If you're looking for an aesthetically please restaurant with a bar, patio, and beautiful inside with booths and tables, then Vaquera is for you! Everything about my experience was top notch. Our server was fantastic. I had the cucumber mocktail and I love seeing that there's actually NA Spirits on the menu, not just fruit juice labeled as a mocktail. The hot pepperoni pizza is delicious. It's not too spicy, but it's bursting with flavor! Looking forward to coming back and trying more menu items soon. read more

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Came by Vaquera and the vibe is what really carries this spot. Food overall is around a 3.5/5. Got the mushroom pizza -- nice crisp on the crust, good texture, but flavor was a little lacking. Wings were a 3/5... smokey taste, decent but nothing I'd go out of the way for. Ranch on the side helped. Drink was solid 4/5 and refreshing. Service was on point. Attentive without hovering, and the server seemed to know what we needed before we even asked. Atmosphere is the highlight. Open space, great setup, good for families and just hanging out. That's what brings it up feels like a 4.5 vibe, but overall landing at a 4. Would come back more for the ambiance than the food. read more

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We stopped by on Saturday around 2:45 for a quick bite and a drink. One thing that was a little confusing is the timing of service. The website lists brunch/lunch until 5pm, but restaurant seating actually stops at 2:30 and from 3-5 it's bar seating outside with a limited menu. It didn't bother us once we figured it out, but it wasn't very clear when planning the visit. The drinks were good, but the food didn't quite hit the mark for us. The margarita pizza was fine, the burger was unfortunately dry and overcooked with quite a bit of sauce and bread, and the meatballs were probably the standout of what we ordered. It's a nice spot to sit outside and have a drink with some light snacks. The bartender could have been a bit more welcoming -- I didn't catch his name and wasn't trying to make his day worse, but he seemed pretty unhappy with everyone placing order read more

I'd give it a 2.5. Made reservation and was sat inside next to an open door. It was SO cold and we were told it could not be shut. It was actually warmer on the patio with the heaters. Restaurant is beautifully decorated. Our visit did not get off on a great foot. It took more than 30 minutes for our cocktails to arrive. Our salad came out and was eaten before we got drinks. I did alert our server two times and was told the bar was backed up. A manager came and offered us a drink to share it a dessert, on the house, which was nice. The beer salad was tasty-wish it had a bit more dressing. Next, we stared the pork chop and the mushroom pizza. The pizza was yummy, as was the pork, but as undercooked in spots. I like a medium chop, but this was rare in places. The dessert offered was the sticky toffee, which was rich and warm, but it took more than 20 minutes to come out! I would not say the price of the food and drinks was worth the visit. read more

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What a beautiful restaurant. Excellent food & service for Sunday brunch. Small brunch menu but our party of 6 adults & 3 children enjoyed all items ordered. The kids meals are huge. The kids hamburger is adult sized & has a huge portion of fries. The seasonal burrata salad was delicious with ripe persimmons & I added chicken. The avocado toast with salmon was yummy as well as dulce de leche french toast. The jalapeño Caesar salad was very large & good too. Side of fries were very large easily shared by 2-3 people. They provided a complimentary house made sorbet for the birthday girl. Loved it & we will be back. read more

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We started with the cornbread.Unique and amazing . I've never had skillet cornbread quite like this. It had the texture or density of flan- very dense. This is a definite item you must order -absolutely delicious. The green goddess (don't worry its a creamy avo dressing) salad with beets, was very good. We split the denver waygu steak which was cooked perfectly ( medium rare +) and came with some charred broccolini and whole fingering potatoes. Honestly they could have done something a little more creative with the potatoes Diana was our waitress and was great- she stayed on top of everything, bringing us a new dish set and silverware before our main entree and was very promot with our requests. If there was weak spot it was the martini - it was a-little weak but the luz verde was perfect if you like mescal and a drink thats not too sweet. Also the chimichurri wasn't good but the Vaquera butter is the way you go on the steak. Chimichurri should use fresh herbs and you can tell they are fresh by their color. This chimichurri was chopped up herbs soaked in oil and they looked cooked read more

