Customer service was great and food was delicious and well organized. Highly recommend

The food here is amazing! The empanadas are delicious, especially the cheese and jalapeño one! The Cuban sandwich was also really good, and the papa rellena de carne was another favorite. The lady who took our order was super patient and helpful while we were figuring out what we wanted. We took our food to go, and even after about a 15-minute drive, everything still tasted fresh and just as good as it did when we first got it. One thing I really noticed both times I've been here is how clean and well cared for the restaurant is. Everything was wiped down, organized, and spotless. You can tell they stay on top of cleaning and are really meticulous about taking care of the place, which I appreciate. Amazing food, great service, and a very clean restaurant. Highly recommend!! we'll definitely be back! read more

My girlfriend and I stopped at Ay Papa Qué Rico while visiting Bakersfield for a concert. We found it on Yelp, and the menu looked promising. The concept reminded me somewhat of El Pollo Loco, but with a broader selection of grilled meats and a more traditional Latin American influence. The menu has plenty of options, including half and whole chickens, beef short ribs, baby back pork ribs, Colombian and Argentinian sausages, and various combination plates. Meals come with rice, your choice of black or pinto beans, tortillas, and red and green salsas. They also offer beer, sodas, iced tea, horchata, and other beverages. The staff was very friendly and eager to help us. I ordered the half-chicken combo, and my girlfriend wanted one of their sausage combinations. Unfortunately, the sausage she originally selected wasn't ready and would require approximately 20-25 minutes to prepare. The employee explained that this particular sausage often needs to be prepared fresh and recommended calling ahead if we wanted to order it on a future visit. I appreciated her being upfront about the wait rather than surprising us afterward. My girlfriend chose the other available sausage, and our food arrived in approximately seven to ten minutes. Everything was hot, fresh, and nicely presented. The chicken was excellent. It was juicy, flavorful, and had that delicious fire-roasted quality you would expect from a restaurant specializing in grilled meats. I also tried my girlfriend's sausage, which was very good. The rice was fairly average, but the beans were better than I expected. The combination plates also included roasted green onions, a jalapeño, tortillas, and individual containers of salsa. The rice and beans came in separate containers with lids, which would be convenient for leftovers or takeout. Pricing was fair for the portions and quality. Nothing felt overpriced, especially considering current restaurant prices. Unfortunately, the dining area needed more attention. There were only a few other parties in the restaurant when we arrived, but the first two tables we approached were dirty. One still had rice and used napkins, while another had a tray and other items left behind. We eventually found a clean table, but its napkin dispenser was empty, so I had to retrieve one from another table. It appeared that only one employee was managing the register and dining room while another worked in the kitchen. The staff was friendly and hardworking, but the dining area clearly needed more attention. The restroom was another disappointment. After eating the juicy chicken, I went to wash my hands and discovered that there were no paper towels available. The restroom door also required handling a lock and doorknob, making the lack of paper towels particularly frustrating after washing my hands. These may seem like small issues individually, but dirty tables, empty napkin dispensers, and an inadequately stocked restroom add up and affect the overall dining experience. Would I return? Yes. The food was genuinely good, the employees were friendly, and the prices were reasonable. I would like to try more of their grilled meats and combination plates, although I might consider visiting another location next time. Overall, Ay Papa Qué Rico has a lot going for it when it comes to food and value. With better attention to dining room cleanliness, restocking supplies, and general upkeep, this could easily be a four- or five-star experience. read more

