I usually order the deep pit plate of stuff with potato casserole and macaroni salad and I have to share it...way too much food! Last night my friend and I went to Jake's for dinner. He wanted chili. I knew I couldn't order the plate for myself. I've only had a couple of items from the menu ever, so I decided to branch out. I ordered chicken nachos with Fritos. The staff asked me a bunch of questions. I apologized because I wasn't sure how to order. They were patient. No to beans. Yes to everything else plus melted cheese. My friend was sure about chili with no beans, but was waffling on just chili or the chili with potatoes. He got the potatoes. We got a chocolate cake and a lemon cake, too, even though we knew we shouldn't. They brought my nachos out with hot, gooey, melted cheese all over the top. Yum! They were really good. Dug into the whole thing for a few bites, then finished off the top and left the Fritos since I was getting full. Jalapeños were hot! Such a good addition. Sour cream and guacamole were on the side and I forgot about them until almost the end of my meal. Guac was nice and salty. Sour cream had a funny taste...fridge burn maybe? One bite was enough. My friend made lots of happy noise while he ate. Loved his meal. Cake was great also. I really liked the lemon. I'm not so impressed with the chocolate, not chocolatey enough for me, but my friend loves it. We took the leftover cake home and shared. read more

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I love Jake's so much but for whatever reason there was a giant splinter of wood in my salad today??? Almost impaled the roof of my mouth... no happy about that.. ill still eat here though. The tri tip is just too good... read more

Jake's - Seriously?? This is a large splinter, though... - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Good food. Servings are good! Clean inside and good service. I did get confused on the way you order the food the first time around, but the people are very helpful. read more

My go to spot for delicious deep pit sanwhiches. Very tasty and prepared in front of you, a cafeteria style line which moves quickly. Let's not forget the fresh salads and that wonderful fresh baked cake! The menu is straight forward and easy for ordering. Parking can be troublesome as this place is very popular! read more

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I have only been here a handful of times since I moved here because I just don't think of it based on location. BUT, when it does pop in my mind, I bug my husband relentlessly until we go! The pit beef is FOR SURE my fav. The seasonings used are suh good that I don't even want to cover it in bbq (which is insane because I always want all the sauce). I like the Italian broccoli salad, cowboy potatoes, and their side salads too. Croutons have a really great crunch and the ranch is pretty tasty! Obviously, if you have read other reviews, their sheet cake is pretty well know. My old job used to bring it in ALLLL the time and honestly, I never saw the hype. HOWEVER, we got both a chocolate and a lemon the last time we went and I love it after it's been in the fridge so the frosting thickens . read more

This place is fantastic.. not your typical buffet. They have a Works burrito that is piled high and fork friendly not hand held. The cakes are legendary and you'll enjoy them even if you aren't particularly a cake eater or full from your generous portions you'll have been served. Deep pit beef, or chicken, tri-tip, chili beans, potatoes and salads all are fresh and deliciously prepared. Locally owned and time tested for success. A Bakersfield staple. read more

Always delicious! Come at least once a month! Favorites include deep pit, tri tip, green salad and chili beans!

I can't say enough about this place and it's people! Sooo many options BUT my go to is the Taco Salad with chicken and both Fritos and tortilla chips. I add EVERYTHING except for Pico De Gallo (Just a personal preference). CHEESY Potatoes are LIFE! For dessert, the lemon cake is to die for! The 08'r cookies are a must as well! read more

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

Went there at lunchtime with the coworker and the place was packed! However the line moved quickly and we received our food in a timely manner. I didn't care very much for the chicken nachos that I ordered, but took most home to my husband who loved them. My coworker ordered a chicken taco salad without beans and was a little miffed that her chips got soggy quickly. So while it seems popular, which makes me believe a lot of people like the food, I probably won't be returning. Giving a four-star because my husband asked I do so. That's how much he liked the nachos. read more

Jake's - Chicken nachos with beans. - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

