Food is absolutely wonderful and has a good variety. Cost is getting to be a bit prohibitive.

I remember this spot from when I was a kid so I know it's been around for years, I just don't know why I waited so long to try it. I also know through friends and acquaintances that this is a favorite local spot for many people, so I may catch some flack for this, but here goes...First time here. I had an appointment nearby so when my wife suggested a lunch date, I couldn't think of a better opportunity to try them out. As soon as we entered I was immediately put off by this "cafeteria" style ordering. For one, I tend to always feel rushed in these types of settings and I would prefer to take my time to look over the menu. Secondly I can't stand that restaurants (or any business for that matter) have the nerve to inquire about a tip before I've even eaten and less than 5 minutes after I walked in the door. Nevertheless I played it safe and settled on an original shredded beef sandwich, add mayonnaise, no cheese with BBQ sauce. Briefly admired the side orders before feeling rushed by the growing crowd behind us, added a slice of lemon vanilla cake, and ordered a drink. The shredded beef on this sandwich was near perfect. Tender, flavorful and juicy, no problem there. The problem is I can't understand with all that goes into the care and quality of producing such a good product as the shredded beef, you're telling me that the bread and/or bun it's served on has absolutely no relevance? Disgraceful. This is a restaurant, not a backyard BBQ. Is it asking too much to show a little care and consideration for the bun? How in the world can you serve a sandwich on a plain, cold, un toasted, un grilled, raw bun?? Charging 14$ for a plain sandwich with mayonnaise on a raw bun is wild. I did enjoy the shredded beef but just as I expected the majority of the bun was a soggy mess (which is why you don't serve on a raw bun) I tried both the chocolate and the lemon vanilla cakes and they were about the same in terms of being a moist cake that is completely slathered in a thick frosting that is far too sweet. I don't know what it is about this place but It's definitely not the shredded beef sandwich, or the chocolate or lemon vanilla cake... read more

See all

I've lived in Bakersfield for a long time and had never tried Jake's Tex-Mex on Oak Street. Why? I have no idea. We stopped in for lunch and it was pretty darn good. The parking lot is pretty tight, especially for a pick up. We entered, the menu is hanging on the wall right before the order counter. You pick out what you want and the server serves it up fresh. We chose the shredded beef plate. We got to pick two sides and chose coleslaw and Jake's rice. The service is quick and friendly. There's more than enough food for two. The atmosphere is nice. One of the few restaurants that has the volume level of music just right. There's a lot to choose from on their menu. Don't be like me, if you live in Bakersfield, you have to try Jake's Tex-Mex. read more

See all

Love that this place is set up cafeteria style so it doesn't take long to get your food but can't believe how expensive it is for cafeteria style food. We were headed to a hockey game and didn't have a lot of time. I got the tri-tip salad light and my husband got a chicken sandwich and of course, a piece of cake. The chicken sandwich was dry and needed a lot of BBQ sauce and salsa for flavor. There is no table servers so the only interaction you have with staff is them putting your meal together when you first come in. I guess they seem friendly enough. I feel like every time we come the plates are getting smaller. Not saying we'll never be back as it seems like eventually, we always do. I'm just saying it's definitely not on our frequent or even common places to eat. read more

Jake's - Garlic Chicken Sandwich - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

BEST DEEP PIT in Bakersfield. A must if your a deep pit fan. After getting this place reccoemnded by a good friend, my wife and I popped in for dinner and we LOVED IT. Came by around 5pm for dinner and we got to order right away. The service is cafeteria style where you order what you want and move through the line and pay at the end. I went with the deep pitch sandwich and that THINF WAS AMAZING. Quality, Taste, Price all a 10/10. I couldn't get over how GOOD this sandwich was. My wife got a few sides and loved them all. Her favorite was the macaroni salad and chili beans that had tri tip in it. Overall, we will defenitly be back again. For the price this place really is serving some amazing food at such great quality. Make sure to check them out next time you are wanting to try some thing new. Thanks Jake's for the great dinner, till next time! read more

Jake's - Deep Jake's Original Pit Beef sandwich - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

I used to LOVE this place. I had it again after a few years and it's not as good as I remember. Food was very bland with not much flavor. I would not return or recommend. The only reason why I have it 2 stars was because of the cake. Service was bad. For me a simple hello " welcome goes a long way ! Workers looked at me up and down and did not crack a smile . Place does not feel welcoming ! Like I said I would not return even if food was free .... Do better Jake's read more

