17 Best Restaurants in Hanford, CA
This article was written by local contributor Jayde Emerson & edited by the Travel Lens team.
With so many great options from various cuisines, it's always an adventure to explore the culinary gems of our town.
Whether you're in the mood for some classic comfort food or looking to try something new and exciting, this towns has got your taste buds covered!
In this article, I'll be sharing some of my the best restaurants in Hanford, California, that I think you should definitely check out.
Castle Grill
I recently visited Castle Grill with my partner, and we were both thoroughly impressed with our meals.
My partner opted for the fish sandwich meal, while I indulged in the double bacon cheeseburger meal.
The dishes were not only freshly made but also tasted absolutely amazing.
The real cherry on top was when we decided to treat ourselves to dessert – the Caramel Sundae and Oreo Twister, which were both delicious.
The establishment itself is a cute little diner, offering a comfortable and clean atmosphere for patrons.
Family Burger
One of my go-to spots to satisfy my burger cravings is Family Burger.
The food is consistently delicious, and they have a variety of options to choose from.
I particularly enjoy their specialty fries, like the pastrami fries, carne asada fries, and my personal favorite, the Buffalo chicken fries with mozzarella sticks.
Speaking of the mozzarella sticks, they are huge and scrumptious - definitely a must-try!
I have been to Family Burger around 19 times, and every single time, I am impressed by their quality and service.
Recently, I ordered the family pack which includes five burgers, five fries, and five sodas, all for just $26.1.
The burgers are quite generous in size, loaded with fresh ingredients, and cooked to perfection.
Mike's Grill
The other day, I decided to try out Mike's Grill for the first time.
I had heard mixed reviews about the place, so I thought I'd give it a shot myself.
Upon entering, I noticed that the atmosphere was quite cozy and welcoming.
I decided to go with their pastrami sandwich combo, which came with fries and a drink.
I opted for a milkshake as my drink, and I definitely made the right choice.
The pastrami sandwich was delicious and generously portioned, so much so that I ended up saving half for a later meal.
The fries were crispy and well-seasoned, and the milkshake was rich and creamy.
Thai Thai
I've been a resident of Hanford for quite some time now, and I must say, one of my favorite places to grab a bite is Thai Thai.
I've visited this restaurant multiple times, and it never disappoints.
One of my go-to dishes at Thai Thai is the tofu pad thai with a good level of heat.
I've tried it with a higher spice level, but for me, the medium-hot level is just perfect.
What I love about their pad thai is the burst of flavor in every bite.
The portions are quite generous too – I often end up taking some home for later.
Thai Thai also seems to be a popular spot for to-go orders, as I've noticed a steady stream of people coming in to pick up their meals.
Despite the number of customers, the restaurant maintains a pleasant, quiet atmosphere, making it a great place to enjoy a relaxed meal.
In addition to the tofu pad thai, I've also tried their Laab and shrimp pad Thai, which were both delicious.
Green Valley Cafe
I absolutely love going to Green Valley Cafe for breakfast and lunch.
It's a homey, country-style spot with counter seats that serves delicious cafe fare from breakfast plates to burgers.
You can find it conveniently located here.
One of my favorite things about Green Valley Cafe is the welcoming atmosphere.
It's always bustling with whole families, and people of all ages enjoying a meal together.
Plus, they're open from 5 am to 2 pm every day of the week, making it a perfect spot for an early breakfast or a leisurely lunch.
I highly recommend trying their bacon and eggs, which are always cooked to perfection.
The O'Brien potatoes may not appear fancy, but they taste incredible, and their biscuits and gravy are top-notch.
I also can't wait to go back and try their lunch menu, which I've heard is just as amazing as their breakfast offerings.
So next time you're in the area or just passing through the central valley, don't miss out on a meal at Green Valley Cafe.
Asia Garden
Asia Garden has always been one of my go-to places for a quick and delicious meal.
It's a small, cozy restaurant with great air conditioning, making it perfect for those hot summer days.
Their service is friendly and usually fast, which is essential when you're in a hurry or need a quick bite to eat.
You can find the location of this amazing restaurant here.
During one of my recent visits, I went with a group of friends, and we ordered a variety of dishes.
