My go to place for after work drinks with the husband. Their food is great! I know many people call it "Americanized Mexican food," but I know personally that the owner takes trips to different parts of Mexico to find unique and mouth melting dishes. This shows in several of their dishes, mainly seafood dishes. Try the Halibut if you don't trust me. I'll just say "you welcome" ahead oh, still doubt me? Give their shrimp cheese appetizer that takes 20 minutes to make. Twenty minutes until you are moments from liking the plate (I know I done it-please don't judge yes, I know, I have food issues/ethnic issues ). Anyway, food is good, service is good, ambiance is casual. Give them a try. You won't regret it read more

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The food was terrible, 4 of us not one had a good tasting meal. Enchiladas were not very good, shredded beef taco had very little meat, potato side dish with steak meal tasted like mixed with dog food. Margaritas tasted like very cheap and very little tequila was used. The server Although seemed very nice was obviously over worked and did not do a good. read more

I've had better at Frescos $5 Friday's, horrible customer service as well, won't be coming back

I have to ask the most important question........do the chefs know what salt is? I've eaten here twice and both times I was dying to season the food (no salt or pepper on the table mind you, maybe you have to ask for it but I'm not sure.) To run down the list -Albondigas - generous portion, good amount of veggies but basically lightly flavored water for broth. Meatballs needed salt, broth needed salt, just very very bland. -Swordfish - The Chipotle sauce on the swordfish was quite good probably the tastiest thing I've had there. The swordfish itself was slightly dry and again unseasoned. -Chili Verde Enchiladas - Good chili verde sauce not hot (you can order extra spicy) but again bland pork, bland rice, bland beans. Salsa - bland...bland...bland. This place desperately needs to work on seasoning their food, twice is enough for me with the same experience. Top it off with our last visit ending with them being out of 2 different desserts. Overprice for what you get especially considering how under-seasoned everything is. read more

When we walked in, the host was pretty friendly and sat us right away. She went back to her podium unfortunately no waiter came out way but went to other tables instead even ones that just got seated. The host noticed no one came to take our order so she came and did for us. We order a chimichanga and fajitas. When the food arrive, the bread from the burrito was soft and crispy, really good texture but the flavor drag it down, it tastes as a gas station microwave burrito. The fajitas had carne asada but it was way too burnt kinda hard and charcoal like. Again none of the waiters came to check on us, a lot of old white folks are there, it felt more as a cracker barrel or a dennys in a Sunday morning type of restaurant, once we almost finish eating a waiter came and ask if we wanted boxes. I'm like what??? That's one time you come and is to get us out lol. It didn't matter I was already not liking the food so we paid the bill and tip the host in the front. Would I come back? No. Food is mediocre, the environment isn't the best, and the service is lacking. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I was invited to have a free lunch as a Veteran. And I have to say the food was delicious! The service was great and plenty of smiles from all the employees. You must try the enchiladas and tamale! The hostess is adorable and very helpful as well. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Enchilada and tamale, rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Absolutely amazing. Always a consistently terrific meal. Starting out we were here for my sons 16th birthday. Long story short Red Pepper was the last meal my son had in the womb ( lol ) and to this day he loves spicy Mexican food. We were not sure what salsa we would like so our server brought out three - mild, regular and spicy. They were all terrific. Next up my son and wife ordered the chile verde enchiladas and they were perfect. I ordered the chicken chile verde enchiladas and it was absolutely mouth watering. Tender pieces of perfect chicken breast cubes with green peppers, green chiles, onions and zucchini wrapped in a corn tortilla. Rice and beans were great too. I've never had a bad meal here and this was one of the best, that's saying a lot. read more