Disappointing Customer Service After Years of Being a Loyal Customer I've been a regular customer at this restaurant since moving to Bakersfield. I've dined in many times and ordered delivery frequently because I always felt this was one of the closest places to the flavors and food of home, Unfortunately, after several disappointing experiences, I'm starting to feel differently. Today, I visited with a senior lady I care for, and we spent over $40 on our meals and drinks. She ordered a BBQ chicken sandwich, which was fine, while I ordered a carne asada sandwich that barely had any meat. It was mostly bread. I purchased a canned coconut water, which was warm, and she ordered a fountain iced tea. Since we had an appointment, I requested takeout containers and two plastic cups for our drinks. The employee only provided one cup for the fountain drink. I explained that my coconut water was warm and I needed another cup to add ice, but I was told I would have to pay over $3 for an additional plastic cup! Seriously? After spending over $40, they couldn't accommodate a simple request for a plastic cup? And unfortunately, this wasn't my first disappointing experience. On a previous delivery order, I paid for sweet plantains (plátanos maduros) that were never delivered. I called the restaurant to explain what happened, but they refused to refund me, send the missing item, or even offer a credit toward a future purchase. I never found out what happened to the missing food, but as a paying customer, I was left without the item or a resolution. I understand that mistakes happen, and I understand that restaurants have policies. But how a business handles those situations says a lot about how much it values its customers. It's not about the price of a plastic cup or a side of plantains. It's about fairness, accountability, and customer service. I've spent a considerable amount of money supporting this restaurant over time. Sadly, the repeated lack of consideration has left me disappointed. I hope management takes this feedback seriously. Loyal customers shouldn't have to feel like they're asking for a favor when requesting something reasonable or trying to resolve an issue with food they already paid for. Good food may bring customers in, but good customer service is what makes them want to return.!!! read more

Ay Papa Que Rico - Latin American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Had 2 great experiences with ay papa que Rico (el pollo Rikko) Went in for lunch with my hubby and had their current meal deal $20 family meal. Chicken, rice, beans tortillas. It would feed 2 adults and 2 kids. chicken is so dang delicious! So flavorful. Really unique and can't be found anywhere else in town. The restaurant itself is a bit warm so be prepared! feels like you are in the Caribbean so it fits with the ambiance Then I placed a catering order for a work event. Talked with the owner who was very helpful and happy to work with us. We had food for 15, chicken, rice, beans, tortillas, Mac & cheese, and salad. $224 total after tax and they delivered for free here in town! Everyone at the event loved the food! They couldn't stop complimenting the chicken We will definitely be back for our family and to order some more catering! read more

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Rosa was my friendly counter person today, taking my order and answering my questions. My order was delivered to the table. I had the delicious beef, chicken & jalapeño cheese empanadas and the heavenly pineapple strudel. My meal was scrumptious! This little Cuban restaurant has a wide variety of offerings. They have charbroiled ribeye, Chicken, lamb chops, Carne Asada Ranchera, Pork Ribs, Angus beef ribs just to name a few. They also have soups, sandwiches, wraps & burritos. You can get bowls, empanadas, burgers & quesadillas and salads. They have way too many sides to name all of them. You can have a beer with your meal or a bevy of non alcoholic drink offerings. There are 4 large TV's for your viewing pleasure. This is a great addition to affordable and yummy dining here in Bakersfield. Definitely give them a try! read more

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I visited once before but there were so many tasty looking things on the menu I just had to go back. There were a lot of options but I had my eye on that Cuban so that's what I snagged for lunch. Staff is very friendly and service is pretty quick but food was very hot so I think it was made to order, took a bit longer than fast food but still plenty of time for me to be back within my lunch break. First of all, the sandwich is huge! Much larger than I expected honestly and it was loaded up well with meat. They tossed some salsa in the bag for me as well and the green salsa was so good on the Cuban I almost wish I had a little more of it, I'll have to get extra next time. There are still so many things I want to try, I'm already trying to figure out when my next lunch stop will be. I highly recommend trying this place out if you haven't already. read more

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Potato balls in Bakersfield?! I thought that I was dreaming tbh. I ordered a couple of potato balls to go, so I could bring them home to my brother. The service here was very quick, so that was nice. Since these were to-go I can speak much on the ambiance, but the restaurant was clean and an average size. These potato balls were good, but maybe just a little too toasted. They were definitely filled with ground beef and had a nice flavor on the inside aside from the extra toasted exterior. I fear I may be particular about how I like my potato balls. The first time I've tried some were from Porto's and they've set the bar really high for me. read more

Ay Papa Que Rico - Stuffed Potato Ball with Ground Meat (Papa Rellena de Carne) (1) - Latin American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Delicious, wood grilled chicken!! They have an awesome family special that comes with a whole chicken, side of rice, side of beans, salsa, tortillas and grilled jalapeños. Everything is fresh, the staff are friendly and the restaurant is clean. They have really yummy aguas frescas, especially loved the pineapple one! read more

