La Vaca Margarita Bar — Restaurant in West Chicago Township

The once gem of Pilsen has turned into the place you should walk on by... there's plenty of better places to spend your money.

I have been a loyal patron of La Vaca for 2 years and my latest visit was the straw that broke the camel's back.

Service here has always been pretty awful, so that was no surprise, but the food has always made up for it. However, the food has also gone down the drain now too - and if imaginable, the service has reached an all time LOW. Unless you're here for the $10 michelada, turn around and keep on walking to a place that actually cares about their patrons.

One of the best parts of La Vaca is their awesome patio, except when you come in and ask to sit out there and are given the simple reply of, "no." When we asked why- we were just returned with a blank stare. We decided to stay anyway because we thought the food would be worth it... it wasn't. While sitting at our inside table, we watched the same hostess who told us we could not sit outside, seat table after table outdoors. By the time we left it was nearly full (it only had about 2-3 tables when we got there). I guess we weren't cool enough to sit on the patio?? Who knows, but we definitely felt like it was personal, especially since no reason was given.

Prior to this visit, the last few visits have been awful too. Some examples: I sat at least 45 mins before a waiter greeted me- he only came over once I started putting on my jacket to leave. Nearly every time I've had to BEG the waitresses or waiter to pay as they were super inattentive the entire time. Food takes over an hour for tacos. Drinks take a long time too and don't think about getting another because no one will come around to ask when your glass is empty.

Also, why did they change their chipotle salsa? It used to be creamy and awesome and now it just sucks. The fish tacos used to be amazing, now they're just ok and small. The steak upset my stomach after eating it - something is just off. OH and now they charge for chips- even though you'll need them when it takes an hour for 2 tacos. I almost forgot this!! DON'T ORDER FOOD FROM GRUB HUB you'll order it and get an email 20 minutes later saying it will take over 3 hours to complete.

I'm SO DISAPPOINTED! This place had everything it needed to be great (minus good service, that's never been a thing), but they just don't care.

Not coming back anymore- tired of being...

If you’re looking for a spot where incredible tacos meet a chill, upbeat atmosphere, La Vaca is the place to be. The moment I walked in, I was greeted by a lively, colorful vibe, a mix of traditional Mexican flair and modern touches. The music was on point, the energy buzzing, and the place felt vibrant yet relaxed. It’s the kind of spot that’s perfect for unwinding after a long day or kicking off a fun night out.

But what really sealed the deal was the food. I ordered three tacos, and each one delivered flavors that were out of this world. The Big Boss taco was the first to hit the table, and it was a flavor explosion. The breaded shrimp was crispy and juicy, and the combination of bacon, creamy avocado, crunchy cole-slaw, and smoky chipotle mayo tied everything together beautifully. Every bite had a mix of textures and a burst of rich, savory, and slightly spicy flavors.

The second taco, a classic Al Pastor, didn’t disappoint either. The marinated pork was tender, perfectly charred, and packed with that signature sweetness and spice. A squeeze of lime and a sprinkle of cilantro elevated the flavors even more, making each bite simple yet incredibly satisfying.

But the absolute highlight was the Lomito taco. This one was pure bliss. The rib eye was tender, melt-in-your-mouth soft, and paired perfectly with the creamy guacamole and the grilled panela cheese. The cheese added a subtle smoky note, while the cilantro brought a fresh, herbaceous pop. The balance of flavors and textures made this taco unforgettable — rich, savory, and perfectly executed.

La Vaca truly knows how to deliver when it comes to tacos, and their attention to detail with flavors and ingredients is top-notch. The vibes, the food, and the service all made this an experience I can’t wait to repeat. If you’re a taco lover, this is a...

Vaca has definitely been on the decline in a major way since COVID, but now it’s not even worth going at all. I live nearby and have been many, many times but today was my last time. It’s sad to see a great place become such a horrible place, but it is what it is!

Came for brunch today right at 11 AM when they open, and we were one of three tables. I asked the waitress to make a drink with miche mix and a shot of vodka or tequila, and she refused. Honestly, I think she just was a very poor bartender and very young. I wish I knew her name so I could mention her by name- she needs some sort of customer service AND bartending training desperately.

I already think it’s ridiculous vaca doesn’t have bloody marys for BRUNCH, but if you have miche mix- it doesn’t matter. I knew what I wanted, asked her, and she refused. And this is just the vibe of vaca now- it sucks! Don’t spend money at an establishment that doesn’t listen or care about the customers. You’d be nothing without us and I hope someday soon you are nothing!

Went across the street to pilsen yards immediately after she refused to make the drink I requested, and it was great! Glad they added pilsen yards because they still understand customer service there. I was mad at my boyfriend for tipping the waitress that was working today at 11AM Sunday 7/28/24. She didn’t deserve it. We literally watched her make the miche for him- using a mix and adding a beer. She could have added a shot of tequila or vodka like I asked and charged us however she saw fit.

Vaca has been bad since 2020/2021, but after this experience, we will never be back. I hope it gets replaced, and seems like it will soon! In the mean time, we are only going to pilsen yards for weekend brunch. Vaca just sucks so bad now, and this...