This has become one of my favorite bars in Columbus. They have the best guacamole in the city. They have dividers between the tables and have done a great job adhering to the social distancing guidelines. I also highly recommend Alyssa. She's one of the best bartenders in the city, and I always have a great time when she's behind the bar. Make sure to get the premium margarita! read more

Drinks were okay. I love a good Paloma, so I ordered a spicy Paloma, which wasn't my favorite flavor wise. Tried the spice Bakersfield marg next, which was good. Got that again and received a drink that was very different and tasted like pineapple juice. Server was not attentive enough at all, and unfortunately left us waiting for something most of the time, even when the place was not busy. She would drop off a drink and turn around before we could say anything, then we would have to wait 10 minutes or so until we saw her again to express something. Ambience was fine, with a nice view of the people traffic of high street. Queso was incredible, as well as the guacamole. The tacos were delicious. Fair warning- they are small portions. read more

Decent spot. Good vibes and lots of action. The menu offers your standard fare of upscale tacos and such. Everything is good, but there isn't much that separates Bakersfield from Local, Condado or Barrio. Service staff is great and has actually provided help with good recommendations for spots around the city. read more

I'm so glad I decided to stop by this restaurant for dinner. The absolute best Mexican food I have had I a long time. I am originally from California, living in Maryland visiting here. Columbus Ohio, and I miss the taste of some authentic Mexican food (I got it all thr time in Cali) and I've been in the search for some way too long...until now...my oh my I was pleasantly shocked when I took my first bite of my taquitos I couldn't have been more pleased. The food, service and atmosphere all get 5 stars from me. read more

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You like tequila? Cool, because this is the bar for you. So many different tequilas. I'm a vodka and gin type of gal so I can honestly say I was scared to take a few shots. I tried a special kind of patron and I still regret. The tacos were delicious. Get the beef and pork taco. You're welcome read more

Bakersfield Short North - Carnitas, shrimp, and pork it was good. - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Perfect night out with the girls! Great margs, service, and food. our server Libni was amazing!!

Stumbled upon Bakersfield after seeing the happy hour menu (Monday - Friday 4-6pm) outside. $5 margarita, 1/2 off appetizers and $2 tacos...hello!? They only offer one margarita at this deal however it was delicious and refreshing. Didn't taste like fake lime mix and was a great pair with our starter of chips and guacamole and two unique salsas. Next we got three types of tacos: Carnitas, Short Rib and Bistec (which was a delicious sweet/soy flavored steak). Service was good and the food was great. Can't wait to come back read more

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Came here for a work event awhile back. Was excited to try it based on the reviews and the fact that this mini chain seems to be everywhere. Bakersfield is very nice with lots of wood, however seating was very awkward. We had a large group, and they put 2 huge bar top tables together in a 'T' formation for us. It was awkward and nobody sat down the whole time as a result. Service was good throughout the meal. I tried the pineapple margarita and the Chester Ave (bourbon-based). Both were surprisingly great drinks worthy of being in a legitimate mixology bar. The appetizers we got were all solid. The guacamole were on the chunky side but very good. The homemade chips were good as well. The queso was the best thing we ate. With a bit of sausage on top, it was addicting. The tacos were underwhelming by comparison. The tortillas were mediocre and the toppings were a mixed bag; the short rib were disappointing, while the chicken was fine. Surprisingly, the huitlacoche (corn smut, it's a fungus) was decent although it was overwhelmed by the toppings. To be fair, the shrimp looked the best of all but I didn't get to try one. I see this place as a good place to get drinks that also happens to have decent food. There's not enough that shines here on the culinary end--just enough to go with your drinks. read more

Delicious queso, chips, salsa, michelada's and EPIC TACOS! This is a Short North MUST TRY! If you're an authentic taco and cerveza lover like myself and you're anywhere near Short North you have to check out Bakersfield. I've been here twice now and it has not failed to disappoint. The first time around I got a Michelada with Modelo, queso with chips and salsa and a variety of tacos. The tacos were delicious, flavorful meat and very authentic but also unique. Now, the one thing that I must warn you of is their Spicy Chicken taco...I love spicy and IT IS SPICY! If, and when, you order it, make sure you have a nice cold cerveza on stand by to swoop in and save you! The staff has been overly accommodating each time I've been. One of the awesome features of this last time around is that, if they're busy, they will take your phone number down and personally text you when your table is ready. This way you can go check somewhere else out in the meantime. They are also very respectful. One time there had been a slight mix up and the manager greeted us and personally cleaned off a table for us. Always a great experience and I can't wait to return!! read more

