01
Best overall pick
Roots Eatery
Center Street In Downtown Taft • Casual Barbecue And Comfort-Food Spot • Best For Hearty Plates
Slow-smoked meats, bold sides, and a friendly small-town vibe make Roots the go-to place when you’re properly hungry.
Roots Eatery leans into rich, smoky flavors with brisket, pulled pork, and ribs that feel more big-city barbecue than tiny-town café. Portions are generous without being sloppy, and the sides—think mac and cheese, beans, and cornbread—are clearly made with care. It’s the place locals send out-of-towners when they want Taft to impress.
02
Best for craft beer
Black Gold Brewing Company
Historic Center Street Block • Brewpub With American Comfort Fare • Best For Pints And Pub Bites
A small-batch brewery with a solid tap list and upgraded pub food that makes it easy to linger over another round.
Black Gold Brewing Company channels Taft’s oil heritage into a lively, modern brewpub where the beer is front and center. Rotating taps cover approachable styles and a few experiments, backed by burgers, flatbreads, and shareable appetizers that go beyond frozen-bar-food territory. It’s a relaxed hangout for meeting friends after work or breaking up a long drive with a proper pint.
03
Best classic diner
Jo's Restaurant
Near Downtown Civic Center • Traditional American Diner • Best For Breakfast All Day
A no-frills local institution where hearty breakfasts and bottomless coffee come with first-name service.
Jo’s Restaurant feels like the kind of diner every small town claims, but Taft’s version is the real deal. The menu leans heavy on eggs, pancakes, burgers, and open-faced sandwiches, with portions sized for people who work long days. Regulars trade stories with the servers, and visitors are quickly folded into the rhythm, especially if they show up early for coffee and a big breakfast before hitting the road.
04
Best for Asian comfort food
Asian Experience
Kern Street Corridor • Casual Pan-Asian Restaurant • Best For Quick, Flavorful Meals
A dependable stop for stir-fries, noodle dishes, and rice plates when you want a break from burgers and barbecue.
Asian Experience offers a broad, approachable menu with familiar favorites like orange chicken, chow mein, and fried rice alongside a few spicier options. It’s the kind of place where you can feed a group with different tastes without much debate. Service is efficient, portions are generous for the price, and takeout is popular with locals on busy weeknights.
05
Best for Mexican comfort classics
Mi Casita Restaurant
South Taft Neighborhood • Homestyle Mexican Restaurant • Best For Family-Style Meals
Warm service and familiar plates—enchiladas, combo platters, and big burritos—make Mi Casita feel like a regulars’ spot from day one.
Mi Casita leans into the comfort side of Mexican cooking, with bubbling plates of enchiladas, chile rellenos, and rice and beans that taste like someone’s kitchen rather than a chain. The room is simple but welcoming, and families often spread out over chips, salsa, and shared platters. It’s an easy choice when you want a relaxed sit-down meal with plenty of leftovers to take home.