01
Quirkiest local stop
Penny Bar at the McKittrick Hotel
In Mckittrick Along Highway 33 • Old-School Roadside Bar And Grill • Must-Stop For Character And History
A tiny, penny-plastered bar and grill that feels like stepping into a Central Valley time capsule.
If you only have time for one stop in McKittrick itself, make it the Penny Bar at the historic McKittrick Hotel. Thousands of pennies cover the walls and ceiling, making it as much a roadside attraction as a place to grab a burger or quick bite. It’s relaxed, friendly, and ideal for a cold beer and some local color after a drive through the oil fields.
02
Best hearty road-trip meal
Willow Ranch Restaurant
Along I-5 In Buttonwillow • Roadhouse-Style Barbecue And Steakhouse • Classic Highway Stop
A dependable Buttonwillow standby with big portions, smoky barbecue, and plenty of comfort food for hungry travelers.
About a 20-minute drive from McKittrick, Willow Ranch is where locals and long-haul drivers meet over ribs, tri-tip, and chicken-fried steak. The dining room has that wood-paneled roadhouse feel, and the menu leans into generous platters and hearty sides. It’s a smart pick if you want a full meal before tackling more miles on I-5.
03
Best for craft beer and bites
Black Gold Brewing Company
Historic Downtown Taft • Craft Brewery And Gastropub • Lively Social Hub
A small-town brewery with rotating taps and upgraded pub food in a relaxed downtown Taft setting.
Head south to Taft and you’ll find Black Gold Brewing pouring house beers alongside burgers, sandwiches, and shareable appetizers. The space blends exposed brick and brewing tanks with a laid-back, family-friendly vibe. It’s a handy spot if your group wants both a proper sit-down meal and a place to linger over a pint.
04
Best classic diner
Jo's Family Restaurant
Central Taft • Homestyle American Diner • Go-To For Breakfast And Comfort Food
A no-frills Taft institution known for big breakfasts, friendly service, and simple, satisfying plates.
Jo’s feels like the kind of place regulars have been coming to for decades, with coffee topped off often and portions that leave you full until dinner. Expect all the diner staples: eggs and hash browns, burgers, club sandwiches, and daily specials on the board. It’s a comfortable choice if you’re staying nearby or want a solid breakfast before exploring the surrounding back roads.
05
Best for Mexican flavors
Original Hacienda Grill
East Taft • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Group-Friendly Dinner Spot
A welcoming Mexican restaurant with combo plates, sizzling fajitas, and crowd-pleasing margaritas.
When you’re craving enchiladas or a plate of carne asada, Original Hacienda Grill is an easy recommendation in the Taft area. The setting is relaxed and colorful, with plenty of booth seating and a menu that ranges from familiar combo plates to heartier specialties. It works well for families or groups who want a sit-down dinner after a day on the road or in the oil fields.