As a long time fan of Red Pepper, I was surprised to see the average rating it currently has. If you live in Bakersfield and have not tried this place out, do yourself a favor and stop by for dinner! I truly believe Red Pepper and its chef to be one of the most creative and highest quality Mexican restaurants in town. Atmosphere: this is an established spot on the East side of Bakersfield. Do not expect a modern or hipster decor. This place has been here a while and it shows. Price: the price is a bit higher for the specials, but the ingredients more than explain the costs!! Seriously, it's worth it. Menu Items: my family has honestly tried nearly everything on their menu. Their normal menu serves very typical staples such as burritos, flautas, tacos etc. Honestly nothing to special. Where RP really shines is the specials. OHMYGOSH. Every single special order is incredible. From lobster mac and cheese to salmon with a chipotle honey glaze, the quality and innovation is incredible!! Do not be fearful that an item does not sound familiar. Be brave and try it out! Chef Gilbert does not disappoint. This is the reason we come here. Drinks: The drinks are one area I personally would love to see them improve. I think for such interesting menu choices the bar is very standard. For example, offering some interesting cocktails with fresh fruits would take the dining experience to the next level. The quality of the specials and innovation of the chef puts this experience close to places we love in LA. 5 stars alone for the specials. Everything else just comes with it. read more

First time trying this place...best Chile Verde south of the boarder! The service by my server/bartender Crystal (so easy on the eyes) made me feel like a celebrity! And seriously, the best margarita I've ever had! Can't wait to come back! 10 stars! read more

Absolutely awful customer service. They put me on hold for 15 minutes over the phone. I had two different people come back to take my order only to be told to "please hold" again. The phone call finally ended when they "accidentally" hung up on me. I tried calling back one more time except it would no longer ring and go straight to voicemail. read more

Very good food! I have been a few times now and the service is also very good. One of the best Mexican places in town. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Chile Verde Burrito - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Excellent service by Kathy and Becky. Red Peper is not typical Mexican restaurant. They Mexican cruise of course, but many of the dressings and dishes are house made. read more

Love the decor but soooo bland! Salsa needed salt and some sort of chile. Chile Verde was tender but, again, no salt, no heat. Zero flavor. It got two stars cause it wasn't bad but just not good. read more

Located on the East side of Bakersfield off the 178 and oswell. I ordered the shredded beef chimichanga which was huge so thats always a plus. We sat ourselves in the bar area which has a nice atmosphere to it with lil chili lights hanging over the bar. Staff there were super friendly and makes u feel right at home. You can see that they have their regulars that go often so thats something to say about it all in its self. read more

Best service ever I love the food you have to try it. The atmosphere is good too.

Located in an Eastside strip mall next to a popular gym so parking can be difficult in lot, this may have had something to do with part of parking lot is fenced off. Walked in waited for 10 minutes but that is ok but it should have been a sign. Seated and waited for service. Never offered water. Our party of 2 ordered a beer and coke never was asked if we wanted a second. Ordered dinner entrees plenty of food took food home. Had to ask for check. Had to wave down waitress asking for to go boxes. Total bill for 2 was $55. Seemed high and we had to wait for her to ring us up. Chips were just ok and we ate them waiting for service and food never asked if we wanted a refill. It is not that we wanted a bunch of extra stuff but it is nice to be asked. Food was ok , not super full of taste and no heat. They specialize in seafood based white sauce dishes. There is lamb and steak but prices are around $29, $35 again seems high. read more

We're long time customers. The food is good, especially the Chile verde. I like a little more spice, and I wish their chips were better & the salsa had a little more zing. They have good seafood selections & vegetarian choices. Their special menu has some really good selections. Servers are friendly, polite, & very competent. read more

I went to go eat with a friend and we saw a roach crawling on the wall where our table was. I told the waitress and she just smashed it with her shoe and left it there.... Kind of disgusting. I don't recommend this place. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Roach - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

I got the seafood burrito with no mushrooms and it was very delicious. The sauce on top of the burrito had a sweet flavor to it. They definitely did not skimp on the shrimp and crab in the burrito. The portion is a good size and can easily be shared with someone if you don't have a big appetite. We ordered a small guacamole and it wasn't worth the price or portion size. You can totally pass on the guacamole and just go straight to your meal. I haven't tried the other appetizers. Overall, the food was flavorful and entree portion size is pretty good. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Seafood burrito (no mushrooms) - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Excellent Mexican food. Have been coming here for years and the food is always consistent. Highly recommend.