Short Rib, Al Pastor, & Baja Shrimp tacos were amazing! Pineapple Margarita was refreshing and delicious. read more

Bakersfield Short North - Short Rib, Al Pastor, Baja Shrimp, & Carnitas tacos - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Leyla was very hostile. Not even my server but just made me feel very uncomfortable the whole experience. Everyone else was very nice and accommodating but the rest of staff was amazing. read more

Promptly created at the door by a guy wearing some crazy outfit. Got a table quickly but the dude wasn't super friendly. Once we got to the table, we were quickly greeted by our waiter. He brought us some waters quickly and the. We were off to the races with some chips and queso. The food was good as always. It was cold outside that day. read more

Bakersfield Short North - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Busy busy, younger crowd. Trendy spot in the short north. The regular marg was very good. I have been here once before for tacos and they were very good, better than Condado and almost as good as Nada-the in between spot! Definitely a fan! read more

Bakersfield Short North - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

My friends and I were trying to figure out where we wanted to eat, but since none of us were all that picky, it was hard to decide...so we went here! We decided to split the chips + guac since we'd heard wonderful things (guacamole makes this world a better place, just so you know)...and of course, we had to try the tacos! I had 1 Pollo Rojo, 1 Fish, and 1 Mole. It was late evening and the place was dimly lit, so I couldn't get super-amazing pictures of em', but what really matters here is that they were absolutely delicious, and packed with tasty ingredients! The service here is lovely, and my friend discovered a beer here that he absolutely loves (he says it blows all the others he's tried away). Quite unfortunately, since I don't drink, I have the memory of a goldfish when it comes to alcohol, and cannot tell you what it was. I'll have to ask him sometime and update this review, but until then...at least try the tacos here! :] read more

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It was a chilly night but we were being COVID-wary and looking for a place with a heated patio for outdoor seating. Staff here were great, firing up one of their patio heaters for us ... and I am glad they did! We started with guacamole and chips. Then tacos, and the three I ordered were excellent. My fish taco was fairly traditional, with just the right tang and crunch. I also tried the Pollo Diablo, which is extremely spicy, in a good way, but watch out. Finally, because I see it so rarely on a menu, I had the huitlacoche taco - that's right, corn, um, truffle (google it). If you are curious and like mushrooms, try it. The beer selection was also good and my wife reports they served an excellent sangria. Yay! read more

What an absolute joke this place is. Overpriced, inauthentic, lowly portions. Cloyingly sweet pre-mixed margaritas. Laissez-faire, disaffected servers, and an overall depressing atmosphere. There's a reason you don't see any Mexican people in this "taco restaurant". Never again. read more

Jeani was the best! First time in Ohio and we felt so welcomed a must place to go! Also please try the queso.

Located in short north, this place is amazing for authentic tacos. The tacos were loaded toppings and slammed with great flavors. I suggest the short rib queso! We will definitely be back! read more

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Too expensive for what you get. Tacos are okay. Queso was fine. Not very compelling for me to be interested in coming back. Nothing special about Bakersfield. read more

The queso... pineapple margaritas... fish taco...shrimp taco.... Short rib taco.... And service (especially our server, Paige) were all spot on!! Great food 'n drinks! read more

The food was delicious. There was quick service even for a busy Friday night. The pineapple margarita was delicious the salt rim was spicy which I loved read more

Bakersfield Short North - Hongos taco and HUITLACOCHE taco - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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My experience here was just okay. The environment is really neat, our waitress was good, and the food was decent. There just wasn't really anything that made me desperately want to come back. We ordered and our food came out about a minute and a half later. I don't know if that's bad or good. I thought the short rib taco was great, the fish taco was fine and the chicken one was forgettable. The Willie salad was just okay, but a little underwhelming. The chips were very good, and I enjoyed the taste of the green salsa. It wasn't bad, I think I just went in with too high of expectations. read more

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The experience was amazing truly treated as VIPs in town forva couple of days from the bartender, server (Jade) and Manager (Zoey) all made it a wonderful experience Baja Shrimp Tacos and Ruby Red Margarita had a sistah smiling ALL night! read more

