A taste of tradition: Why wool growers is a Bakersfield legend

If you are traveling through the southern San Joaquin Valley or looking for an unforgettable meal in town, there is one destination restaurant you absolutely cannot skip: Wool Growers Restaurant. Located right in the heart of East Bakersfield’s historic “Basque Block,” this multi-generational landmark transports you straight into old-world Basque country from the moment you step through the doors.

Dining here isn’t just a meal, it’s an experience. Staying true to their roots, Wool Growers serves up its legendary dishes family-style. You’ll want to bring a massive appetite because every standard setup comes loaded with their famous Wool Grower’s soup, beans, salad, bread, and salsa before your main course even arrives. From garlic-smothered steaks and succulent lamb chops to their iconic Basque-style fried chicken, the kitchen serves up comfort on a massive scale. Grab a classic Picon Punch at the cocktail lounge, pull up a chair, and experience the incredible hospitality that has kept locals and celebrities coming back for decades!

Wool Growers Facts

• Founded in 1954 by Mayie Maitia and her husband Jean Baptiste Maitia, the restaurant has proudly stood as a cultural cornerstone for over 70 years.
• True to tradition, the landmark has passed through generations of women and is currently run by Mayie’s daughter, Jenny Maitia Poncetta, and granddaughter, Christiane Camou.
• It was named one of California’s 101 most essential restaurants by the Los Angeles Times and has been voted the area’s “Best Basque Restaurant” for 20 consecutive years.
• Wool Growers is located at 620 E 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93305 in the vibrant “Old Town Kern” neighborhood.
• The restaurant is open Tuesday through Saturday for both lunch (11:30 AM to 1:30 PM) and dinner (5:00 PM to 8:00 PM). It is closed on Mondays and Sundays.
• Original owner and founder Mayie Maitia passed away in 2021. She was 92.