I normally don't do this, but La Imperial Taco truly deserves some praise. I've always believed people go to restaurants for different reasons sometimes because they don't feel like cooking, sometimes because they're out of town and want a good home-cooked meal. And sometimes... life is just heavy, and you need a moment. When I looked this place up, Google said they closed at 8:00 PM. But when I got to the door, the hours posted were different. I walked in at 6:47 PM just 13 minutes before closing. A young lady greeted me with nothing but kindness. No complaints. She simply asked if I'd be dining in or taking food to go. I'll admit, I hesitated a bit... wondering, "Is this going to be fresh? Is it going to be hot?" To my surprise it was everything. I'm not from California. My job brings me here often, but I recently moved to Arizona from El Paso, Texas, and I've struggled to find a truly authentic Mexican spot with good salsa. But this place? Hands down, they delivered. When I asked for salsa, she didn't hesitate she asked, "Which ones would you like? Green, red, or guacamole?" I just smiled and said, "All three." And she gladly brought them out. I ordered the barbacoa plate three fresh tortillas, rice, and refried beans. When it came out, everything was piping hot, even the tortillas. I paired it with a piña soda, and every bite was full of flavor. The barbacoa was tender, rich in a red sauce, and came with all the sides....onions, cilantro, and lemon. Absolutely delicious. But what meant the most had nothing to do with the food. I've been having a tough day. I lost my mom in March of 2025, and today was one of those days where I just felt it heavier. I'd only had three hours of sleep. I walked in carrying that weight... and I left feeling just a little lighter. They didn't rush me, even though they were about to close. They didn't hover. They just gave me space to sit, breathe, and enjoy the moment. Before I left, I gave her a $20 tip just a small way to say thank you. Because sometimes the smallest acts of kindness mean everything. I believe in supporting local businesses, and if you're ever in Bakersfield, I highly recommend stopping by La Imperial Taco. The food is amazing hot, flavorful, and made with care but more importantly, the kindness here is real. I didn't catch her name, but I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart. You never know when someone needs that kind of warmth. I come to Bakersfield at least once a year and this will always be my go-to spot for Mexican food. Thank you. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Barbacoa plate - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

It was a cool afternoon and we only had a short time for lunch before running errands. We stopped by La Imperial Taqueria for the first time. (mostly because it was nearby). It's a nice little restaurant. The counter server took our order. Our first choice was the wet burrito, but we were told they were out of wet burritos. That seemed a bit odd, but, oh well, we'll have the regular burrito. Our protein option was the Pastor pork. We sat down for the few minutes it took to get our food. The booths along the wall weren't that comfortable. The chairs were. The food came and, it was pretty typical Mexican food. It was tasty and plentiful. This is a good place to go if you feel like Mexican food and you're in a hurry, (or, get it as takeout) read more

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Do not sit on this hidden gem off of rosedale hwy. The restaurant was very clean and well stocked for those who are staying to enjoy their meal. On Tuesday they do have chicken and asada tacos for $1.99 each. My fiancé ordered the tacos and I ordered the torta of asada. This was hands down the best asada I have had in Bakersfield. It wasn't recooked and crispy this meat was fresh and tender. The avocado salsa was fresh and vibrant with flavors. The corn tortillas were warmed in the meat fat that added extra flavor. The service was excellent, we were greeted with a smile as we walked in and given the special of the day. The food was brought to our table and we were asked if we would like anything else. This place is wonderful and we will definitely be coming back. read more

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Stopped in here to get food on our way to trivia. They have a taco Tuesday special on certain meats. I love chile relleno so I had to try the burrito. My husband got the 3 birria tacos. One star knocked off because we didn't get the consommé with it but the flavor was good. The inside was nice and clean and a solid menu that isn't overwhelming. Plenty of parking in the lot. The tacos were well filled and the flavor of the al pastor and chile verde were very good. read more

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Food: 4.5 mics Service: 4.5 mics Ambiance: 4.5 mics Food: I ate 6 tacos and am beyond stuffed. I had Carnitas, don't sleep on this. Asada, refer back to Carnitas. Barbacoa, really good. Chicken, really good, Chile Verde, really good. Pastor, good. Massive tacos..3 would've filled me but I had the expectation of smaller tacos. Service: we were greeted as we entered into the empty restaurant. The cashier was very helpful in making recommendations. Ambiance: Clean, modern and new! Eat here if you're in the Bakersfield area. read more

