El Pollo Riko / Ay Papa Que Rico — Restaurant in Bakersfield

I went to this restaurant for the first time last night with my boyfriend. I was really excited to try this place on my birthday. I should have mentioned it but completely forgot lol Upon walking in a young man named Sergio took our order and then we sat down. Sergio was courteous and brought our food out really quickly. We got beef empanadas which were delicious served with a green sauce. We also got the pupusas revueltas that came with curtido and the spicy red sauce. For drinks we got the pina colada from the fountain drinks and that went well with the Latin food. We ordered the ribs sampler which included beef ribs, lamb ribs, chicken, sausage, jalapeños, red and green sauce, rice, black beans and tortillas. A complete feast. It looked beautifully cooked and delicious. It was good and it went with the festive music they had going. A relief it wasn’t Christmas music lol We asked for containers to take some food to go and again Sergio was really nice and attentive. That guy is on it which is really nice you don’t always get that at some fast food restaurants. So lastly we asked if they had any guayaba pastries that we could take to go since they close at 8 and he said he would check with the kitchen. We could get some if we waited a few minutes. We agreed to wait and it was worth it. We tried one at home and they were still warm and wow those pastries are delicious. We also got some pineapple pastries that I will try later on today. We definitely want to come back again to try the other combos and maybe some potato balls which I love because I have tried those in Los Angeles at Porto’s and those were absolutely delicious so I can’t wait to try these at Pollo Riko next time. I love Cuban food and have tried it at Versailles in LA and this food was different than what I’ve tried before. I’m excited to eventually try most menu items. We would definitely...

If you’re craving a taste of Cuba that hits you right in the soul, El Pollo Riko in Bakersfield is the real deal. This isn’t just a restaurant—it’s a portal to Havana, where the chicken is fire-grilled to perfection, bursting with authentic flavors that dance on your tongue like a Caribbean fiesta. Every bite of their citrus-marinated masterpiece, kissed by the mesquite flames, is a testament to recipes so true they could’ve been whispered by a Cuban abuela. Juicy, tender, and spiced just right, it’s hands-down the most delicious chicken I’ve ever had—sorry, every other grill in town, you’ve been outdone.

But it’s not just the food that hooks you. Step inside, and it’s like walking into a family gathering—warm, welcoming, and alive with the kind of energy that makes you want to linger. The aroma of grilling pollo fills the air, the music hums with Latin soul, and the staff treat you like you’re a cousin they’ve been waiting to feed. Pair that chicken with their spot-on sides—think sweet plantains, hearty beans, or crispy yuca fries—and you’ve got a plate that feels like home, even if “home” is a thousand miles away. El Pollo Riko isn’t just serving meals; they’re serving memories, wrapped in tortillas and drenched in salsa that’s got just the right kick.

This is Cuban authenticity at its finest, a family-run gem that doesn’t cut corners or fake the funk. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, do yourself a favor: sit down, order the whole chicken combo, and let El Pollo Riko remind you what real food—and real...

First time visit was yesterday…the smell is amazing upon entering the restaurant…so many tasty choices on the menu. The woman that took my order recommended the chicken to me but warned there was a wait for it. I said no problem I will have the chicken combo with pinto beans and rice. She asked if I wanted mild or hot salsa and I asked for both to try and she said you got it. I then asked if I could order one of the Argentinian sausages as well? I was told that they aren’t sold a la carte but that she could ring me up for a half chicken that way and then ring me up for a sausage combo. This would have cost me about $11 to try a sausage so I declined. I don’t understand why I can’t just order a sausage for like $3-4 on the side to try. When I got my food it was brought to me in to go form….I wasn’t asked if it was for here or to go so I ate it in to go form at the table. No biggie. She was honest about the wait but it was a pretty long wait….I only mention this because of you have a limited time lunch break this may not work for you… next I find the tortillas inside the bag and they were corn…perhaps there isn’t a flour option but I wasn’t asked…Again no biggie. The food was piping hot and tasted fresh. The spicier red salsa was delicious to dip the chicken in. The rice was tasty…the pinto beans were ok. I will eat here again but likely try other items...