Noriega's - Bakersfield

This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in the world! The food and service are consistently top-notch, and the old-fashioned family dining experience is simpl... read more This is absolutely my favorite restaurant in the world! The food and service are consistently top-notch, and the old-fashioned family dining experience is simply the best!

Always such great food and great service! This place never disappoints read more Always such great food and great service! This place never disappoints

Such a great place and great food! We cannot wait to come visit here again! read more Such a great place and great food! We cannot wait to come visit here again!

We dined there on Saturday night. The entrees, served family-style at long communal tables, included Oxtail Stew and Garlic Fried Chicken. Our meal started with... read more We dined there on Saturday night. The entrees, served family-style at long communal tables, included Oxtail Stew and Garlic Fried Chicken. Our meal started with thinly sliced pickled tongue, beans, salad, sourdough French bread with butter, cabbage soup, potato salad, and broccoli spears with a touch of mayo, all accompanied by a lovely house red wine. Following that, we enjoyed the main courses, and for dessert, we had pistachio ice cream and coffee. Remember, it’s all-you-can-eat, so be careful not to overindulge at the beginning or you might miss out on something delicious! I particularly loved the Oxtail Stew, served on a plate with tender, meaty oxtail pieces alongside carrots and potatoes. It was fantastic—much like pot roast. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with both patrons and staff being incredibly friendly. At one point, everyone sang “Happy Birthday” at least 5 or 6 times, much to my granddaughter's delight, as she got to experience hundreds of voices singing just for her! If only we lived closer, we would definitely become regulars! The food and atmosphere were fantastic—definitely worth a visit!

I arrived on Saturday without a reservation and found the restaurant completely booked. I got on the waiting list and fortunately managed to get a table. I orde... read more I arrived on Saturday without a reservation and found the restaurant completely booked. I got on the waiting list and fortunately managed to get a table. I ordered the oxtail stew and garlic fried chicken, and they were incredible! It reminded me of my grandfather, who used to drive over the Grapevine to Bakersfield in his 1930s V8 Chrysler coupe, raving about how fantastic Noriega's was. It truly remains the best! Everything is included in the price, even wine and dessert, for just $24. This place is a piece of living history—don't miss out on it!