24th Street Cafe — Restaurant in Bakersfield

What do you do when a place that feels welcoming on the surface quietly tells you that people like you aren’t truly welcome?

As a Mexican American, I’ve lived in Bakersfield long enough to know which local gems carry heart — and 24th Street Café seemed like one of them. Great food. A nostalgic atmosphere. Friendly service. I was seriously considering bringing my family and friends here for a big Fourth of July brunch. I wanted to support local and celebrate in a space that felt classic and rooted in community.

But that all changed the moment I stepped into the restroom and saw a sign on the wall written only in Spanish:

“No orine o miccione fuera de la taza.” (Translation: “Do not urinate or defecate outside the toilet.”)

There was no English version posted — no balance, no effort to deliver the message universally. Just a warning directed in one direction, toward one group.

Let that sink in: a message about bathroom cleanliness, directed only at Spanish speakers.

That kind of selective messaging might seem minor to some — but to many of us, it’s a gut-punch. A quiet signal that says: “We expect less from you. We assume the worst from you.”

I brought this up respectfully to a waitress after complimenting the meal and sharing my excitement about returning with loved ones. She had agreed to be recorded, and at first, the conversation was warm and easy. But the moment I brought up the sign, everything shifted. Her expression tightened, her answers became vague, and within seconds she ended the conversation and walked away — recording and all.

It was disheartening. Not because I expected a confrontation, but because I hoped for curiosity, empathy — some recognition that what I saw might feel wrong to someone like me.

I won’t be returning. And I chose not to bring my family here for Independence Day — because if a place doesn’t feel like it honors all Americans equally, how can I celebrate there?

This review isn’t an attack. It’s a call to awareness.

To anyone reading: language matters. Messages matter. Silence matters. And we all have the right to expect dignity — even in the smallest details, even in...

Our family has been eating at this restaurant at least twice a week for the past two years and we get the same meal each time. Pan fried trout with cajun seasoning, hashbrowns and veggies, noting that we have a gluten and dairy intolerance/ allergy. Service was wonderful and food was delicious, so we became regular customers.

However, over the last month we have had multiple consecutive incidents in which our food was prepared totally improperly. Plates came out and it looks like our fish was just steamed and thrown on the plate. We were told that the chef that usually makes the fish was on vacation. The server was very kind and apologetic and ended up having the Manager prepare our food that day. We waited over an hour for them to remake our food twice because it was prepared wrong, yet we were still very understanding and said no worries at all. One time we just took it how it was, although it was steamed, we were like at least it looks decent, yet not what we ordered. The other time everyone was arguing in the kitchen about how the fish should have been prepared, yet manager never came out to apologize for anything. We still tipped 30-40% of our bill.

Today we decided to speak with the manager before ordering to give him a heads up, with the hope of ensuring we could have a pleasant meal and experience, however, the manager was not pleasant at all. We informed him of what occurred the last several times we dined there and politely asked if he could just speak with the chef so we don't have any issues again. He just shrugged his shoulders, shook his head and said "I'll try", then walked away.

This is not the first time the Manger has completely disregarded us. He didn't apologize for the inconvenience, he just seemed very uncaring towards us. In the past, when he lacked professionalism and empathy, we gave him the benefit of the doubt, thinking maybe it's just how he is. However, we have seen him interacting with other customers in a very friendly manner.

Today, our eyes were opened while speaking with him. We will not be returning to this restaurant again to support this...

Do not judge a book by it's cover!! Located in Bakersfield,CA this is a gem in the rough. We decided to try this Triple D recommendation after much debate. It is a small little diner that is nestled between some pretty big buildings. But the sign on the building will lead you to the diner. It's small. Quaint. Cozy. Not for anyone who is looking for ohh and ahhs of the atmosphere. Adorned with oars, diving flippers, and small scale canoe and antique fishing rods this place has an inviting aroma of breakfast and nostalgia immediately upon entering. There were 4 of us on this trip and we each decided to try something different from the massive menu laced with plenty of drooling choices from breakfast to lunch. I chose stuffed avocado with fresh crab and tomato salad, and my friends ordered homemade chorizo with potatoes, stuffed french toast with eggs, and lastly chili Verde. No pictures because before we knew it we were all driving into this fiercely delicious ensemble of plates. We all had a bite of each other's plate and we were all thoroughly satisfied with each plate. 2 of us ordered Mimosa (delivered with a glass of oj, a small bottle of champagne (can't remember the name) and a beautiful glass to mix to our hearts desire. Also had a cup of coffee that was delivered with your choice of creamer. And before we left we ordered a short stack each of pumpkin pancakes and blueberry pancakes. The only picture I took of this dining affair!! And they were delicious when I had them the next day reheated!! My friends and I split the pancakes so we each could enjoy them. This place has so much to offer and we didn't have the belly space or time to enjoy it all. But I'll definitely be back for more if I'm ever heading around the area again. Thank you for all the hard work and...