5 friends went for drinks and dinner on a Wednesday at 6pm. When checking in we were sadly surprised when the hostess said outside or the bar was all that was available. Well, it was 100 degrees outside and friends came together to talk to one another, not the bartender. We started to leave very disappointed but my wife went inside (the place was almost vacant) and with some firm coaxing convinced the hostess to put a few small tables together--the seats had no backs though so NOT comfortable. There was another table for 6 that was reserved and later our excellent waitress took over and put tables together with nice chairs for another group of 6. That hostess gets a 1 star from me (and sadly it's our first impression of the place). As mentioned, our waitress was excellent-5*. The food was very good 4.5* and drinks excellent. Everyone loved the old fashions. The smash burger was delicious as was the tuna tartar. Also good were the seared cauliflower, dukka fries, creme brûlée, shrimp burger and even the fish and chips weren't bad according to my friend. Prices reasonable and the dark ambiance is quite pleasant for a scorcher in Bako--you just have to get past the hostess and hopefully get chairs with backs. read more

The botanist is atmospheric, dark, velvety green, old mansion in the south, library vibes. Came here for a drink and enjoyed sitting at the bar which is the centerpiece of the room. Small tables and chairs and the food menu was small as well but looked good. We ordered the muerte from the regular drink menu and the passion fruit paradise from the summer specials menu. Passion fruit was light and crisp with little alcohol taste, the muerte was strong and very bitter. Bartenders were friendly and the whole place had a very classy feel read more

The Botanist - Summer specials drink menu - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Beautiful hidden gem! Lovely crafted cocktails and delicious and unique eats. The building is stunningly decorated and highly recommend stopping in. read more

Both the Golden Rabbit cocktail and the Botanist salad were superb, really top notch, competitive with any I've had in my travels this year. The brief food and cocktail menus are carefully curated to delight different palates. Service was busy, but somehow they were also able to check on me frequently. Yes, it's pricey, but worthwhile. You step in off the street and into a bar that would be perfect for a sophisticated country estate, right next to the orchid conservatory or wood paneled library. Folks were enjoying their evenings with small celebrations, dates and just a night out with friends. This is a classy little gem on an unassuming street in Bakersfield. Five stars. read more

I heard about this restaurant in a local restaurant group on FB and saved it to my yelp bookmarks. Me and my husband decided to try it out. It was a Saturday at 3 PM. They have their own small parking lot which was a plus right off the bat. When walking up to the entrance, we walked right past because it doesn't really look like an entrance but we quickly realized it was so we went in. The ambience in there was relaxing and dimly lit. The woman who greeted us informed us that it was busy and asked if we wanted to sit at the bar so we could get our food quickly. She also offered if we'd like to sit outside and we chose outside. They have a cute little set up outside with wood planked walls so you can't see the streets or parking lot. We ordered Warm Brie and our drinks to start. I got the Pineapple Express and my husband got the Botanist Fashion. The drinks were nice. The Brie came out melting and was delicious. I didn't realized it came with roasted garlic cloves so I was pleasantly surprised. The slight sweetness of honey was a nice touch. We'd go back just for the Brie. The burgers were good. The waitress asked if we'd like to have dessert and try the crème brûlée and we said yes and are glad we did. Everything we ordered came out quickly. We really enjoyed our time here. The service, food, and atmosphere were all up there and definitely worth going back for. read more

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Warm, relaxed environment with very helpful, attentive, fun staff and the food was Phenomenal! We will Definitely be back here soon!

I went to the Botanist with friends last night. I LOVE this restaurant usually. Last night my friends and I all ordered the vegan version of the loaded fries. When they arrived, we started eating them and realized they tasted off. We flagged down the waitress and asked her if they were vegan (we were very polite and even apologized for asking) to which she looked at us like we were crazy and said "no?" she then went on to blame us for not specifying that we wanted vegan even though we 100% did. I have not eaten meat in 15 years for ethical reasons and I am very careful when I order to make sure I specify for a meat free option. The waitress did not apologize. I feel ill today after eating meat- probably just a mental thing as I feel horrible for breaking my veganism. The thing is, I wouldn't have even written this review if the waitress was apologetic and didn't blame us. Telling us that we didn't say something that we definitely did say really bothered me. I would also like to note that she didn't even write our order down on anything- which I think could have led to her forgetting to specify to the chef that it should be vegan. Other than this, service was very slow. I felt like we were an annoyance to the staff because of this incident even though we were polite. I used to love this place but I will not be going back any time soon. I feel disgusting and sad that I ate meat as a vegan. read more

