I met a friend here for dinner and drinks. I've never been before and I found out It's under new management. I was surprised when I walked in because I thought the place was much bigger. It is a long and narrow establishment with a trendy vibe. Decorated with wine barrels and bottles which give it an industrial feel. We were greeted by a server immediately upon entering but he wasn't very friendly. I placed an order for a Tito's press for my first round and the hubs ordered a Tito's and tonic. For our next round I ordered a Tito's and tonic and was given another vodka press. After scanning the QR code and checking out the menu, we decided on the shrimp ceviche as an appetizer with the shrimp tacos and a chicken taco salad. The menu is soooo small! I came in with an appetite and there wasn't much to choose from. The hubs said the ceviche was too salty but the shrimp tacos were good. I thought the taco salad was delicious and I finished it all. My friend ordered the garlic shrimp and also said they were salty and at $24.99 for just 6 shrimp, she would not order them again. The weirdest part was there was a big labradoodle inside the restaurant! I thought it crazy at first since there is a patio that is just fine for dogs. Look, I'm a dog lover, but inside of a restaurant is crazy to me! What if people are allergic? What if the dog jumps on the table? This dog was roaming all over the place...it was under our table looking for scraps and I even seen it sniffing a patrons legs at one of the high top tables. Anyway, this place is decorated super cute, the food was okay and the dog seems to be one of the owners so it seems it's going to be there indefinitely. I don't think I'll be going back but you should give it a try. read more

See all

I'm always looking for a good whiskey bar and Cask Strength fit the bill. All of the folks behind the bar were friendly and fun to have conversations with. My bartender, Alec, made a great Old Fashioned. I only came in for a couple drinks before a show downtown, but I was recommended their Chili Relleno. And thank goodness I was. It was delicious. They were kind enough to turn on the Dodger game when I asked and I ended up spending well over an hour watching my team secure a win before heading out. The location is awesome and pretty much anything you'd like to do downtown is walkable distance to and from the bar. The bar has changed ownership recently. But with drinks this good, yummy food, and stellar service, Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen has a bright future in Bakersfield! read more

See all

If you're a whiskey lover, go here! Their old fashioned are amazing! Great ambiance and staff. Very knowledgeable on their whiskeys. Food is great too. Their wings are so flavorful as they use the syrup from the luxardo cherries. Fries and great! read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Try it!!! No matter what you ask for, you will be satisfied... if not they will make it satisfactory!!! The Batter for their Waffles is the best and the Chicken Fried Steak is AWESOME !!! read more

Service good if they are not packed ( After a bad experience at another wisky spot, I had to leave a review that was long over due!!!) Drinks- old fashions are always delicious. Food - been here over a dozen times and the food is always delicious. Always high quality ingredients with a reasonable price tag. Kudos to the owner and cook of this place. I hope more people can try your burbon burger! Delicious and full of that juicy good beef flavor! Good Ingredients = Good Food I can't Express how much I appreciate an owner that cares about the quality of food, quality of service, and offered at a reasonable rate. read more

I'm new to Bakersfield and have been to this bar about 3 times now. All times have been pretty awesome. The place and atmosphere is diff from the rest of the town to say the least lol. The bartenders are actually friendly and helpful. The drinks were really good.. I've had an espresso martini, old fashioned, a whisky smash and all were deliciously made. It's a gem for sure! read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Bar - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

This was our first time coming to Cask Strength. The food, atmosphere, and service was all wonderful. We will definitely be back. read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Some Beach cocktail. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

We came in for dinner on a Friday before a show nearby. We didn't end up having drinks because they don't have Scotch. My husband's sandwich was actually sliders, which is not what the menu said. My chicken-parm sliders were decent, but I wasn't impressed. The fries and ranch were both yummy. It's really loud in there. It's what I expect from a bar more than a restaurant, except for the children running around. read more

