Recent Business Reviews: Bakersfield.com

BELVEDERE COCKTAIL LOUNGE

Ugly. Smokers smoking inside, against the law.

Yellow Cab Co

The worst service ever. Horrible timing, mean dispatcher.

Yellow Cab Co

The worst service ever. Horrible timing, mean dispatcher.

Yellow Cab Co

The worst service ever. Horrible timing, mean dispatcher.

Elaine’s Cafe & Market

The Ice Cream is just the best, healthiest choice out there. And it tastes GREAT!!! Have to get it every time.

Can't wait for the bakery to open...heard about the cakes and pies.

Baker's Square

I'm glad to see all the negative reviews for this restaurant. After our last visit we told the cashier we would never go back there. (The manager said he was to busy to talk with us). I met an unrelated party there for lunch, and we both had coupons for a free piece of pie. We told the waitress we wanted seperate checks, but the waiter informed us that we could both get the free pies if we put the lunch on one ticket. We asked him to verify with the manager that it was O.K. He left, then came back and said the manager told him "no problem." When I paid the bill, the cashier refused to give us the free pie. We told her the manager had approved it. She checked with the manager and he told her "No." We asked to talk to the manager, who refused to see us. The loss of our business probably doesn't affect them, but based on all these other reviews maybe they might recognize they have a problem they need to work on.

Cataldo's Pizzeria

Cataldo's is the home of the gigantic 30' inch pizza. When I walked into Cataldo's for the first time, I was greeted with a little girl trying to lift the largest slice of cheese pizza I have ever seen. It was longer than her little arms and you can imagine, quickly slid down the front of her dress. Luckily, she found it funny.

I enjy their Bronz pizza and for a "small" 16 inch, it's a little bit over $20. It features a mixture of veggies including artichoke hearts.

I am usually a fan of thin crust pizza, but their crust was just perfect- not too thick or thin- plus it was spiced with sprinkles of parsley and parmasean cheese.

If you are a beer drinker, pitchers range from $6-$9 depending on type.

J's Place

This place is excellent! The fried chicken breast is boneless skinless. Best waffles I've ever had. The chicken 'n dressing is like Thanksgiving -- delicious! If you like homemade tacos, try their lunch special. Everything is so good. You may have to wait a while for your food, but that's because they make it when you order it -- worth the wait! Very friendly wait staff. One of my favorite places.

Cataldo's Pizzeria

I ordered a large specialty vegetarian "The Bronx" and it literally came with about 1/2 a cup of vegetables over the whole thing. It was ridiculous. You could even see sauce peeking through -- there was so little cheese. The description promised artichoke hearts, there were none. The only reason I gave Cataldo's 2 stars was for their great fried chicken. Customer service was horrible. My fried chicken was forgotten, and when I told the guy at the counter, he just said "oh" and walked away. ummmm...might want to say "it'll be just a minute" or something.

Baker's Square

This was, without a doubt, my worst dining experience in recent memory. After being seated in a rather cramped booth, our drink order was taken. The iced tea, my first barometer of a meal on the go, was bitter, as if it was several hours old.

When we ordered the meal, we were informed an item, rather the item we came there for, was no longer available. No signage when we entered, no insert in the menu, just a blunt "no" AFTER the drinks had arrived. We ordered something else, a mistake in hindsight, and the server did ask about any of the options that normally come with the meal. No asking about the choice of breads, no asking about the way I wanted my potatoes or meat, nothing.

We ate our substandard meal, and I had asked for an extra pat of butter, as I had to use the one normally for the bread on the dry-as-heck mashed potatoes. I am still waiting for this pat of butter to arrive. At no point was I offered a refill on my "free refill" iced tea, and the pies they are supposedly famous for were not being served that day.

Go somewhere else. Anywhere else.

Dagny's Coffee

My friend Phil used to work here.

Sequoia Sandwich Co.

My friend Carter works here.

Sequoia Sandwich Co.