I visited for a business meeting & unfortunately didn't get to try the cocktails. They sound so good. The place definitely gives off a speakeasy vibe. The service is friendly and fast. The seared cauliflower was very good. Tough to cut with a butter knife, but tasty. The yellowtail sashimi fell flat for me. It needed more acid & salt. I got the halloumi & capri salad with grilled salmon for my entree. I loved it! The salmon was juicy, but crispy on the outside. The charred tomatoes were fresh & bright with the salty halloumi. I'd go back for a date night. read more

The Botanist - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Saturday night, all female bartenders, a female manager name Sam and yet if you get touched inappropriately by a man You will get kicked out for call him out, but not the aggressor. So, if you want to feel safe as a woman this is not the place for you. read more

My friend and I visited at 4/15 so of course it wasn't busy, only two that couples eating and 2 at the bar. Immediately seated and our waitress ran over the beverage list and Happy hour specials. We ordered our drinks and ordered a burger to share under advise from the waitress. We each could've gotten our own burger since fries and all are purchased separately. Burger was delicious drinks strong. Atmosphere is very cool. Dark leather and gold framed paintings set the mood of this speak easy. Two read more

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While visiting family in Bakersfield, we discovered a bar in Old Town Bakersfield. Despite its unassuming exterior, the bar was open, though quite dark inside. The venue is small but has an outdoor area. When we arrived, there were no tables available, so we sat at the bar. Initially, our bartender was excellent at making drinks, but as the night went on, his attention waned, as did that of the other bartenders. At one point, we had to ask a waiter for a drink, who then notified the bartender to assist us. The service started off great but noticeably declined halfway through the evening. This change in atmosphere was disappointing, especially since our initial experience had been so positive. read more

The Botanist - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Stopped by while passing through and we were not disappointed. Nice ambiance and good food and cocktails. read more

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I have been to The Botanist twice for dinner. Clearly I like it if I keep going back. They have a limited menu for dinner: small bites, a few salads, and main plates which consist of a couple of sandwiches, taco option, and a steak. The first time I opted for a small bite and a salad. The second time we opted for all small bites. Both times I was excited about the items selected and they did not disappoint. The baked brie is my favorite, for sure. The tuna tartare has a nice spice to it. The salad was light, but filling. The seared cauliflower were cauliflower steaks, which were seared. Also very good. The fries were okay. They put a seasoning on the fries and there was just too much seasoning on them. The liquor drinks are very good. The golden rabbit is my favorite. They also have a few beers and wines to choose from. The reason for the 4 stars is the service. They are slow. Hopefully just working out the kinks from only opening a few months ago. read more

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Wow! I didn't know Bakersfield had amazing offerings like The Botanist. The aesthetics of the inside were amazing. The vibe is perfectly chill with amazing music. The food? I saved the best thing for last. The Smash Burger and Green Fries were sooo good. I can't wait to go back and try more of their creatively crafted cocktails. Thank you Kristen was so very cool and helpful. She brought the food so fast! read more

One of my favorite bars in town with plenty of good food, great bartenders, and one of the ambiance for a date. read more

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The food is amazing! They are friendly and serve you fast. I went with my friend in the evening and it was pretty busy but we still got sat right away. read more

OMG! I really need to try more of the 21+ places in Bakersfield if they are anything like this. WOW. The food was so tasty. I don't eat beef and so I'm not used to impossible meat, but the loaded fries made me craving more! The shrimp burger was also well made. The 9:30 tea time was an enjoyable drink that I would recommend all to try! I would be a bit more cautious of the marinated flatbread. It clearly says heavy olive influence and I took a risk (I'm not the biggest olive guy) so that is fully understandable. This place truly put their heart into creating a food menu that elevates there drink and I am very grateful for it. I will 100% be returning for many more great experiences. The interior of the place was very classy as well and also added positively to the experience. The servers took great care of us as they check on us many times and were very communicative! read more

