What should I order at El Vaquero?
El Vaquero
Shrimp (spicy) / Shrimp fajitas
Mentioned multiple times as loved and great, including spicy shrimp and shrimp fajitas, praised for big flavors and satisfaction.
Tamales
Recommended for being great, mentioned specifically as a favorite dish by a reviewer.
Enchiladas
Several reviewers recommended the enchiladas, describing them as really good and satisfying.
Chicken Mole
Highly praised for its perfect balance of spices and rich chocolate flavor, making it a standout item worth a long drive.
Steak a la Mexicana
Recommended for its big flavors, with requests to spice it up, keeping customers coming back.
Fajitas (beef and chicken)
Frequently mentioned and recommended, described as amazing with great portions and very tasty.
Fish taco
Mentioned positively in multiple reviews as part of satisfying and well-liked meals.
Chimichangas
Recommended as great Mexican comfort food with good takeout experience.
Bob's specials
Mentioned as a tasty choice with generous portions.
Homemade Flan
Praised by multiple friends for high quality and good taste, surprising regular flan tasters positively.
Hours
| Monday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Thursday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Friday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Saturday | 11 AM to 8:30 PM |
| Sunday | Closed |
About El Vaquero
El Vaquero is a Mexican restaurant in Arnold, California, serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner with dine-in, takeout, and outdoor seating. Reviewers consistently praise the chile relleno, enchiladas, tamales, shrimp fajitas, and chicken mole, along with fast service and generous portions. The atmosphere is described as casual, cozy, and quiet, and several reviews mention the patio and deck as a strong part of the experience. It is priced in the $20 to 30 range and is noted as a local specialty spot that draws both groups and solo diners.
Amenities & services
Service options
- Outdoor seating
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Highlights
- Fast service
- Serves local specialty
Popular for
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Wheelchair accessible seating
Offerings
- Alcohol
- Beer
- Coffee
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
- Wine
Dining options
- Breakfast
- Brunch
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Dessert
- Seating
- Table service
Amenities
- Restroom
Atmosphere
- Casual
- Cozy
- Quiet
Crowd
- Groups
- Tourists
Planning
- Accepts reservations
Payments
- Credit cards
- Debit cards
- NFC mobile payments
Children
- Good for kids
- High chairs
- Kids' menu
Parking
- Free parking lot
- Free street parking
- Usually plenty of parking
Frequently asked questions
What is El Vaquero known for?
El Vaquero is especially known for its chile relleno, which is one of the most frequently mentioned dishes in reviews, along with enchiladas and chicken mole. Reviewers also call out the patio and deck setting, plus fast service and big flavors in the Mexican comfort food.
What dishes are most recommended at El Vaquero?
Reviewers most often recommend the chile relleno, enchiladas, chicken mole, shrimp fajitas, tamales, and fish taco plate. Other specific favorites include the chicken quesadilla, steak a la Mexicana, carnitas, and chimichangas, with many comments noting solid portions and strong seasoning.
What is the atmosphere like at El Vaquero?
The vibe is casual, cozy, and quiet, with outdoor seating that reviewers specifically mention on the patio and deck. It seems to work well for groups, solo diners, and travelers stopping through Arnold, especially when they want a relaxed sit-down meal.
Is El Vaquero good value, and what is the price range?
El Vaquero falls in the $20 to 30 range, and reviews describe the food as reasonably priced or a bit pricey but still worth it for the portions and quality. Several diners mention leaving satisfied after dishes like fajitas, enchiladas, and mole, even when the restaurant is busy.
How long does it usually take to get food at El Vaquero?
Service is often described as fast, and one takeout order of chimichangas was quoted at about 20 minutes and was ready by the time the customer returned from a nearby market. Reviewers also note that the restaurant can get busy, so wait times may be longer when the tables are mostly full.
Is parking available at El Vaquero?
Yes. Free parking lot, Free street parking, Usually plenty of parking is available.
Is El Vaquero kid-friendly?
Yes, El Vaquero is good for kids.
Restaurants like El Vaquero in Arnold
Why use AI food recommendations?
Skip the Menu
No need to trust waiters or get overwhelmed by the menu
Explained Choices
Provides context and explanations for why each dish is recommended
Find things to do & top restaurants in any city