Bakersfield Mass Ave
Mass Ave, Indianapolis
Restaurant in Indianapolis, United States
Book with PearlThe Read
Price
$20–30per person
Dress
Casual
Why go
Bakersfield Mass Ave is a practical Mass Ave pick for casual lunches, easy group meals, and low-friction downtown plans. It is better for convenience and energy than for a polished special occasion; cross-shop The Eagle Mass Ave for comfort food, Vicino for a more composed sit-down meal, or Garden Table for a lighter daytime alternative.
About Bakersfield Mass Ave
Bakersfield Mass Ave is a casual Indianapolis option with daily service beginning at 11 AM. Use it when the plan calls for an informal stop rather than a special-occasion restaurant.
Its hours make it flexible across the week: Monday through Thursday from 11 AM to 11 PM, Friday and Saturday from 11 AM to 12 AM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 10 PM. The dress code is casual.
Earlier in the day is simpler; later hours add flexibility
Because Bakersfield Mass Ave opens at 11 AM daily, it can work for plans that need an earlier start in Indianapolis. The later Friday and Saturday closing time also gives it more flexibility for evening plans than venues with shorter schedules.
For repeat diners, the practical decision is timing. Go earlier when convenience and a casual setting are the priority, or use the later weekend hours when the schedule needs more room. The appeal is less about ceremony and more about simple, informal availability.
Where it fits among Indianapolis options
Against other choices, Bakersfield Mass Ave sits in the casual lane. The Eagle Mass Ave, Vicino, and Salt on Mass are other Indianapolis names to consider when comparing plans.
If the day is centered on convenience in Indianapolis, Bakersfield Mass Ave remains a direct option because of its daily hours and casual dress code. Garden Table and The Rathskeller are also worth comparing depending on the occasion. For a wider scan of the city, use our full Indianapolis restaurants guide.
Quick reference: Bakersfield Mass Ave is casual, open daily from 11 AM, and open later on Friday and Saturday.
Planning details
- Location
- 334 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
- Reservations
- Book on OpenTable
- Website
- bakersfieldtacos.com
- Phone
- +13176356962
The take
The Take
The Vibe
Bakersfield Mass Ave presents a straightforward, casual counter-and-bar rhythm that nods to neighborhood ritual rather than formality. The dining room is built for unplanned visits and repeat nights out: you find a seat at the bar or a window table, order a drink and let the meal unfold. The emphasis on tacos and American whiskey creates an informal pairing that rewards lingering and conversation. This is a relaxed, bar-centric spot on Massachusetts Avenue where pacing matters more than polished ceremony — the kind of place you drop into for a drink and stay longer than you meant to.
Best For
This is a go-to for informal, drink-led nights: after-work crowds, people grabbing a quick solo seat at the bar, groups moving down the corridor for tacos, and anyone chasing late-night bites. The format suits nights that don't require reservations—come for drinks with friends, linger over a few plates, or stop in solo at the bar. Given its placement on Mass Ave and the emphasis on a loose dining cadence, Bakersfield is especially good for casual hangouts and late-evening taco runs rather than formal celebrations.
Ordering Tips
Start with a drink—the house rhythm is drinks-first—and claim a seat at the bar if you can. The Pineapple Margarita is a known signature; pairing a cocktail or a pour of American whiskey with tacos follows the venue's established format. Reservations aren't necessary and the place rewards unplanned visits, so plan to arrive early if you want a window table or expect a lively crowd later in the evening. Stick to shareable plates and expect a relaxed, bar-focused service model.
Venue details
Ambiance
Warm and alive atmosphere with an open, breathable space created by removing walls and implementing steel beams; lively bar scene with craft cocktails.
Tags
Vibe
Best For
Experience
Sourcing
Accessibility
At the Table
- Dress Code
- Casual
- Noise Level
- Lively
- Service Style
- Casual
- Meal Pacing
- Quick Bite
- Capacity
- Large
- Kitchen
- Traditional
- Menu Format
- A la carte, Small plates
- Drinks Focus
- Tequila, Whiskey, Craft cocktails
- Dietary
- Vegetarian friendly, Vegan options, Gluten-free options
Signature Dishes
Pineapple Margarita
Know before you go
Know Before You Go
- Getting there
- 334 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Planning details
Location
334 Massachusetts Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46204 · Directions
Also consider
Also Consider
- Garden Table, Notable alternative
- The Eagle Mass Ave, Notable alternative
- Vicino, Notable alternative
- The Rathskeller, Notable alternative
- Salt on Mass, Notable alternative
Restaurant context
How it compares on Mass Ave
Bakersfield Mass Ave is the easier casual choice when the group wants a central Indianapolis meal without making the restaurant the whole point. The Eagle Mass Ave competes most directly for relaxed group dining and is the better fit when comfort food is the priority. Bakersfield is the better call when the plan is built around Mass Ave convenience and a flexible, social meal.
Garden Table is the smarter daytime cross-shop for a lighter lunch or brunch-leaning outing, while Vicino is stronger for a more composed sit-down dinner. If the occasion needs more structure, those two make more sense than forcing Bakersfield into a special-occasion role.
For bigger atmosphere, compare it with The Rathskeller, which suits beer-hall-style groups, and Salt on Mass, which is the better pick when seafood or a more dinner-led experience matters. Bakersfield wins on ease; the others win when the meal needs a clearer point of view.
Explore Indianapolis
Around this place
Discover more on Pearl
Unlock the full Bakersfield Mass Ave guide in Pearl, including awards, comparisons, FAQs, planning details, and nearby places.
Compare Bakersfield Mass Ave
| Venue | Location | Awards |
|---|---|---|
| Bakersfield Mass Ave | Indianapolis | No published awards |
| Garden Table | Indianapolis | No published awards |
| The Eagle Mass Ave | Indianapolis | No published awards |
| Vicino | Indianapolis | No published awards |
| The Rathskeller | Indianapolis | No published awards |
| Salt on Mass | Indianapolis | No published awards |
How Bakersfield Mass Ave Indianapolis compares with similar nearby venues.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Bakersfield Mass Ave handle dietary restrictions?
Use caution and check with the staff directly before you go, especially if anyone in the party has a serious restriction. Garden Table is another Indianapolis option to compare, but you should confirm current menu and dietary details directly with any venue.
Is lunch or dinner better at Bakersfield Mass Ave?
Bakersfield Mass Ave opens at 11 AM every day, with closing times of 11 PM Monday through Thursday, 12 AM Friday and Saturday, and 10 PM Sunday. Those hours support flexible timing. Salt on Mass is another Indianapolis option to compare for an evening plan.
Can I eat at the bar at Bakersfield Mass Ave?
Bakersfield Mass Ave is open daily from 11 AM, with later hours on Friday and Saturday. If bar seating matters, check directly with the venue before you go. Vicino is another Indianapolis option to compare if you are deciding between local restaurants.
What are alternatives to Bakersfield Mass Ave in Indianapolis?
Garden Table, The Eagle Mass Ave, Salt on Mass, Vicino, and The Rathskeller are other Indianapolis venues to consider. Bakersfield Mass Ave offers daily hours and a casual dress code, so compare current menus, reservations, and service details directly before choosing.
What should I order at Bakersfield Mass Ave?
Review the current menu through the venue's official channels or ask the staff when you arrive. That is safer than relying on outdated menu recommendations.
