Cancel

    Open app

    Search

    The Bistro

    3.8 (87 reviews)
    Closed 6:30 am - 10:00 AM, 5:00 pm - 10:00 PM

    Order The Bistro Takeout or Delivery

    The Bistro Photos

    THE BISTRO ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Good for groups
    Happy hour specials

    You might also consider

    Recommended Reviews - The Bistro

    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

    Quesadilla!
    Courtney C.

    I recently visited The Bistro for the first time last week, and I will definitely be back on a regular basis! I have always wondered what is was like inside and what type of food they served. When I first walked in, I felt like I wasn't in Bakersfield. The atmosphere was different than anywhere else in town. As I walked through the restaurant to my table, I was pleasantly surprised by their layout, lighting, and many decorative items. When I was seated, the waitress immediately got us set up with water and menus. We ordered two appetizers, and they were brought out to us in a timely matter. We got the spinach artichoke dip and the quesadillas without the steak. I am vegetarian so I am always looking for new spots to eat, and let me tell you, their quesadillas were BOMB. They used a hot BBQ sauce on top of the crispiest tortilla with a delicious cheese blend. I was worried it sounded weird at first, but holy moly--it was delicious! I have never seen a twist on quesadillas like this before. The homemade potato chips served with the artichoke dip were amazing too. We ordered dinner, and the whole time the waitresses kept our water glasses full and checked on us frequently. While we waited for our meal, I walked through the back of the restaurant to go the the bathroom. There are so many cool nooks with cute booths tucked throughout the restaurant. Next time I would like to try some of those spots out because they seemed like the perfect date night spot or even the perfect place to discuss business. You can actually hear your partner and it feels secluded and private--a rare thing in Bakersfield where in most restaurants you feel like you are on display! And ladies, the bathroom is perfect. You first walk into an area with mirrors all around. I could check the back of my hair, side views of my outfit and fix my lipstick. I hate going places where I can't get a good mirror to refresh, but these were more than I was expecting. Our dinner came out and was tasty. We ordered Mac and cheese without meat and the patty melt without meat. The caramelized onions were delicious on the non-patty melt and the Mac and cheese was more of a white sauce and had an unique savory flavor. The waitresses packed up my leftovers for me, which was nice. Will definitely be back!

    Filet Mignon, Mashed Potatoes, and Steamed Vegetables.
    Angelina C.

    The Bistro is a little gem tucked away in what could be considered the business district of Bakersfield, CA. This unique place is mainly known for being adjoined to The Four Points Sheraton and for being one of the few "Fine Dining" restaurants in our locale. The Bistro offers daily specials, as well as regular menu options which include Filet Mignon, Salmon, and even crab cakes as an appetizer. One of the best things about this place doesn't come on a dish or in a glass.. The bartender Sunny, has one of those "kind in the eyes" smiles, which will absolutely melt your heart. His drinks are poured with an air of dignity lacking in many new age mixologists, and he leaves you feeling like a regular, even on your first visit. Back to the food, I ordered the Filet Mignon, and I absolutely love that it was seasoned... but slightly disappointed in the fact that mine was overdone (Could have been due to resting, as I was in a party of 25+) but I did enjoy the vegetables. I am one that loves a crisp snap in mine and found them to be steamed to perfection. Although the portions are ample, you may want to leave room for dessert. Typical staples, like "Chocolate Lava Cake" and "Warm Apple Tartlet" will not disappoint. One of the other main attractions of this restaurant is the décor and soft background lighting that provide a perfect ambience for an enjoyable meal. It is this atmosphere that has helped make The Bistro not just a lunchtime hit, but also a hot spot for couples in the evening. The restaurant has a number of comfortable booths that offer privacy for a more romantic dinner as well as several tables for parties of all sizes. Accommodation seems to be the key here. All in all, The Bistro is a fantastic place to enjoy an after-work cocktail, where your meal will be both healthy and hearty. The staff always greets you with a smile and are helpful when describing the dishes on the menu. You can expect the special treatment every time, but you never have to expect to pay too much. The Bistro gets an "A" in every category and a "big thumbs up" for the delicious food. Drinks: White Wine, & Pineapple Juice Appetizers: Chicken Wings, Bleu Cheese Chips & (Ordered The Hummus but they were out.) Main Dish: Filet Mignon w/Mashed Potatoes, Steamed Veggies, and served with an herbed butter. (Ordered Medium Rare, but was served horribly overdone)

    Ribeye
    Jose C.