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Came here to order the chicken family meal. This place has a nice vibe inside, it has TV's, a self serve soda machine, with plenty of seating to choose from. The staff were nice and took my order with a smile. The chicken was so flavorful, the meal deal comes with rice and beans, a grilled jalapeno, and tortillas. The rice was my least favorite, it taste like rice a roni, but everything else in this meal was good. read more

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I came here the other day and I am happy I tried this place out! The food was very delicious. I did order to go because of my busy schedule and I wanted to eat at home--and let's just say my family and I enjoyed the whole chicken meal deal! I was able to try their beef, chicken, and cheese empanadas and strawberry strudel as well --which was a perfect balance to end with our chicken meal along with a Pineapple drink they have! Overall this place is definitely the spot to order food and to share with everyone at home to enjoy after a busy day. Thank you! Service was great and the ambiance was beautiful definitely coming back. read more

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Hey this place was on point I'll definitely go back the empanadas were first rate nice and hot the pastries were good nice and hot atmosphere was good had a whole bunch of TVs in it and watched a little bit of sports plenty of beer to choose from plenty stuff to drink customer service was a plus plus definitely will go back definitely would tell friends about it is definitely something different I'll definitely put this on my list to go back read more

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Popped in for a quick early dinner. I was confused by the name because on the outside the restaurant says. El Pollo Riko and on yelp the name is something else as you can see in my post. I remember coming to this restaurant in 2021 shortly after they opened and I decided to come back and see what's new. This restaurant offers a variety of food, influenced by Mexico, Argentina, Puerto Rico, and Cuba... Oh, and of course the US. Their bread and butter is the charbroiled chicken that usually comes with a side of rice and beans, tortillas, and red and green salsa. They have other things on the menu, such as a good variety of sandwiches, including Cuban sandwich, appetizers, such as potato balls stuffed with ground beef, yuca, fries, green, fried plantains, and ripened plantains also known as maduros. The restaurant also offers other things like a plate with ribeye steak, rope of vieja, which is a Cuban dish, and ribs. They have a wide selection of sides, beverages, and desserts. The restaurant is nice and clean. There is plenty of seating for large and small parties. The bathroom was pretty clean as well, but you do need a code to get in. The wait staff was very attentive and offered to explain the dishes and offer suggestions. I spoke to Adrian, who was very nice. This business is a family owned business local to Bakersfield. I ordered the half chicken with yellow rice and black beans. The black beans were exactly like my ex father-in-law's who was Cuban. I ordered a side of the maduros and also ordered ham croquettes -- the ham croquettes were amazing! The chicken was delicious and included a wing, thigh, drumstick, and a breast with the rib bones. The chicken was so delicious and tasted fresh. The skin was charbroiled, so I got some crunchy bits in there, overall it was a good portion and easily shareable, especially if you get appetizers and extra sides. I am definitely going back to try other things such as the stuffed potato balls, Cuban sandwich, and the ribs. There is so much more to try, additionally the restaurant serves Salvadoran and Argentinian sausages. Enjoy! read more

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My family has grown to love this spot!!! shout out to Garrett, the Yelp Central Valley- South Rep, who turned us on to this spot after his video highlight over the Summer. Our favorite, the $21 family meal. It feeds my family of 4 just fine, tastes great, it's a bargain & a blessing!!! We've never eaten inside, but the restaurant is very spacious & festive!!! Good-bye El Pollo Loco, lol! read more

Tasty special unique flavors . Menu difficult to understand not because of language . It's confusing . Perhaps pictures and labels would help. We saw other people have same issues confusing menus. Also air con was not working comfortably we saw 2 wall unit on but was sweltering read more

Came to try out the $20.99 Family 4 chicken meal (comes with 8 chicken pieces, rice, tortilla, and beans and salsa) and the carne asada fried Highly recommend this dinner especially for busy families! The dinner was made quick so we were in and out. The chicken was juicy and delicious! Perfectly cooked. The rice and beans were perfect sides to the dinner! The fries were packed with toppings and were very delicious. Highly recommend this chicken meal and can't wait to come back to try more items! read more

I have traveled a lot and I always enjoy unique, ethnic flavors! Ay Papa Que Rico serves delightful Cuban food that I really enjoyed and I get to experience their uniqueness! read more

