I haven't been here since I was 21 years and now I'm 40 years old. Big upgrade new style.. Security at the front door and back exit, but they monitor all areas, so even if you tried to dip out in the back, they will capture you. So you will end up in Kern County Activities. I can't blame my bartender for not putting cherries in my drink, even though I told her not to, she was the only one behind the bar. Either way. The restrooms were very clean with great lighting. I am amazed by the fact that there was only one bartender for the whole night for Friday 07/10/26 and she made the drinks agreat plus she ran the bar smooth AF. GREAT PLAYLIST from people willing to drop money on the jukebox. I took advantage and networked, so hopefully commission check will come in fatter. Overall great atmosphere plus great drinks/musicb solid 10/10. The cherries taste like they've been soaked in alcohol which maybe taste my whiskey sour taste off. After work activities. Fyi my whiskey sour was delicious but the cherries were bitter. 10/10 for establishment. read more

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The VIP Lounge has been in business since 1976. Just a great neighborhood bar. Dark & moody with that old school vibe. Red leather banquets, tables with red leather chairs, very comfy by the way. A fairly long bar seating 11-12 . The lounge is very well maintained. The carpet & room is clean and the upholstery is in great condition. A good selection of libations. TV's for the sports fans. A juke box for your listening pleasure. A dart board for those so inclined. Karen was my friendly mixologist today. She seems to have quite the Sunday afternoon crowd. She knows everyone, is friendly providing excellent service. read more

Vip Lounge - VIP Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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It's a decent dive bar. The drinks are not bad. There's the things you would expect there: pool table , darts. There is some comfortable booth seating. The bathroom was not too dirty. They don't really have bar food I don't think but there are lots of places to eat nearby. read more

Well, let me be honest. This place got two stars because the bartender was super kind (Alexi or something?). She was nice and attentive and no issues with her at all. The pictures you see here are not accurate at all. The place is 50 years old and boy does it show. It's dark, dingy, and 50 years ago was probably the last time the men's bathroom was cleaned too. I swear I think I can still smell it. While everyone was really nice, I definitely won't be headed back. read more

Asked advice for a dessert drink. Friendly, 1960's style split down the middle, long dark haired bartendress suggested a Bailey's Kahlua & Cream or Peachy Frangelico.  She's professional, informative, empathetic, good customer rapport as well as having a cultured sense where she could be quite comfortable working at a très haute restaurant. Did customer call out Tony? I went for the Peachy Frangelico. Excellent with hazel nutty, white chocolate taste. refreshing bitterness as an end note to the overall sweet peachy fruitiness and nuttiness.   Laid back atmosphere, and contemporary urban music like from Amp or New Music is not so loud that it interupts conversation. Darts for a Brit pub touch.  Mixed crowd, mellow scene. Kick back, unpretentious,  relaxed, chill out kind of place. Neighborhood bar. VIP may stand for Very Informal Place. 4 stars read more

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I actually like the chill vibe of this small little bar. They don't have live music and they don't have karaoke, but they do have a small little jukebox that you can use an app on your phone or walk up to it put your music in. The drinks are very reasonable. They don't really serve food there. They might have a few snacks that you can buy like chips and the service there is awesome because the bartenders are very nice. read more

I would give it 5 stars but the bar back NEVER helps the bartender. Ryan is very attentive and always anticipates my need, but there is no one to help him clean up glasses or tables. I think there is a guy, but he is always sitting talking to someone or outside. The bar back is way worse than I thought. So, I lowered it significantly. read more

Had to leave due to a mosquito problem they had, they should probably replace the carpet... read more

Vip Lounge - a drink in a glass with ice and a straw - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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This is a fun dive bar that is open late. I'm new to Bakersfield and it's been hard to find nightlife because places close so early. The VIP Lounge was a fun find. I ordered a Moscow mule and it was good. My friend ordered a margarita and it was tasty too. I'm hoping this is a good sign as to the quality of their cocktails. The vibe was fun and casual but I could see that some people had gotten there early and were already getting a little sloppy. Service was ok. We waited a while to get our orders in at the bar. It was hard to tell if the bartender really didn't see my 6'2" friend or we were being ignored. I had to get their attention after I saw that people that arrived after us were getting served. I saw they have a karaoke night so I'll have to check it out again another time. read more

