Before Covid, this was our go to Mexican restaurant. Location was convenient, prices were affordable, food and customer service were good. The restaurant was usually packed When Covid lockdown began, prices rose, everywhere. We continued eating here & understood the reasons for the price increase. Once everything normalized and businesses reopened, we anticipated prices would normalize as well, which they did at most places we frequented. However, at El Patron they continued to go up. Now, service has been slow, especially when there's more than one party in the restaurant. We've seen only one person waiting on tables and bartending. There are so many choices for Mexican food in town. Although they may require a longer drive, they remain affordable and delicious, offer specials often & serve ample food for the price. We like supporting our local businesses, but can't do this when their prices are so high. P.S.: During the World Series in 2025, they offered a "Dodger Margarita." It was Dodger Blue with a sugared, not salt, rim. It was delicious! read more

Yesterday was my first time here. The place looks great from the outside but when we walked in there was only one couple sitting in the whole restaurant. I was wondering why it was so empty on a Saturday night at 5:30 pm. Our group of 4 sat down and during our 1 and a half hour stay the couple that was there already before us left and a second couple arrived. I could not figure out why nobody ate here. Our food arrived and was delicious! Everyone enjoyed their food and portion sizes were big, which I enjoyed. The service was great our waiter was very attentive. Prices were good too so Idk why it was so empty. I will definitely return here and if you want a nice quiet evening this is the place to come. read more

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Back again to El Patron a pleasant Mexican restaurant off Panama near Costco, Wednesday night is Fajitas night! $19.95 and we split the plate so super economical dinner for two! Service is always super and staff is friendly. Taco Tuesdays are a favorite with $2 tacos so it will be hard to decide which day to come. Seriously this is a hidden gym! read more

El Patron - Sign in restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Just cook the food how it should be, and cook the tortillas not microwave them and better customer service read more

El Patron - Steak Fajita and tortillas, the Fajitas not cooked, howand veggie mix sauted, tortillas raw,bad service today - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Well I think I may have found THE Taco Tuesday spot in Bako! My wife and I have been on a summers long journey to find a great Taco Tuesday spot in town. We have tried a total of 7 locations so far. Our criteria is pretty simple: Must have a Taco Tuesday special. Must be a sit down restaurant (No trucks). Must have a comfortable atmosphere and friendly service. Must taste good. You'd think that was easy to find, but buddy you'd be surprised! Well El Patron ticks off the boxes quite nicely. It's in a good location off Panama and can accommodate small and large parties. The best part is the flavor of the tacos. We had Carne Asada, Chicken, and Al pastor. As good as these three were, I can't wait to try all the other menu items such as the carnitas and the mariscos. I search is paused for now as we are pretty certain we have found our spot. read more

We were headed to Costco, but we didn't want to fill up on samples. ;) El Patron is right across the street and the have a patio. It was a nice day, so we called an audible. It was mid afternoon and the place was quiet. Our water took our order quickly - chili verde burrito - and an extra plate. He brought our drinks along with salsa and chips. The patio was nice. There's a fountain and you get to hear the trickling of water. The plate was substantial. The burrito was tasty and nicely spicy. I don't like the flavor to hot. The pork pieces were tender. This was a good meal for the price. We finished up and waddled over to Costco. We didn't need any samples, that's for sure. read more

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There inchaladas are authentic! Excellent service! Try happy hour. I recommend them Very clean read more

Brunch was very good yet their Molcajete was spectacular! Luis the server continually asked about our food or if anything else was needed. Thank you Luis for the excellent service. Music was a huge part of the atmosphere, thank you for reminding me of my youth with my parents. read more

