the mint is messy and sticky I love it, usually crowds my age all tryna get drunk for cheap. The mint is the best way to start a bar crawl because it's cheap and lively (weekends) the patio area is cool and sometimes they got a band or dj, bathroom is trash but it's a dive bar so just drink and move on read more

Tbh I'm surprised this place is still open. Murphy's is more clean inside and yet that's been shut down twice. The mint has a very rude worker that charged me $10 for a drink and my friend got the exact same drink and only charged her $7. The bathroom is two seconds away from falling over, no idea how it passes inspection. The back porch is gross. Do they even clean? I won't be back after that shady drink thing though. If you want a bar similar but better staff, more clean, & over just better environment, go to the library. read more

So we are finishing up our breakfasts nearby, and I notice we will be running early to the noon baseball game that we had planned. It is around 10:30, and I decide to hit up Yelp for a nearby dive bar for a one and done. Boy did Yelp come up big! The app shows open from 6:00 AM until 2:00 AM, oh this should be interesting. It's a Sunday morning and this part of DT Bako (that's what the locals call it) is predictably dead. We stroll into a dark room, and are immediately and enthusiasticly greeted by one of the four regulars on hand. My buddy has a Dodger jersey on and I have an Angels t-shirt. A young buzzed gent gets very close to me (smiling thankfully), wags his finger at me and blurts..."my papa told me to respect my elders, but I agree with your buddy!" Ah these damn Dodger fans. He then tells the btender to buy us shots, but fortunetly he never did the pour. Patron on the other side of Robert from me is non-stop chatting, too much coffee or..??? The btender was cool and honored the 50% off Yelp check-in deal even though it seemed to confuse him. Two premium brews for $4, nice, and thanks! I head for the restroom and peak out into the back patio where I see a woman straddling and dry humping a man. OK! Excuse please! All of this is around 11:00 on a Sunday morning mind you. Per another review: "Mixed scene here. Straight, gays, lesbian, transgender. Anyone and everyone is welcome." Did not get that vibe on our visit, but that adds even more to the character of the place. So there you have it, a classic dive bar find thanks to Yelp on our Bako Spring 2015 Road Trip. read more

Bf says "Babe, I'm feeling Mint-y tonight." I say "You wanna hit up a cheap dive bar in a shady part of downtown so gay guys can hit on you and try to out-diva me?" That sums it up right there. The song Dude (Looks Like a Lady) always plays in my head when I walk in. If you've seen some of the patrons, you'll know exactly what I mean. Don't get me wrong. I like this place...there's quite a few characters around. The patio area reminds me of a classic New Orleans patio bar. The drinks are strong and cheap and there's a pool table. It's a classic dive bar experience. Now pass the PBR! read more

Dive bar and Bakersfield are relatively generally synonymous. This is a favorite among friends in the area, but it wasn't really anything outstanding to me. This is not a place for a date. It's too damn loud in there. It's dark and dirty. The drinks are mixed decent and priced well. The patrons are your typical punk rock crowd and some metal heads. There's a pool table in the back and a few tables with stools in front of it. If you go, just sit by the bar- you will hear your friends better that way. I really to this date still don't know why my friends rave about the Mint so much. Sandrini's is MUCH better and way more inviting. Survey says? Pass. read more

One of my favorite dive bars in Bakersfield. The crowd here is such a mish mash of humanity, that you can't help but smile and enjoy it for what it's worth. A place where truckers, goths and drag queens each hold court. They have one of the better jukeboxes in town, and some of the cheapest, stiffest vodka drinks in town at $2.50. read more

Ah yes...ye ole' Mint bar. There will forever be a soft spot in my heart for this place. It's dark, it's thick, it has an air of "I don't care" mixed with super glam. And the bartenders rock. Especially Rome...the dark goddess...you gorgeous thing! Thank you for being a superstar and handling business. Long Live the MINT! read more

Best bar in town...

Been going here for years. Drinks here are cheaper, stronger, and better than other place in Bakersfield. Free pool for patrons and good selections on the jukebox. They also have free wifi. read more

This is basically a gay bar..... which is fine by me! Everything about this place is good, not great, but not by any means bad. It's just kind of there, existing, its personality provided more by the patrons than by the music or the decor. I love that it exists, though, because it's a place my guy and I can go sit and relax and not feel like we're getting sideways glances. The Mint is SUCH a typical bar. Slightly indistinct door with bouncer, pool table inside, some tables and chairs, etc. The bartenders are nice, the drinks are neither expensive nor inexpensive. In terms of alcohol levels, I think the drinks are a bit weak, whereas my companion thinks they're overly strong, so they're likely somewhere in between. Sometimes the music is a little too loud and not always to our taste. Also, it can get a bit crowded. In all, though, I'm not complaining. It's a reliable bar, and I'm sure I'll be returning next time I'm in Bakersfield :). read more