I went to Sequoia Sandwich shop on Ming Avenue for the first time last week. I had the turkey sandwich on squaw bread, with pasta salad. The sandwich was the best sandwich I ever ate. I finally found a sandwich shop just like my favorite one in Santa Cruz, called Erik's Deli. I was so pleased out how much meat was in the sandwich, I didn't even get around to eating the pasta. Three days later I decided to go back and try the cajun turkey. Again, another awesome sandwich. I would highly recommend this sandwich shop to anyone who has not tried it. I was surprised to see it tucked away next to the market place and when I walked inside, it had a great atmosphere. When I told everyone at work how much I liked it, they said "it's a little pricey". I disagree, you get your money's worth here!

Replay Lounge & Grill

At first I was a big fan of Replay. It was always a bit too busy for my taste but each time I went I secured one of the VIP tables so that my friends and I had plenty of room to drink, talk and not be bothered by the immense crowd. My typical tab for the bottle service we would get was around $500 for the night. During my last visit, my group of 6 and I were asked to relocate to a smaller VIP area because they had a larger group coming in... I had no problem and we moved. Then a few of my guests left and we had only four remaining. We spent the rest of the night in the smaller VIP area drinking our champagne and other beverages. At the end of the night, I received my tab which was approximately $220.00, much smaller than usual but we had come much later and there were fewer of us that night. I gave a $70.00 tip to our server and left with the receipt. Now, a 31% tip is quite generous -- especially for someone to just bring drinks to your table and occasionally poor a glass of champagne. However, later in the week when I was balancing my account I noticed that my charge which should have been $290.00 somehow became $490.00 -- a number quite close to my typical charges at the establishment. I called and left a message asking for someone to return my call and tell me what this extra $200.00 charge was about -- no response. I again called three days later and talked to someone who assured me they would get back to me that evening or the following day. No call again. I find this shocking as someone who had spent several thousand dollars at their establishment. Ultimately, I had to call my credit card company and dispute the charge. This took care of it but left me very unhappy with Replay and I will not be coming back.

Cafe Med

Cafe Med is always a delight. The service is by far the best in town and only outdone by the supurb quality of their food. The menu is bursting with a number of delicious options. Also, their wine and champagne list is unmatched in Bakersfield. While it is a bit more expensive than other restaurants, it is always worth it. I go two or three times per month and always leave satisfied!

Hourglass Kitchen & Bar

I had extremely high hopes for the Hourglass Kitchen and Bar, the location was fantastic, the decor was chic and something unexpected for the Bakersfield market -- very upscale at first glance.

Then I had dinner with my family at the restaurant on a Friday night. They were mildly busy with just a few empty tables but not too busy (we arrived at 7:30-8pm). It took us 15 minutes to be seated at a table that was ready when we walked in the door. It took our waiter another 15 minutes to come to our table and ask for our drink order and an additional 10 to get a simple glass of water to the table. Bread didn't arrive until 25 minutes after sitting down and our waiter came back 10 minutes after the bread to ask for our order -- after sitting for well over 35 minutes. While waiting for our salads, our waiter informed us that someone else would be taking over our table. The new waiter brought salad for each person except for me and never came back to ask how we were doing or fill our drinks. about 40 minutes after everyone's salads were delivered, the food arrived. The waiter then filled everyone's drinks and brought my salad after I already had my meal in front of me. We finished our meal and had dessert which took 20 minutes to land on our table after ordering. Overall the food was marginal when weighed against the small portions and high price for Bakersfield.

Upon completion of the meal, I determined that I would much rather go to Cafe Med and enjoy a meal that is perfect or very close every time with service that is immensely better!

That being said, I thought it may just be the "new restaurant" learning curve and thought I should give it another chance, this time for the night-life atmosphere at the bar.

