I've passed by this place for YEARS and generally the very small parking lot is full as they share it with a couple other businesses, today I scored a space. They have two locations this one being tiny it's actually name El Vaquerito, for you gabachos "ito" at the end of the word means small. The Torta Ahogada is one of the Specialties but I've been craving a Torta so that was my choice, guess I shall return for a Torta Ahogada so stay tuned for the update. Plato de Barbacoa Combo ($8.99) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=iqEVFEENddhD9to6wau8rw&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg Some of the best Barbacoa I've had in the US, this beef really has great flavor https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=dZg9DN6EJjwqZ6xE_o1W3w&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg two thumbs up on the Beans, I didn't like their Rice but I'm not a big rice eater anyways. *(Normally I'd deduct Stars for the bad rice, but the Beef alone was just that good) 5-Stars Tacos ($1.65) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=Lgfaj2wsRwurofOBSKxlmQ&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg Nice portion size... Adobada - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=2PlcimcEvVxM988CKGznXg&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg Nicely grilled piggy but lacking just a bit on flavor. 4-Stars Carne Asada - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=CizG2jHqCDlHDI2fQy8-zQ&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg This ones a Winner, nicely grilled, very small amount of fat but great flavor. 5-Stars Carnitas - https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=bGnAn-BUjn9X97xHAYcZeA&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg I got a few slightly crisp pieces which I like, the rest was cooked well with great flavor. 5-Stars Torta de Pierna (6.50) https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=FYqgZGi6twzp8DmpMd4KpQ&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg Oh how I LOVE thy Pig!!! and this surely was flavorful, topped with lettuce, tomato, mayo and if I remember jalapenos https://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/el-vaquero-restaurant-alhambra?select=B78qKJa2LD_vpqIjFNzulw&userid=mXl8GMozjLoraG7PyFHWkg whatever was in there sure did cure my craving for a Torta! 5-Stars #SupportSmallBusiness read more

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Wow this place is amazing! I picked up today what was on their daily special, costillitas en salsa con nopales (short pork ribs with cactus in sauce.) Let me say i felt like i was eating once again at my moms kitchen. Everything from the the rice, beans, and tortillas were so authentic. This is the definition of a Mexican restaurant. Forget the nice interiors, spacious dining areas with this pandemic and just grab a worthy Mexican food plate! read more

I decided to get some soup before work since I get off late, and I found this spot. The girl who rang me up was nice, and I could tell it's family owned. I originally wanted to get soup across from my job, but I'm so glad I came here. I have a little cold and this made me feel a bit better. :) read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - Caldo De Pollo w/ cilantro, onion, lime To-Go - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

It's a tiny place next to a liquor store, he definition of hole in the wall but their food is DELICIOUS!!! I tried their Barbacoa and quesitacos and I 100% will be back! If you are craving Mexican food give this place a chance you won't regret it! yummy read more

Family owned. Great hospitality ! So many great options. It's hidden in a little corner but it's perfect. They serve salsa and chips.

This was another Mexican spot on my list of places to try. It's a little place on Fremont, just south of Main in Alhambra. They do Guadalajaran style Mexican. I finally tried it last week. I had a chili relleno plate and a barbacoa taco dorado. The price was very fair for what I got, around $13 I think. I really enjoyed both of them. It was well worth what I paid. I know their torta ahogado is supposed to be their specialty, but last week I needed the warm embrace of a chili relleno. The chili relleno was one of the best I've ever had--and I've eaten my share, made in lots of different ways. I really liked their style of preparing it. Kind of how they do the torta ahogado with a red sauce and shredded onions on top. It was truly yummy. The taco was really tasty too, but no guacamole was served with it. That's disappointing. I'll definitely get both these items again. Next trip here, I may try their torta ahogado unless I need a chili relleno again :) Thank you. read more

I have been coming here for almost a year now and have been hooked! It's not in the greatest location and the parking lot is tiny but the food is delicious and authentic and the owner is an abuela who is often cooking the food herself in the back. Like any place, not every item on the menu is top notch, but my 5 stars are for the best things they have. Here are a few highlights: -Tostada de Pierna (stewed pork) o Cueritos (pig skin) - to me, this is the absolute best thing on the menu. It's the perfect combination of complimentary textures and flavors at a great price. Crunchy tostada, spread with refried beans, flavorful or cured protein, and topped with pickled onion, lettuce, salsa, tomato, and cheese. -Tacos - I usually have the lengua and they do it right. Delicious meat on soft, warm tortillas. Not too greasy (although sometimes greasy is good too) and the salsa rounds it out. -Tortas Ahogadas - maybe the menu item they are most known for. I think it is delicious and flavorful, although some friends aren't a fan of soggy bread. -Menudo and Posole - solid, but not always consistent. Sometimes a little watery or not the perfect balance of flavors in the soup. I am hoping to try it again though. -Other delicious items - costillas con nopales, tacos de barbacoa, taquitos and flautas -Mediocre - Regular Burrito (too many layers of tortilla in each bite and insides a little runny) -Service - Great! They are very friendly. read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

Always wondered what this place is about. And boiee' was I amazed at how good their food is. Got a asada burrito and torta de carnitas ahogada while I was doing laundry close by. Both items were way better than what alberto's across the street offers. The salsas were the tits very good and tasty. Going to come back for sure and try other items on their menu. read more

Cada vez que trabajo por el area ordenó carne en su jugo que está delicioso. Las órdenes siempre están listas en el tiempo estipulado.

