Well we picked this place for lunch and a drink last week. Its a cute little place with a pool table. Looks clean and the bar tender is really nice. We were asked for our beverage choices and given time to make choices from the menu. Food came out in a well timed manner drinks were good, its a nice spot to catch up with friends, and grab a quick bite. read more

See all

Worst service I've ever had and it was a call in order... the man made me very uncomfortable.

First and foremost this place is amazing, the restroom is super clean. They have an old keg for a urinal. The bartender Shawna was super friendly and the food looked great! Definitely will come back to try it again soon! read more

Highland Cafe - Exterior. - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Great place. Generous pours. I was in a group of 6 ladies. The owner, Matt, catered to us and made us all feel safe and special. There's a Pool table, don't bring your own chalk because it's red felt. Lighting is Just dark enough. Interesting decor...Majestic animals from New Orleans on the walls. There's room to dance if the music hits you. I'd go back there and recommend this place for sure. #rumandcoke #nolime read more

Love this small local bar! They make the best miches from scratch and their wings are always crispy! The service is fast and the vibes are on here. read more

Highland Cafe - Pizza and wings - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Love this place I swear it doesn't get enough attention food is excellent!! Service quick an warm shout out to the bartender Trip!!! Great atmosphere ! read more

Banger. New ownership. Get with the best bartender Trip. The best. Wings and pizza are a classic hitter that is definitely honored here. #ranchtower #peachbourbonwings #bombaclat read more

Highland Cafe - Combination pizza. Peach bourbon wings. Cali wings. - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My son takes me to the Highland Cafe. We enjoy the.people, the food, the drinks It's a great place to go relax with good food and good people read more

Sooooo I really want to recommend coming here as a regular and I have mixed feelings about this place as it was my second time. The first time the food was lackluster and the service was meh. And with the lack of fast service, well it just isn't there. Don't get me wrong , the server was fabulous but she has to run between the bar regulars and slinging food. The cook taking a break in the middle of happy hour wasn't a smart move. We didn't get our food for an hour and a half and my partner didn't get his food until 20 minutes later. My pizza was pretty darn good though. My partner and his friend loved the chicken tacos even though they were cold. They ran out of carne asada tacos and instead of asking my partner and his friend if they wanted something else they just gave them Al pastor tacos. I overheard that when the owner is there, the customers get better service. Maybe he needs to come help more often cos waiting 20mins or so for a beer and longer for food is a deal breaker for me. I love supporting local but in this case I probably won't be back. read more

Went to the Highland Cafe this evening and was immediately threatened by an older gentleman who was drinking at a table by the door. When I asked what t deal was I was told by staff that he worked there yet he could barely stand up. Then I was told by an off duty bartender to take my eye glasses off and asked me to step outside. When I did I was threatened with my life! To hell with this place, the lowest level of bs I've ever seen, not sure if it's the new ownership or this is how they operate daily? I've been coming here for 20 years and will not be back! Very sad , if used to be a good place to eat, drink and relax. read more

It's a dive that does great pizza. Bartenders are always great. It doesn't try to be anything other than an Oildale dive that has great food and cheap drinks. Security does an excellent job and anyone who tries to start anything is quickly shown the door. A welcome break from the downtown scene. The general vibe is positive and fun. read more

Highland feels like the kind of place you've read about in Charles Bukowski novels but better ("ambiance")--- The staff is attentive. The bartender is legit. Their pizza is incredible and probably the best in Kern County. Prices are reasonable and the seating is good, too. read more

Hell ya. This place is great, and here is why! The beer is cold. The pizza and wings rock. I am all on board. read more

Highland Cafe - New menu - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Tried to have pizza with my hubby and didn't get to experience it. Was recommended by a few people, so it must be good. Very disappointed. Got there... Music was so loud couldn't think straight. Never was greeted and don't think that They even had a server. Mostly a bar... No menu or way of ordering because of all of the drunk people. I was almost hit in the face when drunk guy was pointing and my face was there. He apologized, but still almost it me. Told my hubby that I wanted to leave, and a drunk idiot yelled at my hubby, "what, you weren't served?". Thank you Mindi for recommending the place, and I might have stayed if you were working, because I know you wouldn't have allowed this to happen. read more

Poor lunch service today, not sure at what point she lost passion for her job! Buns were burnt on the sandwiches also. Ambiance fair. Music was way loud for the time of day . Not sure if I'll go back if the same bartender/server is working. read more

The food here is amazing! Haven't had a bad meal. The nachos are probably my favorite thing. One of the best nachos I have had in town. The fried green beans are also amazing. Super bowl Sunday we got the nachos, wings and sampler platter all of which was completely amazing. The platter had some quesadillas, fried ocra, jalapeño poppers, chicken tenders and onion rings and we got fried green beans on it as well. So good! One of the bartenders she is absolutely rude and hates her job which she verbalizes and makes us feel bad wanting to eat the yummy food there. We do not tip her when she is our server because it is THAT bad and I am a former server but I will not tip that type of behavior. read more

Bought a pizza yesterday and some wings and it was the worst pizza I've ever had in my life. Very disappointing. I know they recently changed ownership and believe me it taste way different than the pizza I fell in love with a few months back read more