Vaquera - Luz verde - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

La Vaquera is on the pricey side but he ambiance and service make it worth a visit. The cocktails were absolutely delicious, can't wait to try more of them. Let's talk about the food: -Little gem wedge (lardons, red onion, spiced walnuts, point reyes blue cheese dressing): The best part of the salad were the bacon lardons. They melted in the mouth and were very savory. The dressing didn't taste much like blue cheese and it was runny. The lettuce had some graininess that was had to describe, felt like dirt so maybe the lettuce was not well washed. -6 oz Nebraska gold filet mignon (herb roasted marble potatoes, broccolini, beef deli sauce): I ordered my steak medium rare and it was perfectly cooked. It had a nice crust and it was well seasoned. The beef Demi sauce was finger licking good. The potatoes and broccolini it was served with were disappointing. There was not much flavor to be found. -14 oz. Aurora Farms Ribeye: Well cooked and seasoned. The marbling was beautiful. The bits of fat melted in the mouth. Again, the sides were a let down. -Sticky Toffee Pudding (date cake, butterscotch and whipped crema): Sickeningly sweet. The crema cuts the sweetness. Definitely worth sharing as it would be too much for one person. read more

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We came here to celebrate our anniversary. We wanted to try a new place and the hubs wanted steak. OpenTable showed good reviews and the ability to make a rezzy. We were seated right away and our waitress Diana was fabulous. We sat outside and love the vibe of the place. The food was really good and so were the drinks. The only negative is that it took 1.25 hours from when we sat to get our entrees. We took our time looking at the menu and enjoying our drinks and appetizers and salads during that time but the table next to us that got seated after us got their entree 15 to 20 minutes before we got ours. I was finally about to say something to the staff but they must have noticed and told us that our ticket was up next. Despite this longer than expected wait, we'd return b/c that octopus and filet were so good. Must get: Grilled octopus Little gem wedge Filet mignon Mango passion margarita Boss Mare (bourbon drink) See pics!! read more

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Cherry tomato Salad 9/10 This salad really surprised me. At first, I thought, why is there tomatoes and berries together? Seems like an odd combination. It actually works together quite well though. The tomatoes almost taste and appear to be more like grapes lol I really liked the fresh cheese! It was kind of like a mousse. The blackberries were very fresh. The vinaigrette topped it off and brought everything together. I enjoyed the spiced nuts on top, because it gave a different texture. Steak Tartare 10/10 My husband absolutely loved this!! This was his favorite of all time. He wouldn't stop raving about the steak tartare and how good the meat was. He also loved the flavors. The meat is from black hawk farms American wagyu beef. It's no wonder he loved it so much lol It is the good stuff. It was paired with pickled red onion, pumpkin seeds, and egg yolk jam. That steak tartare stole my husband's heart lol Service was good. They were friendly and offered up some really good food. That's a win in my book. read more

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Had this place bookmarked since they first opened, and our party of 4 finally made our way here! Casual and laid back atmosphere, with a charming Western/Cali-country vibe, which I love. Plenty of seating at the bar, as well as, ample of tables and chairs inside and out on their patio. I opted for standard seating when I made the rez and got a nice comfortable booth inside. Drinks: We did bring our own bottle to enjoy with our steaks ($35 corkage), but the ladies did get a cocktail before our dine. Why not, right? LOL. - The Boss Mare (perfect with the lemon zest and candied ginger garnish) - Vaquera Vesper (which my sister said was refreshing) Starters: - Santa Maria Spiced Chicken Wings (enough for 4 ppl, savory good, must get!) - Peach & Burrata (very refreshing) - Grilled Spanish Octopus (super tender and flavorful, must try!) Small Plates: - Organic Herb Roasted Mushrooms (bursting w/ next level umami and we wanted to get another order, definite must try!!!) Entree Cuts: - Bavette Steak x2 (medium rare and perfectly prepared and cut, thank u, chef!) - Denver Steak x1 (medium rare and perfectly prepared and, thank u, chef!) - Heritage 1/2 Chicken x1 (juicy and moist, great flavor on the perfectly charred skin, tasted just as good the next day as leftovers!) Bryson was our kind server who took care of us that evening. He apologized for not noticing we were seated for quite some time before coming to our table to greet us and take our food and drink order (all good). It was a Saturday evening at prime dinner time, and he was hustling (and a pro) for solo handling his busy section. Will definitely come back again to try their happy hour and lunch menu ! CHEERS and happy eating till next time... read more

