Bakersfield Mass. Ave.

Reviews & Tips

• 0

  This is one time I really wish Yelp allowed you to rate using 1/2 stars.   If I could, this place would be a solid 2-1/2 stars.   However, if I had to choose between 2 and 3 stars, I have to lean towards 2.
  
  First, the good.   The atmosphere is really cool.   When you walk in you don't even have an inkling that this used to be a pizza restaurant (Bazbeaux).   Everything has been redone and looks really (what I like to call) honky-tonk vintage.   Sumptious dark woods everywhere.   And I love the whiskey barrel bar tables.
  
  For those of you familiar with the old Bazbeaux, you'll recall that much of the seating was in the basement.   That is still the case as the bottom has also been remodeled.  Not to the extent the ground level has been, but it still feels unified.
  There's also a long table for larger groups.
  
  When the weather warms up,  The windows facing Mass Ave can fully open and will bring the outside in.   There will be limited al fresco seating as well.
  
  The music (and the videos playing on the wall-mounted flatscreens) fit the atmosphere perfectly.  For those of you unfamiliar (or confused) with the origin of the name "Bakersfield", a primer -- it's a type of country music that was popular in Bakersfield, California in the 50s.   Think dominated by vocals with a raw twangy sound.   There were so few true "Bakerfield" artists and recordings so don't expect the music at Bakersfield to be 100% authentic.   They mix in some other artists that have a similar sound.  While we were there, we heard some Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.
  
  On to the food/drink--their motto is Tacos. Tequila. Whiskey.  I would say 2 out of 3 ain't bad with an "Incomplete" for one.
  
  The tequila selection is amazing, sprinkled with some old standards while exploring several craft tequilas.   The whiskey selection is equally ambitious.  Not as large as some of the other craft whiskey bars in town, but that is understandable as they have to have enough shelf space for all the tequilas.   They limit their whiskeys to American-made which makes sense (to match the ambience) so no Scotches or Irish whiskeys.   There's a small selection of bourbons, but the real star are the rye whiskeys.   Beer drinkers need not worry either as there are several national craft beer brands represented as well as local-fave Sun King.   And being Mass Ave, no hipster is left behind as PBR is present as well.
  
  So far, it looks like I should be giving this place 4 stars, right?  Wrong.
  
  As cool as the ambience and libations are, the food, for the most part, doesn't stand up.
  
  The menu is limited to some appetizers, a broad selection of tacos, and a couple tortas and salads.   The problem is, with such a small menu, I would expect the few items to be perfected.   However, that is not the case.
  
  Their chips and queso was a sad rendition.   It was not smooth and I swear the cheese had curdled.   It had almost no flavor (and we even paid $1 for the side of homemade pickled jalapenos to be added).   The chips were good, though, as the tortillas are made in house.
  
  Now don't get me wrong, a couple tacos were amazing (Fish, Pastor), but I was left wanting with the Pollo Verde and Huitlacoche.  I normally don't add taco sauce (2 squeeze bottles on every table - green and red) to my tacos as I like to taste the flavor as the chef intended, but those 2 really needed help.   The sauces are quite good, I might add.  The green is almost like a Mexican-style guacamole (blended to be smooth, not chunky how you find in the US), packed with avocado.  The red is a smoky, chipotle-based version.
  
  I also tried their version of the torta (Mexican sandwich) and found it to be much more satisfying.  The bread had a nice crunch in the crust, but still chewy on the inside -- just the way I like it.   Think Cuban sandwich.
  
  So why the 2 (2-1/2) stars?  Other than the hit-or-miss tacos, it comes down to the price/value.    Everything is served a la carte here and a single taco is $3 or $4.  And they're tiny.   4" diameter.   No chips.  No salsa.  No beans.   Even a side of jalapenos will set you back a $1.   A side of hot sauce (ghost pepper) will set you back a couple bucks as well.
  
  The two of us had 3 drinks (total), chips and queso, 3 tacos and a torta, which set us back $47.
  
  Service was prompt, knowledgeable and friendly.   Couldn't ask for anything more, especially considering it was opening night.
  
  So 3 stars for the drink/atmosphere.  2 stars for the food.   Thus, 2-1/2 stars.  Rounding down to 2 stars because the food takes precedence.
  
  Note:  Bakersfield promises the kitchen will be open as long as the bar is.   I foresee this being a 2 AM stop for scores of revelers every Friday and Saturday night, getting their munchie-fix before heading home.
  
  You might see me there as well, perhaps having a torta while taking a tour of the whiskeys.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.12.13 Peter P.

  • Report
• 0

  I respectable taco joint with fantastic atmosphere.  Some reviews I saw listed the prices as "cheap," but I have to disagree.  Each taco is $3 - $4 and pretty tiny, so to get full, you need at least 3, so about $12.  Not outrageous, but definitely not cheap.  With drinks and an appetizer, we spent about $60 on dinner.
  
