I’ve always found a city’s soul through its cafés. Bakersfield is no exception. Every visit I make, I carve out hours—or even an entire afternoon—just to wander from one coffee shop to the next, soaking in the atmosphere, indulging in rich flavors, and watching life go by at a more deliberate pace. From sun-drenched patios to cozy corners filled with local art, Bakersfield’s coffee scene offers the perfect mix of comfort, creativity, and character. Over the years, I’ve discovered a collection of cafés that feel like secret havens, and I want to share them with anyone who wants to experience the slower, more reflective side of this city.
1. Temple Coffee Roasters
Location: 2100 19th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Walking into Temple Coffee Roasters is like stepping into a sanctuary for coffee lovers. The aroma of freshly roasted beans greets you at the door, and the warm, industrial-chic interior invites lingering over a cup. I usually sit by the window, watching the downtown streets bustle as I sip my carefully crafted latte.
Why it’s special: Temple roasts its own beans, and you can taste the difference immediately. Each cup is a celebration of precision—from the crema on a simple espresso to the gentle froth of a cappuccino. I often linger with my laptop, writing notes or planning my day, savoring the way the staff perfectly balance speed with attentiveness.
Must-try items:
- Temple Signature Latte
- Single-origin pour-over
- House-made pastries, especially the almond croissant
Booking & Tips:
- No formal reservation system, but for larger groups, a quick call ahead ensures seating.
- Signing up for their loyalty program gives discounts after a few visits.
- Platforms like Yelp Reservations (https://www.yelp.com/reservations) occasionally list special weekend tastings.
I usually combine a visit here with a morning flight booked via Google Flights or Kayak, ensuring my early arrival downtown aligns perfectly with opening hours. There’s something magical about landing in Bakersfield early and walking straight into a local café, where the first cup of coffee signals the start of a real exploration.
2. ERB Coffee
Location: 1524 18th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
ERB Coffee is tucked along a quieter part of downtown, yet the buzz inside makes it immediately welcoming. The décor is modern with a hint of rustic charm, the wooden tables adorned with local art and soft lighting that makes the space feel intimate even during busier hours.
Personal Experience: My first visit to ERB was in the late afternoon, and I found a corner seat near the large front window. I ordered a flat white and a slice of their seasonal carrot cake. As the flavors mingled—the silky microfoam and the subtly spiced cake—I noticed the subtle hum of conversation, punctuated by the hiss of the espresso machine. I felt like I was experiencing a quieter, more thoughtful slice of Bakersfield life.
Must-try items:
- Flat White
- Cold Brew with vanilla bean syrup
- Seasonal pastries, particularly pumpkin or gingerbread during fall
Booking & Tips:
- ERB doesn’t take reservations, but early weekday visits can avoid peak lines.
- Signing up for their newsletter sometimes provides coupons for drinks or pastries.
- For tourists, combining this café stop with hotel bookings on Booking.com (https://www.booking.com) nearby allows for an easy walk back to a downtown room.
I often pair visits to ERB with a mid-morning exploration of nearby murals and art installations, walking off the coffee as I plan the rest of the day.
3. Lulu’s Coffee Shop
Location: 2705 Panama Lane, Bakersfield, CA 93306
Lulu’s Coffee Shop has always felt like a warm neighborhood secret. The first time I walked in, the barista greeted me by name after only one visit—an immediate sense of belonging. The café is slightly retro, with vintage posters on the walls, small round tables, and soft jazz playing in the background.
Personal Experience: I opted for a chai latte with almond milk and a homemade scone. Sitting at the small table by the corner, I watched local artists sketch at nearby tables. The warmth of the café felt like an embrace, and I found myself returning not just for coffee but for the comforting sense of community.
Must-try items:
- Chai Latte with alternative milk
- Scones and muffins made fresh daily
- Seasonal fruit tarts
Booking & Tips:
- No reservations necessary. For weekends, arrive early for the best seats.
- Lulu’s occasionally runs promotions via OpenTable (https://www.opentable.com) for group bookings during special events.
