People are going GAGA over The Botanist, a moody little downtown Bakersfield hideaway where date night, girls’ night, and “I just need fries and a cocktail” all happily collide.
Step through the door and suddenly you’re in an adults-only playground of gothic speakeasy vibes, creative cocktails, and comfort food with just enough edge to keep things exciting. ✨
The Surprising Little Bakersfield Bar Locals Can’t Stop Raving About
What started as a cocktail-first hangout has become one of Bakersfield’s most-talked-about spots thanks to its addictive combo of craft drinks, playful comfort food, and a vibe that feels like a San Francisco cocktail bar dropped into Kern County. 🍸
Word of mouth did the rest.
Photos of jet-black cocktails, dripping burgers, and loaded fries started popping up all over social feeds, while crowd-sourced sites keep calling out the space as a cool downtown haven for craft drinks and hearty bites.
Add in 21+ only entry, strong but balanced cocktails, and a menu that caters to both vegans and carnivores, and you get a bar that feels like a secret—just busy enough to buzz, but still intimate enough that the bartender might remember your order. 🌙
If you’re planning a Kern County getaway, pairing a stop at The Botanist with a stroll through downtown Bakersfield turns an ordinary night into a mini foodie adventure.
Food Highlights
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Botanist Smash Burger: A juicy smash-style burger that shows up again and again in rave reviews as the must-order plate and is called one of the best burgers in Bakersfield, praising the crispy-edged patty, melty cheese, and that “I’m-coming-back-for-this” flavor. 🍔
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Crunchy Shrimp Burger: A playful twist that swaps beef for crispy fried shrimp in burger form, giving you crunch, richness, and a hit of seafood comfort in every bite that’s hearty but not heavy and perfect for when you want something a little different from the usual burger lineup, especially if you’re into seafood-focused comfort food.
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Crispy Chicken Sandwich: This is the move for fried chicken lovers with its perfectly crisp exterior and juicy interior that still stays crunchy under sauce and toppings, that’s best enjoyed with a side of craft cocktails and good conversation. 🐔
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Green Dukkah Fries / Dukkah Fries: Tossed with Middle Eastern-inspired dukkah seasoning, these fries take a classic favorite and turn it into a hot, fragrant, and completely addictive treat that’s earned devoted fans who call them a must-try with your first drink and a non-negotiable repeat order on every visit. 🍟
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Loaded Fries / Botanist Smash Loaded Fries: Take everything people love about the smash burger and pile it over a mountain of fries and you get this over-the-top share plate that’s perfect for groups, with its rich, cheesy, and wildly satisfying flavor. 😋
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Vegan Tacos: A huge win for plant-based diners, these tacos show up in multiple guest posts as proof that The Botanist takes vegan options seriously, not as an afterthought. 🌱 Diners love them for bold flavor, satisfying texture, and the fact that they let mixed groups of vegans and meat eaters all enjoy the same table without compromise, making this a smart stop on any California vegan road trip.
Atmosphere
Step inside The Botanist and you’re greeted by dark leather, gold-framed art, and moody lighting that make the room feel equal parts romantic and mischievous, an aesthetic highlighted in many local reviews.
The vibe leans “grown-up playground,” with strong drinks, upbeat music, and an aesthetic guests often compare to a trendy city bar. 🎶
There’s an unmistakable gothic speakeasy energy, from the bar’s dramatic look to the intimate seating that makes every corner feel like a good place to linger.
Outdoor seating and bar spots help it work seamlessly for date nights, friend meet-ups, or pre-game drinks before a night downtown, making it easy to build an entire Bakersfield night out around this one stop.
Bottom Line
A visit to The Botanist means bold cocktails, craveable comfort food, a moody adults-only vibe, and legit options for both vegans and meat lovers. Go for the smash burger and dukkah fries, stay for the atmosphere, and leave already planning your next round. 🌙🍹
Address:
930 18th St, Bakersfield, CA 93301
📞 (661) 374-4807
🕔 Open Tue–Thu, 11 AM–11 PM, Fri-Sat, 11 AM–12 AM, Sun, 11 AM–10 PM (closed Mon)