My first visit here. The staff was excellent!! shout out to the manager, zoey! She was excellent!!! I will definitely go back. The shrimp taco are delicious! read more

This place was awesome! They got us right in on Friday night even though it seemed busy. Absolutely loved the queso. I haven't had queso that's been broiled on top like that, and I now wish every place did their queso like that it was truly spectacular. I would've loved to try the short rib queso since it looked fantastic. The carnitas taquitos were crisped to perfection and full of flavor; I highly recommend. Will come here more often. read more

Bakersfield Short North - Carnitas Taquitos - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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Love Bakersfield Happy Hour! 1/2 off Appetizers, $5 Bakersfield Margaritas and $2 tacos. My favorite appetizer is the Braised Short Rib Queso- delish flavors! Also love the fish tacos. A yummy crisp mahi taco with lime sauce, citrus slaw and cilantro. The tacos are relatively small so your best value is to dine during happy hour M-F (4 -6pm) Service was great. Our server was very attentive and efficient and loved the free high end birthday tequilla shot! The interior decor has a cool industrial vibe and is relatively large in size. They do have an outdoor patio which is awesome. And they have a GINORMOUS list of tequila and whiskey. As for parking...its Short North so it can be a real pain. We ended up parking a few blocks away, so it wasn't too bad on a Wednesday evening. They may have valet on.the weekends but they did not have it when we were there. Definately check out Bakersfield! And my suggestion is to take advantage of their Happy Hour 4-6 pm M-F. read more

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Ben at the bar was super knowledgeable not only about Bakersfield but he recommended great places to go afterwards as well. Nothing like walking into a bar and meeting a bartender whos super cool and knows what theyre talking about. give this man a raise. read more

I had an extraordinary time, Kevin was absolutely fabulous. He was incredibly attentive, made us laugh and gave us wonderful suggestions. The chorizo queso is to die for, and I stand by that statement. You can't go wrong with any taco on their menu, I really enjoyed the Al Pastor! read more

Super overpriced. The tacos are small (as an average sized woman, I could comfortably eat 3). Tacos are 4.50 and a pitcher of margs is 45.00. Considering Columbus has a fantastic selection of taco restaurants, I would much rather spend my night at Barrio or Local Cantina. read more

Drinks and food are awesome, service was even better. Paige F was the best server!! So fun and helpful! We'll definitely be coming back

I came to Bakersfield at the request of my friend's Girlfriend as she knew we loved Tacos. She guaranteed that these were the best Tacos in Columbus. Was she right? Let's find out! First and foremost...no complimentary chips! That is always something I look for when eating Mexican. Regardless, we ordered a basket along with Guacamole. She said we should have gotten Queso as well but we didn't listen. We also partook of a pitcher of Margaritas. The Chips, Guac and Margs were great! Chips were greasy made so that's a plus. The Guac was creamy and fresh with good flavor and the Ritas were tasty and strong! But what about the Tacos? These Tacos were phenomenal! I had in order of favorite: 1) Shrimp 2) Al Pastor 3) Fish 4) Short Rib While all were excellent, the Shrimp Taco here was one of the very best Tacos I've ever eaten! The slaw and sauce were out of this world and the shrimp itself was large and just perfect! The Pastor was very good but not the best Pastor I've had (inside or outside of Columbus.) I was looking for more flavor and a bit more crisp for my liking. The Fish was above average and very tasty while the Shirt Rib just lacked much flavor at all and required some doctoring up with their Green sauce. Speaking of, they offer a Green Cilantro based sauce and a spicier Red sauce. Both are great additions to the Chips/Guac and if you need a bit more flavor. Overall, Bakersfield was a great experience with quick service, quality products and friendly staff. Were they the best Tacos in Columbus? I'm not sure I'm ready to answer that just yet. However, I will reiterate, the Shrimp Taco was one of the best Tacos I've ever had as stated above. Was there room for improvement? Sure! But that doesn't mean I am not highly recommend this fine establishment! read more

Bakersfield Short North - All the Tacos!!! - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

