Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop

1819 30th St
Bakersfield, CA 93301
(661) 325-2287

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In my job, I often meet with sales and service people from...

4

In my job, I often meet with sales and service people from out of town. One of my favorite lines to tell them is that if they want the best hamburgers in town, go to the car wash (34th St) and if they want the best fish and chips, go to the bowling alley (Westchester Bowl).
This, in a small way, is something that makes Bakersfield different. The fish and chips here at Westchester are better than any we've tried over on the Central Coast...and we've tried many different places over there on our favorite weekend getaway.
My wife and I can only comment on the fish and chips because that's the only thing we've ever ordered on the menu for the past 25 years we've been together. The quality of the fish has been amazingly consistent for all of these years. Also, the prices have remained quite reasonable during this time.
Yes, it's located in a bowling alley so you'll hear lots of pins dropping and maybe even an expletive from a bowler who thought that last roll should have been a strike but instead got the 7-10 split. Also, the decor is nothing special, just some non-descript booths(with a view of 30th and F street) and a plain service counter. That will be quickly forgotten when that plate of wonderful fish comes to your table.
The only reason for 4 stars rather than 5 is that the service could use more consistency. Sometimes the service is outstanding yet other times we feel as though we're invisible to our service person. Simple tasks like keeping soda and iced tea filled seems to be too troubling to some servers to accomplish.
Give this place a try for its fish and chips. You won't be disappointed. And pray for a good service night.

It is, after all, a coffee shop in a bowling alley. It's...

4

It is, after all, a coffee shop in a bowling alley. It's noisy, the seating is limited, there's nothing fancy about it. But the service is usually very good and the staff is usually cheerful and friendly. They serve some great breakfasts and most of their dinner menu is quite good coffe shop style food. Most of the meals are under $10 and there is always plenty to eat.  The chicken fried steak is better than most similar offerings in town, the fried chicken strips are as good as most, and the battered fried cod is as many reviewers say the best in town. The dinner rolls are usually fresh and good, if you have the capacity to eat one with the abundance of other food. The french fries served with the fish and chips are above average, and the coleslaw is also pretty good. There are of course other options for green salad or a sort of chef's salad in lieu of slaw and fries with the fish.
On our visit for dinner tonight we were are the height of the dinner hour and the staff was hustling to keep tables clean and get people seated quickly. Our busy waitress took a little longer than usual to take our order and happiliy volunteered to comp our beverages. And then the food was ready very quickly and the whole meal, complete with bowling balls rolling in the background, was a pleasure. Nothing fancy about this place, but the food is good product consistently prepared and presented for a good meal. It's not fine dining, it is good food at a reasonable price.

The Fish n Chips here are definitely worthy of their...

5

The Fish n Chips here are definitely worthy of their reputation! They serve the best tasting fried fish you can get anywhere without actually going to the coast. The ambiance also makes it a somewhat nostalgic and fun place to eat. After hearing quite a bit about it, I went there for the first time and I was blown away by how GREAT their fish tasted. The service also was good and with a smile. Overall, I give it a 9 out of 10.

After eating here today; I have to tell you this place was...

5

After eating here today; I have to tell you this place was known for just fish n chips but after i had breakfast here, this is the place to eat at. First off just for two people you can get a breakfast that fills you up about $20. I'm not talking about a greasy $20 Denny's breakfast, The food was cooked prefect and tasted great. To top that off the service was extremely friendly and was always there to see if i needed anything else. For you early birds they open at 6am M-F, 6:30am on Saturday, or 7am on Sunday and the environment is very quite for being a bowling alley. After this experience I'll make it a one once a week trip for breakfast at least.

I have always loved the fish n' chips from Westchester Bowl...

2

I have always loved the fish n' chips from Westchester Bowl and have never had a problem with their service, until today. I guess there is a first time for everything.
My co-worker went to pick up the food on her lunch. We had ordered three orders of fish n' chips. She requested to have the receipts, they forgot to put the receipts in the bag, and forgot one of the orders completely. So we drove back to Westchester, quite a nuisance, got our third order that should have been with the original order along with our receipts. They had our third order sitting on the counter, I looked in the bag for the receipts, alas, there wasn't any! I told the cashier that we needed our receipts for work purposes and she told me that the guy who put our order together the first time had included the receipts in the first bag. That was not the case. I told her, "No he didn't. And we do need to have them, please." When I asked if we could have the third order free, the lady behind the counter, chuckled, and said, "No, but we can give you a free coke!" Oh my, that's the one thing that I really wanted after having to go through the frustration of not having all of our order in the first place and our receipts. Methinks that Westchester should try a little harder at trying to please customers. And I would like to believe that this is an isolated event. And the thing is, the first time my co-worker went to pick the food up, the place wasn't that busy.
I, for one, will not be going back, unfortunately.

