- Restaurants |
- Nightlife |
- Shopping |
- Movies |
- All
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Categories: Nightlife Bars Restaurants American (New) Bars, American (New) [Edit]
2800 Buck Owens BlvdBakersfield, CA 93308
(661) 328-7560
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- Yes
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Good For:
- Dinner
- Music:
- Live
- Best Nights:
- Fri, Sun, Sat
- Happy Hour:
- No
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Smoking:
- No
- Coat Check:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Very Loud
- Good For Dancing:
- Yes
- Ambience:
- Touristy, Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
64 reviews for Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
Review Highlights
-
"I had the best chicken fried steak and gravy I've ever..." In 8 reviews -
"It is a museum of country music, a cultural marker of a..." In 10 reviews -
"Hands down, the best Sunday brunch in the whole world." In 7 reviews
Loading...
64 reviews in English
-
Review from Sundai L.
Bakersfield, CA
12/13/2011 1 Check-in Here
Atmosphere is amazing!! & if u like country music you will love this place.w/live music & a dance floor it gets pretty intertaining.
BUT this place has 2 flaws
FOOD IS EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!! 23$ meals etc
And not too much to choose from.
Seating is very uncomfortable if you dont have a table in a good spot
And the staff wasent very nice at all :( -
Review from Shalay C.
Chino, CA
3/13/2012 1 Check-in Here
We went here for dinner on a Saturday night. Very cool atmosphere. It's basically dinner and a show, which I'm always down for. Of course if you don't like country music this may not be the place for you, but I definitely enjoyed the bands that took the stage and the songs they covered.
The food was decent. Your typical steakhouse, all-American type cuisine. Vegetarians beware. There are literally no options for you unless you modify a salad. Then again, I get the feeling 99.9% of the people that come here are meat eaters. I got the halibut, which was nice, but not memorable. Like I said, this place caters to carnivores, so even my green beans had bacon in it. Eeek. That would have been nice to know beforehand.
Our waitress was nice, but she got both my and my husband's beer order wrong. Oh well. Like I said, this place is fun. And in Bakersfield, the options are pretty limited for entertainment, so I'd go back again if I was in town. -
Review from Brian S.
Tempe, AZ
1/28/2012
I dont normally do this but this place sucks. We are in town on business and my friend won't stop ranting about how great this country bar is. You probably won't believe this but I don't like country but I was willing to give it a shot.
We get there around 9:25pm on a Saturday. The place is about 75% empty and for some odd reason we have to wait 10 minutes to get seated. So once we are seated we are placed "strategically" away from all the servers in the entire restaurant. It took over 20 minutes to order our drinks and by that time we were ready to order our food. The server takes our order for both and then comes back another 10min with our drinks. After another 10 minutes the server comes back tells us that our order can't be filled because the grill had just closed.
Now me and my friends are straight pissed. We talked to the server about our waiting situation and he said he would try to talk to the kitchen and see what they could do. He comes back after another 10min and says there is nothing that can be done but we can order appetizers. That wasn't an option for us so we told him we would just finish our drinks and go. The server walks away and this time he doesn't even come back. We had to ask for manager from another sever. The manager comes to our table. We explained to him the entire situation and he coped and attitude with us like it was our fault for not being aware the grill times. This guy was throwing out excuse like we ran out of trip tip and the grill closes at 9:30pm. I just thinks its crazy that the place is 3/4 empty and he is talking about they ran out of something.
We left and walked across the street and got some decent Mexican.
Service and Management is terrible!
Oh and I just called and talked to the host. Apparently the grilled as "10 or 10:30ish" not like the manager just told us at 9:30.
I'm official done with country. -
Review from Megan K.
Bakersfield, CA
12/20/2011
My mom has been wanting to try this place for a while, and since it her BIRTHDAY, we let her pick. :)
We made reservations for Sunday Brunch at 11AM.
As a server- this shift would be a dream. You don't have to take food orders or serve food, you just have to bring drinks and clear plates...easy peasy!! not for our server.
We were waiting on refills all too often and she never even brought my glass of champagne-which they also have a 2 drink maximum on.
$21.99 for a champagne brunch and you can only get 2 glasses? I have been to many a champagne brunch where they serve so much champagne they run out- and for much less money per person!!
