Tina's is a unique, eccentric restaurant experience. Tina cooks and sings and waitresses and sings and washes dishes and sings. She quite good, actually. Tina is friendly and fun, the decor, ala 50's/60's kitsch, lots of plants, slightly spooky, but Huell Howser would have loved it. When you walk in, you will immediately get a warm welcome, but more to the point, Tina dishes out huge portions of comfort food. Make sure you tell her how you want your eggs, or you will get pot luck (fried, over medium). The building is *ancient*, it used to be an old West hotel, but it is sparkling clean, seriously. The menus, the table, restrooms, super clean. My husband and I had eggs and hash browns, hash browns were decent, with a nice slice of melon and lots of buttered toast. The prices are very reasonable, and if you are a true traveler, and not a "tourist," you will appreciate the interesting locals who come in. Bring a flashlight for your trek through the back room to the restrooms. It's a good place to stop, you will never forget it! read more

Every week, my small group of retired guys get on our Harleys and ride somewhere for lunch. As many times as we have made the loop from Hwy 101 over 58 to 33, then West on 166 back to Hwy 101, we had never stopped at Tina's in Maricopa, mainly because Maricopa business district is not all that inviting. However, today we stopped at Tina's Diner. What a pleasant surprise. We were greeted by Tina, who was a joy to meet. All the table cloths are American flag design. We are Vietnam vets, so we got into a short discussion and found that Tina's husband was 101st Cavalry in Vietnam and their son has done three overseas tours currently serving in the Coast Guard. So, that was our introduction. The menu is diverse and splendid. It was just after 11:00am, and she said we could order anything we wanted. We ordered breakfast. I had the best Veggie Omelette I have ever had. The vegetables were fresh from a local grower. One of my buddies had oatmeal (I mean real oatmeal) with bananas mixed in. Another of my buddies had French toast so thick he couldn't finish it all. I finished the omelette but I couldn't finish everything on my plate. The meal was certainly a generous portion. Needless to say, this is on our list of destination restaurants whenever we head over to Maricopa. Next time, I'll try the oatmeal; or, maybe I'll try the French toast............... read more

Eric Y. and J Q. (boyfriend/girlfriend below in March have their own (separate/combined) "issues" (read their 'other' posts on restaurants and vendors). This pair sounds like sullen wannabe 'Restaurant-Cops' and not "Gourmet Restaurant Critics'. They are 'roadies' and don't know what Maricopa has been through; and Tina's is the only business left on 'The Strip'. Tina has been here for over 40 years (the oldest eatery in town), mostly solo and the only surviving restaurant...world-renowned...and one of 5 remaining businesses. Her regulars (including all the 'electeds; and newsies) know a different "Tina's". I've been here for 8 years and find her food and service superior with 'beyond large & fresh' portions and taste (including hamburgers, salads and outstanding soups...lo-sodium). Many times I have observed and interacted with other patrons, local and from "The Coast", SoCAL, NoCAL, nationally and internationally (look at her logbook). None have ever left unhappy or hungry...always pledging to return. And that includes the free dinners she's shared with the less fortunate (needy and worthy). I challenge Eric and J Q to return incognito (my treat) to accept Tina's graciousness and best. Call ahead. I'm in the book. Dick A. read more

It was such a pleasure to dine here. For me, it was like having a home cooked meal from my grandmother.. Thank you so much. Blessings.

Just passing through from a business trip to New Cuyama, we stopped into Tina's Cafe for lunch. It's a tiny little place in a very old building and has lots of unique decorating. Tina is a bright ray of sunshine! She treated us like long lost friends and the food was plentiful and delicious. A bright spot to an otherwise stressful day! Give Tina's a try! read more

Great find! And not just because it's the only spot in town. An experience, of the good kind: friendly host and mounds of good food.

