01
Classic local icon
Luigi's Restaurant & Delicatessen
East Bakersfield • Classic Italian Deli And Trattoria • Worth-The-Drive Destination
A bustling, old-school Italian deli and restaurant that feels like the Central Valley’s living room at lunchtime.
Luigi’s is a Bakersfield institution, packed at midday with locals sharing big bowls of pasta, grilled sausages, and antipasto plates. The atmosphere is loud, friendly, and unpretentious, with bottles of wine lining the shelves and servers who keep the food moving. Plan ahead: it’s usually busiest at lunch, and the limited hours mean it’s smart to arrive a bit early.
02
Best for hearty breakfast
24th Street Cafe
Downtown Bakersfield • Classic American Diner • Best For Weekend Brunch
A retro-style cafe serving generous, homestyle breakfasts and lunches that draw regulars from across Bakersfield.
If you’re craving pancakes, chicken-fried steak, or a serious omelet after an early start in Smith Corner, 24th Street Cafe is the move. The menu is old-school in the best way—comfort food, bottomless coffee, and staff who remember faces. Expect a wait on weekend mornings, but turnover is quick and the counter seats are ideal for solo diners.
03
Best for seafood and micheladas
La Costa Mariscos
Central Bakersfield • Lively Mexican Seafood Restaurant • Best For Groups
A vibrant mariscos spot known for fresh seafood, bold flavors, and festive drinks.
La Costa Mariscos is where many locals go when they want a big plate of shrimp, ceviche, or whole fried fish without driving to the coast. The room hums with music and conversation, and the towering micheladas and margaritas make it feel like a night out even on a Tuesday. It’s an easy pick for groups, with plenty of shareable platters and a casual, high-energy vibe.
04
Most unique experience
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Northwest Bakersfield • Steakhouse And Live Country Music Venue • Best For Dinner And A Show
A one-of-a-kind combination of museum, country music stage, and hearty steakhouse under one roof.
Just a short drive from Smith Corner, the Crystal Palace turns dinner into an event with live country acts and a museum dedicated to Buck Owens and the Bakersfield Sound. The menu leans toward steak-and-potatoes comfort, with generous portions and plenty of kid-friendly options. Grab a table with a good view of the stage if you want to linger over dessert and catch the whole set.
05
Neighborhood favorite
Nuestro Mexico Restaurant
Downtown Bakersfield Fringe • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Best For Everyday Dining
A relaxed spot for well-seasoned Mexican classics, from enchiladas to molcajetes, that feels like a local standby.
Nuestro Mexico is the kind of place locals recommend when you ask for reliable, flavorful Mexican food without any fuss. The menu covers the basics—tacos, combo plates, and sizzling fajitas—plus heartier specialties served in bubbling stone bowls. It’s an easy detour on the way back to Smith Corner, with friendly service and portions that often stretch into leftovers.