Authentic Mexican food. Got the asada burrito and it was absolutely delicious, especially with the salsas they had out! We also liked the outdoor seating (which is the only kind of seating they have)! :) great food and atmosphere!
(5)
Stasia K.
Though this place is recommended for lunch, we went for dinner around 5. This is probably why the meat wasn't as moist as it could have been. The people I went with enjoyed their tacos and gordita. I got a chicken tamale, an empanada with barbacoa, and a taco with carnitas. The taco meat was tender but somewhat dry and not much flavor. The corn tortilla was soft and warm, and the cilantro fresh. The empanadas had a nice mild bbq flavor, and the meat tender. The chicken in the tamale was a bit too spicy for my taste. All together, with a bottled water, my total was under $10. Overall, the food was authentic and I would return.
(3)
Bon V.
Love this place. Please go here. Price is right. Food is better. My full review at bonvagrant.com/#/new-pag…
(4)
Emily R.
I love coming here for a quick meal and authentic Mexican food. I usually get the barbacoa torta. The bread is really nice and the portion size is perfect. If you haven't tried a torta yet, you are really missing out! Go get it now! Parking can be awkward during busy times. Also, they love to put ketchup on everything.
(4)
Alex V.
loved this place, always go for the tacos! they never disappoint (: I had the pollo and carnitas taco and it was so yummy!!
(4)
Eric F.
Absolutely no frills here. Be sure to bring your jacket if it's cold, sit in your car if you'd prefer, or hang out on the benches. This is one of the few authentic taquerias in the Triangle. If you are looking for a little place that feels a little like Mexico, you may enjoy this spot. I get a lot of flashbacks to various taquerias I visited during different trips to Mexico when I'm here.
(5)
Kim A.
So good! I love their fajitas and the guacamole is delicious! The parking lot is small and kind of weird. It gets pretty busy around lunch time and on weekends. They are friendly and fast.
(5)
Tina W.
One of the great Mexican food spot in RTP. Empanadas with barbibu pork is great and wonderful and absolutely in loved. They have legit pork taco choices. Although I have never been a fan of taco, this time I bent down for those tacos. The pork is well seasoned and tastes with great smoothy textures. In addition, their spicy sauce is not too spice and with some sweet in it making it the great combo with taco.
(4)
Alexis B.
I was not impressed by the nachos supreme. For starters, what mexican restaurant doesn't have queso fondido? that's an expected menu item. The food stunk so badly, I could barely even get two bites.
(2)
Sarah C.
This is one of the hidden gems of the Durham food scene. I think it's the best Mexican place in town, and very reasonably priced, too! All of the food is made fresh. Their corn tortillas are homemade, which can be hard to find. They have tons of vegetarian options, and are willing to customize anything on the menu to fit your diet and needs. I've sampled a few different things on the menu, and I think the veggie fajitas and veggie tacos are my favorites. They also have excellent hot sauce on every table that adds a nice kick. The only downside is that there is only outdoor seating. But in a way that adds to the casual charm this place has, especially on a nice day when sitting outside would be the preference. It's definitely not fancy, but this is definitely a place everyone should try!
(4)
N D.
Stopped by for lunch for the first time. The menu has a lot of options for everyone to choose from. I had the burrito #30. It was really good, it had a very authentic home style taste. I plan on going back many times in the future to work my way through their menu. I just wish they had more seating for people.
(4)
Adrienne S.
They would have gotten 5 stars if they had a spot for dining. As it is, they have only 2 picnic tables. The service is friendly, the food is fresh, and it will take about 15 minutes to receive your order. Well worth the wait. The food is flavorful and delicious. I regret that I have passed this place for nearly a decade without stopping. I plan to be a regular from now on. The carnitas tacos were just wonderful.
(4)
Dustin D.
Had the beef cheek burrito again, but this time they accidentally gave me the salsa verde instead of the red sauce. It was good, but not as good as last time. Guess the red sauce really made it. Their salsa verde isn't my favorite. It's mild.
(5)
Jane H.
Everything here is the bomb. The people who run the place are nice, and the prices are great. AND they have a giant cow on top of the building! *It's take away, but they have picnic tables.
(5)
Dookie B.
Anytime I'm close I must stop by and order some tortas. Food comes out quickly and is very tasty. A must try!
(4)
Gordon J.
By looking at this restaurant/taco stand, you would NEVER guess it is the best Mexican food in the entire triangle! That's my judgement after trying all of the highly rated mex restaurants in the area. 15 years of searching! Loved the cheese enchiladas, fish tacos, and tamales! Please try them and you will see.
(5)
Ray D.