We were in town for the week & a few people were suggesting this place!! Super yummy tacos! We got there at 830 on a Saturday night & it was pretty busy. Luckily we ate outside-Inside was a little stuffy & loud. We each got about 3 tacos & chips/salsa & guacamole-it was perfect!! Would recommend getting the guacamole. Hands down. The pineapple was also really fresh & so good!! read more

Best tacos and margaritas in Columbus..hands down. I don't know what they are doing to those margaritas, but they are magical! We enjoyed the "Trio" appetizer and loved the verde salsa the best. Then we enjoyed a variety of delicious tacos which were served on soft, authentic corn tortillas. You can tell they are hand made. They played great music the whole time and the servers were super personable and attentive. Love this place. read more

I loved the food and the ambiance! Service was excellent. Highly recommend queso appetizer

My least favorite thing about our visit here was the food. The service was phenomenal, we were very well taken care of without being over attended (we had a visitor from out of town so lots of conversation at our table) I asked for my house margarita to have a jalapeno kick to it and it was delicious and perfectly made. The guacamole was some of the best I've tasted with lime and cilantro and served with fresh hot tortilla chips. Our party of five ordered several different kinds of tacos (street style, smaller tacos) and they were brought out all together on a giant round tray, it was gorgeous and quite a presentation. I had a shrimp taco, a fish taco and a short rib taco. All three had so many shredded toppings it was hard to taste the main ingredients. The fish and shrimp were both deep fried and I could hardly tell one from the other. One of our party ordered the Al Pastor Tostadas and they were simply the same ingredients as the taco but on a hard corn shell. The ratio of pineapple to pork was definitely more pineapple and it was hard to tell if it was canned or fresh. Also, a piece of the actual wall fell off just next to and above the front door, hitting some lights exposing a hole to the outside, but I suppose that is part of being in an old building and actually was funny to the customers and wait staff. Overall, I will go back to sit outside and have a drink and some guac with fantastic service but I'll probably go elsewhere for tacos. read more

Bakersfield Short North - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Bakersfield always has top of the line customer service that brings me back. The food is good, I usually stick to the tacos and get an appetizer such as the braised short rib queso. The menu is fairly priced and the $45 pineapple margarita is a hot commodity for a reason. Can't beat the prices, can't beat the service for quality food. read more

Bakersfield Short North - 2 shrimp tacos, 1 pollo verde taco and 1 pollo diablo taco - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

such a great place to grab quick bite to eat and margs! there are different kind of tacos for everybody. the tacos, however are little small but still are packed with flavor. one thing that could be improved is to have more variety in the drinks selection. I still would come back here during happy hour. read more

Bakersfield Short North - delicious tacos! - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Heidi was the bomb diggity. She was attentive and served all of her tables completely. Great defines such talent in this short north location read more

Bakersfield is definitely a cool place with an awesome location. Besides the location the spicy margarita is pretty good and a super interesting combination of flavors and spicy. Try it, you won't be disappointed. That is where the commendable things about this restaurant end. The service is pretty terrible. We waited for a long time for our table for 3. We finally got the table, but there were only 2 chairs and our server proceeded to walk away and not come back for the next 10 mins. After standing and waiting for 5 minutes hoping I would get a chair, I finally got one myself from an empty table (the place was busy so there weren't a lot of chairs available).Additional issues included: no waters offered!!! only 2 plates for the three of us and not enough napkins. This is of course besides the crappy service of a snarky waiter. The food is also a disappointment here. Although the tacos are decent, they are expensive!! They are $4 per little taco! I'm not sure how many you would need to be full but I was still pretty hungry after 3 and queso dip. The tacos were also pretty bland. The fish tacos were good but they didn't have enough of the tasty sauce that was on them. The short rib taco was ok but dry and it didn't have any dressing. Oh queso.... You are not a queso, you are a roux with broiled cheese on top! Literally people, this is a roux that has not been properly put together with broiled cheese on top. I can agree, the broiled cheese was good, but below that was a combination of flour butter and water. No thank you! I will not come here often, but I will come back if I ever get a craving for the spicy margarita. And next time, definitely won't order the food. Definitely not happy spending over $20 on the tacos and queso and still being hungry! read more

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Alyssa was my bartender on 5/9/19. I left with such a big smile on my face and a full stomach! I had two spicy margs which WOOO could clear your sinus! Just the way I like it!!! Ordered some chips and queso which was promptly delivered. I'll make sure to stop back again!! read more