Top 11 Restaurants Near Kern River & Kernville, CA

Top Restaurants near Kern River and in Kernville, CA: Local Favorites & Must-Try Spots

Nestled along the scenic Kern River in the heart of California’s southern Sierra Nevada Mountains, Kernville, CA is a hidden gem not only for outdoor adventurers but also for food lovers. Whether you're craving hearty American classics, local craft brews, or a cozy café breakfast, Kernville has something for every palate.

In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best places to eat near the Kern River, in Kernville and nearby, featuring local favorites and can't-miss eateries that will satisfy your appetite after a day of rafting, hiking, or exploring the Sequoia National Forest.

1. Kern River Brewing Company

Location: 13415 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238 Cuisine: American, Gastro-pub Must Try: Dirty Hippie Ale, Pub Pretzel, Cheeseburger

A trip to Kernville isn’t complete without stopping at Kern River Brewing Company, the town’s original craft brewery. With a rustic outdoor patio, locally brewed beer, and a menu packed with elevated pub fare, this spot is a favorite among both locals and visitors. It’s family-friendly and a perfect place to unwind after a day on the river.

2. Johnny McNally's Restaurant (20 min north of Kernville)

Location: 7300 Kern River Hwy, Kernville, CA 93238 Cuisine: American, Dinner Must Try: Steak & Shrimp combo; Moscow Mule

Looking for the best steakhouse in Kernville? Look no further than the Johnny McNally's Restaurant. Known for generous portions and a cozy mountain-town vibe, this steakhouse is ideal for finishing of a great day of hiking or rafting.

3. Pizza Barn

Location: 11401 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238 Cuisine: Pizza, Italian Must Try: Whitewater Pizza, Garlic Bread, Chicken Salad

Pizza Barn is a casual spot serving up classic American-style pizza with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. It's a great family-friendly option, and they also offer takeout—perfect for a riverside picnic.

4. Ewings on the Kern

Location: 125 Buena Vista Dr, Kernville, CA 93238Cuisine: Fine Dining, Steakhouse Must Try: Prime Rib, Grilled Salmon, Kern River Sunset Cocktail

For a fine dining experience in Kernville with a view, Ewings is the place to go. Overlooking the Kern River, it’s ideal for romantic dinners, special occasions, or just treating yourself to a great meal with an incredible view.

5. Cheryl’s Diner

Location: 11030 Kernville Rd, Kernville, CA 93238Cuisine: Classic American DinerMust Try: Pancakes, Patty Melt, Milkshakes

Step back in time at Cheryl’s Diner, a retro-style diner serving up comfort food and all-day breakfast. It's one of the most nostalgic spots in town, with vintage décor and friendly service that keeps regulars coming back.

6. El Rio Mexican & American Food 

Location: 13423 Sierra Way, Kernville, CA 93238 Cuisine: Mexican, American Must Try: Carne Asada Tacos, Breakfast Burrito, Horchata

Just a short drive from Kernville, El Rio is a local favorite for authentic Mexican cuisine and hearty American breakfasts. Whether you're stopping by for tacos or a post-hike burrito, it's always worth the detour.

7. Kern River Ceviche (Lake Isabella – Just 15 mins from Kernville)

Location: 36 CA-155, Lake Isabella, CA 93240 (at the off-ramp to Lake Isabella) Cuisine: Mexican, American Must Try: House made Ceviche dishes, Pork Belly Tacos, Quinoa Bowl, Horchata Very close to Kernville, Kern River Ceviche is popping with flavor. Pop in and say "hola" to Abuela as she is often seen prepping food for the day and making her handmade delights!

8. 178 Bar & Grill Location: 6107 Lake Isabella Blvd, Lake Isabella, CA Cuisine: American Must Try:  BBQ'd ribs

Just a short drive from Kernville, 178 Bar & Grill is a local favorite for live music and good food. Hearty portions. Whether you're stopping by for lunch or a post-lake dinner, it's always worth the detour.

9. Don Sombrero (Lake Isabella – Just 15 mins from Kernville) Location: 4107 Lake Isabella Blvd, Bodfish, CA 93205 Cuisine: Mexican, American Must Try: Cheese Enchiladas, Shredded Beef Tacos, Breakfast Burritos

Generous portions and cold cervezas!

10. Dick Weed's Brews & Grub (Lake Isabella – Just 15 mins from Kernville) Location: Suhre St, Lake Isabella, CA 93240 Cuisine: American Must Try: Meatloaf dinner, Chicken Fried Steak, Sweet Green Beans

Family owned and operated restaurant. Read the story of Dick Weed on their menu.

11. Sequoia Mountain Bakery

Location: 9 Big Blue Rd, Kernville, CA 93238 Cuisine: Pastries, American Must Try: Fresh Pastries, Fresh Bread, Smash Burgers

Sequoia Mountain Bakery is a casual spot serving up classic American-style pizza with a crispy crust and plenty of toppings. It's a great family-friendly option, and they also offer takeout—perfect for a riverside picnic.

Why These Restaurants Are Local Favorites

These eateries aren’t just popular — they represent the culinary heart of Kernville. From riverside breweries to small-town diners, each offers a slice of local flavor and mountain hospitality. Most places are family-friendly, dog-friendly, and cater to both casual and adventurous appetites.

Final Tips: Eating Out in Kernville, CA

• Peak times: During summer and weekends, expect crowds — especially at breakfast spots and breweries.

• Reservations: Recommended for Ewings and large groups at KRBC.

• Outdoor seating: Most restaurants offer patio dining with views of the Kern River or Sierra foothills.

• Most restaurants with an outside eating deck or porch allow well-mannered pets to sit with their family during meals.

Planning a trip to Kernville? Be sure to check out these local eateries and support small-town businesses while enjoying everything this riverside paradise has to offer.

Have a favorite Kernville restaurant we missed? Drop a comment below and let us know!

Care-for-It

Thank you for camping responsibly by packing trash bags to leave our wild spaces cleaner than you found them. There is a glass ban in the Sequoia National Forest, so remember to use plastic storage containers, ziploc bags, or bota bags for camping gear and kitchen supplies instead of glass.

Micro-trash and cigarette butts are trash. Thank you for caring and picking up micro-trash and cigarette butts to leave our outdoor spaces better than you found them.

Looking for more Kern River campground tips, tricks, and hidden gems?

We’d love to help! Our campground is located right on the edge of Kern River, and we know this majestic body of water inside and out. If you’d like to learn more about swimming, camping, or rafting the Kern River, check out our website or take a look at our additional resources.

• 5 tips on how to stay cool while camping

• Best spots to cool off near the Kern during high water

• 8 ways to stay Active and Cool on the Kern this Summer