Cheap Eats 2011

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

There isn't much you can do with $10 in today's economy. But instead of telling you what you can't do with a 10-spot, we're once again showing you what you can eat for just that amount. Bakersfield is filled with great places (we found over 50) that offer a lot of tasty grub for very little green. Dig in!

Pyrenees Café 601 Sumner St.

Pyrenees Café is the perfect place to grab a flavorful Basque lunch on the cheap. It’s all family style in the dining room where they serve up all the traditional Basque favorites but go beyond the set-up with a local lunchtime favorite for just $7.95. The Cowboy Sandwich is a grilled ham and cheese with the surprising kick of Ortega chilies. Yum.

Goose Loonies 816 18th St.

Dine on this establishment’s traditional Greek cuisine and you won’t be able to leave without shouting opa! For just $9.49 you can fill up on a crisp and tangy Greek Salad. It’s field greens topped with vine ripened tomatoes, red onions, cucumbers, bell peppers, kalamata olives, and feta cheese crumbles tossed in olive oil and oregano.

Great Castle 410 Union Ave.

Great food, great service, Great Castle! A longtime local favorite, this Chinese restaurant has some of the best eats in town so what are we having for under $10 now? For $8.99, try the Beef and Broccoli! The tender beef and sautéed broccoli comes with an appetizer (fried chicken, egg roll, and wonton) and also your choice of fried rice or chow mein and a soup.

Luigi’s 725 E. 19th St.

For over 100 years, this place has been turning out fantastic homemade Italian dishes. But we couldn’t tear ourselves away from the Tri-Tip Sandwich (though it’s not served on Thursdays or Saturdays). It’s only $8.75 and for that you get tender, flavorful tri-tip, lettuce, onion, mustard, and J. Lee Roy’s Dippin’ Sauce, all served on a Pyrenees French Bakery Sourdough or Sweet Dough roll—your choice.

Highland Cafe 2201 N. Chester Ave.

Their signature Pulled Pork Sandwich is a must try. For $9.95 you can sink your taste buds into slow smoked and roasted pork topped with provolone cheese, sliced dil pickles, caramelized onions, and their delicious homemade BBQ sauce, all wrapped in a fresh Pyrenees sourdough roll. Comes with your choice of side including potato salad, coleslaw, fries, or sweet potato chips just to name a few.

Los Aguacates 5764 Stine Rd. and 1329 E. Truxtun Ave.

The lunch menu at Los Aguacates will leave you reeling. Between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. all items are just $8.50. We can’t stop talking about the Seafood Enchiladas with rice and beans. Inside these savory enchiladas, you’ll find shrimp, fish, and crab sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. To top it off, they are smothered in a white sour cream sauce and avocado and more tomatoes.

Lie-n-Den 215 Niles Pl.

This local hangout has all the comfort foods of home. Regulars rave about the Ortega Melt (not the burger). The tri-tip is served on grilled sourdough bread covered with Ortega chili and provolone cheese. It comes with your side of choice: salad, fries, beans, soup, coleslaw, mac and cheese, or potato salad for just $9.

Seabreeze 2500 New Stine Rd., #401

This great seafood restaurant has it all—the best part being all the fresh food. Seafood is one of those meals that has to be done right and Seabreeze delivers. For just $8.53, you can dine on perfectly cooked and seasoned Talapia (the common name for cichlid fish). It comes with your choice of side, too, which include hush puppies, fries, salad, cole slaw, or potato salad.

El Taco Loco 4150 Stine Rd.

For only $8, feast on the filling Torta Combo at El Taco Loco. If you haven’t ever tried a torta, you’re missing out. On a soft bun, you get your choice of meat (pork, beef, or chicken) topped with beans, salsa, onion, lettuce, and tomato. The flavors mix and mingle and make a mess—but it’s worth it! The combo also includes a soft taco and a medium drink.

Asia Market Teriyaki Bowl 3699 Ming Ave., #H

We like to get our teriyaki fix fast and love the combos at Asia Market Teriyaki Bowl. Get a 1-Item Combo for a little over $3. It comes with your choice of either an egg roll or three pot stickers, and a drink (with free refills). A local favorite is the Chicken Teriyaki Bowl and a small fountain drink for $3.99!