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La Vaquera has a nice menu of cocktails and beer with delicious appetizers. Lime-n-cello was phenomenal. House wine was a Cabernet and not too bad. It would have been better chilled. Service was great and friendly. Highly recommend the cornbread and Santa Maria Spiced Chicken wings. Bar outdoor seating is a first come first serve. What an amazing weekend and visit to the Rodeo at River Street in San Juan Capistrano! We started with drinks at Capo where we had a round and then made our way over to La Vaquera for drinks and small bites and ended the night at Finca! read more

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Skillet cornbread on the menu drew us in for brunch at Vaquera and did not disappoint! Very tasty, little spicy but sweet with honey, served warm. Plenty split amongst three of us. My friend ordered a seasonal burst's salad that she loved with arugula, oranges, candied walnuts. My friend and I ordered the Japanese Caesar and boy were disappointed! It was romaine lettuce with dressing, like crumbles. The description included tortilla and corn bread croutons, unless they were crumbled, they were missing. We did not ask, we should have. Location is beautiful and our server was very friendly and our food/drinks were served thinly. Definitely will go back! read more

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La Vaquera is an absolute gem--a beautifully crafted, farm-to-table restaurant with a charming Western theme, making it the perfect spot for my best friend's birthday celebration. We dressed as cowgirls and cowboys, and the atmosphere was just right for our festive night. I was curious about the name "La Vaquera" and learned that it translates to "The Cowgirl," which felt so fitting. The restaurant also had a distinctly Latino twist, with the dishes reflecting that unique flavor profile. From the thoughtful plating to the exceptional flavors, everything about the meal was delightful. Since our group was fairly large, we had a set menu with the option to select our own starters. A personal touch I really appreciated was that my friend was able to customize the menu with a special quote, a cute detail that made it much more personable that evening. As for the food, we started with two snacks: their cornbread with Oaxacan queso and roasted poblano pepper, and spiced duros served with avocado mousse. The cornbread was solid, but it was the duros that truly stood out. I'd seen these Mexican wheel-like snacks from street vendors, but never had them presonally. I was pleasantly surprised by how they tasted paired with the avocado mousse. It was an unexpected combo, and while I can't fully compare them to the street versions, I definitely enjoyed them. For starters, we had the option of the Cherry Tomato Salad or the Little Gem Wedge. Thankfully, I got to try both. My favorite was hands down the Cherry Tomato Salad! The farm cheese, blackberries, salsa seca (a dry, savory salsa), and fresh basil all worked together beautifully. The blackberries were so large and juicy that our table was debating whether they were real! Haha...This dish was a true winner for me because it was light, balanced, and surprisingly harmonious in flavor, which is something that I can appreciate when combining many flavors together. The Little Gem Wedge, which featured butter lettuce, lardons, dates, spiced walnuts, red onion, and creamy dressing, was also good but felt a bit heavier compared to the Cherry Tomato Salad. The creaminess was a bit much for me, and I preferred the light, refreshing quality of the tomato salad. That said, the lardons were a nice touch and added a savory richness to the dish. For the entrees, we had three proteins to choose from: Whole Charred Chicken, Oak-Grilled Local Bass, and a 22 oz Prime Bone-In Ribeye. Each one a standout in its own right. The charred chicken was smoky and flavorful, though I didn't get a chance to try it with the two sauces that were offered, but I'm sure the sauces were equally delicious! The seabass was plated beautifully atop farro with sugar snap peas, mint, lemon vinaigrette, soft herbs, pickled red onions, and salsa verde. The combination of textures and flavors was lovely, with the moist fish contrasting nicely with the crunchy snap peas and hearty farro. However, it was the least favored of the three dishes at our table, though still delicious. The real star of the evening was the Prime Bone-In Ribeye... Perfectly cooked to a medium-rare, it was everything you'd want in a steak. It was tender, juicy, and well-seasoned... It came with roasted carrots and grilled green beans, and though there was a steak sauce on the side, I didn't need it because the steak was just that good! To finish the meal, we were treated to Sticky Toffee Pudding made with Medjool dates, paired with a surprising dollop of whipped cream that had a slight sour tang. I found out they added a bit of sour cream to the whipped topping (confirmed by one of the serves), which was a bold and interesting choice. I'm a fan of unexpected flavor combos, so I really enjoyed it. I know I'll never experience anything quite like this again, but I'm so glad it happened at La Vaquera. As for service, our server (I believe his name was Darren or Daryl) was a gem. He was attentive, kept our wine glasses full, and made sure the evening went smoothly. My friend had expressed afterwards that he was a little nervous about the service going into the night but was beyond pleased with how everything unfolded thanks to our server and his team. Thank you to La Vaquera and the entire team for a memorable, delicious evening. I'm not sure when I'll have the chance to return to La Vaquera, but I can't wait to do so, especially since I've heard their menu changes seasonally. read more

