Great place to step down memory lane. Great food. We had the burgers and patty melt (which was late coming out, about 10 minutes after my burger) and I don't think we got the rye bread we were told it came on but rather sourdough? You judge in the picture. That says service was good and the food was good despite the questionable patty melt experience. read more

Ethel's Old Corral - Rye bread on a patty melt? Looks like sourdough to me. - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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. read more

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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 read more

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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. read more

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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 read more

Ethel's Old Corral - Excellent taco salad - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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

Ethel's Old Corral - Pastrami (I added the mustard) - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My husband was hungry for chicken fried steak. That is one of the specials on Wednesday night. He was told by an employee on the phone that their's is really good. He was very disappointed. It was about the size of a hamburger patty, tough and seemed reheated. We unfortunately did not take a picture. read more

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!!! read more

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Love this place. Friendly bartenders, great service and reasonably priced drinks. Highly recommended.

Always good service. I love the friendly way they always treat you. The food is comfort food and always big portions. I like everything on the menu. I want to try their Saturday breakfast. That should be great. read more

Great place excellent atmosphere little pricey but worth it got to dance floor live music on the weekends family owned indoor outdoor smoking area wheelchair accessible. read more

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! read more

Ethel's Old Corral - Ethel's Old Corral with new floors and a door leading to patio seating. - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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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! read more

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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. read more

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Fun place for a Sunday burger and beer. Feels like your in Texas or somewhere midwest.

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. read more

Ethel's Old Corral - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Went here Wed Aug 6, during a 1st date with my friend Diana. Absolutely loved it. The food is fantastic and you get a lot of it! My date had the chicken fried steak, while I had the Western Burger. Best burger I've had in a long time! Huge! Had to partially disassemble it to eat it! LOL. Awesome root beer float. Staff was great too. Small place but excellent! read more

I really liked this joint! Out in the middle of nowhere and you get the feeling your pulling up to a scene from "No Country for Old Men" and getting ready for a gun fight. The food was really good. I had two orders of the deep-pit tacos which come with hard shells. They have two tacos for each order. I was with a few others who really enjoyed their food. They had a fire going in the fireplace. It is a cash only place but they have an ATM inside. read more

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First a note: they only take cash and water is only served bottled. This is a really cute place, I'm glad I tried it! The menu is pretty basic with hamburgers, fries, nachos, etc. Your typical bar food. Prices are reasonable also. We went at lunch and it was pretty dead. There was one server and she was very nice and helpful. The kids wanted ranch with their fries and that was 50 cents each. The food was good. Nothing spectacular but it was just a fun experience overall so it was worth it. I ordered a burger wrapped in lettuce with a salad instead of fries (See photo). This seems like it's really a place for locals that has a great night life. I thought it was very charming. read more

This place is a surprising gem hidden on the outskirts of Bakersfield! My friend suggested I come to try out the pastrami sandwich and dang it didn't disappoint! This is not just your run of the mill pastrami y'all, this is thick as brisket, fatty, perfectly cured pastrami! Some people get the bread part on these things wrong, but owner clearly knows that a good bread needs to support a great meat! Servers were extremely friends and even got to say hi to the owner for a bit when she rolled by. Love the western vibe and the serenity around the area. I'm not in Bakersfield often, but when I get back in town I will be back! read more

Great place to eat and meet friends. My father took me to Ethel's when I was a kid. A burger chips and a coke or a candy bar. Ethel was a special woman and I loved her stories. Years later, I'd ride out for that burger horseback. This Western themed restaurant and bar has changed over the years, but still holds a special place in my heart. The new owners have another successful restaurant, so the food is great. Also, one of the few places for live music on the patio. I love this bar song comes to mind. read more

Great time and good vibe. This place is old school which I like. Now the service was excellent a nice home town vibe with good people.

Ethel's is the quintessential cowboy bar. It is everything you want. It's the best of Bakersfield. Friendly people. Cold beer. Great music. Good food. It's home. It's Bakersfield in a slice. I love it here. read more

Ethel's Old Corral - Freedom! - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Came out here this beautiful Saturday afternoon! Our waitress looks like the actress from nurse Jackie on HBO. Anyways...our waitress was sweet and had the nicest smile. Food was great! I had the chicken quesadilla. Normally chicken is hit and miss with me. Sometimes dry, not this one! It was juicy! YUM. Great place to visit with friends. Cool hang out for food and drinks. read more

Terrible. Too many people are not enough staff, and the staff that is here doesn't care.

Excellent food and service! Our waitress did a wonderful job and accommodated our desires. I loved the authentic setting.