- Pairing this café with a hotel booked through Expedia (https://www.expedia.com) nearby simplifies logistics for travelers exploring eastern Bakersfield.
4. Temblor Coffee Roasters
Location: 2001 Eye Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Temblor Coffee Roasters is one of those places where the scent of freshly roasted beans immediately grounds you in the present moment. I remember walking in on a crisp morning and feeling instantly alive as the warmth from the brewing machines mingled with the faint aroma of baked pastries. The shop has an industrial-modern feel with exposed brick walls and polished wood counters, perfect for those who appreciate aesthetic details as much as flavor.
Personal Experience: I ordered a pour-over of their single-origin Ethiopian beans. The coffee was bright and floral, with notes of blueberry and honey that lingered long after the cup was finished. I sat near the corner, scribbling travel notes and sipping slowly while watching locals stream in and out. Each interaction, from the barista’s careful pour to a customer sharing a new pastry discovery, felt connected and intimate.
Must-try items:
- Single-origin pour-over (rotating seasonal beans)
- House-made almond croissant
- Cold brew with a splash of oat milk
Booking & Tips:
- Reservations are not needed for single visits.
- For groups or events, they offer pre-order options via their website.
- Combining this café stop with flights booked through Skyscanner (https://www.skyscanner.com) ensures a smooth arrival into Bakersfield for early morning coffee rituals.
5. Coffee & Cream Bakersfield
Location: 3400 Ming Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Coffee & Cream feels like a perfect blend of contemporary café culture and local charm. I first stumbled upon it while exploring the northern part of the city, and the pastel walls and comfortable seating immediately drew me in. The staff greeted me with smiles, and the menu offered both classic favorites and inventive seasonal drinks.
Personal Experience: I chose a honey lavender latte paired with a lemon poppyseed muffin. Sitting on a cushioned booth, I watched families, students, and business people alike enjoy their drinks. The ambiance struck a balance between lively and relaxed—it was easy to spend hours there, alternating between sipping, journaling, and observing the flow of life.
Must-try items:
- Honey lavender latte
- Lemon poppyseed muffin
- Seasonal iced matcha latte
Booking & Tips:
- No reservations required; weekend mornings can get busy, so arrive early.
- Loyalty programs via their app often provide a free drink after a few visits.
- Linking this café visit with a hotel stay booked through Hotels.com (https://www.hotels.com) nearby allows for seamless coffee breaks between city exploration.
6. The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf – Downtown Bakersfield
Location: 2400 H Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Although part of a larger chain, the Downtown Bakersfield location has a unique feel thanks to its small local touches—artwork from local artists adorns the walls, and the baristas are knowledgeable about roasting techniques and seasonal specials.
Personal Experience: I stopped in for a classic caramel macchiato. The rich sweetness mixed with bold espresso felt comforting in the mid-afternoon, and I took advantage of their free Wi-Fi to plan upcoming stops in the city. I loved how even a chain café could feel personal when paired with attentive service and the local energy of downtown Bakersfield.
Must-try items:
- Caramel macchiato
- Vanilla almond milk latte
- Seasonal pumpkin spice latte in autumn
Booking & Tips:
- No reservations required.
- Rewards programs on their official app can lead to free drinks and exclusive offers.
- I paired this café visit with a flight I booked through Kayak (https://www.kayak.com) for an early evening departure, making it a perfect pause before heading to the airport.
7. Artisan Coffee Collective
Location: 1313 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Artisan Coffee Collective is a true gem. The moment I walked in, I noticed the attention to detail: hand-crafted cups, carefully selected beans, and minimalist décor. This café feels like a creative hub, where students, artists, and locals meet to exchange ideas over a carefully brewed cup.
Personal Experience: I chose their pour-over of Colombian beans and paired it with a chocolate chip scone. Every sip was aromatic and rich, highlighting the nuanced flavors of the roast. I lingered for hours, working on travel notes and absorbing the ambiance. What struck me most was the sense of calm focus in the room—people reading, writing, and engaging quietly with each other.
