Food Hound: Tidbits - El Vaquero. Hey guys, it's me Etan Wish!
As usual, after we came into town we wanted to find the real authentic places to eat, where are the hot spot people are talking about. El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant was brought up a lot. It is a small chain, with a handful of locations in and outside of Columbus. Luscious and Mina really were craving some Latino food, so we headed over to El Vaquero.
When you walk in you will take notice to all the awards this place has won, they are everywhere. Which is great, but also made us think, how will they fair with the food. After all we've heard good things right? This place is nicely laid out. Room for larger parties, a balloon blower this particular night as entertainment for the children in everyone, dimly lit and friendly service people.
They sat us in a booth towards the back, next to a particularly loud group next to us. It is all pretty open, so you could hear them where ever you were in the restaurant. Regardless, we ordered some appetizers, including some different dips, all of which were delicious. While we were waiting for our food, the balloon guy actually came around and made balloon versions of Brim and Lucious!! They were kinda lame... but thumbs up for trying! It was fun to watch he go at them. Then we were in for a special treat, hand made guacamole at the table.
The owner himself came by to make the guac, it was very nice. right after the gauc was finished, our food came out, nice and sizzling. It was so delicious, and definitely had that Mexican flavor. There was so much to eat, fajitas, burritos, chimichangas... the list goes on.
After eating, we were brought into the back to check out the deal of how they work, and they work efficiently and quickly. Very impressive. We went back tot he table and enjoyed some nice fried ice cream.
Aside from the fact that they did not have chicharon or maduros made us sad. That and the balloon guy was kinda a strange additive. El Vaquero was very tasty, and we recommend checking it out when your in town!
True Authentic Mexican based Food!!. I truly love El vaquero and everything it has to offer, from the venue, to the staff, to the food and the drinks; El Vaquero has it all in a tru proud representation of Mexican Food
Not typical. Mexican food in the states is usually cheap beans, rice and cheese but they have a few dishes which are somewhat interesting. I like the menu but service is patchy to bad...
One of my favorites. Everything on the menu is mostly like everything else in the menu which for me us just fine.
Amazing food and great service!!!!
Great Mexican place for small and large groups! They serve large portions at great prices and also have half-order options. The Spanish music is sometimes loud, but it is generally low enough to have comfortable conversations.
Best Mexican in Columbus hands down. Staff is wonderful and they have the best margaritas!
LOVE the salsa. El Vaquero is successful for many reasons--great food being the #1 reason that comes to mind. I have picked up salsa and chips to go and ordered extra salsa because I love it so much. For the garlic haters in the house, though, I wouldn't think this would be a favorite for you. I have ordered many items on the menu and never been disappointed--except for the salads. You don't go to E.V. to be healthy, so drop the pretense at the door. I wasn't a big fan of how the side salad was prepared--even if it only costs a few bucks. Huge menu selection, though, so there is plenty to choose from.
It was better than OK, it was outstanding. It was some of the best - if not THE best - fish tacos I've ever had in my life. I've got to figure out how they make that chipotle cream sauce. It was what made those tacos fabulous. We never did see the manager back at The Varsity Club to thank her for turning us on to El Vaquero. But I'm sure she knew that we liked it. It was a much better choice than Damon's would have ever been.
Elizabeth Magana-Miles
+5
This place was hopping. Our server (Marissa) was phenomenal, never missed a beat, even though she had a 20 top and 4 more tables. Didn't flinch when an unexpected joiner was added to our 3 top. Plates were abundant, well prepared and presented. Drinks were amazing. What a delightful treat for our party of 4 (even our male "karen"). Will definitely go back on our next visit to Columbus (which I pray is NEVER!).
Good options. The waitress first asked what drink we prefer and we told water with no ice...lol.... However she was wonderful and quickly taken our orders and also came fast. Tastewise good and ambience was quite well. I prefer slow music but I don't complain about the music being played if food is good. Definitely I will come back when visiting Columbus
Your standard El Vaquero that offers typical Americanized Mexican food and drinks. This location could probably use an interior upgrade as it’s the same as I remember over 15+ years ago.
Food is what you’ve come to expect and prices have risen like everywhere else. Happy hour is your best bet to get a deal.
Great food. Loved the fajita'sand fried ice cream. The chips and salsa are great and come free. Small charge to add cheese (queso) for dipping.
Never had fried ice cream before, but would definitely recommend it.
This place was so so good! Was busy when we came in yet were sat almost instantly with a smile.
Food came quickly and was honestly fantastic. This was by far the most diverse menu I’ve seen in a Mexican restaurant.
110% recommend!!
This is the fourth El Vaquero. Restaurant I have dined at in the Greater Columbus area, and it’s the star of the team! Hands down the best service and meal out of the group so far. And I don’t think it has anything to do with the fact the server talked us into a pitcher of margaritas. Well done Riverside!
Chips are fresh and warm served with delicious salsa. Their margaritas are huge and refreshing! Steaks cooked perfectly but rice could be more flavorful. Good service
Always great food, drinks and service at El Vaquero!! The Halloween Special Guava Margarita is delicious! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Had the chicken taco salad. It was amazing. Great service! Chips/salsa were so good& warm. I'm learning Spanish& I was able to communicate with my waiter just fine. It was a fun learning experience. Can't wait to go back
My fav Mexican restaurant. They have several locations and this is my fav and the biggest
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