Recent Business Reviews: Bakersfield.com

The Hideout

I had heard of this restaurant from some other people so my friends and I decided to have lunch at The Hideout.

WOW! Service was quick and efficient, food was great! I had the fish & chips which came with fries and coleslaw. Almost as good as Westchester Bowl! I loved the coleslaw, as it had raisins and was creamy - YUM! The fish was perfect. The ice tea was a tad ho-hum, rather weak in flavor. My companions had breakfast and were very pleased with their food.

I will be recommending this "Hideout" to my friends.

Dore Theatre

Yeah! Go Cal State Theater! As a Theater grad from cal state I can safely say that this is my theater. It is a wonderful venue for new and progressive works to be shown in the community. It does not get enough love and support.

98.5 the Fox, KDFO-FM 98.5

I love this station. However, there seems to be a new influx of country which disturbs me. Also, I hear a lot of the same songs. I would like to see more B sides and non-mainstream selections.

Sarducci's Italian Deli

IVE BEEN GOING TO THIS PLACE FOR YEARS AND I AM ALWAYS PLEASED WITH THE FOOD. THEY MAY SEEM SHORT WITH YOU BUT THEY ARENT RUDE BY ANY MEANS...

Cost Plus World Market

As a person who spends a lot of time watching the Food Network on TV, I come across a lot of recipes requiring spices that you can't find in any of our local supermarkets. Without fail, I can always find the spices I need at Cost Plus. (An example would be the ingredients for (Indian) Grilled Tandoori Chicken. You can find all the individual spices from the TV or internet recipes, or you can buy Punjab Red Tandoori Spice (with the recipe on the label) that contains all the spices you need in one bottle. Cost Plus has what you need, when you can't find it anywhere else. They have a great wine selection, and its a fun store to browse at.

Pho Vy

Pho is the traditional Vietnamese noodle soup, and Pho Vy serves it up incredibly. It comes with a side plate of fresh bean sprouts, basil and jalapenos and a tray of condiments used to doctor up the soup any way you desire.

But beware, the soup is full of awesome and then you add a bit more awesome from the side plate of awesome. Awesome overload.

Try the spring rolls. Awesome.

Jessica Frey Photography

My wedding photos turned out AMAZING, even better than I could've imagined!!! Jessica did a wonderful job and she made the whole experience very special. She's incredibly sweet and is very passionate about photography. I would recommend her to anyone!!!

Aaron Brothers

Aaron Brothers specialty is picture frames and framing, but they do offer a small assortment of art supplies of higher quality than you would find at other local craft stores. The frames Aaron Brothers offers are nice looking, but a bit pricy for my budget. They usually have a buy 1, get one for 1 cent sales twice a year, so I usually wait for it to buy my frames.

I have gotten some framing done at the store- the staff was super helpful in their recommendations and offered great service. It just cost me about double of what I have paid elsewhere for framing, so I don't think I will use them again.

Cost Plus World Market

Cost Plus is great! They have an excellent selection of housewares and an international food & wine market. You can buy everything from bath soap to champagne to a leather sofa here.

Even though everything here is mass produced stuff, it still has a unique feel because of the international vibe of the store.

The prices are very reasonable for the quality of what you buy. It's a really fun place to browse too!

Lee's BFMC Pharmacy

Lee's BFMC Pharmacy DELIVERS to your home or office, so convenient and they are locally owned. They are fast and they care about your health. Their prices are very reasonable. I highly recommend it! I love that I don't have to take time out of my day to stand in line for my prescriptions, they come to me.

Pier 1 Imports

When I first walk into Pier 1, I am really awe struck by how nice it looks. Wow! Then I start looking at their items individually. Not so great. The price is fair and the quality is fine, but I know it lacks the pizzazz I felt when I first walked in the door.

They have a selection of wicker furniture for which they are famous, as well as lots of smaller knick knacks, kitchen ware, pillows, curtains, rugs, dining tables and chairs. They also sell furniture, but a lot of it is by special order.

Pier 1 is always on my list of places to look for things for my house, but I must admit I haven't found any of my most favorite things there. It's a great place to find your "basics"

The Orchid

I have been to The Orchid quite a few times and have been consistently impressed by the food. The taste and presentation is always impeccable. The green papaya salad is my favorite - so fresh and spicy. In addition, they offer small, inexpensive appetizers that are a nice treat before the entree. The spinach dumplings are very good. And, if there happens to be an outcast in the group that somehow dislikes Thai food there are many non-Thai options on the menu including steaks, pasta, and fish.