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Food is good, the problem is not even them being a bit over priced, its the bad attitude from their workers EVERY time read more

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Decided to try this place out for lunch as I often drive by. The location is off busy Rosedale highway which is very convenient. Upon entering you will be greeted with friendly staff that is willing off offer suggestions and lunch specials. The service was friendly and inviting. The atmosphere was fun, outgoing and had a good selection of Spanish/English music. I opted for the quesabirria tacos with included consome. They are shredded beef with cheese tacos. (3 for the lunch special). They were delicious, super comforting, and cooked just right! I was also very impressed with the salsa/guacamole sauce trio they give you with your meal. The presentation put the cherry on top of my first and certainly not last experience! read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I have eaten here multiple times. They have really good food. But tonight I ordered the chile relleno burrito and I was not I'm pressed. They used the cotija cheese to stuff the chile. I've ordered this before and it's so bomb. But tonight I had to take out all the cheese cause it was like chewing on rubber. The cheese did not melt. If this is how they are making them now I do not recomend ordering it. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - My chile relleno burrito without the cheese. The cheese literally came out like a brick. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I recently came here to grab something to go for my husband. I ordered a bowl with the choice of meat as asada. My husband isn't a big eater but demolished it. He told me I definitely needed go try it. So, today, I ordered two bowls for us again. It was delicious. The only fatal error I made was not realizing the beans are refried, which aren't my favorite, but now I know for next time. read more

quiet place nice staff and the food was pretty good... i would recommend a try! its a bit on the outskirts of town but worth the drive!

I waited to write this review after I had visited a few times. I honestly don't know why people have rated it so low. This place is legit! My go-to's are the burritos or Torta (pastor or Asada) with a large horchata. The food is cooked to order so it is FRESH! It can take up to 15 minutes even without many people there so I recommend calling ahead and placing a pick up order. If you make an order there instead of over the phone you get a cool little pager to notify you when the food is ready. I like the modern theme they have going on , and there is a large selection of seats to wait at and a huge tv over the bad while you wait. Pro-tip , open up that torta and crumble up that queso fresco so it isn't just a chunk in the middle. You're welcome! The horchata? Home made, none of that powder stuff. It's the perfect blend of milk, cinnamon, and ice. Duh-Lic-ious!!!!! They also put a variety of salsas in your order and they all taste great. The only thing I don't get here is the tacos, as they are a little small and pricey ( especially if you go with a handmade tortilla). They also have a chipotle looking area that you can order from but i always go near closing time so they are empty. I will be back...a lot! read more

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Since this is close to my work it will probably become a regular spot to hit. Place is fresh, new, and very clean. Wait time for food has not been long at all. First time ordering was perfect, second time I asked for a few radishes on the side, I am seeing you only get lime and radishes if you order tacos. When picking up food I was told in fact that extra radishes were in the bag. Yes they were,,,,, in my co-workers container. I know next time to ask for them on the side. Both time I have had the Wet Burrito, it is a huge portion defiantly enough for 2 meals, and the green sauce is yummy covered in melted cheese. I need a few more visits before I can change to 5 stars. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Wet Asada Burrito. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Good food, fast service and friendly ladies. Also very clean restaurant. Love coming to this restaurant. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Quesabirria tacos, quesadillas and horchata - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Nice service staff, great taco and guacamole, clean bathroom and picnic table for you to take your dogs! They even boxed up my leftovers and added some extra chips read more

very delicious food!!! good and fast service!! spacious and music is amazing. Definitely need to bring your family here :) read more

We had the nachos, asada fries and trios tacos Which we picked. Verde taco, carnitas taco and asada taco. And a michelada Pretty Good food! They are next to a cigar shop so you can smell the cigar odor a bit but you get used to it read more

