01
Best overall pick
Roots Eatery
Downtown Taft • Central California Barbecue And Comfort Food • Local Favorite
Smoky meats, generous plates, and a relaxed small-town vibe make Roots Eatery the go-to spot when you want a real sit-down meal.
Roots leans into slow-smoked tri-tip, brisket, and ribs, backed up by sides like mac and cheese and beans that taste like they came from a backyard cookout. The room is casual and friendly, with portions big enough to feed hungry crews after a long shift. It’s the kind of place where you quickly find a favorite plate and keep coming back for it.
02
Best for craft beer
Black Gold Brewing Company
Center Street Near Taft College • Brewpub With American Comfort Food • Best For Craft Beer Lovers
House-brewed beers, burgers, and shareable bar bites make this an easy choice for unwinding in Taft.
Black Gold pours its own rotating lineup of beers, from easy-drinking blondes to hop-forward IPAs, giving locals a true hometown taproom. The food menu sticks to brewpub hits like burgers, sandwiches, and wings, hearty enough to make a full meal. It’s a natural meet-up spot for friends, with a livelier feel than most small-town restaurants.
03
Classic diner choice
Jo's Restaurant
Kern Street Corridor • Classic American Diner • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
Jo’s serves the kind of no-nonsense breakfasts and comfort plates that fuel early mornings in an oil town.
You come to Jo’s for eggs, bacon, biscuits and gravy, and stacks of pancakes served by staff who quickly learn your coffee order. Lunch and dinner lean into chicken-fried steaks, burgers, and other diner staples that feel familiar in the best way. The room is simple, but the steady stream of regulars says everything you need to know.
04
Go-to for Asian dishes
Asian Experience
East Taft • Casual Chinese And Japanese Spot • Best For Takeout And Sharing
Big portions of stir-fries, noodles, and sushi rolls make Asian Experience a reliable change of pace from burgers and barbecue.
The menu covers comfort favorites like orange chicken, fried rice, and lo mein, alongside a lineup of approachable sushi rolls. It’s popular with locals for call-ahead takeout, but there’s also plenty of seating if you want to linger over a pot of hot tea. Order a mix of plates and let everyone at the table graze family-style.
05
Family grill near South Taft
Ranch Grill Restaurant
South Taft Fringe • Family-Friendly Mexican And American Grill • Best For Families
Ranch Grill blends Mexican comfort dishes with burgers and steaks in a roomy, family-friendly setting close to South Taft.
The menu runs from fajitas, tacos, and combination plates to grilled chicken and ribeye, so everyone at the table can find something that fits. Service is warm and unhurried, making it an easy spot for multi-generational dinners or casual celebrations. Being just a short hop from South Taft, it’s especially handy when you don’t want to drive into Bakersfield for a sit-down meal.