Recent Business Reviews: Bakersfield.com

P.F. Chang's

I love the diversity on the menu. Caters to folks that love meat along with vegetarians which I usually have in my group of folks. Nice drink menu and atmosphere. A little pricey but food is served family style so it balances out.

McGee's at the Ice House

I ate at McGee's last weekend and I was quite surprised. It is a beautiful location, but I had heard mixed reviews, once I bit into my steak, I had made up my mind. Its a wonderful place, great atmosphere, the day I was there they had a live band and the setting is fantastic. The food is excellent, my steak and sides were more then enough food, I ate the left overs for lunch the next day, and it was all soo tasty. The service was also good and friendly, so I would definitely have to recommend McGee's to just about anyone looking for a different dining experience in Bakersfield. Pros: Great food, Good Service, Awesome atmosphere Cons: Band was a little loud at times, bathroom could use an update. I gave the McGees 4 and a half stars, but hey I rounded up to 5 =)

John's Burgers

Best burgers in town, hands down!

La Cabana

Good margaritas! Food is average but I have only tried it once.

Plumberry's

I absolutely love their pizza! I agree about the white chicken pizza, you gotta try it! Best place I have had for pizza locally!

Mama Tosca's Italian Restaurant

I am writing this review following a "power lunch" (actually, a get together with a like minded soul) on March 7, 2007. When I think of Mama Tosca's, the first word that comes to mind is quality. Today was no exception. The food and atmosphere were exquisite. I do not get the opportunity to eat at Mama Tosca's frequently because I work downtown. Yet, I now have reason to schedule more lunch meetings in the southwest. I can also rave about the service. My server, Alisha (write me if I spelled your name wrong), was prompt, courteous, gracious, and friendly. Basically, she was everything you would want in a server. Although she performed the customary presentation of fattening deserts at the end, she was not pushy nor made you feel guilty you decided to exercise some restraint. My only criticism is that the menu items are a bit pricey, although nothing compared to Big City or resort prices. I am used to more modest pricing that I get when I lunch at Urrichios. I dined on an expense account so I am not complaining, however, I may have to wait for a big occasion before I choose to dine there on my nickel

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

I used to love Olive Garden. My husband and i used to go there a lot when we were dating. That is untilI got sick twice after eating there two different times. So then we took a little break (like 7 months) from Olive Garden. We recently went back about 3 weeks ago for a night out without our son. They sat us at a table and after sitting there 15-20 minutes no one came up to us to ask us if we wanted to order or even to see if we wanted a drink. So we left, but spoke to the manager first and he apoligized and gave us a 30 dollar gift card to have lunch on them when we chose. Well we went back last week (only because we had the gift card, I dont think we would have went back otherwise). And it wasnt all that great. The service was better. But, they have raised their prices. And my husbands cheese ravioli tasted like they were frozen then cooked (and not well, it still had that frozen taste). The breadsticks were delicious as always. But we didnt go just for bread. I think we will be looking for a new Italian restraunt.

Benji's French Basque Restaurant

Best Basque food in town by far! Be sure to save room for the souffles!

Plumberry's

Hard on the arteries and hard on the wallet...but YUM..sometimes ya just feel like a nut..only 4 stars because of the price...not the taste.

Benji's French Basque Restaurant

T'ain't cheap, but well worth it. PITA to get to being on Rosedale in the midst of one of the worst traffic areas, but if you perservere, you will be treated to Basque food like it was meant to be. I especially like the lamb there. It's sweet without some of the gamey taste you sometimes get when lemb is badly prepared. A great place!

Frugatti's Italian Eatery

Probably the best fettucine in town. The Alfredo can't be beat!

That being said, when I re-visited recently, it just didn't seem to have the same flair it used to have. The food was OK, the service was OK...just nothing to go out of your way for. I will probably come here again, but if it feels the same way, I'll probably go back to Olive Garden.

Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks

Bill Lee's is my first choice for Chinese any day of the week! I prefer Chinese that is somewhat "americanized," so if you're looking for Chinese that is more authentic, you might go elsewhere.

