Bakersfield OTR
A bustling taco joint in Over-the-Rhine known for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive tequila selection, and unique margaritas.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Bakersfield OTR
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A bustling taco joint in Over-the-Rhine known for its vibrant atmosphere, extensive tequila selection, and unique margaritas.
"Go for the vibe, stay for a couple tacos and a drink!"
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
Explore Margarita Flavors
Try the house margarita or unique flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus.
Quick Facts
Cuisine
Mexican
Price
Mid-range
Phone
(513) 579-0446
Address
1213 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202, USA
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lively Atmosphere & Unique Vibes
Experience a vibrant atmosphere with dim lights, loud music, and energetic crowds. Perfect for a night out.
Flavorful Tacos & Unique Margaritas
Enjoy beautifully presented tacos and try unique margarita flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus.
Dinner for Two Sampling
The 'Dinner for 2' option is a well-loved choice for sampling a variety of their delicious menu items.
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Menu
Most Popular Items
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
Explore Margarita Flavors
Try the house margarita or unique flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus.
Try the 'Dinner for 2'
A great way to sample a variety of dishes, especially the highly-recommended empanadas.
Consider Taco Variety
Explore different taco options beyond Al Pastor for a more satisfying meal.
Tips
from all over the internet
Visit Off-Peak Hours
Avoid crowds by visiting on weekdays or during off-peak hours.
Explore Margarita Flavors
Try the house margarita or unique flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus.
Try the 'Dinner for 2'
A great way to sample a variety of dishes, especially the highly-recommended empanadas.
Consider Taco Variety
Explore different taco options beyond Al Pastor for a more satisfying meal.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Bakersfield OTR is praised for its lively atmosphere and creative margarita selection, making it a popular spot for drinks and socializing. While many enjoy the flavorful tacos and appetizers like the queso, some diners feel the 'Al Pastor' taco misses the mark, and the overall Mexican authenticity is secondary to the vibrant scene. Service can sometimes feel rushed due to quick food delivery, but staff are generally friendly and accommodating.
"Incredible, flavorful food! We did the meal deal for two which is so so worth it. The short rib queso was seriously fantastic, along with the stuff poblano and empanadas. All the tacos we got had wonderful flavor and were stuffed full. We were so happy with the food we received! In regard to service, we felt rushed by our server. The food came out super quick so we felt like we had to eat quickly to keep the heat of our food… We expressed that we’d like to space things out, but that didn’t happen unfortunately. Overall happy though!"
Brittney Wagenveld
"Cool Vibes, Mid Tacos, and a Hard Pass on the Pastor
Let’s get something straight—Bakersfield OTR isn’t a bad spot. The vibe? Solid. It’s got that lively, packed energy that makes you want to post up at the bar, sip a margarita, and people-watch for hours. Dim lights, loud music, and a bit of grit—right in the heart of Over-the-Rhine. That’s why I go.
Now, let’s talk tacos. As a Mexican, I’ll say this: they’re fine. Not mind-blowing, but fine. The Short Rib taco? Tender, flavorful, and hits the mark. The Baja Shrimp? Crispy, tangy, with just the right amount of crema. They know how to balance flavors, and the execution is consistent. But then there’s the Al Pastor—and I’ve got to call it out. That is not pastor. No trompo, no real depth, just chile-marinated pork that’s trying too hard. It’s a swing and a miss for anyone who knows the real thing.
Drinks? Margaritas are on point—especially the spicy version. Tequila selection is deep if you want to explore, and they don’t skimp on pour size.
At the end of the day, Bakersfield isn’t about authentic Mexican—it’s about the scene. Go for the vibe, stay for a couple tacos and a drink, but if you’re chasing the real deal flavors of Mexico, this place won’t scratch that itch."
Mario Gonzalez
"A one and done. The location is great, the drinks were pretty good and the service was great as well. The outdoor seating was nice. Its the food. It was just okay. We tried 3 different tacos and none were anything to get excited about. I likely won't be back."
Kay
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
Bakersfield OTR is famous for its flavorful tacos, particularly the Short Rib and Baja Shrimp, as well as its crispy empanadas and rich queso.
The restaurant has a vibrant and energetic atmosphere with dim lighting, loud music, and a lively crowd, making it a popular spot for a night out.
Yes, Bakersfield OTR offers unique margarita flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus, in addition to traditional options. You can also swap tequila for mezcal.
