Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina — Restaurant in Austin

October 2025

I regularly return to Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina where I believe one of the best Mexican restaurants in Austin/West Lake Hills. This time I sat at the bar where smelled like old wood with a great western theme atmosphere. The bartender was nice and friendly. I noticed they have all varieties of Corona beers including a non-alcoholic one and multiple frozen margarita flavors.

I ordered off the lunch menu getting the Tacos - 2 crispy shredded chicken with charro beans and rice. It was a big meal being a lunch item and the chicken had great flavor. It was a bit hard to hold so at it like two mini taco bowls. It was very delicious.

December 2023

It was time to give Vaqueros Cafe & Cantina a try where my wife and I were hungry plus traffic was starting to back up on Loop 360 to a standstill.

The outside was nicely decorated for this holidays and as I walked in was greeted not by an employee but a customer who noticed I was gazing at a life-sized bull who was wearing a top hat. This place was very friendly from the start. The inside was also nice decorated for the holidays and was seated at a booth with a view of nice mural outside disputing a Texas landscape with cowboys (vaqueros). It definitely had great Mexican atmosphere.

I ordered the Chicken Fajitas off the lunch menu along with a house margarita on the rocks. I could see they made their own tortillas and a nice tequila collection at the bar. Chips with two types of salsas were placed on our table. I tried them both and the chips were nice and crispy and the salsas were tasty. It was good stuff.

Next my order was ready and was actually expecting two or three prepared fajita tacos since it was just the lunch special, but I was actually give the premium experience. Multiple plates were placed down in front of me to build my own tacos. The chicken was sizzling and smelled good. The other plates had grilled peppers and onions, guacamole, pico de Gallo, cheese, and rice and beans. I was impressed and they definitely outdid their competition for lunch specials.

The chicken had tremendous flavor, the beans had a smokey taste to it and all wrapped in warm soft flour tortillas. As a bonus a huge crispy jalepeño was included where cut it and stuffed it in my tacos. It was the best fajitas I had in a long time. And the margaritas were very good too.

I was extremely impressed with the service and food, and suggested it to my supervisor where now going to have our...

First time visitor...

I found the atmosphere to be classy & comfy with plenty of seating. The service was top notch as the waiter constantly checked on us. Definitely above average service. The appetizers were very tasty. I wish I could've bought a jar of their salsas to bring home. That good... The main dishes didn't take long at all. I had the Taco Al Cabron plate. I have to admit these are up there with some of the best fajitas I've ever tasted. I'm not just saying that. They were tender, juicy & perfectly seasoned. I really enjoyed them. One thing that really surprised me was the portions. While other restaurants are cutting back on servings to save money, this place gives you more than enough to get full. My cousin had the veggie enchiladas (blasphemy), and his wifey had the most exotic taco salad that I've ever seen. We all very much enjoyed our meals. Except my cousin. He kept complaining about mushrooms. You know how vegetarians act around beef. I suppose a larger veggie selection would have been better for my primo.

However, that wasn't a deal breaker. We were all very pleased with the food, drinks & service. In summary, you definitely can't use that phrase, "where's the beef" at this restaurant. They give you plenty and they make it look pretty. The chef is definitely one skilled individual. My props to him/her.

As for price. Hey, you get what your pay for. They provide a quality product with friendly & professional service. So a premium price is only proper.

I'm positive that you will also enjoy this restaurant, so I highly...

Vaquero is hands-down one of our favorite spots to dine, and it’s easy to see why! This gem of a restaurant offers an unforgettable experience from start to finish. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, with the added bonus of a fantastic outdoor playground that keeps the kids entertained, making it a perfect spot for families. The food here is nothing short of spectacular. Every dish we’ve tried bursts with flavor, and the portions are incredibly generous—nobody leaves Vaquero hungry! Whether you’re craving their savory entrees or indulging in their creative specials, the kitchen consistently delivers top-notch quality. The drink menu is equally impressive, with a great selection of cocktails, beers, and non-alcoholic options that pair perfectly with the meal. Each sip feels like it was crafted with care, making the dining experience even more delightful. A special shoutout to our server, Jorge, who elevates every visit with his attentive, friendly, and downright fantastic service. He’s quick with recommendations, always checks in at the right moments, and makes you feel like a regular, even if it’s your first time. And if that wasn’t enough, Vaquero goes above and beyond with a sweet surprise: complimentary ice cream as you head out the door! It’s the perfect way to cap off a meal and leaves everyone smiling. Vaquero is a must-visit for anyone looking for incredible food, great drinks, and a family-friendly vibe with exceptional service. We can’t wait...