The Botanist - Bakersfield, California

Joelenn M.

Súper nice place!

William S.

As the old saying goes, you get what you pay for.

This place is expensive, but, the food, service, and atmosphere makes it well worth it.

The Botanist is a Bar and Grill, I don't know if that is right.

I think it should be a Grill and Bar because the food outshines the alcohol any day of the week.

My Server was great, very nice and very attentive.

I have been to The Botanist twice. I have not been disappointed neither time.

I eat only Vegan since December 1, 2024 and choices are few in Bakersfield. However, I was told about The Botanist and I am glad I went.

The first time I got the Vegan Smash Burger and Fries. Glory be, it was great.

This last time, I got the Vegan Tacos and Vegan Loaded Fries. They put the Smash Burger to shame.

My friends got the regular Loaded Fries, a Chicken Burger and a Smash Burger. They loved their meal.

I VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THE BOTANIST.

Brett B.

We had a fantastic experience at The Botanist! While I regret forgetting the bartender’s name, she was absolutely wonderful and crafted some incredible drinks—cheers to her and the team of ladies! The cocktails here are far from your typical vodka and soda; they’re thoughtfully crafted for those with more adventurous taste buds. If you’re a fan of unique, bold flavors, this is definitely the place to explore some new drinks.

The food was also flavorful and delicious. The Smash Burger was cooked perfectly. It also came out really fast. Just a heads-up: sandwiches and burgers don’t come with sides, so plan accordingly.

Overall, The Botanist offers a great blend of creative cocktails and tasty dishes. If you’re looking for something beyond the ordinary, this spot is a must-visit!

J

Waiter we had was super bubbly and nice, you rock! I forgot her name but she had shortish brownish hair, thanks for being awesome! The drink was also awesome, the teapot it came in was cute. It was decently strong and was enough for two people. Since we went at happy hour it was also half off. If you like your drinks to have a bit of a kick as well as a sweet taste, totally recommend checking this place out. It was a really mellow chill place to hang out at for a bit.

Priscilla R.

Food was great! We had the mezze plate which was a hummus appetizer plate with veggies. Our drinks tasted amazing! We had an old fashion and a couple other fruity cocktails that were more sweet than alcohol forward.
For service:
The hostess was so friendly, the manager was very kind, however….the bartender left me w no drink for so long meaning no water or cocktail after my first! When the hostess tried seating us we were the only other couple at the bar. The bartender was very friendly and tentative to the other couple but did not seem to want to walk down the bar to us. I had no water and no cocktail for so long! Originally the hostess tried seating us in the middle of the bar and the bartender told her no and suggested she seat us further down towards the end so she could “clean the bar” but I never saw her clean it. The bartender service made me feel like she maybe thought I was someone else. I’m from out of town and don’t know her. Her service made us decide to go have dinner somewhere else. It was New Year’s Day and we just wanted to have a nice date night dinner but she made the vibe feel as though we were not welcomed to her service.
The bartender really was the only disappointment.
The restaurant ambiance was really nice, we loved it. Prob would have had a great experience had we sat at a table instead of the bar that day.
There is also patio seating!

Monique H.

The Botanist is a downtown treasure…such a charming atmosphere that reminds of restaurants on my travels to Europe. Emily our server was so personable and really made us feel welcome. She recommended the Botanist Loaded Fries and they phenomenal..everything we ate and the seasonal hand crafted cocktails were suburb. Definitely give this place a try you will not be disappointed!

Micayla K.

Popped in to The Botanist on New Years' Eve around 4pm for an early dinner/happy hour by myself while in town for work.
The windows are very tinted and it was slow around this time, so i wasn't sure they were open, but when you walk in, it's a beautiful atmosphere. Very moody and intimate inside, with a gorgeous bar and lots of seating options.
The cocktail menu is extensive and really interesting, featuring 3 seasonal cocktails. They have happy hour from 3-5 that offers a few dollars off seasonal cocktails and appetizers. I ordered the earl grey martini (pictured), the butterbeer old fashioned (seasonal), the chimichurri wings, and the botanist salad. The wings were incredible and the aioli served with them was amazing. They do a great job at elevating what would otherwise be "bar food." The cocktails were perfectly balanced.
I did have to call for the attention of the bartenders each time to place a food order, order another drink, and get my check even though it wasn't busy. Once I got their attention, though, they were friendly and efficient.
Overall a great experience and would recommend to anyone looking for a casual yet upscale night out.

teatwice

I have no idea why this place isn’t the busiest restaurant in Bakersfield. Best smash burger in town. Wings are great, everything on the small bites portion of the menu is for that matter. Super friendly staff, great mixed drinks, amazing food. This is a favorite for the wife and I. We’ve been 3 times now and will come back often.