Arizona Cafe

Stopped in at Arizona Cafe hoping for a nostalgic experience, but was left disappointed. I ordered the Chile Verde burrito and was served a rubbery, child-sized portion that hardly justified the $20 price tag. To make matters worse, someone joked about me ordering a kid's meal—awkward and unnecessary. While the place might have history, it’s clear they’re relying too much on nostalgia and not enough on quality. With so many better Mexican food options nearby, it’s hard to justify a return visit unless they make some real changes—fast.

Came to try the chile verde huevos rancheros and the menudo. Food was delicious although the huevos ranchero threw me off as I was not used to having them like this with the chile verde. Place was packed and service was great.

The Arizona Cafe, an Old Town Kern institution for over 70 years, offers solid, traditional, and flavorful food. The service is friendly, speedy, and attentive. The breakfast counter provides a fun way to interact with your party or others and doubles as a bar. The cool vibe makes it definitely worth checking out!

DOS: 04/28/2025 Food: Ordered the taco and Chili Verde burrito, with a side of flour tortillas. OMG this food was DEEEELICIOUS! The tortillas tasted like homemade. The chili verde is spicier than other around town, so be forewarned. Drink: They serve Pepsi products and their drinks are very good also. I had three lol Service: the waitress we had was very attentive and nice. I gave atmosphere 4 stars only because the area. I had to walk by 2 homeless people, broken bottles, and trash on the sidewalk to get there. Inside was clean and packed full of happy customers, though!

This is a hole-in-the-wall spot in Bakersfield that you'd drive right past if you happened to be going through that area. Parking options are not great, not the greatest area of town, (homeless in the area) but their food is OUTSTANDING!! By far the absolute best (non-green) Chile Verde I've ever had in my life! My family and I had come to this location many years ago, and even years later, it didn't disappoint!! I will offer two suggestions if you decide to try it; firstly, I hope you like spicy, because it's packing HEAT! secondly, you'll likely get bones in whatever you order that has chile Verde, so chew carefully! That aside, it has immense flavors without being overpowered by any one flavor. It's perfect to pour over anything on the menu, and even makes a great dip for chips! All I'm saying, is that if you find yourself in Arizona Cafe, you HAVE TO at least ask for a taste of their Chile Verde!! I wish they were open after 2pm!!

Amazing as always. Food is so finger licking good.

Well we had been there many times I'm a fan of Chille Verde that's my main dish this last time I went it wasn't like it was before as time gose on I guess there's always a new cook can't loose that great taste ☺👍💯

Been eating at the Arizona Cafe for 56 years.I Miss don Sanchez, the original owner so very much.He was a dear friend. In all honesty the Chili verde was tastier back in the day,however it's still excellent. Try dining there,the menu has expanded with many different dishes. The Arizona Cafe is the gem of East Bakersfield.

I had heard about this place when I first moved to Bakersfield back in July 2021. I finally got an opportunity to go enjoy breakfast this morning. When I was driving up to the location, it looked a little sketchy... It is right in the middle of old Kern, which is part of the old downtown area. There are a lot of homeless people, but mainly because there are a lot of Resources for the unhoused such as the mission and other places where they can give food and water. The area was pretty safe and I easily found parking right in front of the place on the street and I noticed they have parking across the street. The place is very small and the waiting area fills up fast. When you walk in, you have to put your name on the waitlist if you want to eat at a table. They have a bar area and you can walk right up to the bar and sit there to enjoy your food and beverage without waiting. I went in hungry for chorizo and eggs and this place had a plate and it was accompanied with rice and beans and your choice of tortillas, corn or flour. The place is known for their chile Verde plate however the chile is not green, it's red. It's made with pork meat, including the small ribs, and I know this because the man sitting next to me on my left, offered me a taste when I asked him what the plate was. It is quite delicious. However I had already ordered my plate so I will have to go back and get a plate of this chile verde. Besides the food, I had the most amazing experience there this morning. At the same time, two gentlemen and I walked over to the bar and sat next to each other as we were all singles. I thought the two gentlemen came together because they exchanged a few words and it looked like they were sharing tortilla chips. The two men ordered the same plate, which was the chile verde. I didn't think anything about it as I was enjoying my breakfast too much to pay attention. The man sitting in the middle got up and walked towards the back towards the restroom... And then I saw him at the cashier, which was on the way back from the restroom. Didn't think anything about this... Until... I finished my breakfast and I asked the server if I pay at the bar or if I had to walk over to the cash register. She stood between me and the other man and told us that the guy sitting in the middle had paid for our meals. I was speechless and very humbled... I was surprised and I felt a wave of emotion come over me because I was feeling a little lost today. I am so honored and flattered that somebody out of the blue would do that for one person let alone two. Whoever you are...the guy that sat between me and another other guy at the counter at the Arizona Café, you are an angel! You made my day and my entire mood changed and I have been so productive and happy the entire day. Thank you for what you did and I will pay it forward... always! Sorry, peeps for getting a little emotional there... Go to this café... And go early so you can avoid the wait... They are open from 8 AM to 2 PM so you have a short window to make it happen. I highly recommend it... everything on the menu looked delicious and my breakfast was amazing. Enjoy!