Quick Summary Drinks were good but inconsistent. Food was above average. But their major need for improvement is the way (I get being short-staffed during the pandemic, but they could get another body from their Zama staff next door). Food- 4 stars We ordered the lamb chops, maple burger and cobb salad. The lamb chops were juicy and had good flavor. Maple burger was pretty good and the fries were double-fried, so that's always a treat. My girlfriend wasn't a big fan of the cobb salad, so would avoid healthy options here Drinks- 4 stars I enjoyed my Cask whiskey sour and old fashioned, but one of my friends at the table received a whiskey sour that was missing the lime juice. That was the only flaw regarding drinks Service- 3 stars The servers were really nice but they were understaffed. It took about 45 minutes to get our food and drinks were delayed. Bottom Line Food was pretty good but avoid the healthy options. If you're willing to wait about 30-45 minutes to get food here, the food and drinks are somewhat worth the wait. read more

See all

We came at 5 on Saturday. The Happy Hour menu is great. My husband had a burger and a couple of old fashioneds. I had the wedge salad. It was all delicious. read more

Well I have to give this place a pretty good three stars why you ask why I might give him three stars well it's a Saturday night coming from a hockey game we were hungry game is over around 9:45 10:00 Got there around 5:00 after 10:00 they don't close till 11:00 so we go in there and sit down they're not full You pretty empty waitress or bartender comes up to us after we sitting there for a while looking at the menu and says oh kitchen clothes at 10:00 we're like how the world in the kitchen close at 10:00 when you don't close to 11:00 so that was disheartening so that's why we got to give it a three maybe we'll go back during the day and check it out then I can give you guys pictures and a critique on the food other than that I got to give him a three because your kitchen shouldn't close at 10:00 when you don't close till 11:00 Plus if it closes at You should put it on your website that your kitchen closes at 10:00 but we'll give him another chance in a few weeks and I'll update the score read more

Second time here and the food was good, but service was like normal bar service. So if you're expecting that they you'll be good. We got the fried mushrooms appetizer cause we were pretty hungry. But 40 mins later, they arrived at the same time as our main course. The fried mushrooms were very crispy and good. The servers just got the timing all wrong. Both times I've been here, I've gotten the New York steak. It's solid, but nothing to write home about. read more

Pros: Quaint little spot with pretty cool atmosphere, exceptional service, and a massive selection of drinks to choose from. The Crop Lemon Drop was refreshing and my husband ordered the 58 Empty Bar Stools and then the Buffalo Trace Double Barrel Old Fashion. He said both were really good but the Double Barrel was his favorite between the two. The Bourbon Maple Bacon Burger IS A MUST (according to my husband) and the French fries are cooked to perfection. Location is just right for dinner before a concert at the Fox. Kudos to the young lady who had only been employed for one week that waited on us. Wish we could remember her name. She was great! Cons: They don't take reservations, but seating during a weeknight at about 6p wasn't a problem. Menu in Q Code app on table may not be up to date with paper menu. Make sure you check with your server if there's something you don't see on the menu but are wanting to order. Fried Raviolis are just ok, as were the Chicken Marinara Sliders. Smell of stagnant cigarette smoke seeps into the restaurant from somewhere nearby. As non-smokers, it was rather nasty catching whiffs of it every so often while we ate our meals. Otherwise a good experience overall. We will definitely go again another night to try other options. read more

See all

Did not try any food however the drinks were great! First time trying Whiskey and the bartender definitely did a great job at giving me plenty of recommendations. Their old fashioned definitely was great will be coming back soon and beautiful interior design. read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Interior bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

An absolutely beautiful whiskey bar. The selection is legit insane. I don't drink whiskey often but I do appreciate some gin and their selection is also pretty stellar. Its a great addition to downtown Bakersfield. There's no where in town like it! Service is always on point. The bartenders are so friendly and knowledgeable. Jackie is my fav ever. She's honestly one of the best bartenders in town and I love to hear about all her knowledge about whiskey. The manager is super sweet and always sparks up friendly conversation. It's also super refreshing to the see the owner so involved and also working hard like his staff. I got the maple bacon burger and it was cooked to a perfect medium. It's a very large patty piled high with toppings. A pretty solid burger. Definitely give this local spot a try if you love craft cocktails and yummy bites. read more