What can I say! There's a hundred tacos shops but this one is top notch. With the homemade tortillas to the delicious Micheladas. You won't be disappointed. The employees are super nice and the food is delicious. If you're on Rosedale Hwy and want a explosion of taste in your mouth then I recommend this establishment. Thank you for satisfying my belly and taste buds. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Asada burrito with homemade flour tortilla. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Bought the barbacoa tacos, give them 3 out of 5. Super EXPENSIVE the SMALL tacos, first and last time, will keep going to Victor's their 3 taco combo with rice & beans is same price as their 3 taco only combo, and Victors taste better sorry it had to be said. read more

This establishment was highly recommended by a coworker of mine who considers himself a Taco connoisseur. So I was super excited to try it out. Unfortunately, it did not live up to the hype. It's not the best tacos you will ever have but they are okay. We don't have many taco spots in the rosedale area so it's nice to have this as an addition. I feel that there is a lack of flavor in the meats and the pricing is a bit overpriced. I did like what I ordered but for the price I can go somewhere much better. read more

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Thought to try it out. Since signs Says best tacos in Bakersfield. SO WRONG.Very cold inside. Almost one whole taco meat was burnt. Asada tacos no flavor to them. Green salsa nothing to it. Employees.NO masks ! Clean inside little. read more

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The hubby and I were starving so I decided to give this place a try after hearing very good things about it. Boy am I happy I did...it was delicious! I was slightly intimidated when we first walked in and looked at the menu since it's in Spanish but my 3 years of Spanish in high school paid off because I was able to get through it. There is everything from nachos to Camerones de diabla...shrimp cocktail to birria el chivo! I decided on tacos but with all the choices I was stumped on which to try. That is until I seen the quesabirria tacos!!! These things are all the rage right now and I knew I wasn't leaving this restaurant without trying them out! I also got asada tacos. They offered homemade tortillas for an extra $1 each but they were already pricey so I decided to skip them. I topped it all off with a nice large horchata! read more

Food was great. I had pastor and asada tocos on homemade tortillas. Both meats were very fresh and very good. Salas were all good. But the hidden gem of this place is its micheladas. They were super good. Some of the best around. Staff was also very friendly and helpful. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Michelada - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Just tried La Imperial today and I'm obsessed ! Definitely can't wait to comeback and try more of their fabulous menu! The food is very authentic and not too heavy for Mexican cuisine. The menu is extensive but consistent. Very good and flavorful. We had the barbacoa de res plate with homemade tortillas, guac, chips, and tacos. Everything was very nicely cooked and seasoned well. The chips and guac is to die for, a little pricey!!!$6.50, but worth it. Rice and beans are the staple to any Mexican dish and they were both great. The horchata(typical Mexican rice drink) is a little bland but it pairs well with the meal. The staff was so sweet and very welcoming. I definitely recommend anyone try this gem...it became one of my top Mexican restaurants in town(: read more

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This place didn't serve me anything gross so it gets two stars but nothing was good either. I got a chile verde burrito and it was dry. The meat was dry and it was at least half filled with rice. The rice isn't good either. It had an odd taste so maybe it is a box mix. The qesobirria taco was good and I enjoyed the meat except the big bay leaf that was in it. The avacado salsa was the best part of the meal honestly I can't recommend this place nor would I return again. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Quesabirria taco - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I usually enjoy eating here, but the past few times that I've visited, the meat looks, feels and tastes old. You can see that it's dry. You can feel that it's hard. I will not be going back. I tried calling to make the manager aware, but I couldn't get anyone to answer the phone. read more

Everything we tried here was great. I highly recommend Tacos a mano it's an up charge but you'll thank me later. read more

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After an hour waiting, the still did not have my food. The manager refused to refund my money back onto my card and she said there was no one else I could talk to. If the money isn't in my account in 3 business days I'm going to pursue the money w interests in court. read more

Really loved the food! It was really great and i would definitely eat there again. I got me a burrito and 3 queso birria tacos!

