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    El Vaquero Taqueria

    4.6 (143 reviews)
    InexpensiveMexican
    Closed 11:00 am - 2:00 pm

    El Vaquero Taqueria Photos

    Business Info

    EL VAQUERO TAQUERIA ATMOSPHERE

    What's the vibe?
    Quiet
    Divey
    Casual
    Outdoor seating

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    4-street taco plate with carnitas and steak.
    Ruth W.

    A locals hotspot, El Vaquero seems to have a following of local fans. We arrived at noon and there was a line for taking orders at this outdoor seating/take out dining only eatery. While there was about 10 people ahead of us, the line moved quickly and the food arrived pretty darned fast. When we left, there was still a healthy line waiting to order. We ordered a Street Taco plate that consisted of 2 steak and 2 carnitas tacos ($12). All 4 tacos were loaded with meat and I mean loaded! We could barely get the tacos out of the container and as we did, half the meat was falling out of them. The meats were moist and juicy. Of the two, we enjoyed the carnitas variety the best. The 4 street taco plate is large enough for 2 "healthy" eaters and still have leftovers. Steak: Moist and Juicy with a slight spiciness in the meat. The texture of the meat was slightly grainy. The beef was a braised version verses a grilled carne asada version. Pork: Moist and juicy with a mild pork flavor. Although the menu said it was made with citrus, I did not detect any citrus flavor in the meat. Still, it was good. For both, I encourage you to eat as soon as you get them or the juices may saturate your corn tortillas. This is a good little eatery but not one that I would "jones" for. Some of our destination trips are scheduled around a restaurant's hours so we can enjoy a bite to eat while on the road. Sadly, this will not be one of our favorites. That said, we would eat here again as I would love to try their Chile Colorado and burritos.

    Outside and tables
    Brian F.

    I came here on a Thursday 12pm and there was a long line which tells me that this place is pretty popular and good among the locals. I waited in line and for my food for about 30 minutes total so I'd recommend getting here before 12pm or a bit later if you can. There's a small parking lot on the corner of the lot and there are a couple of outdoor tables but not many. I ordered the #2 burro el vaquero ($8.75) with Chile Colorado without beans. The burrito and the beef were tender and the toppings were complementary to the beef. I also ordered two #13 taco el vaquerito ($3.25), one with al pastor and one with carnitas. What I ordered for the al pastor taco was not what I'd expect when I think al pastor but still decent. Either this is bad al pastor or they gave me something different. Regardless I preferred the carnitas more. Unfortunately I got my order to go so the tacos' tortillas were soft and not crispy but both were still filling and good. The burrito was massive and everything that I got cost $15.25 total which is so good for the amount of food. You could even split what I got into two meals and still be stuffed.

    #2 burrito
    Andy S.

    Looking for real, authentic, Mexican food made with love? El Vaquero is the place. The Mendez family are incredibly kind and generous, and it shows in their food.

    Rice and beans
    Jules S.

    The burrito was cooked extremely well, we got the Barbacoa De Res and it was one of the best burritos we have ever had. The meat was so flavorful the the tortilla was perfectly crispy. The four chicken tacos were very flavorful but were pretty soggy and difficult to eat. Definitely recommend the banana bread, such a unique twist on a classic dessert and it didn't disappoint!

    Who in their right mind would make a taco like this
    Ivan B.

    It's the 2nd day in a row that I go here and thier burritos and tacos are watery as hell. It's the mega mountain of meat they just dump onto the taco. You can't even hold it. Its falling apart. Dude honestly for the "best" in montana this place sure is failing to meet even the most basic expectations of a taco. I can't stress enough how much I want to love this place.. but I just can't with these monstrositys.. I'm gonna pack the rest of this up and feed my entire family with the remaining 2 tacos..

    Business sign, patio and store front.

    Born and raised in the SW. Excellent Mexican food with generous portions. It is well worth the wait if you have to stand in line. Check hours before going. Delicious!

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    Photo of Jason H.
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    5 months ago

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    23 days ago

    Best authentic Mexican food in Montana. Fresh, made in front of you, and an absolutely two-meal burrito.

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    Photo of Clay S.
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    1 year ago

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    Photo of Sarah L.
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    1 year ago

    Yummmm, all i have tried are the street tacos, yummm. Super friendly, super fast, dicious and very reasonably priced

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    1 year ago

    Yummy!!! We love this place. The food is delicious. Large portions priced fairly. The servers are attentive. What's not to love?

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    1 year ago

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    2 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Photo of Lacey D.
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    2 years ago

    Simply the best. The food is flavorful and filling, customer service is on point, and the line moves quickly!

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    4 years ago

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    4 years ago

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    3 years ago

    Great food very authentic little bit of a wait for a short as the line was, very polite. Lady at the window would definitely go back.

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    2 years ago

    Service was great, food very good! Atmosphere was really nice also..definitly eat there again!

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    3 years ago

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    5 years ago

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    8 years ago

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    6 years ago

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    3 years ago

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    Photo of Steven A.
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    4 years ago

    Some of the best Mexican in Montana. Narrow hours but totally worth it. I try to come here every time I'm in Helena.

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    Photo of Matt L.
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    6 years ago

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    5 years ago

    Love this place! Probably the best Mexican food in all of Montana! Definitely a must visit!

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    3 years ago

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    3 years ago

    The food was excellent and the service was fast and friendly. There were a few outdoor picnic tables with umbrellas to eat at.

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    Photo of Vic N.
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    4 years ago

    It makes sense why this place always has a line. Super good food and friendly staff..

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    3 years ago

    Best tacos in Helena! Very nice staff. Beats any other taco shop in town. Highly recommend. Fresh and authentic.

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    3 years ago

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    11 years ago

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    La Casa Fiesta

    La Casa Fiesta

    3.0
    (27 reviews)
    1.6 mi
    $$

    One Star We tried…read morethe newly opened La Hacienda and unfortunately it was one of the worst Mexican restaurant experiences we've had. First, chips and salsa didn't even come to the table. Instead we were served some strange fried onion-type "wagon wheel" things that had absolutely no flavor. When we finally asked for chips and salsa, the chips were poor quality and the salsa was extremely watery and bland. The menu was also odd for a Mexican restaurant -- lots of seafood and very few classic Mexican staples. I ordered enchiladas and they were just okay, but in a very generic, mass-produced "Sysco-style" way. Nothing tasted fresh or special. Service was also difficult. Our waitress struggled to understand basic requests, and communication was challenging throughout the meal. I asked for wine and was told they only had margaritas. The margarita itself tasted like grocery-store mix and was not good. Overall, the food quality, service, and overall experience were disappointing. Sadly, we won't be returning.

    Me and my boyfriend went here for the first time today and I thought it was absolutely delicious!…read moreThe service was fast, and our waitress was very attentive, happy to see us there! I love the overall atmosphere and ambiance, it's super cute and makes me feel at home. We were served chips and salsa very quickly, and despite my hesitation towards the watery salsa, it had an excellent taste! Our food was incredibly delicious and we got a plate to share. Would recommend 10/10

    Photos
    Tasty salsa
    Tasty salsa
    Two rooms of seating and a bar for take out orders
    Two rooms of seating and a bar for take out orders
    La Casa Fiesta

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    El Vaquero Taqueria - mexican - Updated August 2026

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