I love the food and atmosphere at La Vaquita. It's absolutely wonderful. I've brought my parents, and for a pair who loves to eat their own cooking as much as butter loves bread, they were surprisingly impressed. The atmosphere is just the right amount of rustic chic and the food with just the right amount of flavor and absolutely fresh. So why only 2 stars? I recently brought a couple friends there, and I paid for the meal for all three of us. The price came out to $41.48, which for 2 tacos at $2.19 each, a plate of fish tacos at $8.59, and a 3 taco meal at $8.29, it just didn't add up right. I didn't think about it at the time, since we were all kind of giddy, and I just trusted the waitress. After I came back and looked at the charges on my credit card, it looked really fishy (no pun intended). Even after you add in the drinks (2 waters at $1.25 each [that we didn't order] and a Horchata at $1.50), and a generous 10% tax, it only came out to $27.79, if you round up. I have no idea what kind of math the waitress was using, and it was my fault for trusting her, without giving credence to my math abilities, but it clearly wasn't right. I can't dispute the charges now, since I've already signed for it, so I'll just have to pat myself on the back for giving her a 49.3% tip (unless she decides to give herself a little bit more, since I prefer to see what establishments do if I like to leave the tip part of the check empty when there's no service involved, and then decide if I will trust them. But that's a whole another theory that I could expound later if anyone cares). This is just a heads up to everyone who goes there in the future: be sure to double and triple check the charges. It's still a great place to eat and hang out with friends, but probably not the most trustworthy of places.
(2)
Art E.
Having lived in the Los Angeles area most of my life--where Mexican restaurants and taquerias are as numerous as the billboards--I can tell you that this taqueria has some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food you'll find in the area. (For you native Tarheels who don't know what a billboard is, it's kind of like the trees here...there's one every 5-feet). The food prep is usually slow; it would be a huge plus if they had indoor seating, instead of having to sit outside on old, uncomfortable picnic tables. Finding a vacant "seat" is difficult during the lunch rush. The food actually taste like it was just made; so fresh and muy delicioso!
(5)
Ravi C.
You can't miss the big cow on the roof even if you tried. Ha The carne azada burrito is delicious. The azada alone has so much flavor and then you put it in a huge burrito? Yup, they sure did. The chorizo taco is equally delicious. You can't have one without the other. It's cheap. It's good portions. And it tastes great. What more could you ask for?
(4)
Richie K.
As a vegetarian, taquerias are sort of difficult to review. With their lack of interesting meat-free options and their abundance of lard, there isn't too much variety. Still, I love La Vaquita. The food is awesome, everything is fresh, and I never leave hungry. I do have one gripe, though. Put those plantains with the awesome crema on the menu full-time. Ho-ly crap.
(5)
J G.
Perfect place for a quick meal. Easy to order, I have tried the chicken quesadillas, total asada, chicken and beef tacos, all which have been just great each time. Very reasonably priced, you will not be disappointed. Just fyi, there is no inside seating.
(5)
Jerica L.
I love this place. I'm from Texas and this is authentic Mexican-not Tex-Mex (which I love too), but real Mexican food. I almost always get the Barbacoa tacos. Their tamales do lack on the meat but they have good flavor. Delicious hot sauces.
(5)
Bruce W.
Excellent chorizo con Juevo.. Great way to start the day. I arrived 15 minutes before their opening time on a Saturday morning. No worries, they opened up and I was served a delicious breakfast.
(5)
Nina B.
This was the fist Durham taqueria I visited, and it definitely set the bar plenty high. The prices are right, the food is fantastic, and I love the picnic table seating, though it's not great for those chilly days (not to be confused with those chile con carne days). There's plenty of parking on either side of the...hut? Taco dispensary? And the bathroom in the tienda next door is convenient (the door's on the outside!) and clean. I've been fortunate enough to try a few different tacos, a burrito, and the special alambre tacos, which have gooey cheese and salty bacon, plus rice and beans on the side (best when mixed together), and I'll definitely be back to try more!
(5)
Marco R.
According to yelp the location is open till 9:30 pm I called 10 minutes before 9 but they wouldn't answer I'm not sure if yelp has the wrong times or what's going on... I love the food by the way I'm just trying to make sure yelp has the accurate hours so people won't get discourage if they can't purchase any food due to the same inconvenience I had..
(3)
Sowmya R.
The tamales were excellent! The place only had outdoor seating, so go prepared if its a cold evening! We had tacos as well and they were good too.
(5)
Laura G.
Just ok. I am from Maryland and our local Mexican restaurant is ten times better. Food here is just ok. Not very flavorful. I was let down based on other reviews. Specifically the shrimp were awful.
(2)
Kristina A.
I get the same thing every time (veggie tacos with avocado). It's one of the few veggie friendly items on the menu, but it's good enough to get again and again. I don't think Chubby's is even in the same league as Taqueria La Vaquita, but maybe that's my west coast showing. I imagine it's even better for the adventurous omnivores out there. They only have outdoor seating, but there are fans, which help depending on the weather.
(5)
Andrew D.
It's not in the top-tier of Durham's taquerias but it is still quite good. One time I went here, the guy I was with had given up taco's for lent ... but he could still get burritos and tostadas and stuff? That seems not legit. **The Mexican hot dog is done right, with bacon and salsa and lots of mayo **Most of the meats were quite good, and came in tacos, burritos, and empanadas **One thing to avoid: Chicarron. Usually it's nice and crunchy, this was wet and gluey
(4)
Kimberly C.
