After the Mexican restaurant Crave closed (RIP), there was much speculation about what new business would enter their slot on Third Street.
Would it be a book store? Another overpriced clothing store? Another restaurant? Salon? Music shop? Another coffee shop? A yoga studio?
I would have greatly appreciated the addition of a book store (or—even better—a hybrid book store coffee shop) to the bustling stretch of Third, but what opened feels strangely familiar . . .
At some point that I am unaware of, a sign was plastered in the window previously gazed out of by Crave customers that read “TAQUERIA EL VAQUERO COMING SOON.”
“Taqueria” means “a Mexican restaurant that specializes in tacos” and “el vaquero” means “the cowboy”. So, Taqueria El Vaquero loosely translates to “The Cowboy Taco Shop.” Which, to me, loosely translates to good food and fun.
I had driven and walked by the establishment several times after it recently opened but hadn’t yet found the inclination to step in and spend money.
That was until one of my younger sisters—Margaux specifically—came home raving about the tacos she had had.
She went on and on about the food and repeatedly told me (referring to the restaurant) “you HAVE to try it.”
She was sending me daily emails during class asking if we could go after school. Some with only the word “tacos”, knowing that I would understand what she was asking for.
Eventually her vehemence got to me, and she, my other younger sister (Darby), and I all went to sit down and eat.
For the three of us our bill was around $50 including tip—about $17 each. Now, I understand—especially for financially troubled teens—that $17 might seem a lot for one meal. But, if you compare it to other popular food spots (e.g., Chipotle, Marios, The Standard, Jerry’s, Yama, Sprouts, Panera, or Chick-fil-a) you are paying about the same.
And the price becomes less of an issue due to the fact that the food is phenomenal. Genuinely phenomenal. Margaux was right.
I ordered the Flautas (4 flautitas filled with your choice of chicken or beef, deep fried, served with lettuce tomato, sour cream, and cheddar cheese) along with a strawberry Horchata to drink—not my usual choice but I asked the very kind girl who was working what she would order to drink and this is what she recommended.
Both of my sisters ordered Taco Birria (Quesidilla filled with Birria, cilantro and onion, served with broth for dipping and a side of rice) which were just as delectable as my meal.
If your social media algorithm is prone to show you videos about food, then you have probably seen the mouth-watering clips of Birria tacos served from little trucks on the streets of New York or in Los Angeles—locations where such diverse culture is more accessible.
Well, now we have the opportunity to get a taste of that culture right on Third Street.
On the wall in Taqueria El Vaquero they display this message: “[our] mission is to deliver the taste of authentic Mexican Barbacoa to our community. We are dedicated to using traditional recipes and high quality ingredients to offer an exceptional culinary experience. Our vision is to become a renowned provider of Mexican street food in the region, known for our delicious Barbacoa tacos and excellent customer service . . . Each taco is crafted to provide an authentic and flavorful experience . . . bringing the taste of Mexico directly to our customers.”
In my opinion, they exceed in accomplishing their mission.
Not only is the food most definitely delicious and authentic, but all of the staff are hard working and extremely kind.
Margaux and I planned to return in order to get more information for this review and (of course) to devour tacos, but this time we brought our senior friend Ella Temple along.
It was to my surprise that Ella wanted to come with us. After being her friend for many years, it was my understanding that she didn’t like tacos, but she said that diversifying her palate was something she was working on.
Again to my surprise, she only had wonderful things to say about her meal (she ordered two street tacos with steak) and about the establishment: “Perfect meal for any day in any month in any year. I hope they get a lot of business, because I want them to stay open forever.”
Margaux and I shared three Gobernador Tacos—grilled taco filled with a savory mixture of shrimp, cheese, vegetables, and a cream sauce—which, unsurprisingly, were amazing.
We both regretted our decision to share a plate of food and fought over who was going to eat the larger half of the third taco.
When asked, “if you had to describe the taste of your meal in one word, what would that be?” Margaux responded, “Otherworldly.”
She also added that Taqueria El Vaquero is “the best food on Third Street, but people aren’t ready to have that conversation yet.”
I do agree with her that the food is amazing, but personally I think there now is a trifecta tie for the best food on Third Street: Biba, Cafe Kolache, and Taqueria El Vaquero.
The service at Taqueria El Vaquero is speedy, and the employees are very kind. The environment is clean and welcoming and warm.
As the three of us sat and ate, music played throughout the small dining area without being overbearing while videos of horseback riding and funny cats played on TVs on either side of the posted menu.
Overall, the food, the experience, and the environment are wonderful and worth your while.
Most definitely try Taqueria El Vaquero!