Jake’s Tex Mex 1710 Oak St.

A local Southwestern staple with a cafeteria concept minus one bad hairnet, plus a whole heap of culinary spice. Perfect for lunchtime, stop in and pile high the fan favorite Taco Salad for only $9.95. It’s your choice of corn chips or tortilla chips, lettuce, pit beef or chicken, salsa, beans, and more. Then you can satisfy your sweet tooth with a giant piece of their legendary Texas sheet cake for only $2.95.

Mossman’s Westchester 1819 30th St.

Yes, a Bakersfield bowling alley has some of the best fish and chips in town. Stop in for diner-style eating at perfect lunch prices. While the menu is packed with flavorful choices, we still suggest you grab a basket of Mossman’s famous Fish and Chips for $9.49. Perfectly battered and fried cod and crispy fries (with a little vinegar sprinkled on top!) will have you coming back for more.

The Crest Bar and Grill 5025 Wible Rd.

Located in Bakersfield RV Resort, The Crest Bar and Grill offers patio-fireside dining as well as coach-side service and a casual and welcoming interior dining room. Pull up a chair or an RV and enjoy the Old Crest Drive-In Club with your choice of side for $8.95. This sandwich is stacked with turkey, ham, cheese, and all the fixin’s without costing you a stack of cash.

Brimstone Bar at the Padre Hotel 1702 18th St.

Casual downtown dining in a chic and casual atmosphere is what you’ll find at the Brimstone Bar. Grab some gourmet American comfort food and stay awhile. We recommend the Vegetable Sandwich which stuffs two slices of toasted wheat berry bread with grill and chill zucchini, roasted red pepper, hummus, basil, cucumber, tomato, red onion, and avocado for $10 even. Talk about a mouthful!

El Portal West 110 Calloway Dr., #300

The sibling location to the original, El Portal West offers a similar menu with local favorites in a new and modern atmosphere. With a daily happy hour from 4 to 7 p.m. you can stop in for the game or grab lunch any day of the week. We recommend you try their famous Chili Verde in a chimichanga with rice and beans for only $8.95. The pork, simmered in tomatillos and chilies, is tender and flavorful. You can’t go wrong!

Caesar’s Italian Delicatessen 9500 Brimhall Rd., Ste.304

Now this is amore! This deli has true Italian meats and treats. Their sesame sprinkled rolls are the deli’s calling card, but it’s what Caesar’s puts between them that makes our mouths water. For a total flavor experience straight from the old country order the Caesar’s Special. For only $5.49, get two kinds of salami, ham, mortadella, peppercheese, lettuce, mild peppers, and sauce.>

Benji’s 4001 Rosedale Hwy.

We love the family dining atmosphere of Benji’s French Basque restaurant. Go for the Garlic Spaghetti with Basque Sausage (or chicken breast) for only $8.75. The flavor is truly from the old country and the sausage complements the garlic sauce so well. The portion is large, but then again, if you have never had leftovers for dinner, you’ve never had Basque for lunch.

Grandview Asian Cuisine 2217 Ashe Rd.

Put a little pow in your day and grab the Kung Pao Chicken lunch special for a mere $5.95. The tender chicken, green onions, water chestnuts, and nuts simmer away in a sweet and spicy sauce guaranteed to impress. Grandview offers a rainforest theme dining room and generous portions at affordable prices. Go for a totally different dining experience and try something you can’t pronounce!

LA Pizza Veloz 3605 Mt. Vernon Ave.

Make everyone’s favorite cartoon cat jealous when you order the lasagna at LA Pizza Veloz. Get a big piece of savory and extra cheesy lasagna even Garfield couldn’t finish with two slices of fresh garlic bread and a small green salad for only $6.99. Go for the New York-style Italian fare made from scratch, stay for the family-friendly atmosphere and great prices!

Mama Roomba 1814 Eye St.

Make your way into Mama Roomba for some seriously delicious Caribbean tapas. The cozy downtown café is the perfect place for a date and has great prices on delicious and unique food made with spices grown on the Islands. With a great little bar to boot, go for lunch and try the highly recommended Cubano Sandwich. Piled high with pork and a slice of ham topped off with mayo, mustard, cheese, and pickle, the savory sandwich comes with garlic potatoes...all for $7.95.