El Patron - Molcajete & Menudo - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Was feeling like having Mexican food for breakfast today. I stopped in for a quick bite, and while I was there, waiting for my food, a customer sitting across from me told me that the menudo is the best in town. If you've seen my other post... You know that my favorite menudo place is from Gandma's Tamales. So of course I had to try it. The restaurant was so nice and accommodated my request to try a sample of the menudo, while I waited for my order, which I will get to next. And that customer was correct. Let me know though is very delicious and I found out that if you want the beef feet (pata) they it available if they haven't sold out. The customer who shared the info about this dish also told me that if you come after 1030 or so sometimes the restaurant is sold out of menudo. Without saying... The early bird gets the worm! Now about my breakfast. I had gone one other time and had their mole and I remember it was pretty tasty. I ordered it this morning as my breakfast and just as I remember, it was delicious. The sauce is the perfect balance between sweet and salty, and the dish came topped with sesame seeds. I recall them telling me that they make the sauce in the back and it really does taste like they do. The only thing I would ask that they improve about this dish is to simmer the shredded chicken in the sauce for 15 to 20 minutes so the chicken can absorb the flavors of the mole sauce. The dish comes with a side of refried beans, which were pretty delicious, a lot like homestyle, and Mexican style rice. I ordered a coffee which was pretty decent nice and strong, but smooth, and a Diet Coke, because I just can't eat Mexican food without a Coke. I will definitely go back to enjoy the menudo as my breakfast next time! By the way, the customer who told me to try the menudo whoever you are, thank you for buying my breakfast. I will definitely pay it forward! read more

El Patron - Mole plate with rice and beans, served with corn or flour tortillas. - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Great service. Good food and terneros with their alcohol. We've been coming here for 10+ years. Our servers basically know our orders by heart. Always our go to spot. read more

This is the second time I've eaten here the first time I stopped here for lunch I had fajitas. I've had better. I've had worse this time. I decided to stop here and I'm with my wife. She ordered the trio. I ordered Carne Asada. I will never eat here again it was $60 my steak. I've had thicker bacon the steak on my wife's plate was lunch meat. Thin show was her chicken service was adequate. I won't eat here again. read more

Returned recently to have a Margarita and an appetizer. And my experience was amazing! I love sitting at the bar, that's always my first choice when it comes to a Mexican restaurant. Great experience! I'll be back! read more

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I love to visit here for taco Tuesday, the service is always fast and you never have a long wait to sit . The drinks are just right and the food delicious. They have specials , that are well worth the price and the sample platter is my new personal read more

El Patron - El Patron Fiesta Platter - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

Pros. Nice decor and good service. Good ice tea. Cons. Some of the most expensive low quality food of any Mexican restaurant. 21 bucks for a basic two item combo. No the rice doesn't taste hot or Authentic. They some how get the beans wrong. Everything is over salted or under. Fish is the cheapest tilapia but they charge more then other places using quality fish. We left most of the food and got out. People were friendly though. read more

The service was good and everything looked clean. It has been a few years since I've been there, but I noticed that the quality and taste of food was not the same. It doesn't even include avocado with your enchiladas like before and the prices did go up from the last time I went. I don't think I'll go there again. There's better Mexican food around town. read more

Ordered the Grilled Shrimp! It didn't meet my expectations. I had 3 of 9 shrimp before giving up on my meal . The server was nice dough and the beer was cold . I would go back to have a drink but not for food. read more

Service good here. Sometimes the portions little skimpy. Good atmosphere before happy hour you can relax and eat. Servers are decent and get your food to you fairly fast. Prices are ok kinda up there for what you get. Food is good for a quick lunch. read more

Finally had a chance to check this place out, I saw a lot of great reviews from other Yelpers so I knew I had to check this place out. First and foremost, the food here is really good which is probably why they have a lot of great reviews. I ordered a combo plate that had 3 items as well as my husband: I ordered the #15 which included a taco, chili relleno & an enchilada. My husband ordered the #13 which included a taco, a tamale, and an enchilada. Food is really good and I plan to come back. I did not interact a whole lot w staff, but our waiter was on it and refilled our drinks as soon as we were low, which is always a good thing. They have plenty of seating at this location and room for a big party as well as a table for 1 or 2. The setting is not well lit inside, but I believe a lot of Mexican restaurants are like that as well. Music is not too loud where you can't talk to whoever you're with and they put on sports channels for people wanting to see a game. The only complaint I probably have is the way the seating is. I don't know if it's just me. The way the table sits is kind of lower compared to other restaurants, which I found myself feeling uncomfortable the whole time. People that know me will probably think it's because I'm a short person, but I wasn't used to the seating being the way it was. In any case, that is not a killer for me, so I will definitely come back and give this place another go. read more

