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Bakersfield, California Night Clubs

Bakersfield, which calls itself the "Southern Gateway to the Central Valley," sits at the crossroads of highways leading south to Los Angeles, north to the Bay Area and east to Nevada. The city's nightlife is dominated by the Bakersfield Sound, a fusion of guitar, drums, fiddle and steel guitar that grew up in the tent camps of the Great Depression, producing country music legends like Buck Owens, Merle Haggard and Don Rich.

  1. Buck Owens' Crystal Palace

    • Country Music Hall of Famer Buck Owens was in at the start of the Bakersfield Sound, playing an eclectic mix of musical styles in the town's country music clubs. After years on the road and a remarkable recording career, Owens built his Crystal Palace. The venue looks like an Old West country town and is home to a restaurant and museum, as well as the club. Owens' Buckmobile, a 1972 Pontiac convertible sporting steer horns on the hood, catches your eye from the door, but it's the music that keeps people coming back. Owens' band, the Buckaroos, still performs on Friday and Saturday nights, led by son Buddy Alan Owens. In addition to live music most nights, the club sponsors a concert series. The Crystal Palace Steakhouse offers steaks of all varieties, as well as options like fried catfish and baby back ribs. You can view Owens memorabilia at the museum and pick up a souvenir at the country store.

      Buck Owens' Crystal Palace
      2800 Buck Owens Blvd.
      Bakersfield, CA 93308
      (661) 328-7560
      buckowens.com

    Randolph's Lounge & Nightclub

    • Randolph's Lounge is an upscale piano lounge and nightclub. The atmosphere is quiet and relaxed with an emphasis on premium cocktails. Live music is available on weekends, but Randolph's management states, "Music that creates a violent atmosphere will not be allowed." You can get out on the dance floor and on Friday nights the club offers a jazz and ballroom dancing program through the Bakersfield Jazz Workshop. The venue serves appetizers from its full kitchen with an extended menu on Friday and Saturday nights.

      Randolph's Lounge & Nightclub
      7737 Meany Ave.
      Bakersfield, CA 93308
      (661) 615-1490
      randolphslounge.com

    Fishlips

    • Fishlips, open Tuesdays through Saturdays in downtown Bakersfield, offers an intimate setting decorated with murals of legendary musicians and music memorabilia on the walls. The venue prides itself on its excellent sound quality and provides live music most nights, as well as occasional comedy acts. Musical guests have ranged from Merle Haggard to the Digital Underground, including tribute bands covering the music of ZZ Top and Aerosmith. Fishlips serves a full menu of casual food, most of it named for famous musicians, and boasts a variety of outstanding burgers.

      Fishlips
      1517 18th St.
      Bakersfield, CA
      (661) 324-2557
      fishlips.org

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