See all

Decided to try out Cask Strength Bar & Kitchen because it is close to the Bakersfield Convention center and I had tickets to the symphony. The location is great and centrally located to many other downtown venues. The inside, however, is pretty small. It is well put which made me believe this was more upscale than it actually is. The staff were friendly, however, they seemed a bit annoyed when one of my party guests was requesting a physical menu. The informed us they only do the QR code menus. We opted to share appetizers, and one that stood out was the chile verde mac & cheese. It delicious! This dish can easily be shared between 2-3 people. We also ordered a grilled chicken club sandwich, it was basic. The drinks were prepared quickly yet delicately. This is a whiskey-forward bar and the old fashioneds were on point. We arrived at 5pm opening and it became quite loud and bit rowdy toward the 7pm hour (Saturday). I would not necessarily recommend this for a first date. I will consider returning here if I can't find another place nearby. read more

Love it here! Great service and great drinks i got the lemon drop and my boyfriend had the Moscow mule! Such a great atmosphere the service is great read more

See all

First time there and had the best experience. Ordered the bourbon bbq tri-tip and it came out within 6 minutes of ordering ! It was so tasty and it was a good amount to share with other people if wanted. Will be returning to try the truffle fries ! read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Good food, great whiskey and good service. A special spot. I'll be back and bring friends!

What a fun experience we had here , the bartender was incredible and took the time to show us his tequila selection and explained the differences . He made excellent cocktails too my husband was happy and can't wait to go back . read more

See all

What a pleasant surprise to find a first rate cocktail bar not only with great service, but a delicious menu too. After touring wildflower fields out of Arvin, we booked a room at the historic Padre Inn just around the corner, and perused Yelp for cocktails and dinner nearby. We enjoyed a sunset cocktail on their patio, and then moved inside into the lively bar scene for more cocktails and dinner. It is not just a whiskey bar. I had a moscow mule and a Grand Marnier while my husband had their signature sazerac cocktails. My salmon was perfectly grilled and my husband's shrimp scampi was bountiful and tasty. Their garlic bread is a nice addition to any meal since you get to pick two sides, my favorite kind of menu touch. Very popular with the locals. read more

See all

We started off with the fredy's root beer and peach whiskey lemonade. My favorite out of the 2 was the peach lemonade but both were great. I ordered the chicken chardonnay with Brussel sprouts and mashed potatoes. The chicken was one small breast with some sweet Brussel sprouts. I wasn't impressed with the mashed potatoes. My fiance ordered the maple bacon burger with fries and he loved it. I wish I ordered the burger and fries. read more

See all

We came in about 4:45pm right as they opened and got seated. Staff was very friendly but seemed a little rushed and nervous. We placed our order and the food took about 35 minutes to be served. We looked around and no table had any food not sure what was going on in the kitchen and what the hold up was but the front waiter and waitress was trying to keep all calm. The food was ok not great. We didn't order any alcohol so I can't comment on that part. Service ok Food ok Decor ok read more

Oh my... I walked in not knowing what I was about to experience. The bartenders were welcoming and had great suggestions on what to order for our first time. We started off with a couple nice pours of whiskey, served in beautiful glasses. Then we ordered the Southwestern Empanadas which you could tell were made in house. The green salsa they served with it was fresh and delicious. THEN! The show stoppers. We ordered the Filet with Brussel Sprouts and a Baked Potato and the Lamp Chops with Green Beans Almandine and Mashed Potatoes. Everything was cooked perfectly and not only looked amazing, but tasted phenomenal. Don't get me started on the slice of garlic bread that came with our meal... Thank you to the awesome crew that made our day with a beautiful new restaurant and bar. We will be back read more