    We came here for dinner. And was surprised to see that it was pretty empty. I don't feel like many locals come here as it seems like it caters to guests from the Four Points. I ordered their ribeye which came with mashed potatoes and vegetables. I order my steaks medium rare, and usually don't ever get medium rare, but the Bistro did get it right. Unfortunately, all the food came out rather cold. The mashed potatoes were cold, and the steak was warm. It was very delicious and juicy, but it's gotta be hot! However, their service was phenomenal, our server was on point throughout the entire night, and had 2 other helpers to assist him. There's plenty of steakhouses in town that I'll probably re visit before I come back here.

    NaTesha J.

    This place is fantastic! Call and Sandra my servers were amazing. Their wings were phenomenal. Looking forward to making this my after hour hot spot. Love The Bistro!!

    Pancakes were yummmmmm
    Connie C.

    Wow! I wasn't expecting the food here to be this good! I can only review the breakfast, but if lunch and dinner taste like breakfast then it'll be yummy! I ordered pancakes, bacon, eggs and everything was super delicious. The pancakes were fluffy and crispy on the edges, soooo good. The coffee was really good as well. The service was fast and friendly. I highly recommend this spot!

    Prime Rib $25
    Yonnie C.

    This was my first time dining at The Bistro, but my husband's 2nd time. I had a Groupon voucher for this place, so we decided to come here for dinner on Saturday evening. Plenty of seating on a weekend evening, there were only 2-3 tables of customers. Only 1 wait staff to serve all of us though, so it could get overwhelming. We ordered: (1) Prime rib (comes with steamed veggies & mashed potatoes) - mine was cooked medium, and a bit too chewy for my tastes. While the slab of meat was larger than that of Black Angus, it didn't taste as good. There was no au jus sauce either, just horseradish. I was a bit disappointed w/ the flavoring, but the portion size was definitely bang for your buck. It only cost $25 too. I think the prime rib at Hungry Hunter is still the best so far that I've tried in town. 3 star (2) Ribeye (comes w/ steamed veggies & mashed potatoes) - my husband ordered this entree. He asked for medium but got served medium rare; good flavoring; 3 star (3) French onion soup - this was a 5-star soup; my husband ordered this and loved it. he says this is the only item he would get again if he ever came to this restaurant! SO GOOD. I agree with him; did taste fabulous (4) House salad - this appetizer was too small; he expected the portion size of this salad to be larger since it costs $6. it was only enough for 1 person! a bit disappointing. We probably wouldn't have come here if it wasn't for the Groupon voucher I had in hand (and needed to use before it expired). Tip: You can earn points to your Starwood Preferred Guest by dining here, so be sure to ask for that if you're a Starwood points earner. :)

    Filet mignon

    This place is amazing The staff are incredible and the management team strive for perfection The food is excellent!! The atmosphere is classy elegant and very welcoming

    Filet Mignon, mashed potatoes, and mixed vegetables

    This place is in such a great location! I love that they have local beers on tap and great drinks! Their Parmesan Garlic wings were hands down the best thing on the menu I ordered the filet, which was average. The Mac and cheese had such good flavor. Going back, I would for sure order the wings and Mac and cheese again! Downside: menu had many typos but that's an easy fix!

    Ugh.

    See all

    Photo of Nick M.
    0
    76
    38

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    5 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 7
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    3 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of NaTesha J.
    730
    41
    71

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Keila N.
    4982
    2299
    11678

    8 years ago

    Helpful 8
    Thanks 0
    Love this 5
    Oh no 0
    Photo of TC L.
    5
    426
    73

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 29
    Thanks 0
    Love this 25
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Chris G.
    1233
    4
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    12 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Cat H.
    700
    1064
    105

    16 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Wendy B.
    1975
    2494
    10375

    15 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 2
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Janna L.
    416
    1862
    3820

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    11 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Rene W.
    17
    64
    12

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    6 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Jake C.
    7
    118
    47

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Ted R.
    1242
    952
    1359

    18 years ago

    Helpful 4
    Thanks 0
    Love this 3
    Oh no 1

    7 years ago

    After work gem. Please try the wings and cocktails. The staff is super great. Ask for "Sunny" best bartender in town.

