I will not go back to this place until they hire respectful ID checkers. Those guys are racist assholes and they give Bako a bad name. What's worse is they are the first people you meet going into the bar at night....and the last ones when you leave. So when the bartenders are being slow it makes it worse....and if the band sucks then having to see the asshole door guys on the way out will make you want to punch someone in the face. I know Bako has many a douchebag, but you don't have to be one to be a door guy.
Review Source:The bar that makes me feel at home. Although hard to get a drink during the weekend rush, both the staff and patrons are so nice and happy to be there. Don't know too much about the food, but it's definitely a bar to check out in Bakersfield. My favorite night to go there is a Monday. Perfect amount of people and good music. The bar is less crowded too, so you are served right away.
Review Source:came here on a sun day night so the crowd was kind small but i was overall satisfied wit this place they have a indoor smoking room and their drinks are nice and mixed perfectly the only down side was the bartender. i know its a late Sunday night and i really should complain but i must inform those who care that my girlfriend nor myself was never id'ed.  I know i look well over 21 but my girl sure doesnt look like she a shoe in  ( she the type that gets carded for buying cigarettes still).  We also waited a good 10 min after finishing our drinks to close our tab. my hope are that this establishment will learn and improve their practices , and not to get the bar its owner or its employees in any trouble
Review Source:The drinks they make with Soju are excellent. I was sorry they didn't carry the wine I wanted in stock, the Torrontes, but I subsequently learned that the other Argentinian wines, the red Malbec, is of French extraction originally. So, I should have sucked it up,  and would have complemented the unexpected and delicious arugula, grape tomato, and Manchego salad. The Yucca fries were even better than the quotidian sweet potato fries, BUT on the subject of the  sweet potato, (<a href="/redir?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.whfoods.com%2Fgenpage.php%3Ftname%3Dfoodspice%26dbid%3D64&s=34e500d08ec3301b68f99219305018abeda85fc42348b9465719768365043ecc" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">http://www.whfoods.com/g…</a>) why was Soju being called rice wine, as it is derived from sweet potatoes? As if Koreans weren't selling all kinds of things to the world, eg. cars?!
Review Source:Every time we're in the central Cali area we stop in, fantastic every time!
We've been for lunch, dinner and late night, each has a life of its own. Lunch & dinner are a superb experience. Foods cooked well, service is outstanding and the ambiance is well worth it. Our occasional nights run the gambit from old school to punk, check a website before going in if you're for one or the other.
I honestly can't say we've never had a bad experience! They're located downstairs, well out of the valley heat and they've got a separate smoking room for those of us who don't want to loiter on the street above.
All in all, 5 stars here!
Waitress was clue less but friendly. The food is usually amazing! However, the only thing that was good was the salad and it wasn't the usual house salad. My friend ordered a dirty martini, it wasn't. I had my $20 paella taken back, it was oily and water-y, shrimp over cooked and clams still closed shut.
Review Source:Well I needed me some good Bako culture and I got it at the wee closing hours of this bar. Always knew Bako is a really racially conservative place with a strong segregation of groups.
This is what you get for crossing those color boundaries, You get called the N__ word by the trivia host and told that people of "our" kind are not liked.
Strangely I'm not even from the same continent as the racial epithet. Not surprising as this is a bar filled with young college kids from CSUB.
Te bartender "Pencil" on the other hand was really nice (one redeeming star for him)
It's a dark basement bar that books some surprisingly solid metal and punk bands and pours an amazing selection of bourbon. Basil Hayden to Woodford Reserve--if it's Kentucky's finest, they pour it. That's just the bourbon--they have a wall of all types of whiskey. One side of the bar is right by the stage though. I advise you to ask for a menu and point to something because the poor bartender will not be able to hear the difference between Baker's and Maker's.
I don't know if they normally have a cover because we went on a Sunday. Hopefully I'll return early enough to try their restaurant.
Clean bathrooms.
I went here one time and there was a band playing cover songs. I stood by the side of the stage all dressed up and had a beard. I kept taking photos of the band with a flash camera. I was not one of their normal fans so they thought I was from a record company. I also had two other people with me who were dressed nice and out of character for the college crowd. I just kept taking pictures and I could tell they were so excited.
