California’s Burger Capital Isn’t The Place You’d Guess
When people think about California burgers, their minds usually jump to Los Angeles or San Francisco. But the real burger capital of the Golden State is actually Bakersfield, a city known more for oil and country music than culinary excellence.
This Central Valley town has quietly built an impressive burger scene that rivals anything you’ll find in the big cities, with spots serving up juicy patties that’ll make you forget all about those overpriced gourmet creations elsewhere.
1. Juicy Burger
Right in the heart of central Bakersfield sits a spot that lives up to its name in every delicious way. Juicy Burger serves up exactly what you’d expect, burgers so moist and flavorful that napkins become your best friend.
The menu keeps things refreshingly simple without overwhelming you with fifty different options. Each burger gets cooked to perfection with quality beef that actually tastes like, well, beef. Their classic cheeseburger features a perfectly seasoned patty topped with melted American cheese that drips down the sides in the most appetizing way possible.
Locals swear by this place for good reason, it’s consistently good without trying too hard. The downtown location makes it perfect for a quick lunch break or an after-work burger run.
2. Moo Creamery
Who says you can’t have your burger and eat ice cream too? Moo Creamery brilliantly combines two of life’s greatest pleasures under one roof, making it a udderly fantastic destination.
Their burgers pack serious flavor with creative combinations that go beyond the basic burger formula. Fresh ingredients and attention to detail make each bite memorable, while the homemade ice cream provides the perfect sweet ending. The atmosphere feels modern and welcoming, attracting families, couples, and anyone with functioning taste buds.
What makes Moo special is the quality control, they don’t cut corners on either the savory or sweet side of their menu. You might come for the burgers, but you’ll definitely stay for dessert.
3. Temblor Brewing Company
Craft beer and burgers go together like earthquakes and California—which is exactly what Temblor (Spanish for earthquake) celebrates. This brewpub shakes up Bakersfield’s dining scene with burgers that complement their house-brewed beers perfectly.
The kitchen takes burgers seriously, crafting patties with the same care they put into their brewing process. Each burger option pairs beautifully with their rotating tap selection, creating flavor combinations that make your taste buds dance. The casual brewpub vibe encourages lingering over another round and maybe one more basket of fries.
Whether you’re a beer enthusiast or just burger-obsessed, Temblor delivers on both fronts. Their commitment to local flavors and quality ingredients proves Bakersfield can brew and grill with the best of them.
4. Firestone Grill
Originally a San Luis Obispo legend, Firestone Grill brought its famous tri-tip magic to Bakersfield and locals couldn’t be happier. Their Bakersfield menu features both burgers and the brand’s famous tri-tip sandwiches, with a light Central Coast barbecue influence.
The tri-tip burger is an absolute must-try, showcasing perfectly seasoned beef with a slightly smoky flavor that’ll ruin regular burgers for you. Generous portions mean you’ll definitely get your money’s worth, and the sides hold their own against the star attraction. The casual grill setup makes it great for casual dining or game-day eats, though it’s not primarily a sports bar.
Firestone proves that sometimes the best burger spots come from unexpected places. Bakersfield lucked out when this grill decided to expand northward into the Valley.
5. That Smash Shack
Smash burgers have taken over the burger world, and That Smash Shack is doing them right in Bakersfield. The technique involves smashing beef onto a super-hot griddle, creating those crispy, caramelized edges that burger dreams are made of.
Each patty gets the proper smash treatment, resulting in maximum crust and flavor development that you simply can’t achieve with other cooking methods. The toppings stay simple to let that crispy beef shine through, though creative options exist for adventurous eaters. Fast-casual vibes make it perfect for grabbing a quick but seriously satisfying burger without the sit-down restaurant wait times.
If you haven’t experienced a properly smashed burger yet, this shack will convert you instantly. Consider yourself warned—regular burgers might disappoint you afterward.
6. Banderas Burger
Bakersfield’s agricultural roots bring incredible Mexican food influence, and Banderas Burger capitalizes on this cultural fusion beautifully. Their burgers wave the flag for creative Mexican-American combinations that taste way better than they sound on paper.
Expect bold flavors with toppings like fresh guacamole, spicy jalapeños, and pepper jack cheese that kick ordinary burgers up several notches. The beef quality remains solid while the toppings bring the heat and excitement. Portion sizes lean generous, so arrive hungry and ready to tackle something substantial.
This spot proves that burger innovation doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated techniques. Sometimes you just need quality beef and the confidence to borrow from your neighbor’s amazing cuisine. Banderas does exactly that with delicious results.
7. Andre’s Drive-In
Step back into burger history at Andre’s Drive-In, where old-school charm meets timeless burger perfection. This Bakersfield institution has been slinging burgers the traditional way for decades, proving that some formulas don’t need updating.
Classic preparation methods and no-nonsense ingredients create burgers that taste like your grandparents’ favorite spot—because it probably was. The drive-in format adds nostalgic appeal, though seating is primarily outdoor/drive-in rather than full indoor dining. Milkshakes thick enough to require serious suction power complete the retro experience perfectly.
Andre’s reminds us that burger excellence doesn’t require reinventing the wheel or the patty. Sometimes sticking with what works for generations is the smartest move possible, especially when it tastes this good.
8. Super Tom’s Burgers
Nothing super about the name, everything super about the burgers—that’s the Super Tom’s promise on Rosedale Highway. This unassuming spot cranks out burgers that punch way above their weight class in flavor and satisfaction.
Locals treat Super Tom’s like their secret weapon, the place they recommend to visitors who want authentic Bakersfield burger culture. The menu offers plenty of variety without becoming overwhelming, and prices remain shockingly reasonable for the quality delivered. Fresh vegetables, properly seasoned meat, and buns that don’t fall apart halfway through separate Super Tom’s from lesser burger operations.
Don’t let the simple exterior fool you, great burgers hide in plain sight all over Bakersfield. Super Tom’s exemplifies exactly why this city deserves its burger capital crown, one delicious patty at a time.