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I've eaten here several times and always say I won't return. This is a nice restaurant. The service is good. The food is OK. The prices are crazy HIGH, literally 26 dollars for two tacos, rice, beans, and a Coke. It's ridiculous steakhouse prices... Avoid it! read more

Ordered the burrito special, menu said it was shredded beef, I got shredded chicken. My hubby said his chili verde was pretty good. Their salsa is okay, but the chips weren't very good. If I go back I will ask for clarification when ordering. I didn't eat dark meat chicken and the burrito was filled with it. read more

I love this place. It is my family's favorite Mexican restaurant ever. We have been coming here for about 25 years. They have recently changed staff and I think it is much more hospitable and professional. The facility is nice a clean too. A must visit in Bakersfield!!!! read more

Our server was rude! He was prompt but other than that he needs etiquette on customer service. I've been a waitress/ server at several restaurants before so I know customers aren't always easy. He brought us out chips and salsa and I asked for a new batch because ours were stale. Instead of saying sorry I'll go get more he said well we make them everyday and walked off before I could apologize. Food was good and came out fast but he walked away before I could ask for more limes and sour cream then when I did ask him he seemed as if I was putting him out or asking too much so I didn't bother him again. Prices were way too high for 2 plates, 2 sodas and no refills it was $43. What happened to this place?! read more

El Patron - The chips are sooooo stale! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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We eat Sunday brunch every week. My family has been eating here for years. The portions are so large, two can easily share one meal. read more

This one of my favorite mexican restaurants ,came with my wife we always order the molcajete rancehera with diabla sauce. Hands down you will love it if you like spicy foods read more

El Patron - The molcajete - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

This is one of the worst restaurants in Bakersfield, the food is not as advertised, it is very poor quality and also very expensive. I don't recommend it, there are better ones... read more

Patron restuarant never dissapoints me and my family! Everyone is supper attentive and always asking if we are okay if we need something else. Food and service is always on point. read more

El Patron - Chile relleno with mexican rice and beans - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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I enjoyed my dining at el Patrón. Our server was nice and friendly. The ambiance was nice and different. I got the molajates. It was spicy and had shrimp and meat. My wife got the trio fajita and she loved hers. The chips and salasa were not the best. I had better in other restaurants. read more

I had a baptism Party for my grandson and I would like to thank the staff and management for the great service the food was excellent everything was cooked perfectly our waiters were awesome I highly recommend anyone who would like to have a party there it was off the hook I hope you enjoy the goodies we left for you to enjoy read more

Way overpriced, and food isn't good. Went here because it's the only place that's open during quarantine, I'm glad other places will start opening soon. Looking forward to Rancho grade Mexican grill opening on Panama and Ashe hopefully their food is better. read more

Bright, clean place to come and have a cold drink and to enjoy Happy Hour prices 3pm-9pm EVERY DAY of the week! I tried the Chile Verde fries and while I wish there had been some kick to the sauce, the dish was still very good. And served hot! The table had ordered some tacos and a fiesta platter. THAT platter had so much food on it for $5.50! The chips are restaurant style thin (lightly salted) and I liked the salsa quite a bit. We had great service and we never waited too long for anything. The bar of course gets busier/louder as it gets later but that is to be expected. In the dining area, families were seated and there were a few people out on the patio... something for everyone here. Next time, I am getting the fajitas that smelled so good every time they went by. My fave thing is how cold my Corona Light bottles were for $3.75 each. The plaza has so much going for it here and there is plenty of parking. I cannot wait to return and wish I had known about this place sooner! read more

El Patron - Fiesta platter! - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Food was average. Big portions, not sure why. And the bathrooms were dirty and disgusting.