The food was OK - the chicken fried steak and gravy was probably the best and the meat carving station had some really great seasoned and tender ribs - Though, while I was waiting for the guy to cut some, another worker came up and said "Are you going to let this guy cut that for you?" It was so awkward...how was I supposed to respond without being a smart alek? Why yes, he is the one in chef's whites wielding a knife, so yes, I think I am going to let him cut that for me. Captain Obvious??
Anyways, there was an omelet bar and my dad loved his egg white omelet, there was also a guy making waffles and ice cream sundaes- which my sisters loved.
There were a couple of lunch entree options and your regular breakfast fare.
Overall- Hodel's does the same, if not better, breakfast buffet for less. I don't really see the appeal in this place-at least not for the prices. Though there are some really cool pictures and memorabilia up on the walls. -
Review from MAyo B.
Mesa, AZ
Not being much of a Buck owens fan and thus wasn't too impressed by this place. The place smells of Moo poo outside(but that could be a Bako thing)
. -
Review from Shayra A.
3/17/2012 1 Check-in Here
Ohh boy... I must be an east coast girl... this cowboy stuff are not my thing. I had to go here, because otherwise I "never" went to Bakersfield according to some, but let me tell you that while the music was decent, the food was so disappointed. It might be the greatest thing in town for some, but for me the menu need a lift. When you ask for mozzarella sticks and you get bread with some cheese on top, and they seem to be confuse about what I was asking them for, that's when you know something is wrong. Mozzarella stick are mozzarella sticks wherever you go. Well, guest what not at Crystal Palace. After that we just left, like I said not my thing at all. But now I can say I was there and so I was in Bakersfield.
-
Review from Tony L.
San Francisco, CA
8/22/2011 9 photos
If you love C&W you should make a pilgrimage here! Everything for the C&W heart and eyes. Lots of old memories and each corner of this place made into a table w/chair so they can pack one more person in. Finally saw my very first line-dancing (they do it in Spain too) and the mood is very mellow and funny; the band was going on with (non-C&W) music and couples were dancing. Out of the corner of my eye I saw an hatted old man walking behind me, smiling, checking out all the butts of the sitting women on stools, smiling like a fat gator after a good meal, walking this way and that, kinda two-stepping with the music and enjoying life and being alive. aaaaah, to be a cowboy; I'd be in Heaven on Earth to have a smile /expression as that old man did... just enjoying everything!
Yes, kinda pricey but looking at the meals and portions, it's sorta big city prices but with better taste. I was told the chicken-friend steak is to die fer, but I saw the menu and settled for the fried catfish instead (okay, not great but not bad) and liked the big two portions. Parking lot fills up quickly; git yer butt thar quick to get a spot!!! The palace is located right next to the BAKERSFIELD welcome arch which is lit at night in green, so it's nice for a pix or two but be wary of lawn sprinklers set on automatic which might surprise you if you are there late enuff (don't ask me how I know)!!
PHOTO OPS: Big gorgeous murals in the entrance, and lots of cowboy lifesize statues scattered throughout the main entrance. Lots of great stuff to see and snap throughout the place. Once the music starts hard to snap the other stuff due to lighting but not impossible if you knock up the ISO and shoot very still. There's a palace logo broadcast on the dance floor that is very cool - shoot without flash and you'll catch that. You might like the high palace sign outside that can be seen from the highway and nearby streets BUT {much} better at night when lit up. Don't use your flash for the musicians which will kill the great lights. Have a great time!!! -
Review from Brad H.
6/18/2011
I was with a group of six coworkers down from Sacramento for work and we decided to check out the famed Buck Owen's Crystal Palace for dinner while we were in town.
Wow ! What an amazing collection of memorabilia, photographs, outfits, guitars, statues, even Buck Owen's customized Cadillac convertible on its side and displayed behind the bar. If you are at all a fan of country music or just Americana this is a great place to visit and just as impressive as many places that I have been in Nashville or Branson, MO.
We even got to see a live band perform on the stage, so it wasn't just dinner, it was dinner and a show.
And as for the food, delicious and fair prices. I went for the chicken fried steak with potatoes and green beans. Others in our party tried various hamburgers and the pork chops. No predone chicken fried steak or gravy here, everything was clearly made on the premises and made with care. My coworkers said their burgers, fries and pork chops were extremely good as well.