See all

I love Jakes. We like to come on Saturday when my kids can look for the golden armadillo. The staff is always friendly and helpful. The ambience is so much fun. There are so many things to look at I'm pretty sure I find something new to read or admire every time I stop by. My favorite to order is the Salad lite with chicken, pasta salad and Parmesan. My husband love the shredded beef sandwich with extra BBQ sauce and my littles like the chicken quesadillas. For dessert we always get the cookies. I also would like to say that they catered my wedding and they did a fantastic job. Everyone was impressed and loved the food. read more

Jake's was a pleasant surprise. I usually gravitate toward more traditional Mexican food since that's what I grew up with, but this Tex-Mex really hit the spot. I ordered the chicken taco salad and ended up finishing the entire thing but it was very filling and flavorful. I don't come here often since this was a company order, but I genuinely enjoyed the food. The only small downside for me was the salsa, it wasn't as spicy as I would've liked. Overall though, a solid Tex-Mex option in Bakersfield and definitely something I'd enjoy again. read more

Great dinner. Wife ordered the light salad and I ordered the tri tip burrito... both super delicious. Never a bad meal at Jake's Service was friendly and fast. Ambiance was nice, quite, and clean read more

Jake's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

I have eaten at Jake's many times over the years. In all those visits the food has been consistently good. Their sandwiches and taco salad are some of our go to favorites, not to mention their chocolate cake and cookies. Improvements over the years include better seating and parking. Thanks Jake's for being a reliable place for good food. You are on my list of locally owned favorites. read more

Scrumptious for lunch! I don't usually like barbecue but my coworker had a craving and requested Jake's. I ordered the pit beef plate with cheesy potatoes and pasta salad. A fresh baked Pyrenees roll with creamy butter was the perfect accompaniment. The pit beef was juicy and tender and flavorful. I ate it with a Texas style salsa. The cheesy potatoes were a little dry but had a good flavor. Pasta salad was unique as it had both spiral pasta and a ramen style pasta. It had a good balance of vinaigrette and Parmesan. My coworker had the chili which had actual chunks of steak. She said it was delicious and devoured it with their fresh corn bread. Of course, we had to end our meal with a slice of their famous chocolate cake. The cake is moist and the frosting is very sweet. I could only handle a few bites but I can see why so many people love it. We did take out but the service over the phone was prompt and friendly. I had plenty of food and ended up eating the rest with my daughter for breakfast the following morning. The flavors melded and the food was even better! If you like barbecue, Jake's is a phenomenal locally owned eatery to check out. read more

Had pasted this place on several occasions and being new in Bakersfield I am still trying new spots so decided to stop by and give this place a try. Food was really good and filling. Serving size was way more than I could eat. Chili was delicious and hearty. Service was really good and staff friendly. Place had a nice vibe with great decor. Will definitely come back read more

See all

Their taco salad never disappoints. Their quality of food is always great! My go-to is the taco salad with Fritos and chicken. Super tasty and always a friendly staff. read more

If you've spent any significant time in Bakersfield, then you know Jake's. The service is always great and quick even when there's a line. The ambiance is original and the food is just plain good. There's not one bad item on their menu and don't skip their desserts!! Hometown favorite!! read more

This place is was an interesting find -- "cafeteria"-esque Tex-Mex food served by a gang of teenagers. The decor is very Texas which is on brand for the food style, and if you find the golden armadillo you get a free dessert which I think is pretty cute. The food was alright. The tri-tip was tender but the rest of the sandwich was pretty mediocre. I'm not sure if I understood the combination of toppings but whatever. The macaroni salad was decent -- not too mayonnaise-y which is always a risk with getting mayo. I liked that they ordered a 1/2 sandwich 1/2 side deal which is what I got. read more

Jake's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Customer service will be the downfall of many wonderful businesses. My family and I have been coming here for years, have always loved the food and environment of the place. The past 3-4 times we've came in not once have we've been greeted with a smile, a hello, nothing. Then when ordering it feels like us customers, are inconveniencing the employees. Not only that, it's the demeanor of their service. Aggressive and LOUD tone in their voice, attitude. I even had a tray snatched from my hand when trying to put it back. We continued to come back, giving it another try, giving the staff the benefit of that doubt, but our last experience has us totally taken back. Despite the delicious food, we don't see ourselves returning. Sadly. read more