First of all, I have no issues with the food at Jake's but if you happen to pick up the chocolate sheet cake for a birthday party, make sure you don't arrive a few minutes earlier then what the actual pick up time that they have scheduled for you. They will ask you to wait outside if it's before 11:00 AM, due to the restaurant isn't open until 11:00 AM. I went 15 minutes early because my birthday event was at 11:30,and I had to set up the banquet at 11:00. I told the employees, if it is okay to be a little early for that reason. Regardless ,they will stick to the rules and, I was told I couldn't wait in the lobby of the restaurant until they open, and because my cake wasn't ready it still had to be cut into slices. I didn't see anything wrong with waiting in the lobby because I wasn't in the dining area.However,because I didn't comply,two burly employees came and ordered me to wait outside, or in my car because the restaurant doesn't open till 11:00 AM. I asked if I didn't go outside were they going to physically walk me out! One of them said, "If need be" and repeated the opening hours of the restaurant. The chocolate sheet cake is good, but not good enough for bad customer service. I won't be going back Jakes Tex Mex. read more

This place has so many options! My favorites are the taco salad, and the tri tip sandwich. There's endless possibilities and the portions are plenty. It's a buffet type restaurant so you just grab a tray and order what you want. The number one best thing to get here is the chocolate cake. You can even order s sheet cake of it. This place is a Bakersfield staple! read more

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

Headed over to Jake's for lunch on a Saturday afternoon, the place was busy, but it wasn't too bad. After checking out the menu I went with a beef works burrito which came with beef, rice, beans, salsa, cheese, sour cream & guacamole and I added jalapenos to it . The burrito was massive, but oh so bland! The beef had no flavor, heck even the rice was lacking with flavor, the salsa was more like a hyped up tomato sauce. I so expected more for a placing calling themselves Tex Mex, where's the flavor? Where's the heat? You know what, I don't even need the heat, just give me some flavor. I did also pick up some cookies that were made with lays potato chips & white chocolate chips, those happen to be pretty yummy. So disappointed. read more

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

Usually Jake's is on point. I think I just went on an off day. Ordered the tri tip, cheesy potatoes and rice. My daughter devoured the rice. The potatoes had was just ok this time, some of the potatoes were not cooked completely, and the tri tip was on the dry side. I wasnt impressed but hey like I said it's usually delicious. The service was good, the restaurant was clean, theres a choice of straws(paper or plastic) if that's important to you. read more

Surprisingly vegetarian friendly. Lots of veggie options clearly labeled (no meat taco salad, no meat nachos) and even a list of veggie friendly foods. Veggie burrito (add beans) is the best! Nice to have a delicious Tex Mex spot with so many veggie friendly options. read more

The food is always on point, however the last 2 times I've been in during lunch time (busy) the employees serving the food are not friendly at all, and I feel very rushed when ordering read more

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

Jake's Tex Mex Cafe is "no refried beans kinda joint"! Actually eaten inside their restaurant only once. I have tried their food at plenty of parties though. They make decent food, but I always look forward to one item from them. It has nothing to do with tex mex. It is the reason that I am giving them 4 stars. The chocolate cake at Jake's Tex Mex Cafe is numero uno! It is very sweet decadent yumminess!! They make the best in town, and I am including all the wonderful bakeries too when I say that. In fact, I now get disappointed whenever I eat chocolate cake anywhere else cause no place is as good. Jake's is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth. I hear their other desserts are yummy too. Look forward to trying every single one of them. read more

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I don't really like salads to be completely honest with you. Some romaine lettuce, maaaaybe some spinach, chicken and light dressing. The salad lite is no ordinary salad, it has veggies, seeds, PASTA (!!!!!!!!!!), and that oven roasted chicken. I get creamy italian dressing. Each bite has so many different elements--soft from the pasta but you also get that crunch with the veggies. I'm basically having some pasta with veggies on the side but if it's getting me to eat some greens then it's a win. You have to get their chocolate cake too read more

8-3-23 we had dinner about 5pm. Staff had as not friendly at all. Food didn't seem to have any flavor it was very bland!!!! Prices a little steep. And I found it odd they put chili beans in a bean and cheese burrito????! Odd tasting potato salad and pasta salad. We won't return! Very cool decor! read more

A disappointing experience from a well known Bakersfield restaurant. I've passed by this place more times than I can remember over the years, but finally made the stop. For a place which is so busy and seems to have such a great following...I was completely let down by the quality of food. The Tri-tip and Chicken were flavorless, tough, and chewy. The chili beans had no substance and seemed out of the can. Even some of the brownie bite desert bakery items were extremely dry and flavorless. Just about everyone from my lunch party agreed on the quality and no one finished their meals. On top of everything, you're paying a premium for this novelty Bakersfield experience. Unfortunately, this is another example of a restaurant which gathers a local cult following and then completely drops the ball on all quality or improvements due to the implied customer base which keeps the lights on. I honestly don't know why anyone would want to continue eating here unless they were getting some nostalgic experience from the visit. If you're looking for a good meal... I'd recommend elsewhere. read more

