Ewings on the Kern: Riverside Dining with Rustic Charm and Exquisite Steaks in Kernville, CA

My wife and I went here for our 1 year wedding anniversary and it was perfect. There was a planned power outage so we were concerned that they’d be closed but turns out, they had moved all food prep from their kitchen to a food trailer in the parking lot and was cooking everything over a smoker. The inside atmosphere was so romantic with tables only being lit by candle lights and natural light from the view of the sunset over the mountain. The staff were super helpful and welcoming as well. What took the prices was the steak. I went to a high brow steak house in San Diego last week which was bleak compared to the steak at Ewings! The beefy, smoky, and lightly seasoned steak was super tender and was accompanied by some juicy mushrooms and mash potatoes with gravy. The Mac and cheese was a great dish to share and my wife got the tri tip which she was equally as excited about! 5/5 will come back again.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ What an incredible experience! The food was absolutely fabulous—cooked to perfection and full of flavor. The view made the evening even more special, creating the perfect atmosphere to enjoy such an amazing meal. Truly unforgettable and highly recommended!

One of the nicer restaurants in the area. Prices are not bad for the quality. The restaurant overlooks the Kern River. The campground across the river had Karaoke night at the time. It sounded exactly like you would expect LOL. But Ewings had a very nice atmosphere and was larger than it looks. My Old Fashioned drink could have been better as they used small cubes of ice vs the normal large block but it still tasted good. The ahi tuna was fantastic as well as the Penne with four cheeses and chopped Filet was also fantastic.

Ewings on the Kern was an absolute delight from the moment we arrived. We were greeted with the kindest welcome from Neil and his lovely, design-savvy wife, Amie—it truly felt like being invited into someone’s beautiful home. We chose to sit at the back bar, where Blair took such wonderful care of us with friendly, attentive service that made the evening feel extra special. Live acoustic country throwbacks filled the air, setting the scene for a perfect 90° summer night. We ordered the ribeye with asparagus, mashed potatoes, and a crisp salad. I had the salmon with tender asparagus, a baked potato, and the most comforting French onion soup. After a sun-soaked day on the lake, it was exactly the kind of meal that hits the spot in every way. The real magic of Ewings on the Kern is the setting. Pictures just don’t capture how breathtaking it is—right on the river, with the water glistening in the evening light. Amie’s touch is everywhere, giving the entire space a fresh, thoughtful charm. It’s like Joanna Gaines opened a riverfront getaway with a little bit of Montana rustic soul. The updates are beautiful and completely elevate the experience. It’s a place you don’t just eat—you feel it. Peaceful, welcoming, and full of heart. We can’t wait to come back. P.S. The outdoor patio is open air and an absolute hidden gem, especially after the sun dips. We stopped by just to take a look—and ended up staying for two pints. It’s that kind of place.

Incredibly amazing dishes at an unbelievably reasonable price. Same is to be said for the location view, wait staff and chef. (Highly recommend making reservations)

We had a fantastic experience at Ewings on the Kern. The food was delicious, and I especially appreciated the focus on locally sourced ingredients. The menu was simple and easy to navigate, which made ordering a breeze. The service was fast and the staff was cordial. We sat on the patio, and the view of the Kern River was absolutely impressive. It was the perfect spot to enjoy a great meal with a beautiful view.

They have a vegan dish of squash and tomato sauce that was very good. The view at sunset from our table on the patio was spectacular. We didn't have reservations, so had to wait 45 minutes on a summer Saturday night, but it was worth it! Reservations recommended.

I had a great experience dining here during my visit to Kernville. Even though I was a party of 1, I was greeted right away by the gentleman at the front—he had the perfect mix of personality and professionalism that made me feel instantly welcome. The place itself feels like a fancy cabin tucked into the mountains, with awesome views of the valley and river that make the whole experience feel special. I ordered the seared tuna, and it was absolutely delicious—perfectly seared and full of flavor. The service was on point the entire time, and you can tell the staff really cares about making sure guests have a good experience. Prices are a little on the higher side, but honestly, it’s worth every penny for the food, service, and atmosphere. For Kernville, this spot definitely offers a touch of class that stands out in the area.