Portions were minuscule, chips and salsa are not free, food was cold and way overpriced for the portion.

Ordered the premium margarita pitcher but I'm pretty sure they brought us simple syrup and lime juice. Way too much sugar. And FYI the salsa is just a large dish of the red and green salsas available on the table for no extra charge. I guess we were expecting some sort of house made chunky tomato salsa. Tacos are good (especially the fish) and so is the patio. But overall quality is lacking. Looks like this is just another corporate chain restaurant trying to cash in on the short north. read more

My one experience at Bakersfield was a huge disappointment. Though we were seated immediately, we were put in a corner booth where the table could not be arranged such that if you were sitting on either of the ends of the booth could you reach the table and there weren't enough chairs to accommodate those people. Next, the music was insanely loud. It was a Thursday night and it was not possible to maintain a conversation at the table. The waitress even told us to yell our order or else she wouldn't be able to hear us. When we did order we were asked if we wanted chips and queso or chips and guac - we asked for both. Chips and Queso was $6. Chips and guac was $8. Chips and salsa was $3. I have literally never been to a Mexican restaurant where a bowl of chips and house salsa wasn't placed on the table before even taking an order. These prices are outrageous. When the food arrived it was good but not great. Some of the tacos (their specialty) were pretty bland. Those who ordered sandwiches were pleased. A couple of the tacos were wrong (not surprising considering the din we had to shout over when ordering) and our server replaced them without problem. When we were half finished with our meals, she brought over assorted bottles of salsa/hot sauce. A crummy atmosphere, uncomfortable seating, insanely loud music and mediocre service don't make a great fist impression. The food wasn't bad but it didn't make up for the shortcomings of Bakersfield. Thankfully, there are plenty of great food option in Columbus. I won't likely give this one a second look. read more

As a Short North resident, this place is one of my faves! I LOVE their guac, salsa verde, margs and tacos. The tacos are smaller, which I like because then I can get about three different kinds. Their guac is amazing- I think they add garlic to it? I've taken quite a few people here and tell them how amazing the guac is and as soon as they try it, they completely agree. One time they even gave me a free carton of it because I "live in the neighborhood." So nice! Definitely recommend as the number one taco destination for Short North area. You won't be disappointed! read more

Bakersfield Short North - Highly recommend the pollo rojo and fish tacos. - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Bakersfield is such a popular option in the Short North that I'm surprised it took me so long to try it out, but I have to say - it's not really a standout among other Columbus offerings. I visited Bakersfield with two other friends during a Gallery Hop evening, and we lucked out in being seated immediately despite large crowds in and around the restaurant. Our server was amazing. He was super friendly and fun, and he definitely made the experience an overall positive one. However, and I'm sure this won't be a popular opinion, I thought the food was just OK. I ordered three of the tacos, and honestly, they all tasted quite bland. I tried the fish taco, a pork belly taco, and I actually forget the third, but all three were forgettable. My friends and I shared guacamole which was good, but again, the tacos were a miss for me. For food alone, Bakersfield is a two-star review, in my (again, likely unpopular) opinion. I gave a third star for the great service we had. read more

Great tacos, great tequila, and great service. Zoey went out of her way to make sure we had everything we needed before we even asked for it. Highly recommend! read more

Considering the fact that Bakersfield Penn Ave is one of my very favorite taco places in Pittsburgh, you can only imagine my elation when I discovered that Columbus has a Bakersfield as well! I just can't get enough of this place. I've said it before and I'll say it again: their margaritas are the best that I've ever had in my entire life. They are the absolute perfect balance of salty and sweet. I love them so much that I'd ask for one in a to-go cup, at the risk of sounding totally insane. The tacos are fantastic as well. After trying many of the taco offerings at Bakersfield over the years, I've determined that the short rib and the pollo rojo are my two absolute favorites. If I had to pick just one, I'd go for the short rib. Oh, and in addition, their queso and their guac are some of the best of the best. You truly cannot go wrong at Bakersfield. A lot of reviews seem to mention Bakersfield being expensive, but I've never felt like this is the case. You have to keep in mind that there are 5 or 6 Bakersfield's around America, and they have to keep prices the same in each of them no matter where they're located. I am personally always willing to pay more money for good food, and that's what you get at Bakersfield. In my opinion, it's worth it every time. See you next weekend, Bakersfield! read more

