Colorful, lively, super nice staff, lovely owners. The food is Tex-Mex and it was really good. There is a separate bar area too. And for those who want , there is an ice-cream soft serve you can have on the way out ( or in) that gratis (free)! So fun. They are brand new so give them a few days to adjust but they are making every effort to provide great food and lots of smiles! Great location , 360 near Westlake high School ( use to be Tres Amigos but this place is nicer).. Congrats to Vaqueros!! thanks, Cei read more

Vaquero's Cafe and Cantina - VAQUEROS - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

We were pleasantly surprised by our experience at Vaquero's, and it has become a must-do on our trips home to Austin. Our server, also the bartender, gave us samples of their margaritas while bringing all sorts of complimentary chips and dips to our table. We ordered a few of their frozen strawberry drinks which were amazing, plus some guacamole for the table. That too was creamy and delicious, I just wish there had been more of it! The chips were fresh and all the salsa and dips were also perfect, just a bit spicy without leaving your mouth on fire. We ordered shrimp and steak fajitas, the shrimp has a great seasoning and char to them, while the steak was so tender we felt like it was a filet. Each came with a plentiful bowl of sides, custom rice and beans (my refried beans were the only disappointing thing the whole meal, my boyfriends black beans were much better) and fresh, hand-made tortillas. Throughout this, the owner even came by to say hello and ask about our visit, and our server was excellent. He even brought us a little free flan for dessert, and even though we were both stuffed we devoured it because it was so good. I would highly recommend this place. Beautiful atmosphere, delicious Tex Mex and great staff. A very well deserved 5 stars! read more

Vaquero's Cafe and Cantina - Frozen Margaritas - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

We visited on the forth day they were open. They definitely have some kinks to work out. Margaritas we're good and a great deal. The queso flameado had more peppers than cheese but the lighting of the cheese when they brought it to the table was a nice touch. Tortillas were wonderful and the free soft serve ice cream was a plus for our kids. The fajitas had more veggies than meat which will sway us from ordering them again. We REALLY want a good Mexican restaurant in our neighborhood and they'd be smart to pay close attention to the critiques of the neighbor customers. Customer service was definitely lacking but we attributed it to the first days of service. Our kids loved the beans,, tortillas and the ice cream. read more

Staff was friendly, portions were huge, tortillas were delicious, but the quality of the food is why I'm giving it 2 stars. We ordered queso flameado, which was more like grilled veggies mixed with a little bit of cheese. Most of the menu wasn't available, which was kind of a bummer. When our food came, it looked and smelled amazing. I ordered the carnitas tacos and my husband ordered the vaquero plate. Both plates were salty. Womp womp! read more

The food was mediocre at best, but certainly not anything I would go back for. Pretty hard to screw up chicken fajitas. On the bright side the server was very attentive. read more

This is one of the best restaurants that I have visited in awhile the food is great the service Is awesome and the manager Rudy was awesome professional and very curtious I will be going back very soon. read more

Being a big fans of Tres Amigos we were really looking forward to trying Vaquero's. As expected, it was very crowded on Friday night. Were told that the wait was an hour, so we decided to check out the bar and fortunately there was a table, so we decided sit in the bar and order there.I would agree with the other recent reviews, Vaquero's is absolutely not ready for business. I will say that the decor is definitely an upgrade from Tres Amigos, but that's the only thing that is. Here are some quick observations/feedback : 1. The army of hostesses running around the bar and lobby area shouting names out to find the next party to seat, is both annoying and inefficient. Use a paging system or a texting system for the wait list (both Flores and Maudie's have figured this out). The hostesses were very nice, but like everyone else working there, seemed to be confused/overwhelmed. 2. I love a good bar with energy, but the bar at Vaquero's is louder than any restaurant bar I have ever been in. Everyone was screaming over each other to be heard. Not exactly sure why? Acoustics or just too small of an area with too many people in it? 3. I ordered two different margaritas and got the same margarita twice and both times they tasted like a cheap mix out of a bottle from the grocery store. We're in Texas, get the margaritas right - Maudie's, Flores and Texas Chili Parlor would be good places to figure out what good tastes like. Heck, "the old school mixed in a bucket margaritas" at Tres Amigos put Vaquero's margaritas to shame. 4. The Salsa was better than Lupe Tortilla's pico that they try to call salsa, but not much better. It reminded me of a bad version of Pappasito's salsa actually. 5.Our server was very friendly, but was clearly new and overwhelmed with the chaos/crowd in the bar and restaurant. She wasn't exactly sure which entrees were available and which ones were "coming soon." At one point she started making shots/drinks behind the bar and seemed to completely forget that several tables were waiting on food orders. 6. Food took an hour to get and everything was pretty greasy and just unimpressive overall. Will be very interesting to see how the owners/management address the challenges. We really need a great Mexican/Tex-Mex restaurant in the area again vs. driving to others farther away. read more

I just ate here with a large party of say 25 people celebrating a friends bday. Service and ambiance overall was good. The waitress or chef did mistake our order of fajitas for two and served an order for one. On that note the fajitas had an odd sort of rancid taste to them which we both commented on later. I feel like this could be a really great place but they need to up the food quality to match the extensive decor. read more

