We stopped by El Vaquero on our way up to visit the Ziibiwing museum in Mt. Pleasant. It was easy enough to find and free parking was ample. The inside is pretty plain, with plenty of comfortable seating and a few Mexican decorations scattered about. We weren't there for the ambiance, so that was just fine with us. One interesting touch in the decor was the use of interesting black & white photographs. They were quite interesting and generated some good conversation. Service was excellent - quick, friendly, available but not intrusive. The waitress was particularly kind toward our child, which was much appreciated. There was a slow but steady stream of locals stopping by for lunch while we were there. I'd estimate that they have 60-70 seats all told, so they must have times that are pretty busy. Complementary chips and salsa were rapidly placed on the table. The chips were large, warm, and crisp. There was a generous portion of salsa with just enough spice to make it interesting. It was chunky and quite tasty. Our order included burritos and fajitas. All were served with the standard refried beans and dirty rice. It was all presented very nicely, freshly prepared and very tasty. Portions were generous, but not so much that we either left in pain or dragging doggy bags. The one thing I would add would be a couple of additional hot sauce options on the table beyond the one that was there (Tapatío salsa picante). Choice is nice to have. We were very satisfied and look forward to another visit when next we're in town! read more

I enjoyed it very much I'll definitely be back. Corn out west is a little different, but the tamales are on point . Great service and great prices. read more

See all

Service is wonderful. So is the food. Very reasonable prices!!!! One of the best Mexican restaurants I've ever been to!

Lovely staff, lovely food. Owned by a family and they are all so attentive and kind! The food is delicious and tastes like they put their heart into it. We will be back. Very simple restaurant with simple decorations but that doesn't matter once you taste the food. read more

El Vaquero - a man eating mexican food - Mexican Near Me - Alma, Michigan

The food was excellent and the portions were plentiful. The waitress was very friendly. They did not have alcohol - it seemed they were maybe switching owners. The whole place was clean and well maintained. The bathrooms were very clean. I would recommend this Mexican place and I would eat here again. read more

The food here is wonderful! The restaurant had few customers when I ate here, but it was a very comfortable and fun atmosphere. The food came very quick and looked amazing! I got a soft shell chicken taco with beans & rice. Probably the most delicious meal I have ever had! For desert, I had flan. This was my first time having flan, so I can't really judge the taste, but it was very enjoyable. The waiters and waitresses were very kind and friendly! If you ever have the chance to go here, I highly recommend it. I will definitely come back whenever I can. read more

Depending on what you get, the food is better quality. My boyfriend got the taco salad with ground beef, it tasted very poor quality. The beef seemed to be very over processed. I got the steak and shrimp with beans and rice. All was okay but the steak was extremely poor quality. Many other reviewers said it was authentic Mexican. Everything was from Gordon food service. read more

We ate dinner here last night and were pleasantly surprised. It is a no frills Mexican restaurant with awesome food. I had the tilapia fish dinner and my mom had the pollo Jalisco. Both were great. Portions are just right, and food tastes like authentic Mexican you would find in a restaurant in A neighborhood in a small Mexican town. The service was very friendly and fast. I did not see any alcohol on the menu, but it was not missed as the food more than made up for it. We will definitely be back. read more

Great Mexican food! The restaurant is owned by a Mexican family and they are really great people. The food is fast and fresh and very good. They are also very reasonably priced. The crowd is mostly locals and professors because it's a bit of a walk from campus, but totally worth every step. read more

El Vaquero 2 (what happened to 1? lol) is located in a shopping strip, in a space that used to be a laundromat. Unfortunately, when I was told that, it didn't feel like much of a surprise. The place is pretty bare bones, stark walls and tables and chairs that look like they were the cheapest selection from the local restaurant depot. Aside from the less than impressive appearance, though, this place isn't bad. The menu is pretty standard for any Mexican spot, nothing stood out as unique but all the staples were there. We had a large group (about 12) and everyone found something they were happy with. Personally, I had the fajita taco salad with chicken. The fried shell was not greasy, and the portion size was perfect - I was full for the rest of the day! Everything else at the table was eaten up with no complaint. A great bonus was that the free tortilla chips came not only with salsa, but a zesty queso cheese dip. read more

