El Vaquero Mexican Taqueria

Amazing food. Best Tacos I've ever had. You gotta try the Birria. Everything about it was on point. The meat, the corn tortillas, the dipping sauce, and the toppings. All fresh. Perfect temperature and looks beautiful. Definitely coming back.

Got take out. It took longer than expected but it's all good bc they put a $10 off coupon in my bag for next time. The tacos, beans, rice and fried plantains were all amazing. Great salsa too. Will definitely be coming here again.

Really delicious food, friendly staff and quick pick up times. My food and order have been correct every time. The steak fajitas and chicken mole enchiladas are favorites.

Very good birria tacos they got a little more on the Cummins or cinnamon flavors but pretty decent. The tortas come with fries. There tables and chairs so you can eat there. There is no restroom

The food is amazing! Super fresh and just the right amount of spicy. Honestly felt like I was back in Mexico. The tortas are next level. Such a great experience!

Wow! What a revelation. Sad that I didn't know about this amazing Mexican place until now. First time ordering takeout and I am a fan. Ordered birria tacos, lamb tacos and a tamale plate. Everything was excellent. The birria tacos were bomb and the lamb tacos unique and scrumptious. The tamale plate came with tamales , rice and beans. They were freshly made, moist and the most flavorful tamales I have ever had. Highly recommend this place!!

Drove 30 minutes to eat here to taste the food. Definitely not worth the drive. This place does not serve real Mexican food. The beans are from a can and their seasoning is no where near what mexican seasoning should taste like. a lot of people seem to like this place but I don’t blame since they must not know what a real Mexican plate of food taste like and this is okay. Overall I recommend if you are used to eating border town or mexican food from Mexico don’t eat here, you will not like the food.

I’ve given this place a couple tries before writing a review but my most recent experience needs one. To start the Mexican lady in the front has a disgusting disposition when you walk in that throws you off. Teach her some customer service please. It’s rude and unwelcoming. When it gets to the food, it’s bland, there’s very little care put into presentation and it just isn’t seasoned (watery, very raw tomato-ey taste) If you’re looking to just fill your stomach, they can do that but it’s extremely unsatisfying and will leave you quite irritated upon finishing your meal……..if you can get through it.

Delicious Mexican food! I really enjoyed the chicken molé enchiladas here. Their mole sauce is better than the mole I've tried at most places locally Also, the tacos are quite good. They offer taco Tuesday specials as well. The tamales are super tasty. Probably some of the best I've had outside of California and Mexico. Also, they do a nice job with the street corn. The burritos are good, but I would avoid the breakfast burrito. The breakfast burrito makes sense conceptually, but it is super messy and does not hold well in the soft tortilla that they don't put in the grill after assembly. They don't make it the way that it is described on the menu. If they did, it would probably hold up better. Instead of using sliced avocado, they use a very loose guacamole in the breakfast burrito. Also, they give very little attention to the egg and the chorizo. The chorizo is mushy and not sliced the way it should be. Highly recommend avoiding the potatoes in your burrito because they're just small french fries, not proper home fries. Prices are reasonable. Hopefully they keep them that way. Street parking is available, and there is a parking lot around the corner. This is a great little spot in West Medford Square. I believe it's family owned, and for the most part they are friendly. The only time I had a bad experience was when I got the breakfast burrito. Every other time was good. Also, I noticed that the service is much better when the owner is on site. When he is not, there has been a massive decline from time to time - especially with the cook.

Their food is pretty standard Mexican nothing spectacular. I ordered their carne asada burrito with refried beans, it was loaded with rice and high sodium bits of chop steaks. Carne asada rice plate it was meh, wished the steak and pepper were portioned better just two paper thin steak with baby serving peppers and onions. Also their birria do not get, it's nothing special about their tacos , the filling is just sad served with their watered down consome in a plastic cup. 7.99 for chips and gauc were even more disappointing. Caliente mix grill where are you? Il coming !

The birria tacos were amazing (my boyfriend's words, not mine). Juicy tender meat! I ordered shrimp quesadillas and they were very cheesy with a good portion of grilled shrimp in them. What really wowed me were the side sauces and the churros. Super flavor exploding spicy salsa sauces and probably the best bb churros I've ever had. They have caramel filling inside!! Definitely a local treasure

Love good Mexican and this is not good Mexican. I was hoping it would be good. Maybe I got the wrong thing, carne asada taco plate & Taco salad. Not much flavor & incredibly average. Woman taking my order assumed I spoke Spanish asking me questions in Spanish... I won't be returning

The food was crap. There's something that I'm thinking bird shit in it, the tables look like someone took a bite out of them.

14.00 for this, The place is a rip off, Good way to lose business. I added guacamole that's it. Menu reads 8.99 plus each additional topping is extra. I'll never be back.