Tried this placed based off of works of mouth. I'll start with what I liked about this place. Not much to look at from the street but, once you step inside the door, a lovely scene that reminds me of an old time cantina. For the age of the building and the area, the dining room was very well kept and very pleasant to be seated in. There were plenty of Chile verde dishes, so I'm assuming that's a staple of the cafè. I didn't have that, I went with the Chilaquiles instead. I've never had red variety so, first time. They were delicious and a decent portion. Now, the service fell short. This was my buddy and I's first time there. Customer service was lacking, unless you're a regular that is. I believe the servers need a refresher in hospitality because, while having regulars is great, I believe making first tunes WANT to return is just as important and I honestly don't feel I'd like to.

Food excellent!! Very flavorful and excellent service!! Very nice and fast!! Have returned and brought several friends to enjoy this spot with me!!

This place is a local icon. I have photographed the outside multiple times. Finally decided to try the food. I am a massive menudo fan, I heard this place is one of the best. The entrance is unassuming, but inside is full of charm, like a time capsule. The bar is simple and worn, green neons, green leather booth. The wait staff is wonderful. I ordered the menudo, it came with chopped white onion, órgano, pepper flakes, and half a lemon. Every bite was a perfect bite. I loved everything about this place.

Been eating at Arizona for decades.. it's been around 2 years since my last visit. So I was really looking forward to breakfast. Huevos Rancheros were excellent as always .. This place is always on point.. it's a little pricey at $19 Bidennomics hit every thing on the menu. Overall still the best Chili Verde in town .. just wish I could have afforded the Chile rellino that I normally get with this dish .. Vote Trump so we can eat the way we used to!! Make Mexican food inexpensive again!! Trump 2024

I love Arizona Cafe! This is part of my grandma and I's rotation of weekly breakfast joints. The neighborhood can be a little sketch but don't let that deter you from the delicious food waiting inside. My go-to is the chilaquiles, sometimes I add chicken sometimes not. The meal comes with beans and rice which is always consistent and fresh. My grandma tries to switch things up here and there but I've never heard her complain. Service is great even during their busy times. Never feel pressured to clear the table like some places. We typically enjoy our breakfast and have nice chats without disturbances.

The food, especially the service, & the ambiance was excellent in every way. We had to take the leftovers home with us and the Bloody Mary was on point .

This place gets a 5/5 from my family and me "Service was friendly and attentive. The food was authentic and delicious. The spot is small and cozy with great music ! Great for any occasion, we dropped in for breakfast, our choice was chilaquiles and we left satisfied. Will return and highly recommend.

I've lived in Bakersfield for 40 yrs and never tried this place. This is the best Mexican breakfast spot in town! Service was perfect and the inside is old school original.

Arizona's chile verde is unmatched in town! When you mix it with the chilakiles it makes it 10x better! Try it

I love the chilaquiles here. It's a little hole in the wall in a very hidden part of old town kern. The ambience is nice and relaxing. It's always popular for lunch. Make sure you're aware of this. You won't regret eating here.

Wow was this place delicious! Both meals were absolutely amazing! It was a lot of food and even came with home made flour tortillas. Service was good and food came out surprisingly quick. I will definitely be coming again.