See all

We were staying in Bakersfield (first time) and ran across Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen. Their selection of great whiskey drinks was impressive! The bar is filled with most any American whiskey you can think of. From Jack Daniel's to PigWhistle they have it. I tried the Buffalo Trace Mule ($8) and a Sazarac ($8). Both really good. If whiskeys don't do it for you (like my wife), they offer many other cocktails. She enjoyed the Harlen's Mule ( Wheatley Vodka) $8, and a Grande Marnier neat after dinner. And dinner was great as well. Each entree comes with a choice of two sides. I had the shrimp scampi ($20) with a side of grilled asparagus and garlic bread. The scampi was served on a bed of spaghetti. Lots of garlic and butter, and the capers gave it that special lift. My wife's grilled salmon ($23) with baked potato hit the spot for her. My wife has food allergies, and Gary our server took special care to make sure her order didn't conflict with her allergies. The staff was friendly and helpful. The food was great and the drinks wonderful. read more

See all

This is our first time here. Being a fan of whiskeys and bourbons, when we heard of it's opening, we made the trip down from Delano to try it out. I tried Basil Hayden's 10 Year Rye and the Dark Rye...both were delicious but I did prefer the Dark Rye. My wife had the filet mignon and I had the lamb chops. Both meals were fantastic, great presentation and cooked perfectly. read more

See all

Walked in was not busy got sat right away. The server was friendly. The food was really flavorful and the drinks were deliciously strong. The green beans were my favorite! The Alfredo pasta was perfect! It's not greasy or feel heavy. The food is great! I saw they also have many different whiskey clubs! read more

See all

If you're looking for a top-notch cocktail bar in Bakersfield, look no further than Cask Strength Bar. From the moment you step inside, you'll be greeted by friendly and knowledgeable bartenders who are passionate about their craft. The atmosphere is intimate, perfect for a night out with friends to grab some great drinks. The drinks at Cask Strength Bar are great. The bartenders use high quality ingredients and take pride in their attention to detail. Whether you prefer a classic cocktail or something more adventurous, there's something for everyone on the menu. The bar also has an extensive selection of whiskey and tequila, so you're sure to find something to your liking. But what really sets Cask Strength Bar apart is the service. The bartenders are always willing to make recommendations and help you find the perfect drink. They're happy to chat about the history of a particular cocktail or spirit, or just shoot the breeze about whatever's on your mind. You'll feel like a regular after just one visit. Stayed into closing hours during my visit and had a great time chopping it up with the team & enjoying some music. DROP IT LIKE IT'S HOT! Overall, I highly recommend Cask Strength Bar to anyone looking for an exceptional cocktail bar in Bakersfield. Great drinks, friendly service, and an intimate atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience. read more

If you are looking for great food, service and a fun vibe... GO HERE!!!! Thanks to the other yelp reviews we decided to try Cask, and it definitely did not disappoint! There was a group of 8 people and when I called to make reservations, they said they do not take them and it was walking in only. We were kind of nervous that we wouldn't get a table but thankfully they accommodated our crew and we pretty much just ordered every appetizer on the menu and shared everything. Everything was so good and we ate it so fast that I wasn't even able to get pictures of it all. If you are an espresso martini person, this is one of the best I've ever had! We also tried the gin sour, gin gimlet, and four different versions of old fashions. I can't recommend Cash enough! read more

See all

We went walking and just happened to walk into this spot to cool off with a cold drink. It is such a great spot for date night or a quick meetup. I got a gin cucumber drink which was refreshing and the bf got a local draft. Great service and ambiance. They had country playing on the speakers ;) the bar is beautiful with all the cask barrels incorporated into the decor. We stopped by on a Tuesday afternoon. Service was great too. She kept checking on us. read more

Whiskey sliders were super sweet, and the chips n salsa/bean deep was so spicy our table couldn't eat it. The mojos were the best thing our table ordered. Service for a Friday night was a bit slow and they were not busy enough to not have a lil bit better service. Friendly though! read more

