So, perhaps many people don’t vacation in Bakersfield. However, it’s between LA and Fresno as well as the closest big city to the Kern River cities and Sequoia National Park. All of which have lots to offer tourists and Southern Californians looking for weekend getaways. In fact, I was very surprised on a recent trip to go tubing at the Kern River, that Bakersfield had some hidden gems! Check it out!
My greatest delight was stumbling upon The Padre Hotel. First built in 1928, after falling into disrepair in the 70’s, a fabulous boutique hotel group gave it a facelift in 2010. And what a facelift! Just walking in you know that THIS is the place to be. Boasting 2 restaurants, 2 bars and a nightclub, this hop hotel is like a slice of vegas. It’s chic, it’s stylish and it’s super fun! The rooms are way cool with awesome tempurpedic beds, killer bathrooms and yummy room service. Both eateries serve local food and have no problem accommodating vegans and gluten free guests. It is such a cool and fun hotel and affordable too!
For some reason I crave Italian food when I’m traveling and Frugatti’s hit the spot. Food made by “real” Italians from Italy, the food is fresh and delicious. Plenty of options for a plant based diner, make sure you make room for the bruschetta, pasta primavera and some wine. It’s tasty and the vibe inside is super cute!
To load up on healthy snacks before taking a trip up the river, hit up Nature’s Food Market. They’ve got a great little fresh juice bar and deli and keep some fun vegan and special diet eats in stock. Perfect for a river trip picnic!
Lastly, you can’t go wrong with Indian food and Zaika Indian Cuisine does not disappoint. They have a giant vegetarian menu so it’s really tough to choose, which is a great problem to have! I started with the vegetarian sampler and then shared some chana masala, veggie biryani and my all time fave, a masala dosa. OMG, so good!
Well, I’m always up for surprises and Bakersfield really tickled my pickle, travel speaking ; )
8 comments
Check out Lassens grocery store too for a well-stocked deli with amazing smoothies, fesh juices, organic salad bar, homemade soups, plenty of deli salads,
Fresh sushi, plenty of vegetarian and vegan options, as well as range-free meat options for the
Sandwiches and wraps.
The Kabob corner has the best Indian food hands down in town hands down. I love Indian food and have eaten at all the local Indian restaurants and like each of them in their own right. But it’s hard to go back to buffets after trying the exquisitely seasoned dishes from the Kabob corner. They take a little longer to prepare at times as each dish ordered is freshly prepared but they are so worth the wait.
@ Amber L.:
They have sandwiches, wraps, dips and chips, and raw vegan desserts! Hope that helps. 🙂 Check out their Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Natures-Food-Market-and-Juice-Bar/270417735563
Next time you’re in town and needing an Italian food fix, I recommend Joseph’s over Frugatti’s, as the dishes are more authentic and the ambience more quaint and inviting. Bakersfield is also known for its Basque restaurants; Narducci’s and Wool Growers are both amazing.
@ Vanessa:
What do they have other than smoothies/juices? I don’t tend to buy those out as I just make my own. If I was out of town I would certainly purchase!
@ Vanessa: Thanks! You will love Zaika’s!
@ Amber Lamb: Oh yes, I can see why Frugatti’s might be a weight gainy kind of place ; ) Nature’s Food is great as is Zaika’s! Enjoy!!!
I love Frugattis and Nature’s Food Market. Nature’s Food Market has such delicious fresh juices and smoothies!! They are a favorite. I will have to try out Zaikas!
I am unfortunate enough to live in Bakersfield, AND be vegetarian. yikes. My eating out choices always seem so limited. Frugatti’s yes, expensive, waistline friendly? no. They have salad, but otherwise not much in the way of vegetables. So I try not to eat there too often. I will have to check out nature’s food market and Zaika’s though.