Came here on Tuesday night. Was a pretty chill spot, cheap drinks & they're pretty balanced on alcohol content/flavor. A bit small so I can't imagine being comfortable on a weekend but it's still a good vibe. Sadly they do not offer pickle juice (which I love to chase my Jameson with) but bartender still knew what I was talking about. Improvised great. Make a sweet lemon drop & a smooth Jameson/ginger ale. Bathroom has very entertaining uhm literature to read all over the walls. DJ was kinda lame, nothing a few drinks won't fix. Try it out, positive vibe & good drinks. My first time trying a bar out in Bakersfield, will definitely return. read more

The Mint Bar - Ill take yer word for it - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Chill spot. I only enjoy this place on the weekdays because there's not too many people. The bartenders make some pretty spiffy drinks! read more

The Mint Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Make no mistake, this is a dive bar but it is an amzxing dive bar. There is always an interesting mix of people, the bartenders are always super friendly and up for a chat, the jukebox kicks ass and there is a free pool if that is your gig. I was in Bakersfield for a few weeks and this became my second home and I can say I actually miss it. read more

The Mint Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Cool vibes cheap drinks restrooms are dirty af but if that doesn't bother you than this is the place in Bakersfield it's in downtown in walking distance of restaurants bars and the padre hotel if your on a low budget and want to get your drink on this is the place to be DONT DRINK AND DRIVE IN DOWNTOWN read more

I had the singularly unique experience of going in to drink at 6:30AM on a Sunday morning. This joint regularly opens at 6AM and I had always been curious about why. I mean I figured there would be a couple over night workers in to have a night cap before going home but on a Sunday? It was quickly filling up with salty old men God bless there hearts. My friend and I being 24 still only probably dragged the average age in the place to 57. I have to say the bartender was very quick to help you and damn friendly at that. I did not expect that that early in the morning in a bar. At not AM hours the bar is still a fine place with the only working cigarette vending machine in town and quite frankly possibly one of the last few in California. The crowd is eclectic and diverse throughout the day. The drinks are cheap and they have one of them new fangled jukeboxe that enable you to download your hearts desire. All in all a fine yet dingy establishment. An excellent dive bar. Cheers. read more

The Mint has provided immense comfort, joy, and love to me in the years since I turned 21. The mint provides an unmatched creative energy surpassed by no other bar in Bakersfield. Though rumors exist regarding the indignity of the establishment, these are the words of fools and liars who lack the gumption and grit necessary to frequent such a place. I've fallen in love, experienced tragedies, and discovered who I really am at this bar. I have gained the upmost esoteric knowledge from many a contemplative night with fellow patrons. It is for the aforementioned reasons that I will remain forever grateful to the Mint. Warmest regards, Maddie read more

This is a great place and also fun always go in the weekends with some friends and we always have a great time totally recommend this place to any of you guys out there would definitely be back to this place cause is great read more

Funny bartenders! Love the chill environment and the various music choices. Delish drinks for good prices. Haven't been when it's packed but this place is worth hitting up. read more

Ordered Sex on the Beach and it was awesome, also had a super yummy strawberry mystery shot lol. The atmosphere is relaxed and casual, although it was very crowded when I went. The patio was nice surprise, especially when you need to take a breather from all the people/noise. read more

Hit or miss sometimes busy Good people Cheap pabst Good music Just a heads up some nights aren't as straight as others haha a homie and I stopped in for a pitcher and it was all middle aged dudes listening to the cure... read more

You know what I like about The MINT? Most folks around these parts like to believe it's a gay bar. And that's good because it's their fear that keeps them away and that's probably a good thing. But Folks who know. Know it's life's bar, where you'll find anyone and everyone up and down the ladder of life, from white stinky hobos drinking Martinis to an Indian emergency room surgeon and his/her nursing staff rolling in after a long graveyard shift looking to wind down shoot some pool and have a cheap pitcher of Pabst Blue Ribbon before going home and crashing out for the day. And everything in between. And yea I just used a bunch of words that might make sense or at least not to you and I've had a few bloody Mary's too boot. Sitting in this bar at 10:30 in the morning with a fellow looking fresh off the cover of an exploited record album and anther young man who looks to have downs. The smell of stale beer is horrible but I can't get their free wifi outside so we power through the smell selflessly bringing you this review. Come visit and you'll give it 1 star and hate it! Or you'll kickback and plug you nose and enjoy life's show and post your review along with 5 stars. read more

The Mint Bar - The MINT around Noon 06/05/2015 - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

We love this place. The owners are good friends and so are the bartenders. Great people we have met and became friends with!! read more

The Mint Bar - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I had to get away for a few days from Tehachapi, 35 miles from Bakersfield. Was looking for a fun place to hang and I asked a local ( a well dress business woman in front of the court house) where a good fun neighborhood bar was? She told me about the Mint with a few cautions. I ended up staying in town 3 extra days for the good times I was having at the Mint. I had to move back to Illinois to take care of my Mom, but I have been considering a trip back to CA due to the experience I had at the Mint, you can get everything you want right there! Friendly and skillful bartenders, goooood drinks, reasonably priced, pool, patio of you smoke and fun people out to have a good time will be there. What I really enjoyed was the local folks who went there. read more

Super cool bar. Was introduced to it by some friends there, the customer service was awesome, the drink was good, and the scenery was very chill. Will definitely go back read more

Divey punk rock-friendly bar with cheap drinks located on a sketchy street in downtown Bakersfield. Just my style.

