This place is fantastic. DO NOT come here at any peak hour and expect to get a table with less than a 1-2 hour wait though (but, of course, there's a reason for this...) The portabello mushroom tacos were fantastic, and the margaritas were great too. The western 'theme' of the restaurant can be a bit cheesy, but the food is definitely worth coming down for, especially if you have not seen how great the new Over-the-Rhine can be. Do yourself a huge favor and eat here. It is right across from the main parking lot on Vine (valet on the weekends) and very very close to the parking garage. I would recommend putting your name in early, walking down to the Lackman for drinks and then coming back when they call/text you. Oh, by the way, they can call/text you when your table is available :) Despite what the main page says, they DO have wifi... read more

Bakersfield is one of the best places in the area to eat. When I come back to Cincinnati, I always want to come back here to eat. The chips and queso are great. Make sure you get that. My favorite tacos from here are the pork belly pastor and short rib. These tacos might be small, but they pack tons of flavor. The service has always been good when I come. The vibe here is also cool. I've never been disappointed coming here to eat. read more

Bakersfield OTR - Tacos! - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

My favorites are the fish tacos with kale slaw and queso dip! Love it! I've been dozens of times and will continually visit. Go at odd hours or make a reservation unless you want to read more

Bakersfield OTR - Fish tacos with kale slaw - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Food was amazing. We tried the salsa and queso and both were unique and delicious. Our server went above and beyond to help us feel welcome and help answer questions concerning allergies. Tacos and main courses came out quickly and were delicious. The environment is super cool, perfect for a date night or with friends; however, more of an adult atmosphere. Conveniently located downtown. Definitely would go here again. read more

Bakersfield OTR - upstairs seating - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Appetizers & food were spot on. The atmosphere is inviting. The different seating areas were a good idea. Great place for Happy Hour.

Bakersfield is my absolute favorite place to go in OTR! The guacamole, shrimp tacos, and pineapple margarita is a MUST in my book! Outdoor seating is fantastic on sunny days especially when people bring their doggos! 20/10 recommend. read more

My husband and I sat at the bar. We were greeted and ordered drinks with chips and queso. Then we weren't acknowledged for too long. The couple next to us at the bar was getting the red carpet treatment, "have you been here before" and offered recommendations meanwhile we just sat there with empty glasses waiting to order. I stopped someone and we ordered. The food was good. We had taquitos and 3 tacos. But no one came to ask if we liked it or if we needed anything. We had our food then waited, and waited and waited... finally I just interrupted and asked for our check. Decent food bad service. I really wanted to like this place too!! Edit: we also had queso which was ok read more

Seriously so good! Perfect to go with your dog! The staff is very friendly. I definitely recommend the cucumber margarita. It is so refreshing! read more

Bakersfield OTR - Cucumber margarita - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

The food is so so good but it is very packed and loud typically. The prices are high for Mexican food and the tacos are tiny- but- they taste good enough to be worth it occasionally! The service is decently fast too considering how crowded they are! read more