How have I not written a review for this Bakersfield institution? On my way to Jake's I tell myself over and over that I will be ordering a salad. But once I get there I always have to have the delicious nachos! Crispy tortilla chips with beans, salsa, chicken, and the cheese melted on top, oh my gracious, so delicious! I'll get the salad next time... Jake's has delicious chicken and yummy deep pit beef. Most meals revolve around these items. They have plates with sides, nachos (just try them!), salad, taco salad, and sandwiches too. Jake's is a casual dining spot. You grab your tray and order in the line and wait for your food to be prepared in front of you, pay for it, and take it to your table. Oh, and no saving seats either! Wait your turn, and if there are no seats in the front then head to the back room. Another thing I also love about Jake's is that they are always experimenting with their desserts. Of course, if you haven't had any dessert there you must start off with the chocolate cake. It's the original and phenomenal. But they also have various cookies and brownies and their lemon cake is worth a try (after the initial chocolate!). If you're in Bakersfield looking for a casual, affordable dining option, check out Jake's! read more

Jake's definitely deserves a 5 star in my books. I've had Jake's more than a dozen times; however, I've only physically ate at their establishment maybe twice. If you're familiar w the chipotle style restaurants, this place is kind of like that. You pretty much build your own yummy goodness. Each time that we have been catered Jake's at work, my eyes usually are a bit larger than my stomach and make a huge portion due to the deliciousness. I end up not able to finish my serving, but I do have to say... I'm not huge in eating beef, but their shredded beef is super tasty and I actually prefer it over their chicken. The chicken is not too bad either, but I definitely would choose the beef when I eat Jake's. Just when you think the food was amazing, you try the Texas sheet cake and it may possibly be one of the best cakes in Bakersfield. I'm not even a chocolate lover and I would choose this cake over so many other cakes. It's definitely in my top 5 list of cakes in Bakersfield. If you haven't tried Jake's chocolate cake, you are definitely missing out! read more

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I really enjoyed this place! I was in town for work and saw the good reviews on yelp so I decided to stop in for dinner. I got the salad light with shredded beef and tri-tip and a slice of the chocolate cake. Both were amazing. I look forward to dining here again next time I'm in town. read more

Food and service is always excellent. However, today, food preparers were wearing only shields, no masks. I probably won't return during Covid for this reason. read more

Ehhhh i was in love when I ate their tritip and macaroni salad a couple months ago. Went today and I was completely (whats that word when you get let down?) disappointed! The meat was not tender at all! So I figured they had a couple good reviews on the cake, might as well get some since the food was uhm yea. So I tried two different kinds. Chocolate cake and then I got a vanilla lemon cake. Well Disappointed yet again. The boxed chocolate cake had no taste, and then the Vanilla lemon was vanilla boxed cake with some kind of lemon frosting, which was way overpowering! So not only was the cake not appealing to me it was also dry! So not only was the food disappointing the fountain drink cherry Pepsi tasted watered down now I'm hoping It was just a fluke that everything was bad, but I can't help to feel I wasted 50$ on nothing! read more

I don't really know much about how good the barbecue is here since I pretty much always just get the deep pit beef, though sometimes in different dishes. Honestly, I'd give this place four stars just because of the their Texas Sheet Cake that they are famous for. On this last particular visit I ordered the taco salad which comes with your choice of meat - I chose the dip pit beef (duh). They asked whether I wanted Fritos or tortilla chips and I chose the tortilla chips. Next I was given my choice of beans or no beans and asked if I wanted sour cream or guacamole (yes, PLEASE, to both) There was quite a healthy covering of shredded cheese on top, too. I grabbed a piece of their chocolate cake and headed for the salsa bar. The salsa bar contained a mild red salsa, a salsa fogata (hot red), a green salsa, jalapeños, wax peppers, and lemon and lime slices. I used the salsa fogata, the jalapeños, and the lime slices. I used some of the lime slices in my Diet Coke, also. The lettuce was crisp and fresh. The generous portion of dip pit beef was tender and seasoned Goldilocks style - not too spicy, yet not too bland and almost melted in your mouth. The tortilla chips provided a nice crunch, though the beans they put on it were started to make them lose a little of their crunch by the end of my dish. The salad was really enough to make an entire meal for me without any other sides, and I took my cake home to eat later. Jake's calls it a chocolate cake on their menu, but everybody in town refers to it as a Texas Sheet Cake. It doesn't displace Sweet Surrender's Matterhorn cake as my favorite, but it is FAR better than I would have expected from a barbecue place. For the record, their chili has no beans (unless you ask for them) but is pretty decent. I've also ordered the deep pit beef sandwich in the the past and really enjoyed it. read more