Prime Cut Meats and Eats 9500 Brimhall Rd., #100

Steal away for little southern comfort at the Prime Cut. Warm up with a cup of super savory Chicken and Sausage Soup made with Louisiana flavors and tender chicken or, if you’re really looking for a taste of Cajun life, their Seafood Gumbo for just $3.99! And add an order of their “stinky fries” for another $3.99. What a meal at only $7.98!

Frugatti’s 600 Coffee Rd.

Family owned, this warm and inviting ristorante serves “real Italian by real Italians.” Just look for the giant tomato above the doors! Have a seat for lunch and have their Lunch Special, a half sandwich (covered in meats, cheeses, lettuce, and tomato) with soup or salad and a drink for only $9.59. We’ll go just for the warm bread on the table!

The Orchid 9500 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 501

The easy and modern dining room of The Orchid Thai Fusion lends itself to the dishes of the same description. Stop in for a lunch special any day of the week and fill up on great Thai flavor. We recommend the Ginger Spice Stir Fry (you get your pick of chicken, tofu, or beef) for just $8. We can’t, however, comment on the Sporty Spice and are little afraid of the Scary Spice. Still, your stir fry comes with rice on the side, and a sweet salad and egg roll to start with.

The Firehouse 7701 White Ln., #A3

This mega sports bar features décor that pays tribute to the rich history of the Bakersfield Fire Department and you’ll also find food that scores. Try the Truckie Cheesesteak with fries and a pickle for only $9.99. Rich and tender steak strips covered in melty cheeses greet you on each bite. The Firehouse has a huge menu with truckloads of affordable options and a bar with plenty of drinks to put out the fire.

Café Crepes 1028 Truxtun Ave.

This cozy downtown café is a beautiful little place to grab a bite. With a wide selection of toasted paninis, and sweet and savory crepes, you can’t go wrong. We also can’t believe their prices. The Filet Mignon Panini is just $6.95! Tender and trés flavorful filet mignon piled high on a grilled panini—there’s no way your mouth isn’t watering right now. Add a Sidewalk Crepe for dessert at $2.95 and you’re still under budget!

Maui Pho Fusion 4011 Ming Ave.

Traditional Vietnamese cuisine (with a bit of a twist) never tasted so good. Take a culinary dip into the Far East with a bowl of Pho or, for a heartier dish, order the Maui Fried Rice with beef, pork, and shrimp for only $6.99. Seasoned beef, pork, and shrimp add depth to the flavors of the fried rice for a perfect combination. With rave reviews and nearly every item on the menu under $10, is where it’s at.

Mill Creek Deli 700 18th St.

It’s everything that’s right with Bakersfield cuisine in one great new deli. Plus, the owners infuse the homey warmth of Basque and Italian style deli favorites into the menu. Warm up this season with a homemade, masterfully-seasoned Meatloaf Sandwich for just $6.95 that’s so good you’ll wish you had leftovers to make another meatloaf sandwich the next day.

Red Pepper 2641 Oswell St., #G

When a menu item is brought back by popular demand it must be something special! Oscar’s Grilled Steak Tacos at Red Pepper are definitely something special. The tacos are piled high with tender steak and go perfectly with a little cheese and lemon juice. Stop in for lunch and try them for just $8.95. We love the beautiful dining room and unique, inspired takes on traditional Mexican flavors.

Hungry Hunter 3580 Rosedale Hwy.

What has melty Swiss cheese, fresh turkey, and coleslaw on grilled rye bread? It’s the Smoked Turkey Rueben at Hungry Hunter and this beast of a sandwich comes with your choice of side. It’s also only $8.99. So don’t forget your appetite when you head out to dine in this eatery’s rustic atmosphere.

La Costa Mariscos 716 21st St.

Taste the best flavors of the ocean any time with the Enchilada Del Mar from La Costa Mariscos. Filled with freshly-grilled shrimp, tender and flaky fish, and a savory white creamy del mar sauce, and served with rice and beans, this item is a “catch” at only $7.95. Grab it for lunch from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bonnie’s Best 1900 21st St.

