I have been to their location off of Weedpatch Highway and loved them. I went to the truck that moved to Hosking and have found them to be spotty as far as what I would recommend. The first time I went I ordered a torta and a asada quesadilla. They were both very good. The second time I went I ordered a torta, asada fries, a asada burrito and three quesobirria tacos. The torta was not even close to being as good as the first time. My son said the burrito was also not as good as he remembered. The asada fries were awesome and the tacos were good. I will be going back for the fries and tacos. read more

They are Valentine's Day ready!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The place looks absolutely enchanting.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We arrived and were quickly greeted by the kindest hosts. Our waitress, Gigi, was wonderful she took our drink orders right away, and we scored happy hour prices, which made me very happy! We later ordered tacos and even got the Taco Tuesday deals. Honestly, the food was spectacular, full of flavor, and the prices were outstanding. I will definitely be back for more Taco Tuesdays and to try the Sunday brunch with bottomless mimosas and mariachi from 3-6. So much goodness, I can hardly stand it! read more

See all

Food was amazing!! Fish tacos!! mole was yummy and tlayuda the best!! Excellent customer service!!

While my friend & I only came for cocktails, the staff was very attentive and consistently checking in on us. Super friendly!!! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance was definitely a plus for a night out with the girls![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] My bestie & I will be back read more

El Buen Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Absolutely amazing! [[HIGHLIGHT]]Ambience and food a ten![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Service amazing , we had the rivet appetizer but the tortilla soup was amazing! read more

See all

I wish this place had better food or maybe it was the chef of the day. Everything was quite expensive and lacked flavor. I really want to give this another try but I wasn't very happy. The one thing I enjoyed the most was the free salsa and chips. I couldn't get over it. We got 4 shrimps for $30.... I think they should make sure we know how much we're getting. A lot of our food tasted pretty bland. We spent over $500 and left feeling hungry because we didn't really enjoy it. I booked this place for my birthday we had about 25 people and they gave us the back room. It had lots of privacy and we got constantly were getting checked on, it was great! Refills and food coming Constantly. read more

See all

Service was bad because they messed up our order and didn't check on us for refills or condiments at all. however the food was amazing. If I could give the chef one hundred percent of the tip and the server zero I would. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance and food is great.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] If not for the server this restaurant would be 5 stars. read more

El Buen Pastor - El pastor tacos lunch special - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My wife and I were excited to try this spot as we pass by regularly on our commute. We specifically came in a bit earlier on Saturday just to avoid the crowd and we must've timed it just right as there were only a few people dining. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very nice restaurant. Seating was very comfortable with outdoor seating options as well.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] [[HIGHLIGHT]]Very nice bar, the decor was especially nice.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] We were warmly greeted as we walked in and promptly seated. I had to try the arroz con leche cocktail (great flavor, just what you would expect without being too sweet) and also put in an order for their "21+ over guacamole". To start they brought us a basket of tortilla chips drizzled with a mole sauce topped with cojita cheese Super good, very tasty. The salsa on the other hand was way too spicy. The server was nice enough to offer an alternative salsa, but again, also way too spicy. ‍ For some reason despite how slow business was, we were halfway through our drinks and had completely finished the chips before our guacamole was prepared. You have to try this blend of guacamole though! They make it fresh at your table with added pineapple, jicama, jalapeno, lime, watermelon and a shot of tequila. My wife and I both loved it! A very refreshing bite with added sweetness, super good. I ordered the combination pastor plate. I really enjoyed the shrimp poblano enchilada, very good. The black beans were also very good. Unfortunately the chile relleno was way too spicy and the pastor was disappointing. Lacking both flavor and seasoning with the same texture of sliced ham. For dessert we shared the dessert platter. Great choice! I loved the tres leches cake and coffee flan, and we both enjoyed the crepes and flautas. Perfect portion and sharing size. This place is definitely worth trying and I would definitely return for drinks, dessert, and appetizers. Each plate was really beautifully presented, and I loved the added aesthetic with the flower. I really wish they would take the spice down a notch though, some of us prioritize taste and flavor over spice, both of which can't be enjoyed when the food is just too spicy. Staff was very friendly but as slow as business was, service was equally slow which could definitely be an issue. read more