I ran into this place while on a bike ride. I had been thinking I'd ride to Q Shack for something to eat but the cow on the roof pulled me in. Good tacos, homemade tortillas, tasty horchata. All for very reasonable prices! Picnic table seating only, but it was perfect for a nice spring day.
(4)
Margaret Z.
We've only been once, but will definitely be back! We stuck with the taco combo plates. The carnitas, pastor, and steak were great! Especially carnitas! Barbacoa was good, but not great. Their side of chips and salsa was not great, the chips were under salted and stale. The rice was pretty good and the beans were really good. Get the tacos with a side of their amazing Verde sauce and you will be very happy. Yum!!
(5)
Kim B.
One of the ladies that works with me shared this jewel of fresh, authentic Mexican food with me and I just love this tanqueria. The seating could be difficult or throw some people off, but they have awesome Mexican food!!!
(5)
Leo T.
I looked up at Marcia (my fiance), with a sly smile as I pulled the barbacoa taco away from my mouth and waited for her reaction as she bit into her carnita tostada. I was greeted with bright eyes and giant smile back. I then said to her "This is why I love living in Durham..." That pretty much sums up my experience at La Vaquita. I had the barbacoa, carnita, and pastor tacos and all were delicious. I'd say the carnita was my favorite. The corn tortilla tasted as if it were made there recently. They came with rice and beans which were amazing. The beans were honestly the most delicious refried beans I've aver had. They were creamy, and mixed with a bit of queso fresco. The rice was moist and flavorful. We ordered a tamale that was probably one of the larger ones I've ever been served. It tasted wonderful with the red sauce on top... :) That lovely little cow on the roof now moos at me to come back and try more. I will soon, I will my Vaquita...
(5)
Lori B.
Best tacos I have ever had! Loved their horchata too. Picnic tables are awesome on a beautiful spring evening
(5)
Jay G.
My go to place for quick Mexican lunch in Durham, weather permitting.
(4)
Katie T.
I've only driven by this place 35,89,720,374 times (okay -- a tad hyperbolic!) and failed to stop because...? No excuses here. Now, I can say that I enjoyed two tacos from here last night: pollo and pastor. The radishes were a surprise (a good one!) I did like the pastor more than the pollo (a little more pop in flavor). And then..the tamale! Wrapped in a banana leaf; it was perfectly cooked and each bite was incredible. Two tacos and a tamale for under $8? What a deal! The freshness of each bite outweighs any of the wait time. Food SHOULD taste like this and should be prepared was you order it. I cannot wait to go back for more!
(5)
Haylee N.
Best Mexican food in town, and that'd coming from a Texan married to a hispanic man whose father is a chef from Mexico. Plates go for about $10, or you could get tacos ($6 for 3) or other meals for cheaper. There's something like 50 options on the menu, so huge variety. The wait can take up to 15 minutes, but they accept call ahead orders, and there's a nice little store next door that you can walk around in.
(5)
Amrita R.
I went to visit a good friend this weekend and we went to this place because it was on a list of things to do with 36 hours in Raleigh... I love sketchy hole-in-the-wall places, they always have the best food! It was so good! A little hard to find but the giant cow helps :) It was freezing outside and we had to wait a while for our food but it was worth it. We got the Mexican tortas with beef and it was delicious. I loved the avocado in it, and although I was weary of ketchup and mayo on my Mexican sandwich, it went well. Very reasonably priced and a decent size of food. My friend got a burrito and it was also really tasty. I loved that green sauce they had in the front of the place, even though I'm not sure it was supposed to go with the tortas... Definitely would go back here if I was in the area!
(4)
George F.
Fantastic homestyle Mexican food! We shared the Chilaquiles, Tamales, Hurache with Chorizo and Fish Tacos. All were very good as were the beans. The service is great but beware... there's no indoor seating. But there are four picnic tables. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)
Charlene G.
We love this place for several reasons. 1) tacos are reliably great 2) specials like cochinita pibil are always delicious 3) it's a fun place to eat outside at the picnic tables 4) there is a cow on the roof 5) the tamales and empanadas are super delicious 6) did I mention there is a cow on the roof?
(4)
Jason T.
Considering we're not in California, this is pretty good Mexican food. The Al Pastor was flavorful but not as juicy as I had hoped. Big problem: They close early! It is a scientific fact that Mexican food tastes best between 11pm and 4am. GET ON THIS!
(3)
Mohamed N.
