Bakersfield might not be the first city that springs to mind for destination dining, but its bar scene tells a different story. Whether you’re celebrating a promotion, impressing a date, or simply determined to find the perfect old-fashioned, these 20 spots prove that great food and drink are always on the menu.
VIP Lounge
$$ | (661) 322-8431 | WEBSITE
It’s entirely possible to drink at this Bakersfield lounge and pretend you’re actually at a classic neighborhood bar from the 1970s. If time allows, settle into one of the red leather banquettes for a few reasonably priced drinks—but know that it’s also worth grabbing a quick bag of chips and enjoying the jukebox tunes on the go.
Brimestone
$$ | (661) 427-4900 | WEBSITE
Brimestone has been serving up classic American fare at the Padre Hotel for years now, and it pretty much feels like the restaurant incarnation of a polished neighborhood hangout. This means the menu stays reliably familiar, so if you have a dish you love, you can count on it being there. There are, of course, some standout favorites: the Wago burger with truffle fries, a classic cheeseburger with fries, and those crispy onion rings. It’s all good—this place is a local staple for a reason.
McGarry’s Irish Pub
$$ | (661) 695-9517 | WEBSITE
McGarry’s Irish Pub is a solid evening option, especially for a part of Bakersfield that can feel a bit generic. It’s definitely on the pricier end at around $12 for a pint, but the drinks are well-made and generously poured—the citrusy Cali Squeeze Blood Orange beer from Firestone is our go-to. And if that’s too much commitment, their cozy seating areas and the quick, efficient service from the skilled bartenders make it a comfortable place to just hang out.
The pub attracts a lively crowd with live music, and the staff and security are welcoming and attentive, even helping guests find tables when busy. While the atmosphere might not suit everyone, it’s a standout for a relaxing and enjoyable night out.
The Phoenix At Sundale
$$ | (661) 324-6561 | WEBSITE
The Phoenix At Sundale is a restaurant/bar hybrid that really leans into the upscale golf course vibe. It has a stunning view of the greens at dusk, beautifully set tables with black tablecloths and gold chargers, and sparkling crystal glassware. There’s even a special events calendar with wine pairings and Sunday brunches, enhancing its appeal.
Come for the diverse menu with standout dishes like the creamy clam chowder, salmon salad with vibrant lettuces and fruit, or Salisbury steak with mushroom gravy, assuming you can secure a table with that perfect sunset view.
J & M’s Bar & Grill
$ | (661) 589-3042 | WEBSITE
Though J & M’s Bar & Grill is tucked away in Bakersfield, membership in some exclusive brunch club isn’t a requirement to enjoy their great chili verde omelette and lazy Sunday breakfasts. This cozy spot is (obviously) all about comfort. The omelette is packed with tender pork, topped with verde sauce, and served with crispy hash browns or buttery toast, or enjoyed alongside other classic breakfast options on their varied menu.
Mornings and weekends can be busy, but the patio is perfect for families with energetic kids, so finding a relaxing seat is easy. The staff, led by the attentive Alexis, keep coffee cups full and tables clean, making the atmosphere consistently welcoming.
Crest Bar And Grill
$ | (661) 833-9998 | WEBSITE
True to its name, dining at Crest Bar And Grill in the campground feels like grabbing a meal at a friend’s backyard barbecue, if that friend happened to whip up some of the best bar food in town. You’ll find classic comfort dishes, like the highly recommended pastrami with jalapeños and avocados and those crispy onion rings that hit the spot.
But their chicken Alfredo is the real standout: a creamy, hearty pasta that’s perfectly rich, slightly tangy, and will make you wish your local diner served Italian classics this good, too. To wash it all down, you can choose from a selection of beers on tap or grab a bottled Coors Light. It’s that kind of welcoming, no-fuss spot where the friendly staff makes you feel right at home, and you leave already planning your next visit.
Dave & Buster’s Bakersfield
$$ | (661) 282-9800 | WEBSITE
Dave & Buster’s Bakersfield has a sprawling menu with plenty of options, but the standout at this entertainment hub is definitely the steak—it’s cooked perfectly and full of flavor. The game area is separate and lively, with plenty of space for large groups to celebrate birthdays or other special occasions. And the staff here really makes the experience—Serafin, Alex, and Robert are friendly and attentive, always checking in to make sure everyone’s having a good time.