See all

Everything was very good! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The service was good and the atmosphere was great![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I think they were a little understaffed as we did have to wait a while for our drinks, to take our order as well as to get to go containers. [[HIGHLIGHT]]But they had two large groups in for lunch and other lunch patrons. Maybe they weren't expecting that many people.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

See all

You guys, this place is the best! My favorite part about Las Vegas or Big Bear is the fact that we get to stop here and eat on the way. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is so nice and the cocktails are lovely too.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The tortilla soup is amazing. Like, way better than you can even imagine. Try it. You're welcome! The people here are so nice, and one of these days we're going to make it to the mariachi brunch on Sunday between 11am and 3pm. #lifegoals read more

I have an update... I recall when we ordered the Tlayuda... it came with three meats. However, when we ordered ours on Father's Day, it only came with two. I called the server over to ask her to confirm that it came with three meats as the menu specified, specifically I was looking the cecina and I let the server know that in the menu, it calls out the former, marinated pork, and chorizo. She looked at the play and said, pointing to the marinated pork that that was the cecina... it was pork cecina. Maybe it was an oversight or maybe they were too busy to care... but that is not sitting well with me now. Keep the menu when you order and verify that it comes with everything it says in the description! read more

See all

El Buen Pastor Fine Mexican Cuisine - Bakersfield, CA December 10, 2024 We came in a little after noon on a Tuesday. We were traveling west from the Lancaster area and were ready to eat. It just so happened that where we pulled off the freeway there was El Buen Pastor Mexican restaurant. We got very lucky to just happen to chance onto it. It is a very nice restaurant with an upscale bar, a modern cheerful dining room with both booths and large tables and chairs. We got a nice booth set up for two. All the staff we met were sharply dressed and very courteous and attentive. I could hear the Spanish accents in their voices and I knew we were about to be treated to some authentic Mexican food. First up, the chips and salsa. This wasn't any old chips and salsa. The chips were fresh and came in yellow, red, and green colors with a nice dark molay sauce and grated cheese on top. The salsa was very unique as well. It was almost like a sweet enchilada sauce. We liked it! My wife and I took a look at the menus and each decided to try a lunch special. She got the beef quesadillas with guacamole, sour cream, and pico de gallo. I ordered the three taco plate (Al pastor) with rice and beans, Both meals were very tasty! And the price was very reasonable - $12 for each plate. Deal! I think we'll be making this a regular stop next time we come through town! read more

See all

The area itself in Bakersfield isn't ideal , we stumbled on the restaurant after cleaning our storage down the road. But I'm so glad we did, this place is a Gem!!! It's a must visit!! Staff and service were courteous and friendly. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance and dining experience feels more upscale than similar restaurants.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Food was amazing every time I have gone, which is 4 times now. If you enjoy seafood, they have a great selection on the menu. read more

See all

Servers are always very kind and helpful, even if they are a little busy. Very attentive. read more

See all

They have some good choices for food and everything is tasty! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The inside is pretty[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] and the customer service is great as well. read more

See all

Food amazing. Service amazing. Atmosphere amazing. First time here amazing. This buffet after Sundays church. Was just a blessing highly recommend if you like fine dining and amazing Mexican food However upon leaving. And let me say it was me my woman and our son 3 people. Upon paying the waitress very fast on the tip menu picked the highest percentage of tip like without me seeing the menu and just wanted me to pay 134.00 when 3 adult is 29.99. This lady wanted to tip herself 35.00 for pouring soda just once and did nothing else and I had already left a tip on the table for her. So unhappy with that. read more

El Buen Pastor - Mixed fruit - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

The absolute best flavor I've ever tasted!! From the refreshing cucumber water to the chips and salsa... to our meal, VERY VERY GOOD! We got the molcajete after asking for recommendations from our server and it did NOT disappoint! So glad we decided to stop as we passed through on the freeway. Great service and even greater food! read more

El Buen Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

We stumbled upon this place as we were passing through Bakersfield overnight and Wow were we surprised! [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant itself is modern and beautiful- ambiance on point.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The staff was very welcoming and extremely attentive. The food far exceeded our expectations- absolute perfection.. We live in Scottsdale, Arizona and this place was on par with some of the finest restaurants we frequently dine. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The attention to detail, the authentic flavor, the presentation, service and atmosphere meet all the upscale dining requirements.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] You will not be disappointed! It also gave high end Tulum resort vibes. Lastly, it was an exceptional value and experience. read more