Additionally, service was prompt and attentive.
If I lived in the Bakersfield area, I would make this a regular hangout and if you're just passing through, the Crystal Palace is well worth a stop. -
Review from Terrie G.
Spokane, WA
3/28/2012
If you are expecting service or management to call you back - don't! I tried to order a gift card. It took them over two weeks to even mail it even though I was promised a call back from the management after a week. Still never heard back. Instead they just charged my credit card and mailed the gift card. I had already bought a gift card from their competitor.
-
Review from Kara V.
8/1/2011
THis is what I think a little Branson, Missori might be like. Ol Buck Owens was before my time...waaay before my time, but its was fun just browsing around here. Lots of touristy junk to buy...I didn't. I'm just visiting Bakersfield , and I think this is its claim to fame. I ate dinner already so I didn't get a chance to try the restaurant. The prices are jacked up for the tourists too. Maybe I'll have to listen to a little Buck on the drive home up this valley....OK Dwight Yokum then! I hear the Sunday Brunch is good here.
-
Review from Art M.
Bakersfield, CA
10/3/2010 2 photos
A solid 2 stars; not bad, but not particularly good.
My wife and I went for the brunch on a busy Sunday. There wasn't anything that stands out in my mind as outstandingly awesome, but nothing was terrible. I lived in Texas for half of my life and often get homesick for the food, so when I read about how Crystal Palace has the best chicken fried steak EVER, it's something I had to try. I left satisfied, a little underwhelmed, and broke (this place is way to expensive for what you get).
The chicken fried steak was good for Bakersfield, but since it was in a buffet line, mine ended up being soggy and stale. Perhaps if I had it fresh It would have been better, but I have to review it based on what I had. The rest of the food was alright, typical of a brunch buffet.
Buck Owens' Crystal Palace is one of those places you have to go to since it's a landmark in Bakersfield. The food isn't bad, but not memorable; it's a decent restaurant that serves overpriced southern food in a country western dance hall. -
Review from Reggie D.
Bakersfield, CA
11/13/2011
I've only been once but had an enjoyable time with my family. Good music and food make for an interesting night out. We had steaks and saw some good country music. Will go back again.
-
Review from Nick B.
Irvine, CA
9/16/2010
Haven't been to Buck Owens' Crystal Palace in a while, but man, it has some great food, great people watching and some seriously good tunes.
I've seen Buck shred here in his last days in his glittering Nudie suit while boots stomp the dance floor.
Became friends with the Buckaroos drummer Dave W. after Buck's passing. That was a sad time. Owens' casket was brought to the dance floor. The entire dinner theater was filled with flowers.
Now maybe Buck's ghost visits the place. Who knows? Love to go to the Palace, eat a burger and listen to some good old country tunes. The old school stuff.
Seen Fatt Katt and the Vonzippers here a lot and Matt Munoz occasionally blasting his sax. Dwight Yoakam was a highlight and meeting him up in one of the office rooms that's decked out like an old country living room. That was great.
All the memorabilia and photos are worth a journey to Bakersfield on a Friday night. Just do it. You'll get fat, maybe dance a little, and see a lot of smiling happy faces.
Buck passed, and maybe this place will pass too. So, better head out to see it all while it's still there.
Bring a fat wallet. It's a little pricey. But heck, even my poet friends love the place. It's as special as it gets. -
Review from Kenneth W.
Bakersfield, CA
7/18/2011
I'm always willing to go to this restaurant/museum/concert hall. Have I always had a great meal here? No, I've had some fairly mediocre and uninspired meals here. Have I always thought their prices were worth what I was getting? No, they can be pricey. Have their concerts been good each time I've gone? No, they haven't, but they have usually been very fun and the Palace is one of the more intimate settings you'll find the top-tier artists performing on. The local bands can be fun, too. And if you're with some friends, it can be very fun to get out on the dance floor and get your groove on. I think this place is pretty much always worth visiting.
I would recommend the bacon cheeseburger. It's never failed me. The Chicken Fried Steak is good, but don't bother ordering it on a concert night. It has always been cold when I've ordered it during a show. The filet is good, too, but again, it can be cold by the time it arrives at your table during a show. The appetizers are pretty yummy, too. I don't actually like their desserts. I am also disappointed that a restaurant with a real bar offers Mug Root Beer (it tastes horrible to me.) I would expect them to carry a premium root beer, like Henry Weinhardt's or Virgil's or at the very least have a keg of A&W Root Beer on tap.