The food is good whether you eat in or order out or have it delivered.

They make the best fried won ton in town, IMHO. Unlike a lot of places that stuff the own ton with cream cheese (YUCK), they use a meat mixture here that is likely pork and beef. Sometimes I just order a couple orders of won ton to go!

I am not particularly interested in veggies, and I like that they don't bury every meat dish in flora. The flavors are good, and it is consistent. Highly recommended!

It is not the cheapest Chinese in town, but I feel like I get what I pay for, and am routinely happy with the service and food.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

I like the service and the food is always delicious! Nobody is perfect and you have to expect the odd experience now and then. From prior knowledge however, talking to a manager always solves any problem. The good news is at the Olive Garden, I have not had a problem! Menu options are well varied and where else can you get unlimited refills on almost everything! This is making me hungry . . .

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

My son and his wife love the place. I finally decided to try it with some friends and my experience was very bad..wont go back. The service took for ever to get my friends plates to the table and I ended up waiting until they were all done before my plate even hit the table..The food read alot better in print but turned out to be just a few cheesy raviolis for a larger than it should be price.

Plumberry's

Hands down best pizza in town. The toppings are amazing!

Molly J's

The best Chicken Fried Steak in town! And yes, we've tried them all. They have remodeled and the place looks great. Friendly and quick service. You won't find a better breakfast in town. We're open-minded and have listened to and tried other recommendations but we keep going back to Molly J's.

Bill Lee's Bamboo Chopsticks

I hate to bad mouth a beloved institution, but the anniversay dinner my wife and I had on February 14 was reason for the most disappointment I have ever had at a restaurant. I could not even eat the entrees on my order. The barbeque spare ribs were nothing more than about 1/2 inch of bone fragments with fat and gristle on them. The chow mein was nothing more than a pile of pasta that was more or less glued in one big ball. I tried to share some of my wife's meal, but it was almost as bad. I have been going there since the late 40's when it was a big deal to bring your girl down from Tehachapi, but I will never be back. Don't know what happened.

Tahoe Joe's Famous Steak House

Just recently got their takeout. The roast was cooked to perfection, and not too salty. The rack of ribs just melted in my mouth. The sides were good, and they got our order right. I too like the RR camp shrimp. I would have liked to have gotten the green beans, but they cover up the flavor of the beans too much with bacon and more salt. We got a slice of their decadent ski jump chocolate cake and couldn't finish it between the 4 of us. It is chocolatey goodness! The best part is that we didn't smell like we were in front of a campfire for hours like when you eat at the restaurant. I also really like their sourdough rolls that taste like they were flown in (warm) from San Francisco.

Plumberry's

My favorite is the "Collossal Plumberry Special" pizza that comes with 6 generous toppings of your choice. Our favorite toppings include artichoke hearts and pineapple. My husband and I always order a small pizza to share and end up taking two pieces home for lunch the next day. And of course who can pass up the Fostor's on tap.

Happy Jacks Hamburger & Pie

Best burger I never get to eat. I have loved Happy Jacks for decades, but with my work schedule vs their hours, I never get to have one! If you're downtown and thinking burger, you can't pass this place up. It's small, getting a stool at the burger bar can be a challenge, but worth a persistent effort. Plus, they have food to go. Try it!

Sub-Station Stockdale

Sub Station has been around since long before there was Subway or Quiznos, and they have always had fresh cold subs and toasted ones. They'll make your sandwich any way you want it, and the ingredients are prepared daily, so they are very fresh. The service is friendly and quick, which is most important at lunchtime. On the Stockdale side of town, there's not a better sandwich place.

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant

I have been here three or four taimes, usually with friends who pick the restaurant, and I have yet to be happy with it. The service is OK, but the food is just really ordinary. Mexican food should be zesty, and each dish should be uniquely flavorful; this stuff all seems to run together and taste about the same: boring.

Olive Garden Italian Restaurant

I so wanted to rate this place badly. It's one of those horrid chains. The food in Bako is pretty much like the food in San Francisco, which is just like the food in St Louis. Ho Hum. Except, it is just so darn good!