While the food tasted good overall, I did notice that some of the dishes were a bit light on protein, with an 80/20 ratio of vegetables to chicken.
However, the food was hot and tasted great, so it didn't bother me too much.
My personal favorite has always been the House Pan Fried Noodle, which I can easily devour by myself!
Tacos Gonzalez
I've visited Tacos Gonzalez a couple of times now, and I must say, it never disappoints.
The prices are reasonable, and the food is fantastic.
The burritos come with everything and not so much of rice and beans that they use it as filler like a lot of other places do.
They put in just the right amount that makes them delicious.
I tried both the Carne asada and carnitas burritos; both were great.
The Carne asada tacos were also very good.
The meat was soft and seasoned just right.
The carne asada tacos were delicious, and the green salsa was bomb!
The quesabirria’s were good too, 8/10.
Cisneros Taqueria
Let me tell you about my favorite spot for tacos in town - Cisneros Taqueria.
I've been going there for years, and I can confidently say that they have the best pastor I've ever had.
It's not just me; the reviews are full of praise for their delicious tacos and great customer service.
When I crave simple, classic tacos, Cisneros Taqueria never disappoints.
The taste is always fantastic, and the service is fast and friendly.
Arsenio's Mexican Food
I can't say enough good things about Arsenio's Mexican Food.
This eatery has become a staple for me and my partner whenever we feel like having Mexican food after a long day of shopping.
You can find their menu and more information about them on their website.
Whenever we order our favorites like fish tacos, bean burritos, french fries, chips and salsa, or chili relleno burritos, we never have to wait long for the food to be freshly prepared.
One of the best things about Arsenio's is their hot chips.
I can't think of any other place nearby that serves such delicious and freshly heated chips, perfectly complemented by their flavorful salsa and pico de gallo.
The fish tacos are tasty as well, but the real star of the meal is usually the bean burrito.
It's so generously filled with beans and cheese that it could easily be a meal by itself.
Toti's Pupusería
A few weeks ago, I discovered Toti's Pupusería in downtown Hanford, and I can't believe I've been missing out on this gem for so long.
This quaint little restaurant offers a rare taste of El Salvador right here in the Valley, complete with an intimate dining area and a spacious patio.
Toti's Pupusería is family-owned, and their service is excellent.
My favorite dish is their pupusas, which have the perfect ratio of masa to cheese, but I also tried their chicken pastelitos, which are similar to empanadas - simply delicious.
You can't go wrong with their ensalada, a fruit salad drink that's refreshing and perfect for pairing with your meal.
And for something truly unique, try their Salvadoran-style hot dog, which comes topped with a veggie macaroni salad.
The outdoor seating area is ideal for large groups, and the prices are reasonable, making Toti's Pupusería a must-visit whenever you're in town.
Adams Drive-In
Just the other day, I decided to treat myself to a meal at Adams Drive-In, a local favorite of mine.
I decided to go for a small salad, and to my delight, she didn't even hesitate for a second.
The burger and fries were delicious, and they were able to serve my food pretty quickly too.
I've heard that some people have had issues with finding hair in their food, which is concerning.
However, I've never had such an experience in all the times I've dined here.
In fact, I have always been impressed by the consistency of their food quality.
My personal favorite is the chili cheeseburger, which is simply mouth-watering.
The fries they serve are just the way I like them - crispy on the outside and soft and fluffy on the inside.
Dynasty Chinese Cuisine
When I'm in the mood for some delicious Chinese food, I always head over to Dynasty Chinese Cuisine in my neighborhood.
The atmosphere is cozy and the service is top-notch.
My son can't get enough of their pot stickers, and sometimes we have a playful argument over who gets the last one.
The house chow mein is also a must-try.
The portion sizes are generous, the prices are reasonable, and the flavors are always on point.
What makes this place extra special is the fact that it's owned and operated by a hardworking and friendly family.
Happy Eats
Let me tell you about my recent dining experience at Happy Eats in Hanford, CA.
I've been hearing rave reviews about this place from friends and colleagues, but it took me a while to finally give it a try.
And boy, do I regret not trying it sooner!
The moment I stepped in, I was greeted with warm and friendly service, which set the tone for the rest of my meal.
I started off with their famous egg drop soup, and it lived up to the hype!
It was the best I've ever had.
