Mouthwatering Cocktail Bars in Bakersfield

Vincent Hill Station Restaurant & Saloon

★★★★☆ 3.7 (330) • $$$

"Originally being from the Antelope Valley, I had always heard of this place but never made the trip out to visit it. Not until this past week when my mom wanted to have her birthday dinner there so she could watch one of her favorite local musicians. I wasn't sure what to expect as we drove into the dark desert but was pleasantly surprised when we arrived.We were greeted by our friendly host who walked us to our table that was reserved. I dressed up a bit but quickly learned this place a little more of a laid back feeling to it. Our waitress quickly greeted us and took our food/drink orders. She was very helpful and I would love to be seated with her the next time we are there. The food was delicious! I highly recommend getting the garlic bread. Save a little of it to dip in your entrees. The Angel Hair Pasta had lots of flavor but didn't feel heavy on the stomach. I would get this again. Not many vegetarian options to choose from here. I didn't try it but other people in our group also really enjoyed the French onion soup. We just went for dinner but this place also has a really great outdoor dance floor where a band was setting up to play. I have heard they do lots of events and parties here. I want to come back and check these events out! If you live in the AV or LA, this place is worth making the trip out to!"

Le Chene

★★★★☆ 3.7 (439) • $$$

"Took my Mom for her 82nd birthday last week to celebrate.The food was great, the atmosphere was nice, but I have to say the service was beyond exceptional. I wish I knew our servers name, but yeah, she was truly kind and amazing.My Mom loved it!"

Slick's

★★★★☆ 4.4 (9) • $

"The bar is alot smaller than I had imagined, but still has a great atmosphere! The pitchers are a really good size. The bartender is very friendly, and the patrons at the bar were also friendly. They have only 2 pool tables:( such a bummer. Plenty of parking behind the bar."

The Old Fashioned Room

★★★★☆ 3.6 (17) • $$

"New place for us... attached to a Denny's. The draw for hubby was the possibility of some decent whiskey. A friendly bartender came to our table right away to greet us. Even the manager came up and introduced herself and we had a nice chat.Smaller space than most bars but that is fine as for now, this place does not seem to get very busy. Even though happy hour runs late!The prices for drinks were more than affordable but nothing fancy. Your moscow mule for example will come just in a regular glass (darn thieves!) and not the slick, proper, copper mug that will keep your drink colder for longer. Again, think Denny's. Also tried a simple vodka drink and a margarita. They were fine.We went on a Fri night I think at 9pm when surprisingly, karaoke started. THIS was interesting. I was excited as it was listed as 80's night but as the night went on, 'anything goes' was the rule. It was fun but the same people went up over and over again trying to get their big break! They were having fun with it - we just decided to leave when the foul, crappy hip hop came on. The mood had shifted.There are booths, high tops and you can eat from the regular Denny's menu. We did not eat but what was recommended to us by staff were the burgers and skillets for next time.To sum up - this is a very casual spot to bring some friends and have drinks on the cheap with friendly service. And a diner menu if you are hungry that serves late into the night."

Crest Bar & Grill

★★★★☆ 4.1 (366) • $$

"This is our third time here and we cannot have enough of their delicious food! I ordered their Birria tacos w/cheese and they were absolutely mouth watering! The amount of meat and cheese on these tacos just hit every taste bud in your mouth! Seems like this is a new item on their menu. Must try!!!"

Rice Bowl

★★★☆☆ 3 (83) • $

"Let me tell you, folks, I've had a lot of Chinese food in my life, all over the place, but nothing--nothing--compares to this. The Rice Bowl? Absolutely incredible. The Lo Mein? Perfect. Nobody does Lo Mein like this, believe me.Now, let me share a story. A friend of mine, great guy, he says, "Let's go grab some food," just a regular outing, right? We stop here, and let me tell you, it turned into the greatest day ever. We're sitting there, the food comes out, and it's like a celebration. We're talking about deals, about life, and everything just clicks. All because of this food. It's that good--it turns an ordinary day into something legendary. You won't believe how amazing it is until you try it yourself. Trust me."

