01
Best overall pick
Kern River Brewing Company
Kernville Along The Kern River • Lively Craft Brewery And Gastropub • Destination For Beer Lovers
A buzzing brewpub with serious burgers, hearty plates, and some of the region’s best craft beer just a riverfront stroll from central Kernville.
If you’re willing to make the drive over to Kernville, Kern River Brewing Company is the quintessential post-adventure stop. The menu leans into big, satisfying pub fare—think burgers, smoked meats, and loaded fries—backed by a rotating tap list of house beers. It’s casual and noisy in a good way, with plenty of outdoor seating that feels especially rewarding after a long soak or hike.
02
Best for riverside views
Ewing's on the Kern
River Bluff Above Kernville • Upscale Riverfront Steak And Seafood Spot • Scenic Date-Night Pick
Classic steakhouse-style cooking served on a bluff above the Kern River, with some of the best sunset views within striking distance of California Hot Springs.
Ewing's on the Kern is where you go when you want a proper sit-down dinner with a view worth dressing up for. The menu centers on steaks, seafood, and solid American classics, and the deck overlooking the river turns even a simple meal into a mini getaway. Call ahead if you’re planning to come on a weekend, especially in peak river season, as the best tables tend to book up.
03
Closest mountain hangout
Pierpoint Bar & Grill
Along Highway 190 Near Springville • Rustic Mountain Bar And Grill • Go-To After A Day In The Forest
A woodsy roadside bar and grill that serves burgers, sandwiches, and cold beers to campers, anglers, and locals along the upper Tule River.
Pierpoint Bar & Grill feels very much like the kind of place you hope to stumble onto in the mountains: simple, friendly, and unpretentious. Expect straightforward comfort food—burgers, fries, and grilled favorites—served in a cozy dining room with knotty pine and plenty of road-trip character. It’s one of the nearer full-service options to California Hot Springs, so it works well when you want a real meal without driving all the way into town.
04
Best quick bite
The Hamburger Stand
Main Stretch Of Springville • Casual Roadside Burger Shack • Fast, Filling Stop On The Way Up The Mountain
A no-frills counter-service spot in Springville that turns out generous burgers, fries, and shakes ideal for a grab-and-go meal before or after the drive to the hot springs.
The Hamburger Stand is all about speed and satisfaction rather than ceremony. You order at the counter, grab a shaded outdoor table if one’s open, and tuck into a classic burger-and-fries combo that tastes especially good after a long day on the road. It’s a smart stop to fuel up before you climb into the hills toward California Hot Springs or to refuel on your way back to the valley.
05
Best for hearty comfort food
Black Bear Diner Porterville
North Porterville Near Highway 65 • Family-Friendly American Diner • Reliable Crowd-Pleaser
A big-portion diner where you can count on all-day breakfasts, comfort-food classics, and friendly service before heading up to or back from the hot springs.
If you’d rather make one big stop for groceries, gas, and a substantial meal, hitting Porterville and Black Bear Diner on the way to California Hot Springs works well. The menu is huge—pancakes, chicken-fried steak, sandwiches, and salads—so everyone in the car can find something they like. It’s not fancy, but it’s consistent, kid-friendly, and ideal when you want to start or end your mountain day with a full plate.