Tacos el Vaquero

I know this might sound like a bold claim, but trust me—Tacos El Vaquero has the best adobada in the area. You don’t just taste the quality; you see it. Right there in the window, the trompo is slowly roasting, its layers glistening as they crisp up to perfection. If you’re a fan of adobada, this place is non-negotiable. Today, I went for the adobada burrito, and let me tell you—it’s massive. This isn’t some skimpy, half-filled wrap; it’s a beast of a burrito, packed with flavor in every bite. At $16 before tax, it’s definitely on the pricier side, but considering the sheer size and quality, I’d say it’s worth every penny. What really makes it stand out is the marinade—deep, smoky, and just the right balance of tangy and savory. The tortilla is incredibly fresh, tender with a slight chew, and holds up beautifully under the weight of all that deliciousness. They also serve it up with fresh limes and crunchy radishes, little details that take the experience to the next level. The tacos here are also top-tier, with the same mouthwatering adobada, but I haven’t explored the other menu items yet (yes, they even have a hot dog on the menu). But if you’re coming here for anything, make it the adobada—you won’t regret it. Tacos El Vaquero is usually parked in front of 3 Punk Ales Brewery, as long as parking is available, making it the perfect spot to grab some tacos and a beer. They’re typically open later in the afternoon until around 11 PM, so it’s a great late-night option when you're craving something seriously good. If you're on the hunt for next-level adobada, Tacos El Vaquero is the real deal.

No mamen! These tacos are it! They’re not stingy with their portions. Taste is authentically delicious.They do everything in front of you. It’s clean!! The staff is great and friendly (especially the cashier) If I lived here this place would be my go-to! Sad to be away, looking forward to tasting you again some day!

Simply the best. Tacos was great. Nice and generous employee. Clean and full equipment.

Location is good. Food is great. The menu looks pricey but, it is worth every penny. Recommended!!!!

Amazing Shrimp tacos and carne asada so big and delicious A Must

When I don't feel like going to Tijuana for tacos this is one of my go to spots this side of the border. These tacos are the real deal!

Really good tacos. The carne asada was very good.

It is the best tacos I tried in San Diego

One of my top taco spots in LA, the carne asada and the lengua are my go to here. They have vampiros as well and burritos are solid!

I always enjoy a great food truck! It's amazing how different the varieties and taste that come from what food truck operations provide - and Tacos El Vaquero right there in this classification. They were excellent in the quality, creation, distinction/variety of offerings, service, and an attractive appeal in the design of their truck and how they facilitated the condiment/beverage area for the large crowd of church-goers after each service. I am very grateful that the owner Victor kindly allowed me to come inside the truck to see the operation and take a few photos. My first tacos were the asada and pollo offerings. Both were very good but I loved the pollo's tenderness and spicing. I could have eaten that one with nothing on it but the soft shell, it was that good! But the asada is no slouch either, so it was a win-win for me. I dressed both of my plates (I had three additional samples later on that morning) with cucumber, radishes, cilantro, and mild green salsa. My top three favorite meats were the adobada, pollo, and chorizo - fully cooked and tasted supremely well. Victor and his two staffers were very courteous and helpful in addressing my questions and touring me inside the truck. It was very clean inside and well-ordered. They had a lot to prep for with over 350 people attending two church services, but there was never a complaint and everything inside and outside the food truck was restocked and keep in order continually. Great work, Victor, to you and your team! I had a great time and enjoyed meeting you all - thank you too for helping to make our church event more special on this Sunday! Recommend: HIGH

I parked my car about a block away and could right away smell grill. The tacos here are probably twice as expensive as elsewhere in Tj but they are packed with quality meat. When I arrived the meats were already grilled and were reheated before put into the taco. I was a bit full from previous restaurant so that why I'm giving at 4/5 for now. I'll definitely gonna come back again. The guy working through register made me feel welcome and I enjoyed talking to him.

This speaks for itself. Asked for guacamole, got an entire unsliced avocado instead. Huge pieces of fat and gristle in every bite. And the guy who took my order was an ass. Go to Tacos a Vapor instead.

Carne asada tacos don't taste like carne asada, I suspect that they are mixing pork meat with beef. The taste is really obvious. Another thing to consider before purchasing, they pre-cut their meat to be" ready," and they still take a long time to serve you and cold carne asada.

