598878 Tue Feb 24 07:59:07 -0800 2009 8 3 California 0 4447184 I've searched the board for good restaurants in Bakersfield but we'll be staying in Delano and most of them seem to be at least a half hour away. Are there some good choices closer to where we'll be staying? We like everything, from great biscuits and gravy at your favorite diner to a perfectly grilled steak. Thanks in advance for the help. Tue Feb 24 07:59:07 -0800 2009 98099 ncwoman 1 4447535 That is right between two of my favorite places for tacos in the valley. To the north, I believe the name is Taqueria Ana Maria in Farmerville (between Exeter and Visalia) at 490 N. Farmersville Bl. I only like them on weekends, however, when they have the cookout trailer in the parking lot. For some reason, the tacos served inside the restaurant don't taste the same. To the south is my all-time favorite taco place, Tacos de Huicho in Bakersfield. The best al pastor I've ever had, spit roasted, just dripping with juice. My wife and son also say it's the best fish tacos they've had and the tripas and sopes are also top notch. With a price of 99 cents plus a full bar, it just can't be beat. It's at 18th and Union, about a mile north of the 58 freeway. Look for the bright green building just east of the intersection. Tue Feb 24 09:32:52 -0800 2009 4447184 13039 heckonwheels 2 4449150 Thanks! 99 cent tacos and a full bar sounds like it's not to be missed. Tue Feb 24 16:50:34 -0800 2009 4447535 98099 ncwoman 3 4449709 They're the best. Be aware that the bar is in the back of smallish dining room so you order there separately. Although I've never had better tacos, the margaritas are rather mediocre but they do have a decent selection of beers. Also forgot to mention, the smallish salsa bar has some of the best there is also, especially the creamy guacamole inufsed salsa. Ymmmm! Tue Feb 24 20:24:39 -0800 2009 4449150 13039 heckonwheels 1 4449722 Well there's Champs BBQ at Hiway 65 and Merle Haggard Way, Benji's for Basque food at Hiway 99 and 1/2 mile West at Gibson. Buck Owen's Crystal Palace has great chicken fried steaks and Biscuits and Gravy. Shows on Friday and Saturdays, great Sunday Brunch. Hodels Country Buffet serves Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Danny Tue Feb 24 20:33:27 -0800 2009 4447184 42143 Bakersfield Hound 2 4452242 Thank you, we'll be there next weekend for the March Meet. I'll report back when we get home. Wed Feb 25 16:42:45 -0800 2009 4449722 98099 ncwoman 3 4452661 Well if you're coming for the Drags, why not stay in Bakersfield? Most of the drivers and such will stay at the Double Tree Inn. Close to that there is Sushi, John's Incredible Pizza, Benji's and Buck Owen's Crystal Palace. Danny Wed Feb 25 19:26:16 -0800 2009 4452242 42143 Bakersfield Hound 4 4453613 Everything was booked closer in and according to google the Rodeway Inn in Delano is only 20 minutes from the track so we ended up there. Thanks so much for the info. Thu Feb 26 06:35:49 -0800 2009 4452661 98099 ncwoman 1 4454960 For Basque in Bakersfield I think the Noriega Hotel is an experience not be be missed. They have one sitting a night and you sit at a long communal table. The 5 times we have been there we have found our dining compantions to be fascinating. Last month we sat next to an elderly and lively Basque gentleman who used to be a sheep herder in Bakerfield who had fascinating stories of the Basque culture both in the old country and in Bakersfield. The food is excellent and be advised you do not order off the menu but get whatever is served that night. You better come very hungry for the full enjoyment of the experience. There is a bar in front to have a Picon Punch while waiting for the dinner bell. They want reservations to determine how many people will be eating that night. Thu Feb 26 12:35:39 -0800 2009 4447184 16606 adlevy