Cafe Tori

the matcha latte here has a following, and if you're the kind of person who usually skips matcha because it tastes like lawn clippings, this is probably the one to try. cafe tori sits on stockdale highway, which is a long commercial corridor that doesn't ask much of you visually, but the shop holds its own in that stretch. bakersfield runs hot and dry for a good chunk of the year, so cold drinks move fast here, and the iced options are worth your attention. locally, the place is well regarded, and that reputation has held. not a lot of theater, not a lot of noise about it. if you're heading out that way in the morning, the espresso drinks are the safe starting point, but don't sleep on whatever seasonal option is on the board.