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    Ethel's Old Corral

    4.2 (99 reviews)
    Closed 11:00 am - 9:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

    Ethel's Old Corral Photos

    ETHEL'S OLD CORRAL ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Loud
    Divey
    Casual
    Live music

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    Recommended Reviews - Ethel's Old Corral

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    Campo
    Michelle G.

    Stopped by for drinks and snack. Tonight was steak night and the dinners coming out of the kitchen looked solid if on the small side. The drinks were perfect not too heavy a pour while you know alcohol is there. There is a wide mix of clients from workers to older folks. This is dive bar with friendly staff.

    Bar & Dining area very cool
    Leonard W.

    It's been years since I've been out to Ethel's. We decided to meet at 11:30, I was warmly greeted by Ashley as I entered. 3 TVs in the main dining area pictures and memories on walls rustic comfortable feeling, large outdoor patio area with views of foothills close to the Kern River I was a little early Ashley brought me over a gigantic ice tea. There were 3 tables of workers enjoying their lunches. My guys showed up and Ashley had their beverages in a flash. After a few minutes of BS we got down to the business of lunch, 1 patty melt 2 pastrami's and a cheese burger all with fries. Ashley was out in about 10 minutes with our orders. My Patty melt was excellent, generous seasoned burger with a thick slice of grilled onion complemented by 2 cheeses all on toasted rye, fries were crinkle cut and good. The pastrami's were loaded they looked delicious as well as Kent's cheeseburger. We solved many world problems while enjoying a great lunch. If you haven't been out to Ethel's stop in, you won't be disappointed

    Front
    Jenna C.

    We've driven by this place so many times I can't count but have never stopped in to try it. Today was the day and we found out that the ownership just changed 7 months ago. The owners of the Knotty Pines another favorite diner of ours now owns it. This was exciting news to us. The place is western and had a fun chill vibe inside. They are redoing some of the chairs so there are some metal chairs temporarily but that is okay. We met the new owner and he's really nice. Friendly and helpful s out the menu. I order a Diet Coke and it tasted funny but they were quick to swap it out. We got the appetizer sampler with fried okra, fried zucchini, and fried jalapeño poppers and all of it was good. My husband got the pastrami and said it was good. I had a small bite and agreed. Probably our favorite thing. I got the deep pit tacos and was less impressed. They had an overwhelmingly burnt taste to the meat that overpowered all the other ingredients. I wouldn't get them again. I did get the peach cobbler to top off the meal and it was delicious. Overall, a great experience and we will go back to try more in the future.

    Excellent taco salad
    Darla A.

    Classic Bakersfield hang out. Service with a smile. Nice western decor including local music history photos. Outstanding food including lunch and dinner specials during the week. Hubby had the taco salad which he really liked. I had the patty melt with a salad (nice fresh crisp lettuce, tomato cheese, beets and tomatoes). Portion sizes and quality of food are great. Cold beer and drinks make for a day or night of fun

    Pastrami (I added the mustard)
    Dez D.

    so good!!!! Absolutely love this place. Had the mozzetta cheese sticks too and they were bomb! Highly recommend

    Welcome!!!

    Amazing Experience here at Ethel's Old Corral! Met the owner and his wife and the locals were friendly! I will be returning for sure!!!

    Laura G.

    Food is very well made and the servers are friendly and attentive. The restaurant has a traditional old western/country diner ambiance, making a fun local pit stop.

    Ethel's Old Corral with new floors and a door leading to patio seating.
    Tina C.

    Hey there! I just wanted to share my recent visit to Ethel's Old Corral. My husband and I went there for a late lunch/early dinner after our eye doctor appointment. We had a fantastic time at this charming, old-fashioned, western-style cafe. The moment we stepped in, we were greeted warmly by the friendly hostess/waitress who led us to our table. We chose a cozy spot by the window with a great view of the Tall Indian that marks Ethyl's on Alfred Harold Hwy. The waitress handed us the menus and took our drink order right away. Our drinks were served quickly, and we placed our food order with her. I ordered the pastrami sandwich with fries for $15.00, while my husband ordered the deep-pit dinner priced at $15.00 also. While we waited for our food, we enjoyed the pop and country music playing on the jukebox. I couldn't help but notice how the new owners had significantly improved the place, including new floors and overall cleanliness. It was my first time back at Ethel's Old Corral since Ethel herself worked and owned the place. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised by the fantastic work of the new owner. (Check out the pictures!) Our food was served quickly and was piping hot. I have to say - Ethel's pastrami sandwich was one of the most delicious sandwiches that I've had in a long time! The meat was piled high, and the sandwich was perfectly juicy without being too greasy. And those crinkle-cut French fries were amazing! I don't know what the chef did to them, but they stayed hot throughout our meal. As my husband put it, "These fries are addictive!" I also had a taste of my husband's Deep pit meat, and let me tell you, it was smokey and tender! His dinner came with a roll and a cup of beans with cheese. I was so engrossed in eating my sandwich that I completely forgot to take a picture until I had already eaten half of it. Oops, my bad! Don't worry, I did take some photos of the cafe's interior. It's so charming and clean, you'll love it! Overall, Ethel's Old Corral was the perfect place to stop for a bite to eat. We had a great time, and we're definitely coming back for other meals. I highly recommend it!