Must-try items:
- Colombian pour-over
- Chocolate chip scone
- Seasonal specialty latte
Booking & Tips:
- Walk-ins are welcome; for private tastings or workshops, booking ahead via their website is recommended.
- Local travel guides sometimes offer discount codes for first-time visitors.
- Combining this café stop with accommodations booked through Expedia or Booking.com helps maintain a seamless schedule.
8. 24th Street Café
Location: 2424 24th Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
24th Street Café has an old-world charm that instantly made me feel at home. Wooden floors, vintage light fixtures, and cozy seating make it a perfect retreat from the bustling city streets outside.
Personal Experience: I visited in the early morning and ordered a cortado with a side of their famous blueberry muffin. The barista’s meticulous attention to the espresso and the muffin’s freshness made for an unforgettable start to the day. I watched as neighbors stopped by for morning coffee, exchanged greetings, and continued their routines—a simple yet heartwarming slice of Bakersfield life.
Must-try items:
- Cortado
- Blueberry muffin
- Seasonal fruit scones
Booking & Tips:
- Walk-ins are encouraged; weekday mornings are less crowded.
- Checking OpenTable occasionally offers group discounts for larger visits.
- I paired this stop with a mid-day flight booked on Google Flights, allowing me to enjoy one last cup before departing the city.
9. Sweetwater Coffee & Tea
Location: 1011 Oak Street, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Sweetwater Coffee & Tea has always struck me as a perfect combination of quiet sophistication and casual comfort. The light-filled interior, combined with soft music and a friendly staff, makes it ideal for lingering with a good book or catching up on travel planning.
Personal Experience: I ordered a chai latte and an oatmeal cookie. Sipping slowly, I watched the morning sun filter through the windows, illuminating the small plants and wooden counters. The café has a pace that encourages mindfulness, making every sip and every moment more meaningful.
Must-try items:
- Chai latte
- Oatmeal cookie
- Specialty seasonal teas
Booking & Tips:
- No reservations required; early mornings provide the best light and quieter seating.
- Signing up for their email list offers discounts on seasonal drinks.
- Pairing visits with nearby hotels booked through Hotels.com ensures a full day of coffee and city exploration without rushing.
10. Bakersfield Brew House
Location: 1717 Chester Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301
Bakersfield Brew House blends specialty coffee with a welcoming neighborhood atmosphere. Its eclectic interior features reclaimed wood furniture, local art, and comfy seating that invites lingering.
Personal Experience: I chose a pour-over Ethiopian coffee and a slice of their house-made banana bread. The flavors were rich, and the coffee’s aroma lingered in the air as I watched students, locals, and visitors move through the space. The café exuded a community energy, making it one of my favorite spots to recharge mid-day.
Must-try items:
- Ethiopian pour-over
- Banana bread
- Seasonal iced lattes
Booking & Tips:
- Walk-ins welcome; for group events, check their website for pre-booking options.
- Using travel platforms like Expedia, Kayak, or OpenTable helps coordinate café visits with flights and hotel stays efficiently.
Bringing It All Together
Bakersfield’s café scene isn’t just about coffee—it’s about immersion, observation, and savoring each moment. From the first morning espresso at Temple Coffee Roasters to an afternoon pour-over at Artisan Coffee Collective, each café tells a story, inviting me to slow down, connect, and enjoy a deliberate pace. Pairing these visits with strategic use of travel platforms—Google Flights, Kayak, Booking.com, Hotels.com, and OpenTable—makes exploring the city effortless and efficient.
I’ve found that the true joy of café-hopping in Bakersfield lies not just in taste, but in atmosphere, in human connection, and in the quiet moments where time seems to stretch. Each sip, each conversation, and each observation forms a mosaic of experiences that make Bakersfield feel both intimate and alive.
If you ever find yourself wandering through this Central California city, consider mapping your own slow-paced journey through its cafés. Bring a notebook, a camera, or simply your curiosity, and let Bakersfield reveal itself, one cup at a time.
