Went to El Sombrero for the first time in probably twenty plus years this week. A friend and I go to lunch occasionally and always try to pick somewhere different. For some reason I happened to think of El Sombrero, and we were glad I did. I had good memories of the food and service and they haven't changed. From the excellent margaritas to the lunch specials everything was perfect. We both had margaritas (on the rocks) and the enchilada lunch special. We both had chile verde enchiladas with rich and beans. The margaritas were excellent!! The chile verde was excellent!! Great flavor and just enough kick. The rice and beans tasted very fresh. Our waitress was outstanding (wish I had gotten her name), very attentive without over doing it. They appear to do a great lunch business as they were packed when we left. Also the chips and salsa were delicious. Chips tasted very fresh and the salsa had an interesting smoky flavor that really added to the flavor. I highly recommend El Sombrero for a great meal with excellent service! I won't be waiting 20 years to go back. read more

A group of coworkers met up at El Sombrero for an early dinner, and it turned out to be a great spot for catching up. The restaurant is surprisingly roomy and was able to accommodate several large groups at once without ever feeling crowded or becoming too loud, making conversation easy. The wait staff was friendly and efficient, always making sure our drinks were refilled and that we had everything we needed. I ordered a piña colada, which was smooth, creamy, and the perfect way to unwind with friends. For my meal, I chose the #21 plate with a chile relleno, rice, and refried beans. The chile relleno was packed with lots of melty cheese, which I loved, but overall the dish was a little bland for my taste. I was really hoping for a spicy kick from the pepper, but unfortunately, there wasn't one. The complimentary chips and salsa were a nice touch, though the salsa also lacked the bold flavors and spice I was expecting from a Mexican restaurant. read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - #21: Pina colada, chile relleno with refried beans and rice. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Friendly people and delicious food! Traditional old school Bakersfield, atmosphere and food. If you haven't been there in a while, give it a try. They have a great lunch special that includes a drink. The chili Verde is delicious. read more

In the several decades that I've been coming here, the food has always remained delicious and consistently good! It gets pretty loud and busy around meal times but the staff work hard and you always leave full and happy! We love the crunchy ground beef tacos and the enchiladas! read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Lunch special - 1 taco 1 enchilada with rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Amazing crunchy tacos! They really hit the spot when you are craving something savory. All around the food is delicious- no frills, just good Mexican food. The service is also wonderful! Everyone was courteous and kind. Refills and food came quickly. This is a great casual dining, family friendly spot. We will definitely be coming back! read more

Always my go to if I'm not in the mood for Mexicali. Great food, reasonable prices, fast service.

I really enjoy this family owned restaurant. They are a part of Bakersfield's history. Kellie was my sweet server today. But the entire staff is spot on. No matter how busy they are the service is always good. The food is delicious and comes out quickly. They have a full bar. They have a very long standing and loyal client base. They are family friendly and happy to accommodate large groups. read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

3.8, does not represent this restaurant always consistently good food and service. A local fav

Raised the price of the food and served on smaller plates. Not cool. I haven't been back since.

Dinner was delicious just like 50 years ago. Everybody was so friendly. The ground beef tacos were delicious as always. Enchilada was perfect just like old times. It's hard to find a good place who has quality ground beef and really good authentic . Comida Mexicana. It's like going back home after so many years and no changes. The food is always consistent and the family atmosphere of everybody working is amazing. Your waitress Vreeza was so kind and accommodating couldn't ask for a better waitress. Thanks again you guys for hanging around and staying the same and continuing your legacy here in Bakersfield. You still got it going on Lucille, love and blessings to all. See you next time soon. Absolutely the best crunchy ground beef tacos in town. Nobody makes good ground beef tacos anymore in Bakersfield you guys are the best thank you for the consistency and delicious flavor. read more

This has been our favorite Mexican food restaurant for years and we probably go once a week if not every other week. Thank you to all of the staff that we have come to know and they know exactly what we like when they see us. Definitely recommend trying them. read more

This is my go to and only Mexican restaurant. I absolutely LOVE their Hard Shell Tacos! Carnitas, Albondigas, Enchiladas!! Everything on their menu. The service is prompt and the treat everyone like family. Solid place to eat. read more

A Most friendly atmosphere with the matriarch of over fifty years in business there to meet and greet, and make you feel welcome. Not a thing on the menu I haven't tried and really liked. My favorites, chili verde, chili relleno, and the rice and beans are authentic as it gets. Highly recommended. read more