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I came here expecting a brunch menu, but turns out they discontinued brunch last month :( Regardless, Vaquera is a great restaurant with a stunning design. Service was pretty good considering it was prime time brunch hours. I ended up getting their crispy kale and sausage pizza and shared some seasoned fries. The pizza was underwhelming and I'd probably order a different one; the kale was too bitter for my liking and was just alright. The seasoned fries on the other hand were delicious! read more

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La Vaquera is tucked inside the River Street Marketplace like a surprise plot twist you didn't see coming--but immediately appreciate. Western-themed? Yes. Rustic? Absolutely. Comfortable? Shockingly so. You've got bar seating, indoor tables, and outdoor options for those nights when you want ambiance and people-watching with your carbs. The bar deserves its own paragraph (and possibly a standing ovation). Skilled, friendly bartenders sling handcrafted cocktails using artisan spirits and local craft beers, plus a wine list that's small but knows its lane. Pro tip: skip the menu and order my personal invention--a vodka martini with blood orange purée. Bright, smooth, and dangerous in the "I'll just have one more" way. Food-wise, two dishes stole the show. The jumbo shrimp cocktail was old-school perfection--big, cold, snappy shrimp that clearly didn't come here to mess around. And then there's the pizza. They literally built the restaurant around an 11-foot custom oak-wood grill, and it shows. The cheese and fresh basil pie is a minimalist masterpiece: thin, crispy crust with real flavor, perfectly blistered, and balanced enough to make you forget every bad pizza decision you've ever made. The only disappointment was green goddess salad. Just kinda blah with too little dressing and not very cold Bottom line: La Vaquera pulls off the rare combo of cool setting, legit cocktails, and food that delivers without trying too hard. Come for the vibe, stay for the pizza, and leave wondering why blood orange martinis aren't already a thing everywhere.. read more

Vaquera - Exquisite shrimp - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Located in the new"ish" co-op shopping, dining, kid activities center in San Juan Capistrano there is plenty of parking for a small fee or you can park a few blocks away and walk. This restaurant is sort of the center of this neighborhood experience. Seating is available indoors or out so your call. Recommend you order family style as everything is so good you don't want to miss out on anything. The waiter was right.. the cornbread is a must try and share.. we got it with the compound butter and it was fantastic! Meatballs are great and I think made with a bit of chorizo but not sure.. might have been the best meatballs I ever had.. again great to share. If you go, just order one of each from the small plate side of the menu and one main and you will have leftovers to take home. Service is great! Highly recommended. read more

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Plenty of parking. Good for groups. Ok for kids. Reservations recommended but not required. Went for the first time with a group of 6. We were promptly sat based on our reservation time. Server was great. Took the time to go over the drinks and food menu with us. Made a few recommendations. Drinks were all great. Everyone loved there food. At the table we had, salmon, steaks, port chop, and brick chicken. Portion size was just right. Must try spot if in the area. read more