I'm updating my review because I've learned to love the VIP. Usually I come here as a last stop, but I've started to come after work and a few times after dinner for a quick drink with friends. It's so much more than just a dive bar. In fact, "dive" doesn't give it justice. It's a comfortable bar, with friendly people. The juke-box is always fun and can be operated by your phone. This seems to be the boyfriend's favorite past time and has credits for days! I do wish there was beer on tap, but it's not a deal breaker. VIP is a Bakersfield classic. read more

I was there last night, enjoying a few cold beers until an assuming man walked up to the bar and kindly ordered a Moscow Mule. The bartender had told him they don't serve that drink. To the customer's dismay, he looked behind the bartender and saw a plethora of liquor sitting on the wall. The customer then ordered a White Russian and again was told they don't serve that drink. The bartender did not offer alternative mixed drinks and pretended he was cleaning glasses. The bewildered customer asked for a drink menu and was ridiculed by the bartender for asking such a horrible thing at a dive bar. The unscrupulous bartender validated his own statement by high-fiving a customer sitting at the bar. The gentleman's lady friend, along with other lady friends, walked up to the bar to sort out available cocktails. It was like pulling teeth with this bartender. I was annoyed even though I was uninvolved. These good costumers should have just left instead of stayed and ordered drinks the whole night. One key noticeable point was that the prices seemed to have gone up as the night drew to an end. read more

Very chill bar/atmosphere. The bartenders there can really make some good drinks , had one bartender who was super nice and attentive... & a different bartender who was pretty rude to my friend.. long night ? Possibly. Hopefully it won't happen next time, Other than that , no problems and overall you can have a good time and enjoy some good drinks. read more

Vip Lounge - Blue Hawaiian - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I first visited the Vipper back in 1999 and have been going ever since. Back then you could smoke until your lungs were black and it was a much seedier place. Clyde was the doorman and even though he was old, he could still intimidate the tough guys. Fast forward to 2016 and it's a much different place. The cigarette smoke and Clyde are both gone and the place has become a little more mainstream. While retaining some of its dive character, you can find more of the college and young professional crowd having sips here on any given night. Beer is still cheap and the cocktails are still strong as ever, but now there's a modern jukebox and TVs inside. I definitely recommend this place when looking to have a drink at a low key place during the week, but it gets ridiculously crowded during the weekends. read more

Very chill bar to go to hands down. As soon as you walk in you see the ambience is relaxed with dim lighting, a juke box playing, and darts in the corner. Drinks are not to bad on pricing and the bartenders are super nice. Ive had the pleasure of having wonderful service from Courtney who is super friendly and is very easy to talk to. My favorite thing about the bar is the darts gets you off your feet while having fun with your friends. Id say definitely check it out..... all races, ages(21+) all seem to enjoy and fit right in read more

This is one of my "new" favorites. It is reminiscent of the tv program "Cheers." The comfortable neighborhood vibe is friendly and relaxing. Several of my girlfriends and I descended on the VIP one afternoon about 3:00 pm. The staff was very welcoming, helping us pull tables together since there were nine of us. Connie, the bartender, was wonderful. She was very accommodating and attentive concerning our orders. If there is one thing I would change it would be to offer at least a light menu of appetizers--chips & dip, nachos, quesadillas, etc. They currently offer small dishes of nibbles, gratis. Maybe they could work out something with their neighbor. Substation Stockdale, which makes delicious sandwiches. read more

After moving back to Bakersfield a few years ago. I've been looking for a divey type bar. This definitely fits that! On the outside, I was a bit apprehensive to go in due to how sketchy it seemed. However, once inside I was pleasantly surprised. The atmosphere is awesome, great music, and strong inexpensive drinks. This is the best bar, I've been to in Bakersfield. I highly reccomend! read more

Great Dive bar type of place... good food, good music, good alcohol. Definitely visit again read more