Braised Kitchen And Catering

★★★★☆ 4.2 (112) • $$$

"Braised was absolutely delicious and the service was phenomenal. When you walk in you are greeted by a beautiful ambiance. We decided to celebrate our anniversary dinner here and it was a wonderful experience. Our server was very attentive and genuinely friendly. The food was well made and thoughtfully prepared. The flavor that each dish offered was exquisite, with a perfect balance of seasoning and freshness. From the appetizers to the dessert, everything was executed with care and precision. The portions were just right, and the presentation was elegant.It's clear that the staff and chefs take pride in what they do, and it truly elevated our anniversary celebration. We left feeling satisfied, cherished, and eager to return. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a memorable dining experience!"

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen

★★★★☆ 4.1 (75)

"Good food, great whiskey and good service. A special spot. I'll be back and bring friends!"

Grenadier Cocktail Lounge

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (9) • $

"This REALLY IS a hole in the wall type bar. My friends really like this place, this is their CHEERS(where everybody knows your name) type spot. People smoke like trains in here, but the liquor is cool and the music is not too bad on the weekends. Theres a room full of tall chairs to go with the tables, stools at the bar, female and male restroom, a pool table slash DJ and dance floor area, lol very small, a tv that plays sports and one of those new school juke box music selectors. This place is allllll the way kick back, so dont worry about dressing up too fancy in here. Ive seen flip flops and fresh off work dirty clothes here, they dont care. I would never come here if my friends didn't invite me to come along, so Ive only been here a handful of times to their thousand, but we always have a good time no matter where we are, so you have to personally decide if this is a place for you."

The King Bar

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (9)

"Awww yeah! This place does not disappoint. It is the freshest update to an old high desert standard. It is a great location for drinks with friends. Bartenders are awesome and new owner is the coolest! My friends and I love this place and always look forward to hanging out here! The western town out back is a nice touch and you can see the new remodel takin shape with great new ideas. We will be back!!"

La Piazza Ristorante Italiano

★★★★☆ 4 (293) • $$$

"Everything was delicious! Not pictured was the calamari, which I wish we had ordered more of. Cozy atmosphere and our server was great. While the food took a bit of time, it was worth the wait!"

Bellvedere Cocktail Lounge

★★★☆☆ 3.2 (23) • $$

"Good service and great music. Not too big and very friendly! Outlaw Country band was extremely popular, with everyone enjoying the danceable music"

Taqueria Y Birreria Jamay Jal

★★★★★ 4.6 (53)

"Let's lead off with this: the food is a cut above here.It's always odd to review a place that is in the middle of nowhere. If it's a good restaurant but not a great one, still, you are super happy it's there. You might not rate it on the same level as, say, really great restaurant in San Diego, but you might give it four or five stars all the same because you're just so happy that it's there.That is not the case with this. If you put this restaurant in the middle of San Diego and definitely for sure in Los Angeles, this would still rank among the best Mexican restaurants. It's really that good. I mention San Diego or Los Angeles because, let's face it, you're just not going to beat Mexican food in Mexico.I ordered Pescado Blanco a la Plancha ("Grilled White Fish"). It was prepared perfectly and came with delicious vegetables that were sauteed to perfection. Everything was excellent, including the handmade tortillas. The people there were super friendly. The chef - and yes, I am going to use the word "chef" and not "cook" - came out to make certain that we liked it. They really make you feel at home. The place is a hole-in-the-wall but is kept very clean and pleasant looking.Now I am going to mention all the things that makes some people squirm. 1.) There are no prices on the menu. If you have an issue with that, ask before you order.2.) The chef and the person serving our order don't have great English skills. I know some of you may feel uncomfortable, but quite frankly, they are so friendly that you needn't worry, and the can take orders without any issue anyway. When you get into deeper conversations such as the chef apologizing to us in Spanish that he didn't learn that much English because everyone around him always spoke Spanish, then it might help to have some Spanish skills. Bottom line: if you want some of the best Mexican food in Southern California, give this a try."

