Recent Business Reviews: Bakersfield.com

Sinaloa

Admittedly, I went more for the experience of dining in a potentially haunted establishment. Because of this, I could have been served anything remotely good and it would have been enough to keep me there. Unfortunately, what I was served was not enough to keep me put. The nachos were VERY greasy, lifeless, and cold. Our server was very informative about the ghostly past within the restaurant, so maybe she should consider a new job as a historian. As a server she was in a big hurry to get us our stuff so she could take her break (paraphrasing her words). After our meal, and on our way out, I turned back asked another staff member if I she could point me to the restroom. The look I received would, in other contexts, have gotten her into a fight.

MGM Asian Cuisine

Save your time (I waited 35 minutes for one to go order) and your money (too much for Panda Express quality - apologies to Panda Express for the slight) and sanity (the lobby is laid out crazy).

Mama Roomba

Overall: eh... Having been here a few times, I've come to appreciate the diversity that this restaurant provides downtown. But, the actual experience of dining here is inconsistent, uncomfortable, and not worth the price. The food is inconsistent in quality, the time it takes to prepare, and in presentation. I've had come to me timely, yet ugly and late, yet pretty. The taste of the food has ranged from fair and warm to flavorless and cold. The last couple of times I've gone I've even taken steps to eat before as to avoid the disappointment. Final food comment, the prices are too high for a Tapas-style restaurant. On to the bar…it needs some attention in the drinks department. Mama Roomba needs to get her liquor license quickly. I remember when they first opened and were advertising mojitos made with Korean rice wine! As adventurous as ever, I tried them with an open mind. My impression? What self-respecting maker of the mojito does this!? Quit trying to cover your shortcomings with substitutes and focus on beer and wine.

J's Place

Um, yeah. If you haven't gone, you need to stop reading now and go to J's. The fried chicken is fantastic (i.e. juicy, meaty, not oily, and flavor-full). The waffles are everything I thought they should be. I mention the chicken-n-waffle because that's the core of J's. It's the menu item that I consistently order and never get bored of. Fortunately, over time the staff have exposed me to almost all the other items and I can only sit back each time and wonder, in such a small kitchen, how can the cooks at J's turn out such a wide, tasty, and consistent product? Never a bad meal. Just writing makes me wanna go again.

Azul

If anything, go for the decor (which bears little resemblance to Paco's Tacos) and not for the quality of the sushi. Sushi Azul, is more about creating an intimate space to host a weekend evening meal than investing time and energy into creating or even recreating a restaurant where the sushi tastes good. Sushi Azul's focus on appearance also extends to the serving staff who are all well dressed, but offer little in the way of attentive service (read: they were hardly around, forgot to check our beverages, offered little explanation of the menu). With Miyoshi's or Izumo's serving quality rolls, there's no need to go here.

Manny's Tam O' Shanter

I agree with all the other reviews. There are many restaurants in town but none that will give you the truly fine dining experience that Manny's does. Manny is a very gracious host and the environment is very romantic and impressive. We have been there many times and never had any complaint about either the food or service. They are both excellent. It is unfortunate that Pete Tittl's friendship with T.L. Maxwell caused him to give Manny's are so-so review. It deserves much better as evidenced by the other reviews posted. It is truly a five star restaurant.

California Pizza Kitchen

Pizza kitchen was way too expensive, very small, just not a good place for kids. Not to mention the pizzas were small. $70 for a family of 4 for pizza is way too expensive especially when there wasn't even an arcade. My children didn't even like what they ordered......DONT TAKE YOUR KIDS.

