Bakersfield is to California sports bars what Texas is to Friday night lights: a landscape of fervent devotion, with a main artery of game-day glory along Truxtun Avenue, and plenty of local watering holes broadcasting every play. Wander in anywhere, and you’ll find cold beer and camaraderie. But that’s not the most strategic play. Instead, follow this lineup. You’ll find the top spots to catch the game, including legendary wings, perfect burgers, and screens as big as the Central Valley sky.
Firestone Grill
$ | (661) 742-1296 | WEBSITE
We like to head to this lively spot for a more casual sports bar meal in Bakersfield. Fittingly, it’s in a bustling area perfect for game days, and if you go during a Dodgers game, you might see a few fans cheering at one of the restaurant’s outdoor tables. Not only can you eat a delicious Firebird sandwich, or some lightly battered wings here, but you can also enjoy a variety of beers.
Order whichever of the sandwiches, fries, or appetizers you’re in the mood for, but definitely get a portion of the generous fries to go with your game viewing.
Mc Murphys Irish Pub
$ | (661) 742-1260 | WEBSITE
It’s hard to think of anywhere other than Mc Murphys where you can get such delicious food in such a fun atmosphere. This cozy Irish pub with its small dance area keeps the drinks flowing and the music playing. We strongly suggest you get at least one meat dish—like the chicken or the other top-notch options. Or just order both. For roughly $18, you can get a hearty plate with a drink.
They have ample parking just outside, where you can leave your car and head in for a good time, though be prepared for the cash-only policy and limited restroom privacy.
Just Wing It – The Marketplace
$$ | (661) 847-9464 | WEBSITE
Just Wing It – The Marketplace is a sports bar on the Bakersfield scene, and much of the appeal involves wings and a friendly, family-like atmosphere. Order the bacon cheese fries, which are a pleasant surprise with their crispy bacon and melted cheese over golden fries.
All of their noteworthy food and beer selections come with meal and happy hour specials, like the Thursday hamburger deal, cost about what you’d expect for a solid sports bar, have about a dozen TVs for game viewing happening at once, and will keep you satisfied through the final quarter. The service from staff like Kaitlyn and Tati aims to make you feel welcome, even if it’s sometimes slow, and while certain tables can be uncomfortable, the overall experience is positive.
Dave & Buster’s Bakersfield
$$ | (661) 282-9800 | WEBSITE
Walk into Dave & Buster’s Bakersfield, and you’ll hear two things: arcade games and laughter. This place specializes in a fun atmosphere for dining and games—and it’s perfect for large parties. A typical dinner for four comes with a big steak that’s cooked to order, though some pasta dishes might be undercooked. Along with friendly service from staff like Serafin, Alex, and Robert, it’s a very substantial experience for around $100 without alcohol.
Grab some quick birthday celebrations, or hang out in the separate game area with its bright lighting to enjoy your overachieving weekend outing.
Bankshots
$ | (661) 535-8099 | WEBSITE
On its own, Bankshots’ superb pizza will satisfy something deep inside your casual diner’s cravings. It’s served with a crisp crust, a generous layer of toppings, and ice-cold beer on the side. But add in a game of pool on one of their new predator tables and you’ll understand why the combination of food and entertainment qualifies this spot for the hypothetical Now That’s What I Call a Good Time Volume 1. It’s a hit—one of the single best places you can hang out in Bakersfield.
Applebee’s Grill + Bar
$ | (661) 664-0974 | WEBSITE
The Bakersfield location of Applebee’s Grill + Bar offers practically the same menu of grilled steaks, chicken tenders, and comfort sides as the chain’s other spots. Get the garlic grilled steak, which is as savory as a meal from your grill-master friend’s backyard barbecue, and the honey pepper chicken tenders with mac n cheese penne that’s creamy and satisfyingly familiar.
The service here receives consistent praise, with bartenders like Aaron creating fabulous blue raspberry lemon drops and Jenn providing world-class service with her effervescent vibes and product knowledge. Many diners appreciate how Jenn’s interactions create a welcoming atmosphere that feels like a mixer, making the overall experience enjoyable and memorable.
While some have noted issues like an overcooked steak, the combination of good food with excellent service keeps customers coming back for more.
On The Vine
$$ | (661) 695-8545 | WEBSITE
Sometimes, we forget what it’s like to feel connected. When that happens, we go to On The Vine. Yes, the wine selection here usually offers a good range of options—but the atmosphere has so much else going on that it also jump-starts the spirit in our evenings. The bar area with TVs, for sports viewing and casual conversation, for example, is a universe unto itself.
Visit it, try the welcoming staff recommendations as well, and bring a friend or two to help you enjoy everything at this charming hidden place.
Speakeasy Bar and Grill
$$ | (661) 829-5377 | WEBSITE
For a lively sports bar experience in Bakersfield, head to Speakeasy Bar and Grill. During game nights, you might encounter a short wait, because the vibrant, open-floor venue is often packed with fans and groups of friends, each cheering on their team. That’s what you’re here for too, and it’s worth hanging about until you’re seated. Grab a seat near the screen and then some tasty bar food—we like the wings, which are crispy and saucy like the most perfect game-day snack.