This place never disappoints. Excellent service and always attentive. For it being as busy as it is, it is very clean. I had the Chilaquiles which came with potatoes and beans. Everything was delicious and great flavor. Definitely recommend.

We have been coming here for years. Even though it's in the middle of skid row. I always have had good service and excellent food, until this time. After we were served our drinks the server casually asked if we wanted chips and salsa. We got a half of basket of crumbs small pieces of chips. Now the good part, my plate came out and was enough to make you puke !!! I ordered one cheese and one ground beef enchiladas with no rice. I got a half plate of beans and a pile of rice. At the edge of the plate we're two dry cheese enchiladas stuck together covered in a dry sticky black stuff. I called the server and asked what this shit was and she said what the red sauce ? I asked her what red sauce ? We discussed the plate and after I told her to take it away she said your right it doesn't look good. It looked like some leftover or something someone else sent back. I'm done ! No use smelling piss and puke on the sidewalk only to get garbage that the homeless wouldn't eat inside.

This is a great place for breakfast. I've been here a few times and each time the food is as authentic as it can get in our town. I took one star for the location. Even though the restaurant is always clean the location is one that makes you worry for the safety of your car.But the food is so good that I'll take the chance! And this restaurant is not going away as they been at the same location for many years. The staff was polite and really busy. Every time we come here this place is packed! That says a lot. Luckily it didn't take a long time for us to get a table. Our waitress was very attentive and was always there when we ran out of our beverage. The food was delish! Seriously, they must have some Mexican grandparents putting some old recipes to work and adding love to everything because that's the only way food taste this good! We will definitely be back!

It had been a while since the family and I dined at this landmark of a restaurant here in Bakersfield. Nestled in the heart of Old Town Kern, the Arizona has always been a favorite of local foodies for decades. This time around they didn't disappoint. My family of four was joined this time by my parents and the 6 of us only had to wait 5 minutes to get a booth in the corner. After getting some drinks, chips, and salsa, we placed our orders. My mom and wife split a bucket of mimosas (about 6 servings for $15 is a great deal). My dad got a coffee and the rest of us had waters. My dad ordered chilaquiles with chile verde, my mom got a chile verde burrito, my wife got a carne asada burrito, my daughter a chicken soup, and my son and I got the menudo. The menudo was an 8/10, and the rest of the food was definitely 9/10 with the chile verde being the best. We got continuous service throughout our meal, with nothing but kindness throughout. If you happen to be in the area and are looking for authentic Mexican food, and good hospitality in a place that has been popular in town for over 70 years, give the Arizona a try!

Apparently I have been living under a rock. I stumbled upon this place last weekend and could not believe what a gem this place is. This place has been around since the 1950s and is just amazing. Nothing fancy here, just great authentic Chile Verde with a hospitality that makes you feel like home. Our waitress was shocked when I mentioned that I was a first timer, she stated, "most people arrive and tell me they have been coming here since they were a child" this set high expectations that were certainly met. The Chile verde is there specialty, you will find it alone, in a burrito, or even on your chilaquiles. Will definitely be back!

Great food. Bustling and busy, food was delicious and service even better. We ordered pork and sauce , chile verde, menudo and a breakfast plate. Very pleased

This place deserves a better rating than what's on here. Chile verde is on fire and juevos rancheros is delicious. You can not really go wrong with anything on the menu.

Food was delicious the portions for the price was not great. I enjoyed the atmosphere of the restaurant, a little too crowded but would come again.

Pretty slow on this Sunday morning surprisingly. We ordered the menudo and Chile verde with rice and beans. The menudo is so good it needs no topping or anything at all! The Chile verde always hits the spot sometimes it can be to spicy but today it was perfect. The rice and beans are always lower than average. The service is always friendly and fast I just wish it was a little bigger because it's usually really crowded overall A++

Don't let this little hole in the wall on the wrong side of town scare you away. This is probably the best authentic Mexican restaurant in Bakersfield. Their half and half is the best! Their rice and beans are the best in town. Their chorizo and papas are really good. The salsa is really good too. Sometimes their service can be off, only because they are busy. But the service is always friendly.