On my second visit, we arrived at approximately 11:30pm on a Saturday night after eating dinner at Cafe Med (much better!) that evening. We arrived to a pretty busy place and went to the bar. My female friend was able to get a round of drinks in about 10 minutes time for each of us. After our first round, I attempted to go to the bar and order drinks for my friends. I waited for 33 minutes (I counted) with one bartender actually looking at me and shrugging his shoulders as if he didn't know what I wanted and then proceeded to clean out glasses. The bartenders were very rude and addressed me with a, "wait just a minute" line if they even acknowledged me. Finally, I realized that they were simply attending to female clientele and never going to ask for my order. So, in an experiment I called my female friend over and had her stand next to me. Within three minutes the bartender asked her for her drink order -- still ignoring me. When asked why he ignored me, he claimed he didn't see me when he had addressed me twice during my wait with a poor attitude and turned to serve female customers.

Needless to say, I have a real problem when I'm blatantly ignored by restaurant or bar staff. This kind of seriously lacking service is unacceptable and what's worse is that they don't seem to care. I give this restaurant 2 stars for the atmosphere and location, but in the end it is just not worth the time or money. My recommendation -- go to Cafe Med.

Valley Smog

Like most smog check places, this one's first-come-first-serve, but they're pretty quick and efficient. The exterior isn't impressive by any means but they have an indoor waiting room with surprisingly comfy couches.

Here's a tip: Call ahead for a price quote and they'll tell you they're "having a special right now." Be sure to mention you called before paying for more than $10 off. Good deal!

Valley Smog

Here's a tip: Call ahead for a price quote and they'll tell you they're "having a special right now." Be sure to mention you called before paying for more than $10 off. Good deal!

Big Country Chevron

At the busy intersection of White & Wible, this gas station can get crowded at times. I get a kick out of pumping gas here since they have "on hold" type messages playing while you pump your gas- "Thank you for coming to Big Country- Get a Gatorade for 99 cents inside, etc."

They have a niced sized mini market with a Tommy's hamburger attached as well as a drive thru car wash. The only criticism I could give is that they don't sell coffee flavored energy drinks- starbucks, rockstar, etc.

Big Country Chevron

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

I was also kicked out for feeding an emaciated Betta, that was being kept in a leftover food container. I don't think customers should feel the need to care for the animals that haven't even been sold yet.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

My boyfriend and I get out of class and had some time to kill. He had mentioned he needed some crickets for his geckos, and the cheapest place to get them was CLS pets, which was on the way home.

We get there and look around, Over priced animals, as all ways.

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

I hardly bother looking at the fish any more. Its THAT bad.
But, I couldn't help but look at the one Betta they had left.

He was horribly emaciated, pail, and stiff looking, he was also really small/young.

Being a Betta enthusiast, I was infuriated to see it in such horrible condition
AND KEPT IN ONE OF THESE

http://img.thefind.com/images/VABTZdf8NI1h...A**?m=1&g=2
no joke.

The thing is, there was a thing of food rite next to his container.

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

He continued to the front of the store to help a customer, and I popped some pellets out of the container and into the thing the fish was being kept in.

"I KNEW YOU GUYS WERE GOING TO SCREW SOMETHING UP!"
were his exact words.. Question friends.. how is feeding an emaciated fish "screwing some thing up?"

We were ordered out of the store in a very rude and huffy manner, as if we had tried to take something of value..

I said" Maybe you should feed your fish more regularly. They may live long enough to sell...." looking the large man over..

He mumbled something I couldn't understand, and said "Don't come back!"

"no problem" I said calmly.

He made such a huge stink of it, that my boy friend and I took the conversation out side, so customers coming in and leaving ( maybe the 2 out of 5 they get a day..) would over hear about the idiocy that went on in there..

"why do we come here again, they have no redeeming qualities.."

"They have cheap crickets..that's it..

"Oh rite.."

I hope that Burmese decides it doesn't like him so much any more..

I do have a friend that's going in to take pictures of the animals (most of which are in poor health, and kept in horrible conditions.) and get me that Betta, I didn't have the money today. I hope he makes it tell then..

Just thought I'd share my story.

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

Below Sea Level

This store is horrible. It's dirty and smelly. All the enclosures are filthy and unkept. The all most all the animals are on poor health, and their supplies are incredibly over priced.

Don't waist your time or money here.

On a lighter note, a friend went back and got the fish for me, he's in a good home now.

If you would like to hear more about the Betta incident please continue.