While some dishes, like the pasta, can be hit-or-miss, and drink refills aren’t always offered, the overall vibe is welcoming and fun. If you’re looking for a place to host a party or just enjoy a night out with games and good food, grab a table—you’ll appreciate the energetic atmosphere and solid service.
Rustic Rail Saloon
$ | (661) 829-4272 | WEBSITE
There are other drinks on the menu at Rustic Rail Saloon in Bakersfield, but you’re really there for their tasty cocktails, served by friendly bartenders even when the place is packed. This spot is divey, fun, and perfect for a low-key night out dancing or socializing (or just relaxing with friends).
Nuestro Mexico Lounge
$$ | (661) 331-2943 | WEBSITE
Nuestro Mexico Lounge offers delicious food and drinks, and that’s exactly what you’ll find. The standout options at this Bakersfield spot include watermelon margaritas, whiskey sours, and old fashioneds, plus commendable service from attentive staff. The ambiance is a great place to relax, have a few drinks, and chat with friends, making it ideal for a date night or a fun night out.
Nuestro Mexico Lounge can be empty at times, and the music and vibe could be improved, but during busier evenings, it’s a lively yet comfortable place you want to stay at and hang, with a relaxed atmosphere and drinks priced around $12–$15 that don’t force you to shout across the table.
Lone Oak Lounge
$$$ | (661) 589-0412 | WEBSITE
Lone Oak Lounge is a popular bar that offers a unique atmosphere, and the evening scene here has the energy you’d expect from a spot like this. The space feels like a classic neighborhood bar, and it’s a good place to visit with friends—expect to play pool at the table while chatting in the smoking area. You can enjoy karaoke nights with live music, or other lively entertainment like a wide selection of beers. Or a friendly chat with staff like Julie and Jimmy, if that’s your thing.
Heart Of India Bar & Restaurant
$ | (661) 836-0100 | WEBSITE
This mall-based Indian restaurant in Bakersfield is a fantastic choice for authentic cuisine all day. Heart Of India is spacious, welcoming, and ideal for a leisurely lunch buffet filled with flavorful curries and sides, or a quick takeout order with fresh naan and malai kofta. There’s a made-to-order naan station where each piece somehow tastes perfectly charred and pillowy, which everyone knows is the hallmark of great Indian bread.
The malayi soya chaap and other street food options are refreshing additions to the extensive menu. With attentive servers checking frequently and fair prices for the huge portions, it’s easy to see why many consider this the best Indian spot in town—a fine dining experience that delivers excellent quality and service in an unexpected location.
Pyrenees Cafe
$$ | (661) 323-0053 | WEBSITE
This Basque restaurant is a Bakersfield institution, celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. The warm, rustic dining room features traditional decor, wooden tables, and a cozy bar area that invites lingering. The menu showcases specialties like garlic shrimp with a perfect garlicky punch, tender pickled tongue, and the Basque cottage cheese—a savory garlic mix with carrots and cucumbers that’s refreshingly different. If you’re feeling indecisive, go for the steak dinner special.
Not only does it deliver generous portions and excellent value, but it also lets you fully embrace the authentic Basque dining experience everyone raves about.
Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant
$$ | (661) 493-0433 | WEBSITE
The choice to have dinner at Mamma Mia Italian Restaurant in Bakersfield is always a smart one. This isn’t just because this popular Italian spot has excellent food, but because it works for all sorts of occasions. The space is decorated in warm, rustic tones and plays soft Italian music at a volume that’s still atmospheric but doesn’t force you to raise your voice. The food is moderately priced (most dishes hover between $18-$28) and everything is well-prepared.
The spaghetti Bernese is an example of a pasta dish that shouldn’t be shared, the ribeye has a perfect wood-fired taste, and the tiramisu is delightfully rich.