Been a customer and fan of Jake's for years! Hands down my favorite place to get a salad in Bakersfield! Don't let the name fool you, the salad lite is packed with flavor. My go to add in's are chicken, Parmesan broccoli, pasta salad, ALL the toppings (a must) and blue cheese. All the ingredients are so fresh and the broccoli and pasta added in elevate the salad! I always have leftovers which I love. Also, always have to get the chocolate cake and this time picked up the chocolate chip cookie sandwich and they were made with chocolate cake frosting in between! Absolutely delicious. If you are a salad lover, this is the place to go! read more

Jake's - Salad Lite with Chicken - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Food quality, customer service are my beef about this restaurant in recent years.It was outstanding 30 plus years ago as the Beef & Beanery.

I had eaten here before and enjoyed the chili and burrito, so decided to give it another shot. Ordered a tri-tip plate to go. When I got home I was surprised to find the sides, bbq sauce, but no tri-tip in the container. Bummer, but mistakes happen. I called and the manager offered me 20% off my NEXT order, and after a little pushback, reluctantly told me he'd refund my order after implying I was making it up. After having me read my credit card number over the phone several times to initiate a refund, manager said my card would be refunded. Transaction was posted to my card anyway. Don't give me the order I paid for, blame me, and then lie about a refund. Horrible service. read more

Jake's - "Tri tip" plate I was served to go (where's the beef?) - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I have loved Jake's for 30 years--my longest relationship my favorite is probably a salad lite (the name is a misnomer--iykyk). It's hard to screw up nachos, but they are amazing here! The lemon cake is heavenly. Great chili. I can't name a bad thing! read more

Service is good, used to be a fav of ours but the chicken is not at all as good as it used to be, it's dry and as if they are using freezer burnt meat, portions are smaller and prices increased even the cornbread is half the size it used to be read more

Little salad was o k Beef sandwich was bland and dry. Good thing the little bbq disuse and waterey hot sauce saved the day . Help was friendly . Parking was easy. read more

How can you not love Jake's? Always get a salad lite and load it up with different options. My partner gets the nachos and we share. Win win. Deep pit is the best I've had in town. Definitely check this Bakersfield gem out. Great lunch spot read more

First time trying here, parking is limited. They are also located near the intersection. Jake's is a cafeteria style place where you pick and choose which plate you'd like. I ordered a burrito since beef sandwiches aren't my favorite. Burrito was packed and huge, I wasnt able to finish it. Taste was alright. Overall, Jake's is a good place to have a quick lunch, price point is good, but then parking is limited/almost full in lunch hour, be there a little early. read more

Jake's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I got the shredded beef sandwich a bag of chips and 08er cookies they were all really good really well prepared. Everybody was super nice there from the ordertakers to the cashier to the waiters always nice and done a fabulous job. The theme was very nice. All the decorations were super nice. There is a waterfall out front made out of an old radiator very unique design I was telling my son I actually want one of those good job guys will be definitely visiting again read more

See all

Went here on a weekday lunch and for a week day, it definitely got quite busy very quickly. Service was fast and efficient but with the choices, I felt like I was holding the line up with the restaurant's cafeteria-style service. I believed I ordered a half-sandwich and side and I could not imagine how big their whole sandwich would be! The sandwich I had was filling and the side was soo good! I feel like I would need to try everything else to be able to pick out my favorite but not bad for my first time dining here - looking at that tri-tip and chocolate cake for next time! read more

Jake's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I visited Jake's on a Saturday afternoon. The dining room was pretty full but the staff here is definitely on top of getting tables cleared off and cleaned so there is always a place for people to sit so definitely want to give some kudos to the Jake's bus boys For doing an excellent job taking care of the guests in the dining room. The food was honestly just OK. I ordered the Works burrito with tri-tip and all the fixings which included rice beans try tip in a flour tortilla topped with guacamole shredded cheese , jalapeños and enchilada sauce. The tri-tip flavor was definitely the star of the show in the burrito. Unfortunately the rest of the burrito was not very hot I don't know if this was due to the amount of toppings that I had included on my burrito. Considering the amount of items that all made this burrito come together I really just didn't have enough POP of flavor. read more

Jake's - Works Burrito w/ Everything - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This place feels rushed if you aren't sure what you're in the mood for. I will say the potato salad and macaroni salad were really good. I don't understand the bread they pick for the tri tip sandwich. Some good tropical tea. Make sure you claim your seat before you order seating is limited. read more

See all

Always great service and excellent food. A welcoming environment that makes for a good experience. Don't forget to try their famous cake!