Hannah (Columbus OH) was absolutely amazing!!! We had a fairly large party that kept changing and she kept up with us so well and checked on us so often to be sure we had everything we need. We would love to have her as our server when we come back!! read more

Alyssa was freaking amazing. She made my friend's birthday so much fun. She had a positive attitude, was funny and just made this experience so much fun for us. Alyssa - Jay, Sara and Dustin really loved the experience you provided. You made 2021 kick start in a terrific way. If you go to Bakersfield, go to the bar and ask for her. I promise that you'll have a blast!! read more

Great food, love the tacos. Always have had great service here. The tacos are amazing. Great place to grab some food and roam around for some drinks after. Starting your night off here is a great choice read more

First timers here and it was AWESOME! Our waitress was very informative with a touch of spunk to match her purple hair. The ambiance was metro meets western bar and that upped the cool factor. There was an old western playing and I'm sure this place is covered up after 5:00 and all summer with their huge outdoor area! So the food: think Mexican, street taco, fresh ingredients, artisan style. Reasonably priced and delicious! We started with skillet made chips and queso (YUM!!!) with chorizo. They also brought out 3 salsa that are made daily and the Verde is the best! Next, I had the corn chowder and my husband had the Cubano sandwich. The chowder is creamy and sweet, very good on a cold day like today. The Cubano was huge and looked great, and the husband said it tasted great and filled him up. If you're in town and it's too cold for a food truck, stop in here and grab some great food! read more

Bakersfield Short North - Chips and Queso, corn chowder, Cubano sandwich - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

Small prices are linked to very small servings. 3$ for a PBR draft which came in an odd boot-shaped glass that probably held about 6 ounces. One taco, $4, was about 5" in diameter with a tablespoon of meat, some onion, a little cheese. Not a meal.. So be prepared to order multiples of what you want, and it will add up. Wait staff is attentive. I doubt I would go back. read more

I LOVE THEIR QUESO!! It is delicious and even better if you add chorizo to it. Margaritas are great, I usually get the original kind, but watch out you only need a few. The tacos are the only other food I have had there but they are so good! I typically order two or three. I've had the pork belly, short rib, mole, and pibil. Honestly all of them are good, it just depends on if you are in the mood for spicy or sweet. read more

Place was great. Staff was very friendly and welcoming. Tacos were great and I consider myself a taco expert. The short rib taco was heavenly . If you go to Columbus you have to go here. read more

This place was fantastic. Hannah and Layla are the best freaking servers! One of our guests had a birthday and they don't offer desert. They literally went and snagged a cookie for us from a neighboring business. We had a large group. Service was great, food was tasty. Awesome place. Thanks again to Hannah and Layla! read more

We came here in part to have NYE meal, and to celebrate our 11 year anniversary. Overall, the food was pretty good. We had the trio dip, Johnnie salad, and one short rib and one biztec taco. I gave two stars as the service was just underwhelming and at one point, insulting. We will not be returning back; it doesn't matter how good the food is, if the service sucks, I refuse to spend my money at a place like that. There are plenty of other places to eat that have both good food and good service. read more

Amazing food and amazing service, definitely recommend! Shout out to Spencer for being a super engaging conversationalist and being a huge help behind the bar and handling a large party well. My server was Ally, who was very helpful and gracious and went above and beyond to see to all of our needs even though the restaurant was super busy. read more

I have many mixed feelings about Bakersfield. On one hand you have a great spot for happy hour/drinks/outdoor patio and appetizers. On the other hand you have in my opinion some tacos that do not live up to the hype. The spicy margaritas and chorizo queso are my two favorite menu items. They also do a good job with their beer selection (I always appreciate a place with Lone Star, even if I can't solve the bottle cap riddles). I'm going to say it though...if you're looking for tacos, head up the street to Condado. read more

The food was great and the service from Brian was even better! We got tacos and queso and they hit the spot, I'd recommend this place to anyone! read more

This was my first time eating here and I had a great experience! I was indecisive about what I wanted but my server Hannah gave us some great recommendations for the short rib queso and the pineapple margarita which were a hit! The food was excellent along with the service, will definitely come here again! read more

