01
Best overall pick
Hungry Hunter Steakhouse
California Avenue Corridor • Classic Steakhouse With Salad Bar • Go-To For Hearty Dinners
A long-running steakhouse known for big portions, prime rib, and a retro salad bar experience just a few minutes from Old Stine.
If you’re craving a traditional steakhouse night without driving across town, Hungry Hunter is the sure bet. Cuts are generous, the prime rib is the standout, and the old-school salad bar keeps things feeling comfortably familiar. It’s the spot locals lean on for birthday dinners, work celebrations, and relaxed date nights near Old Stine.
02
Best brunch and lunch
Locale Farm to Table
East Of Old Stine On California Avenue • Bright Farm-To-Table Café • Top Brunch Choice
Seasonal ingredients, creative daytime plates, and good coffee make Locale a polished but laid-back option for brunch near Old Stine.
Locale leans into Bakersfield’s agricultural roots with a menu built around fresh, local produce and from-scratch cooking. Expect elevated takes on staples like pancakes, sandwiches, and breakfast bowls, plus a few rotating specials that keep regulars interested. The airy dining room and friendly pace make it an easy meet-up spot for weekend brunch or a midweek lunch break.
03
Best for burgers and craft beer
Eureka!
Stockdale Highway Near Csub • Modern Burger And Craft Beer Spot • Best For Drinks And Burgers
Eureka! pairs creative burgers with a deep craft beer and whiskey list in a busy, college-adjacent setting a short drive from Old Stine.
When you want something livelier than a quiet sit-down restaurant, Eureka! delivers with a buzzy bar, TVs, and a menu built around inventive burgers and shareable appetizers. The craft beer lineup and whiskey selection are among the better ones in town, making it a natural pre-game or casual night-out choice. Patio seating adds extra appeal when the Central Valley weather cooperates.
04
Classic Basque experience
Wool Growers Restaurant
Old Town Kern • Traditional Basque Family-Style Restaurant • Group And Family Gatherings
A Bakersfield institution serving Basque set dinners with generous sides, soups, and stews in a no-frills, family-style dining room.
For an old-school Bakersfield meal worth the short drive from Old Stine, Wool Growers is hard to beat. Meals begin with a parade of shared dishes—soup, beans, salad, pasta, and more—before your main course even hits the table. It’s loud, convivial, and built for big groups, so bring an appetite and plan to linger over the kind of hearty food the city is known for.
05
Neighborhood Mexican favorite
Nuestro Mexico Restaurant
Downtown Bakersfield • Regional Mexican Restaurant • Casual Local Favorite
Colorful plates, house-made salsas, and a cozy downtown setting make Nuestro Mexico a go-to for a relaxed Mexican meal not far from Old Stine.
Nuestro Mexico leans on bold flavors rather than heavy sauces, with standout dishes like street-style tacos, shrimp plates, and enchiladas topped with bright salsas. The room is compact and comfortable, more neighborhood eatery than flashy destination, which is part of the charm. It’s a smart pick when you want reliably good Mexican food before or after a downtown errand or show.