5 reasons Bakersfield will succeed in the East Blvd corner where others failed
The corner building at the intersection of East Blvd. and Kenilworth Ave. seems to have finally gotten it right. The longtime home of Picasso’s had been a revolving door of failed restaurant attempts since the pizza joint closed years ago, but Bakersfield aimed to change that, and less than four months in, they are crushing it. Here’s why:
(1) Small menu, lots of flavor
– Why do 50 things decently when you can do a dozen exceptionally? Bakersfield has a simple menu. House salsas are a plus.
– Can’t go wrong with any of the tacos, but if you’re not feeling tacos, the Milanesa is incredible.
(2) Vibe
– Walk in, and it feels like you’ve been thrown into another world where Johnny Cash sings tunes, slings tacos and slams tequila in a trendy neighborhood in Southern California (this will make more sense when you visit).
– The bar is cool, the seating area consists of high tables and wooden tables with benches, and when it’s nice out, the East Blvd.-facing side of the restaurant opens its big garage doors and lets in some fresh air.
Everything you need’s right here. pic.twitter.com/5n63snmf1P
— BakersfieldEastBlvd (@BakersfieldEast) October 28, 2014
(3) Drinks, drinks, drinks
– The margaritas are delicious, as are the cocktails. Try the Red Headed Stranger. Plenty of whiskey and tequila around.
– If liquor isn’t your style, there are a lot of local beers on tap, and a decently large offering of bottled and canned beer.
– They serve the daily beer special in a boot. Quote from my mother: “Haven’t had PBR cold before, but it tastes pretty good when it’s in a chilled boot.” I concur.
Pick your poison. We’ve got ’em all. pic.twitter.com/zzrVDmDdvj — BakersfieldEastBlvd (@BakersfieldEast) October 23, 2014
(4) Queso
– The queso deserved its own section. Order it plain, or add any combination of black beans, chorizo or pickled jalapeños.
Bakersfield Tacos in #Charlotte is the definition of food heaven. So happy. #queso #tacos #wheresthetacoemoji pic.twitter.com/AB8ntYjqGn
— Alex B (@whowrotealexb) November 7, 2014
(5) Proven product
– The Charlotte location is the fourth for Bakersfield and the first in the Southeast. Other locations are in Cincinnati, Columbus and Indianapolis.
– “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives” filmed an episode at the Cincinnati location this summer.
Wide open for tacos, tequila, and badass Friday nights! pic.twitter.com/8mRYoT8PK7
— BakersfieldEastBlvd (@BakersfieldEast) September 12, 2014
Tips
– To avoid a long wait, give it a try for lunch, or go for dinner before or around 6pm, or after 9pm.
– Berrybrook Farm opens their parking lot at 5:30pm for Bakersfield customers to use.
– Get the queso.
– Check out the food menu and the drink menu.
Cocktails:
This story was originally published December 9, 2014 at 1:08 AM with the headline "5 reasons Bakersfield will succeed in the East Blvd corner where others failed."