Nov's Soul Spot

4.6 ( 193 reviews )
$10–20
3013 F St, Bakersfield, CA 93301, United States
+1 661-873-4353

At Nov's Soul Spot, located in the heart of Bakersfield, CA, diners are treated to an authentic soul food experience that feels like a warm embrace from Grandma's kitchen. Customers rave about the fried catfish, deeming it a must-try along with the delectable fried chicken. The family-owned establishment exudes a welcoming atmosphere, with many patrons noting the friendly service and the genuine love that the staff puts into every dish.

Reviewers have praised the generous portion sizes and the freshness of the food. Dustin Keyes emphasizes the nostalgia in the taste, while Sonia Vargas and Norma Jean Baker commend the quick service and flavorful offerings. A standout highlight is the crispy catfish, which some, like CICE Mathis, argue is so good it doesn't need any sauce. The sweet yams are another treat, showcasing the kitchen's dedication to crafting soulfully satisfying meals.

Ronald Ganczak encapsulates the essence of Nov's when he urges food lovers not to miss out on the greens, further solidifying the restaurant's reputation as a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Southern cuisine. With a 4.8 rating and a menu filled with comforting classics, Nov's Soul Spot is undoubtedly a gem in Bakersfield!

Amenities and More

  • From the business
    • Identifies as Black-owned
  • Service options
    • Offers delivery
    • Offers takeaway
  • Offerings
    • Serves food
  • Dining options
    • Serves lunch
    • Serves dinner
    • Has catering
    • Has counter service
    • Serves dessert
  • Crowd
    • Family friendly
  • Payments
    • Accepts debit cards
    • Accepts NFC mobile payments
    • Credit cards
  • Parking
    • Free parking lot
    • Plenty of parking

Reviews For Nov's Soul Spot

Dustin Keyes
Jun 15,2025
Absolutely wonderful. I only have a 30 minute lunch and was able to get in and get my food in time. This is as close to how Grandma used to make it as it gets, the family that runs the place are good people that put love into every dish. Highly recommend the catfish!
Sonia Vargas
Jun 12,2025
We were driving though Bakersfield and had to stop somewhere quick to get takeout and so happy we stumbled on this place!! Had the fried catfish and fried chicken and it was so good! Highly recommend. Fast to-go service as well. Everything was beyond delicious. Didn’t even get photos of the food because we ate it so fast.
Norma Jean Baker
May 30,2025
Food was wonderful. Nice size portions on my catfish. My food was fresh and hot. Friendly staff. Compliments to the Chef Leon Denweed. Not one complaint from me
CICE Mathis
May 24,2025
Literally googled food near me and with 4.8 rating, they did not disappoint. The service, hospitality, and ambiance of good OL southern cooking fills the family business. Recommended by the reviews, I ordered the catfish with yams and black eyed peas. The black eyed peas on seasoned with pork so i couldn’t eat them, but everything else was just fabulous. The catfish was so crispy and fresh. I asked for sauce, but that catfish doesn’t require any at all. The yams were perfect not overly sweet and tender to the cut. This is good food. Please treat yourself and stop at Nov’s Soul Spot, which is on the other side of the property rental place.
Ronald Ganczak
May 12,2025
Listen, I was told this place has great food and especially the best greens you ever had if you even know what greens are, and I'm going to tell you something they were telling the truth! If you don't make it a point to go to this place and dine on some great southern style food you have made a mistake of lifetime! The prices are normal for most good restaurants today but the portions are beyond wild!
Jose Perez
May 8,2025
Cat and shrimp combo was excellent. Portions generous. Dine in available. The kitchen is a stage for the cook who sings along to the lovely playlist streaming into the restaurant. The staff is warm and welcoming. Independently, locally, Black owned Bakersfield original.
Tee
Mar 11,2025
We drove from Fresno to try this soul food spot out and it did not disappoint. The owner was so down to earth and friendly, his children were so nice and hospitable, everyone in the restaurant was happy. The food was AHH-MAZING! And that red kool-aid reminded me off when i was a kid, lol. They put they foot in them black-eyed peas, fish, mac and cheese, yams-my gawd! All of our food was delicious. This family owned restaurant made us feel like we were part of their family! Top notch customer service and high quality food at its finest! It was worth the drive and we'll definitely be back soon!
Michael Dillenbeck
Mar 9,2025
Let's talk Family owned business. This place is legit! Walking in, presentation may not be the highlight but the atmosphere and customer service is 5 star! The chef came out multiple times to chat and talk food with us, making sure everything was great, it was! I got the Catfish/Shrimp combo, Mac and Cheese! The Mac...perfect texture, good cheese, seasoned. No soggy noodles here! Catfish, crispy breading perfectly cooked fish. Not a dry overcooked spot to be found! The shrimp, my god, breading on point, seasoned wonderfully. Usually don't go all in on a review but the food and service warrant it! Enjoy!

Add a Review

Quality
Location
Price
Space
Service

Location

Appreciated by Others

Kiko's Peruvian Kitchen
(312 review)
Kiko's Peruvian Kitchen
  • 624 Collings Ave, Collingswood, NJ 08107, United States
Peruvian restaurant
+1 856-854-6888
Wick's Cafe
(622 review)
Wick's Cafe
  • 1300 W 73rd Ave, Vancouver, BC V6P 3E7, Canada
cafe
+1 236-412-9274
Tuttis
(331 review)
Tuttis
  • 68 Lamb's Conduit St, London WC1N 3LW, United Kingdom
Cafe
+44 7540 152720
Shayona Restaurant
(1488 review)
Shayona Restaurant
  • 12 Pramukh Swami Rd, Neasden, London NW10 8HW, United Kingdom
Vegetarian restaurant
+44 20 8965 3365
Moxies Miami Restaurant
(1450 review)
Moxies Miami Restaurant
  • 900 S Miami Ave #161, Miami, FL 33130, United States
Restaurant
+1 305-549-8997
Fork & Ale
(616 review)
Fork & Ale
  • 1281 E Main St, Douglassville, PA 19518, United States
Restaurant
+1 610-953-3675
Pieology Pizza Kaneohe
(135 review)
Pieology Pizza Kaneohe
  • 46-056 Kamehameha Hwy Unit E09, Kaneohe, HI 96744, United States
Pizza restaurant
+1 808-500-5012
Union Taproom & Pizza Kitchen
(370 review)
Union Taproom & Pizza Kitchen
  • 245 W Central Ave #102, Winter Haven, FL 33880, United States
Restaurant
+1 863-268-4921
Dinner Bell
(656 review)
Dinner Bell
  • 6525 Lawndale St, Houston, TX 77023, United States
cafeteria
+1 713-928-3239
Ciro's Tavern, Brunch & Patio
(980 review)
Ciro's Tavern, Brunch & Patio
  • 42 Cherry St, Woonsocket, RI 02895, United States
Restaurant
+1 401-769-3330