Cheap Eats

Written by Bakersfield Magazine

Café Med

4809 Stockdale Hwy.

If you like a side of great food with your ambiance then Café Med is the place for you. Belly up to the bar or grab a seat al fresco and you’re ready to be transported to a balmy island resort. And while you’re there you could enjoy the sensational (and very popular) Strawberry Vinaigrette Salad topped with fresh strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, and candied pecans ($7.95) or the Meadow Salad ($9.95) with field greens, chévre, and crushed almonds, ladled over with a preserved lemon vinaigrette. Need more than just a salad? Chow down on the Falafel in a Pita ($9.95) with Greek Salad and Tehini.

The Crest Bar & Grill

5025 Wible Rd.

There are still a number of hidden treasures in Bakersfield and we here at Bakersfield Magazine endeavor to “out” every one of them. The Crest Bar & Grill (located at the Bakersfield R.V. Resort) is a gem nestled amongst a hive of motor coaches. But don’t let the swank, up-scale appearance fool you; breakfasts top out at $8.95 for a fluffy made-to-order omelette and a classic French Dip runs only $7.95. Health-conscious diners will love the Fresh Garden Pita Pocket stuffed with a bounty of fresh veggies ($6.95) and from the Light Bites Dinner Menu, the freshly-grilled hamburger is a steal at $8.95.

La Costa Marisocs

716 21st St.

It seems that in Bakersfield everywhere you turn there’s an opportunity to go South of the Border and sample yourself some authentic Mexican food. That couldn’t be more true than when you dine at La Costa Mariscos. On any weekday you can enjoy a Lunch Special like a cup of their hearty, home-made soup and two Shredded Beef Tacos for only $6.95 or the sea-faring Enchilada Del Mar, a bargain at $7.95. Of course La Costa hasn’t forgotten the vegetarian patron who will definitely enjoy the grilled Veggie and Rice Burrito with sides of rice, beans, and salad.

Sushi Kato

3631 Rosedale Hwy.

If you feel like taking a trip to the Orient but only have an hour for lunch then your best bet is to stop by Sushi Kato on Rosedale. Their Lunch Box Specials will tantalize for not a lot of coin. Starting at only $9.25 the Chicken Yakitori & Tempura comes overflowing with miso soup, shrimp and vegetable tempura, rice, and salad. And if sushi gets your taste buds dancing then the 5-piece Sushi Express combo with miso soup is your first-class ticket to enjoyment. As an added bonus, Sushi Kato offers a delightful “Happy Hour” (from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.) with 50 percent off the sushi menu (like the wonderfully spicy Bear Mountain Special Roll—normally $11.75 but only $5.88 which makes for a very happy hour and a half).

The Orchid

9500 Brimhall Rd.

It’s classy, it’s up-scale, and it’s affordable! Lunch at the revered Orchid won’t cost you an arm and a leg, just a Hamilton or less. Tofu in an Emerald Curry (green curry with coconut milk, bamboo shoots, and basil), served with a choice of white or brown rice is only $8. Chicken Stir Fry in a spicy ginger and garlic sauce—the same, $8. Of course we have a favorite soup—the Tom Kah Lobster Bisque (can you say “delicious”?). And it’s only, yep, you guessed it: $8.

Luigi’s Restaurant & Delicatessen

725 E. 19th St.

Tasting as if everything came from a rustic cucina, Luigi’s brings Italy to our doorstep with their generations-old recipes. On just about every tray leaving the kitchen is Giovanna’s Gourmet Salad with candied pecans and walnuts, blue cheese, and a positively sinful Balsamic Vinaigrette over baby greens (large is $8.50) and Barbecued Beef Sandwich (Wednesday and Thursday only for $7.25). It will satisfy both ends of the culinary spectrum. Of course one couldn’t go wrong with the Pasta Bolognese with Spicy Italian Sausage (small is $9.25) but you might haveta ask for extra Pyrenees bread to scoop up the delicious, Italian goodness.

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar

1120 Calloway Dr.

Located on the scenic corner of Brimhall and Calloway, Hourglass is hard to miss, and harder to pass up for their delightful array of lunch nibbles. A Half Chinese Chicken Salad will only set you back $7, and so will the Half Chicken Cobb or the Half Southwest Chicken Salad. Add on a Paradise Iced Tea for $2.25 and you’re still under the $10 cap. For something a little more fun and filling try the Blue Cheese & Onion Sliders with Sweet Potato Fries for $10.