This place is great- tasty and cheap- but patrons should also know about its sit-down "sister restaurant" I enjoy the food here at Taqueria La Vaquita quite a bit- made fresh, inexpensive, and very tasty. I LOVE the different kinds of tacos they have, particularly the barbacoa. It's traditional Mexican, not the fake stuff like at Chipotle's, On the Border, and similar. This place was featured in Gourmet magazine about 2 years ago as one of the best places to get Mexican food in the Triangle, too. However, patrons should know about La Vaquita II, which is owned by the same people and hosts the same menu. Why does this matter? As some of the other reviews have noted, there's no place to sit and enjoy your food at Taqueria La Vaquita aside from some picnic tables. Further, you're ordering outside, so if it's cold or hot or pouring rain, you're miserable while waiting for your food even if for take-out. This is the sole reason I don't go there very often. La Vaquita II (see review here in Yelp) solves all this- you can sit back with an appetizer of chips and salsa while you await your great meal in a climate-controlled environment. So, if the weather's good, go check out the big cow statue at this place and have the full outdoor experience. However, if you want to eat indoors, try the sister restaurant. Either way, you'll come away very satisfied with the food.
(4)
Arika S.
Authentic taco stand is correct, but I wasn't that impressed. The carnita tacos were good but the barbacoa and chicken were pretty dry. I hope that I just caught this place on a bad day, but I prefer Chubby's tacos to this.
(3)
Raj S.
This place is awesome; when you can't read parts of the menu, then you know it's bound to be authentic and good. I've driven by this place a few times but figured it was time to try it out. I had the 3 taco special where you can pick 3 different tacos and also get rice and beans for 8.50. I had the pastor pork tacos, which were all awesome, especially considering I'm usually not a fan of pork in general. Also, the sauces they have to go with their tacos are great, though honestly you probably wouldn't even need them since the meats really flavorful already. Based on the prices and look of the place, I was expecting to get average food, but this place is awesome! Definitely will go back on a regular basis.
(5)
Sara R.
I can't say enough good things about this place... it's dangerous to live close by, and we end up going at least once a week. Friendly people, authentic, and a really good value. The tostadas with chorizo are the best!
(5)
M P.
Super cheap yet very tasty taco stand. All seating is outdoors. Menu its super long, so its always fun too try something new each time you come back here. Food is simple but flavorful.
(4)
Matty B.
A must when you are craving some good Mexican food! You wouldn't know it from driving by this modest stand on Chapel Hill Road, but you can seriously get an excellent meal here. Part of the charm is the fact that there is very little seating (just a few picnic tables) and you have to wait with your co-customers while your food is freshly prepared. I've had the tamales, burritos, quesadillas, and a variety of tacos, and they have all been mouth-watering.
(5)
L C.
This is by far the best Mexican food I've had since I moved away from California. The Azada is the best! The chicken is very good as well. Loved the 3 taco meal and fried plaintains. Will definitely be going back.
(5)
Mia C.
Overrated but convenient. It's on the radar for easy access to an authentic Mexican food experience in the area, and it does get points for that, but as far as taquerias go, I find the food sub-par and inconsistent. My tortas are never made the same way (and only about 1/3 of the time do they taste delectable), the salsas are not always of the same hotness (maybe 3/4 of the time are they sufficiently hot), and the one time I got the horchata, it was chalky and too heavy on the cinnamon. Skip the platanos fritos, as well, as they're nothing special on the flavor-o-meter. The one exception to the rampant inconsistency would be their chicken tamals, which have always been quite tasty. As previous reviewers mentioned, service is supremely slow, so expect a good wait for your food, even if you're the only customer, unless you are ordering tamals or their overpriced and skimpy portion of chips & salsa. If you have it in you to venture farther into Durham, you'll find foods the tastes of which your Mexican palate thought it could only dream.
(2)
Jim N.
Took my son-in-law here for lunch after a morning of fishing, and I'll have to admit that we made better catches here than on the lake! Great barbacoa with tortillas and fish tacos, plus outstanding rice & beans. Every time I return, it's still great food, cooked to order, and everyone I take loves it. Not much to look at, but after all, where else can you eat a great Tex-Mex meal on a picnic table under a cow? And the prices are very good!
(4)
Christina G.
La Vaquita was my assigned stop in the recent UYE (unofficial Yelp event) Tour-de-Taco: yelp.com/biz/uye-tour-de… . Being the inept-at-Spanish chicken I am, I did not follow exact directions for the event and avoided calling my order in ahead of time, certain I'd botch it over the phone (since I've most certainly miscommunicated orders in person!). We arrived at 6 armed with our written order, navigated the strange, small parking and walked up to the open portal. The guy who was working was really nice and spoke English so it ended up being no problem at all. There's no indoor area here; but we joined some other folks at the picnic tables to wait for our food. There were overhead fans and it wouldn't be a bad place to stop for a cheap bite on a cooler day. Our order was up in about half an hour. Unfortunately -- for one of the guys who was waiting as well -- they accidentally fulfilled our hefty haul before they did his. Oops. But good turnaround time for us! Hard to give 'em better than three stars based on the results of our blind taco taste test though. I scored them dead last for chicken tacos; similarly, Phil rated them low in the beef taco category. Bummer. I did however enjoy the fish taco I sampled. And at two bucks a pop, a taco with lots of meat and fresh cilantro certainly isn't too shabby! Check out the next-door grocery for any tienda needs.