In terms of service, I've had varying experiences at The Orchid. The times I have dined with only a couple people (and the restaurant nearly empty) the service was fairly lax; however, when I have been with large groups (7+) the service was spot on.

Basically, the service needs some improvement but the food never fails to impress. Oh, aaand, wine, wine, and more wine!

Floyd's Stores

Floyd's is a good old fashioned hardware store- just like you remember before the advent of the big box home improvement warehouses. SERVICE! SERVICE! SERVICE! They have very helpful and knowledgeable staff that can help you figure out how to fix the leaky faucet, find the part you need, etc.

It's the place we go to "problem solve" when we can't figure out exactly how to fix what we broke around the house. I won't give them 5 stars since it's not the first place I would go to look for something. The selection in my opinion is more for fixing rather than upgrading.

Anna's Linens

Anna's is a discount linens chain and unfortunately, you get what you pay for here. The quality is very low, but if you are just looking for something inexpensive it is the place to go. It's small in comparision to the other bedding superstores locally and they offer a small selection of everything for bed, bath, and table linens.

Ching Yen

Ching Yen is my family's favorite Chinese restaurant. We have been going there for over 15 years and we ha never had an unpleasant experience. I love their egg flower soup. I think of it as seafood egg flower since it has chunks of shrimp and crab meat. I also love the #1 dinner. I love to bring a big enough group to get the sizzling beef.

Giovanni's Italian Eatery

I work in Shafter and had lunch at Giovanni's for many years now. The food is still great and service is excellent. I had their calzones and tried all of them. I never had any negative feedback. I decided to try their pasta dish and had spaghetti with meat sauce. I never had such great tasting spaghetti eversince my husband and I went to Florence on our 26th wedding anniversary. I took home their famous lasagna but I had olives and mushroom lasagna because it's my husband's favorite. So, why wait and drive around Bakersfield when you drive to Shafter without a wait and eat your delicious meal peacefully.

Kubyertos Filipino Cuisine

Finaly a Philipino resteraunt to enjoy, GREAT food, great service very clean! my whole family loves it!!!!! GO FOR THE BBQ but you better hurry they go quick!

Kohl's Department Stores

This Kohl's is great since it's almost always empty. That makes me worry if it will survive, but it's great for shopping! I think the strength of this Kohls is it's shoe collection and they typically have the majority of the new Vera Wang line of clothes in stock. It's an easy store to run in and out of with plenty of parking and rarely a wait to check out.

G W School Supply

This place is perfect for hyper organized, crafty people like me. It's got all kinds of goodies not only for teachers, but random little office supplies you never realized you needed as much as you did. The prices are reasonable and the selection is great.

I most go to GW for their laminating. It's much much cheaper that anywhere else I've ever been. They'll also do it while you wait. It's great!

Pizzaville Usa-Oak

One of, if not the best pizzas in town. The pizza is thin crusted with good quality toppings and cheese. The beer is nice and cold out of the tap. Fried chicken and mojo fries are very good too.

There is no air conditioning and they have swamp coolers so it can get very warm inside. The atmosphere hasn't changed any since the 70's. Funny sayings on the walls and loud echoing noise. Wooden benches and tables since day 1. I wouldn't call their prices really expensive, but it can get pricey. You could pay less and get some burnt cardboard at some of the other pizza places in town.

If you love pizza and have never been there, you must try it, you will like it.

Joseph's Italian Restaurant

The place is small and dark inside. But the food is great. The calzone is probably the best in town, can't go wrong with it. The pizza is good too. Biggest drawback is its location and size. Kinda stuck behind the old Montgomery Wards and not that many tables. On the plus side theres hundreds of parking spots!

Desi Cafe

The Desi Cafe was a pleasant surprise for a spur-of-the-moment dinner decision. The place still looks new, and is nicely furnished. The service staff was well dressed, even if the clientele was Bakersfield casual. We tried the Vegetarian Sampler platter and the Non-vegetarian Sampler platter to get a broad taste of menu options. The food was in fact excellent. We opted for "medium" spicy on the yellow lentil Daal, and the heat level was truly moderate, noiticable but not overpowering. The other dishes we ordered mild, since we didn't yet know the restaurant's range in definitions. The fresh bread was very good, the cilantro and tamarind chutneys with crispy lentil bread were a tasty warm up to the meal itself. Even the yogurt based dip and dressing was exceptionally good. The sampler platters were a good way to sample several entree options, and made very satisfying meals with more than most could eat in a single sitting. The cavalcade of flavors was not daunting, as is sometimes the case with a new cuisine, but rather an extravaganza of enjoyment from bite to bite. The single factor that hindered our dining enjoyment a bit was that the meal was slow to arrive. Perhaps because of the complexity of the multiple choices of the sampler platters. Others seemed to receive their food somewhat more quickly, so the menu choice may have made the difference. The service staff seemed to be a little slow, but overall the service was friendly, professional, and very good, as was the meal.