I've come to the Red Pepper a few times now and I must say I'm not impressed. I keep hearing from different people how this place is so great so I'm assuming I keep ordering the wrong thing but every time I've ordered something different and still, not impressed. The customer service is fine. We're seated fairly quickly and our drink orders were taken timely as well. Even the food was brought out fairly quickly most times. It's simply the fact that the food does not taste like authentic Mexican to me. Most of the items are very bland and have no spice and hardly any flavor to them. There is a very wide variety of options on the menu but so far, none have tasted authentic at all. I know this restaurant has been around for a long time and a lot of people come here almost religiously but I know I won't be one of them. When I want Mexican food I want it to taste like Mexican food. Like I said before, the food didn't taste bad, it's just not what I expected. That's why they get three stars. Ok food. Ok service. Ok overall experience. I'd do 2.5 stars to be more accurate but feel they deserve the three over two stars. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Chicken Tostada. Lots of chicken. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Not open at 7:11pm on Sunday. Hours posted 8:30pm. Disappointed. Should post new hours of operations so customers do t make a wasted trip to try and have a meal. read more

Small little restaurant. Took us a while to be seated when there were so many seats available. There was a party of maybe 10 people a d a few people here and there. My first time here and I was not impressed. I got the 2 item combo with a shredded beef taco, chille relleno, rice, and the pot beans. The beans were okay. They weren't my favorite. I think i will stick with refried beans. Their carne asada tacos did look good though. I don't know if I would come back. Maybe i would try the carne asada tacos. read more

I loved it the surf n turf was amazing and the Mac and cheese was REALLY good. The environment was also very nice. I recommend making a reservation because it can get really packed. Definitely recommend. -p read more

I always look forward to their great food, service, and friendly atmosphere. The server was attentive and helpful with selections. We will be back for cocktails and dinner with friends. read more

Love the food, margaritas the best, waitress are great. Would get 5 stars if the ones answering the phone, and the front could be a friendly. Be nice to feel welcomed ! read more

Good solid food. I have read a few reviews mentioning that the food is under salted, and I would have to agree. However, this seems to be a growing trend among restaurants. So, now when I go out to eat, I expect to adjust the seasoning accordingly. I'd rather it be under salted than over salted. One is an easy fix. That being said... This place is good. Great service. Very polite and friendly. And the servers know the menu inside and out. It's my understanding from some locals that Red Pepper has been around for years, and lots of em! It's no surprise. read more

Red Pepper was packed on a Monday night. Maybe they were all here for the $10.95 steak special. Originally seated in the dining room, we switched to take advantage of the special that is only available in the bar. However the seating accomadtions are what you would expect in a bar setting. Very very crowded with little elbow maneuvering space wih knife and fork necessary to cut a steak. Hence the four star rating. Luckily, the gentleman next to us was a familiar face and he accommodated my drink and chips on his table. The steak was great, no complaints. The loaded potato seemed a bit dry and old. The beans were , well, not so delicious...couldn't even eat them. However, you get what you pay for and I was ultimately happy with the meal. read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Great $10.95 Bar Steak Special on. Mondays! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

My family has been going to Red Pepper for as long as I remember. We often do take-out and it's to the point where they know my dad's name and our orders. The service is always great, the food is delicious, and the atmosphere is fun. I love their chicken fajitas dinner. They also make really good steak fajita tostadas When I'm craving Mexican food, Red Pepper is my go-to restaurant. read more

Just left Red Pepper and I can honestly say, I may never come back. I've been a loyal customer for years. This saddens me. They can't keep a bartender. New guy seems nice but can't make a drink worth s&@t! I thought maybe it's me and I'm being a snob but my buddy next to fully agreed. Didn't even bother to eat. What's going on RP? read more