This is the worst Mexican restaurant I've ever been to. First I ordered chicken wings absolutely disgusting breaded in some weird batter and the hot sauce is not franks hot sauce like it says on menu. Salt and pepper shakers haven't ever been cleaned I don't think absolutely disgusting to even touch. The service was horrible some rude guy who took at least 10-15 to even greet us at the table. I spilled my soda a cherry Pepsi and when I got bill he charged me for two I told him I'm not paying for two sodas what a joke of a restaurant will never go here again. Place was dirty, understaffed and all the food was disgusting and the waiter was super rude go anywhere but here if I could give a zero star I would it was NASTY!!! I spent at least 100$ and we left most of the food on the table paid and left shame on that waiter rude rude rude read more

My dad loved his cheese enchilada at El Patrón, but my mom and I had a different experience. Everything tasted like it just came out of the microwave. The bean burrito was okay, but just okay, if you know what I mean. My mom didn't like it either, and said it tasted the same as the last time she'd been there, over 10 years ago. She wanted to give it a second chance. I am not satisfied. read more

El Patron - Happy Hour Menu - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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service was amazing and fast. food portions are big and tasty. I was surprised there wasn't as many people, they deserve more customers!

We walked in and were immediately seated and drink orders were taken! After that drinks and chips and salsa came quickly then our order was taken, then it was a waiting game! The same waitress that took our order, seated us and was seating everyone else and taking their orders!! Just 1 waitress!!! Dont know if we just went on a bad day or what was going on but during a rush like that there must be more people to help as she had about 6 booths full! Food came out good had the chile relleno. Not spicy at all. Still looking for that perfect relleno in town Over all food was reasonable so we're the prices, but the service still needs work! read more

El Patron - Started eating before the pic. Feel as if rice and bean portions were a bit small - Mexican Near Me - Bakersfield, California

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Had lunch at el patron today. I didn't noticed right away, but the waitress never sanitized the tables after clearing the table. In fact I didn't see her use anything to wipe it clean!!!! Three young people walked in without mask on and asked her if they needed masks. She told them no because they were friends and didn't need any!!!!! I will not be going back to el patron again. My health is more important than a taco or margaritas. It is no wonder that kern County is in the top 10 with virus infections!!! read more

This place used to be so good!!!!! My Fourth time was disappointing by far. The shrimp was very dirty. I told the waitress and all she did was smiled and take it back. I was brought aguachiles cooked in Chile Verde sauce? Still raw. I will never come back here. read more

Tried this restaurant again last week for the first time in a couple of years and I will never be back. Ordered steak fajitas and could not believe how a Mexican restaurant could mess up on fajitas. The steak looked and tasted boiled not grilled. Should've taken a photo. Had zero flavor and texture was all wrong. Husband's order was also disappointing and tasteless. Didn't even bring it back home for our dog. Also the wicker basket for chips was dirty and old. No paper lining. Seemed very unsanitary. Server was a nice guy but that was the only positive thing. read more

My boyfriend and I decided to come here for a date night. The service avoided us the entire time. We ordered a couple of drinks and they never came. My boyfriend had asked for a simple glass of water which also never came. The service is terrible and slow. We had came here before one other time and everything was great. I definitely wouldn't come back here after this time. read more

Have been wanting to try this place for a while. Decor: what you expect. A family of 5 sit comfortably in one of the horseshoe tables. Seats was comfy, and we all had elbow room. Staff: friendly and welcoming. Stopped by the table plenty of times to ask how the meal was, if we needed anything. Took empty plates as soon as they got empty. Food: what you expect as far as menu goes. Appears to be heavy on seafood options, which is good to see. Big portions, which is a plus because most entrees cost between $12 and $15. I've heard they have some of the best margaritas around, maybe I'll try next time! read more