Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    Cafe Smitten

    3.8 (332 reviews)
    Open 8:00 am - 9:00 pm

    Cafe Smitten Photos

    Business Info

    CAFE SMITTEN ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Hipster
    Casual
    Trendy
    Classy

    You might also consider

    More like Cafe Smitten

    Recommended Reviews - Cafe Smitten

    Your trust is our priority, so businesses can't pay to alter or remove their reviews. Learn more about reviews.
    Yelp app icon
    Browse more easily on the app
    Review Feed Illustration

    Reviews With Photos - Cafe Smitten

    Moroccan eggs
    Fatma A.

    Smitten is such a great spot! The Moroccan eggs were absolutely amazing, and their coffee was just as good even though I forgot to snap a picture. The staff were so kind and welcoming, which made the experience even better. I also loved the atmosphere. Whether you're meeting up with friends or looking for a cozy place to get some work done, there's a space for both. They have indoor and outdoor seating, a full bar, and even soft serve. Definitely a place I'll be coming back to!

    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.

    Rose oatmilk latte
    Krissy W.

    Order at the counter and they bring it to you. Appears to be ample seating, but there was some jockeying for the tables. Simple menu with a good vegan breakfast burrito. Meat eating companions enjoyed the food also. The rose oatmilk latte was divine.

    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

    See all

    3 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    11 days ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    26 days ago

    I really like this cafe it has good food and coffee! I asked a bunch of questions and they were super nice.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Joshua W.
    3
    76
    131

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Deedee H.
    0
    25
    101

    3 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months ago

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

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 months 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.

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Harp S.
    183
    7
    1

    8 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 3
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Keia C.
    180
    347
    2027

    3 years ago

    Helpful 5
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Pam B.
    0
    12
    0

    6 months ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Roxy V.
    226
    340
    1965

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    1 year ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 2
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 1

    2 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    2 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 9

    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.

    View All 5 Questions

    You might also consider

    The Vault Restaurant

    The Vault Restaurant

    4.0
    (277 reviews)
    4.6 mi
    Free parking
    Outdoor seating

    This is my go-to restaurant when I'm here in Bakersfield doing my regular visits to clients here…read more The first time I came here was with my wife and a friend and we loved their food here. They have a good variety of delicious food items. The place is interesting with nice good ambience. They play music a bit loud but I guess it's a right fit for their concept. The people working here are friendly and provide great service. Yesterday, Aug 5, I came to dine here again and I enjoyed their clam chowder and fettuccine alfredo with shrimps. Then I drove back to Los Angeles very satisfied. Halfway to LA, I realized I left my credit card at the restaurant. I called them and spoke to Fernando who confirmed to me they have my credit card. He said they will close at 9pm but someone will still be there if I make it before 9:30pm. I got back to the restaurant at 9:25 and true enough, Mykayla was there and handed my credit card back to me, though they are closed already. Thank you to Fernando and Mykayla for the great help to get me my card back. Thank you to the wonderful people who work here and the management who ensures the wonderful food, topnotch service and people who work here, like Fernando and Mykayla! I'm always going to dine here when I make my client rounds in Bakersfield and will surely make it a point to bring family and friends here when they are with me.

    I visited The Vault for the first time with some friends during happy hour. The restaurant wasn't…read moreoverly busy when we arrived, and I really liked the unique bank-themed décor. A bank vault door was part of the decor, wallpaper featured people standing in line at a bank, the menu was designed like a newsletter, and the glass panels displayed the names of various historic banks. It was a fun and creative concept. Unfortunately, the service was a major disappointment. A waiter took our order promptly, but it took a very long time for our food to arrive. We could actually see our food sitting on the counter, yet no one brought it to our table. At some point, our original server ended his shift without letting us know, and we were left wondering what was happening with our order. After we flagged down another employee, someone else stepped in to help, but service remained extremely slow. We eventually had a third server bring our bill. To make matters worse, not all of our items were included on the check, so we had to point that out and wait for a corrected bill. I ordered the flatbread with mushrooms, bell peppers, and onions, and it was good. However, the poor service overshadowed the meal. Some of our group finished eating while others were still waiting for their food and drinks, which made for a frustrating dining experience. I'm not sure I'd go back any time soon. Maybe they need more time to work out the kinks and work on better service.

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

    See all

    Water refill
    Mas Bella Restaurant & Lounge

    Mas Bella Restaurant & Lounge

    4.3
    (182 reviews)
    1.9 mi
    $$

    Top quality authentic Mexican food with great service and atmosphere! Please give it a try if…read moreyou're in town

    A Delicious Stop After the Farmer's Market!…read more Stopped by Mas Bella after the farmer's market and had such a great meal! We started with three drinks: the Tullum Bloom, Strawberry Margarita, and Strawberry Lemon Drop. All three were delightfully fruity and refreshing, making it hard to pick a favorite! For food, we ordered the birria bao buns, shrimp bao bun, chile relleno, crispy beef taco with refried beans and rice, and camarones with refried beans and soft tortillas. The birria bao bun was my absolute favorite! The mini bao is packed with flavorful birria, and I absolutely loved the consommé they serve alongside it for dipping. It's such a fun combination, and that consommé takes the bao to another level. I also really enjoyed that they make their salsas in-house. They served both a verde and a roasted red salsa with the buns, and both were delicious. The chile relleno was another standout. That melted, cheesy goodness inside was everything you want from a chile relleno! The crispy beef taco was an unexpected winner. It was served with what seemed to be the same delicious birria-style beef, so it was instantly a favorite. The crispy shell paired perfectly with the tender, flavorful meat. The camarones with soft tortillas were also really good. The shrimp were well seasoned, and the soft tortillas made them perfect for building little tacos.

    Photos
    Interior decor
    Interior decor
    Bao bun tacos
    Bao bun tacos
    Interior

    See all

    Interior
    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

    See all

    Headquarters Bar & Eatery

    Headquarters Bar & Eatery

    4.0
    (106 reviews)
    3.3 mi
    $$

    First tome here & definitely NOT the last! Headquarters Bar and Eatery was seriously impressive!…read moreThe prices were super reasonable, but it was the ultimate combo of food, drinks & ambience that really blew me away. The ambiance was awesome--big screen TVs everywhere, a spacious open layout, and a fun vibe that makes it perfect for any event or casual hangout. The staff was incredibly friendly and attentive and I kept seeing the chefs checking on the food ensuring the guest were pleased. Right away I knew chefs take real pride in the way they make and plate the food. They've got a great variety on the menu, but I went with the fish tacos and sweet potato fries, both were tasty and full of flavor! I was so impressed by the way they plated the fish tacos not only were the fish tacos loaded with all the goodies, but on the side, they had included delicious rice with lots and butter and lime, as well as pickles purple onion. For drinks, we tried the bartender's special, a rum cocktail that was seriously a party in glass SO good! My mom had the classic Moscow Mule that was crisp and refreshing honestly, you can never go wrong with a Moscow Mule All around, a fantastic experience. I'll definitely be back soon!

    Came back here to try a few more things out. So far everything here has been great and the service…read morehas also been amazing each time. This time around I did the steak and noodles dinner which was really good. The portion size was more than you would think and definitely worth every penny. This place has a great atmosphere and great service.

    Photos
    Headquarters Bar & Eatery
    Headquarters Bar & Eatery
    Headquarters Bar & Eatery

    See all

    Cafe Smitten - breakfast_brunch - Updated August 2026

    Loading...
    Loading...
    Loading...