On my favorite bars in town, got kicked out of my sisters wedding at the stockdale towers , I guess they don't like happy drunk people that know the forbidden dance. But the VIP bar took care of after all that, some stranger got me a drink cus he liked my story, and I showed some honey the same dance that got kicked out of wedding . Good people, good barkeepers, clean, nice Music box, the ambience will turn into a wild boar ..... read more

Vip Lounge - Me - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Hands down my new favorite bar in Bako. I probably would have never come in myself because it's in a strip mall and the name makes me think it's a strip club or something but I'm glad my friends suggested it! We waltzed in on a Friday night and it was empty except for a big group of guys. We were carded at the bar. It was so easy to order drinks without a huge crowd. There was plenty of lounge seating so we grabbed a table in front of the bar. The music was spot on for the vibe of the bar - it was mainly hip hop. By the time we finished our first round the bar suddenly got kind of packed! We then had Jell-O shots and gummy bears that were reasonably priced. I think I spent $10.50 on a shot of fireball, a Jell-O shot and gummy bears! :O read more

I like VIP, it's my go-to bar when I just want a chill place to have a drink. It's very dimly lit, very intimate. It makes me think of a place where cheating spouses would go to be with their significant others; it's just really low key. Their drinks are decent priced & stiff !! * I've upgraded the star rating, because it continues to be my go-to bar. read more

We use to live down the block from the VIP back in the 90s. When we first started going to the VIP it was not the trendy weekend hipster crowd--it was the "I have been here drinking since 11:00 am" crowd--and I loved them. The barkeep, Glenda would give my GF money to load up the jukebox--which was one of our favorites in town--we even have a playlist on our iPods named: VIP Mix. Best memory: Two stupid young kids started fighting in the bar; Glenda pulls a sawed off shot gun out from behind the bar, tells my GF and I just to have a seat back at the bar--she needed to get those little F'ers out of her bar. Which she did--rather quickly I might add. Things have changed but we still go whenever we are in town and call all our old drinking buddies from college and we drink and talk shit--love it. read more

This is the first time I have intentionally gone to a dive bar on my own...and wow was I blown away. Coming from L.A I would have been repeatedly harassed and bothered as I drank my beer, but that didn't happen one single time here. Both bartenders were incredibly friendly, and I had no issues with my final tab. I even ended up playing a fun dice game while I was there, and made a few bar buddies. If you're into the casual, divey bar scene this is the place for you! read more

Stopped by this Friday and it was pretty good the atmosphere was real chill and laid back the Bartender Courteney I believe her name was, was very sweet and outgoing, will definitely be back. read more

Marty was the best service guy!!! He always attended more than the server did and as well cleaned the tables constantly!!

Awesome local dive bar. I went there for the first time last week and the staff is great, prices are good and everyone had a blast. Definitely going back read more

Seriously how can anyone give this place more than 3 stars ? Only bottles of beer and I've never paid less than 5 dollars a beer. It does have the feel of a dive bar that I enjoy but that's why it's gets the two stars. read more

This place was A-OK. Cheap booze, good and cheap cocktails. Their beer selection kinda sucked balls. I got 4 drinks for 15 bux.... on a Saturday, thats a good thing in my book. No douchebagery at all either. Much surprised for bakersfield. read more

Monday nights are always interesting! There's kareoke and the bartenders are great! Never have a dull night when I'm there alone or with friends. read more

Bartender tonight is a jerk, I parked my motorcycle where I usually do this place is usually cool with it.. Went to get a drink, bartender was smoking outside, not tending bar... As I left he freaked out about where I parked and said I wouldn't be served if I didn't move.. but I was already leaving because the bartender wasn't behind the bar. Then he proceeded to flag down a police officer that was at flaming skewers and told me he'd say I was drunk if I didn't leave. He escalated the situation severely and was very aggressive. He needs to be retrained better yet get a different job. Never had someone treat me so terrible bad for business.. I'm going to the belvedere next time! To my instagram snap and twitter followers. Just so you know... read more

Ok location, very hit and miss. On two different nights put in $15 on the digital juke box and picked about 15-20 songs. Both times was at the location for more than 3 hours. The music I paid for, never got played. The girls at the bar were bragging about how they had picked certain songs. When I asked them about it and why none of my songs had played, they didn't have an answer. Not coming back to this rip off of a place. read more

Amy is great! She's so welcoming and has great Customer service. James does too but you have to catch him on a good day... maybe he had a bad day and took it out on us but other than that he's a great bar tender. Take care man! read more

Love this place! Just pay attention to the bill, you pay with a $20 and they'll give ya a quarter back and say you paid with a $5.