The first time I went to here was to satisfy a hot dog craving, and they did not disappoint. Usually food trucks are all miss but this one is a hit. I only had their bacon wrapped hot dog which was great so I'll have to try the other hot dogs another time man have a good night okay.

My favorite local taco truck. I think all the bad reviews are from other taqueros, tourists or disgruntled local politicians/ community members that hate street vendors! The competition is real but Tacos El Vaquero make some of the best tacos in town. Stop lying kids!! Everything I've tried has been delicious and they don't skimp on ingredients. The quality of the food is exceptional and is much better than most of the local shops. Taco connoisseurs and foodies will enjoy this gem!! Buen provecha!!

This food truck sucks. The food is garbage, the cashier/hostess is rude and snotty. The waiting time for one's order was unacceptable. But the person who would have made our experience tolerable decided to be arrogant and covering for her the bad service. Anyway that's my personal opinion.

This taco truck is really good! I always get their tacos de adobada, which they load it with meat, and their tosticowboys! Tosticowboys are my favorite item on the menu, it's definitely a must try! Tostito chips with adobada? Who would've thought!

The food and service here is phenomenal!! Absolutely loved the beef tacos. They had fantastic flavor, the portion size was amazing, finger licking good let me tell you. We Will definitely be back for more!

We tried El Vaquero IB today, super yummy! 3 fish tacos plus guacamole and chips only $10.99, pork Adobe vampiro and perfect view completes the order!

I've had this place a couple times and I was very disappointed the meat is not great I had to pull out fatyt inedible pieces of meat almost every bite. Only a few places have ever made me spit out the food, the guacamole is tasteless, it drips tons of grease. The fact that it has nearly 4 stars shows we hace gotten used to bad tracks in this city.

Hands down the best tacos In the South Bay! Aside from the employees being very friendly and courteous, the tacos are made fresh and they are full of meat! You'll be surprised how full you can get by eating these little tacos. My favorite are the adobada and tripa. My wife enjoys the Asada. Great place for food and you can enjoy a drink from a nearby bar

First off, I wanted to try a new taco spot. Was craving a carne asada burrito but found this truck on Yelp that was rated 5 stars. Thumbs down!!!! That tosticowboy is basically carne asada chips or any meat of choice. The description said it had grilled onions and cilantro in it but there wasn't any and it was salty as f***. It might have tasted better with the grilled onions and cilantro but where was it? The taco next to it was supposed to be a cheese shell. Took it home and what did I get? A corn shell. Basically I got a taco. Waste of my $17 for two items. Never again!!!!

Wait time is crazy and prices are not the best. The food is 50% oil and drips a lot ...

Food was very good. Customer service was great. Food to be ready didn't took that long. I tried the tacos de carne asada and mulita was dank ! My bf tried the adobada taco, vampirio adobada & taco de lengua. He said his favorite was the taco de lengua. Taco truck is located in Chula Vista near location. I recommend this place to give it a try.

Not too long of a wait when eating close to there ( they give you a little buzzer ) I originally wanted fries but they were out :( so I went with the chips which were tostitos brand with cheese, your choice of meat, cilantro, onions & some bomb ass salsa. Food was bomb but talked shit to me later :( LOL !!! But whatever's hahah I would still eat it

My friend said it was the best! Not impressed! Tacos were soggy, Wayyy too spicy! And with wayyyy too much guacamole! This is a review for the truck on 3rd Ave Chula Vista. If it was busy I would understand .hmm OK maybe this is why they were really sloppy and soggy tacos ...,,,but there was NO LINE And it was during the week so no excuses.

Sorry I tried these twice and decided to review them the second time around. The meat is just too salty and the guacamole is pretty dark/borderline unacceptable! Wanted to review them higher but not worthy sorry maybe next time!

We posted our review and this establishment decided to respond like this... "Next time ask for your money instead. Why leave negative feedback for some hot dogs?! Our costumers have the chance to either ask for their money back or remake your order. Thanks for the feedback Also why lie about the wait time? your order took no more than 25 minutes to be made. Its a slow day! Even on our most busiest day the order dont take an hour" It's not about the hotdogs being made wrong TWICE( mind you the bacon was raw the second time) it's how this establishment handled and continues to hande the situation! UNPROFESSIONAL! our order was put in at 7:02 and got our food at 7:56, so excuse me 54 minutes not an hour!

