Ethel’s Old Corral

Will A has it right: Ethel’s is certainly off the beaten path. It’s not someplace you’re likely to stumble upon, unless you’re headed out to CALM or Hart Park. You may have even missed this landmark as you zoomed on past. Just look for the giant Indian!
Ethel’s is your standard bar food. Fried eeeeeeeeerrrrrything. My favorite being the fried okra. There’s not too many places in town where you can find these delectable treats. Sweet slimy okra dipped in batter and fried to perfection. Is there any other way to eat okra?
Burgers are the name of the game here. Big and juicy — they’re what all burgers strive to be.
Most folks here are oil field workers, motorcycle guys, or cowboys (there’s even hitching posts nearby!). It’s a motley mix of Bakersfield’s blue collar workers. All of them are friendly and courteous, just give it back and you’re good!
Make it a point to try this hidden gem. It’s definitely not fancy, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Very fun place. My girlfriend and I stopped by here on a Sunday and we had a blast. They had live music, and a very fun atmosphere all together. The wait staff are all very friendly and attentive. We had some bar food, and enjoyed it very much. I had the Huckleberry, and it was tasty. They don’t skimp out on the portion sizes either, which is always a plus. This is definitely a place we’ll be coming back to.

Ethel’s is a wonderful place well off the beaten path. The place is a slice of Western Americana without the Hollywood glitz and glam. It is real western. Established around 1964 by Ethel (last name unknown) the place was sold to the current owners in the 80s. They didn’t change much.
The best thing about Ethel’s is the food. Crazy good burgers and other American food is what they do here. You haven’t lived until you try their fried string beans, okra, and jalapeño medallions. Seriously, you’re missing a bucket list good treat if you fail to try them. The fries are tasty long after they were set down at the table. The food is so love filled, home cooked, stick to your ribs filling, and worthy of guttural moans of foodie ecstasy you will lose yourself in the moment.
The place is clean and sanitary. Bathrooms are old but clean. Waitress was efficient and nice. Food spectacular. Beer well chilled. Iced tea very good. Ambiance western. Clientele mostly local Cowboys and oil field workers.
Guy Fierri missed the boat when he came to Bakersfield, because Ethel’s is a hidden gem few people know about. The customers are loyal for a reason. I suspect the regulars are just fine with Guy’s fans not stopping by. They like it the way it is and so do I. You might too. Give them a try!

Pretty inexpensive good ‘ol American food. Half restaurant, half bar. Service is pretty quick and compliant. The waitresses are willing to work with your orders. However they do charge you for water so that was the only thing. Bonus. pretty good sized TVs and an upgraded modern music jukebox.

the bartenders/​waitresses were not polite. couldn’t look us in the eye. they walked by my empty glass several times and didn’t offer anything. felt ignored.

We stopped by recently for a late lunch on a Wednesday afternoon. We were surprised to see our old friend (Amanda) tending bar. We both ordered burgers and sweet potato fries. AWESOME FOOD!!! The sweet potato fries were the best I’ve had anywhere, as were the BLOODY MARY’S! We hung around for a bit after we ate visting with Amanda and ended up in the middle of the Wednesday night Kereoke. We didn’t participate but we had a blast watching the mostly senior crowd kick their heels up! We decided to make this a regular thing! I’ve never been to Ethel’s for any of the other events (live bands, etc.) but the FOOD IS GREAT, THE PRICES ARE REASONABLE, place is down-​home, friendly and just wonderful!

I fell in love with this place back when Ethel ran it. Kept going when Donna and Tommy had it and still love it now that Natalie is running things. Over the years the only changes have been to improve on what makes the place great. Nothing like stopping here on a hot Saturday afternoon for a cold beer and some deep pit tacos, or regular tacos when I can talk them into getting me 3. Ethel’s is one of the things that makes the real Bakersfield real.

Good food, good beer and good atmosphere. Byocm. Bring your own country music, it was dead silent when I got there, mind you, it was a Monday afternoon but yeah… staff was friendly and service was adequate. Would stop here on a bike ride again.

In my Bakersfield explorations I came across this bar– Live country music in the bar, a row of Harley’s out front, and koozies autographed and stuck to the walls: On of those perfect roadside bars where the name of the game is having a few brews and losing track of time.
The food was a-​ok, nothing special although I had the slow roasted tacos that is supposedly whats up on the menu. The have a sampler platter of veggies, all gods goodness, fried right up and made bad for you-It’s bar food at it’s finest, but bar food none the less.
The back patio is where you should hang out, and the staff was friendly but not overly attentive. Cash only, be aware!
Hit it up for tunes and twirl your lady while you two-​step and you’ll ahve a 5 star time.