Jake's - Taco salad with pit beef - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I totally agree 200% with Jacqueline D. , and then some. First off, yes I know... this is Bakersfield and what more should I expect; yeah, yeah whatever. I didn't expect this much disappointment. Especially not after seeing how much money they dumped into their website. Have you ever seen one of those cars on the road that has tons of racing stickers, makes a lot of noise going down the street but doesn't seem to move faster than a scooter? Well, the same concept here. I ordered the Mesquite Smoked Tri Tip, as suggested, along with Cowboy Potatoes, Beans and Sheet Cake. I've posted a photo of my meal above. The tri tip was tender and hinted smoke flavor. It was kind of like a roast, slow cooked with liquid smoke. The flavor was very plain meaty tasting and only hinted smoke. I expected so much more flavor but was disappointed. Yeah, I like plain me flavor too but I wanted some of that deep mesquite taste that was missing. QQ The Cowboy Potatoes were sad, QQ. I guess no one orders this side dish that often. Once again, lack of flavor but this time, the dish was cold. Cold, mushy and flavorless just like some McDonald's fries that have been sitting for hours. The beans didn't break the mold. Very plain like pork n beans sitting on the burner for 3 hours. Last but not least, the sheet cake; my biggest disappointment of the meal. The cake is nothing more than Duncan Hines boxed devils food cake, I "expletive" you not. The frosting is whipped up butter, tons of sugar, and some cocoa powder. I'm not kidding. This cake is super "expletive"ing cheap! For their prices, this place "expletive"ing sucks. Service, what service? This place is like a high school cafeteria. Can't wait to get back to Phil's BBQ in San Diego. read more

Jake's - Mesquite Tri-tip, Cowboy Potatoes, Baked Beans, Frito Pie and Sheet Cake - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

As always I'm on a bike ride learning the new town I live in. Jake's was a great first visit. Didn't want to eat too much so I had the regular tritip burrito. True to its name it was Tex-mex with all its flavor. Loaded with the right amount of beans rice and cheese. It was delicious and filling. My tank is full. If your ever in the area I say stop in and experience a little Texas flavor in Bakersfield. First visit so I'll be back. Bakersfield should be proud of this place. read more

Everyone i go to Jakes I leave completely satisfied! From the customer service to their food. Here's a pic of my Salad lite(Not so light after my add ins). read more

Jake's - Salad light, Tri tip, mac salad, broccoli salad, sunflower seeds with ranch mixed in..enjoy - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Delicious food and wonderful service! I had never walked into the location up until yesterday (my work always orders from this place and someone just picks it up) but the inside is so cozy and different! A very chill and relaxing vibe. Will be dining in more often for sure! I can't recommend the works burrito enough. Fav burrito out of any place. It is huge & tasty. 100% recommend this place. read more

Great spot for a quick lunch. It's the original Chipotle. Build-you-own bar for their items. The produce and meats seem to be fresh. The service is always pleasant. This is a local favorite, especially their Chocolate cake... I think another spot in town is better though. Not a fan of their frosting. If you're craving a meaty crunchy salad, give this place a try! Or a meat filled sandwich. read more

We were traveling through and Jake's was recommended by several locals. Had the Tri-tip plate, broccoli salad, tomato and cucumber salad, and stuffed potato casserole with corn bread. The portions are unreal and the price moderate. The meat had good flavor and right amount of smoke, the salads were fresh and tasty, and the potato casserole simply decadent. We also got the lime sugar cookies to go, but sampled them, delish. We also got a piece of chocolate cake, moist and good chocolate flavor. We want to give a shout out for to the staff for their help and friendly service, Sophie, the Manager, and her staff Maggie, Savannah, Liz Sam, Lizeth, and Alina. Thanks for a great experience! read more

When going to Jakes you always get good food. There are many different choices of food to choose from. I recommend the chocolate cake after.