When in Maricopa?? Tina is really friendly and super nice. She is the waitress and the cook etc. Big portions and reasonable prices. Surprisingly very good. Ask her about where she grew up. read more

I called Tina's diner after she was showing closed on this application: not only she told us to come over, but she cooked a fresh diner on her own. That really was a thrill for us after driving from San Diego on our bikes, getting cold & tired. Not only Tina was very pleasant and cooked very well, but she also sing while preparing our meals. It also was very cheap for such a fresh meal! Thank you Tina and keep it going read more

It's late and dark and we're both starving. My boyfriend looks up restaurants nearby, giving me the option of Mexican or diner food. Considering I just had a burrito for lunch, I decided on the latter, and boy, was I glad I did! At first glance, Tina's Diner appears to be an antique store. Clad with porcelain angel figurines and knick-knacks of all sorts, the aesthetic is surely enough to keep one busy while waiting for food to arrive. Now, don't even get me started on the food! I had the garlic shrimp, and it was scrumptious. Absolutely delightful. The fries were wonderful, too, and the soup was so good that my boyfriend kept stealing spoonfuls. The service is equivalent in quality to the food; Tina is so lovely and welcoming. And the overall experience was so pleasant in general. read more

It was a pleasure to meet Tina and such a wonderful experience to have breakfast.. I love Corned beef hash with eggs read more

Tina's Diner - Comfort Food Near Me - Maricopa, California

My husband said eating at Tina's is like going to Grandma's for dinner; similarities: warm smile, homemade food that was made and served with love, comfortable and clean armosphere. The amount of food and quality of our dishes, for the price, makes me wonder how Tina is turning a profit. Highlights of our meals included outstanding homemade fries, a unique side salad (which was a meal in itself) and a homemade hamburger patty. read more

AMAZING! Tina's is like eating at home without the work. Real food made fresh. Large portions and super reasonable prices! We will be back. read more

What? Foods available here? Yes! Well, if you want a sandwich then go to Subway, if you chips then go to the gas station, but if you want a meal that's not over 20-45 minutes away, I would definitely stop by HERE! No lie, coming into the restaurant you might feel a bit awkward and like an outcast (says the chick with short hair and those skeletal shoes on,) but you will soon realize its alright. Coming into the place i felt like i was intruding in my cool aunts house. Tina has a ton of classic dolls and little wagons, small tv, cool potted plants and many 1950's type memorabilia. I went with a hunky hot guy and Tina greeted us once we came in. She was kind and very informative. We overlooked the cool newspaper cut and paste menu and i finally decided on being damn bad. I had a side of hash browns, biscuit and gravy and french toast (yup i ordered french toast). It looked like i was eating for five, she definitely hooks it up! The hash browns were tasty (nothing from mars, they were just good), the biscuit was a bit dry but the gravy was pretty good, the french toast was pretty good (she used brioche bread)! The hunk got himself the fried chicken steak. He liked it, for the most part but he loved the carrot pineapple salad (which was TAST-Y!). Definitely great place to stop by and grab a hearty meal. Just make sure you finish whats on your plate! =D It might not taste so good after a few hours. Tina is also filled with tons of information, she gave us pointers about a couple places i wasn't aware of in Bakersfield. Like rainbow market! =D read more

I've been coming here for over 15 years. Tina runs this place all by herself and manages to keep the restaurant clean, service on point, and food phenomenal. I'd give more than 5 stars if i could. read more

This place deserves 10 stars. We stopped by because we were skydiving and needed some food close by. The inside is cozy and inviting. Tima is awesome and not only whipped up massive portions, but provided great company as well. We had enough food leftover to have as another meal for dinner. Def coming back! read more