Love this place!!, where you go to meet friends you haven’t met. Love the green beans and music. Everyone is friendly, fun place to go Sunday afternoons

Love the Buffalo Burger! I was driving by and saw this place pretty vacant looking. Indeed, I was the only customer! It’s in a weird location next to nothing but oil fields, but I’m so glad I came. Very friendly staff!

Great place to get together for food and music. Ride a bike or a horse? Everyone’s welcome I love this bar!

This place is a shithole. Came here after a ride to eat and hang out. I ordered a margarita and the fish and chips. After waiting 15 minutes for the margarita, it tasted TERRIBLE. I’m not picky. Especially when it comes to anything with tequila in it. But this drink was absolutely the worst. I asked to switch it out with an 805. Something that can’t be fucked up, right? Wrong. The bartender made a huge deal about it and ignored me for another 15 minutes. (Still no food.) Finally, a brand new waitress had another server pour me my beer. Then I was informed they only do fish and chips on Fridays. Would have been nice to know thirty minutes ago when I ordered it. So I order a sampler platter. Just a little of everything and it sounded great. Another thirty minutes later it comes. Missing some of the food that comes with it and what came was cold, so I sent that back and gave up. I’ll go home and make a sandwich and my own margaritas! Haha. Next, I went to pay the tab and what I assume is the manager comes up to me and says «Is there something I can clarify, because you are walking around here looking really pissed off.» What? So I tell her no, that I just won’t be back and she says «Well good.» Okay?
Overall it’s trashy. Girls that work here need to dress better, unless I’m unaware of this being a strip club?

That’s some awesome food and the service was exceptional. Comfortable, great outside dining experience. Gaint Indian. It’s all good.
The deep pit was very flavorful and not greasy or heavy. I had it on a pair of tacos with fresh veggies and a crisp, perfectly fried shell. My neighbor was having the steak and it was cooked perfectly. He was damn near crying. I’m coming back for sure.

This place is great! Originally from Texas and I felt right at home. Good Burgers, cold beer, friendly service and a covered patio… what more could you ask for!!! We will most definitely be back. This is a cash only establishment, just FYI.

It is the quintessential dive bar with friendly locals. We had a pitcher of 805 beer from SLO. We then had Moscow mules purchased by the wonderful gentleman next to us at the bar who was having a good night with the dice.

Went there on 3÷2÷13 busy day in only the cook and a bartender/​waitress and she did an excellent job waiting on everyone, while making sure she was to get the food orders out quick. We had to wait in line to get a drink and order food, but it was worth it. We ate outside and she came to check on us, clear tables and bring more drinks. I can’t say enough about her. She was professional and friendly. We’ll be back.

I made my first visit to Ethel’s today, Sunday, for several hours to hear the band play and get in a few dances. As I approached Ethel’s, the first thing I saw was a huge statue of an Indian (excuse me — Native American); yeah, I have no idea what that is about. The next thing I noticed was a large number of motorcycles parked outside and horses tied up to railings out back. Yes, this is a motorcycle /​cowboy bar but these two groups seemed to coexist with no outward obvious friction.
The inside was cool and well airconditioned, but we headed right on out to the back porch because that is where all the action was happening. There was a band playing; I believe someone said that they have different bands on Sunday afternoons from around 3:00 — 7:00. This band, sorry — can’t remember the name — was pretty good; everything they played was danceable. There is a small concrete slab dance floor right in front of the band which was crowded but still serviceable. I hadn’t brought my dance shoes with me since it didn’t really look like that kind of place, so I ended up dancing in my open backed sandals — not the best for spinning or turning but we had fun. Most of the patrons appeared to be drinking Bud or Coors, but they also served Corona, Blue Moon, and other beers more to my taste. I honestly don’t know if they had a full bar or just beer and wine since I only saw people drinking beer or water.
Anyway, it wasn’t too hot and the outside area was covered so we had a lot of fun listening to the band and alternately watching the dancers and the horses tied up out back.
They serve food, but we didn’t order any, so not sure what kind.
I think I’ll probably make it back for more Sundays enjoying the music. There’s no cover charge, so why not?

The most awesome place to go in town if your looking for the original Bakersfield feel. Nothing fancy about this place other then great service, amazing staff, and a even better atmosphere. They have live bands on Friday’s & every Sunday! Sundays are the best out there (No kids on Sundays!) Great food at a great price! (I love their shredded beef sandwich!) Beer is always ice cold! You will catch people line dancing at this place that is a for sure! Its where the old dance with the young and everyone forgets their worries! Its my absolute favorite place in town! Taco Tuesdays are always fun when I can make it! Its a small place with a BIG heart only wish it was bigger, another bathroom would be nice, and didn’t get so hot in the summer! I would have to say nothing beats Ethel’s Old Corral!