When I was a fresh young'n out of college, my first real job was as a reporter for the newspaper in Bakersfield, Calif. I thought I was moving from chilly Chicago to sunny Cali -- lots of beaches and babes and sun tans -- but what I found was California's Central Valley, a dusty area that is more like Arkansas with palm trees. But it was also here that I met a lot of people who would become some of my very close friends. Anyway, given my almost three years in Bakersfield, I was intrigued when I heard about the Bakersfield restaurant in Over-the-Rhine. Could this spot be all that I loved about Bako on a smaller scale? Well, no. It wasn't. But I felt like some new bits were added in that I wish Bakersfield had when I lived there. Bakersfield OTR seems to be known for their margaritas, so we ordered some. They were definitely tasty, a bit on the strong side and definitely hit the spot. I don't remember tequila having such a strong stake in Bako -- but, again, I wish it did at least when I was there. The restaurant's chips and guac and queso also did not disappoint and were a bit more complex that the type generally tossed onto tables at some TexMex chains. Music akin to "the Bakersfield Sound" -- a twangy kind of country -- played over the speakers, and I love how the restaurant nominates a "Bad Ass of the Week." During my visit, Eddie, the bathrobe-wearing, cigar-smoking, unemployed cousin played by Randy Quaid in "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," held the honor. While I was sipping on my 'rita, though, it hit me how this version of Bakersfield was filled with hipsters, young professionals and an assortment of other people dressed for a night out on the town. The Bakersfield from my early 20s was more of a town with some dirt under its fingernails. It definitely had some of these hip people in it, but when I think of a "Bakersfield" restaurant, I see farmers in overalls, oil workers and some other rough people sitting at a bar and knocking back a couple of beers after a long day at work. But time often smooths out memories, taking away some of its rougher edges, so maybe I'll go with this Bakersfield instead -- a mix of the good of the past and the new. read more

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Great selection of "bites"! We sat on their rooftop deck and it was so cute, complete with spaced out seating and string lights. I got the carnitas taquitos, which were good, and my boyfriend got a variety of tacos - we liked that you could order whatever type tacos you wanted, great menu for sharing as well. read more

Love the food and service! It's gets quite loud but that's because it's always packed- with good reason! Try the short-rib queso and the shrimp tacos! Everything is fantastic- you can't go wrong with anything on this menu!! Delish! read more

Outstanding. You can get a Big Mac at McDonalds for the same price as my two tacos, chips and bloody mary at Bakersfield. And the quality is sybstatially higher. Cool location in OTR. Great vibe. Our server Maggie was exceptional. Funny, hustled. Tip her well. read more

We have been coming to Bakersfield since the day it opened!! Love this place! Best Margaritas in town and I love the chicken sandwich while my wife is a Taco girl! We have probably been here 20 times and have never had a single complaint! Can't wait to come back! read more

Liquid - Beer was good, well poured in a clean glass with good head retention. Food - Tiny tiny tiny tacos. Ordered 3, could easily eat 9. Literally 2 bites each with a teaspoon of (cold) filling in each. Not that much flavour either. Queso portion was also pretty small too. Had a hot dog 15 minutes after leaving this place and a slice of pizza when I got home. Not really what I expect for a $20 lunch. I know the mask mandate has been lifted but the owners should still be wearing one for basically robbing money from people. read more

Was craving a margarita and some chips. Placed and order for a pineapple marg and the trip to go! The pineapple marg is, in my opinion, the best in the city. The trio is always a good call, I am not a fan of the red salsa, but the green salsa is amazing. read more

Bakersfield OTR - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Over the Rhine has come a very long way in twenty years. Bakersfield is one of the popular hipster hotspots in this revitalized neighborhood. Housed in a narrow, brick building, Bakersfield is a carefully constructed taqueria. The limited menu focuses on Cali-Mexican food consumed in close quarters with a side of fairly loud music. Arriving at 2 pm on a Friday (of Labor Day weekend). We thought we would have missed the lunch rush. Not so. We gave our name and pursued the shop next door until we were called, on our mobile, by the hostess. We sat at a community table with five, young professionals. There were a few high top tables in the front, another community table behind us, a long bar, and some booths against a back wall. This place is not that big and stays hopping! We started with the chips and guacamole which were amazing. Large chunks of avocado with a bit of spice complimented by crisp chips -loved every bite. Only downside was the freaking tiny, demitasse spoon that was supposed to be our serving utensil. I gave up on it and started using my fork. My friend went for the Hongos (mushroom) taco and I tried the papas tostada. Her soft taco was filled with portobello mushrooms, slaw and queso fresco. She thought it was flavorful and filling. My double-decker tostada was overflowing with fried potatoes, avocado, queso fresco, and green onions on the top layer and a spicy, black bean purée on the second. Plating of the tostada was beautiful - a small skillet with a bed of greens tossed in buttermilk ranch cooled down the caliente tostada fillings. House-made salsas on the table were both delicious. I asked our neighbor her opinion of the fried mahi tacos which looked fantastic. She reported that they were excellent. I'll have to try that and the queso & chips (which looked more like fundido) on my next visit! read more