Had to visit Pollo Riko again, since the last Yelp event. It didn't disappoint. Wish I would've remembered to try the sausage sandwich but overall the meal was very good. The Cubanos are huge and you can easily split one, especially if you add a side. The fries, which are always my go to side, were perfectly cooked McDonald's style fries. I feel they were a little lacking on the seasoning but overall good with their green salsa. The green salsa can go on anything. The place as picking up for lunch but mainly for to-go orders. The BBQ was definitely going because it was a little toasty inside, but it didn't help on a sunny/muggy windy Bakersfield day. You definitely get what you pay for. You aren't short changed on the food and it is made to order, which is always a plus for any restaurant. Definitely will be returning and trying a few other things. Sausage platter, sausage sandwich, the potato balls (Reminiscent of Porto's in San Fernando) and the plantains for sure. read more

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We recently had an Elite Event at this place. I raved about it so much I had to take my wife. She ordered us the half-chicken. You get both rice and beans. It's plenty of food for both of us. The chicken was delicious. The food took a few minutes longer than expected to come out, but that was because they cook it right. After tasting it, we didn't mind the extra few minutes wait. The dining area is comfortable. It could have been a few degrees warmer. It was a cold day. All-in-all it's an awesome place for lunch. Give it a try. You won't be disappointed. read more

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Such amazing food! Their empanadas were truly so good I can't pick a favorite I can't wait to go back. Plus the staff were very kind and welcoming. I would definitely recommend this place read more

Went here for the first time today and it was amazing best place to eat with family feel come here for a great experience

It's been a little while since we went, so I don't remember all the specifics, but I do remember that it was ALL good! We got the big sampler, so we could try everything, and take a lot home. SO much flavor, and the people were great! When you see a place like this full of older people from the part of the world the food is from, you know it's gonna be good. read more

I love Ay Papa Que Rico! (fka El Pollo Riko) Every dish is pure deliciousness. No trip to Ay Papa Que Rico is complete without their mesquite grilled chicken. Their chicken is made fresh and is super juicy. The chicken breast, which at most places is the driest cut of meat, at Aye Papa Que Rico is surprisingly moist and flavorful. While the chicken is what they've become known for, I recommend anything on the menu. The lamb plate is one of my favorite dishes. It's super scrumptious. Most dishes come complete with their rice, beans, and tortillas. There is a bit of a fun internal debate on which housemade salsa is the best. I love switching between the verde and rojo, though the salsa they serve with their chips is amazing, especially if you like some fresh chunks of veggies in your salsa. The Cuban sandwich deserves its own paragraph with how tasty it is. While it may not be traditional to dip a Cuban sandwich in salsa, at Ay Papa Que Rico it has become a local practice. After one dip, you'll understand why. Their staff is super friendly and make you feel like family very quickly. It is clear they want to see each guest enjoy their meal and that they take much pride in serving each dish. The restaurant is always clean and well taken care of. Aye Papa Que Rico has become a go-to for myself and any friends or family. Their dishes are perfect for any gathering or hang out. I always receive a warm welcome when I arrive with Aye Papa Que Rico in hand! :) read more

Updated! Always and I mean ALWAYS on point! Fudging delicious chicken every time, plus that green salsa. Anahi was amazing and made sure we knew about the new menu items and they look so bomb! The restaurant location is in a prime location too! They have huge ceiling fans that keep the place extra cool with all the chicken they cook. I highly recommend trying their new Al Pastor! read more

Flavorful chicken and rice and beans. Great owner and staff will help you decide what you want on their mexican with a little cubano influence. You can get potato balls and guava strudel (think Portos). Great flavor and staff. With the mesquite grill is can get hot inside but it feels nice in colder months. read more

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I love this place, I had plans to come here had Argentina won the World Cup, I came anyways. If you get anything with the sausage in it, you are getting one of the best things in Bakersfield. Plenty of tvs, no frills decor. Food came out pretty fast despite it being lunch and a pretty big catering order. read more

Delicious food, my friends and I were driving past going to yosemite and my friends were telling me this place is a must try! Just finished eating and it was amazing! Definitely coming back next time I'm driving through:) read more

Ay Papa Que Rico - Latin American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

God DAMN. Do not sleep on this place! Incredible on all accounts. Friendly staff. Great prices and even special deals on certain days. And absolutely delicious food - the pineapple pastry blew my mind after my excellent Cuban! The chicken is bomb too! They know what they're doing here read more

Another great visit and another great meal !!! Luanna was our server today and she was awesome!!! Very attentive and great personality!!! Food as always was great , and portions were plentiful!! If you haven't come here , you are definitely missing out! read more

Ay Papa Que Rico - Sampler - Latin American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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This place reminds me of el pollo loco but way way better. The chicken was really juicy and seasoned perfectly.

