The Botanist

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.This place is expensive, but, the food, service, and atmosphere makes it well worth it.The Botanist is a Bar and Grill, I don't know if that is right.I think it should be a Grill and Bar because the food outshines the alcohol any day of the week.My Server was great, very nice and very attentive. I have been to The Botanist twice. I have not been disappointed neither time.I eat only Vegan since December 1, 2024 and choices are few in Bakersfield. However, I was told about The Botanist and I am glad I went.The first time I got the Vegan Smash Burger and Fries. Glory be, it was great.This last time, I got the Vegan Tacos and Vegan Loaded Fries. They put the Smash Burger to shame.My friends got the regular Loaded Fries, a Chicken Burger and a Smash Burger. They loved their meal.I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOTANIST.

One of the better dinner date spots in town. Great ambiance, with an excellent bar selection. Went have been there a couple times for dinner and drinks and we have been wanting to go back more recently. It's in the heart of downtown, where they've really done a 180 on the revival of the street they are located on. Service was good, the place is clean but also with a nice cozy speakeasy feel. Great drink menu but they'll make anything from their full bar. Menu is great and we haven't been let down with our food choices. I would recommend this place for sure, for a nice simple date night choice. I will definitely be adding some photos the next go around.

Inside was dark and cozy, with a small outdoor area. We had to sit at the bar since all the tables were full. The bartender was great at first, but as the night went on, he and the other bartenders lost their focus. We even had to ask a waiter for a drink, who then had to signal the bartender to help us out.The service started strong but dropped off halfway through, which was disappointing since we were enjoying ourselves at the beginning.

The Botanist will always be THAT place I take friends and families to. It has great ambience, food, and drinks. This time, we got the loaded fries (as per usual), chicken wings with chimichuri, 9:30 tea time, matcha lemon drop, and a cranberry sour. Everything and I mean everything tasted fantastic. You'll always catch me during their happy hour (2-5 pm everyday). Also to add to our always amazing experience, service has been great everytime we dine in :)

Wonderful atmosphere. Loved the drinks menu. My favorite drink is the 'Muerto'. Delicious to the last drop. I shared a smash burger and fries with a friend and we both fully enjoyed it. The server was pleasant and attentive. We were not left wanting anything. Everything from the beginning to the end was perfect. We throughly enjoyed the evening.

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.

TL;DRGreat food, drinks,vibe,decor and service. Loud music drove us away.We walked in and it was dark and quiet and awesome. I almost squealed I was so happy we found such a cool place with speakeasy vibes.Seated in a nice booth and we ordered the seasonal Apple Pie Cocktail and their Old Fashioned. Both were very nice and we would happily order them again.Ordered a Burger and Wedge Salad and they came out super fast. We would wait to order food next time as we barely had time to try our drinks before the food came. Super fast service!Burger was excellent and even had some crispy patty edges!Wedge came with crispy onions which I'd get on the side next time. Combined with the blue cheese crumbles, the saltiness overwhelmed the salad. I added the red onion and tomato from Mike's burger fixins and it was the freshness the salad needed. The added shrimp were huge and tasty, too! BUT. . . almost as soon as the food came out, the music was turned up. We could no longer have a quiet conversation. The poor bartender had to almost yell across the bar.This was before 5:30pm on a Wednesday and the place was maybe at 15-20% full. Sounded more like a club than a speakeasy. I had read a review mentioning live music that was loud, but this was recorded music of an unknown genre.Would've like to have hung out and enjoyed a couple more drinks but the music drove us out.We're just passing through but The Botanist could be a fave hangout for us with less and/or different music.

the place!!! We went here the other night for a much needed little date night. I was a little apprehensive at first thinking that it was just a going to be cool place to grab a drink, but no no no!! It was the whole package!! It's a very versatile, place. It could be just causal drinks after work, a girl nights out, or a date with that special someone. The moment you walk in it's just a vibe. It's a 21 & over place which is much appreciated. I love kids but it's nice to know they won't be in there. The food was amazing!!!! The presentation, freshness, quality, flavors.. 10/10!! Definitely will go back!! This place become one of my top 3 places to go eat.

The food was spectacular. The service was perfect and the ambiance is romantic and fun. This is our first time here and the waitress was super helpful. Our food came out fast and tasted amazing. Our drinks made with love and care. I loved how they decorated for Christmas it was magical. I would recommend this to anyone 21 and over. Definitely a cute date place or a place to chill out at with friends. Carol was fabulous and went above and beyond . We enjoyed her personality and smile. We will be coming back for sure.

Me and my boyfriend had went for my birthday dinner and it was amazing! I got the smash burger and the earl grey martini which was amazing. My boyfriend got the fish and chips and the cranberry sour, which were also good. The vibe was great and super chill. I would love to go again!! We didn't even wait for a table. 10/10 would totally recommend!