5 /5 Paul Liebrand: Nuestro Mexico Restaurant: My Three-Night Love Affair with Bakersfield’s Best Tacos
Landed in Bakersfield for work, asked the Marriott front desk where to eat, and they basically handed me a winning lottery ticket. “Nuestro Mexico,” they said.
Night 1: Eased in with the crispy two-item combo (beef taco + chicken taco). Crunch so loud my coworker thought I was eating potato chips. Life-changing.
Night 2 & 3: Full taco degeneracy achieved with the Steak Tacos Al Pastor. Perfectly marinated steak, that magical pineapple crown, and a sauce that hits like a friendly slap from your tĂa. Spicy enough to wake you up, not enough to call 911. Paired it with a guava margarita (extra shot, because I’m a professional). Tastes like someone bottled paradise and added tequila.
By night three, Pepe (the absolute king running the place) had clocked us as the out-of-town regulars we’d shamelessly become. On our way out he surprised us with a mountain of deep-fried ice cream on the house. I considered proposing on the spot.
This is family-run hospitality on steroids. Pepe and the crew make you feel like you just walked into your favorite cousin’s kitchen. Warm chips, salsa with personality, and vibes that hug you harder than your abuela.
If you’re anywhere near Bakersfield and skip Nuestro Mexico, just turn in your taste buds. They’re clearly broken. 11/10, already inventing reasons to come back.
P.S. Guava margarita + extra shot. You’ll thank me when you’re in flavor heaven.