After a trip to Carizzo Plain National Park yesterday 3/27/2016, we stopped by this diner for lunch. It was the first place we drove by on our way home so we decided to try it. The place had no customers. That should have been a red flag. As we sat down and no one came over to greet us. My boyfriend had to get a menu from the next table. Several minutes went by, still no one approached. There were 3 children in the diner who I guess are the owner's kids. Finally after about 25 minutes, a woman came over and took our orders. My BF ordered a hamburger sandwich and BBQ beef sandwich for me. Our food order took a VERY long time to come, about 45 minutes or more. I mean.... we the ONLY customers there! The sandwiches came with soup or salad. I had the chicken noodle soup which was very salty. My BF had the salad which looks pathetic. Hamburger was dry and small ($8.95) My BBQ beef was soaking in bbq sauce so the bun was very soggy. I discarded the bun. Then it was time to pay. My bf went to the counter to pay. When we were on the way to our car, he told me the he was billed 30% higher than the menu. price. Reason given was we were given "more food"?? No check was provided. First of all, we DID NOT request for "more food". The food were terrible, we only ate half of it. it was a regular size serving. The hamburger from McDonalds is much bigger and better. If I knew we were overcharged, I wouldn't have paid for the "extra charge". This is totally unacceptable and a rip off. But my BF said he was so pissed that he just wanted to get out of there. He was fuming on the drive home. It ruined our wonderful day at the Carizzo Park So-- STAY AWAY from this diner. What a SCAM! Jo Q Los Angeles, CA read more

I ordered chicken fried steak with eggs and hashbrowns. Very hard to even cut the chicken fried steak with knife terrible flavor left 3/4 on the plate. Tina is super nice and talkative however the food this time was not good. It sucks to have to write this because I love Small places like this. read more

Tina is so cute and so funny! She is super lovely and I love talking with her! I ordered a chicken sandwich and it was so delicious. Big old hunk of chicken and perfectly toasted bread onions, pickles mustard. She gave me two big bags of clementines and I bought a whole bunch of potato salad from her. I was very pleased and love this place full of character! read more

I stopped at Tina's on my way back from LA. An old school diner with a friendly crowd. The Double burger and fries were large, tasty and all home made. Even the fries were cut on site. Tina's warmth and charm made the stop all the more pleasant. If you want to break up the drive from LA to the Bay, head to Maricopa and then you can parallel the I-5 through the oil towns along CA 33. read more

What a great lady and good cook. We will definitely be back!!! Start your day out with this happy lady!!!

Tina makes a trip to/through Maricopa not only worthwhile, but a must if you are going to the Corrizo Plain for wildflowers, or Taft or just going to the coast from I-5. She is the most delightful person with the happiest, cheeriest, most upbeat personality you will ever meet! She is absolutely wonderful and if she hasn't other customers (probably happens too often during middle of winter or summer mid-week or non-wildflower times, but it doesn't get her down at all). Since Maricopa is a town now hardly there, ask her some questions about herself, her town, her diner, her experiences both in the Philippines and in the US. Just chat her up and you'll want to spend a lot of time with her in her quaint little diner. She really does sing all the time she's working! The plates coming out of the one-woman (Tina) kitchen looked appealing and freshly made. I had eaten just a little before I arrived in Maricopa so only had a soda pop, but left double the price because she was so much fun...and I really hope she didn't mind that I didn't order anything. Next time through Maricopa, I'm coming hungry...and hoping I'm the only one there so I can monopolize Tina's time! While there, I met Charlie of the sassafras cane...another wonderful, friendly character who lives in Maricopa. Great fun to talk with him! I'll be back!! read more

Amazing service! If you want a home cooked meal this is definitely the place to go! Food was delicious

Great little diner in the desert. Tina is great, really chatty and helpful. Food was decent and cheap, we had no complaints at all. Diner itself is slightly worn but it just adds to the whole charm of the place. Unfortunately we are unlikely to be passing again but if you are in the area ignore Subway and drive slightly further to experience Tina's. read more

Tina was a wonderful personable server. Chili omelette was very good. We also got the Denver omelette which was great. The only thing that we did not like was the Kraft American cheese product used instead of real cheese. The french toast was also good. Overall Tina's service was top of the line and the food was decent and portions were huge. A good place to stop on your way to or from Carizzo Plains. read more

Tina of Tina's Diner in my opinion is a nice place to eat. Specially her breakfasts and hamburgers. She serves generous meals. Always greets you with big smile.Jo Q and her boyfriend are full of buls--t. Thank you Tina. Hope to see you next time. Turkish Delight......... read more

