This was my first time back to Riley's in over 12 years. It has the same vibe. Some things never change, except maybe the drinks pricing. read more

Riley's Tavern - Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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My best friend wanted to dance, so we walked around the corner from Alley Cat. There was a door right across the door from Alley Cat, but the bouncer said something about them not letting people in through that door after a certain time or something. We were charged $5 just to enter Rileys, unsure if that's just how it is every night. The dance floor was a good size, and some guys started rapping with the music. It sure did get the crowd hyped, but it didn't get people dancing, I noticed. I didn't get anything to drink at Rileys, so I can't comment on the drinks. Rileys was a younger crowd, and it didn't strike me as a mellow place. I don't see us returning to just have a drink and chill, especially if there's a cover charge. read more

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They've got zero control of their own security. One of them sucker punched my friend and started to harass his girlfriend this last weekend. Drinks are good, and it's a shame that the bartenders are so nice but their security is just people on a power trip, would not recommend at all. read more

Me and my wife went to Riley's on a Thursday night as recommend because we were from out of town. We showed up at about 5pm on Thursday. Jake the bar tender was incredibly welcoming and served us drinks while we played pool. But once the band started playing the OWNER rejected our ability to play pool even though we had already spent a couple hundred dollars at the bar. He walked up to me while I was trying to take a shot and grabbed the pool que out of my hand and said me and my wife were done. read more

During my rendezvous in Bakersfield, I decided to see where the happening nightlife would be. I was directed to Downtown Bakersfield which is a section filled with restaurants and cool little bars. This one place in particular caught my eye. Riley's Tavern is a hole in the wall divey joint that I just happened to come across during one cold evening. I came on a Thursday night and I walked right into karaoke night! Nice! There is no cover charge and drinks are cheaply priced. I'm strictly a beer drinker so I know that will run for cheap! For a Boddington's Pub Ale and a Sex on the Beach(which they made with such sweet perfection by the way) it ran me for about $10. Not bad considering anywhere else I would have paid twice that! They do have a dj spinning Top 40 hits, hip hop, etc. They also do have a big area on the side that should have a fully stocked bar. Instead they have a few tables with seats along with two billiards tables. This is a happening place to be in the late evening if you are nearby the area. The bartenders were very friendly and service was prompt. If I am ever in the area again, I would definitely drop by again for some swill! Vibrant ambience all around and a great place to be. Just be careful to not drink too much and then drive afterwards. Bakersfield PD drive around very rampantly! read more

Riley's Tavern - Boddington's Pub Ale with a Sex on the Beach - Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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So I've been to Riley's a few times. The last time was December 2017 and I will never return. Friends and I were dancing, I bumped into a stranger, he turned toward me and made a verbal assault, after which he punched me in the face. It sounds ridiculous, but it happened. My friends and I went to security to report it, and the assailant followed us. Security told us to go back inside. The assailant was back within minutes. We left, and later I tried calling the bar multiple times. Finally, I stopped by to speak with a manager, only there wasn't one. I left my name and phone number. Nothing happened. I assume this was an isolated incident, but I have never before in my life been assaulted, and considering that the management at Riley's seemed to have absolutely zero concern, I am posting this review. Just know that if something happens you won't have a lot of assistance. read more

If you like fun and astronauts this isn't the place for you because they have no astronauts. They do however have hot bartenders like Shaina. Mmmm. MMMMM. MmMmmmmmMmMMMMMMMMmmmm. Also they have karate nights to assist you in mastering skills in the art of Kung Fu, how can you beat that?! They also give you the opportunity to pre-order alcohol since they have none. In addition, every 150 shots you take, they donate $1 to the animal shelter. This bar is a must- experience!!! read more

My fiance and I came here on a weeknight, hoping it would be less busy than it is on weekends, and it definitely was less busy. The place was somewhat dirty and uninviting from the outside, but overall it was great inside. The drink prices were fair, and the music was good, plus they had some events going on for Taco Tuesday, so that was pretty neat. Although I am not much for the club scene type, I enjoyed my visit and I know my fiance did too! I would definitely recommend! read more

Riley's got a face-lift! Yes, it's still a dive bar, but now with a little flair. New owners have made this downtown establishment much better than previous experiences. Walls are freshly painted and there's plenty of seating and tables in the side room. The bar remains on the small side with the bartenders a bit overworked. But they're still friendly and offer up some great service, when you can get it. Two pool tables and shuffle board add to the fun, but are crowded and impossible to use on busy nights. Only two bathroom stalls for the ladies, but they were fairly clean and well stocked. Parking downtown can be tricky. The new structure offers DT-goers some safe parking, but after 2 hours you do have to pay. Hopefully, more downtown establishments will start cleaning up their act too! read more

Jake and Mario and tommy are the best bartenders in all of down town. Rileys is a place you wanna be friday saturday an sunday!!

I've been coming to Riley's since May for my 21st birthday and I love it. No entrance fee & affordable drinks. There's always a different varieties of music genres during the week, and it's always a good time. read more

Always a fun time here! The bartenders were all friendly and the drinks were strong, but tasty! The music scene is pretty cool too! Always something different and plenty of opportunities to dance. It's definitely worth checking out on your weekend nights downtown! read more

Do not go here for karaoke. The DJ is no good. Have given him many tries.I would give him zero stars if I could.