(3)
Ross I.
Awesome food. Service is slow and it is basically a taco stand but totally worth it. The carnita tacos are just like Mexico. The mole is mouth watering. Have been here several times and crave it when I am in the area. A must!
(5)
Tera B.
Delicious tacos and love the salsa! I would give it 5 stars but I don't like the fact that outdoor seating is the only option. Food is very fresh and delicious! Everything is also very reasonably priced, you can get two tacos, rice and beans for a little over $6.
(4)
Emilia C.
Delicious tacos! This is not a tex-mex / Americanized version of Mexican food. Come here if you want the real deal. I've tried the chicken, beef, and barbacoa tacos. I can't wait to go back for more! (No inside seating, fyi..)
(5)
Phil G.
I am a little knew to the Durham taqueria scene but I was reasonably pleased by this restaurant. The restaurant is very small with only outdoor seating. Unless you're fairly short, you'll have to lean over to speak to the person taking orders through a small window. The menu and staff are English-speaking friendly so don't worry if you haven't fully embraced the Spanish language. We ordered the following tacos: Barbacoa (stewed beef) Pollo (chicken) Pescado (fish) The chicken was a little on the dry side but the salsa helped. The beef taco was a little better but I found the beef tacos at Chubby more flavorful (sorry about comparing this to Chubby's but Chubby's surprisingly isn't that overbearingly American). The fish taco was good. It was topped with a mix of onions and peppers. Again, I liked the fish tacos at Chubby's better. Still need to go back and try some other things on the menu but had a good first impression (nothing too great but nothing appalling).
(3)
Samantha B.
How can you not love this place? There is a cow on the roof. And, of course, the tacos and tortas are delicious with fresh ingredients and great flavors. The lack of indoor seating really only adds to the charm; the only thing that doesn't is the sometimes-substantial wait times for your food, but that's not enough to make me take away a star from the rating. Like many, La Vaquita was my first exposure to the Durham taqueria scene, and it's still one of my favorites.
(5)
Antonia M.
I am really surprised at the amount of mediocre reviews of this fantastic little taqueria. It's a window-service-only taco stand with a distinguishing giant cow on top. This place serves some of the best, most authentic mexican there is in the area. I wish there was a bit more seating (i.e. more picnic benches in the outdoor-only seating area), and the service is a bit slow - but it sort of adds to the overall experience of eating here. You will have to wait for your food, and that's because they prepare everything fresh. The corn tortillas for the tacos are made here by hand - no crunchy, fried shells. The menu is pretty extensive. Get the tacos - any kind, they're all delicious. The refried beans are delicious. And if you're looking for something fried, the empanadas are really great. Next on my list to try is the mole chicken. Despite wanting some more seating for those busy weekend lunch times, and the fact that I'd love if I could also drink a beer with my meals here - I still have to give it 5 stars. Go here, now! You won't regret it...
(5)
Vivian O.
I can't believe that no one mentioned the gorditas. OMG, they are delicious. First time we went over a year ago, 4 of us shared several different things on the menu, all good though I keep going back for a barbacoa gordita. I try gorditas at lots of Taqueria (they don't have these in TX or CA where I used to live) and hands down, these are the best. I heard that the cooks from Four Square come over here for lunch and snacks.
(5)
Jane Y.
I Can't Believe I Haven't Written An Review About This Joint!! Despite of the fact that this place was featured on the NY times and brings in loads of revenue, it still remains to be the yellow hut with the plastic cow. There's no indoor sitting, just outdoor picnic tables with fans (which do not work). The price is CHEAP and the food is AUTHENTIC. Motto of the day: The grungier a place is, the more authentic it is. I had the fish tacos. DEElicious. I don't know whats the stigma that comes with fish tacos, but all my dude coworkers made fun of me (W for whatever). The salsa was fresh and the fish was fresh. It comes to beans and rice, which I enjoyed (even though I'm not a fan of beans and rice. ) I also had the mole chicken (I have a big appetite). It was good but a little bit too sweet for my taste. The chicken was tender and flavourful but I didn't enjoy the tasteless thick skin on the chicken. blech. For what it's supposed to be - a simple hut for authentic mexican food. It has served its purpose.
(4)
Caroline Z.
Reminiscent of the pig at Crook's Corner (or the flying cow from Monty Python), Taqueria La Vaquita has a big cow on its roof - so it's really hard to miss this place. I just got takeout from there, consisting of one barbacoa taco, a carnitas taco, and a chicken tamale, and all three were delicious. There's a generous amount of meat on the tacos, though I can't say the same for the tamale, which was doughier than I'd like. Since this place operates out of a takeout window, there is no salsa bar to speak of. Tacos are served with cilantro, onions, and radish and you get a little cup of hot salsa to go, which I thought had just the right amount of kick. The meat was a bit greasy on both tacos, but very flavorful. The rest of the menu consists of a variety of tortas, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, and a long list of main dishes. I also love that this place is located across the street from one of the fanciest restaurants in town; it's a testament to the diversity of cuisine you can find in Durham. La Vaquita is best for takeout, as they only have a couple of plastic tables set up outside. There's also a tienda behind the restaurant if you're in need of some groceries.
