The best in Bakersfield.

The best in Bakersfield.

The food is great.  The atmosphere is excellent and unique.  But when there is a show or event at night, it's a different story.  Unless you are a hot girl, don't expect to get a...

The food is great.  The atmosphere is excellent and unique.  But when there is a show or event at night, it's a different story.  Unless you are a hot girl, don't expect to get a drink without waiting for ten minutes.  Seriously, I've been there on several occasions with cash in my hand looking right at the bartenders to get a drink, and they acted like I didn't even exist.  When they finally do get you a drink, it's far too expensive when one considers the lousy service.

For those with nicotine addictions, you don't need to hike up the steep stairs and leave the building to light up--they have a designated smoking room.  I suppose that's nice.

This place, 14 steps down from street level is another world. An incredible world of atmosphere and delicious food. The service makes you feel welcome, and like a friend once you come in a few...

This place, 14 steps down from street level is another world. An incredible world of atmosphere and delicious food. The service makes you feel welcome, and like a friend once you come in a few times.

If you go to upscale chain restaurants you need to come and eat at this family run business. Great brickwork, a great renovation, great people, and great food.

I have eaten in Manhattan, Newport Beach, etc. and Sandrini's can hold its own anywhere. The people in any city would be lucky to have this place and as I said before, an upscale family owned restaurant will always beat an upscale chain restaurant. An exception is Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, which can compete against anyone. But the atmosphere in Sandrini's gives it the edge.

Tell Brian that Bill sent you. The Bill that drinks Tequila gimlets with a splash of Gran Mariner.

Sandrini's makes me feel like I'm in New York City. You see, it's not at street level, but rather in a brick basement in downtown Bakersfield. In a city with so much sprawl, it's unique to see a...

Sandrini's makes me feel like I'm in New York City. You see, it's not at street level, but rather in a brick basement in downtown Bakersfield. In a city with so much sprawl, it's unique to see a basement used in this way! It is moody and charming hangout with brick walls and comfy booths. Not only is it a fun place to get lunch, but also offers a bar and nightlife for the night owls out there. I haven't been impressed with their pasta dishes, finding them rather ordinary. I tried their lamb sandwich for the first time and it was awesome. Thiny sliced warm pieces of lamb served with sauteed onions on ciabatta bread with a slide of lamb gravy. The choice of sides are pasta, Basque cabbage soup and a mixed salad. I ordered the soup and I was expecting something boring out of a "Cabbage Soup Diet" cookbook. It was flavorful with a tomato base and not bland at all. The wait staff also seems to double as bartenders, so they are colorful characters.