Bad service. Sat on a table and waitress gave us water with in the first 5 minutes. Waited at least 15 minutes and server never made it back. Me and my party just got up and left. You would think for a Saturday need to be prepared. Maybe there under staffed? read more

I love this place more and more each time I come. I've been here 6x since it opened and I've seen the servers and bartenders bust their tails off and NEVER compromise service. Savanna is amazing and will never drop her smile. Tonight I discovered the waiters and employees hustling were the owners! Humbled, hard working with pride of ownership. I wish them nothing but success and I'm proud to promote local. The empanadas are a must and steak bites are amazing!The peach lemonade is a fave! read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Business is amazing a hidden gem in Bakersfield for all whiskey and burbon lovers if you aren't feeling like whiskey or burbon they also have a variety of tequilas some vodkas etc. I recommend the cherry wings, the chile verde Mac and cheese, Brussels sprouts, pretty much everything here. Just know a place this popular does get busy but still leave me satisfied read more

Literally a whiskey lovers dream! Troy was in heaven! We had a lot of fun! Great food too!! Bourbon steak bites were amazing! Great stop on the drive to vegas! read more

See all

This was my first time here so I rolled thru to see what the hype was about and honestly it was pretty tasty. I loved the service and the vibe was pretty good and a little classy! Prices were overpriced for the portions I received and according to surrounding tables I saw every type of dish was portion sized lol. So it seems like you are paying more for the experience than to get full unless you're a small eater. I'm a grown man and I need to eat lol so I probably won't be back for dinner unless it's for a dessert or drinks, and honestly the cheesecake is highly recommended read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Chicken flautas - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My husband and I wanted to visit a new place. We chose to visit Cask Strength. Its in downtown and so we arrived soon after opening around 4:45. We were greeted when we entered and were told to sit anywhere we liked. We chose a seat for us two, they brought us waterand we were instructed the menu was downloaded by using our phone. We chose and asian dish and fettuccine and a single pour of Jason Aldine to try why was amazingly smooth served over a big cube of ice in our glass. The food came out in a good time frame, the asian dish had good flavor and the fettuccine was just bland and disappointing. We had asked for a little pinapple juice to add to our beverage, but our server never brought it. Everyone was very kind and its not big at all. There is a small patio up front, and on the side but its plain and lacks design which is disappointingas well. Prices are high for the portion you recieve. Great for drinks and maybe an appetizer. Well this place is neat try it and make your determination. Id probably return but not for dinner. read more

See all

Bar is nice and inviting! Bartender and Staff are available and helpful. Did not care for the appetizer we ordered- steak bites. Overly saucy and served in a small bowl read more

Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen - Tri tip bites - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Unreal Whiskey collection!!! One of the best selections I have ever seen from all the bars/restaurants I've been to across the country. Service has always been friendly. BAKERSFIELD is lucky to have this. read more

This perfect little corner in DT Bakersfield has had a multitude of personalities. Before Cask, it was The Mark, before that maybe Kosmos or was it Goose Loonies? Whatever it was, it's had some facelifts, name changes, and yada yada over the years. In its day, The Mark did some magnificent aesthetic overhauls. Adding patio spaces, private lofts, and tons more. I'm not entirely sure what happened with The Mark, but restaurants being restaurants Cask Strength Bar & Kitchen was born! We were invited in late January one bday afternoon by some friends. Now let me tell you, this is a whiskey, bourbon, sazerac bar. If you like your bourbon and bitters, this is the bar for you. Me on the other hand, I was an absolute nuisance. You see, I'm a martini girl. Vermouth, gin or vodka and all the salt and high blood pressure you can muster - that's my cocktail of choice. When we tried to order an espresso martini, we were met with some hefty Rock-like eyebrows. Speaking only basic bartender, even I knew that meant "WTF girl, don't you see I'm the only bartender back here? Please for the love of God order something else...." And we did, for fear we end up Rock Bottom. In the end, our drinks were good and bartenders more than capable, if not slightly understaffed. Knowing what I know now, I will order appropriately. read more