Cafe Smitten

★★★★☆ 3.8 (290) • $$

"Cafe Smitten on 18th Street in downtown Bakersfield is such a gem! The atmosphere is adorable, with a cozy, welcoming vibe that makes it perfect for a quick lunch or catching up with friends. Their outdoor patio is perfect when the weather is nice. You'll find plenty of folks working or having a quick meetup. Their Quinoa Bowl is my absolute favorite - it's both hearty and fresh, with warm red quinoa, an over-medium egg, sautéed sweet potatoes, and kale, plus creamy avocado, juicy heirloom tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta cheese. It's delicious, filling, and feels like such a treat! Highly recommend stopping by if you're in the area and need a little lunch break that's both satisfying and healthy."

49er Saloon

★★★★☆ 4.3 (176) • $$

"Truly a special place. The building has the nineteenth century history and stays on point into the twenty first century. An amazing staff awaits and that reminds me of my childhood in the twentieth century.Super delicious meals with that home cooked touch. Good times and good people, paired with a tasty menu in a wonderful place.But don't tell anyone about it."

Harrys Bar

★★★★☆ 3.9 (16) • $$

"Great little local bar. Shuffle board. Long pours. Friendly staff and customers. Near lake Isabella. Lots of camping options. Plenty of room's to rent. Whitewater rafting available."

Cafe California

★★★★☆ 3.5 (58) • $$

"inside the Wyndham Hotel, across from Plaza Park, we found a great place to have dinner after the Renaissance Faire. There isn't a HUGE variety of items on the menu, but plenty enough for everyone to find something interesting. Kat had seared scallops, served over assorted veggies, with a creamy sauce. She loved it. I stole one of the scallops, a big old guy, and I can say it was perfectly cooked, as were the vegetables, and the sauce was tasty, but mild. No really strong flavors jumping out at you. I had a burger with Bleu cheese and sauteed mushrooms. Very tasty. Melted cheese flowing down the side of the burger, fresh lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and a good stack of perfectly done onion rings. The best part of this place though, every time, is Rick. Rick knows his job, and is super friendly. Keeps the water and iced tea coming, which is very important after a day at Faire. Rick rocks, and when The Rocking Horse Guy says that, it means something."

Mexicali

★★★☆☆ 3.1 (310) • $$

"First time coming here!! I've always heard of this restaurant but I just never had the chance to try out. My friend really likes this restaurant and so we all chose this as our place for dinner! I ordered the Burrito Especial and our dishes came out probably 10 minuted later? It was pretty quick or maybe my friends and I were so busy catching up that lots of time has passed. But still, the food arrived 10-15 min later and it was delicious oh my. I jusy love burritos so much. Their chips and salsas were really good. Especially the salsa and I'm not really a salsa typa person but that salsa was addicting. The interior of the restaurant was also something i liked. It felt very home-y :) the only thing i noticed was lack of ?? Air conditioning. Or maybe it was just me. I felt like I was slightly sweaty through out the meal."

The Botanist

★★★★☆ 4.4 (307) • $$

"The decor and ambiance here is really great. Everything was covered in webs and lightly decorated for Halloween. The service was great and our server was really helpful and gave us recommendations. We made a selection of mains to try and also the wedge salad as well. Overall, I enjoyed the fish and chips the most. Everything was pretty good but I don't think anything blew me away. Would I still recommend this restaurant though? Absolutely! This is definitely a gem in downtown Bakersfield and definitely one of the more unique places in town. It's a great a place to come with friends visiting town."

Moo Creamery

★★★★☆ 4.1 • $$

"My family and I went in to Moo for dinner last night and it was really busy. We waited a while for our table which is to be expected since it was a Friday night and Moo is one of the best restaurants in town. I noticed all of the employees were running around and doing an excellent job and as soon as we were sat we were told about the daily specials and Victoria specifically recommended the PB burger. It was delicious and I will eat it again. My family and I had a great time and we will be back. The staff at Moo are probably the hardest working and most efficient wait staff I have seen in a restaurant."