  Love, LOVE the atmosphere.  Lots of exposed wood and whiskey and tequila as far as the eye can see.  If you hate sitting on backless chairs, get there early.  There are a few booths, but mostly backless stools.  I saw a couple of patrons struggling to get comfy on them.  
  
  Staff all appear to be prompt and polite.  Our server, Ann, was phenomenal.  She explained everything, had tried everything on the menu, and was able to give a good tequila recommendation.  
  
  We tried nearly all the tacos.  The mole and fish tacos are standouts. The pollo and huitlachoche tacos did not have a lot of flavor, but they were ok.  The salsa was super good.  Don't be put off by the salsa in a squeeze bottle.  It is so flavorful.  Great on chips and on the tacos.  
  
  We also tried the Milanesa torta.  Pretty much a perfect sandwich.  No complaints.  It is breaded chicken with a black bean paste, salsa verde (add more!), arugula, and an avocado lemon mayo that is a perfect accompaniment.
  
  We started with the queso.  I loved that the top was browned, but the cheese underneath had a weird lumpy consistency.  It tasted ok, but next time I will try the guac.  I heard another table raving about it.
  
  Definitely a place to try again, especially if they eventually add desserts to their menu.
  
  p.s.  Along with having a huge tequila and whiskey selection, they have a full bar if you are a crazy weirdo and do not like tequila or whiskey.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.12.13 DeAnna P.

  • Report
• 0

  There's a lot I like about the place.  Even with the communal seating, the tables are broken up enough (by napkin dispensers and stacks of plates) that there's enough separation that it's not really awkward (but I'm still not a fan of the trend).  Even when crowded, the tables are spaced enough that it's not ass-to-elbows.  The guac and margaritas are on par with Adobo (but the "premium" one seems a bit steep @ $12, twice the "house" variety).  The tacos are pretty small, but tasty- worth the 3-4 dollars each, IMO.  Best of the bunch were probably the short rib and the huitlacoche (mushroomy corn fungus), with mole and al pastor not far behind.  I'll be back.  My only real complaint was the volume level of the music (another trend I hope will pass).  Hopefully enough people will complain that they'll get the message and turn it down.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.11.13 Dan C.

  • Report
• 0

  This place is great! This is an amazing addition to Mass Ave (downtown in general). I tried several items on the menu, but the Fish Tacos really stood out. They are DELICIOUS. My friend and I sat at the bar and it was a fun time. She had a margarita and I had a beer. The General Manager and Bar Manager really know their stuff and have put a solid staff in place. Right now, Bakersfield is only open for dinner, so stop by after 4 PM.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.11.13 Nicole H.

  • Report
• 0

  Bakersfield is situated in a great location in downtown Indy (across from Bazbeaux and Ball and Biscuit) This new addition ushers in  a more well-rounded Mass Ave, and provides another fantastic dining and drinking option.  The menu here is refreshingly uncomplicated and succinct.  Selections of eight different tacos ranging in price from $3-$4. Chips and guacamole, salads, and tortas.
  
  The usual local suspects on tap such as Sun King's Wee-Mac, as well as a daily $2 "Boot" of Pabst. Rotating options of $3 Whiskey and Tequila shots. A ROSE Sangria that sounded AMAZING-but ultimately, I HAD to go with a margarita. First Margarita I had was the $12 Premium Margarita, it was a tad overly sweet. It's funny, but I found my second choice, the $6 Bakersfield Margarita, was actually far better than the premium.
  
  On to the food....So they make a point of telling you about their famous guacamole, like, right when you sit down. THEY. ARE. NOT. LYING.  This is probably the best guacamole I've had since moving here from Chicago.  Really great and fresh.  Tacos were unbelievable, We tried: The Mole, Pastor, and Short Rib, and spicy Cochinita Pobil.  Honestly, really hard to say which one I liked the best.  Probably The Mole.  The spices and seasonings were perfect, subtle layers of flavors in even their spicier Cochinita Pibil. Seating is just shy of crowded but not terrible. Music is good and a bit loud but didn't bother me.  Old cowboy/western movie playing.on their TV's and not sports.  Wait staff are great and friendly.  What another welcome addition to downtown Indy! My new "Go-To" for my Mexican and Margarita Fix!

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.11.13 Deborah B.

  • Report
• 0

  I used to live in Ohio and familiar with the OTR area, where original Bakersfield is located. I was excited to see this place open. Whiskey, tequila, AND tacos.. 3 things I am very fond of. Not to mention they are trying to go into that whole "Bakersfield sound" that was popular in the late 50s.
  
  As an admirer of that particular genre I was extremely disappointed by the music selection that was played. Bob Wills would be rolling over in his grave!!!
  
  The servers and staff were amazing. The hostess was really sweet. Our server (Kristen) was awesome. Honestly the entire staff were pretty amazing. Hopefully it stays that way! Paid just enough attention to us answer our questions and was not overly attentive (which can be annoying when you're trying to have a conversation). I tried 6 of the 8 tacos on the menu (mole, polle verde, pastor, cochinita pibil, huitlacochie, and short rib) and the salsa and queso with chorizo. The chicken was lacking in flavor however the braised pork and beef tacos were on point. I love spicy so I was slightly disappointed the salsa on the table was quite bland. The green in the squeeze bottle was the same salsa served with the chips. I ordered some pickled jalapeños to add some spice to the tacos. The homemade tortillas were good. I Shared an appetizer and 3 tacos filled me up and pricing was really fair.
  