Hungry Hunter

3580 Rosedale Hwy.

Whether you live in Bakersfield or are simply passing through, you’ve no doubt dined at the Hungry Hunter. If you haven’t (for shame!) then you ought to try the Smoked Turkey Reuben (it comes on grilled rye with choice of fries or coleslaw) for $8.59. Heartier appetites will love the half-pound Angus Sirloin Burger with all the trimmings ($7.99). Personally, we like to add blue cheese and red onion (only $0.59 each) for a truly custom taste.

Frugatti’s Italian Eatery

600 Coffee Rd.

Although the parking lot could use its own over-pass, Frugatti’s is worth the trip. Lunch sandwiches such as the Frugatti’s Special piled with ham, salami, pepperoni, and provolone ($7.99) or the Baked Chicken Sandwich ($9.59) are served complete with crisp, green salads. You might also enjoy a Daily Lunch Special (like the #9: a Personal Pizza with melty cheese or pepperoni served with a frosty beverage for only $9.59).

Sandrini’s

1918 Eye St.

A favorite for Bakersfield diners and for so many good reasons. The staff is friendly, the location is quaint, and the food is excellent. And such a great deal! Grab a Spicy Trio Pizza (with capicolla, pepperoni, and salami for $9) or a Lamb Sandwich smothered with provolone, caramelized onions, and a rich lamb gravy (also $9). For dinner you can feast on Linguini & Meatballs (served complete with soup or salad) for just $10.

Que Pasa

2701 Ming Ave. & 9000 Ming Ave.

With two locations to serve you there is no reason you shouldn’t get your fill of excellent Mexican food no matter what time of day it is. Lunch Combos start at a mere $5.95 for a single item with beans, rice, and great service or $7.95 for two items when you’re particularly hungry. For only $7 you can feast to your heart’s content on the Enchilada Especiales Tradicional. And for the more adventurous, they have an amazing Cabo Ahi-Tuna Salad ($10) with seared Ahi tuna over mixed greens, corn relish, and all the flavor you can heap onto a single plate.

Asia Market/Teriyaki Bowl

3699 Ming Ave.

Ordering by the numbers has never been easier or more tasty! Grab a #1 with Szechuan Beef or Spicy Chicken over white rice, an egg roll, and a frosty beverage for only $3.99. Hungry for more? The #3 Deluxe Combo ($4.99) comes with potstickers, a beverage, and two different entrée items like the Japanese-inspired Cognac Pepper Chicken and the House Special Shrimp.

Vallarta Grill

1011 Columbus St.

If you want a little of everything from American to Mexican and even Salvadorian, then Vallarta’s is the place for you. A different lunch special for each day of the week (such as a sizzling skillet of Chicken or Beef Fajitas) will delight at only $9.95. If you have seafood on the brain, then the Dorada ($9.95) will keep you happy and a poultried-variation of a classic Ecuadorian Soup (Pollo Encebellado for $8.95) is a favored meal amongst Bakersfield locals.

Javi’s Tortas

6300 White Ln.

Because we have opposable thumbs, eating with our hands is a right and privilege only those on the top-most of the food chain can enjoy. Thus the Torta was created! Starting at just $5.75, Javi’s Tortas are a pollical-dependant’s delight (such as the Uruguay, with chicken, bacon, and cheese or the Hawaiian, with ham, pineapple, and cheese). With over thirty variations to choose from and a host of accoutrements, Javi’s Tortas aren’t your average hoagies.

24th St. Café

1415 24th St.

It seems unbelievable, but everything on the menu here is under a 10-spot, including the items on their all-day breakfast menu. So, you can fill up on down-home cookin’ until your belt has to be loosened. Sink your teeth into a Grilled Hot Link Sandwich with sizzling hot links, green bell peppers, onions, and melted American cheese on toasty sourdough bread for only $8.25. Or if you’re dreaming of ocean fare, try the Solid White Tuna Sandwich on toasted cracked wheat. It’s piled high with Albacore tuna salad, dill pickles, sweet pickles, onions, celery, sliced tomatoes, and crunchy lettuce. And at $8.50, that’s a lunch that can’t be beat—especially because all their sandwiches come with your choice of soup, salad, fries, macaroni salad, potato salad, potato chips, fresh fruit, or cottage cheese.

