El Vaquero — Restaurant in Tamarindo

Our first impression of El Vaquero/Witch's Rock was excellent. We had just finished some surf lessons (with a different company) and we were happy to get two tables for our group of 10. Initially, our server was very attentive and even offered to place the kids' orders first. This is always a win. The kids' meals did arrive promptly. Unfortunately, the adults waited for more than an hour from time of order to eat. This wouldn't have been too terrible had we not witnessed other tables (who arrived later) receiving food before us. Eventually, several complimentary bowls of chips and dip arrived along with the ceviche we had ordered as an appetizer, but not until about 5 minutes before the actual meals. I wouldn't be surprised if our orders were forgotten. With all that being said, every meal ordered was delicious. Not one complaint. The items varied from whole red snapper, macho tacos (fish), beef sandwich, burger, etc. There was some significant confusion when trying to divide the bill, but overall, the restaurant was a nice midday lunch on the beach. The view is fantastic, but Tamarindo has gotten very busy, so be prepared for...

Called in the AM to confirm when music was (woman who answered said 5 or 6pm) but when we arrived music was cancelled due to rain. I wish she had mentioned that’s what would happen since it was raining when I called. Flies were so thick we could barely eat. They brought a small bowl that emitted smoke to drive away the plague of flies. Kids pasta meal was huge. Jalapeño poppers looked good but tasted kind of off—seemed like the cheese was American or something. Patacones were also soft and greasy instead of crispy. Guac and cheese it came with were bleh. I wanted to get nachos but given that am glad I didn’t. BUT the side seafood stew was huge and was only a side to the mahi mahi. The only good deal if you must visit....

I always come here with my family for sunset. I have been a consistent customer for two years. The food, atmosphere and service has been great until a recent hire. This waitress was incredibly rude, impatient, and incompetent. When she got my order wrong and I calmly said something, she snapped at me and told me to “calm down” and to change my attitude while laughing in my face over her mistake. I was incredibly offended. I was a waitress for 3 years and never in my life would I have spoken and disrespected a calm customer that way over my own mistake. We and others have had multiple bad experiences with her and I don’t think she is competent enough for a job that involves...