01
Best overall pick
Roots Eatery
Central Taft Near Center Street • Craft Barbecue And Comfort-Food Spot • Local Favorite Barbecue Spot
Slow-smoked meats and hearty sides make this the spot locals recommend first.
Roots Eatery leans into smoky, well-seasoned barbecue with generous portions and unfussy plating. The menu runs from ribs and pulled pork to sandwiches and loaded sides, so it works just as well for a casual date as for a big family dinner. It’s a small room with a friendly, hometown feel, so expect a bit of a wait at peak lunch and dinner hours.
02
Go-to for craft beer and burgers
Black Gold Brewing Company
Downtown Taft Brewery Row • Small-Town Brewpub And Grill • Best For Local Beer
A laid-back brewpub pouring house beers alongside burgers, sandwiches, and bar snacks.
Black Gold Brewing Company gives Taft a true local taproom, with rotating house brews and approachable pub food. Burgers, flatbreads, and sharable appetizers make it easy to camp out with friends over a flight or a pint. The relaxed, brick-and-wood space is one of the livelier evening hangouts in town without ever feeling rowdy.
03
Classic diner standby
Jo's Restaurant
East Taft Along Kern Street • Old-School American Diner • Best For Hearty Breakfasts
A no-frills diner known for big plates, bottomless coffee, and friendly regulars.
Jo's Restaurant is the kind of place where the servers quickly learn your name and your usual order. Mornings center on old-fashioned breakfast plates—think omelets, pancakes, and plenty of bacon and hash browns—while lunches bring patty melts, sandwiches, and daily specials. It’s reliable, affordable, and exactly what you want when you’re craving a classic small-town diner experience.
04
Casual Asian comfort food
Asian Experience
South Taft Shopping Strip • Casual Chinese And Asian Fusion Restaurant • Best For Takeout And Easy Weeknight Dinners
A dependable stop for generous portions of Chinese and pan-Asian favorites.
Asian Experience covers the greatest hits of American-style Chinese cooking, from orange chicken and chow mein to fried rice and noodle dishes. Portions are large, pricing is sensible, and the kitchen turns out orders quickly, which makes it a go-to for carryout on busy weeknights. Dine in for a low-key meal, or order a spread to share back at home or the motel.
05
Family-friendly grill
Ranch Grill Restaurant
North Taft Near The Highway 119 Approach • Family-Friendly Steak And Burger House • Best For Groups And Mixed Tastes
A roomy grill with a broad menu of steaks, burgers, and comfort-food standards.
Ranch Grill Restaurant feels built for gatherings, with comfortable booths, big tables, and a menu that keeps everyone at the table happy. You’ll find burgers, grilled steaks, sandwiches, and classic sides, plus kid-friendly options and easygoing service. It’s an easy choice when you’ve got a crowd and want a sit-down meal without driving into the city.