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This place is very deserving of its 4.5 star rating. Today I had the pollo asada taco and the fish taco. I switched my fish taco to have cojita cheese & corn instead of what it originally came with and it was very good! The pollo asada was spicier than what I had anticipated but still super flavorful! I'd order both again. Before the tacos, I ordered their queso dip...best decision of the day. By far some of the best queso dip I've ever had! read more

Bakersfield OTR - Queso - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Smallish place with indoor seating and outdoor seating. Really the appeal is 8 different kinds of tacos. That's the specialty; and what the locals recommend. I tried the steak, the portobello mushroom, and the chicken. Various margaritas (about 5 or 6 choices); my companion and I both had one - and had 3 tacos each - which was about right. We had chips and guacamole as well to start off. Was noisy - and popular. Recommend if you like flour tacos. read more

Julia's service was so good she convinced me to move from Cali to Cincy simply for Bakersfield OTR!

My new favorite hang out spot! Daily $3 select tequila shots is tantalizing! Hands down some of the best tacos in town! Every taco comes piled high with shredded cabbage like the original Mexican way with optional crema and salsa. I chose shrimp and there were way to many my son and husband chose to try to remember. The carnitas taquitos came beautifully plated on a bed of sauce and garnishes. It's a small spot on Over The Rhine but, with a parking lot right next door makes it convenient to get to. I called in for reservations and was quickly scheduled. Service was quick, fast and efficient from walking in to being seated. I will definitely be back for more tacos and tequila! read more

First I really enjoy the atmosphere and customer service here. No complaints but what I was not as impressed by was some of the food I got. I got three tacos: shrimp, al pastor, short rib. And madtree for my drink (good as usual). Shrimp taco was perfect...no complaints. Had lime avo dressing and cabbage radish slices on top. Maybe if you're not a fan of citrus that wouldn't be your favorite since avo dressing was strong citrus. Shrimp was lightly battered and perfectly fried. Al pastor taco wasn't as good as I would want it to be for 4$. It was really really dry. Short ribs way too salty and dry as well...so in all I didn't find the food that great, aside from shrimp taco, but the atmosphere and customer service was superb! I would have given an extra star if the food was better. read more

Bakersfield OTR - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Excellent food and service. Cucumber margarita was superb. The tacos and queso were also excellent. Sidewalk seating was good for us since the weather was nice. read more

First and foremost shoutouts to SARAH / Sara. Her service was so amazing I honestly forgot to take pic of the food. My sister and friend flew in from Philly just to see cinncinati randomly and fell in LOVE. I mean we went to other places and when ppl asked where did we go and we told them Bakersfield and that we met SARAH a few ppl said they loved her. Not only did she make our experience in this establishment wonderful she has made us want to visit Cincinnati again! She was so good I had to tell her I was writing her a review before we even finished our food. Thanks girl ! Ohhh and the 3.00 shots? Oh yes! Not only was this the first place we went to as soon as we arrived on Thursday, we came back Friday as well! read more

Bakersfield OTR - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Y. U. M. I'm smitten. Let's be honest, most of us are just happy to get out of the house these days. But, I don't think I was suffering from pandemic delusion last night at this establishment. First of all, they seemed to be doing a great job with masking up, partitions, and cleanliness. That's super important for us. To start, I got a spicy margarita and we shared the dip trio. The guac is a-mazing. I used to live in Texas, so I know guac. Thank you, thank you, Bakersfield for not pureeing your guacamole. It's chunky and flavorful; needs maybe a bit more cilantro. The chips look flimsy, but looks are deceiving sometimes, and these stood up to the hype. Now, let's chat tacos. These are definitely street tacos. I got three and it was enough. Here are the three I got in order of deliciousness: fish, spare rib, al pastor. I could have three of the fish next time. My date loved his huitlacoche taco best even without meat! Needless to say, as long as they keep this up, we will be back. read more