Easily 5 star Mexican. Choriqueso and shrimp tacos were highlights but you can't go wrong

They have really good burritos, and everyone there is very kind. Love, love, love El Vaquero! And the restaurant is small, but it adds to the experience.

The tacos, tortas, horchata, and Hibiscus juice is absolutely delicious. 10/10 food. It's fresh and chocked full of flavor.

Solid little hole in the wall. Friendly staff. Always clean. Tacos birria are dope af

Yessssss!!! so good can't wait to come back! Thank you for the great service & delicious food

My absolute favorite place for tacos!!!!! I live in Worcester county but every time I visit my sister here, it's the first place I go for food. Their birria is the best I've tried :))

1st time visit not the last Small restaurant mainly take out place Had tilapia tacos soft grilled Was FRESH and delicious Not fishy at all Great price all around Will definitely try dinner plates in the future

This place is a slice of heaven. The food tastes like it was made with love and it sends me right back to California on the beach. The churros are to die for, the tortas are perfect and the carne asada fries remind me of home. I love everyone who works here.

Food is fresh and abundant. Really feels homy. But everything is too oily. My husband hates it because of that. I still go on my own from time to time because everything is delicious. I do not eat the pupusas as they are really greasy.

Flavorful delicious burrito! The people are very nice and it's my new go to spot. Great for quick takeout!

Good birria tacos but even better carne asada fries! The birria tacos we definitely tasty but I feel like they could use a little more meat. The carne asada fries were definitely the star of the show. First, I love that they were made with thicker fires and not wimpy shoestring ones. The fries were absolutely loaded with carne asada, cheese, pico guac, and sour cream (the sour cream was a little heavy for my liking). There was also some other creamy orange sauce they put on them that was very flavorful and totally added more flavor to the fries. Also ordered a carne asada taco and a steak adobada taco. They tasted pretty similar, both loaded with pico, lettuce, and cheese. I would say that the adobada steak had a little more spice than the carne asada. Overall I enjoyed my meal here, and would say it is a lot better than most other taco places I have tried in the area.

5 out of 5! The birria taco is the best I have ever had. So fresh, and full of flavor. I only get 1 because it's a heavier taco. I always get 2 grilled chicken tacos with it to balance out lightness. The tacos are generously filled with meat and have a light amount of cheese. The churros are crisp and not too greasy and the plantains are saucy goodness. It's a lunch treat to get me through mid week blues!

Tldr; the birria tacos are the best tacos I've ever had. Do yourself a favor and get one Birria taco: 5/5 I don't know how I've gone this long without eating a birria taco, but I have been missing out on one of life's greatest pleasures. Had my first one at El Vaquero, and it was hands down the best taco my mom and I have ever had. Perfectly juicy and seasoned beef with a crispy fried shell - TO DIE FOR! We came back a second time just for the birria tacos, and I'm sure we'll be back soon. Lamb taco: 4/5 I've never had a lamb taco before, and it was pretty good! But paled in comparison to the birria Fish taco: 2.5/5 My mom ordered this and it was just okay...really messy to eat and the shell started to feel soggy from all the sauce inside. Again, nothing could compare to the birria

Why didnt i start coming here last summer? These guys are as new to the neighborhood as I am so we kind of share the same move in time period. However its better late than never. Taco Tuesday : All tacos for $1.99( regular price $3.5). The place: small. Can host 2 groups of 4 and a couple of more people. Service: Excellent. All were smiling and prompt and made the food right after the order goes in and that too in front of you. Food: Delish. Had the lamb and the grilled chicken tacos. The lamb didnt lose its taste which was awesome as many places they try to hide it. The chicken was grilled yet it didnt lose its juice. This reminded me of all those tasty eats i have had in the west or small taquerias. Ask them for the Spicy mayo and the jalepeno green sauce. I expected more heat but didnt get much. Next time will make sure to ask them t One flip side: The price. At $3.5 I do not expect to get the tacos coming out of "Mission Street taco" packets. Its at par with BarTaco however less footfall and the rents might keep it high. I would expect at least more options like masa ? or atleast try to make them fresh? Maybe more tacos but only on Tuesdays?

I thought the lamb burrito (8$+tax+tip) was solidly decent. The lamb was well spiced and flavorful, and overall all the ingredients tasted good. It was let down by two factors: the tortilla had split while being wrapped and the distribution of ingredients was very uneven, so all the jalapenos were in one end of the burrito. I'd definitely be back!

The torta was one of the best sandwiches I've had in my life, the fries were made fresh to order, everything was ready incredibly quick. I'd go back in for another if my stomach wasn't full to bursting, I will be a regular.

Best chicken quesadilla I've EVER had. The street corn is also amazing, I like to pair my quesadilla with a side of the street corn sauce, just perfect!