(4)
ed f.
Pretty solid experience overall. The service, as noted previously, is a bit slow. Be prepared for that. I sat outside at the picnic tables, as there's no indoor seating. It was a nice fall day and i enjoyed it quite a bit. Food sampled: taco de pastor - delicious, lots of meat taco de azada - delicious, lots of meat taco de barbacoa - delicious, lots of meat (are you detecting a trend?) Each taco was ~$2. I'd say the barbacoa was the most flavorful and i'd probably double up on that next time. I'd definitely go back if in the area. Hard to drive past comales and chubbys to get there from my location though.
(4)
Dave S.
This place was pretty decent. My tacos were good and I had a burrito as well that was fine. I was a little underwhelmed though. It was pretty expensive for 2 people (like 24 bucks) and it just wasn't all that much food. I had to eat some of my wife's fajitas to feel full (even after 2 tacos and a burrito). Maybe I just didn't get the right items, but I don't really know why I would go here when I live closer to La Salamanda, which is cheaper and better with larger portions.
(3)
Amy M.
Best.tacos.ever. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing, you can't go wrong, you should go there now.
(5)
Ulrich S.
In a nutshell: good but not good enough to make me a fan. 3.5 stars. My wife and I went there and had chicken fajitas and carne asada. We were hoping the taste can compete with La Morenita in Palo Alto, which has supertasty food but can be annoyingly slow. Taqueria was not there. In fact, for the flavoring of the meat, we both prefer Chipotle on Erwin! The beans and rice were a little better than Chipotle, but the "lettuce" was a little worse -- the radish slices seemed off to me. Also more expensive than Chipotle and not as fast; of course, matching Chipotle's speed is tough.
(3)
Jennifer C.
Carnitas burrito, you are so delicious! I come here every so often when I am craving Mexican food. I love sitting outside, which is a good thing because it's the only option for sitting at La Vaquita. Taking it home (aka letting it get soggy and cold in the car) is just not something I can bring myself to do. Honestly, I wouldn't go anywhere else.
(5)
Amanda T.
I had passed this place a million times (how can you miss the large blue cow on top?) but so glad I decided to stop. Hands down, the best tacos in Durham. Love the atmosphere - you order at the small window and sit on a long picnic table with other patrons while you wait for them to call your number. All the salsas are delicious, amazing mole. I'm sad I discovered this within months before moving away. The only complaint is that parking can be tricky when crowded.
(4)
Sean C.
Easily one of the best noshes I've had in Durham. Everyone is prepared with extra love. Enchiladas with mole. Perfect. Nothing more nothing less. Just window service. You order at the window and take back to your picnic table. In the weather this can be a bear, but truly, this is North Carolina, suck it up, the food is well worth it. Everything from top to bottom is excellent. Tacos: Check, nothing wrong here. I especially like the barbacoa. They have a gringo taco, which I am not sure what the point is, but if you are dining with the un-adventuresome ... you can wish upon them. Torta: Awesome. Exactly what you want after you've been working all morning. Platos: The pibil is a mass of citrus and pork that just is pure joy. Other standard items, they kick out with aplomb. Only thin I wish, a cool cerveza after a hard day; you might need to run down the street for that.; though there is an affiliated mercado right next door.
(5)
Emma S.
This place is awesome, order some tacos (or a torta, they're amazing) and go check out la tienda next door while you wait. The only seating is outdoor, but that's part of the experience. Does not disappoint.
(5)
Nick L.
My favorite taqueria in Durham, alongside Los Comales. Their carnitas burrito with smoky salsa roja may be my favorite burrito ever. I recently got turned on to the platillos. I shied away from ordering them before because of how pricey they were (comparatively to everything else on the menu, of course), but now I've seen the light. Try the cochinita pibil. Unlike everyone else, I'm not a huge fan of the barbacoa here. It's not the smoky, moist cheek meat that I've grown to love in Texas. It's more like stewed beef. Serviceable, but just not what I was hoping for. For that matter, I've realized that "barbacoa" at every other taqueria in Durham means something vastly different than barbacoa in Texas.
(5)
Jared I.
This is a place that I find myself coming back to due both to their good food and proximity to my house. They have a delicious sincronizada which is like a quesadilla but comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream on the side. The fajitas texanas with steak, chicken, and shrimp is also very good. So this is a good standby restaurant for an evening meal. This place deserves four stars for their consistency and the authentic quality of certain dishes which are quite good.
(4)
H M.