Le Corusse Rouge

Sometimes change can be a good thing. In the case of Le Courusse Rouge (the former Hush Puppy) change has been disastrous. I fear have dined there for the last time. Since the change of ownership I have noticed a drastic decline in quality. We dined there tonight with my family for Fathers Day. I remember the good old days when this place was packed and people waited to get a table. On this particular night we dined with about half a dozen other parties in the entire dining room. In a word, sad. This visit started on a bad not and only got worse. We waited in the lobby for at least 4 minutes before we were even greeted. The disappointment continued when I was told they no longer serve the "stick" style hush puppies that we liked so much. They now only serve the hush puppy balls that contain onion. I was let down to say the least. A trip to the salad bar here used to be a treat, no more. The salad plates were hot (another diner actually mentioned how odd it was for a place to have hot plates for salad). They no longer serve chow-chow on the salad bar. I loved that stuff. The salad bar is just a disappointment now. I suggest they get rid of it if they don't plan on stocking it better. My wife ordered a top sirloin steak. It was not the quality steak we used to get there. It was simply a tasteless slab of old meat. I had the Seafood Feast platter. It was not a feast although it was enough food. It was not worth the $13.95 price tag though. In addition to poor food quality the level and quality of service here has suffered also. Gone are the attentive servers we used to enjoy. I am sure the good help noticed the dramatic change and sought employment at an establishment where they at least had a oppotunity to get a good tip. There was one bright spot in the evening. The red beans and rice were delicious. Too bad I didn't just order those stand alone. We were sad to see the Hush Puppy go. We had many good memories there. We have tried several times to give the new restaurant a chance. It just isn't working. So it is time for us to let go. I find it curious that things have gone so wrong there because the owners have a Chinese restaurant also that serves very tasty food. I just don't understand why they have let this place go so wrong. It saddens me to say that I have dined here for the last time. Goodbye old friend and thanks for the memories.

McGee's at the Ice House

To the best of my knowledge, ownership at McGee's recently changed. I hope this does not alter the quality of the food; however, the last time we dined there the food we ordered was not as good as it had been previously. The spinach artichoke dip was flavorless and the portion small although we did not care to finish it. The other portobella mushroom appetizer was OK but nothing exciting and it was on the cold side. This was just prior to the "nightclub switchover" so we will give it another try and see what happens. I hope the new owner will focus on quality food and service. I worry that the nightclub will be the focus especially if it drives the profits.

Jake's Original Tex-Mex Cafe

When it's hard to find parking and a line is out the door an hour before the normal lunch rush should begin, that should be a sign! I wanted to eat light, so I got the pit beef sandwich and salad. I passed the cake up this time, but the word is that it's the best. I'm a fan of double chocolate though, and the white icing kind of scared me. I'll try it next time though. So what I did get... the pit beef was great, the sesame seed sub roll they put it on looked nice and fresh but I never eat bread when I'm having pit beef. Their sauce was good, a sweet ketchup based sauce with a hint of cumin and liquid smoke. Worked well with the pit beef, since the beef wasn't as moist as I had hoped it would be. The salad was ok, had some yellow leaves in there and the lady put too much dressing on it so by the time I got to the bottom of the small bowl, it was more like soup and I couldn't eat it because the leaves were all soggy. The decor is nice, reminds me of AZ with the mist outside. It was pretty packed inside and noisy so I don't know if they had music but it was a good experience. I'd go again and try something different next time, perhaps the garlic chicken. And the cake.

Rasmussen's Danish Bakery

Fabious' Corner Best BBQ

The food at Fabious' Corner is hard to beat. Everything from the Deep Fried Turkey to the delicious "homemade" style desserts is well above average.

Just a note of thanks for all your help in choosing the perfect ensemble each time I need one. You ladies go above and beyond and are always so helpful! It is a delight to know I have somewhere to go with such excellent help! Thanks again, Monica

Fabious' Corner Best BBQ

If you like "Vinegar" based smoky BBQ source, this is it!! If you like BBQ Rib, this is it! And Oklahoma Potato is highly recommended! But if you are not hungry, or on a diet, you should not walk in!!! You will regret.

Rasmussen's Danish Bakery

Bakery is HORRIBLE!!! I ordered my wedding cake from them (about 1 month in advance), they took my deposit and everything...then one day I get a call (about 1 month before my wedding!) cancelling. They said they had a "previous engagement" and could get me my money back the next day. I demanded my money back that same day. I think this is a horrible thing to do to a bride..now I'm having to cross my fingers and pray I can find another baker in time! I will NEVER order another cake from them again. VERY unprofessional!

Thai Kitchen

I've been meaning to try Thai Kitchen ever since the owners moved from its previous Brundage Ln. location. It's as delicious as ever with just the right amount of spice.

Baja Fresh Mexican Grill

Me and my friend stopped by after a movie for the first time, and we didn't know what we wanted to eat! This was our first visit, and you can imagine us old ladies just standing there looking & looking & looking at the menu, when this wonderful nice man, who was the Asst. Manager Carlos made this wonderful suggestions. We really enjoyed our dinner and will recommend to our friends and co-workers! Thanks Carlos! Bev & Nancy.

Jake's Original Tex-Mex Cafe

We LOVE Jakes and make a visit there at least once a month. The nachos are delish, and the chocolate cake is to-die-for. Be sure and look for the BIGGEST piece!