Pappy’s Down South BBQ

4725 Panama Ln.

Blink and you might miss this one, so keep you eyes peeled! Cracking the ranks of Great Taste and Super Deals, Pappy’s brings it home with a smoky selection of fire-roasted meats, side-dishes, and home-made cornbread (starting at $8.45 for a complete meal with one meat item). A pulled Pork Sandwich and Sweet Potato Fries will only set you back $6.95 and a crisp, green salad topped with grilled chicken and sourdough bread won’t break the bank at only $6.45.

Bill Lee’s Bamboo Chopsticks

1203 18th St.

It’s no secret that Bill Lee’s has a long and rich history in Bakersfield. Richer still is their commitment to affordable and quality food. Lunch Specials are served complete with pork fried rice, pan fried or crispy noodles, and a delightful selection of main dishes including Orange Chicken or Sweet & Sour Spareribs ($7.75). Of course one could always savor one of their Dinner Combination plates such as Pineapple Chicken Sticks ($9.75) or the Hawaiian Won Ton Dinner ($9.95). Each are served with pork fried rice and pork chow mein so you’re sure not to leave hungry.

Big Popy’s Deli

1927 20th St.

Big Popy’s is serving up lunch in a big way. Mile-high piled sandwiches like the Grilled Chicken Panini ($7.50 for juicy grilled chicken breast, avocado, melted provolone, Chipotle aioli, tomato, and red onion on a baguette) will only make you think you died and went to foodie heaven. A crusty Bread Bowl of home-made clam chowder (served on Fridays only—so get there early!) will warm you up and the Louie’s Crab Salad ($7.25) is quickly becoming essential Bakersfield eating.

The Happy Rooster

3220 Stine Rd.

Latin-inspired food can be as varied and complex as the numerous dialects of the Spanish language itself. Peruvian cuisine is no exception though perhaps a rudimentary class in the Spanish language might help when ordering. Still, once the Bistek Apanado (tender rib-eye lightly breaded then pan-fried for $9.50) hits the table you’ll feel right at home. But a sudden infusion of Asian influence will take a diner still further abroad with entrées like Kam Lu Wonton ($10) and delicately seasoned Roast Pork Fried Rice ($8.50).

El Portal

1100 Calloway Dr. & 6641 Ming Ave.

No matter what side of town you’re on, El Portal has got your back with affordable and tasty meals. Lunch Specials like the popular Enchilada Suizas or Asada Chimi start at only $6.95 and are served with beans and rice. But wait, there’s more. The vegetarian-friendly Burritos Azteca smothered in creamy, white sauce and melted cheese is only $8.95 and the Caldo De Camaron (shrimp) is sure to please at just $9.95.

Bonnie’s Best Café

1900 21st St.

If Mom had a restaurant, it would be Bonnie’s Best Café. They offer fresh, daily selections like the ever-popular Chinese Chicken Salad ($7.50) or one of the many made-to-order sandwiches (we suggest The Brummer, piled with salami, ham, jack cheese, and olive tapenade at only $6.95). By adding chips and a drink ($2.15) you can still tip the scales without emptying your wallet. And faithful customers of Bonnie’s wait all week ‘til Friday for their Grilled Cuban sandwich (a steal at $6.75) with ham, lean pork roast, swiss cheese, pickles, mayo, and mustard.

Fred’s Barbecue Factory

4208 Rosedale Hwy.

If you’ve been around foodie-types long enough, you learn that eating is really just another form of conversation and food is the language that the cook (or chef) is speaking in. How do you think the term, “made with love” came about? And we definitely feel the love with Fred’s Barbecue Boats heaped with meat, beans, cheese, onions, and lots of other stuff for under $7.95. Full meals (including chili beans, crisp salad, and a dinner roll) can be had for as little as $6.50 for a quarter chicken.