El Buen Pastor - Tacos Pastor- sampler - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Had the buffet today and it was cold and tasteless. Coworker got the chicken tortilla soup and said it was great so doubt we will be back but [[HIGHLIGHT]]it's beautiful inside just horrible buffet and expensive[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] read more

The lack of flavor on this dish was ridiculous. The server was great but the food was not good. Had came a few months back and decided to come back again. Definitely won't go back again. I also think the food is very overpriced. read more

El Buen Pastor - Chilaquiles divorciados - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Very different flavor than expected, very delicious. The empandas de chapulin are a must try They have aguachile de res was very flavourful and the ribeye was of top quality. If your lookong for regualr old mexican food this is not the spot, but if u want to try something new I highly recomend this place. read more

El Buen Pastor - Ribeye aguachile - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Lindo lugar y muy amables la comida me gustó El servicio genial los domingos el buffet read more

El Buen Pastor - Muy buen servicio y la comida excelente - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This is our first time here, they do weekend buffet 9am-3pm (which is what we landed ourselves coming into unknowingly). The buffet did not disappoint one but, from aguas frescas, to your chefs set outside for freshly made omelets, and more. The staff is so polite and attending. They really made sure we were provide top tier service. The atmosphere here is beautiful you can tell they put a lot of heart into making this place feel some type of way. Everything looks well kept and very clean. We will definitely be returning. read more

See all

As a huge fan of Oaxacan food, this restaurant is almost like a dream become reality. They serve already-sweet cafe de olla. The complimentary chips are served with mole negro and queso fresco. They even serve quesadillas with French fries for our family's more selective eaters. Tons of delicious veg options. And the staff was delightful and accommodating. We will be back when and if we can. I hope locals know how lucky they are to have this gem nearby. read more

El Buen Pastor - Complimentary chips drizzled with mole negro and sprinkled with cheese - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

[[HIGHLIGHT]]As you walk in you are hit with a fresh smell of authentic food.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The service is wonderful. We ordered water first it was so fresh with a hint of cucumber. Then the appetizers were so good chips with mole drizzled on it witha hint of cheese. Guacamole with chips and cheese crumbled on top. Pork belly served with Guacamole, pickled onions and homemade corn tortillas. All three were delicious. Then to the main corse the fajitas were amazing, delicious flavor very fresh. Then, the quesadilla was very flavorful. Meat was seasoned just perfect. The black beans were just great cooked, perfect. The rice was wonderful very fluffy. The street tacos were just absolutely great. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The ambiance is worm and welcoming.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I recommend this place 100%. read more

We have been eagerly awaiting the opening of El Buen Pastor for months and tonight our wait came to an end. It was very well worth the wait! The decor is elegant and welcoming, with comfortable plush seats in jewel tones that contrast with the light and airy walls. The overall impression is simple but engaging, upscale but without pretension. I could see a casual meal or an event like a wedding reception or other celebration. A date night here will be fabulous. The menu features traditional Mexican foods prepared exquisitely. This is not the Mexican food you find at most restaurants, it is elevated and sumptuous and has ingredients that we rarely see. I was delighted to see chapulines and over the moon at huitlacoche. There are selections less adventurous but equally flavourful for those who are unsure about unfamiliar ingredients. Upon being seated we were presented with a bowl a crisp tortilla chips and an avocado based salsa. What made them unique was that they were kissed with a wonderful molé sauce and dusted with cotilla cheese. Unique and an unexpected treat! We ordered the chapulines empanadas for an appetizer and they were everything I hoped for and more. Palm sized golden pockets of hand formed masa stuffed with cheese and tangy chapulines with a bowl of spicy chimichurri sauce for dipping. They were light and a great blend of rich and savory with tangy notes from the chapulines. My husband is squeamish and has never tried chapulines before (grasshoppers) but he tried these and enjoyed them! I will be getting these again. For an entree I opted for the filet Tenochtitlan and my husband chose fish. The filet is a 10 ounce ribeye that arrived a perfect medium rare with a delicious sear. It sat atop a bed of unctuous huitlacoche sauce that is a massive treat for the palate. It has a mushroom like umami that contrasts well with the cilantro and other ingredients. The red skin potatoes that accompany it are anything but what I expected. Ordinarily I'm pretty meh about potatoes. These are the best potatoes I have EVER had. They are perfectly cooked, and the taste is bright with a tart acid note that made my tastebuds dance. The flavors work together to make this the absolute best entree I have had in ages. I'm super excited about the huitlachoche as I have been looking for it all over Bakersfield without success. Now it is available and even on the East side! My husband's fish was beautifully cooked arrived with a light and bright tomato based sauce laden with onions and peppers. The rice that accompanied it tastes like it is cooked in a broth and makes a great foil to the sauce. Both entrees also had our choice of tortilla and we opted for the hand made corn tortillas. Such a treat! Speaking of treats, we also got to sample an array of desserts . Wow! Both of us adored the flautas and the tres leches cake was stellar. The flan is dense with a perfectly silky texture that melts in the mouth, and it is coffee flavored which was a surprise! They also have delicate crepes filled with fresh fruit for a light sweet finish. Oh, they have a full bar and the cocktail menu looks delicious. On this visit I enjoyed their house made horchata which I adored. Some of those cocktails are going to be a must on another visit and there WILL be other visits. The staff were attentive and welcoming without hovering and everyone was enthusiastic and friendly. This is not an inexpensive restaurant but it is absolutely worth every bit we spent. The executive chef has created an array of culinary delights that are five star throughout. read more