Update:
Just went tonight and tried to use a gift card. They claimed it was no longer valid (it should be) and had no value (it should have had about $12.) Instead of working with me, I felt like they blew me off as though I were a liar. That's not cool in my opinion. The manager I spoke with said, "If the computer says the gift card has no value, then the computer is right. If you have receipt that shows otherwise, then we can figure something out." Let's analyze that logic, supposedly they can't look in their computer to see when the very gift card was used, but if I supplied any receipt that showed a value on it, they'd give me that value? How does that make sense? If their computer is so good, then why can't it tell me when it was used and for how much? I felt so insulted that I majorly skimped on the tip (I left about a $1, though I considered leaving nothing.) I don't know when or if I'll ever be back. -
Review from Walker S.
San Diego, CA
10/30/2007 3 photos
Last Sunday my wife and I enjoyed an exceptional buffet served with warm hospitality. We highly recommend brunch especially at the bargain price, including tip, of $25 per person. All the food was perfect! Six stations included (1) salad/fruit, (2) breakfast, (3) meat, (4) omelet, (5) waffle and (6) desert. Buffet presentation, quality and service were the best we have ever experienced.
Sunday buffet is served from 9:30am to 2:30pm. We arrived at 11:30am and got seated within 10 minutes without a reservation. Tables surrounded the performance area with the food stations at the lowest level next to the stage. The room is surrounded by display cases of memorabilia. Signed photographs cover most walls. On the way out we enjoyed a walk looking over the tasteful collection as we remembered Buck's varied career.
Everything we tried at the buffet was fresh from the kitchen, cooked perfectly and tasted great. I tried the fresh fruit, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, chicken friend steak, gravy with biscuits and enchiladas from the salad and breakfast stations. My wife's waffle was cooked perfectly and delicious. Service staff and cooks continuously monitored and attended to the modest size service pans of fresh warm food. Our waiter Rudolph came by frequently to keep our drinks filled.
Two meat carvers sliced ham, beef and turkey. A chef cooked omelets to order. Ice cream with toppings was included at the waffle station. The desert station offered hot apple or peach cobbler, cakes, cookies and more. My favorite was the pecan cinnamon rolls which reminded me of my grandmother's Sunday feasts.
The kids were enjoying their Sunday brunch along with their entire family. Even at twice the price, my wife and I agree, this brunch is a special treat and we will return for more. -
Review from erica c.
7/7/2008
Had to stop in Bakersfield for a night and ended up having dinner at this famous local eatery. We were warned it was very country but despite a few cowboy hats, it didn't seem too country for us city folk! From the outside, Buck Owen's Crystal Palace has that theme park look which reminded me of being in Disneyland. Surprisingly the inside was set up nicely and the acoustics were great.
The food was good but way overpriced. And you have to pay a $5 per person cover charge, too! The fish was dry but the highlight dishes were the steak and the gigantic country fried steak. Loved the band we saw and the people on the dance floor looked like they were having fun! We were gonna join them but after getting the stare down from a bunch of people throughout the night, we decided to high tail it out of there right after dinner when a big guy in a cowboy hat came up to me and said, "You's Asian". Yes I am. Thank you and good night. -
Review from Tracy S.
6/10/2008 1 photo
Hands down, the best Sunday brunch in the whole world. I haven't been to them all, but I know I like this one best. If you like comfort food in the morning, the Crystal Palace is Nirvana. First eat the biscuits and gravy. I could go here and just eat biscuits and gravy until I exploded. But I usually move on to a little omelet from the omelet bar, and before long I have proceeded to filling my plate with RIBS and mashed potatoes. SO. GOOD. Don't ever pass up the fruit tray, though, because these folks must have a direct line to the growers near town--their fruit is always so fresh and so juicy that it's almost like dessert. Except that there's a dessert bar, too. Try the cheesecake.
If you're nervous about the country theme, don't be. I LOATHE country music, but I LOVE the Crystal Palace! It's just fun and good. I have never been disappointed.Listed in: Our BBQ Quest, If you MUST be in…
-
Review from Steve S.