Yeah, they still have wait staff kinks, but that is opening process stuff. I am a harsh critic of Mexican food because I am from El Paso, and this isn't El Paso... but it is good quality Tex mex comfort food. Homemade tortillas, squeeze bottle of butter, tasty fajitas, appropriately flaming flameado, what's not to like? My dream? Hand fried tacos fritos, and red cheese enchiladas? They have a decent deep red sauce... need to try the relleno. There will be a next time shortly. Thank you for opening! read more

We tried this place for the first time last week and it was very good. The fresh tortillas are outstanding. I just wish they would build a playground- then it would be in our regular rotation. They have self- serve soft-serve for the kiddos. read more

This was the worst Mexican food I've had in Texas. I got the cheese enchilada dinner with chile con carne as the sauce. There was little hint of the enchilada itself as it was covered with a massive amount of what appeared to be queso and hamburger meat. No flavor outside the cheese. No hint of a chile sauce. Who uses hamburger meat in an enchilada chile sauce? Rice was unimpressive but the charro beans were good-the only good thing on the plate. Got a side crispy beef taco that had an intersting new take on the taco shell that was the biggest positive of the meal at $5 a la carte. Total bill was $32 for 2 inedible enchilada dinners. Far cry from the Tres Amigos it replaced. I give them 6 months. read more

Great food, service, and ambience. We enjoyed this place very much and plan to visit regularly!

Wow! This place is great! Jorge our server was prompt and efficient. Dinner started with Frozen Sangria, chips salsa and queso. The drinks were outstanding ( secret recipe?) and the queso is probably the best in town. On the side ,they also serve a haberno paste that was to die for when mixed with the queso. The salsa? Perfect! Also, Try the Cozumel salsa ... it's original , amazing and the talk of the town-creamy roasted jalapeño & avocado salsa- maybe this to, is a secret and it should be! Then arrived the shrimp stuffed chile relleno. the poblano was packed full of cheese, shrimp was plentiful and the breading was astounding, not the same 'ole pepper breading! Flaky, larger crumbs fried golden brown. Desert was bunuelos (crispy cinnamon sopapilla type chips served with vanilla ice cream)and tres leches. *Don't by pass these deserts you will regret it! We will definitely make Vaqueros a weekly stop! Can't wait to enjoy fall weather on their beautiful back patio. read more

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Service was amazing!! Everyone who worked here was extremely friendly. Love the decor and throughout including on the patio fence. Food took a little bit but was fresh, warm an totally worth the wait. The platter we had was big enough for my husband and I to share with leftovers. We enjoyed the new patio and looking forward coming back and enjoy it with the live music they added. read more

Have been waiting patiently for Vaquero's to open up after Tres Amigos closed last year. Not at all disappointed with the new restaurant and we're sure it will only get better with time. Super friendly service, and great ambiance -- excellent redesign of the previous restaurant. Free self-service ice cream was a pleasant after-dinner surprise. Looking forward to coming back on our next visit to Austin. read more

OMG. I am sick!! I am a pretty clean eater and this the the nastiest, greasiest Mexican food I have ever had in my life. No way will I ever go back. We had the tacos and the taco salad. It could not have been worse. The chips and salsa are good and the bar is cute. If you are trying to get a beer at the bar with a few chips, go for it. But stay away from the food. Better to go to Tacodeli, Lupe tortilla or even Taco Bell. This is Austin. Didn't they get the memo that we like great tasting healthy stuff? read more

Tex Mex in Austin....a crowded space. All about expectations. If you want something better than Tres Amigos, Maudies, Las Palomas, Texican, etc. you will be happy. Fresh tortillas, chips and salsa were good. However, Pappasitos, Lupe Tortilla, and Chuys are better quality options for casual Tex-Mex/Margarita lunch/dinner. Better meat, fresher ingredients, and better Margaritas. Vaqueros has a better price point and better service than Lupe which is about a mile away. For how long this place was under construction/getting permits, expectations on interior were not met. So if you are on 360 and don't want to spend the $$ at Lupe, have a Tex-Mex fix, and need a cold Margarita, Vaqueros is a serviceable option but don't confuse serviceable with 'gotta have it' read more

Vaquero's, you have sure roped me in with your breakfast tacos! I don't know how you do it, but your breakfast tacos are absolutely delicious! You are greeted with a friendly smile, as you drive up and place your order. You don't even have to leave your car, it brings drive through to a whole different level. Vaqueros tacos are consistently perfection and their sauces are amazing, they use avocados & fresh peppers in their green sauce, the real deal, Yumm!! Many thanks for making my morning!!! I am so looking forward to your Happy Hour! read more

This restaurant is primal Tex-Mex cuisine. Not overly priced yet delicious. They have a great selection of frozen drinks to mixed cocktails which so far have been great. Definitely a place to stop in and check out! Oh, and the decor...well thought-out, tasteful, and just very pleasing to look at! read more