Hangar 300 Bar & Restaurant

★★★★★ 4.6 (9)

"Part of the Double tree of Palmdale there is a restaurant and bar called Hangar 300Nice mellow vibes with awesome service Great burgers and drinks And steak bites Bar is open from 4-11pmKitchen open from 4-10:30Happy hour 4-6Im glad i was able to check this place out before they closed. Normally I hit this place in the am but the pm selection seems much better."

Mango Haus

★★★★★ 4.5 (265) • $$

"Mango Haus in Downtown Bakersfield is such a special place! Located in the beautifully converted Hill House, it's like stepping into a tropical oasis, even though the surrounding area might seem a bit iffy--don't let that stop you. Mango Haus has come a long way from its early days as a vegan spot (with another name) in the Southwest, and you can truly feel the passion the team pours into every dish. Everything is made fresh, and it shows in the flavors and care that go into the food.With a great lineup of fun cocktails, it's the perfect spot to meet up with friends, relax, and enjoy the laid-back, vibrant atmosphere. Mango Haus has definitely earned a spot in my heart!"

Gino's Ristorante - Lancaster West

★★★☆☆ 3.4 (319) • $$

"Another super good dinner. Food was so good. Only bested by the service. A+. All our food was tasty. Great atmosphere, bar showing the games. Beer was yum and the deserts were amazing. Cant wait o go back."

Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks

★★★☆☆ 2.8 (525) • $$

"Probably the best if not it's a tie ! Great food fair prices quick friendly service! One of our go to places!"

Green Tea Garden

★★★★☆ 3.8 (85) • $$

"The Green Tea Garden has been a beloved establishment in our city for decades, standing strong while many others have sadly closed down. It's a reliable place where I can always count on delicious food and welcoming service. When it comes to ordering, my go-to choices are: the paper wrapped chicken, Kung pao beef, cashew chicken, Green Tea Garden chow mien, and the flavorful black mushroom and bamboo shoots. This combination of dishes allows me to enjoy a delightful mix of flavors and textures. Needless to say, I'm already eagerly anticipating my next meal at this wonderful spot.PS If you like art, you have to take a look at their massively impressive woodcut piece it's a gorgeous piece of art."

The Vault Restaurant

★★★★☆ 3.7 (56)

"Great menu! Service was good on all three times I have visited. Lots of cocktail options.Love the mood!"

Rossi's Place

★★★★★ 4.7 (46) • $$

"Excellent food, rustic environment, and amazing staff! Open 2 days a week but so worth it!"

Foxtail Lounge Bakersfield

★★★★★ 4.6 (61)

"First time being here and I definitely had a good time, the ambience is absolutely stunning and also their drinks are amazing. Bartenders are very friendly and service is excellent! Definitely will come back here I really love the vibe!"

Mahoganys

★★★★☆ 3.9 (21) • $$

"Danika, you did a fine job of making an out-of-towner feel welcome. I hope I get a reason to come back to Visalia. You manage your bar very well. You keep the drinks coming, hold intelligent banter and provide the steak knife when I need to lop off the tip of a cigar(even if you don't want to know why it was requested). To future patrons of this fine establishment:Tip this woman well. She treats her guests very well."

Mariscos El Barba Negra

★★★★★ 4.5 (11)

"This place is absolutely great! Food is delicious drinks are amazing and service is I had the tacos governador and they were so tasty. Instead of chips and salsa they give you fish ceviche while you wait for your food. Soooooo gooood!! I saw the owner stopping at all the table's checking on customers. They have really good deals on drinks. Prices are very good and the restaurant is super clean and nicely decorated. Please go to this place, you will not be disappointed!!! 100% RECOMMENDED !!!"