The Junction Restaurant

2620 Buck Owens Blvd.

When you’re frequented by off-duty law enforcement, you better have a hearty breakfast menu. Thankfully, The Junction does. The BPD Special, at only $7.95, can’t be beat (even with a night stick). It’s two scrambled eggs with cheese, chopped bacon, diced ham, and crumbled sausage, served with country potatoes and biscuits and gravy. For dinner, they’ve got just the thing to counteract that breakfast! The El Rancho Salad is a Southwestern treat for $9.95. Served in a crispy taco shell with charbroiled chicken on a bed of fresh garden lettuce, it’s topped with cheddar cheese, red beans, and tomatoes. Then they drizzle on their special dressing: it’s creamy ranch mixed with savory salsa.

Saigon Restaurant

3113 Chester Ln.

Like a song played on a solo saxophone (yup another musical reference), Saigon has all the sophisticated flavor you’d come to expect over-seas without the passport. Lunch specials like the succulent Shrimp Kabob with steamed or fried rice, soup and salad (Com Tom Nuong Voi Rau Cai for $7.89), and sandwiches (Paté with Pork Meat Loaf for $4.29) are inexpensive enough that you could add a Chicken Bok Choy Soup or zesty Chicken Salad ($1.99 each) and still not break the bank. Of course the hearty Vietnamese Beef Stew (Hu Tiu Bo Kho: $6.50 for a small, $7.50 for a large) is a crowd favorite.

Golden West Casino

1001 S. Union Ave.

When eating out, one shouldn’t have to roll the dice for a good deal. That’s why Golden West Casino makes sure everyone can beat the house. Offering up juicy burgers with all the amenities (from $5 to $7) and dinner entrées (like the scintillating Lemon Pepper Chicken served with a choice of rice or potatoes, fresh vegetables, soup or salad, and toasty garlic bread for only $9) there’s a chance your meal will score you a better return on investment than hitting on 20.

Grandview Asian Cuisine

2217 Ashe Rd.

Grand certainly describes both the ambiance and the delicious selection of dishes. While you listen to the soft trickling sounds of falling water you can enjoy a wonderful Kung Pao Beef ($6.95) or Shrimp in Lobster Sauce ($7.95) served with your choice of steamed or fried rice and Egg Flower or Hot & Sour soup. Of course their wide variety of vegetable (try the Spicy Braised String Beans for $7.95), noodle (Shrimp Low Mein at $9.95), fried rice or Hong Kong pan fried noodle dishes (Shredded Pork Fried Noodle at $8.95) will satisfy any appetite craving a taste of the Far East.

Jake’s Original Tex-Mex Café

1710 Oak St.

Comfort food has a name and that name is “Jake.” Smothering a heaping plate of Fritos with chili beans, your choice of meat, cheese, salsa, guacamole (taking a breath), sour cream, and onions is our idea of curled-up-on-the-couch goodness ($8.99). Jake’s also offers standard Tex-Mex fare (the Works Burrito for $8.49) and piping-hot bowls of home-made chili (Super Bowl with Chili and Beans for only $5.99) with a respectable kids menu (nothing over $3.99). Just don’t forget to put the cell-phone on “vibrate” before ordering.

Maui Pho Fusion BBQ Grill

4001 Ming Ave.

With a little surfing action on the Bakersfield turf, Maui Pho blends the best of Hawaiian and Asian cuisine into sumptuous meals. The largest Pho (a Vietnamese Noodle Soup that can be prepared with beef, chicken, or even fish meatballs) will only set you back $6.99 and won’t leave you wanting for more. We’re also told that the Walnut Shrimp ($9.99) is “to die for” but we’re hoping to live a little bit longer to enjoy more Pho on the go.

Kento’s Mandarin B.B.Q.

7850 White Ln. & 4550 Coffee Rd.

There is something special about Mandarin cooking as it really does represent the best flavors of all the Chinese regions of cooking (and there are five to be precise). Offering the deliciously deceptive meal-in-a-bowl, you can have your choice of Teriyaki Beef ($3.69), Shrimp ($4.69), or Sweet & Sour Chicken ($3.49) with vegetables. Add on Fried Rice for only 25 cents and your meal is complete! And if you’re feeding friends or family, take a look at the Family Pack: It can feed up to six people (that’s only $4.98 per person!) and includes all your favorites like Orange Chicken, Egg Rolls, Chow Mein, and Fried Rice.

