We come here all the time and can always expect a warm welcome, a fun environment, and can't forget the great food! Highly recommend!!

My fajitas were really good but the Chile relleno had some strange potato thing inside of it and that was no good. My wife ordered the combination 14 and it was not worthy of a picture. I have no idea what is going on in Virginia, with all the Mexican restaurants serving cheese water, as queso. If they serve me cheese water, I won't go back. read more

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i come here pretty often and it never disappoints. this is a go to spot for a girls night out. the staff are very friendly and very welcoming. the food is always delicious. i always look forward to coming back! read more

Went her with the wife for Sunday lunch and both the food and service were great. I would recommend this place to any of my family and friends. read more

Easily one of the best restaurants in Orange. The wait staff is always super friendly and the food is always good. Their quesabirria especially is really good. read more

It was so-so food nothing to rave about. But I guess if you live in Orange, VA it might be? Service was average at best, ambiance of a diner. I don't know what else to say unfortunately I wouldn't go back. read more

Service was amazing. I wish we were staying in town, because I'd be back! The building was cute and the food was tasty. Lots of vegetarian options. read more

Arrived early evening on a Sunday to find the place 4/5 full, mostly with young couples and large families. All-male wait staff serenaded a mortified young woman with a lively "Happy Birthday" sung in Spanish accompanied by guitar. I ordered a combo platter of sliced grilled rib-eye with 6 grilled shrimp, mushrooms, rice and beans. Also a side order of guac. Unfortunately, the beef was anything BUT ribeye. Instead, I was served two slabs of very tough, heavily-grained flank steak (probably). But the preparation was tasty, the guac was excellent, and the price was right, so I didn't make a fuss. Don't expect top cuisine here (who would in Orange, VA?) but adequately pleasing family fare at reasonable prices with generous-enough portions. read more

El Vaquero is my most eaten restaurant in Orange. You always know what you're getting, good food and nice people. Today I switched it up and got the Camarones Con Arroz, which was shrimp, veggies, rice, and guacamole. It was pretty good, but it wasn't as good as the Pollo Loco, which is my usual. We also got chips and salsa, which comes with the meal. Good stuff. I also recommend getting the cheese dip, which is my favorite. Overall, it's a good spot. I definitely recommend stopping by if you're in Orange! read more

El Vaquero West - Camarones Con Arroz. - Mexican Near Me - Orange, Virginia

Being ever on the hunt for good Mexican food and relatively new to the Culpeper/Orange area, we decided to try this one Friday evening. The restaurant itself is on the street-side corner of a shopping area with plenty of parking. It was raining the night we went but we were able to park relatively close and didn't get too wet. Upon entering we were met by a very friendly gentleman who seated us right away. Chips, salsa, and crema arrived at the table within a few minutes and the waitstaff took our beverage order shortly thereafter. We ordered sweet tea. Within a few minutes, the waitstaff returned and took our order. I ordered the Texas fajitas, and my wife ordered an enchilada and chili relleno. The meal came out within about 10 to 15 minutes and the only downside was that the flower tortillas I ordered took an extra five minutes past that. The presentation, flavor, and portion size of the food were all superb. The waitstaff was extremely attentive and checked on us often, but not immediately after we took a bite of the delicious food. The only thing we didn't care for was the sweet tea. It was very weak and flavorless. I traded mine for a soda. When the check was presented it had a QR code on it which, when scanned with a smartphone, takes you to an application called Toast. I'd not seen that before but it downloaded quickly and I was able to pay the bill right away without having to hand over my credit card. That is something I truly appreciate. The decor and atmosphere are on par with other Mexican restaurants in the Culpeper, Stafford, and Spotsylvania county areas. Popular with families so a bit on the noisy side but with large comfortable seating suitable for a night out with the kids. We truly enjoyed this place and it would have earned five stars but I'm knocking one off for the tea and the bad timing on the tortillas. However, we will be going back in the future to enjoy the food again. read more

Decent food and drinks in an incredibly homey and comfortable setting. Very reasonably priced.

The waiter was kind and attentive. Kept calling us "amigos" at first, then later switched to "friends." The place is clean. The carvings on the back of the booths are fun and colorful. The food was average. We are big fans of Mexican food. Most of the reviews here are so glowing! So of course we went. I thought we were in for a treat of awesome real Mexican food. The salsa was too spicy without any real flavor. Just spicy. The corn chips were very good. The tamales were ok. (Tamales are a favorite of my entire family generally.) the enchilada were good until I realized it sort of tasted like processed cheese sauce. The refried beans were ... ok - that's the best I can say. The rice was ... ok also. To conclude, the staff was good. I like the staff. They are fun. The food was below average for us. We won't be returning. read more

