diners. The chicken flautas are extraordinary, the mole is complex and deeply satisfying, and Tomahawk Tuesdays ($99 for a 2-lb cut) draws devoted crowds weekly. A connected club space makes Zama a one-stop evening destination.
Hours: Mon Closed · Tue–Wed 4:30–10pm · Thu 4:30–11pm · Fri–Sat 4:30pm–1:30am · Sun 4:30–10pm
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Brunch · Bistro · Bar
The 18hundred
0.2 mi — 4 min walk
1800 Chester Ave · (661) 493-0442 · Website
A downtown institution beloved for its creative brunch menu. The Philly cheesesteak with crispy onion rings is phenomenal, and the milkshakes — topped with full-size brownies — are legendary. The Bee’s Knee Latte from the in-house coffee bar is a perfect midday pick-me-up.
Hours: Mon–Thu 8am–9pm · Fri–Sat 8am–10pm · Sun 8am–9pm
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Italian · Fine Dining
Uricchio’s Trattoria
0.2 mi — 4 min walk
1400 17th St · (661) 326-8870
Bakersfield’s most treasured Italian dining experience. The sausage rigatoni and sand dabs are perennial favorites. Quiet back dining rooms are perfect for business dinners or date nights. The remarkable Claire and her colleagues bring genuine hospitality to every reservation. An exceptional wine list completes one of downtown’s finest dining experiences.
Hours: Mon Closed · Tue 5–8pm · Wed–Thu 12–2pm & 5–8pm · Fri 12–2pm & 5–9pm · Sat 5–9pm · Sun Closed
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Cocktail Bar · Modern Kitchen
The Botanist
0.4 mi — 8 min walk
930 18th St · (661) 374-4807
Artsy, fresh, and utterly delightful. The food is plant-forward: halloumi salad, dukkah fries, and a vegan smash burger that carnivores rave about. The Earl Grey Martini and Encanto cocktails are outstanding. One of downtown’s best outdoor patios. The kind of spot that makes you proud of your city.
Hours: Mon Closed · Tue–Thu 11am–11pm · Fri–Sat 11am–12am · Sun 11am–10pm
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Latin Fusion · Date Night
LUNA Bistro & Cafe
0.45 mi — 9 min walk
1230 H St · (661) 827-7895
A beautiful escape from the ordinary, with lush living plants and a menu borrowing the best flavors from across Latin America. The ceviche is a showstopper — bright, citrusy, and unlike anything else in town. The tempura shrimp tacos are equally impressive. Perfect for date night or a celebratory team lunch.
Hours: Mon–Thu 9am–10pm · Fri–Sat 9am–11pm · Sun 9am–10pm
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Bar & Grill · Cantina
Rooster’s Cantina
0.3 mi — 6 min walk
1623 19th St Suite 300 · (661) 322-7665
With a near-perfect 4.8-star rating, Rooster’s Cantina has quickly become one of downtown’s most exciting dining spots. The ceviche starter is bright and beautifully seasoned, nachos are generous, and the house margaritas are expertly crafted. Servers Brooklyn and Conrad bring infectious energy to every table.
Hours: Mon Closed · Tue–Wed 4:30–10pm · Thu 4:30pm–12am · Fri–Sat 4:30pm–2am · Sun 10am–4pm
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Bar · Gastropub · Tacos
Two Goats & The Goose
0.25 mi — 5 min walk
1514 Wall St · (661) 324-2557
Tucked into a lively downtown alley, one of Bakersfield’s most charming small-plate spots. The duck carnitas tacos and pineapple Serrano margaritas are outstanding, and the homeboy burger disappears from the plate far too quickly. The intimate setting with large-screen TVs is ideal for a casual lunch or spirited game night.
Hours: Mon–Tue Closed · Wed–Sat 11:30am–8pm · Sun Closed
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Brewery · Homemade Pasta
Centro Cali Brewing
0.45 mi — 9 min walk
716 19th St · (661) 348-4060
The only restaurant in Bakersfield making fresh homemade pasta in-house. The vodka rigatoni is sensational — silky, rich, and deeply satisfying. The craft beers are excellent. The Carajillo — a Spanish espresso cocktail — has developed its own devoted following. A proud gem of the downtown dining scene.
Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–9pm · Fri–Sat 11am–10pm · Sun 11am–9pm
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Hawaiian · Poke Bowls
Killer Poke
0.35 mi — 7 min walk
1002 19th St A · (661) 404-5086
Killer Poke earns its remarkable 4.8-star rating with consistently fresh, beautifully presented poke bowls. The custom bowl experience lets you choose exactly what you want, with a sauce selection that is genuinely outstanding. The staff are gracious, energetic, and take pride in every bowl. A perfect pre-show option for Mechanics Bank Arena events.
Hours: Mon–Thu 11am–6pm · Fri–Sat 11am–3pm · Sun Closed
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Breakfast · Lunch · American
Tina Marie’s
0.25 mi — 5 min walk
1534 19th St · (661) 631-1188
A downtown Bakersfield breakfast and lunch treasure with genuinely welcoming atmosphere and portions that are almost comically generous. The legendary Giant Chicken Fried Steak — available for one or two — arrives with eggs, biscuits and gravy, and potatoes, easily feeding three people. Prices are remarkably fair for the quality and quantity served.
Hours: Mon–Sun 7am–2pm
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