Bakersfield, CA
8/30/2011 2 Check-ins Here
FIVE STARS for sure! Talk about fresh? We requested a visit from the manager who told us everything, EVERYTHING is made fresh on site. She said it wasn't always like that but since about four years ago they started baking all of their pastries and biscuits. My favorite thing I ate (and I ate a LOT) was the blueberry scone. SO SOFT and tasty. Everything is great here- Food, service, scenery, history... PERFECT place for brunch. When we went in August of 2011 it was $23 per person and worth every penny!
-
Review from Jena S.
6/23/2009
Old cheesy decor and even more so older crowd. It wouldn't be horrible but then there's the food.
I'd been there a few times in my tenure. People rave about the brunch. Me I thought not so much.
For the lines and the hype it surely was not merited at all.Listed in: It.. stinks!
-
Review from Dave G.
Sylmar, CA
1/21/2011
We came here last weekend with a group of seven on a Friday night and I have to tell you, it was the best time I've had in a long time. The food was excellent, I especially enjoyed the appetizer sample, and my steak, the "Don Rich" special, was flavorful and tender.
Even though I am not a big country western fan, I just couldn't help but have fun listening to Buck's son Allen Owen and the Buckaroos perform from the well designed showroom stage, while video clips from back in the day played above them. The decor in this place is great, including Buck's Cadillac stationed behind the bar. What a fun place!
The ample dance floor remained packed with electric-sliders and two-steppers for the entire two hour set of the Buckaroos and were a blast to watch. Once the Buckaroos were finished, they were immediately followed by another band, Stampede, who played on into the night.
Here's a tip before you go; go to http://www.heehaw.com and get a refresher on the show and cast. It would have made things a lot easier on my pre-Alzheimer brain! -
Review from Casey R.
Bakersfield, CA
4/19/2010
This a good place to go and just get some drinks with your buddies. If you plan to dine here than you should just know that you're going to get some pretty unforgettable food at an expensive price. You're basically paying for large portions and the live entertainment. I'm not sure if there is live entertainment every night but there has always been live music every night I've been there.
If you plan on eating or don't want to fight for a seat at the bar then I would recommend making a reservation as it is hard to get seated with no reservation. The service from the bartenders and waitresses is always pretty good. I particularly like the waitresses that are a little abrasive, it makes for a fun night of back and forth bantering. All in good fun of course. The hostesses are a little rude though. Each time I've been there which is a hand full of times I have never had a good experience with them. They just seem like they don't want to be there and they don't give a damn about anything. Too bad, I guess cause they are all 16 year old teenagers. Those little bitches.
The decor is a little corny but I think everybody lets loose a little more here than they would at a normal restaurant. The music gets people going and there is always a good crowd of dancers on the dance floor. Even if you don't dance then just watching is pretty entertaining too. I'm not a big dancer but if you get a few rum and root beers in me I'll do a little two steppin'. If you see someone that is out of sync with everyone else line dancing then that's probably me.
Come here if you're just looking for a fun night with your wifey or friends. Don't expect much as far as the food though.Listed in: Bakersfield
-
Review from Bill C.
Bakersfield, CA
1/23/2012 1 Check-in Here
sunday!!! yummmm!!!
-
Review from Amber J.
San Diego, CA
1/23/2012
The chicken fried steak was alittle disappointing. I love the country feel of this place but it definitely needs to have a bigger dance floor. Once people start line dancing its hard for the other people just two-stepping to get around. I would even recommend moving the tables off the dance floor past 9 or 10pm to give the guest a larger floor to dance on .
-
Review from Mike M.
Bakersfield, CA
8/29/2011
The food here is mediocre to good (your average steakhouse fare), but the atmosphere can't be beat. Many time you can take in a free 'big name show', line dance or listen to a good local band. Thanks Buck!
-
Review from Angel Z.
Fort Bragg, CA
1/23/2009
Jeez...I hate to be the contrary one, but the Crystal Palace was a HUGE disappointment for me. First, lets just get this out of the way...there is nothing 'crystal' about it. I kind of expected a big crystal saddle disco ball hanging from the ceiling...nope.
Our reception was less than stellar. Four hostesses and not one said hi for several minutes. They seemed confused by life.
After waiting for much too long we got seated upstairs. That was fine with us.
