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Sam’s Top 5 Food Finds
Topics: Bakotopia, Bakersfield, Food Review, restaurant review, fast food, student, Budget, Samantha Schwechmeier
Posted by Bakontributor Mon Jul 7, 2008 14:08:34 PDT
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Sam’s Top 5 Food Finds
Local connoisseur reveals local cheap eats you can’t beat - word!

By Samantha Schwecheimer, Bakotopia.com contributor

If you’re a fast food eater with little time on your hands to cook, like every other person in Bakersfield, you’re probably sick and tired of the same fast food places and the generic, flavorless and tiny food portions.

Well, my name’s Samantha, and I’m here to help your wallet and taste buds.

I eat out more than I should, and get tired of the same fast food places, but my hidden food places always come to the rescue.

I thought I would share a few of my favorite, quick, cheap, not-so-familiar food places in town, and save you from your boring fast food - or should I say these top five places will … enjoy.


From left: Samantha, Gabi Flores, and Michelle Reynolds

No. 1: City Sandwich Company, 2697 Mount Vernon Ave.
This little mom and pop place is better than any sandwich place in Bakersfield established in 1975.

Everything is so fresh. Unlike Subway, their sandwiches are packed with flavor.

I found it interesting they used cabbage instead of lettuce, and surprisingly, it’s so much better! Also, their bread doesn’t seem like air, as other sandwich places do - it’s actually nice and hearty bread, toasted to perfection.

They offer half orders, full orders, and they have way too many different sandwiches to even try to name them all.

Another thing I loved about this place was their old-fashioned sodas, along with regular fountain drinks. If you’re sick of your generic sandwiches, no deli beats this place!

No. 2: Jolly Kone, 800 Wible St.
This is a little old-fashioned drive-in with a unique semi-traditional menu.

Driving by you might think that it’s a place were you would only pick up an ice cream cone, but you are greatly mistaken. This place has such good food! Their smoothies are really good.

Their drinks even have crushed ice, which makes even a regular fountain drink so much better! I would recommend their fried burritos, but all of their food is amazing.

There is hardly ever a line, but remember to bring your cash! Like I said, they’re old-fashioned, so cards aren’t accepted. But the food is so good, so who cares?!

No. 3: Country Boy Drive-In, 10211 Rosedale Highway
The words “Country Boy Drive-In” just makes my mouth water.

Everything I have ever ordered there melts in my mouth.

They have a big variety of food, like a few of my favorites, the pastrami sandwich, onion rings, grilled cheese, hamburgers, and - OMG - their fries! Their fries are honestly the best fries I have ever had.

The best part is you order a large, and they mean a large, they give you a full brown paper bag! This is another one of the few places to use crushed ice in their drinks - can you say “yum”?

If you’re sick of regular fast food, this is the place to go!

No. 4: Los Tacos, 1400 Wible Road
Like Taco Bell? Who cares - Los Tacos is better!

Their burritos and tacos are amazingly good. I always get the two tacos and two burritos meal, and share with my friends.

It’s the perfect meal for two people. But even if it’s just for one person, you can’t beat their good prices for amazing Mexican food.

Make sure you ask for lots of salsa, because it’s just as amazing as the food, and you’ll want to save some for later.

Believe me, Taco Bell can’t touch this place!

No. 5: Zingo’s Cafe, 3201 Buck Owens Blvd.
There is so much to say about Zingo’s!

It’s kind of like a Denny’s, only a million times better. They give you a run for your money. Want good food, big quantity, for cheap?

It’s a ’50s-style diner, resembling a truck stop, but trust me, it’s so much more. The average dinner meal consists of soup and salad, your pick of main entrée, and usually some sort of side(s), and dessert. My favorite part is not having to get dressed up.

I wouldn’t be able to count how many times I’ve gone here in my sweats.

They have a big menu, so it might take some time to decide - but I promise you, there is no wrong decision here.



Also printed in Bakotopia magazine, issue 32, 7-10-08

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Comment From: msjosey

I'm gona have to try City Sandwich Co that place sounds pretty good Idk about the cabbage though but I'm always down for a fresh Sandwich :) Comment From: gbriano

You're going to have to add "Elaine's Cafe & Market". Just opened. They're a vegan/vegetarian place with some goooood food.