Stopped by the Alley Cat while I was in Bakersfield and had a great time. If you're looking for a laid-back dive bar with character, this is definitely the spot. Ryan was our bartender and made the whole experience even better. He was friendly, attentive, quick with the drinks, and made everyone feel welcome. You can tell he genuinely enjoys what he does. The drinks were strong, the atmosphere was fun, and the service was top-notch. I'll definitely be back next time I'm in town. Thanks, Ryan! read more

This was one of the many bars we stopped at while in Bakersfield. The bartender was really cool and had a lot of funny jokes--I don't know if he was working for tips, but he definitely earned it. Met a guy who said it was his birthday and showed me his ID to prove it, so I bought him a beer. The place has great energy. They have a pool table and, I believe, a dartboard (I'm not great at either). The drinks were strong and delicious, and the place was clean. read more

Guthrie's Alley Cat - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My best friend wanted to celebrate her birthday 80s style downtown. This was my first time here and it was really fun! We got there by 9 pm, and our group was able to sit at two tables. The atmosphere was laid back. It seemed to have a regular clientele. Bartenders were very friendly with everyone! The drinks I had were very good, more ice and juice than alcohol but still good. The prices we paid were about $5 to $10 per drink. There was an ATM on the side of the room, but I'm sure there's a fee to use it. So bring cash with you!!! There was a jukebox, but you have to download an app and add money through it to play a song of your choice. It was loud in there, but we were all still able to talk to one another. Although there was music, it didn't look as if there was a dance floor. It was a pleasant bar, sure I'd love to go again. read more

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I haven't been here eons! I was so glad to see it hadn't changed and still looked as I remembered it. I will be back soon. This bar is a piece of Bakersfield's history. The preserved vintage art on the walls. The original look. It was clean and well cared for, which is hard in such an old building. Ryan was our friendly, attentive bartender. Great guy and makes a good martini Although it was a bit late and on the quiet side this evening, it has an eclectic clientele and you can always have a fun time here. Talking to different types of people or just observing. Definitely make this a stop on your next pub crawl. read more

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It's been years since I've been here. I was definitely a regular in my 20's. Coming here in my 50's and people watching with a stiff drink was fun trip down memory lane. I'm glad this place is still that local gem that still brings good vibes! read more

Guthrie's Alley Cat - Some original art - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Easy vibe, good beer, and nice pool table! I was there on a Wednesday night and it had a great neighborhood bar feel!

Cheers we had tons of fun we are always there during weekends Xxx

Great old school bar downtown. Always a fun vibe and the bartenders are pros. Amazing place.

Thursday night: Raucous, busy, frenetic, friendly. The owners of a nearby tattoo parlour were loquacious, neighbourly, fast to get you into the scene at Guthrie's.  Birthdays are rung in by a ships bell by the bearded, big bear bartender who announces the birthday girls by proclaiming their ages, marital status, virgin status with a mood of camaraderie. The customers sing happy birthday, and the ceremony ends with the final ringing of the bell.  The jovial, friendly, big bear, bar-t, Bubba, advised me on choosing a Bourbon, Basil Hayden. Classy label with a brass buckle like something from Hermès.  Salty, caramel, vanilla, cinnamon, soapy, sharp acidic, good dose of alcohol kick, smoky, sweet yet bitter. Finish is like lavender soap, milk chocolate.  Long mural depicting Hollywood stars of the 1930's & 40's by Al Hirschfeld like at the Frolic Room Bar next to the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. Great neon signage out front.   You have to love chaos and good natured loud assness. Lots of amiable peckerwood, cock suc_er talk. You Prudes have been warned.  Come here expecting a semi Frat House craziness in a good way. It would make John Belushi & Charles Bukowski proud. read more

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Came here for Apple Core Project bingo event, and they served me a great eggnog without ice!