The pasta is always delicious, if sometimes in weird combinations, and they sure know how to provide service with a smile, even if you walk in ten minutes before they close. The pizzas are very good, and there's a lot of variety on the menu to appeal to just about anyone. My favorite is plain old fettucine, without a bunch of weird artichoke hearts or uggy veggies, and OG does it just right. And the alfredo sauce form the fettucine sure makes a darn good pizza, too!

The bartenders at our OG are especially fast and pleasant. If you order at the bar more than twice, Diane will remember your drink order next time.

I did deduct one star because of the wait, and the fact they won't take reservations. There ought to be a law against making people sit out in the parking lot to wait for a table, and the bar has only six tables; way too few for the daily crowds they get for lunch and dinner. This is a common problem at Bakersfield restaurants, however, and should not keep one from visiting an otherwise excellent restaurant.

Bit Of Germany Restaurant

This is not a bad restaurant, but you really have to be a connoisseur of German cuisine to eat here. If you are the kind of person who can walk into almost any restaurant and find something tolerable, you might be able to get by here. The menu is VERY ethnic German, so it's very difficult to order when one doesn't know what each dish is. I found the Spaetzle (which I am probably misspelling) to be void of any real flavor or texture; kind of like overdone pasta. If you know your German food, you might love it; otherwise, pass.

Cottage Sandwich Shop

I have really enjoyed the sandwiches here, but I really go for the atmosphere. The employees are very friendly, very funny...until recently my favorite girl has disappeared. I miss her sarcastic sense of humor; she made my lunchtime more pleasant just listening to her talk. I'll miss seeing here there...and I may go elsewhere.

Los Aguacates Mexican Grill

This place is a very warm & friendly setting everytime we go into have Lunch or Dinner their we leave with a full Belly & Great feeling knowing we were welcome, They have the BEST Fajita's in town. The prices are great & they give you so much food for the price $ You have to try there Margarita's it only takes 1 Ok maybe 2.They are at the corner of Stine & Harris.

John's Incredible Pizza

worst buffet in town..they rip the kids off by rewarding them with cheap carnival goodies for the price of a ton of tickets..if it burnt to the ground from grease from its dirty kitchen I doubt it would be missed.

Cottage Sandwich Shop

Some of the nicest people around!! I went in for the first time today (3-5-07) and was plesantly surprised! The food was good, reasonably priced, nice quaint atmosphere, and great customer service!! The have a daily special for $6.95.. today (monday) it was a tri tip sandwich, with chips and a drink. It was really good! Nice big portion of meat! They even have good crushed ice, and they ask you how much you want! Which is nice, because I know there are a lot of picky ice people out there!! =-P Try Jakes Bacon Melt!! Its really good! And you can enter to win lunch with Jake Stevens (PxP for Bakersfield Condors! awesome guy!) It is open for lunch, I believe they even deliver durring lunch time, and they open again later for events going on at Rabobank (this is directly across from it)

La Colonia

i LOVE THIS PLACE AND HAVE EATEN THERE FOR MANY YEARS. I LOVE THE ORIGINAL AUTHENTIC NACHOS AS WELL AS ANY OF THE QUESADILLAS. THE SERVICE IS PROMPT AND COURTEOUS. I WILL CONTINUE TO SUPPORT MY LA COLONIA RESTURANT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.

La Mina Cantina

We love La Mina and go about once a week. They have great happy hour food prices and the staff knows us by name. We feel like family when we're there.

Hodel's Country Dining

Simply the best Buffet I have dined in. I don't know how they can serve such a great variety of food and maintain the homecooked taste and texture.

La Colonia

John's Incredible Pizza

I think John's is a wonderful place to eat. I love their cheese burger pizza. It is full of entertainment for both kids and adults. They do great birthday partys as well.

John's Incredible Pizza

The barbecue beef pizza was my favorite at John's, but the last time I was there they said they don't make it anymore. And I loved the cheese cake, they don't have it either.

Papa Murphy's Take 'N' Bake

Their cowboy pizza is real good.

