Tucked just outside Brevard, Los Vaqueros absolutely lives up to the local hype. I kept hearing about it from people around town and made sure to stop in before heading out--and I'm glad I did. From the moment you sit down, everything hits. The chips and salsa are fresh and addictive, and the quality carries all the way through the meal. I went with the carne asada, and it was cooked perfectly--tender, flavorful, and easily one of the better plates I've had. On top of that, the portion was huge, so you definitely get your money's worth. The atmosphere stood out too. The decor has a really polished, comfortable feel--not over the top, just done right. If you're anywhere near Brevard, this is a must-stop. It more than delivered on the buzz. read more

Good food. Nice place. We have eaten here before. Service wasn't the best but we also ate outdoors which probably contributed to it. If you're in Lake Toxaway this is a great stopping ground for a nice meal. Too many tequilas and you'll forget which way you're going. read more

Food was excellent. Came out hot, salsa and chips were awesome, service was not the best. Cute place and decorated nice. We got the fajita for two chicken, steak and Shrimp and it was plenty. read more

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We went here right after the lunch crowd so we probably got one of the best seats at the tall tables by the railing overlooking the water falls. My Mom and I had great service. We ordered and I had Carnitas w Rice and beans. My Carnitas was so fatty that by time I cleaned the fat off I had filled the side dish that the tortillas wrapped in foil came on. I never send food back, ever. But, this day I did. She totally understood . She asked me if I wanted to try ig again and I have had this happen before at El Jerecho in Brevard. So, I remembered the Pancho Special from memory so I asked for that. It came out perfectly. Grilled shrimp and grilled chicken with cheese over rice and beans on the side w some tortillas. My Mom had their Taco Salad and it was fairly small. I think they should have gone up to a bigger size flour tortilla to make the bowl. The salad waz okay. Not much lettuce at all. And it only came with their mild Taco Bell flavored sauce. They did'nt have any Ranch or other dressings that day. They have a large menu and a lot of people dining here but if this restaurant wasn't in that beautiful location I don't think that it would make it. There are a lot of Mexican restaurants around these days and You have to put out a great product if You're wanting people to return. I've made Carnitas many times and I would know if I was giving fat to one of my friends or family. The Chef wasn't so busy as to miss this. He or she did'nt care about what They're serving out to the customers. I hardly ever give 3 stars out of 5 but I even talked to my Mom who eats out a lot and she thought 3 was adequate also I will try this place again when I go to my Dr in Toxaway again and give them another try Mexican is my favorite food read more

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Best fajitas I have ever had and the quacamole was also very tasty! Liked the laid back atmosphere as well. Great food after a bit of hiking. read more

Surprisingly, exceeded expectations as I've mostly just discounted Americanized Mexican cuisine as not worth the stop. My rellenos were cooked perfectly, whilst my wife's enchiladas were your typical run of the mill you can find anywhere. Chips and salsa were fresh so that's a bonus that not every spot offers and quite tasty too. Rice n beans were definitely delish and the ambiance was on point. Offer charro beans by the warm fireplace and we may have a 5 star winner! read more

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Service was mediocre, the only thing that saved them was the milanesa chicken torta and the micheladas, the margaritas need help and also they need ac. read more

Los Vaqueros - Mexican Near Me - Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

The view would have been amazing, but there was intense fog in the area. Not the restaurants fault. We had a pitcher of margaritas and Chips and queso. We enjoyed it, but I can't speak on whether the food is good or not. read more

The BEST Mexican food I've had in a long time! This restaurant is situated off 64 with a beautiful view of the waterfall in Toxaway. Everyone gets complimentary (and yummy) chips and salsa for the table. We started with a small order of the Chori queso, which was very good!! if anyone is wondering, the small size queso was plenty for our table of three adults (one of us did not dig in much but we definitely had leftover). I had the pineapple meal, which is on the menu as Pina vaquero and it was absolutely divine! I love that it came with shrimp, chicken and chorizo, as well as vegetables mixed in and with a side of beans and rice. The side of beans and rice was delicious, very authentic. Mama recommends the Pollo Loco and my stepdad had the chimichanga which he has every time they visit Los Vaqueros. They have a lot of options for the little ones including corn dog and chicken tenders (my toddler is so picky so he didn't touch anything we ordered him). I found the wine to be a great deal. Some were offered by the glass but the cab and a few others were priced based on half bottles so I got the Louis Martini Cabernet and it was perfect. If I lived closer I would be a regular customer! read more

Los Vaqueros - a man and a child eating food - Mexican Near Me - Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

Went there for the first time on a Thursday eve based on a friends recommendation. The food and service were very good...sat outside on their patio and weather cooperated. Will return again read more

We were here the weekend of Valentine's Day. We loved the food! From the complementary chips and salsa, to our main dish, everything tasted fresh and delicious. Service was fast and friendly. Ambiance is really nice, we were seated by the window with a beautiful view of the outdoor. read more

Los Vaqueros - Complementary chips and salsa - Mexican Near Me - Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