But the highlight of my visit was their Pho - a spicy combination soup with noodles, sprouts, peppers, and meats.
It was the perfect comfort food for a chilly winter day, and I loved how they provided a variety of additions so I could customize the spiciness to my liking.
In addition to their amazing soups, I also tried the teriyaki chicken, which was cooked to perfection - slightly crispy on the outside with a sauce that had a lingering delicious flavor.
And I can't forget to mention their sesame balls, which have quickly become my go-to appetizer whenever I visit.
One other thing that stood out to me was their eco-conscious approach - their milk teas come in sturdy reusable plastic cups, which I now use at home for my cold drinks.
Zaytoona Restaurant
I recently dined at Zaytoona Restaurant and I must say, it was an amazing experience!
Though my steak came out a bit more rare than I usually prefer, I decided to give it a try and it was surprisingly scrumptious!
Their Spicy Chicken Soup was a bit on the salty side, but the Vegetarian Plate made up for it with its deliciousness, ample portion and affordability.
I couldn't resist trying their fresh baklava and house-made Turkish Delight - both were absolutely divine.
During my visit, I also tried their burak and fried jalapeno peppers appetizers.
The burak, filled with cheese and served with a strawberry dip, was a cheese lover's dream.
And the jalapenos, breaded and fried with cream cheese, were the perfect level of spiciness for me.
The dinner entrees did not disappoint either!
My partner had the Beef Kabab Burrito with fries, while I enjoyed the Shish Kebabs on a bed of rice.
The lamb was the best I've had in years, perfectly cooked and served with a delectable garlic dipping sauce.
Although we were quite full after our meal, we couldn't resist ordering a chocolate baklava for dessert.
It was just the right size for a few bites of sweetness to end our fantastic dining experience at Zaytoona Restaurant.
Valle Grullense
Just the other day, my friends and I decided to pay a visit to Valle Grullense.
The moment we stepped in, we were greeted with the mouth-watering aroma of their delicious Mexican dishes.
We happened to go on a particularly hot day, and while the air conditioning could've been better, it didn't really bother us that much.
The variety of Mexican bottle beers available was impressive, and they even had a few options on tap.
The service we received was nothing short of excellent.
Valle Grullense offers a wide range of menu options, from seafood to classic Mexican food.
What really stood out to me were the hand-made corn tortillas that accompanied our meal.
They were perfect for wrapping up those tasty taco fillings!
To top it all off, our visit was made even more enjoyable by the live mariachi performance.
Samurai Sushi Bar
My go-to place for sushi in town has always been Samurai Sushi Bar.
I've been a regular patron for years, and it never ceases to amaze me with its exceptional dining experience.
When it comes to their menu, Samurai Sushi Bar offers an impressive selection of sushi options to choose from, and I've never been disappointed.
I've even managed to try rolls without using soy sauce and wasabi, and still found them to be incredibly delicious.
My children, on the other hand, can't get enough of their Crazy Boy rolls.
The Spicy Samurai roll, with its beautiful orchid topping, transports me back to the amazing dining experiences I had during my vacation in Hawaii.
Another thing I appreciate about Samurai Sushi Bar is their dedication to maintaining a clean and pleasant atmosphere.
It's evident that they truly care about providing a top-notch experience to their customers.
Star Restaurant
I cannot believe I haven't been to Star Restaurant before!
The oldest restaurant in Kings County, established in 1901, has quickly become one of my favorite places to grab a meal.
The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a warm, friendly atmosphere filled with hometown folks enjoying their meals.
The "Special" eggs served poached to perfection, crispy bacon, and mouthwatering biscuits and gravy were just what I needed to kick off my day.
I've also tried the chicken fried steak and eggs as well as the bacon burger with fries, and not once was I disappointed with my choice.
The portion sizes were great, and the prices were quite reasonable.
Final Thoughts
Hanford, California, offers an impressive variety of delicious dining options that I have had the pleasure of experiencing throughout my time here.
From mouthwatering burgers at Family Burger to satisfying sushi at Samurai Sushi Bar, there's something to cater to every palate, and I often find myself spoilt for choice.
Not only does Hanford boast a diverse range of cuisines, but the local eateries also excel in providing a welcoming atmosphere and top-notch service.
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