Fellows • best restaurants

5 Best Restaurants & Places To Eat Near Fellows California

Fellows might be a quiet oil town, but a short drive in any direction brings you to some character-filled spots where locals actually linger over a meal. Most favorites cluster in nearby Taft, with one unforgettable detour out to McKittrick for a true Highway 33 experience. This list highlights the places that do the basics well—burgers, pizza, tacos, and cold beer—without losing that West Kern grit and charm.

 
01

Black Gold Brewing Company

Downtown Taft • Lively Brewpub With Hearty Pub Grub • Go-To Spot For Groups And Craft Beer Fans

A small-town brewery that doubles as Taft’s social hub, pouring house-made beers alongside big plates and shareable snacks.

If you only have time for one meal near Fellows, make it Black Gold. The rotating tap list leans toward approachable styles, and the kitchen turns out burgers, sandwiches, and wings that feel tailor-made for post-shift appetites. It works just as well for a casual date night as it does for a big table of oilfield crews unwinding after work.

02

Asian Experience

Central Taft • Comfortable Asian Restaurant • Best For A Relaxed, Shareable Meal

A dependable spot for hot plates of chow mein, stir-fries, and rice dishes when you want something other than burgers and pizza.

Asian Experience is where Taft locals go when they’re craving big portions and familiar flavors. The menu covers plenty of Chinese-American standards, so it’s easy to mix a few dishes for the table and still keep everyone happy. It’s unpretentious, reasonably priced, and a welcome change of pace after days of diner food.

03

Jo's Drive-In

Taft Boulevard Strip • Old-School Burger And Shake Stand • Best For Quick, Nostalgic Comfort Food

A throwback counter-service joint serving burgers, fries, and thick shakes that taste like small-town California in a paper bag.

Jo's Drive-In feels like it could have been lifted straight out of a 1960s road movie, and that’s exactly the charm. Burgers come hot off the grill, fries are crisp and salty, and the milkshakes are the kind you need two hands to manage. It’s ideal for a grab-and-go lunch between jobs or a low-key evening treat with the windows rolled down.

04

Pizza Factory Taft

North Taft • Casual Family Pizza Parlor • Best For Big Groups And Kids

A friendly, order-at-the-counter pizza shop where large pies, salad bar runs, and arcade games keep everyone entertained.

Pizza Factory is the reliable answer when you’ve got a crowd to feed and no one can agree on what to eat. Pizzas come in generous sizes with a long list of toppings, and there are plenty of sides—think wings and breadsticks—to round out the table. The informal setting and steady buzz make it a natural fit for team dinners, birthday parties, or post-game refueling.

05

The Penny Bar (McKittrick Hotel)

Mckittrick Along Highway 33 • Quirky Roadhouse Bar And Grill • Best For A Memorable Detour

A one-of-a-kind stop where the walls and bar are covered in pennies, and the menu leans into hearty American and Mexican plates.

A short drive northwest of Fellows, The Penny Bar turns an ordinary meal into a roadside story. The room is literally lined in coins, and the crowd is a mix of oilfield regulars, bikers, and curious travelers. Expect straightforward, filling food—think burgers, steaks, and combo plates—served with strong drinks and plenty of local color.