BEST BARS IN BAKERSFIELD:
YOUR GUIDE TO THE TOP DRINKING SPOTS
Bakersfield's bar scene is a reflection of its diverse culture, offering everything from historic dive bars to modern cocktail lounges. Key neighborhoods like Downtown and the Arts District are at the heart of the city's nightlife, providing a unique blend of country heritage and contemporary vibes.
Top Picks in Bakersfield
Tiki-Ko
Tiki-Ko transports patrons to a tropical paradise with immersive island-themed décor. Known for expertly crafted cocktails like the classic Mai Tai and Mary Ann, it also features 'The Sinking Ship,' a basement lounge for a more intimate setting.
Mai Tai
Guthrie's Alley Cat
Established in 1940, Guthrie's Alley Cat is Bakersfield's oldest bar, a beloved dive with eclectic murals and a welcoming atmosphere. It's known for well-priced drinks and a cozy setting, embodying the essence of a classic dive bar.
Strong drinks
The Mint Bar
The Mint Bar is a highly recommended establishment known for its well-crafted drinks and impressive foreign wine collection. It offers a relaxed, dive bar atmosphere, making it a local favorite for casual drinking.
Craft beers
All Bakersfield Bars
The Botanist
Established in 2019, The Botanist is renowned for its innovative approach to cocktails and commitment to fresh, high-quality ingredients. It offers an extensive drink menu, including signature cocktails like the Cucumber Cooler, emphasizing botanical flavors.
Sandrini's Public House
Sandrini's Public House, established in 2005, is an informal bar and restaurant offering an international food menu. It features a selection of cocktails and whiskies, making it a great place to relax and enjoy a drink with good food.
Foxtail Lounge Bakersfield
Foxtail Lounge embodies the vibrant spirit of Miami Beach’s golden era with a touch of Hollywood glam. It offers house-infused spirits, craft beers, wines, and classic and signature cocktails made with fresh, local ingredients.
The Stockyard Whiskey Bar
A cozy speakeasy tucked away on F Street, The Stockyard Whiskey Bar offers an impressive selection of over 40 whiskeys and bourbons, complemented by rotating craft cocktails. It's located next to KC Steakhouse and requires a password for entry.
VIP Lounge
VIP Lounge offers a quirky vintage atmosphere with vinyl chairs and a robust ambiance. It features a retro vibe, digital jukebox, and various pool and board games. Each night presents a different theme, ensuring a unique experience with every visit.
The Silver Fox Starlite Lounge
The Silver Fox Starlite Lounge is a favorite cocktail bar in Bakersfield, offering delicious drinks and a cozy ambiance. Known for its vibrant charm, it’s a great place to enjoy a night out with friends or meet new people in a lively setting. Live music and themed nights often add an extra layer of excitement.
Speakeasy Bar and Grill
Speakeasy Bar and Grill combines delicious grill selections with a lively atmosphere. It's known for its vibrant culinary scene and is a popular spot in Bakersfield's nightlife, offering a casual setting for meals and drinks.
The 18hundred
The 18hundred is an American-inspired restaurant and bar offering handcrafted food and drink. It's known for its high-quality ingredients and a good vibe, making it a great spot for a low-key lunch or happy hour.
Firestone Grill
Firestone Grill is a popular spot known for its delicious food and lively sports bar atmosphere. It offers a casual dining experience with many big screen TVs to catch your favorite games, and is particularly famous for its tri-tip sandwich.
The Hideout Bar and Club
The Hideout Bar and Club is a vibrant neighborhood hangout known for its great drink specials and fun events. It features karaoke nights on Thursdays, Latin music and dancing on Fridays, and a lively club atmosphere on weekends.
The Vault Restaurant
The Vault Restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a transformed bank, featuring a delectable menu with Woodstone dishes, steak, seafood, pasta, and pizza. It also boasts a full bar with beer, wine, and cocktails, and is known for its happy hour specials.
Social House Kitchen & Bar
Social House Kitchen & Bar is a casual place to socialize with friends, offering a diverse menu and rotating Social Hour Specials. It's known for its delicious burgers and a lively atmosphere, making it a great spot for both dining and drinks.
Bar Districts & Neighborhoods
Downtown Bakersfield
The heart of Bakersfield's nightlife, offering a mix of historic dive bars, modern cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
Best for: Diverse crowds, bar hopping, live music
Southwest Bakersfield
A growing area with a variety of bars, including sports bars and restaurant bars, catering to a more casual crowd.
Best for: Sports watching, casual dining, happy hour
Northwest Bakersfield
Home to some popular local hangouts, offering a mix of bar and club experiences.
Best for: Dancing, karaoke, drink specials
Suggested Bar Crawl Route
A curated walking order through Bakersfield's top bars — start early, end late.
Tiki-Ko
Downtown Bakersfield
Mon Closed; Tue-Wed 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM; Fri 5:30 PM - 1:00 AM; Sat 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM; Sun 5:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Guthrie's Alley Cat
Downtown Bakersfield
Mon-Sat 10:00 AM - 2:00 AM; Sun 7:00 PM - 2:00 AM
The Mint Bar
Downtown Bakersfield
Mon-Sun 6:00 AM - 2:00 AM
The Botanist
Downtown Bakersfield
Mon Closed; Tue-Sun 11:00 AM - 11:00 PM
Sandrini's Public House
Downtown Bakersfield
Mon Closed; Tue-Fri 3:00 PM - 1:30 AM; Sat-Sun 11:00 AM - 1:30 AM
Foxtail Lounge Bakersfield
Downtown Bakersfield
Mon Closed; Tue-Thurs 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM; Fri 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM; Sat 1:00 PM - 1:00 AM; Sun 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Pro tip: Start around 7–8 PM at stop #1 and allow 45–60 minutes per venue. Use rideshare between stops that are more than 10 minutes apart.
Local Tips for Bar Hopping in Bakersfield
- 1Downtown Bakersfield is very walkable, so consider parking and exploring the area on foot.
- 2Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are readily available and a safe option for getting around at night.
- 3Many bars offer happy hour specials on weekdays, so check their websites or social media for details.
Frequently Asked Questions
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