After wildflower visit stopped by Tina's for ice cream and also had omelette steak and cheeseburger. Fresh and good sized portions. Very homey and quaint country style with cherubs everywhere. Was able to talk with Tina very wonderful person. Made our Sunday afternoon. read more

Tina was such a sweetheart! Delicious homemade food in a cozy diner. Very cop friendly as well. Definitely make a stop here if in town. Get the fries! read more

Always a "just like home" experience. Mama T's restaurant offers an experience that will make you feel like you're home for the holidays. The food is always delicious and the fruit always fresh, and coffe for breakfast is hot and fresh. What more can I say? I love good customer service, and Mama T's offers the best in that department, that the food is so good is a plus. I love Tina's Diner and would not mind sharing Maricopa's best kept secret with those whol love food and good treatment in a relaxed atmosphere. read more

As a truck driver, I always wanted to stop by, so I stopped in for lunch. I was greeted by Tina who very kind and very friendly. I ordered a burger and fries, salad and a coke. The salad was great and big, and so was the burger. The feeling and the atmosphere felt like a small town feeling. A man sitting at the counter (named Charlie) who is a lifelong resident of the area would tell stories which are very nice to hear. Tina and Charlie made me feel very welcomed to be there! I would definitely come back to this place! It's worth it! Thanks Tina and Charlie! read more

I stopped to eat at Tiba's dinner on a Tuesdayy morning. I was the only customer at around 10 am. The first thing I noticed were the flower pots inside and outside. She also has a lot of curios and ornaments on the walls inside. Its an old dinner with a lot of character. Tina came out from the kitchen and greeted me and offered me a cup of coffee and then asked me to have a sit. I ordered pancakes, eggs and bacon with fruit on the side. The portions seemed big and tasted good. I took my food to go but she still tried to carry a conversation with me as I sat on the counter waiting for my order. Looking at a mural on the wall it seemed like the dinner was once a hotel. I asked her about it and she said it was a hotel once many years ogo before a big earthquake nearly destroyed the town of Maricopa. She seemed like a happy older lady who reminded me of my mom. Right before I left she poured me more coffee but on a a disposable cup for me to drink on my way home. Next time I drive by Maricopa on my way to the coast I will stop at Tinas Dinner again. read more

Tina's offers a great breakfast for those trekking out to the Carrizo Plain or the Oildarado area. She cooks fast and keeps you company, too! read more

Great little place! Tina the owner is super awesome and funny! She was our waitress and the cook and the was delicious!! We would definitely go back!! read more

We had a great dinner here. Got to meet Tina in person. We had the breaded grilled pork chops. The salad was a nice surprise with potato and macaroni added to the regular salad. The soup was a nice big bowl of beef noodle. The pork chops were two large portions, with a baked potato and a side of fruit. The price was also reasonable as well. read more

Best lunch ever. The place is a true oasis in the desert. Tima (correct spelling) is a gem. The food was delicious, the portions generous... The hot roast beef sandwich and the salads were great, and the fries were the real deal--freaking amazing. I have no idea if I will ever be in Maricopa, CA again, but if I do, I feel like I need to bring Tima a present or something. Love! read more

Tina's Cafe was the highlight of my recent 500 mile bicycle ride from Sacramento to Oceanside ! We had a wonderful dinner & breakfast there and as a 77 year-old lifelong Californian ,I can not remember a more enjoyable off-beat place in any region that still is in business . Don't miss it if you can because it is well worth a detour. read more

Went on a Friday evening, they close at 7 but stayed open until almost 8 for our group of seven. The salad was gigantic with potato salad, macaroni salad, carrot salad and lettuce. Then came the delicious homemade chicken noodle soup with cracked wheat sourdough bread. Then the main course of two large breaded pork chops, real mashed potatoes and gravy and a slice of melon to top off a delicious meal. The prices were very reasonable and the servings very large. Will definitely try to eat here again! Tima and her helper were very friendly and accommodating. read more

if ever for some crazy reason your in maricopa this is the only place still open ...Tina the owner was very nice the food was great... big servings ...has that old time vibe ..... i will be back read more