See all

Let me tell you there aren't that many Sunday Buffett brunch options in Bakersfield but this place made it all better. Very welcoming and friendly staff. The food options were great. The quality excellent as it was all fresh and hot. We wil be back. read more

[[HIGHLIGHT]]Great food, beautiful decor, and good service!!![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] I had the lunch buffet and it was a variety of good food. Only thing in the buffet that wasn't my favorite was the pozole. It needed more favor. read more

El Buen Pastor - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

See all

[[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant is nicely decorated and has a modern vibe, which initially gave me high hopes.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Unfortunately, the food and service were disappointing. The dishes lacked flavor and variety--especially disappointing for what was advertised as a "buffet." Despite the place not being busy, the food and drinks took a long time to arrive. We had to ask for refills several times, and even then, they were often forgotten. The buffet itself was delayed, and we waited nearly 30 minutes before anything was served. After we started eating, the waitress rarely checked in on our table. We ended up placing our empty plates on a nearby side table because no one came to clear them. When we were ready to leave, it took another 15 minutes just to get the bill--I even had to ask for it twice. For a group of nine, the total came to around $250, including a $28 tip that felt undeserved given the lack of service. Considering this was a Thursday afternoon, I can only imagine how chaotic the service might be on a busy weekend. I wouldn't recommend this place. The chips with mole and queso fresco were decent, as was the horchata, but overall, I was not impressed--especially for my first visit. read more

First time we went to El Buen Pastor was not good at all BUT this time around nothing but fire. Definitely worked out all the kinks! Fernando and Valeria gave us an amazing service! read more

El Buen Pastor - Pulpo - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

What a great surprise. The location is across the parking lot from the hotel we stayed in. We picked it for convenience and it was an excellent decision. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Beautiful decor inside, not a typical Mexican restaurant.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Many dishes on the menu I did not recognize. It was early for dinner so we decided to split the tostada. Chips were brought to the table that had mole drizzled on them & crumbled white cheese ( maybe cotilljo?) plus a cup of delicious spicy salsa. When the server brought out the tostada, I almost fell off my chair. It was HUGE. The thinnest tortilla I've ever seen covered with cabbage, cheese, mole , black beans, chorizo, carne asada & carnitas. Beautiful presentation. Fantastic flavor. Don't miss this place!! read more

El Buen Pastor - Tostada - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Brought my family to have late lunch here on a Saturday afternoon. Hostess had greeted and sat us as soon and we got there. We had two different waiters and both were nice. I believe one of them was the manager and when my dad made a joke he didn't laugh. For starters we ordered empanadas de chapulines and quesadillas del Mercado. I don't recommend empanadas de chapulines, I tried them and the texture was too weird for me. I ordered Pulpo a las brasas which was absolutely amazing! The octopus was cooked perfectly, and the combination on onion relish was great. We ordered mole, el buen pastor (was a little dry), and the rib eye tenochtitlan. Overall great experience, great decoration, and well kept. read more