Someone will come around and check if you need another drink—take advantage of this until you’re way past buzzed.
Firehouse Southwest Station
$ | (661) 831-4688 | WEBSITE
It’s essential that you bring friends to Firehouse Southwest Station, because you’re going to end up playing an excessive number of games. We can state this with absolute confidence, since it’s what occurs to us whenever we visit this brightly-lit entertainment hub with bowling lanes, an arcade, and a menu that’s satisfyingly straightforward.
Order the sweet potato fries, the fried cauliflower, a cold beer that runs about $10, and make sure to begin your visit with some friendly competition at the lanes.
Rock & Wings
$ | (661) 282-5104 | WEBSITE
Here’s a rule of thumb: if you’re trying to watch your calories, don’t stop for wings at Rock & Wings, since it’s impossible to eat just one without reaching for another. Assuming you’re not counting, we’d suggest sticking with the classic wings at this lively sports bar. Like the reliable friend who always brings the snacks and picks the game, they’re near textbook perfection, and our favorite wings in the area.
Each bite of crispy, saucy chicken perfectly balances the tangy buffalo, creamy ranch, crunchy celery, and cool carrots.
Brimestone
$$ | (661) 427-4900 | WEBSITE
You shouldn’t leave a sports bar without ordering a burger, and at least considering some truffle fries. And you shouldn’t leave this restaurant without trying the Wago burger, a juicy patty with fresh tomatoes that have the color of a perfect summer sunset. Brimestone serves some of our favorite bar food in Bakersfield, and it’s where you should go for a classic cheeseburger or crispy onion rings by yourself while you watch whatever big game or highlight reel is playing on the TV.
Just Wing It – Panama Lane
$$ | (661) 837-9464 | WEBSITE
Just Wing It – Panama Lane is first and foremost a sports bar—but there’s also a menu packed with delicious wings and flavorful sauces. Order the wings, which cost between $12-18 and come with your choice of one-to-three sauces (one of which should be the spicy ‘The Wife’ sauce), plus a side of garlic fries or tri-tip sandwich. You can grab your meal during Happy Hour on Sundays, or hang out in their welcoming dining area.
Either way, make sure you enjoy the friendly service from staff like Robbie, Mariah, and Banessa on your way out.
Just Wing It – Valley Plaza
$ | (661) 491-7788 | WEBSITE
Just Wing It? More like Just Perfect It. We apologize for the obvious wordplay, but it’s important you know that, in terms of its name, this lively sports bar is underselling itself. The hot wings here are crispy, tender and undeniably some of the best things you can eat in this city, and the original flavor sauce tastes like the distilled and perfected essence of buffalo. Order a plate of these wings, and start with a basket of the highly recommended tots.
Downtown Red Zone
$ | (661) 404-5529 | WEBSITE
With sports highlights playing on every screen, Asada fries sizzling in the kitchen, and karaoke lyrics scrolling on monitors, Downtown Red Zone is one of the more fun restaurants in Bakersfield, and the service here is some of the best you’ll find downtown. Come with a small group to drink a $6 draft beer, or a $14 pitcher, and enjoy quick bar food, particularly the popular Asada fries that remain a customer favorite.
Get the speedy menu items the servers suggest, and be sure to have an appetizer in the middle of your table.
Sports & Spirits
$ | (661) 398-7077 | WEBSITE
Sports & Spirits is one of Bakersfield’s best sports bars, and it’s also the one that feels most like a local favorite hangout, with the big game playing on every TV. The energy in the room is so good it’ll convince you that all you ever wanted was to settle in with a cold draft beer and watch the action unfold.
Drift away in this lively atmosphere while shooting pool or playing darts, activities that feel as if a neighborhood pub and an arcade spent a little too much time listening to a classic rock station.
Chuy’s Baja Grill
$ | (661) 587-5750 | WEBSITE
At Chuy’s Baja Grill, the food comes out quickly and the staff is incredibly diligent about keeping your basket full of fresh chips and salsa. And those are just two of the reasons why we like this place. The Mexican food here is also very good, it’s a great spot for a casual family meal or a party, and you could spend a good while trying to decide between things on the varied menu. Whatever you choose, get the grilled TriTip sandwich and the crispy onion rings for the table.
Also, bring the kids for the arcade.
Corner Pocket Bakersfield
$$ | (661) 412-7098 | WEBSITE
Among Bakersfield’s sports bar destinations, Corner Pocket is more focused on billiards than most, but the high-energy atmosphere here is no less compelling. Grab a few friends, pay the reasonable table fee, and settle into the spacious poolroom for an evening you’ll want to repeat soon. The cheeseburger comes grilled to order, and it’s a standout choice. You should also try some bar snacks and shareable appetizers to fuel your game. Round out your visit with a drink from the friendly bar staff.
We’re especially partial to the welcoming vibe and well-maintained Predator tables, but everything contributes to a fun night out.