I then left.
I don't understand how this bar has that high of ratings. The atmosphere is decent sometimes- usually it's completely empty or way too full. The drinks are stiff, I guess, but they don't come fast enough. The bartenders are slow as shit. I feel like they know they can get away with being incredibly lazy because there aren't a lot of other options for people to go to. Even when it is super busy, they just walk around the bar. I have watched them walk literally in CIRCLES for several minutes without even making eye contact with anyone before finally serving someone. Are they shy or something? It's actually really awkward to witness. On slow nights, I get it- you have a lot of regulars and want to chat it up with them. But the only way you are going to get MORE regulars is if you serve them within an appropriate time frame. Can you please have some higher standards for your self as an establishment? Or train your barback- he seems to be the only person that actually pays attention and shows a little bit of hustle.
2 stars only because of the "World of Beers." Get a jukebox and we can negotiate a higher rating.
Really a 3.8
I guess there is usually a cover to get in on the weekend, but went on a weekday so entrance was free =). The place is actually underground which is cool, but if people get really drunk (which we saw) then the stairs are an obstacle for them. The place was not that full but probably cause it was close to one. The bar tender looked a little drunk and took a little while because he was talking to some people. He was nice though when he finally got to us. Think maybe I should have tipped him for asking for so much water for myself cause i was really thirsty from watching the epic fight at Syndicate. Bit of advice: try to get your drunk friends to drink water, it'll sober them up a little.
One of my favorite bars in Bakersfield. Love the live music and the dancing, on a good night of course. Smoking room is kind of random but I suppose a plus for the smokers. The wrap around bar is huge and the bartenders are great. Prices are cheap.
Why only four stars you ask? Can get a bit too crowded and they sometimes charge $5-$10 to get in on nights with a band!
Excellent spot in Downtown near other bars that you can easily walk to. Makes for a great night in my book!
I have been into this bar only a handful of times for brief moments. I have only heard good things from people about this place, especially from my sister who is a regular. I got to really experience this place for myself when my sister, a friend, and I went here for a full on Italian dinner! Let me tell you, they do not gyp you on the portions here. We left so full. We ordered the delicious sausage bread, which is to die for! We each got a side salad; I recommend the Caesar! Then we shared an order of the raviolis. They were amazing! They were so huge that even sharing them, we had left overs! It was quick and friendly service. It is a small place so the tables and booths fill up quick. We got there just before the dinner crowd. Sandrini's is also a bar, which I've been told is a fun hang out as well. As far as the food goes, its pretty darn yummy!
Review Source:I visit Sandrini's for the food, as I don't drink or smoke. I can confirm that they have a smoking room which doesn't put you in the cold or hot weather when you're there. In fact, I am pretty sure you can still watch the live bands perform from the smoking room.
The restaurant serves dinner most nights from 5p to 9p. If you get a chance to try it out, I recommend the cannelloni or the lasagna. Also, the paella is pretty amazing. Just note that the paella is a Basque paella, not a Spanish one.
I even ate here last night (and had the cannelloni) and enjoyed every bite of my meal. I intend to return again and again.
Surprisingly very good food here. When you walk in you get a whole dingy basement vibe that smells of bud light and vomit however. The prices are a little higher than you expect but once you dig in you'll understand that they have pretty tasty food in generous portions.
I also have been here a couple times just for a few late night drinks. They have a bar area that is separate from the dining room. There is also a pool table there. One of my few complaints about this place however is that it seems they are always understaffed which will keep you waiting for your drinks a little longer than normal. Definitely a good spot to go check out for some pretty good Italian food and drinks.
This place has the potential to be a cool place to go. Â The set up is decent and they have one of my favorite beers on tap -Abita's Purple Haze. Â However, the regular band that plays there always manages to ruin a classic song. Â Also the bartenders are extremely rude. Â My guy friend was chatting up a girl at the bar and bartender says to him" You make my penis very soft." Â Seriously?! Â They are in need of some help in customer service.
Overall, this place is a dive and you can expect to see a bunch of hipster kids with an identity crisis here.