La Vaquera = Five Stars and a High-Five for Josh. We wandered into La Vaquera thinking we'd just nibble on something light, and next thing you know we're planning our return trip before the plates were cleared. Located in the bustling River Street Marketplace (which was an absolute madhouse in the best way-family-friendly, high energy, stroller dodgeball levels of busy), La Vaquera stood out from the crowd-and earned that spotlight. First off-our waiter Josh? Total legend. The guy was so friendly and helpful, I'm pretty sure if I'd asked him to explain quantum physics, he would've given it a shot with a smile. He somehow managed to make us feel like VIPs while juggling what had to be a full section. A+ service all the way. We cobbled together a "light dinner" that turned into a highlight reel: beet salad, Brussels sprouts, crispy potatoes-all absolute flavor bombs. The kids crushed their chicken tenders and pasta. I went full caveman on some chicken wings that honestly deserve their own Yelp page. The vibe? Casual, classy, and effortlessly cool. Great food, great people, great spot. Out of all the options in the marketplace, this one looked like the best--and 100% was the best. A+, five stars, would come back tomorrow if I could. Josh, you're a hero. read more

Vaquera - The food vanished before I could snap a pic--so here's a glamorous wall plate by the bathroom instead. You're welcome. - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Saturday afternoon, myself and two friends came in and sat up to the bar with the goal of getting a birthday drink for our friend. Bar menus were given to us and the hostess even came to us and complimented the three of us; very sweet of her (name I believe was Miranda). Unfortunately that was the end of any contact with us. The 2 bartenders working never greeted us, let alone take our orders. They didn't even make eye contact with us and it was NOT busy at all. Finally after nearly 15 minutes, we left. Would not recommend El Vaquera. read more

From Chicago, first time here with my daughter. Here are some thoughts: -It has a country western vibe, people everywhere with cowboy boots and hats. Felt like Nashville. -There was a parade going on nearby, and a special menu. -I ordered the tri-tip sandwich and my daughter got the smash burger. Best tri-tip I've ever had, the seasoning was outstanding! -Very cool, fun place. Highly recommended! read more

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Amazing service! The food also had fresh healthy taste not too over powering. I spilled my drink like 2 times and they stayed so patient with me, replaced and helped clean it up. I was having a night and the staff was calm, polite and patient. We ordered the chicken dish and it was huge and the potatoes and mushrooms were the best part. read more

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What a great place in San Juan! The food is amazing! This place is def a crowd pleaser. The drinks were aesthetically pleasing to look at but also deliciously divine! La Fresca cocktail - perfect summer light drink. We shared everything family-style. We had cornbread as a side with the wedge salad and Spanish octopus to start. The oak-grilled bass with the farro was amazing and the 22 oz bone-in ribeye was so well prepared! Service was impeccable. Before we could ask for something they were already on it. Our drinks were never empty. It was a great dinner! read more

Vaquera - La Fresca cocktail & beer - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

Such a cute meal with a classy Western vibe. Came here for dinner with my parents and we had a reservation (made online beforehand). Parking is paid; $2 per hour and they don't validate. We shared the food family-style. We ordered the Santa Maria wings (6 pieces) and cherry tomato salad. They gave us complimentary duros (the orange pinwheel snacks) with an avocado crema. I really liked the wings - they were crispy but not oily. For the entree, we shared the 22 oz ribeye which had the carrots and spiced potatoes on the side. We added the mushrooms on the side, which added some nice spice. We ordered the ribeye medium rare, which is what the chef recommends. All the team members, from the maitre d to our waiter Josh to the bus boy, were friendly. read more

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Spontaneous Friday pop in. First of all...Diana. LOVE Also hostess Katie. Everything was perfect. 8 of us. 2 kids. 2 snobs. We'll be back. The octopus is outrageous. Kids filet skewer..seriously yes. Martini blue cheese olives...top 3 in OC. Looking forward to next time. Thanks. read more

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The music is definitely loud and super country so if you like that, come on down to La Vaquera at the River street marketplace. Our waiter is really nice. The menu is limited and not as good as when they first opened a few months ago. Not my fave for the prices read more

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Lovely Sunday family brunch. Outside patio was so delightful. The minute we walked in we were greeted with such joy by the host. - Our Servers were all very attentive and accommodating. Everything we ordered was delivered to the table promptly and delicious. The cornbread is a must order!!! read more