This place is amazing. Went with a group of coworkers for a successful work week the evening of 8/4. Our waitress and waiter in training where beyond super. The manager came to our table and was so freaking wonderful with conversation and ensuring food and service was top of the line. There's only one way to sum this place up...Barvo, Bravo, Bravo. Post Script...love the logo t-shirt. read more

Best guacamole in Columbus. This is a fact. The queso and the margaritas are amazing also. read more

I'll admit I'd actually been avoiding this place solely because I thought that it would be overpriced, given its location in the Short North and the fact that Mexican food is one of those arenas where upscale food goes up in price with alarming speed. But the truth is, Bakersfield is actually pretty fairly priced, especially if you don't go in to get totally drunk in the process. The tacos are a little bit more expensive than I would normally like to pay, but they are a little bit fancier than just your average taco. The real selling point for me was the torta, in part because I feel like a torta is a solid meal-unto-itself. Their torta doesn't disappoint: it's nice and hearty, with some spice that gives it flavor, but not so much so that it will drive other people away because of the heat. The short rib was the one I went with, and it didn't disappoint. To be sure, they don't give you a ton of food either. People who are used to Mexican places that give you a day's worth of food at a single meal will likely be disappointed or at least confused by this place. As for the alcohol, it's fairly priced too. Decent selection, not too heavily marked up. And I'm not somebody who usually invests a lot in the decor or atmosphere of a place, but something about Bakersfield is nice. I imagine it's hard to sit and talk on weekends because the place is probably jumping so heavily, but at least on a weekday night it's nice and conversational. The music is also good, or at least it was when I was in there. Country and western songs, but actual good songs as opposed to just the chart-topping crap you suffer through elsewhere. Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid was playing on all of the TVs. In general, just a good vibe. read more

You can't beat the $2 taco, $5 marg, 1/2 off app happy hour here. Best margaritas and queso in cbus imo.

This place is very delicious and the drinks are yummy! I would suggest making a reservation so you are not put on a possible two hour wait. Even if you are on a waitlist the bar is a great option to have drinks and order some appetizers! This place gets busy so keep that in mind! read more

A few Tuesdays ago, I was walking south on High Street through the Short North, heading home after taking a visitor on a mini brewery tour. As we walked, I looked up and saw a small sign that said Bakersfield. "Holy shit!", I exclaimed. "Bakersfield!!! We have to stop in." I'd been to the Cincinnati location several times, and loooove it. Visited the Indianapolis location briefly back in September, and cannot overstate how awesome it is to have one a mile away now. We saddled up to the bar, and I pretty much immediately started throwing a barrage of questions at the bartender. Fortunately, he was happy to answer them. He had moved to Columbus from Indianapolis just to open this location. Turns out this particular Tuesday was actually just their second night open. I asked how it was possible I was just hearing about this and he explained that they had done no advertising or big announcements of any kind, relying solely on word of mouth. So zealous was I about their presence that the friendly barkeep gave my friend and I a shot of tequila on the house. This was late and the kitchen was closed, but I assured him I would be back for food soon. Turns out soon was the next day. This time the same friend and a few fellow travelers of hers joined us. The place was PACKED. We waited for about a half hour out on the patio, where cocktail waitresses still served us, prior to being seated. When we finally were seated, the food was, as expected, increible. That's Spanish, not a misspelling. The pitchers of margarita are pricey at, I think, $24, but you get a fair amount out of them. We could nearly get two apiece. Those tacos, so darn good. And so cheap. You guys, we are really fortunate to have gotten a Bakersfield. I love this place. read more

If I could give this place ZERO STARS, I would. We arrived on a Thursday night before 7pm and were told that the wait was about 45 minutes. Decided it was fine, and that we would hang out over at the Press Grill for a drink. The hostess took our cell number, said they would text us when a table was available. We clocked this, even pacing our drinks so that we wouldn't have to inhale them if and when our table became available. 745pm comes and goes. 8pm comes and goes. 815pm COMES AND GOES. NADA. NO TEXT, NO CALL, NOTHING. Just for that, you people SUCK. I'm from So Cal, where I've been to REAL taqueria la mexicana. This place had too many trendy hipsters with little to no knowledge of what a authentic Baja fish taco looks and tastes like. And, finally: at $4 a taco, that is outrageous!!! read more

