You’ve just rolled into Bakersfield after a long Central Valley haul, your stomach growling louder than the diesel rigs at the truck stop. Maybe you’re chasing that perfect al pastor after a disappointing drive-thru, or perhaps you’re simply on a mission to find the taco that makes the whole trip worthwhile. Whatever brought you here, the quest for great tacos is real. Grab your appetite and your sense of adventure—these are the spots that deliver.
Los Tacos
$ | (661) 399-1873 | WEBSITE
A Bakersfield staple, Los Tacos isn’t the fanciest Mexican spot around, but it’s certainly the most satisfying. The lunchtime crowd is a lively mix of construction workers on break and families celebrating payday. As for the food, skip the Americanized options and stick to the authentic dishes, whether it’s the hard shell tacos, grande burritos, or chile rellenos.
The Chicken Fajitas are a comforting sizzling platter, but if you’re really looking to indulge yourself, order the Chile Verde Huevos Rancheros with tender pork and perfectly fried eggs. Open for all your cravings.
FireWater Co.
$ | (661) 808-9280 | WEBSITE
FireWater Co. isn’t going to win any Best Tacos awards, but that doesn’t stop the crowds from gathering at this cozy taco spot in Bakersfield for a refreshing summer treat. If it’s your first time, get the quesabirria with a side of authentic hot sauce. If it’s your 50th time, get the exact same thing, and then go enjoy it while sitting at the cozy seating like everyone else.
Expect pretty quick service from the welcoming owner Alex, though you might have to check their Instagram story to find the exact location and hours.
California Fish Grill
$ | (661) 498-7723 | WEBSITE
California Fish Grill offers a straightforward menu with excellent versions of every seafood craving imaginable, but it serves a greater purpose: it’s pretty much the only reliable fresh-caught option around Bakersfield. Of course, you can go to a fast-food chain on Rosedale Highway, but that requires driving, and you can’t get made-to-order tilapia through a drive-thru (we’ve tried).
So whether you’re finishing a shift at the oil fields or a family outing at the California Living Museum, grab some delicious fish tacos and that unique kale slaw at California Fish Grill before heading home. Open until 10pm.
Alfonso’s Taco Shop
$ | (661) 398-1110 | WEBSITE
There’s really nothing quite like pulling up to Alfonso’s Taco Shop after a long day. The bright, no-frills shop is buzzing with activity, the aroma of grilled meats fills the air, and everyone orders burritos like they’re the last ones on earth. In short, it’s a delicious bargain. The straightforward menu is full of breakfast burritos, tortas, and other excellent Mexican dishes, and everything is designed to give you great value for your money.
El asadero taco grill
$ | (661) 374-4142 | WEBSITE
This taco spot in Bakersfield can be the first stop of a late-night craving or the last. It stays open until 1am and serves smoky, spicy, beer-friendly tacos until then. Think charcoal-grilled birria queso tacos, crispy Tijuana-style tacos, and Cochinita tacos that are hot enough to get everyone at the table sweating like they’re swapping stories by a grill.
The homemade corn tortillas and habanero salsa keep things authentic, while the salsa bar with grilled onions, serranos, cucumbers, and radishes adds extra kick. The friendly service and family-owned vibe make it a must-try for anyone seeking real Mexican flavor that keeps you coming back.
Tacos Los Cunados
$ | (323) 359-5196 | WEBSITE
If we had to pick one taco truck in Bakersfield to reign supreme over its mobile kin, it’s the carnitas and birria de chivo from Tacos Los Cunados. Tender as the best in Michoacán, each juicy bite at this lunch truck is rich with freshness and flavor, but you can’t go wrong with any of the simple tacos here. This no-frills operation has a salsa bar right along the parking lot, with pickled onions, jalapenos, and lemons scattered across the counter.
It’s open for lunch daily in a somewhat rough neighborhood to serve the hungry crowds near Bakersfield.