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This new spot just opened up Friday, and we decided to try our luck with getting a table without a reservation. They let us order a drink at the bar while waiting, and it was only about 15 mins until they called our name! The bartender was friendly and fast, I ordered the gin+tonic, and my bf ordered the destination unknown. High quality drinks and food! We were soo satisfied with everything we ordered. Everything came out nice and hot. The Brie with garlic toast was heavenly! This is a nice date spot/ after work drink meet up. Love the vibes and decor, you feel as though you are out of town once you step through the doors! A nice addition to the flourishing dt scene and will be enjoyed by many I just know it. read more

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I very much like the ambiance . The interior decor is attractive. The bar tenders are all sweet and nice girls. I love how my fries turned out. I ordered a drink called pineapple something, I liked so much the mixed. But, I think the price is abit high. Oh well! I enjoyed it! read more

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Great spot to hang with friends. I appreciate the menu for drinks/ food is not overwhelming! I had the passion fruit paradise, very tasty and presentation on point. I ordered the marinated flat bread for an appetizer- very good. For dinner I ordered the beer battered fish+chips, did not disappoint the botanist herb sauce (chef kiss). If you haven't been give it a try. read more

The Botanist - Passion Fruit Paradise - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Lovvvveee this spot. My boyfriend lives in the townhomes across the street which is too convenient and slightly dangerous as we are there too often now lol Excellent bartenders (Carol is the best!), love the low lit vibe, and their food is quite good as well. Their seasonal cocktails always hit, and their weekend live music is eclectic and fun. read more

So Yelp has been suggesting for me to go there, I decided to listen . This restaurant is located right across the street from Cafe Smitten, in one of the most exciting up and coming food area in town. This place is beautiful! I love the bar! And the variety of seatings are very elegant and thoughtful. Both the waitress and bartender greeted me. Very fast and attentive service. I ordered marinated olive appetizer. It is a delightful variety of olive marinated in a delightful her oil with a hint of spicy kick. Absolutely delicious! My rule for trying a new restaurant is if they attach their name to it, I have to try it. So I ordered their mash burger. The waitress warmed me but wow what a burger. Beautifully toasted buns, and two smashed patty that is thin and crispy. I devoured the whole thing effortlessly. I need to come back and try some drinks! I would love to hang out at the bar for a couple of hours! read more

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the place!!! We went here the other night for a much needed little date night. I was a little apprehensive at first thinking that it was just a going to be cool place to grab a drink, but no no no!! It was the whole package!! It's a very versatile, place. It could be just causal drinks after work, a girl nights out, or a date with that special someone. The moment you walk in it's just a vibe. It's a 21 & over place which is much appreciated. I love kids but it's nice to know they won't be in there. The food was amazing!!!! The presentation, freshness, quality, flavors.. 10/10!! Definitely will go back!! This place become one of my top 3 places to go eat. read more

little hidden gem, so cute for a date night! The food was really yummy and our server was so kind and funny! def recommend the smash burger ! read more

The Botanist - bar area - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Came to this cute restaurant while I was in town visiting a friend. We initially came here for a drink but once we saw the menu we decided to order a meal to split. Walking into the building I was a bit confused at first as it was pretty dark with not much light inside at all. We opted to eat in the back seating area that was outside. The drink we ordered was called the Pineapple Express. I saw a customer at the next table get the drink and when I asked her how it was she raved about it and when I got it I was just as happy. When we decided to split the Botanist Loaded Fries and the Crispy Chicken Sandwich. The fries were loaded with sauce and meat it was amazing and there was much more than we expected. The crispy chicken sandwich was a hot chicken but not too spicy, it had coleslaw on it as well which paired very well with the hot chicken. I would recommend this restaurant to everyone in the area. read more

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The atmosphere was magical and the food delicious. I was in town for a business trip and this place came up in Yelp. I had the blackberry mojito, the brie cheese appetizer and the tomato salad with salmon. Everything was top notch and delicious. read more