El Vaquero West - Tamale, enchilada, refried beans and rice. - Mexican Near Me - Orange, Virginia

Coming from out of state we stopped here for a quick lunch. Worse mistake. Girl sitting us had a lollipop in her mouth. Flies ALL over. We decided to stay anyways because we had to make a quick in / out. Enchilada lunch had NO enchilada sauce. Couldn't get ahold of the 1 waiter to let him know. My husband got a burger.. see picture. Do not recommend read more

El Vaquero West - Cheese anyone - Mexican Near Me - Orange, Virginia

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We stopped in for lunch to check it out since we love Mexican Food a lot and wanted to try a new place. The food was awesome, service was quick and super nice staff. I would highly recommend eating here. We definitely will be back. read more

Food was fresh tasting. quick and I liked their selections. Overall tasty just not a fan of the cheese they used in my vegetarian quesadilla read more

Came here with a group for Cinco De Mayo and the place was PACKED! They did have a mariachi band, which was actually quite talented and fun/nice to listen to. The service was BAD, but the food was decent. Service - No one seemed to care about bringing anything that was being asked for over. One table asked 5 different times for salsa before getting it the first time and that took 30+ minutes. We asked for water about the same amount of times to finally get it. Definitely didn't get the extra napkins we asked for. The server simply didn't care, he was busy and the business was rolling in, so why should he care. Food - The food was tasty and seemed decent. The ChoriPollo tasted nice, but the "three chicken breasts" that it came with were actually one single (and normal size) breast which was sliced into three breasts and a tiny amount of chorizo on top. Rice was basic, nothing special and their refried beans are watery and nothing special as well. Drink - Margaritas - Horrible! Made with the "sour mix" that no one should be using, not fresh limes. I also happened to see the vat that this stuff came from after I ordered and kind of wished I hadn't. Overall, the flavors are decent and about what I'd expect in Downtown Orange. read more

The prices are very reasonable, everything I've ordered over the series of a few years has tasted good and the environment is great; however, the service over the past 18 months has become gradually worse to the point that I would bring my own water and eventually actually stopped coming all together. read more

Good ol' unpretentious, original, authentic TEX MEX. Service was prompt, the prices were cheap, and the food tasted on par with what you typically get at a Tex Mex restaurant. Don't expect gourmet, but expect $10 pitcher of beer, HUGE portions, well priced margarita, all tucked in a small town where Corvette's appear to be the automotive favor (there were 5 in the parking lot). Were in town for the Liberty Mills Corn Maze, and stopped here for a quick bite after. No regrets, would recommend. read more

A nice find on our drive from Charlottesville to northern Virginia. Tasty Mexican food with a fun, friendly atmosphere. The servers were attentive and friendly. read more

Delicious and cheap! In the last month we have been there twice. And, we are planning on returning. Oh, we live over 20 miles from this restaurant. read more

I am guessing this is a family spot. The problem here is the size of the menu and the corn tortillas. Before that, I need to say the staff did a great job of serving us. Our server was excellent. He got, he gave, he answered, he did a great job despite the accent. I sent him thru the ringer and he did well. As for the size of the menu, it was packed with too many items. 7 pages and I got thru 6 before I realized I just needed to order before I starved to death. As for the meal, good Carnitas, tasty fatty and yummy, but the corn tortillas were flimsy, a little sear would have made it for me. Overall the little town feel with a Chi chis type menu is really a 3.5. read more

Love Mexican here. The food is always good and fresh and the owner is awesome. Thank you for staying open during these tough times please support local small businesses. They are open for for pickup orders and so thankful for that. The best Mexican food in Orange County. read more

I often refer to this place as the best Mexican Restaurant on the east coast. While some of this might be based on nostalgia, I truly think this is a great restaurant. over the last ten or so years I have tried a lot of different food here and I have never been disappointed. My personal favorite is the Shrimp (Camaron) quesadilla and the enchilada supreme, but they also have great burritos. Also if you come in for lunch make sure you check what the special is. It is usually a lot of good food for $5-$6. If are looking for a restaurant to go to in Orange County this is the clear winner, or if you are looking for a good Mexican restaurant in general Vaquero West is worth a trip to check out. read more

This is a great place to come -- alone or with family and friends. I love that they have a covered deck that can be closed up if it's too cold or rainy. When it's nice, the sides go up and you can sit in the fresh air and eat. I'd say that overall the food is comparable to a typical Mexican restaurant. Great chips, salsa, speedy service, and lots of yummy food. If you get the chance to go there on Monday's for lunch, all of their lunch specials are $3.50. You can't beat that! read more

Overall, the food here is amazing, but the service is hit or miss. Often times, I've been in there with no other customers and still haven't been served in a timely manner, once waiting 45 minutes for water. Overall, the food is fantastic and if you want more Americanized Mexican food El Vaquero West is the best bet. read more