Would have to say this would be the best Bar in town!! Great bartenders and cheap drinks!! Free pool and a great jukebox. They always have specials on drinks and shots. Some nights will even have a DJ or live bands playing. read more

The Mint Bar - a man and a woman posing for a picture - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Best micheladas in town, went here on a whim thinking they couldn't pull together an authentic tasting michelada butttt to my surprise it was great! read more

Came in tonight and got ignored. To clarify, I was with my bf and we both got ignored. The bartender made a point to help everyone around us, even those that came in after us. The other bartender finally came up to us after 20 min and I asked why the other guy ignored us. He proceeded to feed us some shit about it being that guy's first day, but we had all seen him there before. He made eye contact with us and walked to the other end of the bar to help other people. I've noticed other reviewers had similar issues with this place. Avoid it and go to Alley Cat instead! read more

Probably the worst bar to go to in Kern County. It's filled with idiots and bad smells. To let you visualize how crappy a place it is, they have Natural Ice on tap. If I could go with no stars, I would. read more

If I could give this place 0 stars I would. This place is a total dive. Ordered 1 beer and 1 vodka margarita mix drink. The bill was $24.00. My friend paid without realizing they ripped her off. Pay attention to your bill if you dare to go there. read more

Went to Jerrys for a show, came by here with some friends for one final drink to cap my night and it wasn't even that busy, but wasted a whole hour trying to get the servers/bartenders attention. My friends got they're drinks but I didn't. Guess you have to know people for a drink. I called out 2 or their names, several times, in front of them, but neither cared to serve me. The guys on either side of me got their drinks but not me. Might as well make the place exclusive to friends and family, you'd make a lot more money that way -_- I've been to places twice as busy for half the wait in more popular places. This place was not worth my visit. read more

No no no no no no no!!!!! Where do I start... There's almost always a line to get in so ur freezing your toosh off. Then u get inside oh ya feelin the music and ur like hey lets get the cheap alcohol, cuz ya it's cheap...but to get the attention of a bartender?! Good luck!!! I've been here 3 different times and my boyfriend and I have separately tried to get the attention of any bartender and after 30 min decided to leave. And to top it off there's one dirty stall for women! I have given this place one too many chances. One of the times the place was practically empty and still no service. Apparently they are known for it...but is that something to really be proud of? Hey mint..get faster bartenders and good managers!!!! read more

The mint! You'll get slow service (the place is usually crowded), but great service once you get to know the bartenders. Definitely one of the go-to spots in town. The patio out back is much better since they upgraded the lighting. I never have a bad time here and it's always the default spot for a night downtown. The free pool is a plus, this one girl always dominates the table lol. read more

Stiff Drinks, great service. We're not regulars, but we still got a quick refill on a busy saturday night. Me likey!

Favorite bar in Bakersdale. If you're looking for a dive bar to do a little day drinking they have some excellent Mimosas. Daphne serves up a tasty blackberry lemon vodka mimosa or a mad mango mimosa. They also have PBR on tap. What what! Last time I was there I was greeted by a shirtless drunkard relaxing out front drinking a 40. Which is right up my alley! Great music on the jukebox, pool table and great patio area out back. Always a great mix of cool peeps. Not for everyone but definitely a must stop by for me! read more

My favorite hole-in-the-wall bar in town. It has an inclusive atmosphere that I really appreciate in a place that's considered so conservative. I normally enjoy the music when its a night they have a dj, like the "bassmint" series they've had for a while. The drinks are cheap & well-made, which is of course what I mostly want out of a bar ha. It is small, but that's part of the charm. read more

The Mint is my favorite bar hands down! Cheap drinks, diverse crowd, and free pool. And Daphne the bartender is HOT! #daphneyelpedthisaboutherself read more

This is a definitely "go to" bar for my group of friends. They have a good jukebox, the drinks aren't outrageously priced, they have a good sized patio, and the people are always a blast. And they were chill enough to let me in barefoot because my sandals broke. And some dudes guarded the men's restroom so my friend could pee because the ladies' had a long line. That's love right there! read more

Love this bar! My favorite Bakersfield bar by far. Bartenders are cool service is good drinks are strong. It is diverse and a good dive.

always a good time and Natty Light out of a keg tastes so much better! fun people, good live shows now and then, and reminds us of the "good ol' days" read more