Loved every second being here. It was our second time, but this time I had my birthday dinner and had my family join us, and it could not have gone any better. It's a quiet mellow place usually, but it wasn't last night with us there (sorry to the 2 other couples who were there probably trying to enjoy a quiet night out)! Our waitress was so amazing and attentive to our big group, and no one complained once Sorry to the staff for our loudness, but truly is an amazing spot! 10/10 would recommend everything they have to offer. (Even the food!) read more

What a vibe this place is. It definitely takes you out of the typical Bakersfield nightlife. First look, it seemed to be closed but once we walked in I understood what they were going for. The service was great from the second we opened the door. We chose to sit at the bar which was suggested so that we'd get quick service which we did. Our bartender recommended some of their drinks one which was the 9:30 team time. So delicious as well as the food. I ordered tuna tartar and the warm Brie, so amazing. It was on the pricier side which is why I'd recommend you go during happy hour. Over all great experience can't wait to go back read more

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A very fun selection of drinks to choose from, definitely one of my favorite places to go for ambience, drinks, and girl's night read more

The Botanist - Some smash burgers and earl grey martini - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Stopped in for appetizers and was very impressed with the food and cocktails. Highly recommended.

Great service from McKinsey wedge salad and smash burger delicious we split between two people and hardly touched fish and chips they give you a mountain of fries it's enough for four people! Couldn't finish Brie at all as well ... my...our eyes bigger then stomach. We will be back and order not so much next time but we have lunch tomorrow lolz Everything is BIG in Bakersfield hahaha this is stilll the country shit kickin white truck town. Where Trump is King ... Go Kamala!!! Black Power!!! Woman Power!!! Education and autonomy 2024!!! read more

The Botanist is a nice low key bar located in downtown, I really love the ambiance and the prohibition style bar vibe it gives out. The bartender was really friendly and the service was exceptional. I had an old fashioned which was delicious and made perfect. On this particular occasion I came in just for drinks no food , but I'll tell you that the aromas coming out of the kitchen smelled delicious. Maybe on my next visit I'll try out what's on the food menu and maybe one of their house cocktails. Oh! they also have an excellent selection of Bourbon whiskeys if you're into that like I am. read more

The Botanist - Old fashioned - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Great food and friendly service. Never have I been disappointed and the Smashburger is fabulous!

I am IN LOVE with this place! My best friend and I have decided it will be our new go to. The vibe is really cute, very parlor, dark academia feeling. Our server was extremely friendly and attentive, giving us amazing service the whole 2 hours or so we were there. We got the happy hour special, which was a green tea infused cocktail that came out in an adorable ceramic kettle. We also ordered food - which was surprisingly really really good! I ordered the shrimp sandwich and my date got their salmon. We didn't expect a bar to have such amazing food, especially with a limited menu. We will definitely be back! read more

The Botanist - Their Happy Hour for two drink, it was green tea and gin based and came in an adorable ceramic kettle. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Me and my boyfriend had went for my birthday dinner and it was amazing! I got the smash burger and the earl grey martini which was amazing. My boyfriend got the fish and chips and the cranberry sour, which were also good. The vibe was great and super chill. I would love to go again!! We didn't even wait for a table. 10/10 would totally recommend! read more

The Botanist - Smash burger - Cocktail Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Amazing food and drink. I was pleasantly surprised to find this place and would definitely recommend it. read more

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Good food. Excellent service. Relaxing atmosphere. And the crème brûlée was so good

The Botanist is a downtown treasure.. such a charming atmosphere that reminds me of quaint restaurants from travels to Europe. Emily our server was so personable and so attentive. She recommended the Botanist Loaded Fries and they were phenomenal.., everything we ate and the seasonal cocktails were superb. Definitely give this place a try you will not be disappointed!! read more

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We really enjoyed our experience at The Botanist. Good strong drinks and delicious food in a trendy atmosphere. It's a little dark, and the tables are very small, but the service and ambiance made up for that. read more

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Ambience is perfect!! Drinks are good. Put food was very bland and a bit disappointing.