Wonderful Mexican foods... every dish- but fabulous fish entrees. Busy and ever popular, be prepared to wait. Lively bar scene. Eastside locals love this place. read more

This place is so special..... Pretty sure you won't find more imaginative Mexican food in the entire valley! Gilbert you have got incredible talent when it comes to unique Mexican flavor profiles! read more

Ahh man. I remember Red Pepper as being the best place on the Eastside to eat when I was a kid. Tonight I was disappointed. Before this evening, I hadn't been to RP in ages. I have to say, it has definitely changed. Our waitress was great, but the hostess was uninviting. As far as food goes, the chips were stale and my carne asada tacos were somewhat tasteless. My margarita, however, was on point. read more

The Red Pepper is simply the best Mexican restaurant in Bakersfield. Last Saturday night my family and I decided to have dinner at the Red Pepper. The waitress was friendly, and gave us top rate service. I ordered the Chicken Mole enchiladas and they were amazing! My wife ordered the Chile Verde ribbets , and she just raved about them on the way home. The margaritas with a shot of Patron Silver was outstanding! Definitely going back! read more

We shared our anniversary at the Red Pepper. From hubby's chili relleno to my chicken Santa Fe, dinner was a delight! Wild Horse wines served were delicious, Cabernet and chard were delightful. Service was good, the restaurant was lively. We waited 30 min for a table. Make a reservation and go! read more

Me and my family came for lunch and I ordered chile verde enchiladas which looked amazing but tasted good! The tortillas they used where stale or old so it wasn't I expected but still was ok, ordered a michelada that was not like they made them before wtf!! It was 14 dollars!!!!!! Smh my plate was 16 bucks for 2 enchiladas a spoonful of refried beans and some rewarmed rice ...got a side of fries for my son that was 4 bucks , now the fires where super super amazing!!! The best thing we ordered, my woman got some tacos of lobster and shrimp I think and let me just say that if it was her writing this review it would be 10xs longer... lol anywho I expected alot more from The red pepper since I've been there in the past so after this $64 dollar bill I got , let's just say I won't be returning for a long while.... Oh and the food we took to go , we actually gave it to homeless man that was standing by the light. #DoBetter read more

Lemme start off by saying there will be a wait. We waited for 40 minutes to be seated. But when we where seated it was in a very comfortable booth and a nice atmosphere. I'll be completely honest the prices are a bit steep you will spend $30-$60 here on a date. There wine selection is amazing and the food tasted wonderful. Not much I could complain about really just long wait and waiters seem to kinda not care. read more

Yes, I am a fan of The Pepper. I don't go in for dinner. I go in for happy hour and their happy hour menu. My favorite place to sit is in the bar, it's dark, cool and has a great vibe. I love their margaritas. They aren't diluted with a bunch of sweet and sour mix or sugar. They are fresh and have a tart citrus taste that a margarita should have. I love them both on the rocks and blended. The bar has a great happy hour menu. I wish I would've taken a picture of it...But they have great taco deals and appetizers that serve as a meal. On my most recent order, I had the pastor, short rib and chicken taco. The tacos were huge! But of course, I managed to eat it all (grin)! The pastor taco had fresh pineapple and a small bite of heat packed in. I loved it! The short rib was tender and juicy, also a favorite. The Pepper definitely has it regular customers. The bartenders and servers have been there forever and always give amazing service. Man, this review is making me hungry! I can't wait to return! read more

Red Pepper Restaurant - Happy hour tacos are delicious! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Food was bland with very little flavor- I ordered the shrimp lobster relleno and a shrimp taco. The shrimp taco was possibly the worst shrimp taco I've had - I never ate a taco I didn't like until today . But Seriously folks DO NOT ORDER ANY OF THE SHRIMP/FISH TACOS However, our server was really nice and service was pretty great for it being busy. Very Nice ambience read more

Absolutely Great Food!! Nice ambiance in the outside dining as well as inside! Been a diner there for many years and take my out of town guest there too! read more