Ordered a beer and tea. Waitress brought menus but never came back to take our food order. Waited over 20 min. Have no idea how the food is! Won't waste our time again read more

My husband and I found Ethel's by chance. We have a revel sleeper van and I called ahead to ask if we could camp in their parking lot. They got us permission from the owner herself and we're so grateful for their help! We had good burgers, awesome company, and great costumer service! Thanks Ethel's Old Corral!! read more

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It's gone down hill, we've been going here since the original owner. $16 for a paper plate of a sampler platter. The beer was warm, and to too it off they charge .50 a drink to pay for the band that they didn't disclose. The band was outside in a 107 degree weather and we ate inside, didn't even listen to the band. When we cashed out they tried to use our credit card for a different table and then cashed us out for the wrong stuff. Beware they are charging .50 per drink to pay for the band they hired. read more

Great atmosphere to stop by have a few beers and listen to music. On Sunday afternoons they have live music and is usually pretty full. Overall a great place to hang out. read more

Visiting from out of town, mainly stopped here because of the Indian statue outside. Got a menu, and returned later for the deep pit tacos. REALLY GOOD FOOD! The meat is well seasoned, very home like feel inside, with a wood fireplace. read more

So been here twice now. Had my bday aprox party of 10. Everyone but me and fiancé ate. We were having too much fun w family n friends by the time we thought about food they were clearing the place to close. Everyone in our party enjoyed the food! Came back today for lunch w my fiancé. Split the cheeseburger well done...yummmmm. My rave is about the phenomenal taquitos!!!! Never had anything close to these. The meat is deep Pit. Not stringy like most rolled taquitos. Golden and Crisped to perfection. Soft on the inside. The guacamole is just smashed avocado how I like it. Can't stand sitting guac that's stirred throughout the day. Side of sour cream. Can order salsa but I didn't. I mixed my sour cream with their table bottle of Pico Pica red! Which is the best!oh and they have Michelob ultra! And a fridge full of so many other chilled bottled varieties. Our server, cutesie blonde, Ariel was on point and attentive. She was solo but made keeping up look natural. Great bedside manner lol I'm a nurse so that's how I compliment personality!!!! read more

Before I get started, a couple tips to be aware of is that they are a cash only establishment but there is an ATM on site. They also serve water in water bottles and not cups. Both totally fine but worth noting. This was my first time at Ethel's! I don't know why I haven't stopped in the past as I've driven by tons of times. We decided to stop today for a quick lunch and it was the perfect choice. Great food made right! The menu is simple but every item is perfectly crafted. It was also very affordable. The vibe there was so comforting and you could tell from customers and staff alike that this place feels like family. From the gentlemen at the bar relaxing, the kids running in the fields in the back, to the waitresses that call us baby and sweetie that old fashioned country feeling sure warms the soul. From the moment we walked in we felt welcomed by everyone we came in contact with. We ordered a sampler platter and with that item you can choose three choices off the appetizer menu. We chose onion rings, fried green beans, and fried okra. I was excited as I had seen others with positive reviews of the okra. Unfortunately that is my one sole complaint throughout the whole meal. I believe the fried okra was frozen okra since so it was very slimy and raw under the breading. However, I don't place the fault for that on the restaurant as okra is not in season at this time. The onion rings and green beans were perfect! My kids even loved them and my ten year old requested we get the green beans again "next time we come." Always a big thumbs up! I ordered the build your own burger with a single patty (they do offer double as well as buffalo burgers) and I added cheese, Ortega chili, bacon, and grilled onions. There is an up charge but in this case I feel it is valid and worth it. There was no skimping on any of the toppings! I had a nice amount of each item requested and my burger was the perfect umami of flavors. It was nice and juicy, crispy lettuce, fresh tomato, smoky onions and bacon with a nice balance of Ortega and cheese. Easily one of my top burger experiences. Fries were also fresh, hot, and delicious. My 10 year old son ordered the cup of chili and we split an order of deep pit tacos. He declared the chili the best he ever had! The deep pit tacos were super delicious crunchy tacos loaded with toppings. Great tacos! We left happy and satisfied! My whole family can't wait for our next trip to Ethel's. read more

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This little place is a nice getaway for a Sunday motorcycle ride. Have been here a few times and there's a band that plays there regularly. Simple food and drinks, with an open outdoor seating area. read more

Went in Wednesday afternoon for a little pick me up was greeted by a nice bartender Kai who recommended the steak sandwich and it's killer, nice big ribeye steak you definitely won't leave hungry after that. Server was so fun and inviting i had to go in again Thursday for their steak night. Restaurant has a nice cozy home vibe to it and your server will treat you like family. Definitely a new regular spot for me. read more

Went in and the owner or manager was freaking out on a young server. Will not be coming back. Disgusting and dissapointing

Ethel's has an nice, outdoor patio area in the back. Tonight, we went for dinner and we had the pork chops, and the steak. Both were flavorful, and well portioned. Both came with a potato and one side (salad, french fries, or soup). The service was attentive, and the waitress did an excellent job of getting our food to us in a timely manner. Ethels is a true Bakersfield treasure, and deserves your consideration & attention as a possible lunch or dinner location. At the date of this posting, they only accept cash. We are going to be going back to try there Friday fish and chips special. read more

Food was really good. Menu is bigger now that Copes has take over. The service was a bit lacking. Once we got our food, which had one wrong item, we didn't see our waitress again. Even so, I'd go back for the food and atmosphere. read more

Lunch today at Ethel' with a big crowd that they were supposed to be prepared for. We arrived early, but our order wasn't taken for nearly two hours. Some in our group had finished their meal long before ours arrived at our table. The food was fine, but we won't be back due to poor service. read more

Anybody with a good appetite and good company should check out Ethel's. All the lunch specials or should I say daily specials are awesome if you like chili verde they have the best I've tried to live are they all over town & Ethel's has it every Tuesday and sometimes on Wednesdays and Thursdays. The staff agree check it out you won't be disappointed read more