LA VAKA MEXICAN RESTAURANT — Restaurant in Goffstown

Our initial visit to this restaurant was on a Saturday afternoon around 1:30 PM, with a party of four adults. We were promptly greeted and seated, and our orders were taken without delay. However, it was apparent that our server was multitasking as the main bartender, which divided her attention throughout our meal. Despite this, both our drinks and food arrived promptly and accurately.

Yet, the service felt somewhat disjointed. Following our initial order, our server did not return to our table, leaving us attended to by different staff members throughout the meal. While the food was enjoyable, the lack of continuity in service was noticeable.

Encouraged by our positive dining experience, my partner and I decided to return for dinner the following day. Unfortunately, this visit did not meet our expectations. Although we were seated promptly, it took nearly ten minutes for our drink order to be taken, and the drinks themselves arrived after a considerable wait of 35 minutes. The absence of our designated server led to some confusion, with another staff member eventually taking our food order.

Once again, different individuals brought out our meals, and our server was largely absent until the end of our meal, when he appeared briefly to assist with packaging leftovers and processing our payment. The checkout process, conducted with a handheld card reader at our table, felt somewhat awkward, compounded by the limited tipping options—20%, 25%, and 30%.

As someone who works in the food service industry, I understand the importance of tipping appropriately. However, the service we experienced during dinner did not align with the customary 25% tip I would typically leave. Disappointingly, there was no option to enter a custom tip, which meant settling for the preset options despite feeling that our experience warranted a lower gratuity.

In summary, while the restaurant boasts great food and a lively atmosphere, there are notable areas for improvement in service organization and attentiveness. Despite these shortcomings, we are open to returning in the hope of a more consistent dining experience...

From the moment we stepped into La Vaka, we knew we were in for something special. The atmosphere was vibrant yet inviting, with just the right mix of modern flair and warm hospitality. The space itself is beautifully put together—trendy, clean, and filled with great energy. Whether you’re there for a casual night out or a celebratory dinner, the vibe fits perfectly.

What truly made our visit stand out was the owner’s presence and personality. It’s rare these days to see an owner so hands-on and genuinely passionate about their guests’ experience. They took the time to walk around, greet people, and check in on tables. That personal touch goes a long way—it made us feel welcomed, valued, and appreciated as customers.

The food was phenomenal—you can tell there’s care in both the presentation and flavor. Every bite delivered on taste, and the menu offers a solid variety that caters to different palates. The drinks were also top-notch, perfectly complementing the meal and enhancing the overall vibe of the evening.

Service was friendly and attentive without being overbearing. The staff worked in harmony, clearly well-trained and committed to creating a smooth, enjoyable dining experience for everyone.

Overall, La Vaka is the kind of place that leaves a lasting impression. It’s not just about a good meal—it’s about the energy, the people, and the effort behind the scenes to create something special. We’ll definitely be back soon, and I’ll be recommending it to friends and family without hesitation. This...

went this past weekend and the atmosphere was amazing! everyone was super friendly and the food was super good and had a ton of flavor. the pricing for the food is decent, a little pricer in my opinion but not to the point where i wouldn’t go back.

only real hint of criticism i have is that it seems like the staff is somewhat newer to the restaurant industry / wasn’t prepared for the amount of people for opening weekend. the hostess was still learning the seating charts, our waiter didn’t realize he had another table assigned to him when we sat down, everyone’s still learning the menu. my s/o ordered a mojito but got a margarita but the waiter was super understanding and got that fixed. the mojito was delicious when i tried it and im not even a fan of mojitos. i got a margarita and it tasted a more like watered down tequila. im not a huge fan of the payment method since it’s all on a wireless device the waiter has. when you go to pay the waiter does it for you in front of you so it’s a bit awkward. i’d much rather prefer the paper receipt method.

in the end: the food was the main star at this establishment. it’s a nice to have another restaurant in the pinardville area that isn’t chinese or american cuisine. i’m sure the restaurant will only get better from here on out. i will definitely...