Finding a decent steak in the high desert can be a gamble. You’ve probably been there—driving through the Tehachapi Pass, stomach growling, wondering if you should just settle for fast food or hold out for something real.
Jake's Steakhouse Tehachapi California is that "something real."
Located right in the "Historic Walk" area of downtown at 213 South Curry Street, it doesn’t try to be a flashy Los Angeles bistro. Honestly, it doesn't need to. It's a vintage-style steakhouse that smells like oak wood and looks like a place where people actually enjoy their food instead of just photographing it.
What’s Actually Worth Ordering at Jake's?
Most people show up for the beef. They use Harris Ranch beef, which is basically the gold standard for California cattle. It’s sourced through The Butcher Shop in Old Town, so the "local" tag isn't just marketing fluff.
The Black Diamond Ribeye is the heavy hitter here. It’s 14 ounces of marbleized fat and lean muscle that usually comes out with a proper sear. If you’re the type who likes a "Baseball Cut" Top Sirloin because you want thickness without the massive footprint of a T-bone, they do an 8-ounce version that hits the spot.
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Wait. Don't skip the Prime Rib.
They slow-roast it and serve it with a house-made horseradish cream that actually has a kick. You can get a 10-ounce regular cut or a 14-ounce "King" cut. If you go on a Friday or Saturday night, expect a wait. This isn't a secret anymore.
The Menu Beyond the Grill
It’s not just a caveman diet.
- Coconut Shrimp: Served with a tangy orange marmalade. It’s crunchy, sweet, and surprisingly light.
- Jake’s Famous Lasagna: This is a bit of a curveball for a steakhouse, but it’s loaded with ricotta, spinach, and a meat sauce that tastes like someone’s grandmother has been hovering over the stove all day.
- The Sourdough: People talk about the bread here almost as much as the steaks. It’s served warm with butter, and it’s dangerous because you’ll want to eat the whole basket before your appetizer arrives.
The Vibe and the Service
The atmosphere is "casually elegant." What does that mean? Basically, you can wear a nice button-down for a date or show up in clean jeans after a day of hiking the PCT (Pacific Crest Trail) and nobody’s going to give you a weird look. It feels intimate. The backroom is great for smaller groups, while the bar area is where you’ll find the locals sipping on a Manhattan or an Old Fashioned.
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One name you’ll hear a lot if you read local reviews is Ginger. She’s one of the bartenders who has basically become a local legend for knowing exactly how to balance a drink. It’s that kind of place—the staff remembers your name if you show up more than once a year.
The Reality Check: What to Watch Out For
Let's be real for a second. No place is perfect.
Because Jake's Steakhouse Tehachapi California is one of the few high-quality sit-down spots in town, it gets packed. If you show up at 6:30 PM on a Saturday without a reservation, you’re going to be waiting at the bar. Sometimes for a while.
Also, it isn't cheap. A 9-ounce lobster tail might set you back sixty bucks depending on the market price. You’re paying for the fact that you’re eating high-end seafood and Harris Ranch beef in a mountain town at 4,000 feet elevation.
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Logistics and Planning
They are open seven days a week, generally from 11:30 AM to 9:00 PM. This makes it a solid lunch spot if you want a burger that actually tastes like it came from a cow and not a frozen patty.
If you’re planning a visit:
- Call ahead: (661) 822-6015. Seriously. Just do it.
- Parking: There’s a lot behind the building and plenty of street parking, so don't stress the car.
- Dietary Stuff: They have a few vegan/vegetarian options like the "Vegetable Medley Plate," but let’s be honest—you’re coming here for the grill.
Moving Forward with Your Trip
If you're heading to Tehachapi, make Jake's your "nice" dinner. It anchors the downtown experience. After your meal, you can easily walk the historic district or head over to one of the local breweries to cap off the night.
Pro Tip: If you're staying in town for the weekend, try the Prime Rib on your first night. If you love it (and you probably will), you'll have time to come back for the Ribeye before you leave.
Check their daily specials board as soon as you walk in; they often have seasonal fish or unique pasta dishes that aren't on the standard printed menu.