    Is this Ms. Ethel in her Prime?
    Gary I.

    Good ole Ethel of the Old Corral may have come from somewhere in Texas, maybe Big Spring. This may be the quintessential symbol of the Bakersfield of old when Big Oil & Country Western were king.  It borders near the huge, expansive, dystopian oil fields of the Standard Oil Corporation where pumps & derricks can be seen in a desolate landscape where many trees stand like sun bleached dead skeletons.  "Don't Tread on Me" flag waves high as well as a culturally appropriated giant Native American statue of a people whose lives were killed & lands stolen away. So it seems that the very sentiment of not tolerating being treaded on goes out the window if you're the one doing the treading.   Big crowd, many in casual, country-western garb gathered around the bar. The stygian interior contrasts against the harsh sunlight outside so it's like a cave accentuated with nasal Country Western sing'in. You can save yourself from having to drive all the way to the Permian Basin.   Buffalo Burger double patty is the best buffalo burger since the time I ate one at the Catalina Island Airport arriving on a friend's Cesna years ago.  Nice aged, gamey blood minerality, beefiness. Seems flavoured with a sort of Lawry's seasoning spice salt & black pepper.  Cooked perfectly between medium rare & medium so the reddish pink interior & slightly charred meat is moist with a pleasant chaw.  Condiments included sweet sour pickles, sharp greenish yellow Peperoncini, purple onion, tomato, green lettuce.  I ordered ripe, creamy avocado & lightly smokey strips of salty, porky bacon. Buffalo burger made in heaven via Bakersfield.  Side of french fries are thin, house cut skin on. Fried to a nice crispness for the most part, but Benji's Belgian fries still reign in Bako.  The amiable waitress suggested Lagunitas IPA. Loads of bitter hops, sweet, heavy body Good acidity, treacle, brown sugar toastiness that could handle the buffalo.  If you're hankering for a great buffalo burger and Country Western music, Ethel's Old Corral can't be beat.  Big outdoor patio in the back as well as indoor table seating.   I may not always agree with Ms. Ethel's Weltanshauung. However, 4 stars for food only.

    Deep pit samich
    Charlie S.

    I have driven past this place probably 100 times and never stopped to eat but today our family decided to go have lunch there and I'm glad we did. I know it's under new ownership so I can't compare. Anyway, It was a pretty cool place, they had a live band going with some country music. It was busy, but the waitresses were attentive. Our food came out in a timely manner, and everything was Great. We had a pretty good size party and they were very accommodating and arranging things so we could all sit together. That was a plus. Everyone liked their food. I had the cheese burger with fries. It was your standard burger but was good. Fries were great. Tried some of the deep pit my sis had and that was really good. We also got a sampler with green beans, zucchini, poppers and mozzarella sticks. All of them were great. We will defiantly go back as soon we can!

    several trucks parked in a parking lot

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    12 years ago

    Great place to get together for food and music. Ride a bike or a horse ? Everyone's welcome I love this bar!

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    Page 3 of 3

    Ask the Community - Ethel's Old Corral

    Review Highlights - Ethel's Old Corral

    My 10 year old son ordered the cup of chili and we split an order of deep pit tacos.

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    Pour House - Cuban Sandwich

    Pour House

    4.0(127 reviews)
    6.8 mi
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    This tucked away upscale blue collar Bar & Grill is not to be missed. As with all of Chef Lino's…read morelocations you can count on delicious food and good service. Britney was my mixologist today. She made a yummy Tito's Martini for me. I was impressed right from the start. She made my martini, then she noticed something wrong, she poured it out and started all over with a new glass. Now that's good service and attention to detail. Kieran delivered my order of the pork belly popcorn. OMG, what a delicacy. It was sprinkled with Parmesan and sautéed jalapeños. It was accompanied with red pepper aioli & hot sauce. The pork belly was crunchy and rich, the sauces flavorful. What a Treat! Try. It you'll like it! Friday nights they have live music inside. Friday & Saturdays they have Karaoke in the back patio.

    We've been to The Pour House twice now, for the live music and the fun, laid-back atmosphere. If…read moreyou're looking for a true Bakersfield local hangout, this is it. The dive bar vibe is exactly what you'd hope for, and everyone from the servers to the bartenders is incredibly friendly and welcoming. The food is a bit more of a mixed bag. The menu is pretty limited, with no plant-based options. I ordered the Fettuccine Alfredo, and while it was very cheesy and comforting, it really just needed a generous amount of black pepper to bring the flavors to life. My husband had the Chicken Alfredo and enjoyed it. He also ordered the clam chowder, which he said had good flavor, but it arrived cold enough that the bowl could have used a little warming before it was served. For us, The Pour House isn't really about the food, it'sabout the experience. Great live music, a relaxed neighborhood feel, good drinks, and genuinely awesome people behind the bar make it a place we'll happily come back to on Friday nights. If you're looking for a casual spot to grab a drink, listen to some music, and enjoy one of the friendliest crowds in Bakersfield, it's definitely worth checking out.