I ordered carryout for 20 people. Chicken fajitas. The food was wonderful and the service was even better! Such nice people and I recommend this restaurant to everyone! read more

Pick up and delivery of one of the best authentic Mexican restaurants in the area! Their food is reasonably priced and delicious. I have been patronizing this same place since 2004. Highly recommended. read more

This is our go to place. Everytime the service and food has been excellent. Not one bad experience here. I could just eat the chips and salsa and be happy. It's amazing. read more

Best Mexican food in town. Exceptional service. Family-owned and it shows. It's so awesome to be able to support folks who do it the right way. I have been eating here since I was in high school, maybe before, and I've never had something that wasn't delicious. My go-to is the burrito California. Absolutely fantastic. If you want a guaranteed good thing, get absolutely anything with chorizo and enjoy! read more

If I could leave zero stars I would! Absolutely terrible. Slash was canned tomatoes with garlic powder and cumin...ick. The server asked my daughter if she wanted another horchota then charged her another $2.00...if you like canned and pre fab Mexican food then you'll love it!! Big waste of $$!! read more

Very good authentic Mexican food and I felt it was very tasty and the portion size was perfect. The service was good. The prices are extremely reasonable. I would recomend this restraurant to anyone. If you had a bad experience here, give it another try. read more

So good. My favorite in town. The food is always on point and the service is excellent. Try the chicken chimichanga and the freshly made horchata. read more

I love this place! Yes it is an old laundromat but it is nice and clean inside, the owners are friendly, the service is good, and the food is delicious! I usually get the fajitas and they are excellent. Definitely the best Mexican food in the area! read more

First impression was not great, it's an old laundromat and it looks the part. BUT, the food is very good. The FLAN is to die for! Not to sweet, just right. And the prices are very reasonable. When the locals and college kids say it's good and cheap too, better check it out. And I'm glad I did. Now I have a new favorite spot in Alma. read more

It is a really nice restaurant and they have awesome food. The service is good not great. And it is a very Authentic Mexican restaurant

Nothing fancy, but nice wait staff and good food. Don't let the strip mall outside scare you off. I would definitely come back.

Went to El Vaquero at 8pm one night. There was 6 of us and they close at 9pm. We asked if it was ok to order and they said yes. There was only 1 other table of customers. Service was terrible. They were more interested in closing. Got my own water pitcher, son was choking and needed drink. He took drink of my husband's pop, and were reprimanded for sharing pop. They give free refills, but even if you don't get a refill, they won't provide a to go cup. During this time owner did not help with service. We are frequent visitors of El Vaquero, but will think twice about returning. read more

Not just a #1 fan of this place, but good mexican food is very hard to find in this area. The prices are good, and the chimichanga is good.

Great food great service. No complaints here. I love their cheese dip it's to die for :)

I have eaten at here and the other location in Mt. Pleasant(Los Palaminos) and we affectionally call it the Mexican Laundromat. The place is sparse but the food is good. Usually get the Speedy Gonzales lunch special. Everything I have ordered here has been good and the prices reasonable. The service could be better...Marcelo in Mount Pleasant is great wish they had someone like him down in Alma. read more

New to the area and we wanted to check out the restaurants that served "Authentic Mexican Food" The food was the worst "so called" Mexican food we have ever tasted. My fajitas did not have much taste and the beef was tough. All four of us at the table said we would never go back again. I do not know if this cook has ever been to TX or Mexico before but they do not know how to cook "Authentic Mexican Food". Taco Bell would have been better! read more

We LOVE eating here! Food is great! Prices are good! Service is amazing! We've never once left disappointed or hungry!

I like the El Vaquero. We go once a week for friendly service and inexpensive food. I especially like the taquitos mexicana and the nachos supreme. The California burrito is also excellent. read more