This place truly offers blue ribbon food in a setting that’ll have you missing your mom’s kitchen. Plus, they’ve got quirky menu items. Miss Home Improvement? Try the Tim Allen, a classic sweet ham sandwich on fresh sourdough. Get a 3/4 sandwich for $6.30 or go for a whole for only $7.

Moo Creamery 4885 Truxtun Ave. #B

Gruyere, cheddar, marble rye, Moo sauce, and caramelized onions on succulent beef stack up to a perfect Patty Melt for only $8.75 at Moo Creamery. The “moodern” take on the classic diner serves up all varieties of the beef lover’s favorites and they make some pretty tempting ice cream creations, too!

Brookside Market and Deli 4700 Coffee Rd.

Step into the original Brookside Market and Deli for a refreshing handmade sandwich. With so many things to choose from we like the Create Your Own Sandwich option for just $5.99! And you can pick and choose from all their fresh meats, cheeses, and accoutrements. They also have a number of salad options that are priced by the pound so you can pick up something for the family or just a side for lunch.

Flame and Skewers 5482 California Ave. and 1201 24th St.

Enjoy a modern dining atmosphere and seriously delicious Mediterranean food at Flame and Skewers. The most aptly named restaurant in town, it’s only fitting that you try their Kabob Sandwich with your choice of meat (lamb, chicken, or beef) cooked on an upright spit and licked perfect by fire for a mere $4.99.

Mom ‘n Dems 1230 H St., Ste. A

Mom ‘n Dems is Louisiana slang for “the whole family” and that’s who will want to eat here when they get a taste of this new eatery’s soul food. If you have never had a French roll stuffed to the gills with fresh fixin’s, now is the time! Get your hands around a Shrimp Po’ Boy for just $7.99. The shrimp is seasoned just right and the roll is soft and absorbs all the juices from the shrimp. It comes with salad or fries, too!

Chef’s Choice Noodle Bar 1534 19th St.

Check out what all the buzz is about at the new downtown eatery, The Noodle Bar. People are falling in love with this quirky place’s huge selection of healthy and affordable noodle-based favorites. Nearly every item is under $10! Get a plate of Drunken Noodles—broad rice noodles, soy sauce, garlic, meat or tofu, bean sprouts, and various seasonings with a spicy sauce (chile and basil)—for only $8.

Camino Real Restaurant & Bar 3500 Truxtun Ave.

Homemade Mexican food with unexpected culinary twists is what you will find at Camino Real. We can’t wait to throw our taste buds a curveball with the Orange Chicken Burrito for only $9.95. It’s chicken, fried golden and marinated in an orange Mandarin sauce, and wrapped up with grilled seasonal veggies in a flour tortilla. Enough said.

Champs BBQ 35315 Merle Haggard Dr.

Champs knows after just one taste, you’ll be a fan for life! Real, delicious BBQ done right is what you can expect and for just $9.90 get a whole Pit Beef BBQ Plate with your choice of two of Champs’ mouthwatering sides. We usually go for the macaroni salad and beans. It’s the kind of food that sticks to your ribs and gets sauce all over your smiling face.

Lorene’s Ranch House 6401 Ming Ave. and 1531 23rd St.

Stop into Lorene’s for a classic casual dining experience. Many of Lorene’s customers grew up on this diner’s all American eats. It’s a family place, through and through. With a time-tested menu you can order with confidence. Might we suggest a classic and customer favorite, the Turkey Supreme at only $8.29. One of their #1 sandwiches: it’s got turkey, jack cheese, avocado, diced Ortega chiles, all on sourdough bread that’s been brushed with dijon mustard and grilled.

Thai House 5143 Ming Ave.

Thai House brings Bakersfield all the traditional tastes of Thailand right down to the décor. If you love real authentic Thai food or want to try some, this is the place! Stop by for a lunch special that comes with white rice, soup, and salad. There are a lot of dishes to choose from but we recommend the BBQ chicken with Thai Spicy Sweet and Sour Sauce for $7.59. You’ll never eat chicken without this sauce again!

24th Street Cafe 1415 24th St.

