Ewings on the Kern — Restaurant in Porterville

1st time, dinning at this over priced place! The views! Spectacular! Everything else, lacks. Our family were staying the weekend, at Rivernook Campground. Wanted a good hearty traditional Breakfast, pancakes, eggs bacon. Boy did we choose the wrong spot! What attracted us was their huge “Buffet” add, outfront! Husband said found our spot! We had to wait about 10 min to be seated a party of 7, finally got taken to our table. Asked about the buffet! Server replies, “we no longer have that buffet” in a tone of duh? Like we’re locals? & should have known. I wanted to walk out then n there! But my family? Were taking in their beautiful location. So, prices? Woaw! Pretty high! I find theres no breakfast. So i try asking if they’ll be able to make pancakes since they sold waffles? She tells me” i wld have to ask the kitchen” stands there,😳. N asks do u still wasnt me to ask for the pancakes? 😖, i told her yess! Comes back kitchen said no! I look for another choice choose a $20 scramble! But since i cannot eat egg yolks? I asked for just egg whites , on the scramble, another! “I wld have to ask the kitchen”?😳! When theres clearly another menu choice named “avocado idk ingredient egg white? Comes back says NO! They cannot make a scramble just egg whites?😡! Longs story short she ended up choosing what i shld settle for cause i was clearly being difficult? A $20 blt w fries! No breakfast! Her service? No attentiveness, to top our coffee cups, or asking if we needed anything else, like a normal waiter shld? But to the other surrounding tables, oh yes, on point My sis in law ordered a special spritzer drink b4 our food arrived, reminded her when she brought the food she said oh yes, ill get that! NOTHING! Till she brings the check! Chuckles n says oh that drink! Pick up my neices plate, not asking if she was done! Neice told her im Not done, she put it dwn. By the time we were ready to go! She brings the drink, oh here! My sis in law tells her, theres no point! She imposses! Drink it? Or just take it in a to go cup? She was told no! Walks away leaving the drink there! I let my husband know! Make sure that drink isnt on the bill, which he brought up to cashier to remove, he questions what drink? She comes, n states she didnt want the drink after all, giving a look between them “like, yea, theyre known for being difficult” 😡! Overall other than for the scenery i wld NEVER go back to that dinnner, if it wsnt for my family! I wld have walked out!? Cldnt help but notice a difference in service to us, from others. N thats very sad, because our money was just as good as others! Knowing from cooking i wonder if they use pre made or frozen food n not fresh why have egg whites available for 1 menu item, but not be able to scramble them up? N waffles? Mix is about the same for pancakes? Atleast its how i cook them for my family? Only good experience i take from this place. Is their unique style of fries. Other than that? Walked away sad. But content i had a whole Saturday to spend w my family at the lake! & got a chance to take pics! Bill was way too much for the...

Visiting Kernville as a 3 day get a way. Called ahead to make a reservation as I am disabled with a service dog. We explained my service dog sits at my feet typically under the table out of the way. Was assured no problem. Arrive 15 minutes early just to be sure. The guy at the desk looked at my husband and myself like we were wasting his time. Took us to the bar area and told us that we had to sit at bar height tables and chairs. I said no, he then said we would have to eat outside on the deck 95degrees outside. I refused, he said people may be allergic to dogs. Well what about the people already in the bar. He then said all other table were reserved. He finally offered to seat us in a side room by ourselves away from everyone. I have never been treated so bad.we spent $136 . Sauted mushrooms were fantastic. Steak was ok. Chopped salad was only regular salad with Asian dressing. Not great. Husband had 2 margaritas said was good. Clam Chowder had way too much salt.When we left only 2 tables were occupied so obviously he just didn't want us there. Our server was great, the manager was great these 2 kept checking on us. But, personally I won't be back. Neither my husband or myself could finish our meals. We felt like outcasts placed in a separate room. We have been several times before but this is the first time since I got my service dog. And yes, she is a 65# service dog. She stays at my feet, she is not a lap dog. The manager offered to buy us a desert or we could take it to go. We chose...

Ewings on the Kern was an absolute delight from the moment we arrived. We were greeted with the kindest welcome from Neil and his lovely, design-savvy wife, Amie—it truly felt like being invited into someone’s beautiful home. We chose to sit at the back bar, where Blair took such wonderful care of us with friendly, attentive service that made the evening feel extra special.

Live acoustic country throwbacks filled the air, setting the scene for a perfect 90° summer night. We ordered the ribeye with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and a crisp salad. I had the salmon with tender asparagus, a baked potato, and the most comforting French onion soup. After a sun-soaked day on the lake, it was exactly the kind of meal that hits the spot in every way.

The real magic of Ewings on the Kern is the setting. Pictures just don’t capture how breathtaking it is—right on the river, with the water glistening in the evening light. Amie’s touch is everywhere, giving the entire space a fresh, thoughtful charm. It’s like Joanna Gaines opened a riverfront getaway with a little bit of Montana rustic soul. The updates are beautiful and completely elevate the experience.

It’s a place you don’t just eat—you feel it. Peaceful, welcoming, and full of heart. We can’t wait to come back.

P.S. The outdoor patio is open air and an absolute hidden gem, especially after the sun dips. We stopped by just to take a look—and ended up staying for two pints. It’s that...