I was returning back to the OC from a BART (Bay Area Road Trip), which I generally made about every 3-4 months and by chance, have been to this particular Chevron a few times.
As many fellow yelp*ers have mentioned, you're not going to find the best gas rates here... 'After all, if you're stopping in the middle of nowhere, to fill up the tank, they're gonna charge you the "Bend yo' @ss over that barrel," prices. My tank was a little less than ¼ and that's the only reason I stopped as probably 90% of the other travelers did too... 'And this lone station out here on the 5 FWY, knows it.
I generally don't make too many stops on the drive unless I have my dog, HAPA, with me such as this particular trip. My stops usually range between 15-20 minutes, then right back on the 5 FWY. (This stop was no different.)
Inside the convenience mart - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chevron-bakersfield-5?select=QwSWDl_Q_sq_4gYOWgSlTQ#QwSWDl_Q_sq_4gYOWgSlTQ
This Chevron had a wide selection of snacks, drinks, junk food, car oil, and whole bunch of other random crap that no one would ever need on a drive... It was like a convenience mart and a flea market had a child that no one talked about. After all, who the hell stops in the middle of nowhere to get gas, use the restroom and on the way out goes, "Hey, I need this kitschy, ceramic bust of a wolf!... I've been looking all over for this!!"
"I gotta have this!" - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chevron-bakersfield-5?select=2--seolSWiaMttJEfN3ltQ#ZC5IOqg995UnmVf9rwIZ-Q
The bathroom was okay, nothing that stood out from your average gas station restroom. It wasn't like one you might find at a 5 Star Michelin restaurant but it didn't look like the gorilla exhibit @ the zoo either. It was your stinky @ss, don't touch anything w/your bare hands, good ol', roadside crapper... 'The norm.
However, if you're ever making that 5 FWY drive and want to use one of the nicest restrooms you'll ever find on the road, look no further.
Harris Ranch (Coalinga): http://www.yelp.com/biz/harris-ranch-inn-and-restaurant-coalinga
One of the yelp*views mentioned flies all over the place which I didn't see too many of... I finished fueling up, took the HAPA for a potty break & we were back on the road.
**IF YOU DON'T HAVE TO STOP HERE FOR GAS, DON'T -
Photo - http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/chevron-bakersfield-5?select=2--seolSWiaMttJEfN3ltQ#KTU_C1KApBAEMbIa8aRvZA
If you don't have to stop here, get gas someplace else... Preferably in an area with other competing stations and not THE ONLY ONE around to fill up the tank because chances are, the prices are going to be a bit higher than not. However, if you have to stop here, "Brace yourself... 'And think of a happy place."
- Aloha!
Food: n/a
Ambiance: 3
Service: 3
Value: 2+