Food was good, I had the half chicken sandwich and the baked potato casserole. I tried the other sides and were all delicious.....Staff could use some improvement on customer service, felt like they didn't want to be there....the cookies by the register are excellent. read more

Decided to come in for lunch and try out the 2 meat plate. I got the tri tip which was very over cooked only 3 small pieces and I got 1 very small scoop of shredded beef. They also forgot my bbq sauce whichads the meal very dry. For $24 the price was unbelievable for the amount of food I received. The only reason for 2 stars is because the icing on the chocolate cake is good. I will only come back for the cake. read more

Good ole Jake's! We happen to be downtown and trying to think of a place for lunch. Jake's is tried and true. I have never been disappointed. I have turned to this place for many a meal or yummy treat. They have excellent everything and will help you create the meal you need/want for that moment. The staff is always on their toes and helping create the perfect meal for you. Their cakes are great. I love the chocolate. And the iced tea is amazing. I typically go for the tropical. Jake's is a great place to grab a meal to take to a friend. I've done that many times. You really just can't go wrong here!! read more

Jake's - Shredded beef and double side salad. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Their chocolate sheet cake is AMAZING! The icing is creamy, but not too sweet. The cake itself was so soft and moist! When I placed the order, I was given the option of getting sliced in either 35, 50, or 60 slices. I got 50 slices and they were the perfect size per person. I was told the sheet cake makes about 35 of the individual portions that they sell. So it's HUGE! It was so easy to place the order, as well. If you want really good sheet cake, Jake's is the place to go to!! read more

Jake's - Chocolate Cake - Full Sheet - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

"Unlike most cafeteria style joints, you order off the menu, tell us what you want, and our friendly staff prepares it while you're in line." Yeah, they write a nice description, but my last experience was not anything like this. I've been going to Jake's probably since it's opened many years ago. A little pricey but very tasty food. More than half the time (likely over 100x) I've ordered a "Half-family pack" by literally saying, "I'll take half chicken and half beef" to go. Yesterday, for the first time I ordered a Full-family pack by reading from the menu that lists on the bottom of the " Family Menu" Tri-tip. The "friendly staff" refused to prepare a Full family pack half chicken, half beef. The manager even confirmed they have never done half & half, even after explaining that it was done for me likely over 20- years. Feeling as if I was in a Twilight zone episode, I called back this afternoon and asked for an explanation. My mistake was saying Tri-tip instead of beef. Wow, they couldn't figure out they make two types of beef (tri-tip/regular). As a customer it was a disservice for them to not point this out. Finally, the reason I was told they will not split Tri-tip with chicken is because Tri-tip is more EXPENSIVE. Off topic from my complaint, I said that it made no sense to not substitute chicken, WHICH IS CHEAPER, for half of the expensive Tri-tip. The manger's response was silence, then repeating no splitting. Rod Sterling's episode came to a fitting end. read more

Jakes is a great lunch or dinner spot and has some great Bakersfield staples. I normally order a burrito and it is big enough to share. I took off a star because their meat tends to be extremely dry so it has to be eaten with some kind of sauce otherwise it is inedible. read more

Checked this place out for the first time, great portion sizes for the price. Tri tip was pretty good, cheesy potatoes were one of the best I've had. Staff was very friendly, and made our first experience a good one. Cool cafe style restaurant. read more

Jake's - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

Best country grub in tow. Been eating here since I was much younger. Everything is always hot and fresh. You might have to wait in line, but it moves fast. Dont forget to try the chezy potatoes. read more

See all

My favorite is The Works Burrito, I use to come here when I was pregnant with my first child, I loved their food so much and ate there often, that I named my baby after this awesome restaurant "Jake". Thank you Jake's, I've been coming to eat here ever since! And will continue to eat here at this wonderful restaurant! read more

The service and food here was really fantastic! Friendly staff, great food and seems their prices have remained unchanged while most other places have skyrocketed! We'll be back! read more

Jake's - Jake's Original Pit Beef sandwich and Sky High Burrito! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

The food was great I got the nachos and they were very good the salad and sandwich was also good! The service was amazing very quick and the workers were very nice! The ambiance is a country style experience and the seating is great. Will definitely be coming back for lunch again! read more