  The house margarita was pretty good and they offer pitchers.  PBR was served in a cowboy boot.
  
  Atmosphere: pretty good. I liked the western movies playing on the background (of course minus the "hip" songs sprinkled into the playlist)
  Food: meh, it was alright. Next time I'll load the tacos with hot sauce
  Drinks: strong margaritas! I'll be back to try the cocktails
  Service: on point!
  Price: some say pricey but I disagree. Other taco places are $7-$8 for 2 tacos..

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.11.13 Tara M.

  • Report
• 0

  "Eagerly anticipated" would be an understatement. Originally hailing from a mere 65 miles north of Bako (as many San Joaquin/Central Valley peeps refer to the place) I was tickled pink to see a familiar name crop up here in my adopted city...once I stopped giggling. (Throughout my life, Bakersfield was the place we stopped before/after heading over the Grapevine, to/from LA or the OC.) A trip to the Country Music Hall of Fame in Nashville alerted me to the Buck Owens/ Merle Haggard connection. Must be generational: I had only known that the band Korn was from Bako. But I digress...
  
  Ask any native Californian living in Indy where to find a good "Mexican" restaurant and you'll probably get a blank stare followed by extensive head-scratching. Mexican food receives the highest level of scrutiny from native Californians--and I've yet to find one place that hits ALL the right notes for me. Mexican food is to Californians what Indian food is to Londoners: Mother's Milk. Or sticking with the metaphor: Mother's Margaritas. Luckily, the margaritas here do not disappoint: large, flavorful, intoxicating and served in a Ball jar with a straw? A+ And that was just the entry level "Bakersfield Margarita."
  
  A great start for this welcome addition to Mass Ave and better than most places in Indy with "Mexican" fare. One of the things I appreciated most was that the food was not over-salted. (So many places these days make me feel like Bambi--a salt-lick may work for deer, but not so well for humans). Tried both of the vegetarian tacos and loved the flavors, but wish that they'd stuck with the typical size corn tortilla rather than the pequeñito. (They could put the same amount of ingredients on the larger tortilla, because with this size, some goodies are most certainly going to end up oozing out the other side.) Also would have welcomed a few little burn marks from throwing those suckers on the grill before adding the fillings. The variety outpaces what you'll find in the rest of the taco-heavy menus in Indy and am therefore looking forward to returning very soon to work my way through the rest of the taco menu. This is, to be fair, an interpretation of Mexican food--a twist--sort of like portraiture created by an impressionist. Viewed with skepticism for die-hard purists, but meritorious in its own right.
  
  The generous portion of chunky guacamole was excellent--fresh squeezed lime was easily discernible, but a second flavor wasn't--whatever it was, it worked, and I haven't encountered it elsewhere.
  
  Sadly, the chips taste store bought--they are edible of course, but the mark of excellence for me dictates chips be made on site.
  
  The two "salsas" (made daily, I was told) administered via squeezy bottle, were flavorful and better than most "Mexican" places here (but not all). Better paired with the tacos than eaten straight on the chips--an accompaniment rather than the main feature. The red one was touted as spicy, but I found it mild. The salsa verde had a tinge of sweetness, where I would have opted for spicy.
  
  The queso texture is reminiscent of hummus--which I'd never experienced before--but that made it easier to scoop and keep on the chip. Different isn't always bad, but some sliced jalapeños on top would have amped up my affection for it.
  
  Considering the late night weekend hours (and weeknight hours) this is going to be A #1 on my list for late night drinks and food. So grateful to have a late night affordable option that isn't a slice of cardboard pizza or a hamburger.
  
  The staff was extremely friendly and psyched; the management circulated throughout the space frequently and the place couldn't have had a more excited air about it if a mariachi ensemble in full costume had paraded throughout, serenading us all. It was the official opening day of course, and revisiting in about 60 days will probably tell the real day-to-day story of what to expect.
  
  Totally loved the atmosphere created by the remodel--like what they did with the space and decor--bright colors, interesting lights, rough sawn woods, alcohol on display all over the place--like the candy stores of olde, but for adults...who like to drink. The place has so wholly transformed, I had almost forgotten its last life, formerly housing Bazbeaux... until a trip to the ladies. Whether due to the age of the building or budgetary constraints, a bar with only one commode is never friendly. (God forbid someone gets Montezuma's Revenge.)
  
  Summary:
  
  Drinks: Outstanding.
  Food: Very good.
  Value for money: High.
  Hours: Praise be! We so needed this!
  Decor: Dig it.
  Staff: Kicking ass and taking names--look like they are having a great time and are loving the place.

  Review Source:

  Posted on 03.11.13 Tiffany B.

  • Report