BEST FISH & CHIPS IN TOWN, SERVICE GOOD, ATMOSPHERE - HEY ,...

4

BEST FISH & CHIPS IN TOWN, SERVICE GOOD, ATMOSPHERE - HEY , ITS A BOWLING ALLEY!

the food here is great!!! but call ahead your order cause you...

4

the food here is great!!! but call ahead your order cause you will be waiting and it does get packed! kudos to the hispanics who cook all that food!! your doing a great job. I appreiciate you!!

When I'm in town a visit to Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop is...

4

When I'm in town a visit to Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop is always on my schedule. The "ambience" takes me back to high school and the fish and chips rivals Edinburgh Castle in San Francisco, and even British pub fare. Combine the fish and chips with some of their wonderful cole slaw and it's more than a meal, it's a casual dining experience to remember.
The folks that commented about grease obviously haven't had the opportunity to savor fish and chips in the UK and would probably be happier with some baked frozen fish sticks. This place is NOT your typical chain food emporium. Well worth many visits.

I guess many haven't been exposed to real "fish n...

1

I guess many haven't been exposed to real "fish n chips" this place is a dive and the service is rotten. They need a change in management!

A friend took me here for lunch last week and I couldn't...

5

A friend took me here for lunch last week and I couldn't believe what I had been missing. I have lived here all my life and never eaten at Westchester Bowl. I had the french dip sandwich and budget salad. It was delicious. Nice thick cuts of meat that were perfectly tender. It was so good that I thought about it over the weekend and had to go back today to try the fish. The fish is not heavily breaded so you can really taste the fish instead of just a lot of fried batter. The budget salad is unique. I am guessing that it is in no way low cal, but it is delicious. It has lettuce, eggs, ham and tomatoes all covered in a dressing I believe is made from a seasoned mayonaise. Much better than it sounds.

We first found out about Westchester's fish & chips about...

4

We first found out about Westchester's fish & chips about 20 years ago from a co-worker of my dad's. Since we don't get over to Morro Bay as often as we'd like for some beachside fish & chips, Westchester is the next best thing! We have never been disappointed with their fish, and their chicken strips/fish combo is excellent as well! The portions aren't quite as heaping as they once were, but I'd rather sacrifice that than the quality. As mentioned by others, the flour dusted dinner rolls are delicious and are the perfect side to the fish & chips. The fact that Westchester serves Pepsi is really the icing on the cake for me!

We discovered this place when asking about Fish dinners, way...

5

We discovered this place when asking about Fish dinners, way back about 10 years ago, when we first moved to Bakersfield...someone told us the bowling alley had the best! They were right on..Thanks for keeping it the same all these years, and not like others, that seem to be good one day and very bad the next, if you know what I mean...So, if great Fish is what you are hungry for, try them out...We Love it..and will go back everytime we are wanting fish. All the rest of the food items look very good also.. WOW! I read another review or two, and I forgot to mention the Slaw!! the very best anywhere!! even better than KCchicken's slaw...

I haven't been to Westchester Bowl Coffee shop in at least 2...

4

I haven't been to Westchester Bowl Coffee shop in at least 2 years, but the food is good and its a great place to enjoy some time with my grandparents.

YUCK! The fried food wallows in grease. While it USED to have...

1

YUCK!

The fried food wallows in grease.

While it USED to have decent food, it is now below mundane in quality. Add the past never-ending health violations and the Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop is a fantastic place ---- To AVOID!

OK, I haven't had the fish and chips, but I did have the egg...

1

OK, I haven't had the fish and chips, but I did have the egg salad and it was okay. There food is alright, but way overpriced. Crap, I could get a large soda else where and get two for the price that I'm paying there. There kids meal isn't great either, cause I orderd something for myself and my son and spent WAYYYY TOOOO MUCH for two people to eat. I could've gone behind to Carl's Jr. and eaten for less, (which is what I'll do next time).

And the last time we went bowling there, the girl at the food counter took FOREVERRRRRRRRRRR with the customer in front of me and then when I got up there, she stepped to the side and started talking to a customer sitting at the counter, and there was still 3 people behind me in line, and it wasn't like she was talking about anything important either, cause we could all hear them and everyone was wondering, "what the heck". The guy was doing more talking than her. It was very rude, and my whole table was yelling at me cause it was my turn to bowl, but I had to wait on chatty kathy! I'll definitely be bringing my own food next time. People may love their food, but it doesn't make up for bad service.

The best fish & chips in town.

4

The best fish & chips in town.

Best Chicken Strips and Fries I've ever had!!! I love this...

5

Best Chicken Strips and Fries I've ever had!!!

I love this place.

The fish & chips are the best in town. Great service with a...

5

The fish & chips are the best in town. Great service with a smile.

IF SOMEONE CAME IN AND STOLE ALL THEIR BOWLING BALLS THEY...