My margarita sucked and dinner was disappointing. The only good thing on my plate was my steak. And it was awesome. But it just didn't make up for the bland green beans, strangely gross baked potato and hard as a rock biscuit.
The Buckaroos were playing so that meant we wouldn't be having any conversation at our table. And it's pretty annoying to pay $5 per person plus $30 for a steak plus $10 for a drink. I mean...the $5 felt like exploitation to me. If I am having dinner and drinks that should more than cover me! The Buckaroos are excellent musicians, but the singing needs to be left to someone else.
Our waitress was fine...not outstanding, but not horrific either.
Needless to say, I felt ripped off after leaving and will never be back nor recommend this place to anyone. -
Review from Ron R.
Bakersfield, CA
7/23/2010
We were there last night for the Chuck Wicks concert. The set up was great we had great seats.
The food was good...not great but definitely not bad.
Service was about a 6...the atmosphere was a 10+
The menu was a bit pricey but we found some items in our price range. -
Review from Rick M.
Bakersfield, CA
3/14/2009
What can I say!
Awesome place! Great food and entertainment.
If you want to see country history this is the place. When Buck was alive he entertained like no one even with cancer. I don't even like country music!
But overall if you like a great atmosphere and aren't afraid of how much it cost to eat here you'll be happy you did. You won't walk away hungry!! -
Review from John H.
Bakersfield, CA
8/4/2011
The food here has gone downhill. My wife and I come here sometimes for the Sunday brunch. A few years ago, I would highly recommend Buck Owens, but something has changed...
-
Review from Michelle G.
Fullerton, CA
5/7/2010
So on the outside this large pink old time western joint had me nervous. Then....we opened the door to the largest Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash statues I've ever seen. Mama, I'm home!
We did have to pay a $5.00 cover for the band even though we were there for dinner. That was kind of a drag. Over the bar was that sweet Cadillac Buck Owens won off Elvis mounted to the wall! The place was lined with some of the coolest music memorabilia I've seen too.
If you're a people watcher this place is like heaven.
The food was kinda blah. Otherwise I'd give this place a 5. -
Review from Orlando S.
Bakersfield, CA
5/25/2011
I only come here for drinks and the atmosphere. Go check out the bar and you wont be disappointed.
-
Review from Matt O.
San Jose, CA
2/11/2008 3 photos
In the spirit of honesty, like another reviewer, I am a huge Buck Owens fan. So the Crystal Palace could serve me a heaping plate of dirt on bread and I'd give it 5 stars, so take this review with a grain of salt.
The Crystal Palace is my Graceland, so I was in awe from the second I arrived. Not only was the place pleasantly kitschy with a ton of memorabilia, but the food was outstanding. I had the best chicken fried steak and gravy I've ever eaten (and I've eaten a lot of it). I had read that Buck was proud of his "Bakersfield Biscuits" and I'll tell you, they were the best. Soft and fluffy, sweet and tasty; and covered in sausage gravy, it was heaven in the Central Valley.
I highly recommend this place if you love down-home food. And I clearly recommend it if you're a fan of country music.
Would I got back? Hell yes.
Is Bakersfield a vacation destination? No. -
Review from Kory R.
Vallejo, CA
5/27/2009
I'll make this quick and painless...
Wonderful decor and ambiance... reminds me of a country western Disney themed restaurant. Loved the setting, stage, faux buildings inside, etc. (Oh and the upstairs is really cool.. walk up to check it out from above!)
Food.. okay, you could get it at a chain but my chicken sandwich was really moist and the peppers made the sandwich.
Staff... seemed like there were to many servers, expediters, and bussers. My friend and I particularly got annoyed when management and some of the servers were having a mini meeting next to our seat.
Overall, its okay! I would experience it at least once and bring your camera! -
Review from Pablo E.
Bakersfield, CA
8/15/2010
I wasn't sure what to expect from the Crystal Palace, maybe Superman's Fortress of Solitude meets Trout's (nothin' against Trout's as I have just been there and loved it too), but I was very pleasantly surprised by this clean, spacious, well-run restaurant/museum/concert venue/dance hall.
It was a Saturday night and I was seated right on the first level/dance floor section and when the concert started (Monty Byrom & Buck's band, the Buckaroos who put on an excellent show, btw), I could enjoy the music without my ears roaring and still have, an albeit loud, conversation with my table partners. I often regret going to live concerts because of the eardrum bursting, too-loud music. The way it's set up, I don't think there's a bad seat in the house, music-wise.