Best beer selection in Bako! The beer-lovers and adventurous will love the global variety. This place is a fantastic place to hang out. It is relaxing and I love the diverse population that frequents it. It's great to see people in cocktail dresses and hoodies at the same table; reminds me of college-town bars. Â The live music is great too! Did I mention the food? Italian-basque for the win.
Now, just a side note, yes the paint is old, there are exposed bricks and the place looks worn. BUT I tend to see that as a sign that it is well-loved. It looks like a cozy tavern! If you are stuffy and want something impeccably decorated, then don't waste your time (or my seat at the bar!).
Dark and cool on a midsummer's day in the basement. Exposed brick, comfy booths.
The lamb dip on fresh focaccia bread was delicious (savory, tender) and the basque sausage great too -- big enough to split. Â Choice of soup, salad, or pasta salad -- I had the spicy cabbage soup which is more delicious than it sounds
Have a pico punch -- pecan liqour, grappa, grenadine, lime juice
If you're looking for a cheap, fun night of trivia, forget it. It's an $8 buy in and while the questions were fair and interesting, you can BUY your answers by drinking more beer! A great marketing scheme but unfair advantage to larger teams and big spenders.
This time, the question master was also drinking pretty heavily and was essentially unresponsive to questions and/or challenges.
If this trivia night were to improve, they'd take a bit of advice from The Elm in Denver, CO and make it free and 1st-3rd place receives varying sized bar tabs.
I have been to Sandrini's a few times for a night out with my friends. Good vibe, good beer, but it is not really my scene. However, I went to dinner there for the first time. I tried the salmon and my boyfriend had the halibut. I was pleasantly surprised. The food was delicious, although the fish did taste like it was marinated in butter.
On the down side: the place smelled a little funny and my waitress was sick (she was nice though)
The combination of the good well drinks, staff, atmosphere, and great food make this the best hang out in Bakersfield. When I go down stairs I feel like I'm home, and I can always find a friendly face. I've met some really great people, enjoyed many fantastic meals and have had many good times with friends. The food is simply fantastic, but is a bit pricey for downtown Bakersfield. It's a lovely mix of Basque and Italian cuisine with a little something extra sure to make you love everything you eat here. The live music is always changing and you always hear a different sound when you walk downstairs, I have heard any and everything played there. If you live here or are visiting this is great place to hang out. Stop in, you won't be sorry.
Review Source:"You're not to date him." she told me mid jaeger shot.
She may have been psychotic, but she was right about one thing.
This is the best bar in Bakersville.
You walk down the stairs into this really low lit basement pub which is something you just don't seem to get most places in CA.
Great vibe. Â Great people. Â Well mixed drinks and decent shows.
Food is actually not bad there either.
The best part?
There's a SMOKING ROOM in the back of the bar with tables and space to enjoy that chaser. Â It's private and secluded so as not to disturb non chimney like patrons.
Seriously this bar was one of the few things that kept me sane while I lived there.
LOVE this place! Â It has become my hang out every time I come home for breaks from school. Â It is a great alternative to the club and bar scene. Â I know some of the bartenders and they've been nice but others have made me wait way too long for a drink. Â The location of this place is cool and I love walking down the stairs into the bar. Â They also have a pool table too. Â
-Tues night is TRIVIA night. Â Dave is a great host but I am warning you the trivia is tough. Â However, I've been on a team that has won once!! Â You can have a max of 4 players on a team. Â It starts at 10 and goes till 11:30-ish. Â
-Wed is occasionally open mic night.
-Thurs nights rock because the Travis Byler Project (look them up on myspace) always plays awesome covers all night long! Â Â
So, if you are looking for a new place to get wasted check this place out. Â Also, if you are a smoker (which you shouldn't be b/c smoking leads to cancer) they have an indoor smoking room too.
Great food and an awesome selection of beers (Stone, Cooper's, Samuel Smith, etc). Â They need to make a beer menu, they have something like 50 different bottled beers. Â Their sausage bread is delicious. Â On fridays they serve Clam Chowder and Prime Rib, both of which are excellent. Â Prices are moderate and I have never had a problem with the service there. Â Oh yeah, they have a nice smoking room too. Â So instead of feeling exiled outside to smoke you can feel segregated by smoking in a separate room.
UPDATE: took away 1 star, they don't serve clam chowder anymore.
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