Met friends here for drinks and dinner! Food was pretty good, mezcal margarita was awesome and our server, Dustin was on point! Fun atmosphere for a Fri night! read more

It has been a VERY long time since I've take a bite of food and had the compulsion to spit it out. Thanks for that, Bakersfield. We went on a Sunday. It was busy and loud. Service was fine, although I didn't really appreciate her obvious upsells. Chips and salsa we REALLY good. I go and order just that. They serve a green salsa that's just the right heat and a little salty. Chips were super fresh. Yum! Don't even bother paying extra fro guac or queso. The tacos were just not good. I had the corn, chile pork, and shortrib. First, I did not know corn truffles was basically corn mold. So, that was a shock as I was imagining yummy fried corn fritter bonbons. Regardless it was a total grease bomb along with my other two tacos. The chile pork was so greasy it dripped down my face and hands staining them orange, like a child whose parent didn't supervise them with their kool-aide glass. Just really disappointing and expensive and needless to say, my intestines did not thank me. Also, I noticed a framed photo by the front window of a gas station style sign with the lettering you can slide in basically saying the Short North has made it because we have a Bakersfield. Well, I strongly disagree and thinks it is a weird thing to create for a wall hanging. I wish I'd gone to El Camino Inn and I will not speak of Bakersfield again. read more

I think how much one likes Bakersfield will depend on one's expectations of it. If you meet it on its terms, you'll enjoy it more than if you want it to be something else. That's kinda true about most places, really. Do expect: A bar, along with bar furniture. When I was here with Sara C., we were both a bit put off by the impracticality of the beer barrel stools and the lack of anywhere to hang or comfortably drop bags and coats. There were some tables with proper chairs, as well, and I believe there were some tables with stools with backs on them. But most seating is like this, making it sort of like sitting at a bar without actually sitting at a bar. Unless, of course, you are sitting at the bar. So it will help to think, "How nice, we've got our own little personal beer barrel bar." Also expect: Some pretty damn amazing guacamole. I could have vacuumed that stuff up. It's chunky. Big chunks of avocado, but not in the way that makes you think you're just eating seasoned avocado. If I return, it'll probably be for the guacamole. Expect, as well: The tacos will be smaller than you might be used to at the sort of restaurants where they pile enough food onto your plate to feed a family, but they're also cheap and good. I'm not sure you're getting as much food for the same price overall, but the taco-by-taco pricing makes the meal flexible, so you can sample anything you want. And I can vouch for the fish tacos. There's some definite yum there. Meanwhile... Don't expect: A typical restaurant experience. It's not just the furniture. Getting the attention of your server will feel like getting the attention of a busy bartender. It's much more of a flag-them-down place than a status-report-every-ten-minutes place. You really are at a bar, even if you're seated at an ordinary table. Don't expect: To find vegan tacos on the menu. The vegetarian ones are cheesy. I didn't happen to ask if they can be made without cheese, because even if they'll comply (I'd imagine they probably would), I like to judge a place on its own merits the first time I go in, and that means not asking for substitutions or omissions too often, even if that means consuming a little dairy now and then (ordinarily I'm a dairy-free pescatarian). Vegans could probably eat a full meal entirely out of sides and the June salad, but ask about ingredients if you're concerned. It is worth a trip, especially if you're a guacamole fan. Just expect a bar that does good food, rather than a restaurant that has a lot of booze. read more

First of all, yay for new restaurants in the Short North! My friends and I went to Bakersfield just two days after it opened and you would of thought it had been there for years. The service was great--one of the owners even stopped by our table! We started with their green salsa, queso and gaucamole--all served with tons of homemade chips! And per usual when eating Mexican, we went for the largest serving of margaritas, which was served in a pretty glass pitcher with a wooden stirrer. Loved everything already! After enjoying our chips, our server explained all of the tacos to us, and the other menu options. I settled on the short rib taco served in a house-made corn tortilla. Although I wish there was also a flour tortilla option, this taco, made with queso fresco and pickled onions, was nearly perfect! The best part of Bakersfield was the fun atmosphere. The patio (with heaters!) was filled with people, the tables are made out of whiskey barrels, the lighting is perfect, the list goes on! I can't wait to go back and try another fun taco! read more