Sandrini’s Public House
$ | (661) 322-8900 | WEBSITE
If you haven’t been to Sandrini’s Public House in a while, you may have heard about it from longtime Bakersfield residents—it’s famous for being a local staple that’s been around for years. There’s even a sense of nostalgia that hits you when you walk in. But what really makes this place stand out is the fact that it’s a classic bar and grill, complete with a cozy area featuring couches and a pool table, and staff who will make you feel right at home.
And the food—with highlights like the perfectly seasoned steak and the barbecue burger—is what keeps us coming back. Just remember that it’s a popular spot, especially when they host music and events.
O’Hennings
$$ | (661) 345-3048 | WEBSITE
O’Hennings is a solid choice for a casual hangout after your shift. The bar’s welcoming atmosphere, thanks largely to the attentive bartender Sheila, offers a relaxed vibe with affordable drinks and a patio for unwinding. You can also enjoy amenities like cornhole and a jukebox, plus a well-lit parking lot with a Taco truck outside. While the interior may feel a bit dated, the bar’s charm and Sheila’s friendly service make it a standout spot, especially compared to other local bars.
It’s a great place to chill and have a good time, with drinks poured just right and a fun, inviting atmosphere.
K C Steak House
$$ | (661) 322-9910 | WEBSITE
This steakhouse in Bakersfield is buzzing all evening long with couples enjoying date nights, drinks, and live music. K C Steak House’s 20oz bone-in Ribeye is one of the best we’ve had, with perfect marbling, a charred crust, and a rich flavor that will remind you of the special occasion you wish didn’t have to end. We also like their lobster Mac with a creamy and decadent mix of tender lobster and sharp cheese.
And make sure to save room for dessert too—like the Oreo cake or their fantastic escargot which is absolutely valid to enjoy as an appetizer.
Old River Monte Carlo
$ | (661) 836-5928 | WEBSITE
If you’re familiar with the legendary pizza spots around Bakersfield, you’ll recognize the quality at Old River Monte Carlo, since this family-owned gem has been serving the area for years. The pizza here (e.g., their generously topped pies) is on the same level, but the good news is that here, the atmosphere is even more welcoming.
It’s a warmly decorated spot, with a large dining area that makes it perfect for gathering with friends, and the country karaoke vibe adds to the fun, making it a great choice for a lively night out, too.
Stella’s Sandtrap
$ | (661) 363-7263 | WEBSITE
Few spots make us want to head over right when happy hour kicks off at 4pm, but Stella’s Sandtrap’s impressive cocktails get us out the door without a second thought. This Bakersfield bar’s beach theme is excellent, whether it’s felt while playing shuffleboard or relaxing with a cold beer.
Aside from their drink selection, don’t be surprised if seeing their tasty bar snacks or catching a game of sand volleyball while sitting at their well-maintained bar convinces you to stay for another round, too.
Pour House Bar and Grill
$$ | (661) 589-9300 | WEBSITE
During the day, this friendly, bustling neighborhood spot in Bakersfield serves some of the best bar food and generous portions in town. But at night Pour House becomes a lively destination for live music and fun gatherings, with standout dishes like the Chicken, Swiss and Avocado burger and Cuban Sandwich as well as delicious Street Tacos and Gourmet Burger.
Perhaps the only downside is that since Pour House often draws crowds with people waiting outside before opening, parking may require some planning due to the layout of the lot—so either arrive early or start brainstorming an elaborate story about how you circled the block three times because of a particularly determined pickup truck (yes, that one always seems to be there).
18th Street Bar and Grill
$$ | (661) 748-1368 | WEBSITE
18th Street Bar and Grill in Bakersfield offers a lively atmosphere with good food and drinks in a space that feels cozy yet well lit, thanks to decorative pendant lights casting a soft glow. There’s a regular menu with things like spinach and artichoke dip and well-made cocktails, but the best way to experience this place is by catching the live music during a busy evening, which creates a vibrant ambiance.
And that’s where you’ll also find friendly staff, especially Christina and Heidi, praised for their hospitality, and servers like Stephanie noted for excellent service—basically everything you need for a fun night out, and some stuff you might not, like the party room in the back with a great sound system.
It’s reasonably priced (cocktails run around $12-15), and enjoying as much of the music and food as possible is a justifiable reason for staying past the kitchen’s 9:00 closing time, even if service can be inconsistent during peak hours.