Places like this the reason La tacos are better than Sd tacos waited 13 minutes and watched everyone behind me get their orders before me shits expensive and isn't even that good food quality definitely has gone down.The girl sits on her phone touches dirty ass money and then puts her hands all over your food.The actual restaurant isn't that bad though just the shitty truck.

The bad reviews on here are bogus! The food at this taco truck are amazing!!! We go to the bar 3 punks ale and then we get tacos and quesadillas at least 1 time every 2 weeks! I totally recommend them, I was thinking I'd having them cater my wedding ceremony rehearsal. They are that bomb!

This taco truck was set up outside of Thr3e Punks Ale today. It was standard to buy at least one taco to get drinks at the brewery. Overall, I had one asada taco that was good with some fresh guac on it. They give you a small buzzer to know when it's ready. I'd try more tacos here next time I see this truck.

Taco trucks are these things that just scream SoCal and it's almost fun looking for them to see if they're any worth or if they'll send you to the hospital. Don't worry, Tacos El Vaquero is definitely worth. Chula Vista's 3rd street has been lively with breweries and food trucks ready to support those breweries to keep them operational per California's COVID guidelines. One of those trucks is Tacos El Vaquero. Long after the breweries has closed, the cars have driven off and the majority of other food vendors have shut down for the night, this food truck continues serving tacos late into the night. While I am still a fan of Tacos el Gordo, Tacos El Vaquero is a gem hiding under the large shadow of TEG. Their adobada taco is different than TEG, the flavor isn't as strong and the sauces are spicier. It's not for me but it might be for you. I am here about the tripa/tripe. I find it difficult finding a taqueria in San Diego that has good tripe. They're either too burnt and crispy or too chewy or too fatty. The tripa here is a good combination of juicy, tender and flavor. Their carnitas also hold well against the competition. Other places often end up with dry carnitas but again, their carnitas are well-marinated, juicy and tender. The portions are generous too! You might see the price and say, "$2.70 is steep for a taco" but you get more in what you're paying as far portion and flavor. I believe this taco truck is definitely a find.

This place is sooooo bomb. Hands down some of the best tacos I've had in SD. Pretty much remind me of TJ... 100% recommend. The adobada is off the hook couldn't take a pic of the tacos bc we demolished them.

I was told about this truck by a friend and thought why not try it being around the corner from me. Ordered 2 mulitas and 3 mini adobada tacos...$29 I didn't like the prices...way over priced...but I guess we gotta pay their gas somehow. Good was good just like TJ without crossing the border...will I go again? ‍

Really good good tacos !! Wife and I being coming to this trailer for about two-three months and tacos always taste really good we love tj tacos and this place is super close Give them a try You wont regret. My favorite are the mulitas of adovada !!

Wow!!! The tacos of SUADERO are GREAT!!! They also have complementary, fresh cucumber slices that you can dress with lime and salt to snack on while you wait. Succulent and refreshing!!! The adobada was not bad... but, I am going to wrap up this post to enjoy another Suadero taco!!! (By the way, Suadero is thinly cut meat near the rib and breast of beef)

Food was super yummy after hitting the bars. My friend is vegetarian and they were able to make the meat and cheese separate on the Tostitos vaqueros . The food is super yummy and the service is great! I highly recommend the food is good :) great service

My husband and I enjoyed several good beers tonight and the smell from this truck drew us in. I could smell the lengua from down the block and knew my husband would be so happy to see that! Well to my surprise there was some super juicy looking adobada in front of us as well! We ordered both and both were so dang good and flavorful. The guys in the truck were super friendly and we got our food very quickly. We're bringing the kids back next week so we can have more delicious food and so mama doesn't have to cook that night!

I came here because Ive heard this is the go to place for tacos plus I know Alex but he wasn't there today. No line and didnt wait long to get my food and the food here is bomb. Highly recommend trying them out you will not regret it. Amazing food especially since the tacos are cheaper then most place

Food is good, prices keep going up but consistency needs improvement. Maybe try opening on time or change your hours of operation?.. just some tips

I've tried these tacos twice. The first time were very tasty although there was a slop of avocado thrown on the tacos. The 2nd time, the tacos were sloppily made. I ordered two tacos and couldn't finish the 2nd. It looks like tacos were thrown together in a rush.

Simply amazing wife and I standing out here licking our fingers Sooooo Good. Courteous and VERY CLEAN service. Highly recommend... Sauce is hot do so proceed with caution...

