Casey’s (often known locally as Casey’s Steaks & BBQ) is a long-running family-friendly barbecue restaurant, steakhouse, and sports bar located at 1337 N China Lake Blvd in northern Ridgecrest, California. Situated along the main commercial corridor linking the Indian Wells Valley with Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake and the eastern approaches to the Sierra Nevada and Death Valley, the restaurant is a high-desert fixture for slow-smoked meats, hand-cut steaks, housemade barbecue sauces, and cold draft beer. Travelers passing through on US-395 or CA-178, defense contractors, and local families gather here for hearty American grill platters in a relaxed western lodge setting.
What to Expect at Casey’s
The kitchen at Casey’s centers on oak- and hickory-smoked California barbecue alongside classic charbroiled steakhouse cuts. Diners can choose from Santa Maria-style tri-tip, baby back pork ribs, beef brisket, pulled pork, and smoked half-chickens, either as individual plates or multi-meat combination platters that let tables sample several cuts at once. Every table is stocked with the restaurant’s signature lineup of housemade barbecue sauces, ranging from tangy original and sweet honey-molasses to smoky chipotle and spicy habanero-infused blends. Beyond the smoker, the menu features charbroiled ribeye, New York strip, and top sirloin steaks, thick half-pound burgers, grilled tri-tip sandwiches on toasted French rolls, and starter baskets of fried zucchini, onion rings, and loaded potato skins.
Inside, the restaurant divides its floor plan between a spacious main family dining room with high-backed wooden booths and a lively sports bar outfitted with multiple flat-screen televisions broadcasting NFL, MLB, NBA, and college games. A large salad bar stocked with crisp greens, seasonal toppings, pasta salads, and warm soup offers a fresh counterpoint to the rich smoked meats. Full bar service includes domestic and regional California craft beers on tap, margaritas, and classic cocktails. Diners looking for lighter or meatless options can build custom plates from the salad bar, baked potatoes, grilled seasonal vegetables, and vegetarian sides, while travelers on tight road-trip schedules can place pickup or delivery orders through the Casey’s online ordering portal.
- Smoked Tri-Tip & Rib Combos: Slow-smoked California tri-tip and tender pork baby back ribs served with garlic toast and two traditional ranch-style sides such as cowboy beans, coleslaw, or seasoned fries.
- Housemade Barbecue Sauce Flight: Countertop caddies featuring proprietary small-batch sauces crafted in-house, allowing diners to pair mild, sweet, smoky, or fiery glazes with each cut of meat.
- Hand-Cut Charbroiled Steaks: USDA choice ribeye, top sirloin, and New York strip steaks grilled to order over an open flame and optionally topped with sauteed mushrooms or grilled onions.
- Fresh Garden Salad Bar: An all-you-can-eat salad and soup station that can be ordered as a standalone meal or added as a side to any barbecue or steak entree.
- Full Sports Bar & Draft Beer Lineup: A dedicated bar lounge pouring frosty pints of domestic and California craft brews alongside televised major league and collegiate sporting events.
Casey’s at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 1337 N China Lake Blvd, Ridgecrest, CA 93555 |
| Neighborhood / Area | North China Lake Boulevard Corridor, Ridgecrest |
| Operating Hours | Tuesday–Sunday: 11:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Monday: Closed |
| Admission / Price Range | $$ (Sandwiches & burgers $14–$19; BBQ plates & steaks $22–$38) |
| Recommended Visit Duration | 60 to 90 minutes |
| Nearest Transit / Parking | Free private surface parking lot on site; Ridgecrest Transit local bus routes along N China Lake Blvd |
| Official Website & Phone | Order Online | +1 760-446-9260 |
Visiting Tips, Getting There & Nearby Pairings
Casey’s operates on a walk-in basis for most couples and small families, though calling ahead at +1 760-446-9260 is wise if you are arriving with a group of six or more on Friday or Saturday evenings between 6:00 PM and 8:00 PM. Weekday lunches between 11:30 AM and 1:00 PM draw a steady crowd from nearby Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, while mid-afternoon hours from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM offer the quietest dining room experience. The restaurant sits directly on North China Lake Boulevard (State Route 178) with a large, free surface parking lot right outside the front entrance that easily accommodates SUVs, pickup trucks, and campers heading toward Death Valley or Mammoth Lakes.
The single-story building features a step-free main entrance, wide aisles between booths and tables, accessible restrooms, and designated van-accessible parking spaces directly by the front doors. Dress is casual high-desert attire—jeans, hiking gear, and t-shirts are standard. Before or after your meal, pair a stop at Casey’s with a visit to the Maturango Museum (less than five minutes south on China Lake Boulevard) to explore Northern Mojave natural history and Coso Range petroglyph exhibits, or stroll through Leroy Jackson Park and Kerr McGee Center just a short drive away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours at Casey’s in Ridgecrest, and when is the best time to visit?
Casey’s is open Tuesday through Sunday from 11:00 AM to 9:30 PM and is closed on Mondays. For the shortest wait times and relaxed booth seating, arrive for an early dinner between 4:00 PM and 5:30 PM or a late lunch after 1:15 PM.
How much does a meal cost at Casey’s, and do I need a reservation?
Casey’s falls into the moderate $$ price tier, with burgers, tri-tip sandwiches, and lunch specials typically ranging from $14 to $19, and full dinner rib racks, multi-meat barbecue platters, and steaks priced between $22 and $38. Walk-ins are welcome all day, and reservations are only recommended for large parties on weekend nights.
How much time should I budget for dining at Casey’s?
Plan on spending 60 to 90 minutes for a full sit-down meal including trips to the salad bar, charbroiled or smoked entrees, and drinks. If you are on a tight travel schedule along Highway 395 or Highway 178, ordering ahead online for pickup takes about 20 to 30 minutes.
Is Casey’s wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with children?
Yes, the restaurant is fully wheelchair accessible with level entryways from the front parking lot, spacious single-floor dining areas, and ADA-compliant restrooms. Families with kids are well catered to with high chairs, spacious booths, a dedicated children’s menu, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere.
When planning your Ridgecrest travel guide or browsing verified hotels in Ridgecrest, pair this stop with standout local spots including Maturango Museum, Clarion Inn, NaanSense food truck, and Casa Corona (0.1 km away).
