The Silver Dollar

The Silver Dollar Restaurant Review:

One long wall of this century-old, refurbished firehouse (brass pole still present) is dedicated to The Silver Dollar’s standout collection of bourbon and rye whiskeys, including many private barrel selections. Bakersfield, Calif., honky-tonk is the music of choice on the sound system, and the food reflects that sensibility: hearty, flavorful Southern/Texan/Californian cooking. A trio of chili styles heads the menu followed by regional classics such as cornmeal breaded fried oysters and buttermilk fried chicken livers. Barbecued pork and a double cheeseburger are piled high with fresh meat. Among the dinners are spice-rubbed beef brisket, pan-fried chicken and waffle, and fried catfish. In good weather, the merry crowd, and the music, spills out onto the sidewalk through the open firehouse doors. Youthful staff is well-versed about the whiskies. Good beer and wine selection, too. Banana pudding, another Southern classic, is the house favorite dessert, but consider a premium bourbon, served neat, instead.