Disclaimer: I'm from San Diego and I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican food. This may or may not be relevant to you. So I'll admit, I wasn't expecting anything mind-blowing going into this. When I drove up, the place looked legit. Picnic tables out front, gravel parking lot, run-down shed of a facility. All positive signs in the world of delicious Mexican cuisine. I ordered three tacos (carne asada, carnitas, and al pastor) with rice and beans--pretty standard. Now normally I'd expect tacos in double corn tortillas or crispy fried shells (and I'm not talking about the bright yellow Ortega shells you buy at the grocery store). These were more like some sort of pita/flatbread offshoot--not sure how to describe it. The meats (especially the carne asada) were uninspiring. Normally, even a bad tortilla can be offset by a well-seasoned, flavorful meat. Not the case here--I was disappointed. The beans were watery and the rice didn't really add much value other than making me less full. Bottom line: it handled my Mexican fix, but not in a good way. You should definitely try it and see what you think though--this could just be my high standards talking.
(2)
Shannon B.
I get the 3 Carnitas tacos meal - very good. Definitely add a bit of the sauces from the counter, and squeeze some lime juice on. The meals are actually a little costly for this area considering the eat outdoors style though.
(4)
Ben M.
I've only been here twice, but trust me when I say that I'll be back often. I love being greeted by the cow on the roof, who stares across the street to a fancy and expensive restaurant defiantly declaring that the cheap eats available here are vastly superior to whatever they have over there. The salsas/sauces are fantastic, the sopes are all kinds of worth it, the chorizo tacos are great, and the enchiladas en salsa verde may be the best thing I've eaten in years. I recommend placing your order to go and heading home. There are tables there, but they're wooden outdoor picnic-type tables. Those may actually be nice on a cool evening, but for most of the year it's just too hot for that kind of nonsense.
(5)
Kun P.
Situated across from Four Square, this little establishment is hard to miss. The parking space is situated a little awkward, but pretty much self-explanatory. Ring bell, place your orders, and sit down. I really wish there was inside seating, but we'll make do with. One menudo, one carnitas zynchronizadas, por favor. They have aquas frescas as well. I've had plenty of menudo, and there's usually a pitfall to be had; either the broth isn't flavorful with a plethora of miscellaneous entrails (the latter of which isn't a bad thing), or you get uber-rich broth with nothing but tendons and fatback. So you must choose: for the soup or for the toppings? You get rich, exquisite soup here, but I was hoping for more organs. You can definitely taste the marrow and all the glory of the pig. But for $9 weekend fare, don't count on this dish itself to fill you up. On the other hand, I was initially thinking that the menudo would be huge and would feed us both. Since we got the menudo first, I was a bit worried about whether we had enough food to cure a hangover (the menudo was doing a kick ass job of doing it). Then comes out the zynchronizadas. It's basically a quesadilla; a 12 inch flour pancake filled with meat and cheese, then cut to pieces. Trimmings that follow include a very mild salad with tomatoes and queso powder. Very nice. The carnitas from here is probably the best I've had up to date. The sheer amount of smokiness paired with instant gratification. Ugh, it's so hard to resist pork this good. Perfect amount of pork and cheese. Although it does get a bit heavy towards the last few pieces, it is well worth it. And at $4, how can you say no to this level of value? I really enjoyed eating here, despite having to swat at 20 flies that wanted a piece of my hog. That's the only downfall of this place, really. If lived near here, I would have weight issues. Looking forward to sampling more from here soon!
(4)
Neil J.
We made our first trip to a Durham Taqueria at La Vaquita. Being vegetarian, we appreciated the separate vegetariano menu taped on the window. We tried the enchiladas verdes, platanos fritos, and veggie tacos. Was a tad pricey for a taco stand (~$20), but the food was fresh and delicious. The prep time was a bit long, but it was worth it for the freshly prepared meal. Interesting to see this place sharing a block of culinary excellence with neighboring Four Square.
(4)
Meg T.
Love love love Taqueria la Vaquita. A meal of three tacos will only set you back about $7 (maybe less). The asada has a great grilled flavor, and the pastor is well seasoned and crispy. The carnitas are rich and again, crispy on the edges. Delicate and flavorful tortillas. All around a great taco, and I love them so much I haven't yet tried anything else on the menu! They only serve soft drinks and juices, but you can grab an adult beverage and the convenience mart next door.
(5)
Nancy H.
I have a belief that "hole-in-the-wall" places are foolproof and Taqueria La Vaquita did not disappoint. I was a little skeptical upon seeing the place, but appearances can be deceiving. Now we call it the "Cow Place," you'll see why. Their food is flavorful and hits the spot every time. I'm getting a craving right now just writing this. I've tried the chicken mole, torta al pastor, steak tostadas, and tacos. My favorites were the chicken mole and tostadas, best mole I've had here so far, not overly salty like a lot of places. If your wallet's a little tight the torta is a great deal, yummy flaky bread stuffed with meat, mayo, and veggies. If you're feeling a little adventurous they have a tamarindo drink that isn't your typical soda, but definitely worth a try.
