01
Best overall pick
La Mina
Lamont Along Weedpatch Highway • Casual Mexican Restaurant • Local Favorite
A cozy Lamont staple turning out big platters of classic Mexican comfort food at fair prices.
La Mina is the kind of spot where combo plates come piled high with rice, beans, and freshly made tortillas, and nobody rushes you out the door. Regulars swear by the carne asada, enchiladas, and the warm chips with house salsa that land on the table fast. It’s an easy, satisfying choice when you want a sit-down meal close to Weedpatch without driving into central Bakersfield.
02
Best for seafood
Mariscos Las Islitas
Lamont Town Center • Seafood-Focused Mexican Spot • Best For Groups
Lively mariscos joint known for generous shrimp plates, zesty ceviches, and festive weekend vibes.
Mariscos Las Islitas leans into coastal flavors, with seafood towers, aguachiles, and shrimp in just about every style you can imagine. The room tends to buzz on weekends, with families crowding tables and big frosty drinks alongside platters built for sharing. It’s a strong pick when you’re craving something fresher and more festive than a typical roadside stop.
03
Best quick stop
Tacos La Villa (Lamont)
Lamont Drive-Through Strip • Fast-Casual Taco And Burrito Shop • Quick Highway Stop
Busy drive-through favorite serving reliably good tacos, burritos, and breakfast items right off Weedpatch Highway.
Tacos La Villa is built for speed without feeling like a generic chain, thanks to meaty burritos, well-seasoned tacos, and salsas with real kick. The drive-through stays active with commuters and farm crews grabbing something filling before or after work. If you want a hot, handheld meal and you’re back on the road five minutes later, this is the move.
04
Most iconic pick
Wool Growers Restaurant
Old Town Kern, Bakersfield • Traditional Basque-Family Restaurant • Worth-The-Drive Classic
Iconic Bakersfield Basque dining room serving hearty, family-style meals that justify the short drive from Weedpatch.
Wool Growers is a Bakersfield institution, famous for its long tables, starter courses that fill the table, and main plates that could feed two. Soup, beans, salad, and pickled vegetables arrive before your entrée, so you’re eating well before the big plates hit. It’s a bit of a trek from Weedpatch, but the old-school atmosphere and generous portions make it a destination meal.
05
Best budget-friendly pick
El Taco Loco
Residential Lamont Side Streets • No-Frills Taco Stand • Budget-Friendly Pick
Simple counter-serve taqueria where the focus stays squarely on flavorful grilled meats and fresh tortillas.
El Taco Loco is a straightforward spot: walk up, order your tacos or burrito, and let the smoky, well-seasoned fillings do the rest. It’s popular with locals who want something quick and cheap that still tastes homemade. Expect plastic tables, paper plates, and food that hits the spot after a long day in the fields or on the road.