Wild Jack's Tex-Mex BBQ — Restaurant in Avenal

I was in today with my family, we ordered a burger, platter, and two kids meals. The total cost was $55, even tipped 10%. That’s a pretty hefty price for a meal, the kids meal didn’t even come with a drink. However, my complaint isn’t about the price necessarily, as it is about the employee who served us. Heidi, was apparently the “manager” on duty today. After eating our meal, I asked her for a box (we have kids, it’s a miracle if they eat a whole meal). And Heidi told me no, I couldn’t have a box. She claimed it was against their policy, if the meal was not for a to-go order then you do not get a box. I asked why that wasn’t explained when we ordered, there wasn’t a sign or anything explaining her “policy”. I asked if I could pay for a box, again, she shut me down. She suggested I get a plastic bag and DUMP MY FOOD into the bag to carry it. I was mortified at this suggestion, so I asked for a manager, she said her boss wasn’t working today, then I asked to speak to her manager, and she said she was the manager. So I then told her the company “policy” doesn’t make for good business, all I wanted was one to-go box for my kids mac n cheese and chicken tenders. I wasn’t asking for 10 boxes, I asked for one. I had paid $55 for a meal and had tipped her when we ordered, I don’t understand how asking for a box was such an offensive question to Heidi. My sister in law went up afterwards to order a drink, and had started to say she too worked at a restaurant and doesn’t understand why getting a to-go box was such a big deal. Heidi told her it’s her policy and then ignored us and walked away, wouldn’t even finish the conversation or take the order for a drink. The food was decent, garlic fries were great. But Heidi? Ruined it. I’m sure I can find good garlic fries somewhere else where the employees are kind, and a to-go box...

Absolutely the best alternative to all the dining options in this road trip stop location which is Kettleman City.

Located in a fabulous wooden movie-type set structure which is the highlight of the visit, this casual restaurant has seating on two levels and outdoor scenic options if the weather permits. Parking is also plenty for both passenger vehicles and RVs.

The menu is simple western BBQ focused. Tri-tip, Brisket, Ribeye Steak, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Hot Links, and Salmon are available in sandwich form or in some limited Wraps. There is a short breakfast menu too along with Salads.

The star of the show are the proteins. They are true to form to being BBQ as much as it can be in a refined commercial form. Pricing is reasonable and not cheap, but worth the cost for a good memorable meal.

The side dishes are also very good. Made to order, from chips to Guac to simple fries, freshness and care seems to be what is served here.

Again, this is a great alternative to everything else around this area even if it is just another quick stop along your journey on...

Listen, I ate here 2 years ago and don't remember what I ate (maybe the burrito?). So maybe it was just unremarkable. BUT... I just stopped here recently (we actually love looking around. It's an awesome rest stop!) and ate the spinach strawberry almond vinaigrette and added tritip. IT WAS AMAZING! Hardy and HUGE! The picture I attached was after eating a bunch of it and getting full! (I forgot to take a picture when I first got it🙄). I buried all the tritip, strawberry, almond slivers under the spinach, so it's hard to see all the hardiness. But it was packed! Easily feeds 2, maybe 3 people. The tritip is a little on the smokey side, but the strawberry and vinaigrette cut it nicely. Definitely recommend this salad. If the other salads are anything like this, they are...