Naked Als Tattoo

It was great. unique people, care and professionals. I know ill be going back agian because I LOVE MY TAT! thanks:)

Champs BBQ & Catering

I had heard of Champs from friends and decided to give it a try and boy am i glad i did. I had lunch and was surprised at the portions. i had the three meat plate with pulled pork, pit beef and tri tip and man was it good. I was so happy that for a party my office was having i had to have champs. I called the gal there and she was very helpful. walked me through the whole thing and made good on her promise that everything would be perfect! I will use champs from now on. Thanks champs!

Macy's

Macy's is a rare place in Bakersfield since you can buy some designer brands. I just don't enjoy going to our local Macy's since it is just screaming for an update! It's old and tired looking with horrible lighting and dirty dressing rooms. I find it to be the best place in town to buy shoes and they also have a great assortment of handbags.

Old Navy

Old Navy is the budget clothing store in the Gap, Inc. family. They offer stylish, inexpensive clothes for the whole family, even including maternity wear. I usually stick to buying the traditional styles from Old Navy since if I get something more unique from the store, I'll notice lots of other women around town wearing the same thing. Old Navy is a no-frills kind of place with little service and long check-out lines. I think it's a great place to buy jeans and baby & kids clothes.

Banana Republic

Banana Republic offers a great selection of modern versions of classic clothes for both men and women. It's one of those rare shops locally that offer high end fabrics like silk and cashmere. If I could afford it, I would buy all of my clothes from here. They are on the higher end price wise from what you would normally find in Valley Plaza, but you can tell the difference.

Avenue

I am an "entry level" Avenue shopper at a size 14, but I really like shopping there so it keeps me from getting turned off psychologically that I am at a big girls store! The clothes are much more stylish than you would expect at a plus-sized store. For the price, you get much more quality, cuter clothes than I have found anywhere else in the mall- no matter your size. They also offer lingerie for the bigger busted gals as well as an assortment of shoes for wide feet. Even if you aren't a plus-sized girl, you would still enjoy the great assortment of jewelry they have. The prices are very fair and they offer a lot of coupon deals which always sucker me in to going back and shopping more.

Talbots

Talbots was a store where my Grandmother shopped, so when I first found myself paying at the register I was a bit shocked at myself. Talbots is a great place for "classic" women's clothes - wardrobe building pieces- and accessories. They offer everything from Casual to formal wear. I think they are a great place to buy office professional clothes since they have a great selection on suits that are well cut for all body shapes large and small. The quality of the clothes is higher than you would find at most places in the mall, and with a price tag to match. But the clothes will last a long time and look great. I love going to their large Season end sales. I always get some great pieces for about 50-75% off their regular price tag.

Trader Joe's

Trader Joe's is my favorite grocery store- hands down. Why? Great values on quality wine and fantastic selection of "gourmet" items on budget prices. I drag myself across town to get my Trader Joe's staples- Greek Yogurt, Blueberry Muesli, fresh bread and Cranberry Spinach salad. They have an awesome selection of food & drinks that are things you wouldn't find at a typical grocery chain, many produced under the Trader Joe's brand. They also have a wide selection of ready to eat/prepared salads and meals including things like wrap sandwiches, enchiladas, sushi, lasagna and more.

R Tillery Power Sports

I found the repair price better than the other quotes I got. The work was done with in the time quoted and under the price quoted! This guy is really good at his job.

I would go back again and I have already recommended my friends.

Dagny's Coffee

Most definitely the best coffee shop in town. It's the vibe, and the people giving off the vibe, and the coffee giving the people the energy to vibe. Downtown would not be complete without it.

Eye Street Automotive

Bob Klingenberg's Shop is amazing. They are HONEST, efficient, reasonable, and very friendly. I recommend all of my friends. After the Toyota dealership in town ruined my transmission on a 30,000 mile service I came to Eye Street and will never go anywhere else. My friends have also been very pleased with the service received. If you have issues with your car, take it to Eye Street. They will take care of you and tell them Paula sent you.