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Every time I come here, I have a wonderful meal and pleasant service. Good food, good service and reasonable prices. This is a great place to try now, before the wealthy elderly Floridians ruin it. That's right, I said it. Was sitting quietly at my table and I the BS coming from some lady complaining about blah blah. The waitress was a star and smiled regardless. When she left, I asked them what was wrong. The husband got flustered and lost his cool. Message to Floridians, stay home or keep your mouth closed, listen more than you speak. You fuck things up more than you help. read more

My friend and I were staying at the Laurel Lodge which is one of the properties at The Greystone Inn. Absolutely no one delivers in the area and Los Vaqueros was one of the closest restaurants to the property, so we ordered online and picked it up. It was a little difficult to find how to order online because they don't have an official website, you order through toasttab. The food was ready when we arrived to pick it up. It's right on the main road, so it was easy to find. Once we got the food back, we realized that they gave us everything but salsa. That was disappointing, especially with all the chips we had. There were five of us and everyone enjoyed their food thoroughly. The portions were great, some of us even had leftovers. read more

Food, Service, Ambiance all good. Loved the frozen mango margarita on a hot summer day. We ate guacamole and chips and shared carne asada fajita as it was plenty of food and very good. We enjoyed view from patio of waterfall. read more

Great food and great atmosphere. The service was outstanding. Make sure to sit where you can hear the waterfall.

I'll start with the food is great, the chips and salsa are great compared to surrounding Mexican restaurants. The outside patio is great, open air, good view of the waterfall. Our service was non-existent. We asked to move from a tiny table to a 4-top by the edge with a better view. I guess that made some people mad and our service was lacking. Never saw our waitress again after we initially took our order. Had to use the other waiter multiple times, even to pay? I would come back. read more

Los Vaqueros - Chicken Milanesa Torta - Mexican Near Me - Lake Toxaway, North Carolina

This is the second location in addition to the location in Highlands, NC. We had the steak chimichanga and fish tacos and both were absolutely delicious. Huge portions too. We went on a Friday night and waited about ten minutes to sit on the back patio with a beautiful view of the falls and the woods. Parking may be a bit difficult during busy times, I parked up the hill but more parking was across the street. We loved sitting on the back deck, but they also allow seating on the front deck for dogs. Excellent service and excellent food. Their salsa was very good, be sure to ask for hot salsa if you want to kick it up a few notches. read more

It was very busy when we visited, but now I know why: the service and the food were excellent. The Pollo Jalisco was the best I have ever eaten, and the Sopa de Pollo was tasty and served with generous portions. If you are in the Sapphire area, do yourself s favor and come to Los Vaqueros! read more

Typical Mexican food. Nothing really exciting. But it was good. Service was good. Parking lot was packed but didn't have to wait for a table. read more

Great service, great combinations, lots of options. Cocktails usually some good decorating. Overall really good service. My location is beautiful overlooking the lake Toxaway. read more

This restaurant has gotten some major upgrading with beautiful new tables & chairs, a larger, more friendly bar & an actual hostess stand. Staff has always been friendly & attentive. I have struggled to find something I like that isn't too spicy. A little heat is fine, but most of their dishes are too hot. Finally ordered the fish tacos-Zowhey!!! The breading is very light & the fillets were quick-fried to perfection. The sauce & toppings were perfect & very fresh. Again, just enough heat for flavor. Their salsa is homemade & excellent, not too hot. Compliments to the chef, the servers and the management. ***Please note: a few dishes for those of us who can't stand the heat would be most welcome. read more

Went to Los Vaqueros with my wife and two friends at the friend's recommendation. We all got different things and everything seemed very good. I got a chicken and shrimp dish with cheese and rice. I enjoyed it very much. I also got an ice cold beer and really enjoyed it. Dos Equis amber. The staff was excellent and the view of a water fall from the porch is really nice. I highly recommend this for very good Mexican cuisine while in the Lake Toxaway area of North Carolina. read more

Friendly service & very good food! We enjoyed sitting on the deck overlooking the waterfall. We will definitely be back!

Great great Mexican food and margaritas. Probably ate there 30 times in 60 days. Fair prices and on top of all that, you get an amazing waterfall view. Where else can you eat Mexican and watch a waterfall in the US? read more

The food is delicious and we always have great service. I'm very happy the Lake Toxaway location is less than two miles from our home. We often go with neighbors and also frequently get take out. read more

One of the best Mexican restaurants in Western NC! Great food, friendly staff and pleasant atmosphere.

Awesome food, beautiful view, friendly and fast service! I would drive a couple of hours for a meal here!! Delicious!!

It's always open and very consistent. Prices are very reasonable. A nice break from most restaurants on plateau. So glad the owners opened in Lake Toxaway. Saves a long drive when you get urge for tacos, burritos or fajitas. read more

Maybe the worst Mexican I've ever had. The cheese dip was so thick and cold it was barely edible. There is another Los Vaqueros in Highlands NC that is always consistently good. it's hard to believe the one in Toxaway is part of the same business! read more

Enjoyed our dinner very much. Service was great and outdoor deck very enjoyable. Nice place to enjoy good Mexican food in Lake Toxaway without having to make the drive to Brevard. read more

I had read many wonderful reviews here so couldn't wait to go. Ultimately I was extremely disappointed when I did. The food was bland and service wasn't great. Further, when I told my server I didn't like the food, he brought me the bill (including the terrible food) and never came back. I do not recommend anyone bothering to eat here. read more