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 1
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Douglas S.
    56
    108
    13

    9 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Marcia W.
    62
    144
    32

    6 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    14 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of Lou D.
    0
    10
    0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0
    Photo of B A.
    7
    46
    1

    12 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    9 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    7 years ago

    Helpful 0
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    15 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    13 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    10 years ago

    Helpful 2
    Thanks 0
    Love this 1
    Oh no 0

    8 years ago

    Helpful 1
    Thanks 0
    Love this 0
    Oh no 0

    Page 1 of 3

    Ask the Community - The Bistro

    You might also consider

    Verify this business for free

    People searched for New American 6,689 times last month within 15 miles of this business.

    Verify this business

    Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant

    Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant

    4.1
    (159 reviews)
    1.2 mi
    $$

    Stopped by Tommy's Pizza at Imbibe and it never disappoints! I love that you can call in your order…read morebefore arriving -- so convenient. Their Caesar dressing is hands down the best, with real anchovy flavor that makes it extra bold and authentic. I always order the Margherita pizza but swap in their spicy tomato sauce... absolutely delicious. Such a perfect pairing with Imbibe's pour-your-own wine spouts, and they make some of the best Old Fashioneds around. The Imbibe staff truly make the place feel like home. Great food, great drinks, great vibes!

    Probably one of the best selections in town. They have sommeliers and other experts to help you…read morealong the way, with making your selections. If you have a special selection, I believe they'll even make you an order. I've gotten probably every type of liquor in there and tried tons of new additions, which I love having in my selection at home. The workers are all very pleasant and greet you when you enter. They have music nights, tastings and a wood fire pizza oven, which I haven't been able to get to just yet. Love this place and will continue to give them business reasonably priced and aren't trying to make scam like some of these liquor stores around town. Definitely give this place a shot, especially because they're in the middle of town and the selection is the best. Have a great one and see you at the next spot.

    Photos
    Pepperoni mushroom sausage
    Pepperoni mushroom sausage
    The boys loved their cheese and margarita pizza
    The boys loved their cheese and margarita pizza
    Imbibe Wine & Spirits Merchant

    See all

    The Vault Restaurant

    The Vault Restaurant

    4.0
    (277 reviews)
    1.6 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
    Campo Bar & Bottle

    Campo Bar & Bottle

    5.0
    (46 reviews)
    2.4 mi

    This was only my second visit to Campo Wine Bar, and while it was my first wine tasting class…read morethere, it definitely won't be my last. Jeremy led an exceptional class focused on Portuguese wines, taking us on a journey through the country's diverse wine regions. Rather than simply tasting wines, he dove into the history, terroir, and winemaking techniques behind each pour. I especially enjoyed learning how wines are aged and preserved using stainless steel, oak, and even cement barrels. The discussion about cement barrels was completely new to me and ended up being one of the most fascinating parts of the evening. The class was held in Campo's side room, which was spacious and filled with beautiful natural light. It created a relaxed, intimate ambiance that was perfect for learning, asking questions, and enjoying the wines without feeling crowded. To accompany the tasting, we were served delicious canned tuna seasoned with paprika alongside locally made kettle chips from Moo Creamery, located just down the street. The pairing was simple but thoughtful, allowing the Portuguese wines to remain the star while showcasing another great local business. Jeremy has a gift for making wine approachable and engaging, whether you're a novice or a seasoned wine enthusiast. I left with a much deeper appreciation for Portuguese wines, plenty of new knowledge, and excitement to attend another class. If this first tasting is any indication, I'll definitely be back for many more.

    Best of the best. This beautiful place has so much to offer…read more They have a variety of wines on rotation and know exactly what to recommend and let you try if you want wine by the glass or bottle. They also have a few NA wines for the designated driver :) Their light bite menu is also excellent- I love the beans, but am excited to try their version of fish and chips (sardines and potato crisps). On friday and saturday evenings they ususally have a talented musician or two playing to set the mood, they have a few patio seats outside on cooler evenings in Bakersfield, and best of all, the staff are the sweetest and most fashionable women I know. If you go when the market is open, check it out, especially if you're putting together a gift basket for someone. They also have a wine club and all sorts of other things to participate in, so definitely follow them on instagram if you fall in love with this place like I did. Love you guys!

