Reviews for El Portal West Mexican Grill & Cantina in Bakersfield, CA

So I went there for lunch with my parents (seniors). Last time I went to El Portal was at the over 15 years ago. The NW location... is new for us. The ambiance is relaxed and cozy with the dim lighting and just the right amount of decor on the walls. I orderedthe Asada Burrito and was immediately hooked upon my first bite. It's like I could taste the smell of the char on the meat ifthat makes sense. Mom and dad loved their food too. They had a Chile Verde Burrito and the Chon Combo. The only slightdisappointment was that we had to flag down the server for soft drink refills. I'll definitely return as I feel I have found anAsada Burrito that is every bit as good as where I used to live. Give this place a try if you haven't been there, you mightfind a gem of a restaurant. Definitely better than my visit to the original location over 15 years ago. Read more

Great customer service! Very attentive when we are out of something! great food! Love love love the free bean dip with chips!!... Love coming here! Read more

This is my 3rd time eating from this place. 3rd time sealed in my review: "Not quite as bad as the old Sinaloa's down... town". Ordered enchiladas online, from the Irish pub next door. Food was ready for pick up less than 15 minutes later. The foodwas so cold, like it had been sitting outside for an hour. When I went back to complain, the manager essentially called me aliar, saying multiple times that they make everything fresh to order so there is no way it could be cold. In addition, the housesalsa was quite bland and watery. Read more

Food is delicious, and good customer service, Great atmosphere. Awesome music old school, R/B ect, etc. Good place to dance and... drink. Weekends they close at 2am. Read more

If I could give no stars I would.. This place sucks! Service is terrible, we came in an and hour and half before closing and... nobody was even there, the bar tender came out before we even walked in and said they were closing and nobody could serve us..WTH.. Don't know about you but.. I do NOT recommend.. Read more

Other than the dark setting and semi clean floor, the food was on point. We shared a nice portion of sizzling beef fajitas,... onions, peppers, pico and guacamole. The one order was, in our opinion, enough for two. Their HH is very reasonable, with agood selection of food. Only beer special when i asked, on a Saturday, was Coors Light (no thanks). Was hoping for at leastMiller Lite. Read more

I wasn?t entirely dissatisfied with the place but in terms of food quality it didn?t quite hit the spot for me. I got some tacos... which were good but not great. It?s mostly a typical Mexican bar/restaurant you?d find anywhere else. It?s mostly a socialgathering place in my opinion if you?re looking for that. The cocktails were good though and I was happy about that. The serverwe had was alright, he wasn?t the most enthusiastic person around but also not problematic. The gentleman serving us chips andsalsa was very friendly though. One thing I noticed, which is not related to the restaurant itself, there?s always some crime orshootings happening in that same parking lot. That same night I left this place there was shooting there and I?ve heard ofshootings in the past happening also. Just something to be cautious of with the people that hang out around there. Read more

Had a great time for celebrating litzy 21 birthday but the food and service was horrible they put us way in the back and... basically forgot about us chile verde was so spicy to eat my daughter got sick off of the chile relleno and my husband saidthey're 3 enchilada combo was no good sorry first and last time we ever eat there spent over $300 Read more