Las personas que busquen un Sansón Jalisience, este es el lugar, las tortas ahogadas, los guisos, el menudo todo está delicioso y los cosíneros y meseras son súper amables. read more

Cash only. Limited parking. Came with my grandma and dad on thanksgiving afternoon. Called in beforehand to make sure they were open and thankfully they were until 2pm. Small parking lot. Half of the lot had 20 minute only signs which was confusing because I would not be able to order,eat, and pay within 20 minutes. Parked anyways and it was ok. The food was authentic and delicious. Was so hungry that I forgot to take pictures but I did get the first few plates. Free chips upon order. Yums. I ordered the lengua taco. Lengua was tender. Pescado dish was amazing. Still soft enough for my grandma to chew with no difficulty. Everything was just on point. Ate too much which ruined my thanksgiving dinner BUT was so worth it !!! Walked out with a satisfied belly. read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

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One of the best spots for Birria, so authentic and the customer service is great . Highly recommend trying this place.

This used to be my regular spot for nearby asada burritos before the pandemic. After the pandemic, I tried looking for another place that offered delivery since this restaurant doesn't (Edit: I didn't find them on two delivery apps but they might actually be available on others). I've tried close to 5 different nearby restaurants in search of a good asada burrito but none of them compare to this place. Definitely my favorite Mexican restaurant in Alhambra so far. The staff are also always nice and wear masks. You can order over the phone and they'll usually have the food done within 10-15 mins. read more

Carnitas... bomb! Beans and rice...bomb. Everything that I had was so yummy. Definitely coming back

I stopped by to try this place out because the name reminded me of my high school. Which was Rancho Alamitos And our mascot was a Vaquero! Anywho, onto the food. I bought 2 carne asada tacos that came out pretty fast. The cook was sitting down and talking to some folks having dinner. Which I assume would make this a pretty family oriented restaurant. So mom and pop places have a place in my heart :) Over all the tacos were pretty decent. There salsa tasted good when I combined them both together. I'd probably swing my again. They are cash only, but have an arm at the register. I forgot to check the cost of withdrawing money. read more

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Great tortas ahogadas! And delicious tacos de barbacoa. Parking isn't great and location is tiny inside. If you plan on eating here maybe taking the food to go might be the best option. I know during Covid they don't have indoor dining but I would still take it to go even if restrictions were lifted. Whenever I'm craving good tortas ahogadas this is where I like ordering from and my family's from Guadalajara so we know good tortas. read more

First visit, always enjoy going to small hole in the wall restaurant hoping to find a great dining experience. Unfortunately this place wasn't it. If a Mexican restaurant cannot make decent rice n beans then there no hope for the entrée. The both meals we (wife) had were both very bland and boring. For the prices they charge, it was a vast disappointment. No second visit for us. read more

Very good tacos. Had the chicken and lengua tacos (: my grandmother had the hard shell beef taco, cheese enchilada and rice. Will be definitely going back read more

The #1 indicator of good mexican food in LA is the number of mexican people eating in the restauraunt. And at this place most of the patrons are. Food is excellent, service was fast, seasoning on point and spicy just how I like it -- not watered down for white people who cant handle the heat. 5/5. I ordered the cheese enchiladas, Jamaica and a cheese quesadilla. Very tasty. Highly recommend. read more

Went here and it was the first time in a long time, I felt I was not in Alhambra. Latino Staff and patrons and the telonovelas blasting - weird but pretty cool. So when you come here, just like in Mexico or the Mexico I know, you need to bring cash. Also parking not very good, theres only like 4 spots, so you will have to park on the street, though not a bad walk. No restroom, that I remember, either, too small of a place, only 4 tables. Ordered the Torta Ahogada, took a bit, but it was well worth of it, as a couple bites into it I was once again reminded of my motherland (well my mom's motherland) as I was transplanted back to the rough cobblestone streets of Guadalajara, sitting next to my giant cousin, watching the rucas and paleta man walk by as little kids play futbol on the street. Love the onions and the red sauce as it made the sandwich. The bread was a perfect complement as it held the sauce and didnt get soggy with it. Carnitas inside of it, also good. I would totally come again and relive my torta ahogada experience. read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - Torta ahogada de estillo Guadalajara - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

