El Buen Pastor — Restaurant in California

I want to start by saying up until my last visit I loved this taco truck. It was my favorite in Bakersfield but in the restaurant business you're only as good as the last meal you served. The issue here isn't the food. It's the service and unprofessionalism. I had just driven 7 hours from lake Tahoe to Bakersfield....long day. I didn't want to drive anywhere after that but I called the order in ahead and figured I could just hop out and make it quick. They said it should be ready in 15 minutes, I arrived 25 minutes after the order was made, it still wasn't ready. Ok no worries that's life but after waiting another 10 minutes. I received my drinks, but there is 1 missing...they say I was only charged for 2 even though she read my order back to me when I placed it over the phone. Again ok I'm going to get charged another 1.25$ fee for credit card but again what can you do..... I finally received the food. Now I always check to make sure the order is correct but I've been driving all day and I totally forgot, just like they totally forgot to make it and place it in my bag. At this point I'm more tired than hungry so I call them and tell them of the mistake. She tells me she won't give me a refund but I can go back and get the fries they were supposed to make an hour before. I tell her that I have been driving all day and I just can't do it please refund the price of the carne asada fries. Now she tells me she can't unless I drive back down there. I understand their policy so ok but I'm not driving anywhere at this point. I asked her to then at least take my name down so that I may pick up the fries or my refund with receipt at a later date. No!!! Was the answer. So while you can have great food, bad, unprofessional service will overshadowed that. I will never spend my money at this taco truck again. If you eat there make sure to check your order because if you don't they might not...

For over 15 years, this taco truck has been a cornerstone of Bakersfield's vibrant street food scene, earning a reputation as one of Southern California's best-kept secrets. Renowned for its authentic flavors, the truck once set the gold standard with its intensely flavorful meats, impeccably fresh produce, and genuine, house-made tortillas. It was more than just a meal; it was an experience. However, time brings change, and not always for the better. While understanding the evolution of businesses, recent visits reveal a shift in quality. The once-stellar ingredients now seem replaced with cheaper alternatives, and the culinary craftsmanship has waned. Tasting the Chorizo, Carnitas, and Pastor tacos, it's evident that the magic has faded, with flavors that, disappointingly, fall short of those found in other states. The tamales, once eagerly anticipated, suffered from dryness and an excess of fatty meat, further dimming the truck's once-bright culinary star. Despite these culinary setbacks, the truck maintains an impressive setup, thoughtfully designed for customer comfort. If you're seeking a decent taco experience, this spot still delivers a good, albeit not exceptional, meal. While the flavors may not reach the heights of its glory days, the truck remains a testament to Bakersfield's Westside vibe, staffed by dedicated workers. This review is penned with honesty, aiming to inform that while the truck is still good, it no longer embodies the legendary status...

I have been here twice now and unfortunately will NEVER go again. The food is great, but not when they refuse to make your order correctly. The first time i came here I ordered a Barbacoa burrito, FANTASTIC super excited as they are rare it cali. Second time, they gave me birria, same difference (to me) with beans. So I went back and told them I had asked for a plain meat burrito with onion and cilantro. She assumed I wanted beans because all the burritos come with beans I repeated that I just want meat onion cilantro. The man working there offered to remake it for me. I waited about another 20 minutes (again) and they made it wrong again! This time putting rice and cheese and god knows what else in it! IF THEY PURPOSELY AND SPITEFULLY MADE BY BURRITO INCORRECTLY I HOPE THEY DID NOT SPIT IN IT BC THEY WERE INSULTED. I was not rude, I just wanted my order made correctly and wouldve paid to avoid the waste of time, lack of food at the end of all of it and not to mention the loss of a potential new favourite place to...