01
Best overall pick
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Buck Owens Boulevard, Bakersfield • Iconic Country Steakhouse And Music Hall • Destination Dining Landmark
A Bakersfield institution blending hearty steaks, live country music, and a small museum dedicated to Buck Owens and the Bakersfield Sound.
If you only make one sit-down dinner near Mexican Colony, this is the spot that feels uniquely tied to the region. The menu leans into big American plates—think ribeyes, chicken-fried steak, and loaded salads—served in a barn-style room lined with memorabilia. Check the calendar and try to time your visit with a live show for the full Crystal Palace experience.
02
Best for families
Hodel's Country Dining
Olive Drive Corridor, Bakersfield • Classic Country Buffet Restaurant • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
A sprawling buffet that draws locals for generous homestyle spreads from early-morning breakfast through lunch and dinner.
Just off Highway 99, Hodel's is an easy stop for Mexican Colony residents and travelers alike, with parking and seating rarely an issue. Expect big pans of fried chicken, carved roasts, fresh-baked rolls, and a dessert table that keeps kids excited. It’s especially popular for weekend breakfast, so come early if you want a quieter meal.
03
Best for seafood and cocktails
La Costa Mariscos
Downtown Bakersfield • Lively Mexican Seafood Restaurant • Best For Seafood And Margaritas
A vibrant spot downtown specializing in coastal-style Mexican dishes, from ceviche towers to sizzling shrimp platters.
La Costa is the place to go when you’re craving fresh seafood with plenty of lime, chile, and cilantro. The vibe stays festive, with regional Mexican music, colorful decor, and a bar that turns out tall, icy margaritas and micheladas. Order a mixed seafood platter or aguachile to share and plan on a leisurely, chatty meal.
04
Best for group feasts
Wool Growers Restaurant
Old Town Kern, Bakersfield • Traditional Basque Family-Style Restaurant • Classic Basque Experience
A longtime Bakersfield Basque mainstay known for massive family-style meals that start with soup and end with serious portions of meat.
At Wool Growers, dinner is a ritual: soup, beans, salad, and sides arrive in sharing bowls before the main course even hits the table. It’s the kind of place where you sit at long tables, talk to your neighbors, and walk out very full and happy. Go with a group, order one of the house specialties like the lamb or steak, and don’t rush—it’s meant to feel like Sunday at a relative’s house.
05
Best cozy local spot
Nuestro Mexico Restaurant
Central Bakersfield • Homey Regional Mexican Restaurant • Best For Casual Date Night
A warm, unfussy dining room where carefully prepared Mexican classics and house specialties take center stage.
Nuestro Mexico feels personal rather than flashy, with a menu that goes beyond combination plates to showcase things like slow-stewed meats and rich moles. Portions are generous but the atmosphere stays relaxed enough for a quiet conversation or low-key celebration. It’s a strong choice when you want comforting, well-seasoned food and friendly service without a big production.