Cask Strength Bar and Kitchen

Met here with a small group of friends (7) because one of them really loves the chef there. Most everybody liked what they ordered, but we were frustrated (admittedly it was our fault to choose the place) because there were no paper menus, you MUST use The QR code on the table, The music was so loud that we couldn't hear ourselves think, and as the place got busy, ambient noise got way louder. Bless her heart there seem to be only one server, and she was running her butt off. They use a point of sale device for payment, and because of her sincere attempts to address all customers, two people of our party of seven managed to pay, and then she didn't come back to us for about 20 minutes. That single point of sale device is an extreme bottleneck. We will probably not return soon. The table tops aren't extremely large, but once you have a plate of chips and salsa and two Waters, in gigantic (24oz?) mason jars, there's no room left on the table. My meal was acceptable, one of my dining companions raved about their tacos. All in all a mixed bag of experiences.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 4

We know the chef. He's creative and his food is fabulous!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I had the old fashioned and an order of bourbon Tritip tacos. Everything, including the service, was incredible. They play current country music which gives a good Bakersfield vibe. Great spot downtown to drink and eat. They have locked cages you can rent to put spirits in for future use.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Probably the best whiskey bar in Bakersfield. The widest variety of whiskey available at a decent price. Their flights are magnificent. Highly recommended.

Atmosphere: 5

Service: 5

Cask Strength is my go to stop when in Bakersfield for work. Great selection of bourbons, classic cocktails and excellent food! A must stop for visitors to the south valley

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Nuce place to grab a cocktail before the Cindors play.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Chicken Sandwich

Rude wait staff (couldn't remember order 3 times) so I went to the bar for the forgotten drink. Rude bartender (couldn't make the drunk correctly) and they couldn't even get either one right. 8 customers, one hour wait for subpar service and one star food, all at a premium price. Don't waste your time.

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 3

Service: 1

Great whiskey AND tequila selection. Awesome drinks and knowledgeable staff, 100% recommend!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

Its a terrific place for happy hour snacks,Me and my bestie really love it.

Dietary restrictions: Depending on the severity of your dietary restrictions, I wouldn’t bother going into a place like that or actually most of the places downtown

Parking: There is a parking structure downtown that is a few blocks from the hot spots but worth it for not having to park on the street.

Kid-friendliness: Its a loud and busy bar, not for kids.I would not take my children downtown at night unless it’s a parade .

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Recommended dishes: Garlic Parmesan Truffle Fries, Cranberry Apple Pecan Salad, Brussels Sprouts

This place is amazing! The food, the drinks, the service all amazing! If i could give 10 stars I would! The food was fantastic from flavor to the chefs presentation this place is amazing! Don’t even get me started on the drinks! Huge selection of top shelf options and a fantastic crew to prepare whatever you request! If you want an amazing night with awesome food, people and drinks, Cask Strength is the place to be!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Came to try this place out for my husband’s birthday. The food was delicious, the service was excellent and the drinks hit the spot. ??

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Been a couple of times now. Great drinks. Good atmosphere. Attentive staff.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

One star because you can’t pick zero, went there with friends from out of town-fried green beans were okay, food took well over an hour and a half to get there, wait staff was nice but nowhere to be found most of the time, the ribeye steak was a good size but had no seasoning, had a strange sweet almost honey flavor and undercooked and had a large amount of fat, same was true for my friend’s ribeye and even my other friends New York-never seen a New York with so much fat. Waitress was uninterested when shown the fat etc. won’t be going back, looked like they have a large selection of alcohol-they might reconsider serving food other than appetizers. Food was expensive too.

This place is kind of expensive and they served me burnt chicken on my fettuccine.

Nice Downtown Restaurant