Been coming to El Sombrero since 16 years old and it never disappoints. The best Mexican food in Bakersfield. Always order the #5, two tacos, enchilada, rice and beans... love it. Great service always and an excellent family owned restaurant. Highly recommend read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Another Mexicali. Please leave the hard shell tacos to Taco Bell. The meat in both my hard shell beef tacos and albóndigas soup was not good -it tasted bland and dry. My hard shell tacos also became soggy and fell apart so I could not pick them up. Half a slice of tomato thrown on top with yellow cheese is also not a good call but just my opinion. The side of rice and beans was okay. The big chunks of carrots in my albóndigas soup threw me off too. read more

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Horrible food,horrible drinks, the manager or the owner didn't have no customer service skills. I will never recommend this place to anybody. I don't know how it's still open. And I even couldn't give this a one star. read more

I have not been to El Sombrero in at least 6+ years but made my way here for lunch to meet up an old friend. As most locals know, this Mexican establishment has been a Bakersfield staple for several decades (noted by the colorful balloon display on the far wall). The place got packed pretty quickly for lunch with this being holiday week. Luckily, I was seated right away and got my drink order in just as I wait for my lunch companion. Had enough time to reacquaint myself with the menu. Was very surprised that the prices seemed relatively fair especially with everywhere else hiking up prices post-Covid. They offer 6 lunch specials from Mon-Fri from 10:30am to 2:30pm with nothing priced over $12.25. I got combo #1 that comes with a taco and enchilada, rice and beans plus a drink. The taco was ground beef but I opted with the chili verde enchilada with green sauce. The picture of my plate was probably not the most flattering but overall, it was a tasty lunch for a reasonable price. Service was attentive and fast given the amount of customers dining during this time of day. read more

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A nice local mom and Pop shop. This salsa was delicious although it was a little spicy for me, but it was definitely great. The food was good just like any other Mexican restaurants in Bakersfield. Would definitely enjoy going back. The lunch hour was very busy and very Rushed by our waitress. We do live in a business area so having people come in and out was probably their main source. I would've liked to have our time in peace, but understand the business nature of this restaurant. read more

This restaurant had the nerve to charge me $18 for this little menudo to go. Felt robbed‼ read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Large Menudo to go. As you can see, there is nothing large about it. For $18 you are better off eating somewhere else. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

The service was awesome, and the food was amazing. I really loved the enchiladas it was super filling! -zion read more

This restaurant holds many memories for my husband's childhood. The food is good and the owners are friendly. There is a very good fast and efficient staff running the place. We never have a problem finding quick sitting and quick service. The restaurant is my loud and high energy. It's a fun place for dinner. read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Making a mess with delicious food! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Great food, fast service. Always get prices before you order or you will get an unexpected price gauge at the end, especially on cocktails.

Ordered a 16oz soda and chips and chilli sauce (canned) and they charged me $13.75 This is simply ridiculous. When I told them I was not going to pay that for just chips and chilli sauce they told me they couldn't void it because there was no one available to authorize the cancellation; during lunch time and no personal authorize to do a void??? I don't think so. read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Receipt - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Decided to eat here at El sombrero and glad we did. Their service is fast and food is good. The wait staff refill without asking. During my visit I ordered a Enchilada, Tamale, and Chili Relleno. All items were cooked perfect. The Relleno Sauce could be poured on everything. It's that good. We were in and out in 35 minutes during a busy lunch crowd. I would recommend this spot to anyone who is near them and in a hurry. Delicious. read more

Very very tasty. Some coworkers were telling me about El Sombrero and how it's their go-to lunch spot on Fridays. I decided to give it a shot myself and I wasn't disappointed. The lunch specials are great, you can get a good sized plate for 10-12 bucks, hard to beat that. I did a cheese enchilada and chile verde enchilada with rice and beans. The sauce was great, good flavor and the portion was great. I was full after the meal and I really enjoyed it all. The chile verde has nice heat to it and was full of flavor and the cheese enchilada was packed nicely and had great red sauce on top. Definitely a great stop for lunch. read more

I've been in Bakersfield for over 20 years, and I never knew about this place; what a gem! The salsa appears to be homemade, using fire-grilled peppers. I had the chili verde burrito, which I can say is their best seller. My spouse had the beef taco and enchilada combo, which was also very good. El Sombrero has made it to the top of my list for Mexican cuisine. The service was spot on, and the waiters were very gracious to all customers, including others not at their assigned tables. We will be back to try the other items on the menu read more

Haven't been here in years. Finally made it in for lunch and i was pleasantly surprised by Their great service. We arrived early...10:45am, food arrived piping hot by 11:00am. Service was great! And food was good. I ordered a combination luncheon with a crispy taco and cheese enchilada $12.50. Looks like they have not raised their prices; which is nice. Will definitely be back! read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - a plate of mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I have not been back here for over a year!!!!l. A table of 8 and I was ordering and paying the whole bill. Jessie's mouth made me say it will be a long time before I come in again. I would come in 2/3 times a month, ordering guaq and drinks for everyone on my table. Than go to multiple plates of nachos before the main meal would come. Your mom and sister did a better job. I go other places now with my 3-400 meal. Go jack other people around you including your staff!!!!! I'm done read more