Great food. Always clean and great service. Not a big selection but everything on the menu is bomb. Nachos were flight and the Chile relleno plate was off the hook. Tortillas hechas a mano with an Horchata. What else can you ask for? read more

Second time here. Food is fresh and cooked to order. Had the chili verde burrito and it was delicious. I save half to take home for later. Only complaint is that the cloth bench along the wall is covered in stains. I would suggest using vinyl or something easier to keep clean. Otherwise the store was clean and staff was very friendly. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Michilada - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I live Yucatan but when in California I'm craving northern Mexican food so I was glad to find this place and even more happy to see they had birria de chivo on the menu. I got there close to closing time so had it taken "to go" and ate it at my hotel down the street. The meat was tender and delicious and the tortillas, rice and beans were also perfect. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - birria de chivo - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Very clean and fresh. I like this because it's a family friendly establishment. The workers are friendly with a ready smile and are Bill and happy to explain ingredients and to make substitutions. The Aguas Frescas are delicious! read more

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We ordered the handmade tacos and they were the best tasting tacos ever! We asked for crunchy tripas and that's exactly we got Cleanest taco (Mexican) restaurant. read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Extra Crispy Tripa tacos and a quesabirria taco. Horchata - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Place does good at marketing but the food is meh! Service was bad and flies were also a problem. Food lacked savory ness also was over priced for what you get.. I ordered a wet carne asada burrito (meat was dry). I also ordered a Birra Taco with cheese and done not include the consume (extra $3.50) it wasn't even good it was just rendered fat nothing extra. I would not recommend this place if you looking for good food. I was very disappointed read more

Came here for fish. They had a variety of seafood on the menu along with meat and chicken options. Tacos are offered with choice of handmade tortillas (extra charge) or regular street size taco tortilla. Handmade tortilla tacos are extra charge however they're slightly bigger and tortillas are handmade, delicious. They also offer taco Tuesday specials. We ordered fish, carne asada and el pastor tacos. All were delicious. They also have aguas frescas that taste yummy. They serve micheladas and other beer options. Definitely worth a stop off the freeway by Costco. Opens at 10am not 9am. read more

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Overall, this place was pretty good. I ordered the carne asada, al pastor, and cameron(shrimp) tacos. I ordered two carne asada tacos, one with the normal tortilla that comes with it, and the other with a " homemade" tortilla for a dollar more. The only differences I noted was the homemade one wasn't perfectly round, just a little bigger but they still used the small amount of meat they did in the normal one. It tasted the same as the other tortilla, which was good on its own. Save your buck on each taco, cuz they're pretty affordable at $2 each. They gave me four salsas (a red, a green, and a couple avocado sauces) which were tasty. There's also tapatio, lemons and ketchup packets (wtf) at the counter if you're into that sort of thing. The shrimp taco comes on a lightly fried or toasted flour tortilla topped with avacado, a dry cheese (cotija maybe), a cream sauce and cilantro n onions. It was delicious and only $3. As I said earlier, I ordered an al pastor taco. What I believe I got was a chicken taco, as it was the color of chicken vs the normally red al pastor/adobada meat. It was good as a chicken taco, but lacking flavor if that was in fact their al pastor taco. I didn't attempt to return it because the line was long and the service was slow. I honestly think this is the slowest taqueria I've ever been to. Maybe it was just an off day for them. Maybe not. If they can get their service up to par, I would give them that fifth star. Having said that, the food was good and definitely the kind of taco shop I'd be satisfied to take someone visiting from out of town to. Definitely the best taqueria on my side of town. read more

The food here is a absolutely delicious!! We ordered the birria tacos and they were made to perfection, owner is very nice and welcoming. Place is new and clean. Highly recommend. La comida está absolutamente deliciosa! Ordenamos los birria tacos y estaban echos a la perfección. El lugar es nuevo y todo muy limpio. El dueño muy amable y atento. Definitivamente recomiendo este lugar! read more

Been meaning to try this spot out for a min. Damn i was really disappointed! The food is very flavorless! I got the chile verde plate. No spice or flavor at all. The rice taste plain. Same with beans! Wife got a chile relleno. Looked like tomato sauce was used for the salsa. The only upside to all this was the portion. Good portion. Way over priced too. read more

Customer service was good. However food was not fresh, super oily and cold. This place was good when it had just opened. Will not be returning. read more

The tacos are amazing. I had carne asada and birria de chivo, the carne asada was some of the most tender meat I've had in my life! The Birria de chivo was also good but needed a little seasoning. The hand mad tortillas we also a good touch, fluffy and thick enough that your taco doesn't rip apart. The only issue is the time it took to the when was about 25 minutes and the prices are a little high but other than that I'll be back! read more

La Imperial Taqueria - Carne asada and birria de chivo tacos. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California