Vi's

I was very happy to see this place open back up as it was the only bar near my house (I recently moved,however). The place is very clean inside and instantly seems like a relaxing place to have a few cold ones with some friends. The staff is extremely friendly and always pours good drinks. I guess Vi's is what you would refer to as a "dive bar" but I would take it any day over a swank lounge..... Cheers!

Arizona Cafe

I love this place! Just started going here a few weeks ago and it's great. I got the chorizo and eggs and it was good. My friend had the menudo and it was also very good. Recommend for a nice Sunday breakfast. Seats fill up fast, though!

Replay Lounge & Grill

Went here for a friend's birthday and they treated us very well. The appetizers were great and I had the shrimp skewers for dinner, very very good. Recommend highly to anyone for a great dinner!

Replay Lounge & Grill

I was in town from Long Beach. Honestly my 1st thought was wow, this is too good to be up here. The food was great. The TV's were great and the drinks were well mixed! While I was doing field work in Bakersfield I ate there every day for my afternoon lunch.

Cottage Sandwich Shop

This is a great place to eat. Very friendly and great service. When you have one of there great sandwiches you will want another.

Jake's Original Tex-Mex Cafe

Good food. I try to eat here when I come home. I motion for a Jake's in San Diego.

Maitia's Basque Cafe

Not noisy or overpowering like the Noriega Hotel or Woolgrower's, Maitai's Basque cafe is SUPERB dining in a quiet family oriented atmosphere. My favorite is the Lamb Chops... Yum! Thick, juicy, cooked to perfection and topped with a fantastic garlic laden butter. In my humble opinion Maitia's Basque Cafe has the absolute finest lamb dishes in Bakersfield (and quite possibly the best in the entire San Joaquin Valley) From the superb salsa and sourdough bread to the final scrumptious bite, you can't go wrong with Maitia's Basque Cafe. Complete dinner for two (including two glasses of Merlot) was under fifty dollars. My sincerest compliments to the chef! Curt Dalton Bakersfield, CA

Yoshinoya Beef Bowl

I completely agree..this is the worst restaurant in Bakersfield. I had the teriyaki chicken bowl, the chicken was pure fat rather than meat...yuck! I was so disgusted that I ended up throwing it away..uneatean...and vowed never to go back there ever again. Words for thought..any japanese restaurant that has a drive-thru window, should say enough for the quality of food they serve. Anyone care for fast japanese food?

Yoshinoya Beef Bowl

Ordered the shrimp bowl, shrimp was soggy from sitting on the rice. Beef bowl was full of grissel. Worst Japanese food i've had, wont return.

El Chile Verde

I don't know where the reviewer below me ate, he must of went to White Lane and Hughes by mistake. The food here is the best Mexican food in Bako, by far!! We eat here all the time now, since everybody left the other place and came over here, including the KILLER FOOD! Samantha and Angie always treat us like family. Oh and did I mention the FOOD, the best in Bako. The price is good as well. Bye Sam, she's moving to Stockton, we will miss you. I used to eat at the one on White Lane and Hughes all of the time, until the owners, cooks and wait staff all moved over here, it is worth the drive to me. Because it is the best Mexican food in Bako, and the food is great too!!!!!!!!!

El Chile Verde

Here! Here! To Adams review !! I used to love this place when it was Jobies El Chili Verde. It was a sad day when they sold to these new owners. This place really sucks now. So now to get the best Mexican food in Bako (hands down), I have to drive from the southwest to Rosedale and Calloway, The real Jobies El Chile Verde. So if you want killer mexican food follow me there. It's worth the drive even at these gas prices.

Izumo Sushi

My Wife and I have been eating here at least twice a month for years. It is very reasonably priced for the best Sushi in town. We recently had 18 people eat Teppan with us for my Birthday, the Chefs may not be as fancy and entertaining as other places in town, but the food is A #1. We are always greeted very warmly and have never had a bad experience there. Bonnie is the best waitress anyone could ask for. So in a nutshell, if you want the best Japanese food in Bako at a good price - Izumo is the place for you ! If you want a good show, so-so food and you like to pay alot, go to one of the other places in town. Yeah, you know where I'm talking about.

Yoshinoya Beef Bowl

I make it a point to stop here whenever I pass through Bakersfield and in need of my Beef Bowl craving. Granted it's not as flavorful as the Beef Bowl of the 1980's but this is not typical Japanese dish. This is only Sukiyaki meat on a bed of rice, nothing more. I don't even bother with the other selections. The offering of other dishes has diluted the original concept of the chain restaurant and so is their focus to taste. This place is still way better than many of these unhealthy fast food offering in this town. I'd take this over many in this town any day or night. Nice To Know Ya Yoshinoya!