If there's one thing I can't stand about a restaurant, it's inconsistency. My latest visit left me determined to never go back. The servers have no concept of timing. They'll tend to another table right beside you, but not even look in your direction to see if you need anything. I got the very same shrimp quesadilla that I raved about in my last review, and it was not good. My mom's t-bone steak was also not good -- full of gristle and fat. I don't mind that some of the employees don't speak good English, but don't just walk away when you bring something to my table and I'm trying to ask you for more napkins or to take away plates. They're very nice people, but they won't get my money anymore. read more

Food was great, great customer service. The owner greets you at the door which makes it a nice experience. 4.5 star because my food came out wrong (language barrier). Typically i would send my food back being such a picky eater. I chose to eat my food as is and i loved it. So only complaint was food came out with red sauce when i said, "no red sauce". Highly recommended read more

We ordered dinner for take out and we were not impressed at all. The food has not been the same. My husband got a taco salad and when we got home it was a flat fried burrito with the taco stuff on it and I order the A.C.P with corn tortillas and I got flour ones and the cheese sauce was very runny. We have been going there since high school and over the last couple of years it hasn't been the same. The only meal that was cooked right was my son's meal. read more

FOOD: was not good or up to standards to what mexican food should taste like. The only thing I really enjoyed was the chips and sour cream. SERVICE: Was very very friendly and nice which is the only reason why I gave 2 stars. read more

It was really good! I had a chalupa which I would have thought was more a tostada, but they can call it what they want it was tasty. The chicken was flavorful and the dish was served sizzling hot. Service was fast and very friendly. read more

Food is excellent, authentic! The best Chori Queso we've had since Javier left Angola. This is a must stop for Mexican Food Lovers! I only wish we traveled to town more than once a year.... I must add the server, Ramiro, was friendly, timely, & professional. Owner visited each table, he cares what his customers think, isn't that novel... The establishment was very clean including the rest room! We'll be back read more

Stuffed jalapeños are ok not my fave. The verde was delicious and the mole was ok. Salsa is good and margaritas are just right. Manuel rectified the service faux pa from the previous day and my birthday dinner turned out quite nice. The fried ice cream dessert was yummy too. Overall great service and good food if you're in the area. read more

El Vaquero West - Mole #30 chicken enchiladas in a chocolate based sauce. - Mexican Near Me - Orange, Virginia

Had a great lunch here. The food was very good. The guacamole was fresh and spicy and the chile rellenos, while baked not fried, was excellent. These are my two hallmark dishes for judging Mex restaurants and they would both bring me back. The lunch menu was heavy with various enchiladas dishes but I didn't see and taco options. The Carne Asada was flavorful but a bit tough. Service was prompt and attentive, even at the height of lunch hour. I would definitely return for more at El Vaquero! read more

Love this place. Huevos Rancheros that are perfect. The enchiladas poblanos were delicious. The best mole we've had in a long time. Great job by the staff and owners. Waiters and waitresses were extremely friendly. Also, very good mitcheladas and margaritas. We will definitely be back. read more

Good, solid, hearty Mexican food. Fair price, big portions, excellent service. Family friendly. If you are looking for real Mexican food, this is the place. read more

Delicious! Husband claimed he wasn't hungry but quickly ate all 3 of his ground beef hard tacos. I ordered a combo platter with an enchilada, burrito and chili rellenos (#13) and would definitely recommend it. We decided this would be our go to Mexican restaurant even though we have a few in Culpeper. We are hoping next time that they include Key Lime pie for dessert! The waiters were super friendly as well. read more

Such a sweet owner who cares about his community and small town. The food is always amazing, the staff are always so nice, and the food is fairly priced!! Love this place read more

Their food is pretty good and the service was fast. Their complimentary chips and salsa is really good and I enjoyed their chicken tacos. I would recommend coming here if you're in the area looking fro mexican food. read more

By far one of the best Mexican restaurants I've visited. Tucked away in the small town of Orange, the service and quality of food is amazing. The atmosphere is typically great, but not always - that is not reflective of the restaurant, but moreso on those visiting. Our waiter was very helpful, and the owner visited each table to check on everyone, which was a small gesture that said a lot about the values of the restauant. I ordered a beef fajita, which had an awesome blend of seasoning. My boyfriend purchased chimichanga and another item I can't recall - however, I do remember that we barely talked when our food came out due to how great the food was. The price is definitely fair. My favorite part of the meal were the chips - the home-maid sauce they had was unique, and the guacamole was very obviously fresh and fantastic El Vaquero has become one of our favor spots in Orange! read more

Tasty, authentic Mexican food at great prices. Service is friendly and professional. One of our favorite places in Orange, VA.