Was recommended to cone by for their chili Vedra by a local. Location is in a not so good area. It's a local favorite so we felt safe. It's a small venue a little stuffy inside and the small of moldy wet rags was strong sitting at the bar. We noticed a red bucket sitting near the cup cleaning station. Not good that's a big no no pre health department. Food: OMG DELICIOUS perfect on point flavor. I love the rice and the beans. Yes truly Mexican style, the chili Vedre is perfect, different from what yoir typical Mexican restaurant has, this is what you want thou. Love it and will return.

I'm definitely going back to this spot. Food is delicious, good customer service and fair prices.

Very good food and atmosphere. Our waitress was very good and helpful with some non-restaurant questions. It's a very busy restaurant with good Mexican food.

This place never disappoints. Great food and great service, even for the Gringos. Arizona Cafe has been serving Mexican Food ever since I can remember. I had the Carne Guisada half plate. I am slowing down so the half plate really filled me up. I only managed to eat one of the three delicious flour tortillas that came with it. My wife couldn't leave the other tortillas on the table. She ate them both even though she couldn't finish her enchilada plate. My thanks to everyone who works here making the place an iconic Bakersfield establishment.

Been hearing about this place for a very long time and kept saying we were going to go and never did. Heard the restaurant name again and said we are going, period! Sure have done it a long time ago, food was good. I had the crunchy Shredded Beef Taco. They are famous for their Chile Verde so my Daughter ordered it. It comes with rice and beans and flour or corn tortillas. It was spicy, and she isn't big on spicy things but she said it was very good and managed to eat it. SHe put the meat on the flour tortilla along with rice and beans and she said it wasn't as spicy that way. On the refrieded beans there was so much cheese taking, it was great. Chips and salsa very tasty too. We will be back.

Located in Old Town Kern. A family favorite and Bakersfield staple. The menudo is always on point. With or without pata, you can request extra hominy and they won't disappoint. The small portion is enough to satisfy your cravings and the large will cure your hangover. Don't forget to order a michelada. I have always received service with a friendly smile even as busy as they get. They actually wash their glassware instead of dipping them in dishwater. Huge win for me. If you've never been make sure to write your name on the notepad by the door to be seated. You won't wait very long.

This establishment has been an icon for many years. I remember as a kid in the 70s going here and and loving the authentic taste of the refried beans, to the spicy but delicious chili verde. It's been a kitty over 15 years since I've been back. I met the family here yesterday and surprisingly it hasn't change much. The food was still authentic and delicious. It is a little establishment in the middle of old Baker St. You're lucky to get close parking and if you don't, walking past the homeless and dirty streets can be a deterrent but once you enter Arizona Cafe the crowd and pack dining room proves to you that it's worth your time. You might have a little wait depending on day and time but if you're in to homemade style Mexican food this restaurant is definitely for you.

Best Menudo around. Staff was very friendly. Go early cause it gets busy. We went at 8:45. Place was packed by 9:15! A little pricey, but worth it!

Always a favorite. Love their Albondigas soup and the papa con chorizo...service always makes you feel like family. Always greeted promptly with chips and salsa, food is very reliable and don't forget the Chile verde sauce!

This whole in the wall restaurant is the bomb. I love it here and the food is so flavorful and the portion is big.

I was told by a coworker the chilaquiles was good, he did not lie. It was a little spicy for my wife, but I enjoyed it thoroughly.

My first time ever at the Arizona Cafe and everything was good. Menudo was good, chilaquiles with Chila Verde were good. Had to try a Michelada while we were waiting for our food and we were not disappointed. Service was great and kept checking in with us. Place was packed so early in the morning but worth the wait. Tried 3 different plates and all were good with no complaints. Yes, the location is in a rough area, but everywhere in Bakersfield is a rough area now a days. They've been here 70 years and the food is worth it. Don't let the area stop you from stopping by. I recommend it and will go back.

Arizona.... Food is great prices are obscene! $18.00 for a two item Combe.... Get serious or I guess you are! San Francisco prices on Baker Street in Bakersfield??? Smoke if you got 'em gentleman!

The food was pretty good, I love the chilaquiles. so authentic almost as good as my grandmas. But best of all my server was amazing. I don't know her name but she was really hustling! She deserves a RAISE!