5

IF SOMEONE CAME IN AND STOLE ALL THEIR BOWLING BALLS THEY COULD STILL SURVIVE WITH THEIR FISH AND SALAD PLATES..

WE DONT MAKE IT THERE AS MUCH AS WE USED TO BUT IF SOMEONE WANTS TO GO THERE FOR DINNER IN OUR GROUP OF FRIENDS..I WOULDNT SAY NO!!

Hey - no one has mentioned it so far, but they serve a great...

5

Hey - no one has mentioned it so far, but they serve a great brakfast too!. they have the best pancakes and homemade syrup in town!

fish and chips

1

Well, I am shocked and dismayed at the food I received at the Westchester Bowl the other day. I took my friend there who is new to Bakersfield to experience "the best fish and chips ever." I have to say not any more. I thought it was funny when the waitperson brought us our order in less than 5 minutes from when we had ordered. As I cut into my fish, I realized why we had our order so quickly. The fish was practically cold and just full of grease. Obviously, this fish had been sitting around for quite a while. It was just terrible. My friend didn't even eat most of hers but was too polite to complain. I took the leftovers home but my cats wouldn't even eat it!

Fish and Chips

For the one that ate at Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop with your Lady friend and it wasn't so good, try going to Moonstone Cafe at Cambria Ca., once you've eaten there, you'll be going back again and again, they are the best in California. Just Fish, no jacket, just Fish and good to the last bite. ;=)))

Love this place! The french dip and buget salad is to die...

5

Love this place! The french dip and buget salad is to die for. I don't like fish, but I could live off Rick's fish. Keep up the good work.

Always a good meal. I love their french fries.

4

Always a good meal. I love their french fries.

I agree with everyone about the cole slaw. It's the best I...

4

I agree with everyone about the cole slaw. It's the best I ever had in my life. Sometimes I just order a bowl of cole slaw and a bowl of cottage cheese. Their fish and chips are great especially since they don't look at you funny when you ask for vinegar with your chips!!
I used to work very close to this place. I'm glad I don't any more because I'd be eathing there or at Joseph's every day.

I'll second that about the rolls...I enjoy them just as much...

4

I'll second that about the rolls...I enjoy them just as much as the fish and chips, and I LOVE the fish and chips. The cole slaw is also delicious. I'm not one for bowling, but I do enjoy the sounds of the pins dropping while I'm enjoying my lunch.

Fantastic fish and chips, which everyone raves about, but the...

4

Fantastic fish and chips, which everyone raves about, but the hidden gem is their rolls. Nothing beats a filling lunch, then a couple frames of shoddy bowling.

Best Fish & Chips in Town!!! The atmosphere is 100% bowling...

5

Best Fish & Chips in Town!!! The atmosphere is 100% bowling alley. They have killer cole slaw. Can you go wrong? No.

Reviews of Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop
0
Murphy

For the one that ate at Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop with your Lady friend and it wasn't so good, try going to Moonstone Cafe at Cambria Ca., once you've eaten there, you'll be going back again and again, they are the best in California. Just Fish, no

1
georgieboy

Well, I am shocked and dismayed at the food I received at the Westchester Bowl the other day. I took my friend there who is new to Bakersfield to experience "the best fish and chips ever." I have to say not any more. I thought it was funny when the

4
bsc1960

In my job, I often meet with sales and service people from out of town. One of my favorite lines to tell them is that if they want the best hamburgers in town, go to the car wash (34th St) and if they want the best fish and chips, go to the bowling

4
cfryguy

It is, after all, a coffee shop in a bowling alley. It's noisy, the seating is limited, there's nothing fancy about it. But the service is usually very good and the staff is usually cheerful and friendly. They serve some great breakfasts and most of

5
bako661guy

The Fish n Chips here are definitely worthy of their reputation! They serve the best tasting fried fish you can get anywhere without actually going to the coast. The ambiance also makes it a somewhat nostalgic and fun place to eat. After hearing quite

5
Recipehunters

After eating here today; I have to tell you this place was known for just fish n chips but after i had breakfast here, this is the place to eat at. First off just for two people you can get a breakfast that fills you up about $20. I'm not talking about

2
eaguilar

I have always loved the fish n' chips from Westchester Bowl and have never had a problem with their service, until today. I guess there is a first time for everything.
My co-worker went to pick up the food on her lunch. We had ordered three

4
crushkiller

BEST FISH & CHIPS IN TOWN, SERVICE GOOD, ATMOSPHERE - HEY , ITS A BOWLING ALLEY!

4
fritzieashby

the food here is great!!! but call ahead your order cause you will be waiting and it does get packed! kudos to the hispanics who cook all that food!! your doing a great job. I appreiciate you!!

4
interceptor

When I'm in town a visit to Westchester Bowl Coffee Shop is always on my schedule. The "ambience" takes me back to high school and the fish and chips rivals Edinburgh Castle in San Francisco, and even British pub fare. Combine the fish and

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