This is my favorite dive bar .. karaoke Monday's !! Variety atmosphere and the bar tenders are on spot .. drinks are priced right. Come down Thursday July 26th it's 80's theme night so tease the hair and come have drinks .. read more

I like to come here with my bf after eating because it's centrally located and not too far from home. For being a dive bar where I've never seen a big crowd, it has a cozy atmosphere! read more

We walk in, I order a beer and my fiancée was ordering a "tropical" cocktail, while ordering we couldn't put our finger on the word "tonic water". In the middle of us ordering our drinks the lady bartender asked for our ID's and I give her our Florida ID's (I have been holding on to both ID's for the duration of our vacation). She then starts bending them, pretty violently in my opinion, and my fiancées ID gives way near the bar code. The bar tender then proceeds to ask for a second form of ID after she literally breaks my fiancées card, saying its out of state. At this point we are pretty shocked that she actually breaks one of our cards. The bar tender than looks to a gentleman sitting at the bar and says something - my fiancée then demands our cards back because frankly we've never had a bar tender handle our ID's like this. As we proceed out the bar the bar tender says "she's lucky she got it back"... This was the MOST hideous service I've ever witnessed, let alone experienced. I am briefly speechless but I can say one thing - fuck you to the bar tender. Not worth the hassle for a dive bar experience, let alone some fucker breaking our state issued ID's... I mean come on, seriously... Horrible. read more

Vip Lounge - Dive Bars Near Me - Bakersfield, California

VIP is hands down my favorite bar in Bakersfield. It employs my favorite bartender, Courtney. Being a bartender myself, I can appreciate someone who does my job better than me. I love to watch her work. She's amazing with the customers. I've watched her handle belligerent patrons with the firmness, kindness, and patience of a mother. I've never seen her flustered. She usually remembers names after the first interaction, which is insane to me. I don't know how she does it. She always has a smile on her face. She's a great conversationalist. I could go on and on. She's great. VIP is great. End of story. read more

Good service, good prices, and strong drinks! Every time I have been here I have had a good time! It's a small bar but it's a chill place to go and catch up with your friends. read more

Without the VIP, I believe I wouldn't have finished college. It was totally my Cheers of my early 20's. They have the best jukebox, the regulars (Glenda, the bartender- my favorite) are some of the most interesting people you'll ever meet and the drinks...well, where else could you buy your closest friends drinks for all of $20! Way too many evenings here, but thankfully, it's become quite a hip lounge:( Stop in for an early drink, but if you decide to stay late, the crowd is a bit, um...too much. read more

I would have given it more stars but my last experience there was very negative. If you go in and see a girl behind the bar named Heather, do yourself a favor and just walk out or ask if someone else can serve you. Not only was she rude, but she will take advantage of your inebriation by charging you more on your bill than what you're supposed to be paying. I'm sorry, but you cannot play dumb and add more money on someone's bill. Horrible worker. There's another girl that works that that is actually gorgeous, unlike the other one, and who is actually nice. I don't think I got her name, she was a skinny gal with blonde hair, but she is fantastic at her job, polite, hilarious, great personality, great at making drinks, and won't charge you extra on your bill. The other downside to this place is the horrible music that plays when there is no one paying for songs. A lot of depressing, slow music that is background noise. It puts a damper to a person wanting a good night out. read more

I've been here about 10 times and have had mixed reviews each time. The older bartenders are cool and always hook up the drinks. The reason I'm giving this place 1 star is because the 2 younger bartenders, who take the days the older ladies are not there, suck ass! It seems like everytime I'm there those 2 are copping attitudes with people. I talked to a few other people, they tell me the same thing. read more