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Cafe Smitten

3.8 (327 reviews)
Closed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

Cafe Smitten Photos

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CAFE SMITTEN ATMOSPHERE

What's the vibe?
Moderate noise
Hipster
Casual
Trendy

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Recommended Reviews - Cafe Smitten

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Rudy N.

Five stars for sure. I stopped in here for some coffee and breakfast but today I brought my golden retriever with me. They offered me water and treats for him. When I bring him, I make sure to order scramble eggs, as he is hungry too. Everything was awesome, a nice shaded spot outside. The breakfast was hot, the drink was strong. Oh, and the apple pie was warm. I would recommend this place for you and your fur babies.

Kyanna G.

Cafe Smitten on Buena Vista is always busy- so to see it has 3.8 stars is surprising. There's loads of seating, inside and outdoor seating- it fills up. There is also a full bar top. Their lattes are delicious- consistent. Don't need flavoring. Just the way I like them. Hands down one of the best places for lattes. The food has always been good, served hot, don't wait forever. Staff are always friendly, people always clearing plates, checking on you. If you want somewhere modern, good coffee, full bar option - this is the place. Oh and live music on Thursdays- it would be cool to see some acoustic music during the day somewhere in town.

Bowl of Tomato soup
Juan M.

Smitten is one of my favorite lunch spots downtown. They have a small, simple, yet delicious menu. They don't offer a whole lot of indoor seating, and they tend to get busy, so we opted for an outdoor bench, which wasn't very comfortable. On this visit, I enjoyed the tomato soup, which comes served with croutons and a slice of toast, and an iced matcha with oat milk. It was a cool afternoon, so the soup was very comforting. The matcha was lightly sweetened and very balanced. My friends also enjoyed their meal but were a little underwhelmed by their brown sugar latte. We tried both hot and iced, but it was lacking flavor. The latte art was cute though. It was a busy lunch rush, but the staff was nice and helpful throughout our visit.

Enrique M.

My first visit here was a few years ago and had no desire to return but a friend invited me back here a couple days ago and had the same experience "too expensive for such mediocre food" To start I would like to say that this cafe is beautiful and clean. The staff are friendly and go above and beyond for the customer. My order was a breakfast burrito which was good and wouldn't even mind what they charged for it! It was loaded with avocado. My wife ordered an Almond Banana Toast which was a disappointment in portion for being almost $10. Half a banana sliced over the tiniest pice of toast. My second order was a slice of coffee, and a slice of pecan pie with a side of eggs for nearly $30 which is absurd! The lattes were $6 each. They were ok. Will most definitely not be returning as this is not my type of café

Burger, lettuce wrapped
LaNae S.

I really wanted a chill dinner so we stopped in. I ordered the burger, but wrapped, no gluten for me! They have some of the best drinks in town, alcoholic or not. The service is much better in the evening, because table service, instead of ordering at the counter. And the staff is always so kind and helpful. The lights are low and the mood is fantastic! I can't recommend this place enough!

Bar area
Dean M.

Cafe Smitten is a Bakersfield institution. Seriously. If you are not visiting this place, you are missing out. What coffee shop do you know as a cocktail menu? Very few, I'm sure. How many coffee shops with cocktail menus have amazing food? There's at least one that I know of. Cafe smitten. The vibe here is always comfortable and inclusive. Staff is always warm and welcoming, the food is probably the only thing better than the staff (most of the time). It's not that the staff is bad, it's just that the food is so good. Shakshouka? Yes!

Lila P.

Food- my avocado smash on diff sourdough bread was delicious! I could have eaten two! There was an over easy egg on top that was just right. I only wish I had an extra slice of bread to sop up the yummy runny yolk. My coffee with whole milk and honey was yummy! I had to pay an extra &1.00 for a refill--hummm. I don't agree with this practice, but I wanted an extra cup of coffee. :/ Service- not much to it. Place your order at the counter, pay it and someone drops it off at your table. As noted in my food comment- there are no refills. I asked the person who brought food over for some extra mini super sour tart pickles, and he never came back with any. Ambiance- clean, nice, modern open space. Small event of with ladies celebrating something, so was a bit noisy ( which pretty much the norm for all restaurants due to all of the hard surface).

Mushroom fettuccine with salmon & a cosmopolitan
Heather A.

Went this past Friday. Was originally going to go somewhere else but very glad for the change of plans. The food was amazing, I switch from shrimp to salmon last minute and so glad I did! It was crispy on the outside and still soft and moist on the inside. The drinks were tasty and strong. The restaurant was quiet and very welcoming atmosphere. Exactly what my friend and I needed. Our server was very attentive and sweet. I didn't get his name unfortunately but hopefully next time I visit I can remember to do so! :)

Annie S.