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, or brunch, 24th Street Cafe won’t steer you wrong. A friendly local atmosphere will have you calling yourself a regular in no time flat. And did we mention they’re consistently serving up great bites? If you wake up hungry, you have to try the Tri-Tip and Cheddar Cheese Omelette. The tri-tip is perfectly seasoned and tender and the melty cheddar will give it just the right kick. Get it topped off with avocado for a total of $8.99.

Cactus Valley 4215 Rosedale Hwy.

This Rosedale staple has been serving up delicious Mexican food in a festive atmosphere since 1993. Catch live music on Saturdays or head in for lunch and order the #1: a Flour Tostada stacked with your choice of meat, and all the traditional layers including beans, lettuce, tomatoes, and cheese for only $5.75!

Cafe Med 4809 Stockdale Hwy.

At Cafe Med, you’ll find a locally proven fine dining experience day or night. Pull up a chair for lunch at their Gourmet Shop and enjoy a Roasted Red Pepper Sandwich, a local favorite, for $6.99. The red peppers are topped with fresh mozzarella, sun-dried tomato aioli, lettuce, tomato, and onion—all on a rustic roll. Add soup or salad for only $1.99 more for a gourmet lunch at just about $9.

Izumo Japanese Restaurant & Sushi 4212 Ming Ave.

When the sushi is good, word gets around. And Izumo Japanese Restaurant is a place you will want to tell your friends about. For just $7.90, get the Izumo Special which includes a California or Spicy Tuna roll, tempura, chicken teriyaki, yakisoba, miso soup, and salad.

Chalet Basque 200 Oak St.

Just like a European grandmother, Chalet Basque makes mouthwatering meals that are good for the soul. With $7 and some change, you can feast on the Lamb Dip sandwich! The tender lamb is second to none and the sandwich itself comes with a salad and crispy fries. The fries are perfect for soaking up all the juices from the meat and the savory dipping sauce.

Joseph’s 3013 F St.

This fantastic Italian eatery will fill you up without emptying your wallet—but you’ll love the food so much you’ll want to keep eating, long after you’re full. While all the dishes are flavorful and traditional, we say the Rigatoni (for only $9.05) is the best bet. Perfectly spiced sauce over perfectly cooked noodles. Plus, you get soup or salad and freshly-baked bread with your order.

Uricchio’s Trattoria 1400 17th St.

In the tradition of an authentic Italian trattoria, guests are met with a warm and friendly atmosphere in this long-loved downtown restaurant. Take a seat and enjoy their great service for lunch or dinner. If you’re heading in for the midday meal, we suggest getting the Half Sandwich (Italian, of course) with soup or salad for just $8.95.

Valentien 3310 Truxtun Ave., Ste. 160

Fine dining for $10? Yes, it’s possible at this local staple for high-end French cuisine. Bag a Beef and Brie Baguette, a sandwich full of tender beef smothered in gooey Brie cheese for $10 on the money or grab a $6 serving of the soup du jour. Either way, you will feel fancy and full.

Victor’s Mexican Grill 6500 Brimhall Rd., Ste. 504

This new restaurant is quickly becoming a local favorite, offering quick and tasty burritos, tacos, salads, and more. We recommend wrapping your hands around a Chicken Burrito for $5.75. The chicken is spiced to perfection and the burrito itself is filled with traditional complementary fixin’s. With a price that low you can throw in chips and guacamole for only $2.45.

Shake ‘n Buns 2517-A White Ln.

This is a different kind of drive thru. The new burger joint is causing quite a stir with giant savory burgers and loaded sides. But we’re a big fan of their California Chicken Sandwich. It’s a boneless fried chicken breast with Swiss cheese, bacon, avocado, and shredded lettuce on a toasted bun. And it comes with a medium fry and a drink.

Happy Chopstix 4725 Panama Ln., #D8

Let Happy Chopstix put a smile on your face with one of their generously-portioned combos. At a price that will make you happy, try the Combo B for only $4.59! Seems a little generic, sure, but you get to pick two delicious items (we suggest the Mushroom Chicken and the Mongolian Beef) and your plate is topped off with a heap of fried rice and/or chow mien. Don’t forget the medium drink!

Article appeared in our 28-5 Issue - December 2011