Cool enough spot. Plenty of seating and games (foosball and pool) are available. The music is pretty solid if you like the 90s. The drinks are cheap but the pours are super inconsistent. Sometimes you get 5, Sometimes you get 2. All in all its a cool joint I just happen to be on the receiving end of a 2 second pour. That's basically stealing. read more

The only reason I'm giving any stars is because I don't have a choice. That being said, I got jumped after a guy sucker punched me, I defended myself and still security did nothing, the guy then got his chick friends to come jump me and when I defended myself people came over attacking me instead of the girl and guy who attacked in the first place. Security was nowhere to be found. Fucking horrible. I got jumped twice in one night all because some guy couldn't handle that I defend myself. And never once did security step in. Whatever, I didn't leave with the scars. read more

Good selection of Draft Beers, lately its gotten super crowded on the weekends thats its hard to get drinks but overall still a cool bar.

I don't come nearly as often as I want to but every time I do it's always fun and enjoyable. The tenders are friendly and the atmosphere is good. Karaoke is always fun if it's your thing but then again I'm only there to drink and have a good time unwinding :) read more

It's always a great place to let lose and have fun! So many people to meet and everyone has a smile

Although I spent many a weekend nights at this Riley's a few years back - it won by default. The drinks are OK, the music is old, and service is not that great, but worst of all it still smells like vomit right when you walk in. Try not to go unless you have to. read more

One rad dive bar. Probably one of the only cool things in Bakersfield. Haha. Interesting mix of people and by that I mean I was judging everyone as I sipped my Vodka Tonics. The bartenders are friendly and quick. Shaina in particular is the best. She was making the best shots for me and my friends and was funny as hell. And probably the most important tidbit of info is that they have a Galaga game by the pool tables. I actually doubled by high score drunk off my ass. Good times. (Beyonce hair flip) read more

With the new owners came great changes. The urine smell, gone! The crowd, much better. They've got some great bartenders and great prices. It's an establishment worth checking out now. read more

I love Riley's it's fun and the bartender Thomas is so amazing and by the way I think he's so dreamy!

So don't go to Riley's looking for nice decor and great service. Go to Riley's for strong drinks and to get f-ed up and do crazy 'ish. There is a bar in the back where there is usually fewer people than the rest of the place. Here there is often 2 female and one male bartender who pour strong and charge cheap. I reccommend that you get some of the limited bar real estate that way you can meet every one that comes to get a drink. Have a good attitude and be open and willing to have a good time with every type of person and you will have a good time here. read more

This is a great local bar. Awesome bartenders (Shaina is sweet) and even the bouncers are cool. I've yet to smell a single popcorn fart in this establishment. Did I mention Shaina is awesome? read more

Great bar to just grab a beer or drink and chill with the bartenders. Weekends can get busy. It's got a crazy strict front door guy, but just make sure you have your fake or real Id ready. Free food sometimes during the week. Overall, great place!!!!! read more

This is a great place to go when you want to listen to good music and have some great tasting drinks at crazy low prices. You can go in and shoot pool or watch games. They have karaoke on Tuesdays and that's always fun. The bartenders are really friendly and make awesome drinks. There are two dance floors and two bars which is great since you don't have to wait long for a drink. The dress code is casual so it's a great place to go when you don't feel like getting all dolled up. They're open everyday and even have happy hour specials during the week. It's always a good time at this place. read more

Colin, the bartender, was amazed balls. Great drinks and awesome personality. I cannot recommend a better place to relax and enjoy great service read more

An incredible bar. The bartenders are absolutely lovely. Shaina, Lou, Colin, Robert, and Ryan, are fantastic, sexy as hell, and equipped with witty humor. You'll find this bar to be a pure treat. Did I mention Shaina is hot as fuck ! read more

This place gets better and better every year! If im going out on the town you can bet im going to Rileys!

My friends and I go on Thursdays. Howie and Colin are hot as hell. The drinks are perfect. We always have a good time. We won't go anywhere else for girls night out. Susan Bakersfield, CA read more

If you are looking for a great place to have fun and listen to music Riley's is your place! The drinks are cheap but well crafted and the bartenders are the best. Seek out Shaina because she makes the best Cactus Cooler shots and is so sweet. Did I mention she's hot and has amazing taste in music? The songs she plays set the mood for an amazing night of fun! Shaina is the best!! read more

This place is by far one of the best bars in town, largely due to the awesome bartenders. Jake is the best; he's got great taste in music; he keeps your beer cold while you go to the bathroom; he makes a mean beer float (where else have you tried a beer float?) and a mean everything really. He'll lift your spirits, and he's fun to look at. I honestly don't know why you would find yourself anywhere but Riley's on the weekend. read more

Awesome time. Great bartenders. It was nice to see a crew of men than the usual women bartenders. Drinks were great and strong. No watered down drink. I have a usual bar I go to and it takes me 5 drinks to this bars 2!! Same price too. $6 for a midori sour in a bug girl cup.is not bad. I know some places charge u $6 for a shot. I will be back. Great dj great music. Love the music videos on the big screen read more

I went downtown for my bachlorette party and stayed at Rileys all night. It had the biggest dance floor and best music downtown. They bartenders gave us drink specials since I was celebrating there. The bartenders made my night extra special! read more

New owners and better set up than previous visit. Impressed with improvements and drink prices reasonable

ok priced beer looking for a bar with ac and good mix of music this place is ok by me but then again it was a slow night so im unsure of the crowd read more