Papa O's Pizzeria

Papa O's is usually the only place I have deliver pizza. The price is good and they have really good wedges.

Country Boy Drive In, LLC

Country Boy is a popular place to eat, I love their pastrami sandwich and the fries are good also.

Cactus Valley Mexican Restaurant

Cactus Valley is where my family and I always go when we are in the mood for great mexican food.The service is good and the people who work there are nice.

In-N-Out Burger

I have to say this is my favorite fast food place, I personally have not found a burger that can beat it.

Hodel's Country Dining

My husband and I love Hodel's, It's like eating a really good home cooked meal.

Tailgaters Sports Grill

DO NOT go durring wrestling season.. yes yes I know it is a Sports Grill, but man! It was pretty full but not capacity.. they had a different wrestling menu. Small. Very small. They said if they had the full menu the kitchen would get too backed up..ok is it me.. or should your kitchen be able to accomidate the ammount of seating you have? The food was ok, tho they didnt have on the menu what I wanted of course. The fries are good as always so that was a plus. I ordered an ice tea without lemon.. yup.. got lemon in it. Tea was pretty weak too.. i bet they watered it down a lot since they were expecting so many this weekend. Didn't get a refil. The menu stated the price for a drink was $1.87.. on the bill they rang up as $2.00. When I pointed this out to the waitress she got snippy and was like 'ok so what do I owe you then $.50? here! here is $.50!' No apology. I said well its not about the money, just the fact that we are being charged more than what is listed on the menu. Her response "Nothing I can do about it." Wow. I wished I could have taken my tip back but she already had it.

Rubio's Fresh Mexican Grill

This place has really good tacos. The item I've had is the chicken tacos and I love the stuff put in them. It comes with a creamy salsa sauce, guacamole, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and grilled chicken. The best tacos I've had in a long time. My only problem with this restaurant is, they don't serve Dr. Pepper..:-(

Thai Kitchen

This is a fun place to eat! The atmosphere is wonderful, with the perfect music playing softly in the background as you eat off of beautiful hand painted gold dinnerware. The food is tasty, and the location is really convenient to where I live. I love the Jasmine Tea, and almost always get the Veggie Delight with shrimp (and they use big ones). Great spot!

Luigi's

The best Italian spot in town! FRESH pasta, and that makes a HUGE difference! Oh and they give you a backrub too! Go early or be prepared to wait on a very long waiting list. Be patient, the food is well worth it. Make sure you visit next door while you wait, they have a charming little deli there; where they sell their own sauce and pasta, as well as fine cheeses, wine, and other fabulous little things.

Singha Thai

Singha Thai is one of my favorite spots for sure. The food is excellent, best Thai in town. The service, well... let's just say you better not be in a hurry. But the FOOD! That's what you came for, right? The paht seew is fabulous, I love their shrimp won ton soup, the chow mein is excellent, and I have not yet had anything I did not like. Perfect spot for lunch, and not expensive either.

Miyoshi Japanese

I love this place!!! On average I'll have lunch here about 1 - 2 times per week. The Yellow Submarine Roll is the BEST! Mmmmm. And the sushi chef is hilarious! Best sushi in town!

Don Pericos Mexican Restaurant

The best salsa in town!!! Gabino is the best restaurant owner I know and is always happy to see a smile on his customers face. I have been returning for 20 years and plan to keep returning.

China Bistro

Tons of food, cheap prices, not too greasy. A college student's dream! I love their orange chicken and their chow mein totally rocks. They also have great won ton soup. They are busy enough to keep the food fresh. It's not rare to see the line go out the door, but the staff is very quick so you really don't have to wait long.

Outback Steakhouse

Not bad, it's a pretty reliable place to eat, but the food is a little salty. I've always gotten pretty good service there. The low rating is due to the saltiness of the food only.

Sandrini's Restaurant

This is actually more of a bar than a restaurant, but they do have a full menu. I do have to say I've only had appetizers at Sandrini's, but they were very good. The bartenders are friendly and the place is dark and cozy. They have good beer on tap and a few TVs with sports on. If I were to pick a good bar to have a stool with my name on it, it would probably be this place.