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The restaurant is really neat; Beautifully decorated and has a great vibe. We ordered the tri-tip sandwich and that was really good. The "hostess" suggested that we get it with avocado added. That really was a great recommendation because it turned out so good. The corn bread was good but it was really greasy- just be aware if you do order it. So why did I give them 2 stars? The service was next to none. I wish the hostess was our waitress because she was so friendly and sweet. My husband and I just kept joking about the terrible service because it never got any better. It was like the waitress really really didn't want to be there and the rest of the crew really didn't want to be there either. The tip definitely reflected the service today and it wasn't because we were being cheap. LOL I hope the restaurant staff improves their service. I would've given 5 stars if that was the case. read more

We started with the beef tartare and it was so flavorful, I liked the blue corn bread that it came with. I honestly can't remember the last time I had better beef tartare. The oyster mushrooms has this mole that I basically ate clean, I just couldn't stop eating it. Finally, the main dish of the night, the lions mane mushrooms. I've heard that it's texture is like a steak and honestly it's like a smooth and tender steak. The potatoes and brussel sprouts had good flavor and a nice crunch. Downright amazing dish overall! I had asked the staff if it was a seasonal dish and they said they were experimenting with the menu, but I hope they keep this one! read more

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They seemed a little bit short staffed today, but they made it work. The host was amazing, don't remember her name, but she had blonde curly hair. Our waitress was handling quite a few tables and she was great as well. The food was actually just OK. The loaded french fries were the best part. If I come back, it will probably be for drinks and appetizers. The ambience is also really nice. read more

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Great food and great service in a beautifully designed restaurant! This area is cowboy chic with cute touches like cow hooks in the restrooms. I enjoyed everything I ate. The pisco sour was both fruity and the booze was strong. The steak tartare had a great seasoning; however, the grilled bread that accompanied it was very hard. The gem salad was fresh. We got the duck entree (loved the mole and grilled squash) and grilled oyster mushrooms (this has a good mole sauce too including bread pieces--again with the bread that's just too big). We were able to easily get a seat on a Thursday night with no reservations. We got super lucky with parking on the curb of the marketplace. read more

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Love this new restaurant located in the brand new shopping center in old San Juan Capistrano! Charming. Rustic and beautiful describe the restaurant. Dog friendly.., we sat outside on the rustic patio overlooking the green area where children were happily playing the lights and the music contributed to just a beautiful setting! The food was very flavorful. This is a very meat based menu. with vegetable sides, and salads. The daily fish was very tender, whitefish cooked in a lovely savory broth . The exceptional dish was the brussels sprouts . Comfortable casual, gourmet dining at its finest ! Five stars! Good job. Ask for Joshua the server. read more

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Very delicious food, beautiful scenery and amazing service. My girlfriend and I went here for brunch and the food was amazing. She had avocado toast and I had eggs Benedict Mexican style and some yummy cocktails. Will definitely be back. Be warned there is a lot of kiddos read more

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First time here dining with our family. We had Diane as our server, she was wonderful! We chose to do family style and share everything from the appetizers, main, and sides. The food was above our expectations, every single dish was delicious. The restaurant is a great place to hangout and enjoy with friends and family. read more

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Absolutely love love love this restaurant... The food is so flavorful the indoor outdoor space has a very cool open vibe that I just adore in a restaurant . I absolutely love the modern boots. The tables are a little bit too small for four people and definitely way too small for five people, but we made it work. The service was amazing. Josh was so helpful and so friendly and on point with every ask that we had. " and sometimes we're not that easy." he was gracious and kind we love the menu.. very seasonal friendly. The parking is funny for this new establishment. I got very lucky and parked on the street for free. They do have a paid parking lot . if you'd like to walk a little bit more you can walk down by the park and park for free. Whatever form of transportation that gets you there just go.... read more