I loved the ole' west decor inside and out: felt like I was eating in a spruced up Knott's Calico train ride a bit as there were a couple of dummies sitting in a jail cell upstairs--corn factor: high, but it's in fun. Before the concert, loved watching the old timey videos of Buck, Conway Twitty, Tammy Wynette and several high-hair ladies all dressed up in their late 60's finery singing and playing their hearts out. There was some class and talent that you just don't see anymore. After the concert, the line dancing was darn fun to watch. There are some seriously good rug-cutters of all ages dancing there, and kids were allowed too. I have found that if there are kids runnin' around in your bar, you're probably in Bakersfield. This is a nice place to visit, young and old, and have great memories of.
Yes, the food prices were up there a bit, but come, ye pinchers of pennies, you're getting a show if you go at night: I paid no cover charge. I had the southwest chicken salad which was large and prepared nicely, plenty o' chicken. The service was good, too. There was a whole museum part which I didn't get to with spangly outfits that Buck wore, gold records, CW music history, tricked out Pontiac? over the bar, life-sized Elvis statue with cape, etc. -
Review from Vince A.
Los Angeles, CA
4/27/2011
Huge, delicious breakfast buffet!
-
Review from Jessica C.
Chicago, IL
9/17/2010
We didn't even know who Buck Owens was and just wandered in off of the freeway. Wow! Great food, great music, great place.
-
Review from Mark S.
8/22/2010
My family came here for Sunday brunch. The ambiance and history are definitely there, but as for everything else....meh. For $20+, you get an assortment of food. But from reading Kitchen Confidential, it's plain to see that the scraps do indeed go into brunch buffets.
I got the scramble, the breakfast enchilada, an omelet from the omelet bar, the steamed broccoli and cauliflower, chicken fried steak, roast beef, sausage, and a sausage patty. The scramble tasted like grease and onions. They just put way too much oil. The breakfast enchilada was alright, but nothing I couldn't make at home [and make BETTER]. The omelet bar is definitely something that shouldn't go unnoticed even though they messed up my omelet by making it super thick. The steamed vegetables were actually pretty good. The chicken fried steak was a train wreck. This thing was overfried and stale. You can try to say, "But it was in the warming tray at a buffet, which means it's gonna get cold and stale." Well it was warm and stale. I felt like I was eating deep fried beef jerky (which sounds like fair food, haha.) The roast beef was passable. The sausage and sausage patty were super greasy however they were pretty meaty.
Overall, there were some good items, but if you have a brunch, you better be ready to offer up quantity and quality. Unfortunately, despite the quantity of items, the quality was lacking. But I'm glad to say that I ate at the Crystal Palace. -
Review from Brian D.
Boulder Creek, CA
8/21/2011
Great place. Great food, music and atmosphere
-
Review from Toni O.
Bakersfield, CA
7/28/2011
love there stake for two and there sunday brunch is great yummmmmmmm !!!!
-
Review from scott r.
Chico, CA
4/27/2011
Hoppin place, tasty pork chops
-
Review from maureen p.
San Martin, CA
2/4/2012
We have been two times (we're from San Jose area). The $5 cover does frost you - sorry, but with steaks dinners at $30 +, get over yourselves. Don't order drinks, except for pre-bottled. Weak and light. Both times, waitress we had was nice, but forgetful, with lousy timing. Band(s) were great, and people watching (if you don't dance yourself), is awesome. Showcases, memorabilia, photos, the famous car, the "show" clothes, are an education in themselves. We ordered the rib eye - the steak was incredible, and well worth the price. The beans were on the cold side, and one of the baked stuffed potatoes was definitely cold. We were anxious for this second visit, did enjoy ourselves, but will not be so quick to stop by again. In fact, there is a Logan's steakhouse down the road, so we'll probably try that next time. If you have never been to this place, you have to do it at least once in your lifetime, country or Buck Owens fan or not. Do make a reservation, music starts at 7:30, and goes till after ten or eleven. Parking is tight (not this time though), so make an early reservation (maybe six or six thirty, whenever they will let you in), and enjoy your meal. You can stay all night if you are enjoying the music and the show, on and off stage!!!