Lil hole in the wall with very tasty food. I had the Chilaquiles with eggs over easy. REALLY spicy, but very flavorful. Mom had huevos rancheros and was very pleased with her choice. Prices are fair and service is very good. Only thing I would change is coffee strength, a bit weak. Overall, place is buzzing with takeout orders. Will return! read more

I bought a groupon that gave me $20 worth of food, the food was pretty good. read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - Bean & cheese burrito please MAR2013 - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

Solid food. Everything made fresh to order. I usually call in my orders. Aguas are also good here. That horchata

Yo! I hate to be that guy but I ordered a burrito from here through DoorDash and found a Loooonnng hair in my Burrito! I wish I could've took a picture of it but because I was so upset I immediately was disgusted and threw the whole thing away! I spent quite a bit and ordered other stuff. I'm really scared to eat the rest of my food! Not cool !!! I hope and pray y'all can give me a refund or something. read more

Great tasting Mexican food. Very authentic dishes. Been eating here for years and I highly recommend it. Employees are also great. Torta ahogada is the best in town. read more

I've been rolling by here almost weekly now and I like this as much as my all time fav King Taco but now that El Vaquero is close by I just don't have a need to drive over to King Taco. That is how good I like this place. They have this Adobada burritos and that is my fav at this time. Now if they have the green sauce from King taco it would be way awesome. read more

Great tortas ahogadas super spicy sauce and worth the pain :) not going to ding them for their bread because it did hold up and didn't scratch the roof of my mouth. Would recommended to friends, family, and compete strangers :) read more

Delicious! Great food, great service. My spouse loved the carne asada burrito, I loved the carnitas, and we both loved the side of beans. Will definitely come back again. Much better than Alberto's across the street. read more

Hidden gem in Alhambra! Family run and owned. They are awesome! Feels like eating with family

Doesn't look like it would be that good from the outside. It definitely is a hole in the wall but it's some real good home cooked food! The older lady that cooks the food is very nice and welcoming. Would definitely recommend coming here! read more

They have delicious food and fast customer service. I pick up all orders so I cant comment on the sit in service but take out is great. Food is tasty and flavorful! They made delicious food with good portions. read more

Delicious authentic food ! I ordered the large menudo generous portion I had the remainder the next morning. It came with all the garnishes on the side and just the right amount of spicy on their hot sauce. just wish I had taken pictures, My daughter got the Torta ahogada de carnitas, and you can choose to have the salsa separate or on your Torta, either way it's great! The meat was tasty and tender and the salsa had the right amount of sazon, first time here as I entered the establishment the smell of the food cooking told me it definitely won't be the last! read more

Had a combo plate with 2 floutas tonight, with rice and beans, they where delicious and some Quesatostadas de birria never had them before but they where so tasty and they hit the spot and washed it all down with a Mexican soda Jarritos de tamarindo. Ordered 2 combos for me and wife. Juan the chef, always very friend and welcoming, awesome little restaurant! We eat there once or twice a week. Beback in the morning for breakfast! Yummy! read more

This place is gross nothing good about it. Got a wet burrito and the flavor was so nasty meat was cold just bad!!!! Never again and there price was not worth it at all It's just a dirty place and feels Unsanitized!!! read more

Order the #6 with Barbacoa with everything (onions and cilantro), you won't regret it. They barely salt their dishes, which I really love because when you hit it with some lime, salt, and the 2 salsas they give you, it's absolutely amazing. It keeps the meat fresh, you can taste it more. The meal comes with tortilla chips. Today was exceptionally fresh and full of flavor. The rice was definitely cooked with a nice stock. It's a small intimate place, but that's why I love it. I always feel welcome and safe here, it just has that warm family feeling. They take care of you. read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

Look, you're serving menudo on Saturday and Sunday only, do it right. I recently moved here from Azusa and I was craving some menudo. Now if you're looking for some bomb menudo, that has flavor, head to Azusa where pretty much any Mexican food spot has the best menudo. I ordered mine from here and as soon as I opened the container, I could SEE that it had no flavor. Super watery, no spices, not authentic, and if it supposed to be it's made lazily. Don't recommend this place for menudo. Head over to Azusa y'all! Literally anyplace has great menudo! read more

My dad has been bringing me for years and chug always makes my favorite mulitas con todo!!!

Oh my gosh this place is so damn good! The food is delicious! I literally could just keep eating and eating. The rice is on point, the beans are happening, and the barbacoa tacos are just yumm! I definitely recommend this place! It will be my new spot to come through, better believe I'm going to spread the word about this place. I finished not only my combo plate with barbacoa tacos, rice, and beans,.....but also my mom's lol. Can't wait to try else pozole! read more

El Vaquerito Restaurant - I literally cleaned both plates out. I love the food here!!! - Mexican Near Me - Alhambra, California

Random pit spot and glad we found this gem! The tacos are packed with flavor and filled to the max.

We came I. For our first time and we both tried the torta ahogada!! It was really good it took us back to Jalisco and reminded us of the flavors from back home. They definitely do it right!! I will go back for sure! read more