Union Station Deli

The staff was very friendly, and the service was fast. For a new deli (opening today), they have plenty of items on the menu. I had the french dip w/ au jus which was great.

The prices are on par with most sandwhich shops in town (Sub Station, Quizno's, Sequoia etc..).

I will definitely be going back.

Cost Plus World Market

When I'm in the mood to browse I go to World Market. The store is loaded with fun, unique items from all over the world. The staff is always friendly and helpful. And the wine selection is superb.

I'm usually able to find great gifts here, and a good bottle of wine.

Forever 21

F21 is the only place I can stand to shop in our big, bad Valley Plaza. The selection is a far cry from the humdrum blahness that plagues the rest of the mall. However, the shopping experience can be a bit of sensory overload - the store is incredibly cluttered and usually crowded. But with the clutter comes a massive selection and loads of possibilities at super cheap prices!

Basically, F21 is the place to go for the new trends to pump up a basic wardrobe. And, most likely, by the time the trend has faded the garment will have unraveled - there is a reason the clothing is so cheap.

If anything, its a fun store to browse through and take note of the current styles, and maybe pick up some cheap jewelry. And since fashions come and go, F21 offers a way to stay up-to-date without breaking the bank.

Dagny's Coffee

This is where you go for coffee and atmosphere, I don't know what it is about this place but I like it, I've never seen a place with so many regulars, day or night I always see regulars there, I've been thru 3 owners and it's always the same, this place couldn't close because the neighborhood would be displaced, nobody would know where to go, it's like we would all be homeless! And it's such a diverse crowd, from young people to businessmen to college kids and the bizarre also frequent. You never know what will happen there I guess that's why I go, I just read the paper and wait for something to amuse me! [edited by admin]

Raymond's Trophy & Awards

Raymond's is a locally owned trophy store in Downtown Bakersfield. I ordered some plaques from Raymonds and they turned out great.The plaques were just as I had ordered and were actually ready early.

Their staff was really friendly and helpful and had a "no pressure" sales approach. Their prices were slightly higher than I could find online, but not enough to merit not supporting a local business. I would recommend you give Raymond's a try!

Beverly Fabrics

Beverly's is downtown's craft & fabric store. I am pretty disappointed by their fabric selection since it is virtually all cottons and very little of a heavier weight or higher quality. But, they do have a great selection of cottons. Therefore, I think Beverly's would be a great place if you were into quilting.The service is very friendly, but extremely slow. Since it's near to my work, occasionally I will pop in their to pick up some basic supplies, but it's not somewhere I go to get inspired.

Sally Beauty Supply

Centrally located near Ming Avenue on Wible, this Sally's location in right by Target. Sally's is a salon supply, but doesn't offer "brand name" hair or make-up products like you would except typically at a beauty supply. It's a place to go for "professional" supplies where you don't have to be a licensed professional to make purchases. I typically go to get professional level manicure supplies or hair styling clips, etc.

California Pizza Kitchen

I like going here and sitting on the patio for lunch, get the pizza- that's what there famous for and check out there pizza ovens !

Ching Yen

This is a great spot, if you like dim lighting and authentic chinese this is the ticket. Perfect place to take a date on a rainy day, private booths-nice.

Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks

This is where I go for take out, they have a separate section just for take out and the food is the best !

Sandoggies

I saw the article about this place in the newpaper and I had to try it! This place has the best hot dogs ever!! I got the spiral dog and it was really good! I love the bread they put it on, its way better than regular hot dog buns! I can't wait to go there and try the chili dogs!

Starbucks

This is a busy place downtown, nice staff and you never know who you might see here, outdoor tables and good place to people watch and read the paper !

Donna Kaye's Cafe

This is a small diner that's always jumpin, you can always spot the regulars,

lively conversation !

sorella.biz

applesites.net

markdowning.biz

Pizzaville Usa-Oak

This is a bakersfield staple, great pizza, good atmosphere! [edited by admin]

Mimi's Cafe

This is a great breakfast spot, I like there coffee and there sausage, they also have great fish and chips, nice atmosphere and accommodating staff .Good place to chill and read the paper, lots of action! [edited by admin]

Cafe Med

This is where you go if you want fine dining. Nice patio, very classy.

T L Maxwell's Restaurant & Bar

This place has a really cool looking bar, it's round with a mahogany top, the menu is cool looking and really simple. High end wine and good service, you need a web site though applesites.net