Spencer’s

10437 Rosedale Hwy.

Scour Spencer’s menu like we did and you’ll find but a handful of items over $10. A hearty, artery-clogging Meatlover’s Skillet (that comes with every meat under the sun!) complete with country potatoes, two eggs any style, and toast or biscuit and gravy for only $8.99 will amply fill the morning void. So will a stack of buttermilk pancakes topped with strawberries and whipped cream ($7.99). And if you’re dropping by for lunch or dinner, a down-home Pot Roast Sandwich (comes with fruit on the side so you don’t feel too guilty for $8.99) will definitely hit the spot. And the ever-popular Chicken Strips (with 4 sides for only $9.99) will stave off any craving you could possibly muster.

The Q Rib Shack

9425 Rosedale Hwy.

OK, it’s really a shack. But there’s plenty of outdoor seating with a nice view, so enjoying a smoky dinner of Tri-Tip (half-pound with chili beans, garlic bread, and a salad at $9.99) can be very entertaining. Of course they have a nice selection of sandwiches for the lighter appetite (Chicken, Pulled Pork, or Tri-Tip starting at $5.99) and classic backyard bar-b-que sides such as macaroni salad and coleslaw (both $1.95).

Las Salsas

10818 Rosedale Hwy.

Taking another dip into the Latino culinary pool, we suggest Las Salsas for all things South of the Border (and south of $10). With everything under the Southwest Sun like Enchiladas de Camaron (Shrimp Enchiladas with a rich-n-creamy garlic sauce for $8.50) and perennial favorites like Enchilada Suizas (Chicken Enchiladas topped with a savory chile verde for $7.50) we know you’ll be saying olé! If you’re not faint-hearted, tango your way to a Chorizo Burrito smothered in zesty red chile sauce (“wet”) for only $5.

China Bistro

9000 Ming Ave. & 4000 Coffee Rd.

The folks at China Bistro don’t rely on smarmy talking pandas to peddle their food. They rely on fresh ingredients and reasonable prices. In fact, nothing on their menu (except for the Party Platters) is over $9.49! Their Combo Plate Specials are a real steal. For only $4.59 you get a steaming bowl of fried rice, chow mein, and your choice of entrée (we went with Pineapple Chicken). Each additional entrée you add is only $1 more. Kick things up a notch with a spicy selection of Kung Pao Chicken (2-quart size served with steam rice for $6.49) or Tofu with Spicy Garlic Sauce (also $6.49).

Blue Elephant Thai Cuisine

8200 Stockdale Hwy.

Get all “Thai”-ed up at the Blue Elephant. You can enjoy the best of old Siam without having to set your calendar ahead 543 years (it’s the year 2552 in Thailand). A lunch Hot Pot of Tom Yum or Tom Kah will only set you back eight and a half bones while a savory Red Curry with Chicken is only $9.95. But our favorites are the Box Dinners To Go, many under $10 like Thai BBQ Beef and Pab Prik Pork Loin; all of which come with rice, crisp salad, and a spring roll. Now we really know why Anna hung out with the king.

Uricchio’s Trattoria

1400 17th St.

Lunch at this downtown dependable won’t break the bank at $4.95 for a steaming bowl of home-made Ministrone or the Broiled Italian Sausage Panini ($8.95). And if your Italian craving is for something a little more green then you’re in luck! A classic Iceberg Lettuce Wedge with a home-made Gorgonzola Vinaigrette will provide all the flavor you could possible want at only $8.95.

Narducci’s Café

622 E. 21st St.

For breakfast or lunch, Narducci’s has got it plated up and ready to serve. Most of the breakfast items come in at $9 or less, like Ham & Eggs ($8.50) or a build-your-own-omelette with a choice of three delectable ingredients for only $9. And for lunch, if good old-fashioned spaghetti is your thing, then the Daily Pasta Lunch Special ($7) or Dinner Pasta a la Carte ($10) is the way to go. Both include piping-hot garlic bread so you’re sure to get your fill with enough change left over to splurge on a decadent slice of Cheese Cake ($3).