This place is too pricy and has poor quality food. Plus it stinks in there. I ordered a tri tip burrito that cost me 11.99 and I got more rice than nothing. Never going back again. Pl read more

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

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I love Jake's! The employees are always nice and the portions are always huge! It's always busy but the line moves quickly so there's no complaint from me there. The parking though? It sucks! The lot is tiny and I almost always end up parking a block away and have to walk over. Yet still, this goes to show that the food is worth the walk and the wait. My favorites are the chicken, pit beef, and tri-tip in that order. The potato casserole is good as well as the tri-tip chili, the chili beans (with their delicious jalapeño cornbread! Yum!) along with every side I've had. Everything is good. Their salads are tasty with many mix-in options as well! Their desserts are simple but so good! Chocolate cake, yellow cake and cookies. How can you go wrong? The cake is moist and the frosting decadent! Yuuuummm! The awesome thing is they cater as well so you can have platters of their food at your next event! If you use them, invite me yeah?! Especially if you get some cake! Anyway, I love that it's a local place and the service is fantastic! They pick up your trays for you, probably to shoo you out since they're so busy but who can blame them?! Good food, not he cheapest (quality is always a little pricey, you get what you pay for) good service, crappy location/parking but overall a gem in town. read more

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I am still dumbfounded ... I was charged extra for beans and rice on a vegetarian burrito. A burrito! When I questioned it, was told it's because it's vegetarian LOL. I regularly order vegetarian food for my daughter everywhere we eat. Have never heard of this?? Isn't this California ? Don't we all eat burritos? read more

Finally got a chance to check out this restaurant, have heard some good things about this place so swung by for dinner tonight. :) We ordered: (1) regular burrito - ur choice of chicken, beef or tri-tip, and rice, beans, sauce, cheese, etc. (2) "the works" burrito - same as the regular burrito, but you get more content + guacamole, sour cream, etc. (3) famous chocolate cake - this is a must get at Jake's! it's famous for a reason and pretty good (very sweet though). Friendly staff and you seat yourself after you get the food & pay for the items at the counter. read more

So this place is a Bakersfield staple. My favorite is the pit beef and I get it just about every time but the tri tip is delicious too! Getting either of these in a sandwich with cheese on top is a great lunch option. For dinner we get the plates usually. As for their sides I have tried the cowboy potatoes (only good if you eat them there), the potato casserole (always good), garden salad (all toppings and tossed in the restaurant is perfect), and my husband loves their homemade macaroni salad. The cornbread is good but I get the plain one because I'm a sissy when it comes to spice. Then there is the cake....to say I LOVE the chocolate cake is an understatement. It's so yummy and moist! The ratio of cake to icing is what makes it top notch for me. Love me some Jake's Tex Mex! read more

Ohmigurd. I love a lot of things on this menu. I wish I could be behind the counter with a big golden fork, tasting everything until I'm as big as a tractor wheel. Let me start with my ol trusty favorite that was introduced to me by my beautiful little sister who once worked here: Salad Lite with chicken, pasta salad and broccoli parmesean, ranch dressing, and all the toppings please and thank you. It's only a little piece of heaven when paired with passion iced tea and followed up by a big piece of their super special chocolate cake made with angel tears of joy and a little mayo for moistness. Please don't come here and not try it. You'll regret it on your deathbed. If salad lite isn't your bag, the Sarah 's special deep pit sandwich is super tasty and a favorite of my bff Sarah. Taco Salad with fritos and chicken and deep pit and alllll the toppings is epically delicious. The meats are moist, well seasoned, and steaming hot -which I really appreciate. My son is picky and so I order him a few fresh slices of tri tip, and that was really tender and a nice shade of pink tonight. Good stuff. Oh.. I forgot to mention the cheesy potatoes. Please just eat those too and thank me for all this later. read more

Jake's - Salad lite.. potato salad and broccoli parmesean salad - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Go here! Great food and service. Loved the works burrito and they serve a solid ice tea. Staff friendly and professional. Worth the lines! read more

Jake's - Works buritto - yummy! - Tex-Mex Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Good authentic Tex Mex and delightful cafeteria service" Got to love this family oriented approach to Tex Mex. Join the folk ordering from off the wall menus as move to the staff dishing up your selections. Several choices of BBQ, chili beans, corn bread or try the dinner salads. We had cold beers and took home a piece of chocolate sheet cake for later. Love the place and recommend you stop in for a delicious meal. read more

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