Best bar in Bakersfield!!! The bar tenders are awesome and friendly. I meant my wife there and when I asked her to marry me they let me come behind the bar to purpose to her. read more

Best kept secret in Bakersfield. Nostalgia is the vibe. The only place I feel safe in a bar atmosphere. The bartenders walk the women out to make sure they safe. Highly recommenced.... Bubba is the shit read more

Now this is always the clutch place with a bartender like Bubbs! Dj Manny in the house taking care of business! Thursday's are the nights to play some pool! read more

Guthrie's Alley Cat - The kiddo on the table! - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Amazing place one of my favorite bars in Bakersfield. I always feel safe. The bartenders always make me feel very welcomed and the owner is top notch.. read more

Horrible place , got kicked out with drinks full still at 1:30 am . With counter bar full of ppl and i addressed a worker about all the ppl still there and he told me they knew them. Making it seem like it was ok for them to stay even past 2am . Wouldnt doubt this place sells alcohol to ppl they know after 2am !!!!! read more

Guthries Alley Cat is a little hidden gem amongst Bakersfields many bars. It has become a favorite go to spot for me after work whether I'm by myself or with co-workers. The staff are extremely friendly and amazing and the atmosphere is relaxed and easy going. This last visit Ethan the bartender was a pleasure to chat with as always. If your feeling hungry as well, right down the alley is Jerry's Pizza and they will deliver here as well. Check it out if your in the area! read more

Cannot recommend this establishment. I was mistreated by their staff. They made it personal. I will never return.

Bar is set low for Bakersfield. I feel sorry for locals if this is a go-to bar in town. I understand what a dive bar is supposed to be, but this place was not it. Our SOBs were $6 yeah... cheap but it was 3 sips all ice What really irked me is that my bf and i had our drinks at the bar and left our seats and went to use the ATM. Gone for a minute and our bartender didnt say anything to the guy who took our seats when clearly he knew we would be right back. Same bartender had somewhat of an attitude when we just asked him to recommend us a drink. I recommend Tik-ko or literally any other bar nearby. Pay double for a drink but at least there's actual alcohol in them and better vibes. read more

Located in an alley in Bakersfield is this quintessential dive bar known as Guthrie's Alley Cat. This truly is a great dive bar! Yes I said it with an exclamation point, because a blue collar dive bar like these are "Gems" in my opinion. Guthrie's has that laid back types of atmosphere to it, where all can come in and chill. The crafts are always cold as they are in constant rotation with a descent liquor selection to choose from. That is if you are not into the craft scene, one can enjoy a mixed concoction or two. Guthrie's also has their bartenders who are pretty much on point when it comes to service, they keep that party going with out missing a beat. The decor is like no other that shows the history of Guthrie's. A timeline of pictures hanging up throughout the place. Who doesn't like history showing you how the years, and the slight changes this establishment went through. Plus they have a pool table in the back if you feel the need keep those good times going. In all I am a HUGE FAN of Guthrie's Alley Cat ! I know the next time I visit Bakersfield , I know where I'll be. read more

Guthrie's Alley Cat - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Greg is great and so personable. Love stopping in for an after work beer. Great felt on table. read more

Guthrie's Alley Cat - a person giving a thumbs up - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Very unwelcoming. Walked in and immediately this gross sweaty lady who is clearly toasted yells out 'IT'S A BAR!!!! WOW ITS A BAR!!' like we didn't know where tf we were. Cool place but the vibes are off and it stank like a gas station bathroom. Glad I didn't get a drink not that I was offered or anything! Lmao. read more

Yup, this place is a staple in my home town. First off the cool things. 1. Icon place in Bakersfield 2. Premier dive bar that you need to help you with your yelp badges 3. Everyone is welcome. Its a whole melting pot of people and everyone is always chill 4. Cash bar, that means the drinks are reasonable priced. 5. Its in an actual alley, how cool is that as you can tell this review is for the people that are traveling and staying near downtown and want to venture out. you wont be disappointed, or you will and you'll have a great story about the streets of Bakersfield. See what i did there, yeah, I'm a native. read more

When you need a locals love it Old School Dive Bar, Gotta come check out "The Cat". For more years than I can count Bakersfield has been coming here for a Beverage and a Great time. It can be rowdy but the Bartenders can manage the mischief well. Drinks are mixed well and won't break the bank. Come visit Downtown Btown and wet your whistle with the Gang read more

Guthrie's Alley Cat - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Typical dive bar. Bartenders more focused on getting women/men than customer service. Bouncers unprofessional. Continue to serve obviously inebriated patrons. read more

Rainy Sunday night in Bakersfield when many bars were already closed, we found the Alley Cat. Eclectic crowd to say the least. Nice and dark. Good drinks at good prices delivered across the bar quickly. No complaints. read more

Greg is awesome! He always takes care of the customers. This guy makes sure everyone leaves safe!