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Such a gem right in the heart of River Street Marketplace in San Juan Capistrano! I originally popped into La Vaquera just for drinks with the idea of coming back another time to try the food, but I quickly realized how special this place is. Our server, Diana, went above and beyond to make the experience comfortable and enjoyable. As someone with soy and gluten allergies, dining out can sometimes be stressful, but she was incredibly knowledgeable and attentive. She double-checked everything with the kitchen to make sure I felt confident in what I ordered, which I appreciated so much. On top of the excellent service, she also recommended an off-menu cocktail that completely won me over -- the Cucumber Basil Gimlet which is originally a mocktail but added vodka! She also recommended I try it with gin when I come next time. The atmosphere is lively yet welcoming, perfect for anything from casual drinks to a full sit-down dinner. With the attention to detail, allergy-friendly approach, and inventive menu, La Vaquera is definitely a spot I'll be returning to again and again. Highly recommend stopping in if you're in San Juan! read more

Vaquera - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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So I was excited to try this but after the meal I did leave feeling a bit meh. I love that it is farm to table but the menu was just a bit weird? The avocado dip was different but smooth and nice. The chips were unlike any I have had before. They did have fun sticky wix crafts for the kids, and they did have highchairs! However, the kids meal of blue corn tortillas for the cheese quesadilla was unique but also maybe hoping for a more sophisticated palate than kids? Mine did not enjoy the food - my daughter refused to even try when she saw the blue corn. The kids filet was better than the adult entree. The pork chop was underwhelming. The sides were strange. Glad we did the chimichurri but it was more oil than herbs. The cocktail was a pass, weird aftertaste. The pricing was high for what was offered. If I am spending that much I would probably go to Newport to a 5 star restaurant with 5 star service and food. They do not validate parking so be prepared. read more

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We were very impressed with the quality of the food. The steak and pork chop were both cooked to perfection, and my son loved his kids steak. The pitcher of Sangria was also a great addition to our meal. We also appreciated the ambiance; the volume was at a comfortable level, making it easy to have a conversation. While the main courses were the star of the show, a few aspects of the experience could be more polished. The primary issues were logistical. Our transition from the bar to our dining table felt disjointed, leaving a moment of confusion as we waited to be seated and properly attended to. Following that, there was a significant wait for our food to arrive from the kitchen. It's crucial to distinguish these coordination and timing issues from the tableside service, however. Our server was a true professional--incredibly attentive, engaging, and wonderfully accommodating to our toddler, which made us feel very welcome. The only other small critique is that while the cooking technique was flawless, a lighter hand with the salt would elevate the dishes from great to truly exceptional. read more

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Vaquera came through with one of the best dining experiences we've had in a long time. Ambience was great and the service was impeccable. Bryson, our server did an excellent job welcoming us for our first time dining at Vaquera and provided great menu recommendations. The Spanish Octopus and Cornbread were amazing for our starters. The Pepperoni and Peppers pizza was amazing and had such a unique and savory flavor from the pasilla peppers. The New York steak was cooked perfect and wasn't over seasoned so the flavor of the meat definitely shined. The Vaquera butter that accompanied the dish was so flavorful! I wish the potatoes that came with the New York steak had a little more umph behind them as they were pretty boring in comparison to all the other amazing food and items on the menu. Looking forward to visiting again in the near future! Keep it up Vaquera! read more

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Some of the best food I've ever had. I never order pork chops, but thank goodness I did this time because they were perfect! The cheesy Brussels sprouts and corn bread are a must get! Sadly the broccolini was horrible, none of our party ate it. The atmosphere was great and everyone enjoyed all different kinds of drinks too. read more

Vaquera - Aurora farms New York Steak - Cocktail Bars Near Me - San Juan Capistrano, California

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We will return! My wife and I visited La Vaquera on the second night of their opening. We were impressed. The layout of the reasturant is airy and upbeat. Our server, Josh, did a wonderful job of explaining the menu to us and suggesting various dishes and drinks. The Young Legend with mexcal was excellent - not too sweet or tart. We decided to try several small plates. Our favorite was the crispy brussel sprouts. We also sampled the roasted heirloom beets, the grilled Spanish octopus, and the charro beans. We enjoyed the different spices, but we would not call the dishes spicy, as in hot. Yadira, the general manager, brought out a roasted arrowhead cabbage for us to try. Excellent. Jens, the president, told me about one of their special mexcals, La Vaquera. It is a limited edition beverage. I highly recommend it. Ceaser, a busser, was very attentative to our table. My wife and I are already talking about returning on Thanksgiving and Christmas Eve with other members of our family. Good job La Vaquera! read more

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