I tried this place because I am a HUGE fan of Steiner Ranch Steakhouse and I have to say, Vaquero's Cafe & Cantina did not disappoint!!! The food was great, service was even better and the decorations were awesome! My favorite part was the homemade tortillas! The only reason I am giving it a 4-star review is because I wish they had more vegetarian options. I can't wait to go back and will definitely bring out of town guests here. Vaquero's is a very authentic Tex-Mex restaurant in the heart of Austin! a MUST TRY! read more

I'm sitting here eating some of Austin's best kept brunch secret. The enchiladas are fantastic, the tres leches pancakes are delicious and nothing has been bad! I can't believe we haven't tried this place sooner. The food is incredible and our service is great. read more

Vaquero's Cafe and Cantina - Some of the pastries in the dessert section of the brunch buffet. - Mexican Near Me - Austin, Texas

I waited a bit to visit based on the bad reviews. Lunch is very busy so we arrived early. No problems on seating. The food was excellent. Beef fajitas with black beans. Chips and salsa,tortillas all first rate. Check out the Mexican silver saddle on loan from Governor Perry.Adios amigos :) read more

I have eaten at Vaqueros 3 or 4 times since the opening and each time has been a great experience. The fajitas are delicious so moist and tender and the fresh made tortillas sooo good. The servers were very attentive and the atmosphere is so inviting. This restaurant is a great addition to the area and I look forward to many more great meals there. read more

This is not a place to spend your lunch hour if you're under normal time constraints. What would appear to be a quick and pleasant time by ordering the lunch special it clearly was not. The waiter was so busy that he couldn't be attentive to our basic needs. To be fair the food was delicious. read more

My wife and I decided to finally give this place a try after the crowd finally died down. We had no idea this place had just opened and thought the restaurant was just really popular because of the food and drinks. Coming from Florida (not the best Mexican food), we had high expectations for this place, and it didn't disappoint. All the dishes we have ordered so far have been delicious, and the margaritas have been made excellently. Good atmosphere as well. read more

Awesome food, very nice environment and IMPECCABLE customer service! The place was packed and the owners mingled and made sure everyone was taken care and enjoying their dining experience. True Texas hospitality, we will be back! read more

Very solid place. Food and drinks was great! Enjoyed the dish I got, their Fried Avocado. The special. It was good af. Highly recommend this place! read more

Fantastic atmosphere and even better food. Quality ingredients and meats seem to be utilized for all dishes. I have dined there for Brunch (amazing deal), lunch and dinner. We have a large family and no one leaves disappointed or hungry. Staff very friendly and efficient. read more

Big portions of food but the taste was okay, I had the puffy tacos and the shell part seemed so hard, almost stale-like, the rice was bland.

The food we had was AMAZING! The waitstaff exhibited exceptional hospitality. They came and asked if we had any feedback that would help them improve anything. There are not many places that take the time to do that. We were extremely pleased with our experience at Vaqueros, and will go back for more! read more

A friend and I went to dinner here last night and had a great experience. I love the outside and inside decor and the minute we walked in, we were greeted by a cute gal with a big smile on her face. She took us to a nice booth out of the way of everyone which was nice. Our server was outstanding; a young guy who was super friendly and attentive. We ordered a margarita and the gueso and got both quickly. For dinner we shared a chicken dish with grilled onions and peppers and cheese and it was outstanding. The hot sauce was excellent, which being a texan, is a measuring stick for me for how much I'm going to like a restaurant. Overall, I give 5 stars; it was a great dining experience and I can't wait to go back! read more

I went for the Sunday Brunch, and was not disappointed. They had traditional Mexican food, breakfast food, a carving station, way too much food to try everything (but I tried). I will be back! read more

Great food and service! Fun atmosphere, fabulous drinks. Definitely be going there often!

We visited the restaurant yesterday for the first time and it was outstanding! The food was delicious and huge portions!! We had the enchiladas, fajitas, and queso with rajas...YUM! This place is still not too packed, we were there between 5 and 6, and there was no wait. I'm sure it will soon get the recognition it deserves and that will change. Well done, Vaqueros! read more

Terrific restaurant. I ordered the Asada Del Mar and it was excellent. Great margaritas and homemade tortillas. YUM.

Excellent food and service! Attentive to my drinks and the food was in great portions. Definitely fits an authentic cantina style place

Love this joint. Great food, margs and a phenomenal Sunday brunch. Tortillas are made fresh and are some of the best in town. Can't go wrong with the fajitas. Service is really good too. Always a good spot for a quick lunch or a nice meal with friends or family read more

We are regular customers in this beautiful restaurant since they open, i did notice a significant improvement in managing and operating specially in the last months, food is consistent and good quality. I want to say thank you for your improved customer care and service, i cheer for this team, keep improving ! Mari the manager is a great asset to this place, so is the new young girl (server) who speaks different languages, next time soon getting 5 stars i am sure! definitely a restaurant to try.. go for it !!! read more

Came here for a gathering. I gotta say, the food is good. It's not GREAT but I am definitely returning. The amount of food you get on a $15 plate is 'uuuuuge! Service is good and decor is really nice. read more

Hands down the best Mexican restaurant in town! The drinks and desserts are beyond belief too. On top of al that, the service and management went out of their way to make sure it was a perfect evening. So delightful to find this awesome place to frequent dine! Cheers read more