Outstanding tacos, and at around $3-$4 per taco, Bakersfield is a little pricier than some other places, but they're so well made they're worth it. Very authentic, and the corn tortilla was one of the best I've had. I highly recommend the cochinita pibil and the short rib. Definitely a menu out of the Rick Bayless playbook. Tasty guacamole and queso dip too. The margaritas are stiff and the service is very friendly. I'm really excited about this place since the only Mexican food in the Short North is at La Fogata. Can't wait to go back and try more. read more

5 Simple Rules for Eating at Bakersfield: 1) Start scouting for parking before you leave your residence. As with most locations in this area, parking can be tricky in the Short North. 2) Go on an odd day of the week at an odd time. Primetime on the weekend can be difficult to find a table. You may have a 2+ hour wait. Been there, done that. Not entirely worth it. Fear not! Go on a Sunday at 8 p.m. We went and had many seating options, but decided to hang at the bar. Quicker to get your margarita! 3) Since you may be sitting at the bar, you are required to order a margarita. Margaritas are served in a mason jar, which is always a cute touch. They are fairly strong so one may be enough. They are pretty yummy so you may order a few. 4) Once you've had a few margaritas, you probably should eat something. So what should you eat? Order some chips. Yes, I said order. Chips and salsa are going to cost you $3, but they are well-worth your bucks. You get two varieties of salsa - one is green and mild, the other is red and smoky. And, those chips are pretty darn tasty too! They give you more than enough for sharing between two people. 5) Finally, when you start to get serious, you'll want some more substantial food. Get the tacos. They have a nice selection of choices. In my opinion, the fish taco is the best. But, honestly, I can't complain about any of the tacos. Good stuff! read more

I am a huge fan of Mexican food, and Bakersfield just falls flat for me. The place is always loud, packed, and dark. The tacos are extremely small and extremely overpriced. I recall paying around $4 for a taco smaller than the size of my palm (and I have small hands). I didn't even remember what they tasted like because it literally took 3 bites to finish one. I appreciate that they do have the stand-up eating area outside when the weather is nice. Still not my scene, and I would rather sit while I eat. If you're a fan of authentic Mexican food, I would not recommend Bakersfield. If you like loud, packed, dark places that sell overpriced foods, this is the place for you! read more

Ohio, you have impressed me this far! Amazing margaritas, hams down top 5! Yes. I said hams down! Tacos are delicious, I recommend al pastor which is the pineapple one, bomb! Cheese dip was also really good but what tipped it over the edge was the service. I believe Rachel was her name, on point, fun and full of energy. Really made the experience a whole. I'll definitely be back! read more

Bakersfield Short North - Guacamole and cheese dip - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

