El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Columbus

This place was just opened in December and I have been seeing it as I drove by wondering what it had to offer. Located in a small strip mall type structure off of route 23 there isn't a lot of advertisement space. Hopefully they figure out how to get their name out there.

I have to say that I was impressed by the quality of food. Everything was seasoned well, was warm and fresh getting to us, and food came out in a decent amount of time for something you could tell was being put together as ordered.

There were some hiccups as they had an apprentice chef that was obviously still finding his way around but nothing that affected the quality of the food. Just playing and arranging.

I will apologize however, for in the bustle of our food coming out in weird arrangements and being taken back to be replaced and fixing our order, I forgot to take pics before some things were half eaten.

The guacamole is THE BEST guacamole me and my mother have had in a very long time. It was well salted, wasn't overpowered by lime, you could taste all the add ins individually, and the avocado was soft and creamy.

Chicken and Beef were well seasoned and not dry. The rice was warm and fluffy and the refried beans were creamy as well. I will say of all the things we had the rice and beans were my least favorite as they were lacking some flavor but you aren't missing out on much when all the other things are so good.

Just a heads up: chips and salsa ARE NOT included in your meal. They are $3.99 but I will admit that it is some of the better salsa that I have had from a Mexican place. It is more of chunky, pico style salsa than a ground mixture of tomato and spices.

Overall, I would come back again. The create your own lunch combo was a decent deal and the food was...

I've been here twice now since the place opened somewhat recently, and I can say this place is my go-to for Mexican cuisine. The service is always really friendly and with a smile. The food ingredients taste fresh, and you get served quick! Yes, you have to pay for your chips and dip ($3.99 is the cheapest, depending on the dip you order) BUT I believe you do NOT pay for each time you order them; you just pay it once and you can request your chips / dip to be replenished (message me if I'm wrong).

The first time I went with 3 others, I ordered the San Pancho Birria which is slow-cooked shredded beef serviced over rice. It came with onions and a stew / broth on the side. I loved this dish! The beef was juicy and very tender, just wish there a bit more presentation to this dish for the $15.99! Maybe like cilantro or limes to add more visual flavor as well!

For dessert, I tried the Flan $4.99 (custard-like dessert), now this had an amazing presentation! This tasted even better than how it looked! It was really sweet, and decent size to share with someone else.

The second time I came here was with a crowd of 10. This time I wanted to try something different and I tried the Pollo De Las Hiebas Finas ($15.99), which is a chicken breast with herbs & spices topped with grilled asparagus, zucchini, squash and melted queso. You get 2 sides with this, and I ordered rice and the pineapple coleslaw which is typically $2.99 by itself. Now this dish is what I'm talking about! Not only is it delicious, but it has everything you need (your protein, your veggies, carbs, sweet pineapple), a truly balanced dish.

If you come here during Happy Hour, definitely get their Jumbo cocktails! They're between $8-$9, which is the same price as a regular cocktail like...

We decided to visit this location because it's new and closer to our home.I frequent many locations (161 & Sawmill / Morse Rd in Gahanna / riverside Dr/ olentangy river Rd / Shawnee hills / and even Avery Rd once) so I have experience with what I should expect.2 people to bring chips n salsa so looked like we would be taken care of at start of meal. Salsa is always different from one place to the next but wasnt as yum as 161 location with all the yummy cilantro flavors. Cheese sauce was thick and clumpy and we waited while another table was served food then refills and more napkins by our waiter. Our food comes and it wasn't out waiter meat on both mine and my husbands dishes (161 with chicken and his was supposed to be beef tips) was cut was tiny and made the chicken dry. Table check backs didn't happen no how did everything come out also refills were non existent waiter finally goes for check and another guy asks if we need refills. My reply was would've liked one 10 min ago he brought one to go. The whole place had 4 occupied tables while we were in the restaurant. We tipped as I have been a server before but it would have been more had we gotten better service. I just hope it's not shared tips situation like...