Came across this place while we drove by and the name Smitten and caught my attention. Their fries 10/10! They were warm, well spiced and the harissa mayo was delicious and I could have definitely home spicer. Hot vanilla latte 2/5 - I wasn't the biggest fan and will try an iced one next time or try their matcha Hot brown sugar cinnamon 3/5- maybe I'm not the biggest fan of their espresso being a Bay Area coffee snob but it was a little better than their vanilla. Fig and Brie melt but really it's Baked Brie- 3/5 a little rich and sweet for my taste I just need something more neutral or bitter to balance the dish better. Maybe something more acidic. I only could eat one piece and I wish they served it with a different bread. I thought the Brie melt would be more like a sandwich but the word baked Brie is a better name than Brie melt. This is my first time here the customer service is really good and the Ambiance is really nice. I'm looking forward to coming back and trying different things on the menu next time but will definitely give this place a second chance.

Burn mark
Guadalupe L.

I love this place the only thing I would change is how the Moroccan Eggs come out. I would keep them 7 mins or so before bringing them out because the plate that they come out in did burn me. The service is amazing as always never changing that and food overall always good. Its never too loud never too busy always have seating and would go again.

Sausage egg and cheese
Allysa J.

The food was incredible. They had a nice outside area to sit and get some work done or just relax. My only complaint is the prices are insane. We spend $48 on two sausage egg and cheese sandwich's, a mocha latte, almond+banana toast, and an orange juice. The portions weren't big enough to justify the prices. The music on the patio and inside is also pretty loud if you get overstimulated easily or are trying to work. We ate and ended up going somewhere else to work. I won't be back solely because of the price but it's a nice little bougie spot to try! The staff was also very kind.

Morocan Eggs and Fig Brie Dip with Carrot Juice
Juliana C.

Smitten is my go to local cafe! The food usually comes out extremely fast even during busy periods. Customer service is always great, and the servers are very sweet! I love coming here on study sessions, Bible Studies, and even dinners. Also, free WIFI is a plus! This place is calm, yet lively but perfect if you're looking to try a new spot.

Latte, matcha mint lemonade. coconut cake. chocolate chip cookie, macadamia cookie

Came here for the first time last Saturday evening with family and friends after a long day. Atmosphere was casual and easy. We enjoyed the chocolate chips cookies, lavendar latte, mint lemonade and turmeric tea. Staff was friendly and attentive. We had such a great experience that we came back again this Saturday. Ordered the matcha green tea mint lemonade and coconut cake. So delicious!

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15 days ago

Great atmosphere. We enjoyed our food and drinks. I had avocado toast and lemonade and it was great. I recommend this place.

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11 days ago

Food isn't good and coffee is very bitter. The coffee spot its self is very cute for a quick chat, date, or even business call.

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5 months ago

Always nice service and amazing food 10/10!!! Love the outside area it is really relaxing

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Ask the Community - Cafe Smitten

Do they offer anything gluten free?

Nothing was labeled gluten free and they didn't have gluten free bread or anything.

Dog friendly on the patio?

Yes! I've seen some pretty well behaved dogs on the patio

Is a good place to work/read?

Yeah it is a great place to work/read.. it is a little loud on the weekends, but quite the place during the week to study

What are the soups of the days?

It changes randomly. It is best to call and they'll tell you over the phone.

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The Vault Restaurant

The Vault Restaurant

3.9
(267 reviews)
4.6 mi
Free parking
Outdoor seating

Great food and great service also great atmosphere, I highly recommend this restaurant.read more

My wife and I visited on a Saturday for our five-year wedding anniversary. I booked ahead my…read morereservation through Yelp. At the last minute, I actually had to move my reservation by 30min, so I called the restaurant and they were very accommodating, which I appreciated. Being a Bakersfield native I definitely wanted to check this place out being that I had visited Chase Bank prior to the vault taking over. I was absolutely amazed by the decorating on the interior. They literally left no stone unturned. Every single corner of the restaurant is beautifully decorated. I do love the whole vault theme. It definitely just feels like you're stepping back in time. The food was fantastic. On a Friday and Saturday night, they offer a prime rib special. The plate itself ran about $52. But it was well worth it. The prime rib absolutely melted in your mouth. It was paired with a beautifully baked potato. It was also served with a side of horseradish sauce as well as Au'ju, We also tried out the brussels sprouts appetizer. They were absolutely amazing. Flavor was spot on. And I would definitely recommend it if you're just wanting to try something a little bit different. Our meal also came with a soup or salad. My wife opted for the Caesar salad, with house made croutons which she said was great tasting. I opted for the soup of the day, which was an Italian wedding soup. Again great tasting everything tasted fresh and was piping hot.

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Semi private dining
Semi private dining
Chicken sandwich
Chicken sandwich
Water refill

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Harrington House

Harrington House

4.2
(225 reviews)
0.4 mi
$$

I suggested this place for another girls brunch and it did not disappoint. At first a couple of the…read moregirls were not impressed with the small M-F breakfast menu, but once we ordered and ate our food, we were all fascinated...and full. I decided to give the Oh, My Toast a try which is their twist on avocado toast. This had avocado, feta, radish, PICKLED ONIONS, and an egg however you want it cooked on sourdough toast. It also had some type of seasoning on it that was absolutely amazing!!! My friends went with The Wrap and the Bagel Sandwich, both with fries. Everyone was satisfied and happy! We all topped our meals off with espresso martinis and stranger things cocktails. I love this place and will continue to tell people about it. Even our server was amazing!