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I have to admit the fool I have been. The good news is that I was wrong in my assumption. The bad news is this assumption kept me out of Bakersfield for a year. Being an Angelino, I have spent a few times in Bakersfield, CA, and frankly, naming a food establishment "Bakersfield" to me would be like naming a restaurant Whitehall, or Blacklick. I was ignorant to the real story having to do with SoCal western music recording/legends... When I first saw the restaurant I thought to myself (and told Charlie a year ago) there is no fucking way I am going to a restaurant named Bakersfield, and that was that. Well I was totally wrong. Charlie and I were looking for something to get into while gallery hopping, and I was just tired enough not to fuss over going to Bakersville for a bite. I had noticed that it is always packed, but that doesn't mean a thing as First Watch and Bdubs are also packed regularly. So we go to the bar, and I ask our bartender Adrianne if they have Herradura, and she said yes. I ordered Charlie a Herradura margarita, and Adrianne proceeded to make a stunning drink in a salted highball, out of fresh lime juice, with Cointreau AND a splash of Grand Marnier! Not surprisingly, it was the best margarita we have had in Ohio thus far. I always feel it's a good indicator when the drinks knock it out of the park to start off a meal. We asked for veggie options and decided to order everything recommended. I added a chicken mole taco, and we started with guacamole. I honestly don't know where to start. The most important thing to me was the obvious high quality ingredients and thoughtful preparation. The guacamole came out first, and it was hands down the best I have had in Ohio, and it rivals my favorite mom and pop Mexican ranchero restaurants in east LA. Huge chunks of avocado, super tart, minimal. Totally excellent! With house made chips, super thin restaurant style. I really could have used 2 mouths and 4 hands to handle the crave that set in. Then the tacos came out, and they were all delicious! A perfect blend of familiar and interesting. And again, totally delectable. The more I ate, the hungrier I got. I loved the mole in the chicken taco and would have loved a side of it to go with. The salsas were also fresh made. This is EXACTLY what I want in a Mexican meal. There was nothing we ate that tasted preprocessed. This is a huge deal for me personally. I can cook the fuck out of food, so if I am going to shell out bucks on dinner, I want it to be the kind of ingredients and care that I invest in my home cooking. And Bakersfield delivered big time here. Also of note, the wait staff was great! Attentive without feeling hustled. Knowledgable of the menu, everyone we saw was attractive in their own way, and people seemed happy to be working there. We were able to have a chat with managers Lindsay and Skeeter (I know it wasn't that exact name, can't remember but it was cool and unusual) and they both gave us a nice history and insight into the vision of the restaurant. The most important impression they made on me was their passion for the business of feeding people good food. It didn't feel like a management philosophy based solely on some ridiculous bottom line. You would think that everyone in the restaurant business would get it, that if you make amazing food, and serve it with a great staff in a sexy space, that THIS is the best way to preserve the bottom line. The decor and ambiance could be described as comfortable and inviting. All the guests were jovial. It was seriously good times all around! It is so nice to see a restaurant in that spot doing well. This was a reminder to me of how stupid it is when I judge a place by something as petty as its name, especially before I get the scoop. Shame on me! ~ Keida Mascaro read more

Very tasty spicy margaritas and yummy queso for appetizers followed by a great lunch. The suggestions and service from Desiree was muy bueno! read more

Bakersfield Short North - Amazing spicy margaritas with chips and queso. Our lunch was perfect and the suggestions and service from Desiree was muy bueno! - Bars Near Me - Columbus, Ohio

I love this place for happy hour! It's the perfect spot in the Short North for after work drinks or catching up with the girls. Their margarita's are strong AND delicious. How is that possible?! It is usually jam PACKED in this place, but we were quickly able to find a spot at the bar - which I didn't mind as their bartenders provide wonderful eye candy ;-) The tacos here are yummy, but I have had better elseswhere (Local Cantina, Taco Hass). But what has me coming back is... QUESO. Seriously, the best queso I've ever had. It's not just a bowl full of gooeyness like other places - it's a cast iron of slightly charred perfection. If visiting the area, I definitely recommend this place for any age group! read more

I love this place. It's unfortunate that I am forced to write a two star review. Let me start by saying the staff is the best part of Bakersfield, with the margaritas in a close second. Then last three times we've been in there we walk in have a margarita only to be consumed by the heat in the building and immediately leave to have dinner somewhere else. Only after noticing the staff is sweating just doing basic business. I find it appalling that this establishment would treat its employees this way. I can't even imagine what the conditions are in the kitchen. Bakersfield PLEASE TAKE BETTER CARE OF YOUR EMPLOYEES. I can't wait to come back and enjoy dinner. Once the HVAC is under control. read more

Update! I spoke with Mischa, she is the GM and was very nice! We spoke about what happened and she was very apologetic. I plan on going back to give it a try (without coming in contact with the one bartender if she is still there..) Will give new update after visiting again. First time ever going was tonight.. I was the dd for my boyfriend and a few of his friends - we decided to check this place out and I wouldn't give one star if possible! The bartenders were rude. I understand they're busy, I use to be a bartender myself. But when I ask for our tab to be closed and the bartender responded with "I"ll get to it" in a very rude tone. I asked again shortly after and she said "k" then went and made drinks for a group of people and called me a "twat" (who uses that word? Anyways...).. 20 min later was able to close out and leave. WONT be returning. And someone needs to tell that bartender to change her attitude! Tall girl with short blonde hair.. If I treated my customers like that at my job I wouldn't have a job. read more