Don Perico Mexican Grill & Bar

9919 Hageman Rd.

Kern County boasts a culturally diverse community. So it’s no wonder Bakersfield has the number of excellent Mexican restaurants it does. Don Perico certainly fits the bill with an assortment of Burritos or Fajitas (served with the obligatory rice and beans) all for under $10, or you can try a variety of something new with their Combination Plates, most at $9.25 or less. Best of all is their nod to the vegetarian diner with items like the Enchiladas Vegetarianas ($9.45) or Vegetarian Quesadilla at just $8.95.

Milt’s Coffee Shop

6112 Knudsen Dr.

With a savory Deep Pit Beef Omelette, comprised of Milt’s own deep pit beef and fresh green onions and cheddar cheese for only $8.50, you’ve got to drop by. Or take a break from the chain (restaurant) gang and enjoy a hearty 8 oz. Tri-Tip Steak Sandwich with fries for under $9. With a name like Milt’s, you know they’re not joking around when it comes to their entrées. Take their Pan-Fried Trout. For only $9.75, you’re served delicately seasoned and breaded Idaho trout. Not to mention the huge selection of dinner sides. After 5 p.m., it’s your choice of mashed or baked potatoes plus fresh vegetables. But don’t forget that buttered roll!

Thai Kitchen

9901 Hageman Rd. #200

Offering a selection of Thai-style Sushi Rolls (most less than $9.95) and traditional Curry dishes (Green Curry with Pork is only $9.95), Thai Kitchen raises (or rather lowers) the bar in price by giving up their entire selection of fresh-made Stir Fried entrées for $9.95. Top it all off with an Iced Thai Coffee (a magazine favorite at only $2.50) and you’ll need a palanquin just to get back to your car.

RJ’s Bar & Grill

9440 Hageman Rd.

RJ’s has got everything wrapped up...figuratively as well as literally; providing the casual diner with a Classic Club ($8.99, side dish included) and a fine selection of hot sandwiches—perfect for cooler weather—including a stout Open Faced Hot Sicilian smothered with melty provolone cheese on a soft hoagie-style roll ($8.99, side also included). But we love the Build-Your-Own 1/2-pound (that’s 8 oz., folks) Burger (starting at $6.99) where adding fresh sautéed garlic and crumbled blue cheese puts you back only $9.73 (and, you guessed it—it comes with your choice of fries, onion rings, or another tempting side).

Tina Marie’s

2000 Chester Ave.

Smack dab in the heart of downtown Bakersfield sits the quintessential urban-chic café known affectionately as Tina Marie’s. Offering the denizens of downtown their fill of breakfast omelettes (all for $8.89 or less) or even a hearty 8 oz. Rib Eye Steak and Eggs bonanza ($9.99), Tina Marie’s takes care of their lunch crowd, too. So if their Ultimate Sourdough Burger (served with choice of fries, potato salad, soup, or salad for $8.49) doesn’t fill you up then perhaps their signature Tina Marie’s Salad (half-order at $6.99, full order at just $8.49) made with Albacore tuna and everything but the kitchen sink will do the trick.

Quick One Chinese Cuisine

9440 Hageman Rd.

I’m only Hunan (and Sechuan to boot). While we couldn’t help but try and bring back the Human League, one Oriental restaurant keeps people coming back for more. Every one of their mouth-watering Chicken, Beef, Pork, Vegetable, and even Seafood entrées fall well short of our $10 cut-off. And with a Lunch Special at just $5.55 (try the spicy Kung Pao Shrimp with Pork Fried Rice and a refreshing soda) you’d be hard-pressed to find a better deal.

Country Boy Drive-In

10211 Rosedale Hwy.

Kickin’ the pants off of any fast-food chain in town, the Country Boy Drive-In has value in the bag. For under $6 (sorry, Carl’s Junior) the zesty Teriyaki Paul Bunyan with a half-pound patty will assuage any craving for beef one might have. For a quick dinner-on-the-go you can’t beat a full 3-piece down-home Chicken Dinner with crinkle-cut fries, toast, and a crispy, green salad for only $6.22.

Bakersfield Magazine is not responsible for changes in menu or pricing. Any prices listed are current with establishment’s menu at the time of publication. Prices and promotions are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Article appeared in our 26-5 Issue - December 2009

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