Harrington House is one of those Bakersfield spots that really deserves more love. I stopped in for…read morethe chicken sandwich and the paneer sandwich, and both were excellent in their own way. The chicken sandwich had a great crispy bite and was packed with flavor, while the paneer sandwich was fresh, satisfying, and just different enough to make it memorable. The veggies in both the sandwiches tasted crisp and fresh, and the bun was nicely toasted. The french fries were super crispy and very seasoned, exactly the ones you keep eating even when you're already full. What also stood out was the atmosphere and the people behind the place. Karen, the owner, is genuinely sweet and welcoming, and you can tell this business is built with care and pride. Supporting local spots like this matters, especially when good food and good service come together the way they do here. If you're thinking about going, today seems like a great time since they don't appear to be very busy. If you can't make it today, a weekday visit would probably be your best bet, since weekends seem to be the busiest. Either way, Harrington House is worth checking out if you want a solid meal from a local Bakersfield business.

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Michael Flooring Inc.
Michael Flooring Inc.
Oh, That Toast
Oh, That Toast
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Sliced Lounge

Sliced Lounge

4.3
(24 reviews)
4.0 mi
$$

Sliced Lounge is one of those rare spots that makes you feel cooler the second you walk in…read more The vibe is dialed all the way in. Stylish without trying too hard, intimate without feeling cramped, and just the right amount of buzz in the air. Whether you're coming for a laid-back drink or a night that accidentally turns into a whole mood, this place delivers. The cocktails are the real headline act. Thoughtfully crafted, balanced, and creative without being pretentious. You can tell the The Bartenders Jeffrey and Mandy actually cares about what they're pouring, and they're happy to steer you toward something new if you're feeling adventurous. Every drink feels intentional, not rushed or slapped together. Service is warm, attentive, and genuinely friendly. No ego, no attitude, just people who want you to have a great time and keep coming back. That energy matters, and it shows. Sliced Lounge has quickly become a go-to. Perfect for date nights, catching up with friends, or just treating yourself to a damn good cocktail in a space that feels elevated but welcoming. Bakersfield needed a place like this. Glad it exists.

This has become one of my favorite places to have dinner or Just a drink. First, the lounge is…read moreSMALL. There are some booths that are deep and private, like cubbies. They fit 4-6 comfortably - you could probably fit 8. There is one bartender (Jeffrey, if I remember correctly) he's amazing. He also takes your dinner orders. Id sit in the main restaurant if you have a larger party or kids. Like I said, the lounge is small. It's a great place to sit, if you want to sit at the bar counter. Patrons are friendly, staff are great, food is delicious. Ribeye, great. Good salmon. Great shrimp appetizer. Nice salads. Well made drinks. Not the biggest fan of the fried app platter. It's all pretty one dimensional and bland. Other than that, all food I've tasted has been good. Overall, a good place for a date. Actually took myself on a solo date and we enjoyed ourselves. Nice place to meet up with friends. 4 stars for the bland fried platter and in the summer, the AC wasn't the best- the lounge can get pretty warm.

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Shamrock sour
Shamrock sour
Sliced Lounge
Sliced Lounge

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Sliced Lounge
The Old Fashioned Room

The Old Fashioned Room

3.6
(17 reviews)
3.3 mi
$$

New place for us... attached to a Denny's. The draw for hubby was the possibility of some decent…read morewhiskey. A friendly bartender came to our table right away to greet us. Even the manager came up and introduced herself and we had a nice chat. Smaller space than most bars but that is fine as for now, this place does not seem to get very busy. Even though happy hour runs late! The prices for drinks were more than affordable but nothing fancy. Your moscow mule for example will come just in a regular glass (darn thieves!) and not the slick, proper, copper mug that will keep your drink colder for longer. Again, think Denny's. Also tried a simple vodka drink and a margarita. They were fine. We went on a Fri night I think at 9pm when surprisingly, karaoke started. THIS was interesting. I was excited as it was listed as 80's night but as the night went on, 'anything goes' was the rule. It was fun but the same people went up over and over again trying to get their big break! They were having fun with it - we just decided to leave when the foul, crappy hip hop came on. The mood had shifted. There are booths, high tops and you can eat from the regular Denny's menu. We did not eat but what was recommended to us by staff were the burgers and skillets for next time. To sum up - this is a very casual spot to bring some friends and have drinks on the cheap with friendly service. And a diner menu if you are hungry that serves late into the night.

Kinda of a hidden quaint little place. Could be a good hideout - Just saying. They have a great…read moreselection of whiskeys that vary in all price ranges. Found that their "old fashions" are crafted and made old school and proper. You get Denny's full menu at the bar which is a plus. I did find that they do not open until 5 p.m. which count day drinkers out.

Photos
The staff here is great!!!!
The staff here is great!!!!
View from inside
View from inside
The Old Fashioned Room

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Cafe Smitten - breakfast_brunch - Updated June 2026

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