    Photos
    Light red and interior view from the back
    Light red and interior view from the back
    Beans and toast
    Beans and toast
    Food items for sale

    See all

    Food items for sale
    The Botanist

    The Botanist

    4.4
    (450 reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    What can I say? Soooo glad we stopped here at The Botanist for lunch today on our way to Paso…read moreRobles. My husband commented that it made him want to move to Bakersfield which made our server Emily laugh. Limited parking in back and some street parking. We walked in without a reservation at 11:15 on a Friday and were the first customers of the day. Great decor, dim lighting, vintage looking furniture which does not sacrifice comfort for artistry. Our cocktails and meals were spectacular: Botanist Fashioned: 5/5-the brown sugar cinnamon syrup added a spicy bite to each sip which was unexpected and fun. Watermelon Sugar High:4/5-refreshing with watermelon juice freshly made in house and an ice cube with mint frozen in it. Seared cauliflower: 4/5-great appetizer for 2. The crispy chicken sandwich and the Botanist smash burger:5/5-Both had super flavorful pickles and toasted buns which always add a lovely crunch to each bite. If you're ever in Bakersfield and are at least 21, this place is well worth it! We'll hopefully be back someday. Highly recommend!

    I honestly was just looking for some take-out but I had such a good time at the botanist!…read more I love a good moody interior so I sat at the bar and the lovely bartenders were so sweet! I ended up getting a burger, fries, and a mocktail! The food was amazing but, from a student's perspective, I will say it wasn't a cheap eat. I really enjoyed the experience though so I didn't mind the little splurge! :) Would definitely come back here with friend for the apps and drinks!

    Photos
    Old timey decor in the restroom waiting area.
    Old timey decor in the restroom waiting area.
    The mash!
    The mash!
    Pineapple Mint Fizz

    See all

    Pineapple Mint Fizz
    Cafe Smitten

    Cafe Smitten

    4.4
    (1k reviews)
    2.9 mi
    $$

    Went to Smitten downtown for breakfast with some friends before a morning of shopping. We each…read moreordered a coffee and shared a toast flight, which ended up being the perfect thing to share. The first toast was peanut butter and strawberry jelly topped with coconut flakes. The second was almond butter and banana with cocoa nibs, honey, and cinnamon. The third was Nutella and hazelnuts topped with strawberries and coconut flakes. They were all delicious, but my favorite was definitely the Nutella and hazelnut toast. Everything tasted fresh and flavorful, and the variety made it fun to share and try different combinations. Service was quick and friendly. The ambiance is a cute cafe vibe. You place order at the counter and someone brings your order to your table. Smitten is definitely a must-visit spot when downtown for breakfast.

    SMITTENS STAPLE IS THEIR ABILITY TO MISS THE FLAVOR IN EVER SINGLE DISH…read more Update: coming back after some palate development... smitten is one of the most tasteless restaurants in town. Their hype was definitely due to the 'aesthetic'. Nothing is really outstanding to me. The drinks are such a let down, the coffee is borderline yuck.. do not recommend. Everything is quite unmemorable. Service is whatever, sometimes mid, sometimes bad. Nothing outstanding. Ambiance.... well... this one has been replicated one too many times. The food is heavily missing flavor,the hummus is disgusting. I can't believe they call that thing hummus, it's an insult to actual dish.. it's almost like it was trying to imitate the real dish, but failed terribly in even attempting to. Their pizza tasted like play-doh and looked very pale. Smitten is at least consistent with one thing, which is their staple: no flavor. One of the breaking points for me was being served food that had someone's HAIR. The restaurant is very expensive for the poor experience they have to offer. I stopped recommending them a long time ago.

    Photos
    Interior
    Interior
    Chocolate Pie
    Chocolate Pie
    This strawberry mocha special is divine

    See all

    This strawberry mocha special is divine

    The Bistro - newamerican - Updated August 2026

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