Food was disgusting.. had the lunch brunch today Monday and I can tell it was yesterday's leftovers!!! Nothing was fresh!! Waited 30 min for the set up and it was cold.. Never again.. super pricey for leftovers... read more

Well, what can I say so much potential but not quite there yet. Their food is good. I wanna say good. Their food is great. The drinks. I only tried one atmosphere to be a lot. Better service is not up to par according to my standards. At the end of the day, if you wanna be on top of the game service food location everything is gonna be up to 10 out of 10 and I give this place turn on the food sex on the service and a six on their drinks. read more

For context I am from the southern part of Mexico aka Acapulco, so my standard is pretty high Aesthetics and decor: is 10/10 SUPER chic. This place is cute for date night, celebration dinners, or happy hour Intro : 10/10 We were greeted with chips and mole with a in home salsa instead of traditional chips and salsa and I knew the food was able to be gooddddd! Drink: 10/10 I had their cafe de olla. It was the perfect ratio of coffee to cinnamon to piloncillo. I hate when it's overly sweet and can't taste the coffee or cinnamon, this place nailed it. Our friends had mixed drinks from the bar and were just surprised how great the mixology was. The names were super creative one of them was El chapo + Kate Food: 10/10 overall We had a NUMBER of items: - fish tacos ( great portion not overly fried) - tlayudas ( it was huge made with all three meats can easily share with 2 people) - prime angus ( quality meat, my favvvvv so juicy, full of flavor and the champiñones sauce was the perfect secret ingredient) - Alfredo shrimp ( I'm allergic but the size of those things I was shocked ! Massive and not stingy on the portion ) - cecina ( truthfully shocked that they offered it. It's a salty thin meat from the south of Mexico but tender meat one of my fav meats I miss from south of Mexico ) It was so hard to choose they also had cochinita pibí, molcajete, pescado and many more southern Mexico plates. They elevated Mexican favorites without compromising the homemade taste. Overall, I was impressed to find a quaintly, aesthetically pleasing restaurant in SB. I would drive back to finish tasting the menu or for their Sunday brunch Acapulco seal of approval read more

This was our first time visiting after only being open for a few weeks. A few friends and I stopped but for lunch on a Friday afternoon. It wasn't too busy so decided to sit at the bar. At first glance, it's a nice space. The color schemes are nice but it just feels like much of other restaurants that are popping up in Bakersfield. I had the taco combo with Al pastor and asada tacos. The Al pastor was great but the asada didn't have any taste. The chunks bad a lot of fatty so after the first bite I was done. Everyone else in my party liked the food but nothing stellar to really rave about. The food did come out rather quick so that was great. Bar service (drinks) was disappointing. They got my beer order wrong, the mix drinks were not the best (a table near us sent back their mixed drinks as the apparently didn't taste great either. The manager had to go and taste for himself and the. Proceeded to go behind the bar to scold the bartenders on what they had made.) Someone in our party ordered an Horchata with their food and they never brought it out. It just felt like there was a lot going on at once (not in a good way) for the amount of customers at the restaurant. Open to give it a second try but am not running to this place anytime soon. read more

This place was recommended by the hotel we stayed at. [[HIGHLIGHT]]The restaurant had a nice atmosphere, clean and well decorated.[[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] The food was terrific, some of the better Mexican food I have tasted. Service was great as was the Marguerita. Unfortunately I was just passing thru and not likely to enjoy this restaurant again. read more

The place is beautiful. There was a band which was awesome. We went on a Wednesday and the ceviche tostadas were on special. They were tasty, wouldn't get the sauce they put on it next time, kinda dulls the flavor but the seafood was fresh and pico fire. Margaritas were on special too but the waitress didn't know that and bill had to be adjusted. Chips and salsa are ridiculously good. Service is mediocre. Minimal to no English so it's hard to ask any questions. read more

El Buen Pastor - Tostadas - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This place is awesome!! Service was incredibly friendly. Food was delicious. [[HIGHLIGHT]]Best part was the live music![[ENDHIGHLIGHT]] Cannot wait to return. read more

Hands down best Mexican cuisine I've tasted! Organic and wild caught produce. Homemade desserts and much more. Live music and great ambience. Excellence all the way down to the cup of coffee! Highly recommended! read more

El Buen Pastor - Cafe de la Olla - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California