Milt’s Diner returns to its original name Thursday

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET) — After months of public feedback, the Old River Grill location on Knudsen Drive, off Highway 99, will return to its original name Thursday.

The diner announced on The Old River Grill Facebook page , they chose to open under the original name after patrons consistently shared they missed Milt’s dinner options.

Old River Grill’s Knudsen Drive location has been opened for about a year serving breakfast and lunch only, but their menu will now be expanding.

Milt’s Diner will be open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday through Monday serving dishes such as the best fried chicken ever, pork schnitzel, and smoked tri-trip.

Initially, Milt’s opened its doors on Veterans Day 1964. The diner’s original owner, Milt Huggs, died in 2018.

Roger Coughenour, owner of Bakersfield chain Old River Grill, purchased Milt’s in October 2022 from Mark Huggs, son of founders Milt and Doris Huggs.

The historic “Milt’s Coffee Shop” sign is at the Kern County Museum’s “Neon Plaza.”

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