Bakersfield — Review by Food Network
Cincinnati, United States — Mexican
Bakersfield is a Mexican street taco restaurant in Cincinnati opened by brothers Joe and John Lonnie and Alex Blust in 2012. The standout short rib tacos feature braised meat with complex flavors balanced by pickled radishes, crema, queso fresco, and cilantro on fresh corn tortillas. With handmade tortillas produced daily and approachable, affordable pricing, Bakersfield delivers elevated street food in the revitalizing Over-the-Rhine neighborhood.
What was great: Short rib tacos with tender meat, well-balanced flavors, handmade tortillas, elevated street taco execution, cinnamon in the marinade
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
The focal point of Bakersfield is their short rib tacos, which Chef Chaz Baricado has perfected into something truly special. The short ribs are braised for 4 to 5 hours at 350 degrees in a marinade made from roasted tomatoes, adobo chiles, chipotle, tomato paste, garlic, brown sugar, and kosher salt. The braising liquid includes cinnamon sticks and bay leaves that impart subtle warmth to the meat. Each taco is assembled with shredded short rib, crema, queso fresco, pickled white onions, cilantro, and sliced radish on fresh corn tortillas. The result is a well-balanced bite where the meatiness of the beef is cut beautifully by the bitter radish, creating what the reviewer calls a really elevated taco. The meat itself is tender and not overseasoned, with the cinnamon adding complexity without overwhelming the palate. The light, authentic corn tortillas complete the experience, with about 2,000 handmade daily.
The Experience
Bakersfield is located on Fine Street in Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, an area that has experienced significant revitalization with cool new restaurants opening. The restaurant captures that approachable, fun Mexican street food vibe that co-owners Joe and John Lonnie and Alex Blust envisioned when they opened in 2012. The operation is clearly chef-driven, with Chaz Baricado and his team committed to quality and authenticity. The handmade tortilla production of 2,000 daily demonstrates the volume and commitment to fresh ingredients.
Value and Pricing
The owners specifically mentioned wanting to be approachable and affordable, which aligns with traditional street taco pricing. While exact prices aren't stated, the quality and portion size of the short rib tacos suggest excellent value for elevated Mexican cuisine.
Notable Moments
I like to eat a lot of tacos. I like to drink a lot of beer. So I get to come here and do just that.
The tortilla is very light. The short rib, it's tender, not overseasoned. Love the cinnamon in there. This is a really elevated taco. I mean, the whole thing comes together fantastic.
The Verdict
Bakersfield represents exactly what the owners intended: approachable, affordable, and fun Mexican food centered around quality tacos. The short rib tacos are the clear standout, demonstrating that street food doesn't have to be simple to be authentic. This is an essential stop in Cincinnati's revitalized Over-the-Rhine neighborhood, perfect for anyone seeking genuine Mexican flavors executed with care and precision.