Los Taqueiros Ming
$ | (661) 808-6336 | WEBSITE
If you don’t at least secretly crave birria tacos after a long day of work, you’re lying to yourself and us. Los Taqueiros Ming has been a Bakersfield staple for years and is a flat-out local institution. They simmer their beef in the same rich stock they use to dip their tortillas, and yes, it’s sob-inducing. Maybe you were already hungry because you skipped lunch a few hours ago, but these will be tears of joy. Their taco truck is open late every night of the week.
Tacos Mi Casa
$ | (661) 472-3594 | WEBSITE
This compact, cash-only lunch counter at the Fastrip on White Lane & Gosford serves the kind of bacon breakfast burritos and carne asada tacos that taste good any time of day. That said, they taste best at noon when you’re rushing between errands and need something fast and satisfying. If you’re really hungry, go for the torta, but otherwise, the tacos and burritos are both easy to eat while you drive.
My Spot Downtown Grill
$ | (661) 742-1483 | WEBSITE
We have no idea why it goes seemingly unnoticed that My Spot Downtown Grill serves breakfast burritos all day. Open from morning through evening every day of the week, My Spot is where you go to slide into a booth, eat some pastrami breakfast burrito, drink a fountain drink, and wait for the best daily special in town (the Taco Tuesday deal) to arrive. This isn’t your grab-and-go fast food spot.
Come here after a morning errand run or a casual lunch with family, and you’ll be in affordable Americanized Mexican bliss.
El Buen Pastor Tacos Y Mariscos
$ | (661) 489-3220 | WEBSITE
Greetings from our favorite Bakersfield taco spot. Admittedly, El Buen Pastor’s food is just fine for a quick lunch, but after a long day craving authentic flavors, it reaches levels of spectacular. Al pastor tacos? Birria burritos? Asada fries? Yes, to all. The atmosphere is casual and not in the sterile chain restaurant type of way that makes you feel rushed. El Buen Pastor is your friend who always has your back—with quick service and generous portions that won’t break the bank.
Underrated family idea: catch some local entertainment and head here for a kid-friendly meal with homemade tortillas that taste like abuela’s kitchen.
Birria Bros
$ | (661) 564-4500 | WEBSITE
Birria Bros is a hidden gem these days, and sometimes there’s a bit of a wait, but the standout of Bakersfield taco spots is still worth a casual visit. The outdoor seating area is designed to feel like a cozy neighborhood patio, which sometimes relaxes us like a backyard barbecue. You’ll lose all sense of restraint and moderation at this taco truck, regardless of how disciplined you are.
But what really matters are Birria Bros’ tender, juicy birria tacos, flavorful quesatacos, and super delicious horchata. Open with great deals on Tuesdays.
Garcia Mexican Grill
$ | (661) 348-4067 | WEBSITE
Garcia Mexican Grill hasn’t really changed much since it opened, and that’s about all you need to know. This Bakersfield institution has more than earned its place in local taco lore, and while the classic shrimp tacos aren’t our absolute favorite among the old-school spots, they’re still pretty tasty. Come pay your afternoon respects and get a delicious order of earthquake fries on your way out. Open until 10pm on the weekends.
Birrieria y Taqueria El Pachuco
$ | (661) 569-7760 | WEBSITE
Equal parts family kitchen and Michoacan taqueria, Birrieria y Taqueria El Pachuco delivers one of the cozier authentic eating experiences in Bakersfield. You start by ordering a plate of freshly made tacos—asada, chorizo, chilaquiles, etc.—followed by more comforting dishes like chile relleno platters and enchiladas de pollo. The ladies behind the counter prepare tortillas right there, while the warm atmosphere makes everyone feel at home. There will probably be someone chatting with the chef.
The food is delicious, but this place warms your heart as much as it does your stomach. Open with that family-run vibe every day, and always with that welcoming touch.
