El Puesto Cocina y Cantina

El Puesto Cocina y Cantina

3700 California Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93309, United States

+1 661-489-3202

Restaurant
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About This Place

Located in the heart of Bakersfield, El Puesto Cocina y Cantina is a vibrant celebration of authentic Mexican cuisine, serving up an array of flavorful dishes that promise to delight every palate. This restaurant masterfully combines traditional recipes with a contemporary twist, creating a menu that is as diverse as it is delicious. Whether you're craving the indulgent Shrimp Enchiladas dripping with rich, savory sauces or the fresh, crisp El Puesto Salad, every bite is a testament to genuine Mexican culinary artistry.

The atmosphere here is warm and inviting, with a thoughtfully designed interior complemented by a picturesque outdoor patio—perfect for both casual meals and special occasions. Guests often find themselves drawn to the lively Taco Tuesday specials, especially the renowned Tacos Gobernador and Soft Chicken Tacos, which burst with bold flavors and perfectly balanced seasonings. For those who appreciate a heartier start to the day, the breakfast menu offers delights like Chilaquiles with Steak and the satisfying Avocado Toast, alongside classic options with a Mexican flair such as chorizo and eggs.

El Puesto Cocina y Cantina doesn’t stop at food—the handcrafted cocktail menu is equally impressive. The signature Margarita, expertly mixed by attentive staff like Manny, is a crowd favorite, blending smooth tequila with just the right touch of citrus and sweetness to complement any meal. And for a comforting finish, the Churros Con Salsa offers a deliciously sweet and spicy contrast that lingers in the best way possible.

Patrons have praised the attentive service and the consistently hot, flavorful food. One customer shared an experience at a business luncheon where the varied menu options satisfied every diner, complemented by servers who attentively catered to their needs. While some guests noted the music volume may ramp up the energy of the space, making conversation a bit challenging, the spirited environment adds to the lively cantina vibe.

If you’re seeking an authentic taste of Mexico with a menu brimming with savory staples like Birria, Enfrijoladas with Steak, and specialty flautas from Michoacan to mole-infused varieties, El Puesto Cocina y Cantina stands out as a destination for both food lovers and those looking to enjoy a memorable dining experience. Pair your meal with a cup of rich Turkish Coffee for a unique cultural twist before you go.

El Puesto Cocina y Cantina is not just a meal—it’s an invitation to savor tradition with a fresh perspective, all in a setting that feels like a vibrant gathering place for friends, family, and colleagues alike.

Service options
Outdoor seating Delivery Takeaway Dine-in
Highlights
Fast service Great beer selection Great cocktails Serves local specialty
Popular for
Breakfast Lunch Dinner Solo dining
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park Wheelchair-accessible entrance Wheelchair-accessible seating Wheelchair-accessible toilet
Offerings
Alcohol Beer Cocktails Coffee Comfort food Small plates Spirits Wine
Dining options
Breakfast Brunch Lunch Dinner Dessert Seating Table service
Amenities
Bar on site Toilet
Atmosphere
Casual Cosy Trendy
Crowd
Groups
Planning
Accepts reservations
Payments
Credit cards Debit cards NFC mobile payments Credit cards
Children
High chairs Kids' menu
Parking
Free of charge street parking Free parking lot Parking

Opening Hours

  • Monday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Tuesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Wednesday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Thursday
    11:00 AM - 10:00 PM
  • Friday
    11:00 AM - 12:00 AM
  • Saturday
    10:00 AM - 11:00 PM
  • Sunday
    10:00 AM - 10:00 PM

Map & Directions

Visitor Reviews

  • Phil
    3 week ago

    We held a business luncheon here and the food was served hot and server was attentive to our needs. Our group of nine people had variety of meals both dinner portions as well as luncheon portions.

  • Califass213 G
    3 week ago

    Manny was amazing and his drinks were on point! Second time visiting this establishment and we will be back…. ????????

  • Sydney McAndrew Barranco
    1 month ago

    Restaurant is nicely decorated and they have a very nice outdoor patio. We got seated in a booth by the window, our waitress brought the “chips” and I was expecting actual chips and salsa since it is a Mexican restaurant. I did not care for them or the hot sauce drizzled on top. After I saw those, my expectations were pretty low. The waitress seemed to be super sweet and more shy, she came by to get our drink order and after she delivered the drinks, she did not come back for quite a while to take the food order. The food looked amazing and also tasted great. I got a burrito off of the lunch special menu. The green sauce is amazing and bursting full of flavor. It was delicious! After done eating, it was a while before she brought the check even after making eye contact with her a few times. Service needs to be worked on definitely but food is pretty decent, minus their spin-off on chips.

  • Yahaira Navarcia
    2 month ago

    The food was very delicious and flavorful! I really liked the environment! It was pretty and picturesque. The service was interesting, we had a table of 7 and the waiter probably came 4 times in total. Didnt check up on us. Brought water once. But they did bring us some more chips when we finally were able to make Eye contact with someone. I did like it. I would come back. But I will need to make sure I have plenty of time because the food took a long time.

  • Shea Ray
    3 month ago

    We were recommended to come here for my moms birthday which was on a Monday night. The food was delicious. Drinks also delicious. Customer service was great. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is because of the music. It was just so loud. We could barely hear each other talk at the table and we were sitting right next to each other. We definitely couldn’t hear the waiter. He still did great though, But other than the loud music, I would definitely come back here and try more food and drinks.

  • Lola Wantsen
    3 month ago

    December 2nd 2025 time: 7pm. We had a birthday dinner for my husband. There was one server gentleman working (i did not get his name) but he was serving all tables and bar this night. I just wanna say he did a phenomenal job. The patience and the service. Food was delicious. If the owner sees this please give him recognition for his great work and service. We were a table of 7 and there was another table of 7 and 4,4,2,2 and 4 i believe and he handled the restaurant so calm and respectfully. Love

  • Amanda Holmes
    4 month ago

    What are you eating? Quesabirria was delicious! Ok Bakersfield- the food was on point! Guava margarita and the ambiance was perfect. The only drawback is the service is extremely slow. Very nice people but 1 server /bartender to manage all the tables. #whatareyoueating #bakersfieldca #mexicanfood #whereisamandaleora #travel #restaurantstotry

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