======================================================

I was kicked out of CLS

For feeding an emaciated Betta..

They were trying to sell hissing roaches for $4.99 (you can get them on line for $1.50 each, some times cheaper)

They're keeping a Burmese python in a ridiculously small enclosure. Keep in mined this was full grown and they average about 23 ft.

All there birds are not clipped and not hand fed, and half of them have serious molting issues..and still over priced.

The bird toys were 3 times more expensive there than at the local bird store for the same toy.

CL'S: $5.95, For the Birds:$1.50

How lazy can you be?

I looked at my boy friend, then at the food, then the fish.
The manager walked by and he asked if we had any question, I just shook my head slowly..

~Britni Baker

10/2/08

The Prime Cut

I must say that the Prime Cut on Calloway/Brimhall is a favorite of mine. Having recently discovered this gem, it is now a weekly destination for me and my family for some GREAT food. The food is always superb, deep pit beef is a favorite, with exceptional side dishes that never disappoint (Las Vegas Potatoes - yummy!). My family and I are fortunate enough to frequent various eateries and there seems to be a lack of consistently good food along with great service here in Bakefsfield. At Prime Cut, everyone leaves satisfied!

The Prime Cut

The PC is what its all about, they have a welcoming owner and bar tender, cheap drinks, and an environment that you cant beat. Its a grill people, what did you expect the prices to be, you want a steak for under ten bucks go to dennys...

Spotlight Theater & Cafe

I absolutely love this place! First of all, everything on the menu sounds delectible. Thus far, I've tried the roasted veggie panini, turkey sandwich, and the greek salad, each proving to be parties for my palate. Aaand, there is the option to do half this and half that of any of the soups, sandwiches, salads and quiche. Sign me up.

The ladies that work there are incredibly sweet and always attentive. When I dine in they always offer to put my soda in a to-go cup before I check out. And there is a wonderful outside patio that I will be taking full advantage of when the weather permits.

With its quick and friendly service and delicious food, Spotlight has easily become a weekly lunch must-have. Loves it.

Flame & Skewers Mediterranean

I have been here a couple times for the lamb kabobs and I love it every time. Food is always good and the dinners are huge (at least for me) and healthy. I have rented a hookah from time to time as well and it is always relaxing, although the patio layout is a bit narrow, I usually have to deal with moving my chair so someone can walk by. All in all, its pretty good and I would definitely go back.

Great Wraps

Food was good...I went here for lunch when I was between grocery store trips. It was affordable and kept me full basically all day. Wraps are great, their fries are even better! I got a side salad once (to try to be healthy) but was not impressed by selection of lettuce (i prefer dark greens). Overall really good food and staff was very friendly and rembered me (and my order) after a time!

Perfect Rain Gutters

this company needs to shut down the people are rude and uncaring dispite what you may have heard my whole block used perfectly awful raingutters and except for the lewis's on the end we have all had leaks my wall is damaged and the smug owner needs his little face ok ok ok ok the installers left a huge mess the gutters were uneven and looked very poor i spent alot for my copper gutters and was greatly disappointed the gutters had to be redone by trained installers that knew what needed to be done and yes they were from another company the estimator came back later to try and make things right he was half drunk and reecked of booze and even was making my 13 yr old daughter uncomfortable by staring at her while she was in the pool

Camino Real Restaurant

BEST MEXICAN FOOD IN TOWN!!!!!!!! Seriously i wish the new owners the best of luck........the service was the best in town very attentive and pleasant. The food is beyond explaining its so good, fresh and not greasy. i was told by a friend about this place a week ago ive been there 3 times since then, its crazy they always have something great going on romantic night, salsa night, and mariachi all live bands. great beers and selection as well. I hope you guys get here before the crowds start coming cause this place is a ten in my book. ill see you there at camino real.

Big Country Chevron

Hey!, they're GREAT, I'll continue to buy there because the store and the people there are number one in my book. ;=)))

Big Country Chevron

Hey!, they're GREAT, I'll continue to buy there because the store and the people there are number one in my book. ;=)))