01
Best overall pick
Mauricio's Grill & Cantina
Olive Drive Corridor • Lively Mexican Restaurant And Cantina • Local Favorite For Sit-Down Meals
A colorful Mexican spot with generous combo plates, sizzling fajitas, and strong margaritas that keep locals coming back.
Mauricio's hits that sweet spot between casual and celebratory, making it an easy choice for weeknight dinners and birthday gatherings alike. Expect fresh chips and salsa right away, big platters that rarely leave anyone hungry, and friendly servers who move with purpose even when the dining room is packed. It’s a short drive from Oildale but feels very much like part of the local circuit.
02
Best budget-friendly stop
Best Tasty Food
North Chester Avenue Strip • Casual Chinese Takeout Spot • Best For Quick, Affordable Meals
A no-frills Chinese counter joint known for big portions, fast service, and prices that make regulars out of nearby residents.
Best Tasty Food is the kind of small storefront you might drive past if you don’t know better, but locals rely on it for dependable Chinese-American comfort food. Chow mein, fried rice, and orange chicken all arrive in hefty, shareable containers that stretch easily into leftovers. It’s ideal when you want something hot, filling, and easy to bring home after a long day.
03
Best late-night snack
Wienerschnitzel
North Chester & East Arvin • Retro Fast-Food Hot Dog Stand • Late-Night Go-To
Classic drive-thru spot for chili dogs, corn dogs, and soft-serve when cravings hit and you want to stay close to home.
This North Chester Wienerschnitzel is a longtime Oildale standby, especially for quick bites after work or late in the evening. The menu leans hard into chili dogs, corn dogs, fries, and shakes, with service that stays brisk even when the drive-thru line wraps around the building. It’s not fancy, but it’s reliably satisfying and a convenient option when you just need something fast.
04
Best for groups
La Costa Mariscos
Downtown Bakersfield • Bustling Mexican Seafood House • Group-Friendly Celebration Spot
A lively mariscos restaurant featuring fresh ceviche, seafood cocktails, and combo plates in a upbeat, party-ready setting.
A short drive from Oildale, La Costa Mariscos is where many locals head when they want seafood with a festive atmosphere. The menu runs from shrimp cocktails and aguachile to sizzling platters and hearty combination plates, backed by a full bar that gets busy on weekends. It’s loud, energetic, and ideal when you’ve got a crowd and feel like making a night of it.
05
Best for date night
Hungry Hunter Steakhouse
Southwest Bakersfield Near Hwy 99 • Classic Steakhouse And Chop House • Special-Occasion Favorite
Old-school steakhouse known for hefty cuts, loaded baked potatoes, and a cozy, slightly retro dining room.
Hungry Hunter draws Oildale residents willing to hop on the freeway for a proper steak-and-potatoes dinner. The menu focuses on straightforward, generously sized cuts, prime rib, and all the traditional sides, with staff that treat repeat guests like regulars even if they only drop in a few times a year. It’s a strong pick for anniversaries, family celebrations, or whenever you want a sit-down meal that feels a bit more dressed up.