This is the best restaurant in the area, period. Birria, fish tacos, tamales, churros, tres leches and flan?! Why haven't your ordered yet? It's just *chef's kiss*

Food is super tasty! I've had the burrito, torta (amazing) and quesadilla. It's my new mexican spot!

Let's get to the most important things first- The food is outstanding. I ordered a Carne Asada Burrito and Chicken Quesadilla and they were both absolutely tasty- a unique combination of flavors and spices that was way better than most I've ever had. The steak in the Carne Asada was crispy and tender. The quesadilla had lots of cheese with the chicken and was not dried out like some places. Tip- when I ordered each of these in advance on the phone- I was asked what did I want on them. I asked for everything but sour cream- so perhaps that was the key to such great flavors. Portions were the right size and prices were more than fair. The place was very clean as well. The seating area is very limited- so mostly a takeout place. Without a doubt my new go to place for Mexican takeout.

This meal Was one of the worst. I had to use my husband's medicine on him twice, in our 25 years of marriage, and this was only the third time. This place made us so sick that I thought I had to go to the ICU. Nothing is more repulsive than the food that I've eaten at this place. No sour cream OR salsa in the burrito? Barely any cheese. I fear I will be barren for life. I fear for those with cilantro allergies. I demand an apology. One star and only because I cannot give it to zero.

My family and I have enjoyed many different dishes from this restaurant. One of my kids: "I think this is the best burrito I've ever had." I'm especially fond of the mole. Staff are friendly, courteous, and expedient.

My friend took me here to try the birria tacos and they do not disappoint! You don't want to miss out on these. Get some with a nice cold jarritos! Not sure of his name but the older gentleman taking payments in the front was very nice! I can't wait to come back here again. By the way - the birria tacos re-heat very well - get some extra to eat at home later, because you will definitely wish you had more!

Suchhhh good authentic Mexican food! I got a torta with pollo asado and ate the whole thing. The elote was also good. You order at the counter, and they make it in front of you. The only issue is that the inside is very small, so don't come for a sit down dinner with a large group. Definitely one of my favorite restaurants in the Medford area!

A friend kept telling me how delicious the food is. We ordered carne asada plate, carne asada tacos, birria tacos, and a campechana bowl. Everything was so delicious and filling. The tacos are loaded with meat and flavor. Will definitely be a new favorite for us! Edit to add this is 20 minutes from my house and the food was still fresh and hot by the time we got home.

This is pretty close to some of the Mexican food we've had on the west coast. We seem to always get their burritos, burrito bowls and the biria. Everything has been delicious. I will have to try something from their breakfast menu, but I find that I'm a bit lazy to haul myself there in the morning.

Amazing tacos birrias and tamales a must try! I was in the area and found this gem. You know it's a good spot when they serve good tamale. Most places serve them so dry but this place got it down right. Taco birria were also amazingly delicious Definetly coming back.

Ordered two orders of Birria Tacos for takeout and arrived just as they were being finished! The restaurant itself smells so good! The food stayed warm on our 15 min drive back. It was my first time trying Birria and I was immensely impressed. The beef is tender and the consume was tasty! Will definitely be coming back

Being born and raised in LA, tacos are like second nature to dinner tables, an iconic food for Californians. Moving to Boston it's been hard finding that missing piece to something i was used to having on a daily until i saw Chimichurri's open up in Medford. I drove by as they built it up and have been waiting for a chance to stop and try them out...well they didn't disappoint on the tacos, even tho i will never find LA street tacos out here, these guys get close. Why the 4 stars then? I'm used to paying $1.50 per taco, they are charging $3 and it maybe because of location but to me it seems a lot...not saying i won't pay it but saying i won't be eating it daily . Yes i would recommend, yes i will return and yes imma have me some more tacos for sure.

First time getting delivery from here-- got the chicken burrito bowl (spicy) and DAYUM that was good. I can't properly express how flavorful this was. I'm a big fan of spicy food and they're not playing around when you ask for spicy. It was that perfect amount of delicious, warming, spice without being overboard. I had some sauce here in case I needed to kick it up a bit but it wasn't needed; perfect as-is. Big props to the folks making such a great dish.

Ordered carne asada fries, and they were very disappointing. There was unmelted cheese throughout the dish, and soggy fries. The sauce had a good kick but it was not redeeming enough. I recommend trying something else on the menu if you visit or order.

Was driving by and decided to give these folks a try. Ordered a burrito and it was delicious. I can't wait to try some of the other dishes!

El Vaquero - A poem Mexican food is always a delight When you need a little spicy fiery bite There's one place in Medford right on High Street El Vaquero, my friend, with food you must eat We ordered the nachos that were crazy good Would I order them again? You bet I would A burrito packed with meats so great That I felt my mouth and it were bound by fate With delicious food that's seasoned so well If eating here was a sin, I'd be in Hell So pop on by, you won't want to miss El Vaquero has it all, that and this!