It was great to stop in this bar and grab some food one night I was in Cincinnati. I really enjoyed myself and probably the best queso cheese I have ever had. Will stop back in next time I am in the area. read more

Bakersfield OTR - Shrimp taco, carnitas taco - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

I got takeout from Bakersfield while visiting Cincinnati for work. Ordering online was super easy, and they had my food ready on time and just at the front door so I didn't have to go far inside. The chips and guacamole were fantastic, as were the tacos I tried: Baja shrimp, short rib and huitlacoche. The only thing I didn't absolutely love were the side of black beans. They were still good, just not as good as everything else. I would definitely go back again! read more

I am reviewing Bakersfield OTR as a place to hang out and have a drink only..seeing as we did not come here to eat and did not. As a place to hang out and have a few Bakersfield is..crowded. Like, really really crowded. Like you can't stand anywhere and not have someone bumping into you or trying to get around you crowded. While this is obviously great for their business it just does not make it a comfortable place to hang out at on a weekend night. The atmosphere is pretty cool..and I love that they play old episodes of Bonanza on the TVs all the time..but it's just not a chill spot overall. That being said, my girlfriend said they served up one of the best margaritas she has ever tasted. Now, she is a margarita connoisseur, so this coming from her is extremely high praise. I would come here again..just maybe on a much slower night. From what I hear those are few and far between..which I mean good for them. I've heard their food is excellent, but that you need a reservation to have any type of chance of being served (they seem to only have like 3-4 tables). I would for sure sacrifice my comfort if my girlfriend ever craves another one of those margaritas tho. For sure. read more

I've lived in Cincinnati almost half a year now and just this past weekend, I finally made it to one of the restaurants I've wanted to try basically since I moved here.What took me so long, you ask? Well, it wasn't exactly for lack of trying. Bakersfield OTR is located in the trendy Over-the-Rhine neighborhood of Cincinnati. We've stopped more than once but decided that the wait was too long. The first time we ended up across the street at Senate - the closest thing to gourmet tacos being gourmet hot dogs. ;-) This time we decided we were determined to wait it out - it was only a 20-30 minute wait to be seated, so we walked around a little bit and checked out some of the nearby shops. We had been lucky enough to find a broken meter to park at, so we weren't worried about time. And Bakersfield (similar to Senate) takes your number and calls you when your table is ready so you have a little bit of freedom while you wait to eat. Bakersfield OTR has a limited menu focused on their exotic tacos. The selection includes 8 tacos, two of which are vegetarian. The one I was most excited to try was the Huitlacoche -this is a fungus that grows on corn and is considered a food delicacy in Mexico. I'd first seen huitlacoche used in a cooking show challenge on the Food Network, so when I saw that it was offered on Bakersfield's menu, I couldn't wait to try it. We got two each of the vegetarian options, the Rajas - poblano, fresno, bell pepper, ejotes, chihuahua, queso fresco, and cilantro, and the Huitlacoche - corn truffles, roasted poblano, corn, onion, cotija cheese, and cilantro. We loved both of them...in fact, if we didn't have other places yet to go, we would have gotten some more to go. read more

Bakersfield OTR - Rajas and Huitlacoche - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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Came here for Cincy taco week special which was the carnitas taco. I also got the fish taco but forgot to take a picture! The up in smoke cocktail is delicious if you like mezcal. The ingredients here are always fresh and it was nice to sit outside on a warm fall evening. Bakersfield has taken over Krueger's space for extra seating during COVID so we were able to sit on the rooftop at Kruegers. I will say the service was very slow despite not being very crowded. Food came fast once it was ordered but it was very difficult to get our waiter's attention and the drinks took about 20 min to come out. read more

