El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant — Restaurant in Westerville

I never bother writing negative reviews but today was the exception. Three in a half years ago, this restaurant (Westerville location) was a 5-star location, but over the years, the quality of the food has dropped dramatically; to the point that is now like playing Russian food roulette - what will be terribly bad/wrong this time! As a loyal patron I kept sponsoring this location and got to know some of their great waiters and waitresses and felt it was "our” local place to eat Mexican food. Over the years, the service and specially the food quality keeps dropping and the prices keep creeping up, higher and higher! To the point that it has become a very expensive average Mexican food rest. But it was my choice, since it’s the only Mexican Rest nearby. Today, was the day I felt robbed and was outraged by what they were pulling off - this was the last straw that broke the camels back, which turned into a very unfortunate argument between the manager (owner's daughter and I). I have occasionally and discreetly complained when the food comes out cold, very salty and/or smothered in fat; or the Salsa is bland or salty. But, unfortunately nowadays, at this rest, this is now more of the norm than the exception. I also, have returned the overpriced "flan" when overcooked or not mix well and it looks and taste like a sweet egg omelet. Today, was the day! I ordered one of the best chicken dishes they used to serve, a full marinated and grilled chicken breast dinner... and to my surprise, not only has the price gone up, considerably, but the chicken breast portion has been reduced from two half butterfly breasts to half a breast sliced into 3 tiny slices, overcooked and only served two paper thin slices of the three sliced half breast, overcooked, tough and dry! I was insulted by the chicken portion (it looked more like 2 slices of a very thin fish fillet). I got upset and I told the manager of how in my opinion, this was "highway robbery"! She was greatly offended by the term and immediately turned it into her (the manager) telling me: “let me tell you what I think of you!” response. Our discussion quickly escalated and deescalated and quicky was turned into the complaints she had against me for complaining and returning inedible food servings, (i.e., cold, very salty and/or very greasy). But her biggest complaint against me was not liking their "omelet like" flans and having to throw them away! After three years of being a loyal customer, and highly recommending it, I was asked, why do we keep coming back? Today, I no longer recommend this overpriced, Russian roulette food rest - what food will be terribly bad this time. You turned against on a loyal patron! Moral of this review, pay their high prices, get ripped off but do not complain if the...

We popped in Friday around 5:35 ish - it was not crowded and we were seated right away. They were quick to deliver the salsa and chips and to take our drink order.

With the heat of the day both my son and I ordered water. Their air conditioning felt nice as opposed to outside in the 93 degree heat.

Our waitress stopped by. My son isn't a fan of Mexican cuisine and the only option was a chicken tender and fries kids meal - because he is over 12 they charge $3 more...

I don't get this...he doesn't get anymore food???

Why charge more?

Because of that I ordered off the ala carte menu to ensure I just spent the amount his kids meal should have cost.

My meal was more than enough!! And next time he said he wouldn't spend the almost -$11 for 3 tenders and fries that were okayish.

My chicken chimichanga was standard fare and the cheese sauce on top was good. I asked the waitress to leave off the sour cream and add more guacamole in place, the tickle t doesn't indicate what I asked for, just the no cream.

I have a corporate discount because they offer 10% off for several neighboring company employees. I did have to show proof (badges work). She forgot the 10% but quickly remembered it and whisked the ticket to correct.

We did get more chips because my kiddo wasn't a fan of the coated fries, and they we gratis.

All in all I didn't taste anything outstanding- just standard fare, with an up charge that I won't pay again. (We don't get this at any other Mexican place we frequent, so this is a standout to me).

While the food was good, the people were friendly, the pictures were gross with dust. Not just a little dust but the one by our booth was downright disgusting. This makes me look at other things closer and the place could use a deep clean overall. The back of the booth was dusty, and the bathrooms could use some extra care.

2 stars for cleanliness 3 stars for food 1 star for price pinching 5 stars for staff...

I really enjoy the various places in and around Columbus, and I highly recommend visiting one. However, during my last visit, there was a concerning issue with one of the employees. When we were checking out, she mistakenly charged tax on the entire bill, even though the kids' meals were supposed to be free on Tuesdays. I believe it's not appropriate to tax someone unless it's considered income. When I politely pointed this out, she became argumentative and insisted I was wrong, accusing us of "robbing her." She repeatedly interrupted me and raised her voice in front of the entire restaurant, making it difficult for me to explain the situation.

I understand that mistakes happen, and this one could have been easily rectified. However, her combative attitude and lack of interest in providing good customer service were disappointing and completely out of line. Despite this negative experience, I don't want to discourage others from visiting this location solely based on one employee. The food is consistently good, and the service is generally average. The atmosphere is also decent, except for the fact that my booth was coming apart, with screws dangerously close to my two little girls.

I hope this review proves helpful, and I genuinely hope the restaurant takes this opportunity to address the issue with the employee and make necessary corrective actions. It was an embarrassing situation for both me and the employee, and I hope that it doesn't happen to anyone else...