Nestled in the Rosedale Village shopping center located in the corner of Calloway Drive and Rosedale Highway, is Ruben’s Mexican and Seafood Restaurant, a newly relocated restaurant that has a lot to offer.

From the moment guests walk in, they are greeted by the courteous staff who seem eager and genuinely happy to assist them.

Upon seating, the server brought the standard chips and salsa, and although I was not very impressed with the salsa, in addition to that she brought what I thought was one of the best features in the restaurant: refried bean dip, prepared to perfection, with a hint of a spicy flavor.

Its menu consists of numerous Mexican dishes and drinks, seafood options, as well as “chef’s specialties,” “house specialties,” and its lunch specials menu.

I opted for Arroz con Pollo, a traditional Latin-American dish that consists of chicken over a bed of rice. At Ruben’s, the presentation of the dish was superb. I was served a generous amount of chicken pieces and rice, paired with zucchini, mushrooms, and a savory sauce over the food. It delivered the authentic Latin-American flavor, which I was extremely satisfied with.

Another dish I would highly recommend in addition to the Arroz con Pollo is the chicken fajitas, which are part of the lunch specials menu.

For a small price, you are served a plentiful amount of food. First, you are served a portion of Mexican rice, beans, sour cream, and salad, and then the chicken fajitas are served on a cast iron skillet, giving the dish an impressive presentation.

The mouth-watering presentation was not the only good thing about it, though. Although the rice was not as flavorful as the one served with the Arroz con Pollo, the rest of delectable dish, especially the tender pieces of chicken, successfully delivered exquisite flavor that I was happy with.

Besides its extensive menu, Ruben’s offers a fully-stocked bar, including mixed drinks that would be the perfect compliment to some of the items on the menu.

With the authentic ethnic flavor with every bite, generous portions, outstanding presentations, and reasonable prices, Ruben’s Mexican and Seafood Restaurant is undoubtedly one of Bakersfield’s best-kept secrets.

4 out of 5 stars