Visiting Bako . Moved away 38 years ago and had never been here enemies though This restaurant has been in this location for many years. Menu was very comprehensive, service was prompt and friendly. I had the Supreme Burrito with rice and beans. This was a Chili Verde Burrito served wet with rice and beans. It was delicious. The chips and in-house made salsa was good as well. The margaritas were fairly priced. This is a good family run restaurant. We went again two days later for lunch and had another very enjoyable meal. The owner Lucille and her son are very friendly and angry with each table. I would recommend this restaurant and look forward to visiting again when I'm in town. read more

It was a tasteless , common , low rent place to eat , boring food choices , NOTHING stands out , except for the fantastic service that is always present. Hope they update there menu soon. portions look small , but they are filling. Seems to be a charge for EVERTHING , small or big. The reality , the only thing keeping it afloat is the Kern County building across the street at lunch time , not really anything else.. Not worth the drive anywhere south of 23rd street. Even the smell is missing when you walk in the door , sadly missed. Good bye , never to return. read more

I eat here from time to time. It's always consistent and practically the same food as my restaurant where I am a server. The waitresses are very professional and fast. The owners look strict. I heard the waitresses and other staff cannot talk to customers. Loll. They would fire me. I love talking to my customers. I would like to thank the kind young man who cleaned up my mess. Im a klutz and he was very kind and fast. Thank you! Sorry about my attire. I do dog rescue on my days off. Next time I will switch out my muddy boots. Thank you for great service! read more

I had been here once before as a teenager and thought I'd give it a go again. The owner was incredibly sweet and very attentive to everyone's needs. This place has been in business and family owned for ever a half of a century! The food is very Americanized, it wasn't bad but didn't leave me wanting more either. There is a popularity about the place though, people were lined up outside awaiting a table. I had a taco salad which was smaller but still fresh. The pico de gallo had fresh jalapeño with a nice little bite to it. read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Chicken Taco Salad - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Went here today 1/3/26, we decided to stop by and get some good food, at least the good food I remember. I used to go here with my dad and and it was great, I decided to take my wife and kids and it was flat out terrible. My wife got a chicken taco salad that seemed as if it were can chicken, it was a lot of water, my daughter got a ground beef taco salad and same thing, she did not like it and had a lot of water in it. My chili verde burrito was OK, cheese sucked, rice was bland and tasted old, my son got a chicken sandwich and he asked no lettuce, they brought it out with lettuce and the chicken was flat out disgusting. Honestly the worst experience I've ever had at a Mexican restaurant. To me that was $132 wasted. Definitely won't ever return here. Service sucked too, everyone in there looked as if they were just miserable, no smiles no nothing. Super disappointed.. now we are all sitting at home with upset stomach's. read more

Went here for lunch with the family. It was a quick lunch so I was unable to get pictures but the soup server waitress Maria was great. She did a fantastic job. The food was delicious as always. The atmosphere is as you would expect for an older Mexican restaurant, but the cheese was melted. The food was hot, the flavor was fantastic if you like french fries like my kids do they have those and they are good read more

I work across the street so this already makes it easily accessible for me! But they are honestly the fastest downtown lunch hosts ever. I can be in and out in about 20 mins!! Love that. They have awesome lunch specials and come out piping hot and delicious. The wait staff are very nice and attentive too. Must try if you want good Mexican food at a nice price with time left to run an errand! read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - Shredded beef enchiladas, rice & beans - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Great food, amazing service, and a great environment. Went during the week at noon and every table was full. Highly recommend!

Love love love this place food is always hot and delicious. Live 30 minutes away and try to get there once or twice a month. Ate there five times since the end of July twice within three days. All of the staff are great and welcoming. Margaritas are wonderful. read more

El Sombrero Restaurant - #2 with a flour taco,chile verde enchilada and chile rellano. Further plate enchilada taco combination - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

We have a great number of good Mexican restaurants in Bakersfield! You know how lucky you are if you've ever eaten Mexican food in the Midwest! El Sombrero is one of the very best for great quality genuine Mexican food. I've lived here for 55 years and this is my favorite. Family owned for many, many years, wonderful folks who greet you when you come in! I've never had anything from their menu that wasn't top notch! read more

Loved it! Forgot to get pictures of food because I immediately devoured it. Amazing service and great food to match. One thing is I wish they had seafood because I know it would be bomb!!! read more

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Frequenting this restaurant for the last 30 years..chicken enchilada with green sauce, chile relleno, rice and beans!!Careful driving after consumption cause you're gonna have a strong urge to take a nap!Awesome food and service, locally owned and operated business. read more