Best Mexican Food in Downtown Columbus, OH

El Vaquero Mexican Restaurant Open Late in Short North Arts District

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Visit El Vaquero in the Short North

Late nights start here. Find El Vaquero at 600 N. High St. in the Short North Arts District in Columbus, Ohio, just minutes from downtown, Nationwide Arena and The Ohio State University. Enjoy classic Mexican dishes, fruity margaritas, happy hour food and cocktails in a casual setting. Open late Tuesday through Thursday until 12 a.m. and Friday and Saturday until 1:45 a.m.

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Catering for Every Celebration

Make your next event easy with El Vaquero catering. From corporate lunches and holiday parties to birthdays, family gatherings and celebrations, our Mexican catering menu brings fresh flavor to every occasion. Serve guest favorites like sizzling fajitas, enchiladas and made-fresh sides while we handle the cooking.

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Margaritas, Drinks & Happy Hour

Raise a glass at El Vaquero’s Happy Hour, where bold flavors meet refreshing drinks. Known for our handcrafted margaritas and premium tequilas, we also offer a selection of wines, specialty cocktails, craft beers, and imported beers. Join us for Early Happy Hour, Monday – Friday from 2 – 4 p.m., with drink specials and bites like Queso Fundido con Chorizo. Or enjoy Happy Hour daily from 4 – 8 p.m. with unbeatable margarita specials and guest-favorite dishes.

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$10.99 Weekday Lunch Specials

Enjoy new $10.99 Mexican lunch specials at El Vaquero, available Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at all locations. Choose from favorites like huevos rancheros, flautas, enchiladas, burritos, tacos and quesadilla Mexicana. Pair your meal with lunch drink specials, including a 10-ounce margarita or Corona Sunbrew Citrus Cerveza for $5.29. Fresh flavors and great value are waiting.

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Kids Eat Free & Weekly Treats

Make family dining more fun at El Vaquero with weekly kids specials. Kids get free ice cream with a kids meal on Sundays, a free slushy with a kids entrée on Mondays and a free kids meal every Tuesday with the purchase of an adult entrée. Dine in for affordable Mexican food, kid-friendly favorites and weekly family specials.

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Online Loyalty Program: Join & Save

Sign up for El Vaquero’s Online Loyalty Program and get rewarded every time you order online. Earn points with each purchase, unlock free items and receive exclusive offers and updates straight to your inbox. This program is specially designed for guests who love the convenience of online ordering. Join today and make your online El Vaquero experience even more rewarding!

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Get Specials & Updates in Your Inbox

Stay connected with El Vaquero and never miss out on the flavor! Sign up for our newsletter to get exclusive offers, special discounts, event updates and the latest news from your favorite Mexican restaurant. From sizzling fajita specials to family dinner deals, our email brings the best of El Vaquero straight to your inbox. Join today and be the first to know what’s fresh, new and delicious!

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Feast Your Eyes on El Vaquero

Take a visual tour of El Vaquero’s authentic Mexican dining experience. From sizzling fajitas fresh off the skillet to colorful margaritas and festive dining spaces, our gallery captures the flavor, energy and warmth that makes every visit unforgettable. Browse the photos and see why El Vaquero is a favorite spot for family dinners, celebrations and nights out with friends.

What our guests are saying

Had a great meal here. Chips and salsa were some of the best I have ever had! All of our meals were loved. I had the steak ranchero, and really enjoyed it. Great flavor on the steak.