Tokyo Garden

This has been the place to go for me whenever I have a J food craving. The place is typical Japanese decoration from the 80's and very dark lighting. The Teppan dining experience is so underwhelming. The best way to dine is the more traditional tables setting. The food is tastefully presented and flavorful. The sushi is fresh and the offered selection is more conservative and traditional. You will not find the fusion sushi of the Rock & Roll sushi bars of late. A good place to visit for some peace and relative quiet dining.

Benji's French Basque Restaurant

The second time here was with my parents and their friends from LA. All like the food, though it was new to them. The atmosphere is more refined than other Basque restaurants in town. The menu selection is varied and eclectic enough from the standard Basque menu. The location is excellent, just off the 99 and just a short ordeal on the infamous Rosedale Hwy.

Romano's Macaroni Grill

This is an excellent restaurant for a chain style restaurant. The sublime decor is a nice contrast from the hot outdoor. The menu selection is delectable and has something for every finicky taste. I always like to try different dish on the menu and have not been disappointed. The desert menu appeals to the sweet tooth in the group. The wine selection adds to the dish well. It's hard to resist NOT writing on the paper table cover- doodling artwork while waiting for the food. Great way to keep families with kids occupied.

Mimi's Cafe

This place is above average for a chain restaurant. Has a nice warm atmosphere, relaxed, and clubby. The food is predictable and consistent. The crab cakes and Cajun Salmon are two of the better dishes.

Cafe Med

The best wine list in town.

AMERICAS MATTRESS GALLERY

GREAT SERVICE HUGE SELECTION VERY GOOD PRICES FREE DELIVERY IN ALL KERN FREE SET UP FREE REMOVAL OF OLD MATTRESS JUST FANTASTIC.

Izumo Sushi

I don't think this place gets enough credit or free press...though it may not have the "traditional Japanese ambiance" that some of the other local sushi joints have, the sushi at Izumo has always been enjoyable and they also have 1/2 price sushi and drinks happy hours during the week (good sushi on a tight budget!). Generous portions. Definitely worth the trip.

ICHIBAN SUSHI

The food was gross! When we were served the sushi looked and tasted dry! The ice tea was even bitter! I will never go there again! I DO NOT recommend it at all!!!!!!

Cottage Sandwich Shop

I have eaten at this sandwich shop and have enjoyed it everytime. The employee's are all helpful, and nice people. Please try this and you will love it. The Chili is wonderful.

La Cabana

Great food and atmosphere! The menudo is great.Authentic Mexican home cooking.

Rosemary's Family Creamery

Besides the fact that they can be very rude on the phone...even when it's just to ask a question....the ice cream is pretty good. Very filling, very expensive, but a fun place to go to localy with that special someone or family. They also serve sandwiches!

Manuel's Casa De Mariscos

Best grilled shrimp in the WORLD!!

Pantry Cafe

It just feels greasy for some reason. I strolled in on a greasy floor to a greasy table that I ate my greasy food on. Left 3 years ago and never went back.

ICHIBAN SUSHI

This is the second restaurant by the family that owns Ichiban on Oswell. The sushi is just as wonderful and the atmosphere is open and inviting. They have a nice selection of sakes and beer. You can find it in the Albertson's shopping center on the corner of Gosford and White Lane.

ICHIBAN SUSHI

This restaurant has fantastic sushi! I go there at least three times a month and it is consistently great. The prices are reasonable and the atmosphere cozy and clean. The staff is very friendly. Be sure to try both their sashimi and rolls!

Pantry Cafe

All I have to say is BURNT. Service would be nice every once in a while; Also a little flavor wouldn't hurt.

Mexicali

The worst food I’ve ever had the salsa taste like can tomato past and diced jalapeno’s, everything we had, had no flavor at all. I don’t recommend Mexicali to anyone.

Mexicali

This is by far the worst mexican restaurant I have ever been to. Taco bell is gourmet mexican food compared to this place. The food and no flavor what so ever. The salsa tasted like spaghetti sauce with dice jalepenos in it. And as if the bad food wasn't bad enough they are way over priced. If they're going to charge that much for the crap they serve they should at least make their own taco shells instead of serving store bought ones. They have no idea how to make real mexican food. HORRIBLE!

Act 1 Personnel Services

still waiting.............for