    Photos
    Pour House - This rib eye special with delicious sauce was so amazing, the hit at our table. Wish this was an option on the regular menu!!!

    This rib eye special with delicious sauce was so amazing, the hit at our table. Wish this was an option on the regular menu!!!

    Pour House - The beef stroganoff was delicious, highly recommended by our waitress

    The beef stroganoff was delicious, highly recommended by our waitress

    Pour House

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    Tiki-Ko - Old school back door with the delivery lights still working

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    4.5(295 reviews)
    4.5 mi
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    My favorite place in town! I am so thankful to have a tiki bar located so close to me with such…read moregreat bartenders. If you are looking for a great community, look no further than here! Tiki Ko is constantly holding weekly meet-ups for tiki bar fans and I highly recommend the Explorers Club on Tuesday if you are looking for something to do during the week! They also have Mug Club on Wednesdays and trivia on occasion, so there is a reason to go for everyone! Just make sure you eat before as they don't serve food.

    Haven't been in here for probably 15 years. It's changed- a bit. I love Tiki bars and I go to every…read moreTiki bar I can find. It's tiny- like a lot of tiki spots. Decor is nice. Little hidden gems. Lighting is dark with bits color and neon popping through. The Bar Top curves around the bar- there are two booths that seat 5-6 and two short tables next to them- one seats 4- the other will comfortably seat two. There are a few bench style seating areas at the front with some short coffee tables. Think- skater tiki bar. The drinks were good- small menu if you're not sure what you want or are new to tiki. Both sides of the menu are the same menu. There are some nice mocktail options as well- you don't see that often. The service for me is mixed- it wasn't busy- steady but not busy- 1/4 full. I ordered two drinks to start for our table- (no cocktail servers here/not unusual for a small Tiki bar) I asked for a soda water- the bartender looked at me without a word- popped open a can of soda water and walked away. When he walked back by, I asked for a glass of ice- he said nothing and I got an eye-roll huff. I almost left. I don't think providing a glass with ice to pour your canned room temp soda water in, is too wacky an idea to be perturbed by the request. The female who took the order was friendly, smiled and was professional. We got a third cocktail- the Mai Tai. The grumpy bartender was friendlier this time. So, that helped. Maybe he felt overwhelmed and I threw off his groove by asking for water- then a glass... either way- being annoyed wasn't cool. The music.... Wasn't Tiki- it threw off the "Tiki Vibe" and made it feel typical small local bar that serves only Tiki drinks with some Tiki decor. It didn't take you to the land of Tiki- disappointed. Drinks were good.

    Photos
    Tiki-Ko - The old school neon lights

    The old school neon lights

    Tiki-Ko - Inside decor - Tiki-Ko

    Inside decor - Tiki-Ko

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    Honey I'm Home

    Honey I'm Home

    4.2(210 reviews)
    1.5 mi
    $$

    Took the granddaughter the other night with MoMo. We had a blast the place was only about half full…read more. The server was spot on and took time taking our order. Around the dining area are a bunch of TV's with all of your old time favorites. That is if you are from the 60's on. I ordered the fish n chips. It came with 3 filets with were friend to perfection. Someone the absolute best I've had in Bakersfield. The coleslaw could've been made by my mom from Georgia. I was a great Southern Slaw. The fries were cooked perfectly. A nice crunch but yet a little soft center. After dinner we had to hit the ice cream. The once Scherbs that was known to be at Brookside by Cal State then City Sandwich has it's home in Honey I'm and has been for a while. All in all it was a great experience and delicious dinner.

    The first time we visited sometime last year my husband took me to breakfast on a random Tuesday…read moreand I was impressed, so we recently came back on a busy Saturday brunch and they STILL impressed me. Service was fast, staff was pleasant so everything was fantastic! So far, food has been good and I definitely will come back. It's way on the other side of town for me, but it's nice seeing lots of brunch options in Bakersfield these days. Breakfast is my absolute favorite meal of the day, so it's nice to know I have another option. There's lots of parking which is a plus, the other places struggle with parking which makes it hard to visit. Restaurant looks clean, it looks family oriented and they have tons of options for the family. They have tons of tables too, so there's room for everyone. The place stays busy so you know the food is fresh and they keep your coffee cup filled. I'm not sure how long this has been here since I barely visited last year, but if you haven't stopped by you definitely need to check it out.

    Photos
    Honey I'm Home - Central seating area

    Central seating area

    Honey I'm Home
    Honey I'm Home - Waiting Area

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    Waiting Area

    Ethel's Old Corral - tradamerican - Updated September 2026

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