Its lively atmosphere and shareable dishes like queso and tacos make it suitable for groups, while the vibrant ambiance can also be good for a casual date.
While reservations might not always be necessary, it's advisable to check, especially for weekend evenings, as the restaurant can get busy.
The 'Dinner for 2' is a popular menu sampling option that allows you to try a variety of their signature dishes, including empanadas and tacos.
Some diners find that the Al Pastor taco is not authentic, and while generally good, the overall Mexican flavors might not satisfy those seeking traditional authenticity.
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These Are Cincinnati's 18 Top Spots to Sip on a Margarita
Bakersfield OTR 1213 Vine St., Over-the-Rhine Bakersfield OTR has been a hot spot for tacos, tequila, whiskey, PBR served in a glass boot and old-school Western ambiance since 2012. Frequently touted as having some of Cincinnati’s favorite margaritas, Bakersfield serves them the old fashioned way with fresh-squeezed lemon and lime. Stick with the classic house margarita, try flavors like pineapple and orange hibiscus or swap out tequila for mezcal for a smoky twist on this crowd favorite.
Long Weekend in Cincinnati
When it comes time for lunch, Bakersfield serves awesome fresh tacos. In the afternoon, learn about Cincinnati’s rich brewing history with two options for brewery tours. The first is a walking tour with American Legacy Tours that includes exploring recently excavated underground brewery tunnels; the second is hopping on the Cincy Brew Bus for a tasting tour of local breweries like Rhinegeist, Taft's Ale House and Christian Moerlein.
The Cincinnati-area restaurants Guy Fieri has visited on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'
ADDRESS: 1213 Vine Street (OTR)EPISODE: Season 21, Episode 6: “One Street Wonders”. Get a little tipsy on your next Taco Tuesday with the expansive selection of tequila and craft cocktails at Bakersfield OTR. Then, be like Fieri and round out your night with the braised short rib tacos on house-made tortillas, or the Milanesa Torta with chicken and black bean spread.
The 8 local restaurants Guy Fieri's visited on 'Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives'
ADDRESS: 1213 Vine Street (OTR) EPISODE: Season 21, Episode 6: “One Street Wonders”. Get a little tipsy on your next Taco Tuesday with the expansive selection of tequila and craft cocktails at Bakersfield OTR. Then, be like Guy and round out your night with the braised short rib tacos on house-made tortillas, or the Milanesa Torta with chicken and black bean spread.
Highest-rated Restaurants in Cincinnati, According to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5 / 5 (372 reviews)- Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Type of cuisine: Mexican, Southwestern- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1213 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7287- Read more on Tripadvisor
4 Cincinnati Taquerias to Try
If you aren't familiar with the concept, a taqueria is basically a taco shop. But we're not talking about Taco Bell here – these are delicious AUTHENTIC tacos, and Cincinnati has a long list of them. Take a seat and prepare to take some notes.
5 Margaritas You Have to Try in Downtown Cincinnati
Located on Vine Street in Over the Rhine, Bakersfield is one of my favorite places for drinks (and food). Their margarita arrived in a salt rimmed glass Ball jar, with lots of ice and a lime garnish. This one packed a punch!
Highest-rated Mexican restaurants in Cincinnati, according to Tripadvisor
- Rating: 4.5/5 (368 reviews) - Detailed ratings: Food (4.5/5), Service (4.5/5), Value (4.0/5), Atmosphere (4.0/5)- Price: $$ - $$$- Address: 1213 Vine St, Cincinnati, OH 45202-7287- Read more on Tripadvisor
40 Best Restaurants in Cincinnati, OH for 2025 (Top Eats!)
1213 Vine StreetCincinnati, OH 45202(513) 579-0446 Visit Website See Menu Open in Google Maps. Bakersfield is a bustling eatery serving authentic Mexican street fare, tequilas, and American whiskeys.
Best Margaritas in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky
Bakersfield OTR offers not one, but three types of margaritas. A top-shelf version, a pineapple variant and the house Bakersfield margarita. For fairness' sake, we are evaluating the house margarita.
Highest-rated fine dining restaurants in Cincinnati by diners
– Rating: 4.3/5 (1503 reviews)– Price level: $$– Address: 1213 Vine St. Cincinnati, Ohio– Categories: Bars, Tacos– Read more on Yelp
Allez Bakery Has The Best Bread In Cincinnati
Allez Bakery is located on Main Street in OTR and offers some of the best artisanal bread in the city.
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