El Rinconcito

★★★★☆ 4 (34) • $$

"This place is becoming my favorite place for Mariscos in Bakersfield. Does the $22 for $50 Groupon help? Sure! Is the food tasty, the service great, and most importantly, do my wife and kids like coming here to eat? They definitely do! During Lent, this is a place for us on Friday, and the service and is always friendly. If you read this and ever try it out, beware of the other restaurants in the plaza whom send servers about to invite you in to their place. When we walked in this time, one of the first things I noticed was that they had a notice of a suspended liquor license. I asked our server about it, and she said it was a minor infraction, and it would be reinstated in a week. I didn't plan on having a drink this time because I was performing in a school okay later in the evening, but my wife was jonesin for a mojito or flavored margarita (they make them all good here from previous visits). I split a deep fried Mojarra with my son, along with an a la carte chile relleno. My wife also got a fried mojarra that comes with rice and beans, and lots of veggies. My son didn't want rice, so they substituted it for fries at no extra cost. My daughter Ordered a shrimp tostada and a shrimp empenada. Overall, the food was delicious. Kind of wish our fish was as meaty as my wife's, but on a Lent Friday, I couldn't complain much."

Buena Vida Tapas Lounge

★★★★☆ 4.2 (160) • $$

"This spot is located where the old Chuy's was at on new stine rd, It's pretty easy to miss if you're driving by and don't look over into the shopping center.I happened upon Buena Vida after doing a quick search on Yelp. The Margaritas were delicious, to be honest everything we had was on point. The service was exceptional as well as the food. They have happy hour specials that we took advantage of and we're not disappointed by the selections offered. The décor inside reminds of being in Mexico it's really nice and there's plenty of seating for big parties.I would definitely recommend getting the margarita flight with a bowl of Ceviche or taquitos de papa it will not disappoint."

Palace kitchen + craft bar

★★★★☆ 4.1 (47)

"Delicious food, service and ambience. My filet mignon was cooked to perfection. I have also been there for lunch for their juicy cheeseburger at very reasonable prices."

Elderwood

★★★★☆ 4 (490) • $$

"Came from Fresno to come here to celebrate two of our Yelp friend's birthday. Elderwood is located at the very top of The Darling Hotel. The outside of this building is gorgeous. It really stands out with the white and black. The lobby once you walk to the second floor is very cute as well. It's giving an old lux feel. We got seated in a semi rounded booth and were greeted by our waiter soon after. I got the South Fork Mimosa that was so good. I was recommended by the waiter to try the Eggs Benedict Crab Cake and I am so happy he did. Loved a good Benedict. My egg was nice and oozy, the crab cake was yummy, and the side of asparagus was delicious. The presentation of it all was beautiful as well, so vibrant in color. I couldn't wait to dig in. It was quite filling, I was stuffed after. I got to try my friend's espresso martini and it was soooOO so good! She said it was one of the best one she ever tried. I totally recommend trying this if you like coffee! They have a beautiful outdoor patio that you access both side on the roof. Plenty of seating outdoors and it's nicely shaded! The view is quite amazing as well! Thank you Robert who took the group photo of us and being a good sport! He was so nice.I had a great experience and would definitely come back."

Le Cave Vin & Cuisine

★★★★☆ 3.9 (34)

"Quick SummaryNice new lounge. Drinks were really good. Tapas menu was pretty solid as well. Service was very splendid, as everyone was incredibly friendly and always checked in on usDrinks- 5 starsThe drinks were fantastic. The Eastside was really good and refreshing for a hot summer night. Prices are pretty reasonable as well for a late night spotFood- 5 starsTried the shrimp gambas and the eggplant. Both were pretty good. Tons of garlic on the gambas with alot of flavor. Definitely great snacking food; about Eureka / Yard House levelService- 5 starsThe service was great. Everyone was incredibly friendly and checked in on us pretty oftenAmbiance- 5 starsNice lounge spot with plenty of room and seatingBottom LineAwesome night spot with the best drinks in Bakersfield!"