Bakersfield OTR

It's Taco Joint (Chicago) but not as good.
Not crazy about the staff... at all... pretentious hipsters.
Love the incredible selection of bourbons.
Love the guacamole (big chunks of avocado and great flavor).
Liked the tacos (tried a few - the short rib was the best).
Like the margaritas.
The space is really nice and inviting - it's an ok size - definitely not big enough for how popular it is - I went on a Sunday afternoon and it was packed.
Prices are equal to Chicago which surprises me because everything is cheaper in Cincinnati - so they must be profiting a lot - good for them.

Tip for restaurant for a little flare: save the bourbon or tequila bottles and use them as water pitchers for each table (with small glasses) - automatic cute factor people love in a place like this.

Yet another place that I'm not sure how I managed to not review.  I've been here at least half a dozen times and every time, I leave thinking "GOD, I love this place".  I know there are plenty of people who have actually lived in California and say that Bakersfield tacos don't even compare to street vendors in Cali.  Well guess what, this isn't California, if I happen to find the most sublime tacos the next time I visit, I'll knock this down to four stars.  For the time being, my rating stands.  

Bakersfield is always very busy, so if you are absolutely starving and don't feel like waiting, you might want to go somewhere else.  However, I have never had to wait more than 30 minutes; you can usually find a seat at the bar, and I have actually eaten an entire meal, complete with queso, 3 tacos and about 4 margs, standing up at the bar.  I still left happy.  My absolute favorite, hands-down, is the short rib tacos (but I LOVE short rib anything), with the chochinita pibil as a close second.  I've tried most of the others on the menu and everything else is pretty good as well.  I absolutely love tequila and I'm a fan of their margs as they are pretty generous with the tequila.  They have good beers on tap as well.  Lastly (and this may be revealing my inner nerdiness but so be it), I love it that they play old-school country (i.e. Johnny Cash and Merle Haggard) AND awesome/terrible old Western movies on mute.  I could literally eat/drink here many times a week, I still don't think I could get sick of it.  At least, I hope not.

Kudos again to Alex (owner) for investigating and proving my charges were accurate. I appreciate your going above and beyond to ensure your reputation and I humbly apologize for MY mistake. Rest assured, Bakersfield is as good as it gets, from the food to the management.