The only reason I didn't rate the restaurant with one star was because the service was excellent. The food, on the other hand, was horrible. My husband loves huevos rancheros and was looking forward to what he believed, based on reviews, would be an excellent breakfast. Most of the meat was gristle and completely inedible. For $18, we would have expected better. We will not be returning.

This is the true definition of a hole-in-the-wall. Not the best spot in town and the area is a bit on the wild side BUT man the food is GOOD! So if you order the Chile verde, don't expect the typical Chile verde at other places, this Chile verde is red but the flavor is unmatchable with anything in town. Reminds me of a good home cooked meal while visiting family in Mexico. Authentic as it gets. The menudo had great flavor and the tripe was super clean. Chilaquilles we're the bomb too! The waitress were super nice and kept their cool during the rush. Didn't have to wait to long to be seated. Plenty of counter space. And when you arrive, you write ur own name on the waiting list. Really enjoyed this place.

Hadn't been here in a very long time and was craving some chilaquiles. They definitely have some good chilaquiles! And the eggs were cooked over medium to perfection, as i ordered them. My companions ordered the crispy tacos and the cheese enchiladas. Both of those were good! Their salsa definitely needs some heat, and even some flavor. But i know that a lot of people like it. It's super mild for my liking. Arizona cafe is known for their Chile verde and has some of the best Mexican rice I've ever had. In the past, I've tried the chili rellenos and i have to say, it's definitely my least favorite. But this place is an old Bakersfield gem and been here for a long time!

I can offer no excuse for not having contributed a review about what has been one of my favorite restaurants since I moved to this town 32 years ago. The Arizona Cafe on Baker Street. The food is the best and for me this place takes me back to the early fifties when I was a kid growing up on a farm outside of Modesto Ca. and on rare occasions would get to eat food that wasn't prepared by my mother. The first time I experienced this place I had just moved from Roseville Ca. where I had been working as a brakeman for Southern Pacific RR. The first time I got called for an afternoon yard switch engine at the old depot I asked a co-worker where was a good place close by to get something to eat. He told me just up Baker at the Arizona Cafe. I had the best bowl of Albondigas that I had ever thought were possible. And then I had a Chile Relleno as a chaser. Unforgettable. I didn't go there during the plague years ( 2020-2021 ). Unfortunately Arizona Cafe is only open till 2:00 pm now so going there for dinner is not an option. The food however is just as good as it was when I first went there in the spring of 1991. I hope it never closes because it is truly a Bakersfield treasure.

Went in late Sunday afternoon after calling to see if they still had menudo. Was assured they did. We got there and ordered 3 bowls of menudo and were extremely disappointed- it tasted like water. They probably ran short and added water to make it yield further... I will never go back to an establishment whose is more concerned about how much $ they make as opposed to customer satisfaction.

I was introduce this cafe by my mom, she was the one who heard of it first. I love it! Definitely a hidden gem! Authentic Mexican food and the service is amazing. Definitely will be coming back.

Great atmosphere and great food one of Bakersfield's historic spots! This business has been here for decades, wish to visit for many more.

Good food andAmbiance but kinda felt cheated when it came to the Micheladas that we ordered . Seemed a bit watered down ...seems like we are paying a high price for mediocre quality these days ..don't get me wrong though, the food is awesome

Love the Cafe. Best in Cali. Only chilaquiles I'll eat. Great people with an old school feel.

Old town Bàkersfield. The Arizona Cafe has brought many memories for me and my families. The ambiance and the welcoming home feeling you get when you open that front door. This is a very unique place. For us. The menu includes a choice of many food like or Grand mothers use cook for at home. Good service, friendly, happy place. Best menudo to cure a Hang-over. Chili verde is my favorite. I love this place.

¡¡ENCHILADAS!! Great tasting red sauce. Prepared the way I like. I will return again and again!

This is another go to spot. The wife and I go there about 2x a month. Their food is authentic and is the closet I've found to my grandma's cooking. The employees are top notch and make you feel comfortable from the start. One of Bakersfields family run restraunt!

Never disappoint...great food and great service. Chile verde like always, delicious!! My daughter had Chile rellenos amd said it was great also.