I wish I discovered this place before I was about to move out of Malden, but I will most certainly be driving up from Newton to get more of their lamb tacos!

I like the tres leche cake. The best I've tasted anywhere. The torta was delicious. The baby at the next table was beatific, and I'm not sure who smiled most sweetly: the baby at her mom or the mom at her baby. Either way, the atmosphere is friendly the staff are competent and friendly and the food is tasty.

Dropped in for lunch after my wife & I had run some Sunday errands, this tiny shop has been open for about 2 yrs but this was our first visit but it definitely won't be our last! We were greeted by Natalya, who cheerfuly discussed all the food options we had & answered all of our questions. We both chose tortas ( I got lamb, wife got chicken asado), both came with french fries & Natalya made several recommendations for our next visit. She explained that they make their salsas in house & offered us a gratis sample so my wife chose mild salsa ( I can't handle any heat so she tried it and said was "excellent "). So we get back in our car & decided not to wait to get home & just dug right in @ a public parking lot down the street. These tortas were so fresh & delicious my lamb was outstanding & my wife said her chicken torta was one of the best she has had!! The fries were nicely cooked & seasoned perfectly. We will definitely come back to try some tacos & burritos next & will be delighted to see Natalya again because she made us feel so welcome. Craving Mexican food in my hometown of Medford, MA?, get yourself over to El Vaquero cuz Rick said so!

This food was so delicious - the tacos were the closest to what I got when I used to live in LA that I've found in the area. They had so many good options including multiple homemade hot sauces and salsa. The women working there are incredibly lovely. While I was ordering a couple who finished up their meal began literally raving to the staff about how incredible the food was, something you don't see often! I'm so excited to live nearby and keep trying new things!

We ordered the loaded nachos with chicken- they were okay, but definitely could've used queso instead of melted shredded cheese. Also all the toppings were on the top layer, so the bottom chips were just bare and a little stale. The tacos were mediocre, mostly bland as other reviews have said. I felt like the Baja fish ones could use a sauce of sorts. Overall, it was a decent, cheap, easy dinner. Not super cheap though, $30 for 5 tacos and nachos.

The food here is AMAZING. My go-to menu item is the pollo asado torta, which is the best in town. It's so delicious and flavorful, as are the fries that come with it. Probably the best fries I've ever had as well! I'm not a fan of spicy food but the pollo asado torta and french fry dipping sauce have a very subtle heat that I just love. I have also recently tried the elote which is also very good. The corn was perfectly cooked and came off the cob like butter when I ate it. The elote has the same mild heat going on as the pollo asado torta.

This is the most authentic Mexican street/cart food I've eaten in the Boston area. Double soft corn tortillas, not overloaded with filling, not overwhelmed by "Americanized" toppings (but you can add them). Just savory meats, onion, cilantro, salsa verde, and a smidge of cheese. Elotes ("street corn") was an especially good find - this lesser-know treat is still pretty hard to find on the east coast, and El Vaquero's is delicious. They even have Sangria soda (non-alcoholic) which I do not like but is very authentic to the Mexican street food experience : ) This is food made with love, served with great care and pride. And now for the minor bummer news. The space to eat is really small (only a couple tables). We ate in because we arrived just before a busy period. It was a nice experience but it would be hard to wait around for a table to open, because when it's busy, there isn't a lot of space to hang around and wait. Just be prepared that you might need to take your food to go. On the upside I was glad to see that it was very busy the entire time we were eating - it's a good sign that they picked an affordable amount of space to start and so they're not over-extended on paying for more space than they need. I'd love to see them eventually grow to a slightly larger space. Also, related to the small space - there's no public bathrooms. This isn't the end of the world, but it can be an inconvenience if you arrive say ... direct from a work commute home. Again, taking food to go solves this problem. This wouldn't keep me from going but it's helpful to know in advance (esp if you have little kids w you)

Not only are they the nicest and most hard working people ever, but these are the best birria tacos I've EVER had. Everything was so good I can't recommend enough. New favorite!

Found this gem while searching for places to get my taco fix and what a find it was! First go around was 3 birria tacos, 4 mango habanero wings and a burrito for the wife and I. Everything was so good! Friendly staff, great food and super quick! We also found out that regular tacos were $1.99 on Tuesdays (birria were still the same price) so I grab a few to go. My heart wanted to try everyone but my stomach wouldn't allow it. Sounds like another trip coming up soon!

Great food, love the staff and you will fee transported to Mexico at first bite. We will be back

Great little taco place in West Medford. As others have said the Birria Beef taco with homemade adobo sauce stands out as an excellent choice though all of the tacos I've tried are quite good. Excellent burritos as well. The one time I tried a torta it was a bit bready though the spicy Mayo sauce that was included helped with that dryness.