Came here with my husband and kids during one evening bc my husband wouldn't stop talking about their food & when we walked in, we were immediately greeted by the owner. There was no where to sit but he was very attentive in trying to find us a place to sit or waiting on tables that looked like they were about to be done. With the place being busy the owner kept checking on us to make sure we were ok. BIG PLUS.. you don't get that in many establishments!! We ordered a pizza, wings, and fries & OMG!! Everything was just delicious! So delicious we came back the next day to watch college football. This place may not look family friendly or give off family friendly when you see it and come in, but my kids had a blast & we were treated with the utmost respect and well taken care of. Recommend the pizza! The wings (lemon pepper mix with buffalo) was sooo good!! This place will definitely be one of our regulars. read more

Had the pizza & wings yum ! The service was great the owners were so friendly I will definitely be going back !

Friendly bartender... went for just a quick snack and a drink. Very happy friendly people and will definitely go back!!

I ordered the steak sandwich. The cut of meat they used was something I wouldn't feed my dog. It was full of fat and gristle, half the meat was inedible. The part that was edible was over-cooked, passed well done, almost burnt. I won't be eating lunch there again. read more

First time trying their pizza. It was really good. Definitely wanna try more of their food!

The bartender/waitress was friendly and helpful. We had pizza which was good as were the drinks.

My favorite place to go hangout. Food is incredible AND have free pool. Table is a little beaten up and crooked (could be fixed) but besides that, one of my favorite spots read more

Let's make this negitive stars I've been here several times over the past 6 months and service has gone down hill. I pop in for work here and there and it used to be a girl named Britney I think or something close to it, it was great then! haven't seen her recently, (does anyone know where that bartender went?) but this girl vacey or Lacey is insane, I sit here and write this with two other customers at the bar and yet all of our drinks are empty, while she's taking shots and on her phone and stuffing her face and doesn't give a damn about customer service. Who runs this place? Just when you thought customers come first or are always right you walk into this....turn around and walk right back out. read more

Came in for Super Bowl Sunday huge crowd super busy and the tall bald headed gentleman that was there server was very happy and friendly and had our order in less than a few minutes i believe his name is randle and then a curly haired blonde followed up to c how his service was. Great place to bring kids have a drink and feed the family ... read more

The dive bar look on the outside continues inside. There are three widescreen TVs playing hockey, baseball, and some type of car racing appropriately titled "Dumbest stuff on wheels." There was also a jukebox to provide music, though there wasn't a dance floor. One long wall is a large bar, and the other is a serious of large leather booths. My mom said she felt like she was eating dinner in a bar. Booths were nice and the waitress fresh faced and friendly, The pulled pork sandwich was stuffed so full of pork I had to compress it quite a bit to fit it into my mouth, slopping pork all over the plate. The appetizer plate was quite tasty. I don't know what spices they put in the breading, but all three of us remarked on how good it was. My mom even liked the fried green beans, and she HATES beans of any kind with a passion. HOWEVER, we did not see many of the dishes talked about in other reviews before the recent change in ownership. In particular, we were hoping to try the cheesecake flavors mentioned in other reviews. Alas, there were no desserts on the current menu. We decided to be generous and give them 3 1/2 stars because we really liked our waitress. read more

Highland Cafe - Appetizer sampler: fried green beans, boneless Buffalo chicken, teriyaki chicken drumettes, and jalapeño poppers - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

Maybe I shouldn't review this place so I can keep it a secret to myself and the people who already know about it. I work down the street and this place never disappoints. I always get the chicken Cobb salad with balsamic dressing and blue cheese crumbles on the side. Tasty stuff! Waitresses/bartenders are always sweet and helpful I've never been here to have a drink at the bar but it's definitely appealing to try one day. Not a fluffy prissy place but not a stinky dive either. The pic I'm uploading is of today's salad- they forgot the bacon but that doesn't knock them down a star. Overall this place is great, bacon or not. read more

Highland Cafe - Chicken Cobb salad. Dressing &blue cheese crumbs on the side. They forgot the bacon, or maybe they were doing me a favor! Still yum tho. - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Ordered a quesadilla and I was charged extra for cheese? What's a quesadilla without cheese? A tortilla fried in butter. While it was good it does not make up for hiking up the price. Poor business practice. Soooo, no I didn't complain to them. Will I go back? NO! read more

The french dip was dry and tasteless, The waitress couldn't be bothered to get me condiments for my gross French dip she was to busy talking to another customer at the end of the bar, mind you this was a short bar, ordered another drink which took another 10 min mind you the place is empty. I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone. read more

Pretty cool spot, was my first time ever being there the other day. The Bartender was really sweet, and friendly will definitely be back sometime soon. (: read more

Must try: Biscuits and gravy, bloody mary, clam chowder (Fridays only). It is all bomb! I have been here various times. Drinks are good food is pretty good. Definitely worth trying it out, even if you have your reservations about the place. read more