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My daughter is on fall break from school and hanging out with at work with her dear ol dad in Over-The-Rhine for the day. We wanted to grab something tasty for lunch and weren't sure where to go - and ironically I got a suggestion notification from Yelp saying that Bakersfield could be a good lunch option. Honestly, outside of a couple dirty plates and a fruit fly infestation, the experience was flawless. We got chips and guac, which were extremely fresh (and quite possibly the best I've ever had). We also had the fish, shrimp, steak and short rib tacos and they were all delicious and seasoned well, and I plan on being back soon. read more

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We sat outside -- they've got nice large umbrellas to keep the sun off you -- and had the queso, guacamole, Willie salad, shrimp taco, and cucumber Margarita. The cucumber Margarita was excellent, not overly sweet. I kind of wish the Willie salad didn't automatically come with chicken, as the chicken doesn't actually add much. Our server, Bailey, was on top of everything. read more

Great tacos, great guac and get this- delicious fresh salad!! The service is stellar, Emily and Alex were a pleasure to be served by.

The tacos are some of the best you'll find anywhere. The tacos are small but that means you can try a few different ones and still have room for drinks. We had a couple house margaritas- excellent! The service was great too. Will definitely will come back next time in Cincinnati. read more

Mmmm Bakersfield. Sure its usually busy, but there's a reason for that. This place holds so much margarita-y goodness inside! Came on a Sunday and sat at the bar to avoid the table wait, which comparatively wasn't bad. I really recommend sitting at the bar as its just as comfortable and has great service. We ordered a pitcher of regular margaritas with salt, and chips with queso. Both are awesome and my fave things here. The tacos are also delicious, I mean really everything here is! read more

Bakersfield OTR - Pitcher of Margarita goodness - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

Great atmosphere and tacos. Server was professional would recommend to others Cute area, walked to park after dinner read more

This is absolutely the best place to get tacos in Cincinnati and no other restaurant can compare! Their margaritas are on point and it is always best just to get a pitcher! They have the best guacamole and their queso is a must-order. If you haven't already filled up on apps, their tacos are delicious and super reasonably-priced. I always get the fish taco and it is super refreshing. read more

One of the best places in this area, tacos are a bit small but they all have a unique flavor that you won't find at even the best of Mexican restaurants. Never had a problem seating despite the size (Covid aside) but even at peak hours they can get a small party in. Definitely check it out if you are in over the Rhine. read more

Stopped into Bakersfield for lunch today! Why don't I come here more often? On the weekends, you can barely get a seat. Today, we walked in and were seated right away. It was great!! Service and food were awesome. We were in and out within the hour which was perfect. Do not go here and skip out on the chips and guacamole. LOL. Always order. We also decided to get the queso and chorizo appetizer. Super good. For my meal, I ordered three tacos: bistec, pollo asado, & carnitas. Honestly, not sure which one was my favorite...as they were all so good and bursting with flavor. The chicken and steak were quite spicy, which I actually prefer, but if you don't like spicy...you might want to stay away from those. If only I could have ordered a margarita. *sigh* read more

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I been to Bakersfield more than 3 times and it's always a good time. The restaurant is sort of small but catchy, the ambience is very hip and casual. The only downside is the long wait to get a table. This last time we were a bit disappointed because we put our name on the list and were told we would get a call which we never received. Since it was 2 hours later we decided to just walk there and were promptly seated. Other than that the service was great, the waitress was friendly and very attentive despite how crowded the place was. We had the grapefruit margarita pitcher, and it was delicious. It's safe to say that they have the best margaritas in town! We also had different tacos I tried the hongos taco and pollo rojo they were delicious, it had the right amount of spicy. It deft. a must go taco place! read more

Bakersfield OTR - Bars Near Me - Cincinnati, Ohio

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