01
Best overall pick
Black Gold Brewing Company
Historic Downtown Taft • Craft Brewery And Gastropub • Local Favorite For Beer And Burgers
A lively brewpub pouring house beers alongside elevated pub fare in the center of Taft.
Black Gold Brewing Company is where a lot of Taft locals end up after work or on a Friday night. The house-made beers pair well with burgers, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers that go beyond basic bar food. It’s an easy choice if you want a relaxed spot with good energy and a big enough menu to please a group.
02
Best game-day spot
The Bank Sports Bar & Grill
Central Taft • Casual Sports Bar And Grill • Best For Watching The Game
A former bank building turned into a roomy sports bar with hearty grill plates and plenty of TVs.
The Bank leans into its name with high ceilings and a big open dining room that still hints at the building’s former life. Expect burgers, steaks, wings, and other no-nonsense pub staples, plus a full bar. It’s the place to go in the Taft area when you want to catch a game with a crowd and not worry about being too loud.
03
Casual takeout staple
Asian Experience
South Taft Corridor • Casual Chinese And Asian Fusion Spot • Best For Quick Takeout
A straightforward Chinese and Asian fusion restaurant known for generous portions and reliable takeout.
Asian Experience is the go-to option when you’re craving chow mein, stir-fries, and fried rice without driving into Bakersfield. The menu is broad enough that families can mix familiar combo-plate comfort food with a few spicier dishes. Service is usually quick, making it handy for a weeknight pickup on the way back through Taft and Ford City.
04
Classic diner option
Jo's Restaurant
Near Taft Highway • Classic American Diner • Hearty Breakfast And Comfort-Food Pick
A small-town diner serving big plates of breakfast and homestyle American comfort food all day.
Jo's Restaurant feels like the kind of place where everyone has a usual order, from chicken-fried steak to stacks of pancakes. Portions are generous and the staff tends to recognize regulars, which adds to the small-town comfort. It’s a reliable stop when you want a filling breakfast before heading out to work sites or exploring the backroads around Ford City.
05
Family-friendly favorite
Mi Casita Mexican Grill
Near Ford City • Family-Run Mexican Restaurant • Go-To For Casual Mexican Meals
A welcoming sit-down Mexican spot with combo plates, salsas, and plenty of options for families and groups.
Mi Casita Mexican Grill offers the kind of menu locals rely on for everything from quick enchilada lunches to leisurely combo-plate dinners. Warm chips and salsa hit the table fast, and there are plenty of kid-friendly options alongside heartier platters. It’s close enough to Ford City to make it an easy weeknight choice when you want a sit-down meal without a long drive.