What a hidden gem in the 'dell! I came here for a work lunch with my coworkers and managers. I'll admit, this place scared me a bit. The outside looks like a dive pub, the parking lot is small, there's a sign that says BBQ in front, it says "cafe" on the door, and we're in the 'dell. Confused? Me too. When I walked in, I was pleasantly surprised. There was a huge bar area with grand shelving, flat screen TV, and a digital jukebox. There was plenty of bar seating as well as booth seating. Lastly, it didn't smell like a smoky BBQ place or mildewy bar. It was very clean! We were greeted by a smiling server and seated promptly. My manager and I played the ID the beer by the tap game, as this was a company lunch and alcohol was off limits. We were impressed by their beer and spirits menu. We were equally impressed by the menu. It's mostly BBQ diner fare - steak sandwiches, grilled steak, and steak salads. I ordered the half size tri-tip salad, which ate like a full salad to me. The tri tip was a little rare for my taste and I removed the Gorgonzola cheese since I'm not a cheese fan. My co-worker ordered a Brooklyn style sandwich with three types of meat so I got to sample it - very flavorful and smokey but, also very salty. The diner fries were the chunky style. Beware the seating - some of the booths have large indented spots and some of the bar chairs were losing their stuffing. Overall, great find for the 'dell. read more

This is what I do... rate. My list for this area is extremely big, and the work has to be done. With that said, I HATE giving bad reviews. I am that person that will wait and give the establishments employees to show there are some highlights to being there. With that said, oh my. I sat down about 5:45, the two girls waitressing both made eye contact with me, because I sat at the bar. Just when I thought I would be asked what I wanted, the waitress acknowledged the girl that just walked in, five minutes after me. I waited while the girl next to me received her drinks and a short conversation, the two men down at the end of the bar received their beers, and conversation. Finally when asked if I wanted anything, I simply asked for a menu. I scanned through the menu looking for the cheesecakes, and tri-tip salad that in mentioned in the reviews and what I was there for. As I glanced up to see where the waitresses were, I noticed a man come around the bar area and make a hand motion to the waitress. I waited another five minutes, until the waitress informed me the kitchen was closed. It closes at 6pm. 6pm for a family café / bar? I stated I was there to eat and I left. Now, not only was I not able to do my job, it left me to wonder if this is the normal service. I understand about the regulars in a place, but man you never know who is walking through your door. I didn't get the feel of a family atmosphere at this place. The language used at the bar, the loud music didn't seem family oriented for me. read more

Great service, friendly atmosphere, and amazing food! This place is like a hole in the wall bbq joint that you wouldn't really point out while driving on the street. Our car broke down and while waiting to get it fixed, we decided to try this place that was recommended. Pretty sure anything you get will be amazing. I tried the brisket meal and the brisket was so tender, you didn't even need a knife to cut it. Each meal comes with two sides, and either soup or salad. The mac n' cheese and corn were my choices with the bacon clam chowder soup which were phenomenal. My girlfriend had the club sandwich and said it was amazing! My cousin ordered the tri-tip dinner and his girlfriend had the brisket sandwich with potato salad and both of them were pleased with their choices. These are good sized portions for a good price, and service was speedy! This definitely beats most of the bbq places back home, if I'm ever in the area again, I will be stopping by! read more

Typical greasy spoon; what I expect of Bako. Food was pretty good, things were not-so-clean. Left the joint hating myself for what I ate. Prices are alright, about where they should be. Would I( go back? Sure. Would I double-check to make sure my silverware, glasses and plates are clean? You betcha. This place is what I think of when I think of Bakersfield. Reminds me of living in the rural Southeast. read more

The Highland Cafe has a new owner and Chef as of 12/01/2011. Still family owned and operated, just a new family. Changes have been made and they are all positive. The restaurant has been cleaned and painted. It looks more like a restaurant now than just a bar. The neon lights are down and new lighting is in. Pictures will be going up soon. The food is being made with fresh ingredients and is served in enough time for you to get back to work on your lunch hour,which I've been told used to be a major problem. There is a good variety on the menu, something for everyone. There are also daily specials such as Shrimp Tortellini, Bone-in Rib eye, and Shrimp Po' Boy just to name a few. There are also home made desserts including Reese's Cheesecake, Red Velvet Cheesecake, and Blood Orange Cheesecake. The next time you're in the north Chester area, stop by The Highland Cafe!! read more

Good food, great atmosphere and of course awesome staff. Everyday is another great special that everyone might love ....every weekend RIBS baby backs bomb best in town ! Good place not to high class and (not )another shit hole in oil dale well worth stoping in whenever. read more

Highland Cafe - A good time - American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Great place to enjoy a good meal and a couple of drinks with friends. Bartender was very friendly and knowledgeable and made you feel welcomed. read more

No it's not closed, I'm there with many other neighborhood regulars throughout the week whose sense of smell is working just fine therefore would back me up by sayin all u smell when u walk in at The Highland is either the days' dinner special, pool chalk, sometimes wet wood smell from the old flooring etc, and of course the smell of some young hot rig-hands oil soaked work clothes that he didn't have time to change out of before meetin up with his boys....that's what u smell at The Highland. Come on down & try it again! read more

See all