FOUNDING HOST APPLICATIONS OPEN — Earn up to 80% revenue share

LIVE MAPCA

Bakersfield Nightlife

Best Bars in Bakersfield

5 venues

The Vault Restaurant

cocktail bar
4.8

An upscale restaurant and bar with a sophisticated ambiance and an extensive wine list.

Southwest Bakersfield

Tiki-Ko

tiki bar
4.7

A popular tiki bar with a fun, tropical atmosphere and a wide selection of classic and modern tiki drinks.

Downtown

The Sinking Ship

tiki bar
4.8

A nautical-themed tiki bar located beneath Tiki-Ko, offering a unique and immersive experience.

Downtown

The Botanist

cocktail bar
4.5

A sophisticated cocktail bar with a focus on fresh, seasonal ingredients and artisanal spirits.

Downtown

Eureka!

gastropub
4.6

A lively gastropub with a great selection of craft beers, artisanal cocktails, and gourmet burgers.

Southwest Bakersfield

Best Night Out in Bakersfield

A curated evening itinerary from early drinks to late-night dancing.

7–9 PMPre-Game

Start with cocktails or craft beers at a neighborhood bar. Keep it relaxed — the night is young.

Eclipse Azul Kitchen & Lounge

Southwest Bakersfield ·

9 PM–12 AMPrime Time

Hit the main strip. Rooftop bars, live music, or a lively pub crawl through the best neighborhoods.

Vip Lounge

Southwest Bakersfield ·

12 AM–3 AMLate Night

The clubs open up. Dance floors fill, DJs take over, and the real nightlife begins.

El Rancho Grande Night Club

East Bakersfield ·

Nightlife Neighborhoods

Downtown

The heart of Bakersfield's nightlife, Downtown offers a diverse mix of bars, clubs, and restaurants, all within walking distance. From historic dive bars to trendy cocktail lounges, there's something for everyone in this vibrant district.

Best for: Bar hopping, live music, and a lively atmosphere.
Crowd:

Southwest Bakersfield

This sprawling suburban area is home to a growing number of modern bars, restaurants, and lounges. It's a great place to find a more relaxed and upscale nightlife experience, with plenty of options for a nice dinner and drinks.

Best for: Upscale dining, craft cocktails, and a more relaxed vibe.
Crowd:

East Bakersfield

Known for its vibrant Latin music scene, East Bakersfield is the place to go for a night of dancing. You'll find a number of lively nightclubs and bars playing a mix of cumbia, salsa, and other Latin genres.

Best for: Latin music, dancing, and a high-energy atmosphere.
Crowd:
DistrictBest ForCrowdWalk ScoreTop Venues
DowntownBar hopping
Southwest BakersfieldUpscale dining
East BakersfieldLatin music

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the nightlife like in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield has a surprisingly diverse and vibrant nightlife scene. You can find everything from lively country bars and dance clubs to chic cocktail lounges and historic dive bars. The city's nightlife is spread out across different neighborhoods, each with its own unique character.

What are the best bars in Bakersfield?

Some of the top-rated bars in Bakersfield include The Vault Restaurant for its upscale ambiance, Tiki-Ko and The Sinking Ship for their fun tiki vibes, and The Botanist for its creative cocktails. For a more casual experience, Eureka! and Firestone Grill are also popular choices.

What time does nightlife start in Bakersfield?

Happy hour usually starts around 4 or 5 PM, with most bars and restaurants getting busier around 8 or 9 PM. Nightclubs typically get going later, around 10 or 11 PM, and stay open until 2 AM.