My first choice in bars is the Alley Cat in Bakersfield, CA. In fact if I go out that's the only bar I go to. The bartenders are the best! They know how to treat a lady and show you a good time! It is so special that I spent my Valentine day with Johnny and my girl friends. It's the best dive bar in town. When in Bakersfield it's a must stop place. You won't regret it! read more

Omg Greg is amazing and funny! Love seeing him on Tuesdays during the day shifts!! The alley cat is where it's at

Bartender Gregory was bomb. Super friendly and made us feel super comfortable. This is my favorite bar. And it's so nice to have nice people being so willing to make sure you have a good time read more

We love the Alley Cat. It is a local dive bar and so much fun. The bartenders are great and the locals super friendly. It is in an alley and has this super cool Cat in neon. You walk in and there is a pool table, a juke box, a bar, booths and fun. Everyone is nice and it is just really an old school bar that you will not easily fine elsewhere. I bet Buck Owens was there once (may he rest in peace). Go there. Have a drink or a soda. Enjoy. read more

A real old fashioned bar in an alley downtown. Drinks are reasonably priced. The decor hasn't changed for the 20 years I've been going there. Nothing like opening the door and smelling alcohol and urine. I'm glad that there is still a place like this. read more

If the bartenders don't know you, you are invisible. I've stopped by a few times over the past many years & service was terrible every time but once. That one time, I ran into my Mom's close friend, who is a long time regular at the Alley Cat. That may have been the only time I was served in a decent amount of time. Friends and family from out of town want to visit this attraction and it's pretty embarrassing when you go in and your whole group is ignored. Feeling out of place & awkward by bar staff ignoring me, I've never stayed for more than one drink. read more

Huell Howser's California Gold Visits the Legendary Alley Cat Watch cool short Youtube Video. Im New to Bakersfield and this Place is a Must, Nothing Crazy My Angelinos lol Music: Mostly Alternative Rock and some Top 40 Dancing: Hell Nah... lol Make your Dance Floor on the spot my people lol Must have Vertigo's type Hot Dogs Located, Next to Bouncer at front door jk jk but almost lol read more

As strangers, I told them about Yelp sending us. We had a great time service was polite and immediate when needed all told a pleasant dive experience read more

Great drinks and good service. I love the vibe here too! Bubba has always been fun to chat with and all the bartenders are a good time!

Cute little bar in down town Bakersfield! Amazing service, great prices, and a real chill atmosphere. Came early (7:30 on a Friday night) and it was a cool place to grab a drink! You really get the old school bar feel in here! Love the swinging doors :) read more

Wow I'd drive 300 miles to go back to this bar. It's very Art Deco and a real institution. I love the mural and the neon light sign. You really feel like you've stepped back int time if it weren't for the Bakersfield clientele read more

This place is such a gem. The best bar we stopped at on our road trip up the coast. The atmosphere was chill but still fun and lively, and the bartender was great. Super dive-y but cool. Will definitely come back if I find myself in Bakersfield again. read more

I've been here a few times. It's a funky dive bar (or the more politically correct "local") with an amazing neon sign in front. I like the place. Pretty good selection of top shelf booze if that's what you're looking for but it's a well drink kind of place. Prices are reasonable. I believe it's cash only but there is a sketchy dive bar ATM if you don't believe in identity theft. That was probably a joke. I dig this place and will return. read more

Great atmosphere, a real bartender behind the bar, a pool table swinging doors what more could you ask for?! I'll be back for Shure!