SoCal Tamal & Churro Company
$ | (661) 473-1370 | WEBSITE
The standout spot has one location in Bakersfield, a welcoming space on a busy street where the lights stay bright and the doors stay open late. But whether you come at lunchtime or late evening, you’ll see families and friends gathered around plates of birria ramen (steaming bowls of rich, savory broth, tender meat, and noodles) and quesabirria tacos (crispy tortillas filled with juicy birria and melted cheese).
Order the wet burrito, and they’ll serve it smothered in sauce until it’s saucy and satisfying. Beyond these incredible dishes, the asada fries are also worth your time.
Taqueria El Paisita
$ | (661) 447-8899 | WEBSITE
You might’ve heard about Taqueria El Paisita’s fresh handmade tortillas and juicy grilled meats, but it’s also a great quick-stop option in Kern Canyon that’s open late with plenty of parking. You can take advantage of the warm, casual atmosphere for a fast dinner after work, perhaps before a movie or if you need to escape from your hectic schedule.
Or you can show up to try as many salsas as possible, or split some mulitas and guacamole with your very hungry friend if you arrive before the kitchen closes.
Jack In The Box
$ | (661) 363-7921 | WEBSITE
Jack In The Box claims to offer a sweet, fast, and friendly dining experience, and you might agree if you’re looking for a quick meal that won’t disappoint. This accessible spot is open late, but it’s still recommendable at all hours—regardless of hunger—because the Sourdough bacon cheeseburger is solid. The burger drips with flavor, and the curly fries have a nice crunch.
Skip the standard options and order Jack In The Box’s enjoyable specialties instead, like the cheeseburger combo with a side of fries and a drink for the kids.
Tacos Jalisco
$ | (661) 332-8836 | WEBSITE
Tacos Jalisco is one of those Bakersfield spots you either know about or don’t. And if you do know about it, you don’t want anybody else to. That’s because this popular taco truck kind of has it all: authentic Mexican flavors, fresh ingredients, delicious dishes like carne asada tacos and al pastor tacos, Mexican rice, and great service that makes for a satisfying and enjoyable dining experience. Just don’t tell anybody.
Tacos Ordaz
$ | (661) 303-0839 | WEBSITE
With a clean open kitchen and shaded seating area, Tacos Ordaz is the kind of place that works just as well for quick solo lunches as it does for casual family dinners on the weekend. The tacos are fantastic (we love the tender texture of the tacos de lengua), there’s made-to-order service that keeps everything hot, and kind staff who treat customers like family. Whatever you do though, be sure to try the salsas and sides, which include fresh limes and cucumbers with every order.
You can’t go wrong with any of the tacos (the al pastor is particularly praised by regulars), but the tacos de cabeza are some of the best we’ve ever had—less greasy than at other spots.
tacos de brria
$ | (661) 376-8354 | WEBSITE
Tacos de Birria is a taco spot in Bakersfield where the drive-thru line moves with all the right efficiency. People who crave birria seem to appreciate its straightforward presence, and every other car that pulls through gets greeted by name like a regular neighbor. Any visit to Tacos de Birria should be quick, satisfying, and salsa-fueled. The magic happens at the window, where hungry locals in work boots feast on juicy birria tacos, cheesy birria pizzadilla, and plates of recommended pasta.
Midday (they’re busy through the lunch rush), you’ll find a lot of construction crews and families sharing their guacamole over friendly chatter. And it somehow feels just right.
Bienvenidos A Los Mejores – Tacos de Bakersfield
$ | (323) 307-1271 | WEBSITE
Bienvenidos A Los Mejores – Tacos de Bakersfield is one of those places that makes serving incredible Mexican food look effortless. The food truck setup in that parking lot is simple and welcoming (perfect for a quick lunch escape), and the few tables with umbrellas create a vibe you’ll want to linger in. The menu doesn’t look too different from any other taco truck around town, but don’t let that fool you—it’s outstanding. And that fish taco is one of the best you’ll find in Bakersfield.
The kitchen serves until late, with most items priced around $8-$12.