Great food Great service...would love to have one closer to home everything cooked to perfection....looking forward for a return visit read more

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Passed by here from Las Vegas back to Bay area, and I must say this is a highly recommended stop!! Great ambience, family owned restaurant- had the great pleasure of meeting Joe and his son and they are very friendly and accomodating! Food is fresh, chicken is very juicy, well seasoned and savory- best grilled chicken we ever had (and we have lived and travelled from east coast to west coast). Serving size for dishes including side dishes are hefty, perfect for our big family. Service is awesome and just as mentioned, very friendly and warm they treat you like good old friends and family. and the price, I must say, very affordable with the grade A++ quality taste of food. I wish we could taste everything but our stomach could only hold so much! It's worth the stop, we will even go for a little joyride for this place alone! Bonus: they have happy hour!! *Yelp name says Ay papa que Rico but if you go to website link and the address itself, this fantastic place's name is El Pollo Riko, just want to make sure nobody miss this great find* read more

Stopped here on the way to Norcal. Loved their chicken burrito. It was filled with their juicy chicken. Beans and rice were well seasoned. Was looking forward to the yucca fries but they were overly salted. Burrito bowl was just okay. Not shown but the cheese empanadas were great and came out oozing hot. Lots of seating. Noticed most people take out. Quick service. read more

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I rolled up on a 107 degree July day with three tired kids and the host immediately helped us. Most of my family is easy, but me and my daughter have some specific allergies that can make coming to unknown restaurants difficult sometimes. I explained the situation to the young man who took care of us, and he made sure everything was just right. My sons were happy watching baseball, my daughter and I got the food we could eat, and we all cooled off and chowed down before getting back into the heat. read more

The owner Joe came by said hello that is such a beautiful site, don't see that anymore! Chicken has an amazing flavor mesquite! We got the yellow rice and pinto beans! Amazing! My favorite was the green salsa my husband the red! Will definitely come again! read more

First time at this restaurant! Service was amazing, and food was delicious! Great place to go for a quick bite or even hangout! Definitely recommend this restaurant! read more

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I thought I would never come here because it was like El Pollo Loco....no, you HAVE to come here! Its waaay better than El Pollo Loco. Their chicken is juicer and flavorful. Their potato balls have so much more flavor than Portos (although mine here were a little over cooked). I didnt care for their empanada. It was too wet on the inside and made the dough soggy. (We ate this after our meal). Our meal was the chicken meal and it was great. My husband and I were able to share. It came with chicken, rice, beans and corn tortillas. This is a great little starter meal to try their food! I also had the jalapeño poppers. The breading is a little thick. read more

Saw this restaurant on FB so I tried it. The lady at the counter was nice, but the food was terrible! Chicken and beef empanadas were small, hard and no taste. The testones were dry and tasteless. Never going back there again. I wasted my money. They rate 0 stars. read more

Upgrading them to five stars. Been a while since I've had some, El Pollo Riko and I was reminded why it's worth rating five stars instead of four. Dam good chicken! Very flavo Still loving the atmosphere, music and customer service. Great job guys! read more

Ay Papa Que Rico - Half a chicken combo with rice and black beans - Latin American Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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This place is amazing. Best chicken I've had. Every bite was juicy and cooked to perfection. This is definitely my go to spot and talk about hospitality... I went right after a gym session and the owner himself came out to great me and made sure everything was 100 percent to my liking. Perfect place for a date night, work outing or family dinner. Only took a picture of these two pieces left of my meal because I ate the rest of it but had to stop and do a review read more

Ay Papa Que Rico - Latin American Near Me - Bakersfield, California