100% great food! Yes, it's a food truck but it's worth waiting in line despite the fact that 3rd Avenue has become very busy with the new bars and eateries. My overall experience ordering and receiving my food went smoothly without any mistakes. Observing customers who ordered before and after me there was no problems that I know of regarding their food. So there's that... I will say it does get very busy on the weekends, especially Friday night. As far as what to get? I like the adobada taco, but hands down I was impressed by the carne asada taco! Also the price for the tacos is reasonable at only only $2.00 each, and they're pretty darn filling. Needless to say, it's definitely worth a try and I'm definitely coming back for more!

Holy tacos!!!! Omg this place is f***ing amazing. Obviously there are so many good taco spots in San Diego but this has to rate in my top 3. Never even heard of this place and decided to try it and I'm so glad I did. Insanely good. I don't know what they do to their tacos but this is a must try!

We had been here once before and tacos were delicious. I dont know what happened, but we went yesterday and they were sooo different. I guess different cook‍. Cabeza tacos were very dry, adobada had so much fat and pieces were so huge and meat was hard. So disappointed!! Besides not being good, they were so expensive. Or we were overcharged. We paid $64 for 12 tacos. Not worth it.

Tacos were not good. Adobada too spicy super greasy Asada burnt meat and no flavor. This place is way over rated.

Finally we have tacos that done right in this area! please keep coming back to Perkins

Do NOT book this place for catering. They catered my wedding and decided to change my plan of buffet style to order style the day before my wedding. And then did not show up on time, or with enough people like they promised. My guests were waiting for an hour & a half for food. Completed ruined my timeline that I had to cut out key moments of my wedding day because of them. They proceeded to tell me that they had never done an event like this and ever tried the serving idea they had- which they assured me they had experience in that before the wedding. I missed two hours of my wedding because of them so please save your money and time and choose somewhere else. I would give a 0 star review but the one star is only because the tacos were pretty good. So disappointing that they did this & this happened on my wedding day & I'm going to remember that forever.

The management team in this business is really unprofessional and disrespectful to their staff. I tried to work here but unfortunately I left within 3 hours due to the fact that the person in charge is completely disrespectful and constantly complains about having to pay his employees. As any other person starting a new job it is expected that management trains them correctly in order to succeed but if you are planning on working here get ready to have tough skin and used to getting disrespected and not payed because that is how management runs the show. The owner is a complete different person than who is in charge because he actually has a good attitude. I wasted my time trying to be accommodated but unfortunately I will not handle disrespectful management. Besides not getting payed get ready to endure constant disrespect from the person in charge.

Delicious and inexpensive TJ style tacos. Their adobada tacos and tacos de cabeza are to die for.

Best Street-Slyle tacos in San Diego. If you want anything close to TJ tacos this is the spot. Cashier is always very friendly, place is clean, and service is fast. Watch out for the Salsas!

Never fails! This is the go to spot. Tacos el gordo is so overpriced and over rated in comparison to these guys!

Placed an order for 4:10pm and it's 5pm right now they are not even open. Keep calling the number they have on file and they don't even answer. Bummer the food looks great but with this experience I don't even want to give them my money.

This place is FIRE! We had their quesotacos, so bomb and they do not skimp on the meat like other places!! The vampiro was good too with the crispy cheese! Only tried the asada & adobada and both were dank!! Jamaica was good too! Good to know this late night taco spot exists, def will be back.

I highly do not recommend this spot. The guy cooking and cutting the meat didn't wear no gloves the whole time I was there waiting for my food (20 mins), he also proceeded to use his phone while the meat was cooking, keep in mind, STILL no gloves even after using his phone. The lady taking my order confirmed my order not twice but three times! And STILL managed to get the order wrong... I slightly checked everything was correct but I wasn't counting the tacos, I was missing 2 tacos, even after repeating my order three times. The tacos that I did get, weren't even good. Shitty spot

I was excited to try these Tacos all the pictures and Videos made me want to go and try but unfortunately when I go home and tried them I was disappointed... I ordered a Carne asada Tostada and Taco.... the tostada was half crispy not all the way as it should be and the meat was hard and not fresh. I also ordered a Suadero taco and same thing the meat was hard and dry. I expected it to be nice and tender and juicy. Lastly, I ordered two adobada tacos and those were okay. Sorry but I know they have the potential of making them better. I went there late night so I'm not sure if that was the case but I would give it one more chance.

One of the best tacos in town! I personally recommend the tacos de adobada The service is good, friendly people.