(4)
J C.
Great tortas.
(3)
Sam I.
I had an OK tongue burritto. Later I had the mole, which I did not like at all (and it was over priced).
(3)
Albert Y.
When I first started going here, I was very disappointed compared to my personal favorite taqueria (Los Comales) but over time, I've found a few dishes and items here that are kicka**. The tamales are awesome and have so much flavor and at $2.50 a pop, I'll have a few right now. As much as I like a few items here, for the normal tacos and sopes, I still prefer Los Comales.
(3)
D. A.
Definitely the best tacos I've had in Durham. I tried the platter with the carnitas, pork el pastor, and pollo, and all were excellent, with a healthy portion of fresh cilantro, chopped onions, radishes, and verde or rojo sauce on the side. Although not as inexpensive as one would expect from a taco stand (around $8.50 for the 3 taco platter with beans and rice), its definitely worth it, especially on a nice day when you can sit outside at the picnic tables.
(4)
Rachel K.
If I had only one meal for the rest of my life to eat it would be a carnitas burrito from Taquiera La Vaquita. This little stand is the most amazing taqueria in the area. The carnitas burrito with the red smoky sauce is divine. I still don't quite know what a sopes is, but do try one. YUMMY!!!!
(5)
john h.
I don't think you can miss at this place. It is amazing. Carnitas as mentioned are outstanding, but my favorite is the lengua. But I was especially surprised by the seafood they do. Camarones diablo are outstanding. Fish tacos lovely. Man I love this place, plus it's only a few blocks from my house.
(5)
Rachel M.
This place basically sustained me through finals. Get the Mole Pablano, which has a nice smoky flavor, or the barbacoa torta. It's quick, flavorful, and beats On The Border any day.
(5)
Kendall G.
A very good taqueria with a great atmosphere. The modesty of this place, including the picnic tables and the large cow sculpture on top make the tacos even more enjoyable. As others have mentioned, the barbacoa isn't the best here, but it certainly is good. For a treat, get a taco made with "Chiccaron con nopales" or pork cracklings with cactus. The tortillas here are handmade and very special. For non-taco fans, they are many more choices including tortas and platos combinatos.
(4)
Katy T.
The only thing wrong with this place is I didn't discover it until I moved away! It's reminiscent of Mexico without the fear of contracting E.coli. I got the fish tacos which were exquisite. Homemade corn tortillas were delicate and not too dry. The tilapia was seasoned perfectly, with a hint of spiciness and tanginess. Salsa fresca was delicious. My boyfriend got Mexican shrimp which were also fantastic, rich and not overcooked. If you like Mexican food at all, you should not miss Taqueria la Vaquita.
Takes Reservations : No Delivery : No Take-out : Yes Accepts Credit Cards : Yes Good For : Lunch Parking : Private Lot Bike Parking : Yes Wheelchair Accessible : Yes Good for Kids : Yes Good for Groups : Yes Attire : Casual Ambience : Divey Noise Level : Average Alcohol : No Outdoor Seating : Yes Wi-Fi : No Has TV : No Waiter Service : No Caters : No
If you enjoy Taco Tuesday, then you have officially fallen in love with the Mexican Food. The main grain of Mexican cuisine is maize. Also known as corn, maize is grown for the past 9000 years after the crop was discovered by the people in Mayan civilization. Mexican empire flourished when they started growing beans, tomatoes, chili pepper, sweet potato and cactus. Till this date these ingredients are used in cooking authentic Mexican dishes and drinks.
Great use of spices, fresh chili pepper dishes like fajitas, tortilla chips, corn chips, salsa, chimichangas, burritos, nachos and quesadillas are invented in America. But when you are looking for authentic Mexican food then you must find a restaurant in the city that serves Rajas con Queso, Garbanzo in a Guajillo Chile Sauce, Pork Filled Chiles Rellenos, Chiles en Nogada, Molcajete Salsa, Pico de Gallo and Frijoles de la Olla. An eye-opening fact – Mexican don't like their food hot. They use fresh chili and other spices to create a flavor that lingers in your mouth.
Mexican food is great for those who are Gluten Intolerant as they use Corn instead of wheat in most of their dishes. Also, you can easily find many beans based Mexican dishes. Another dish which didn't get similar glory as tacos or nachos is the Mexican hot chocolate. If you love something hot on a chilly day, then go for Mexican Hot Chocolate. On merry days, you can enjoy the authentic Mexican Drinks like Tequila, Mezcal, Tecuí, Sotol, Bacanora, Charanda, Posh O Pox, Puebla and Pulque. Mexican Cuisine is for people who enjoy strong drinks and hearty meals.
Young B.
Authentic Mexican food. Got the asada burrito and it was absolutely delicious, especially with the salsas they had out! We also liked the outdoor seating (which is the only kind of seating they have)! :) great food and atmosphere!
(5)Stasia K.
Though this place is recommended for lunch, we went for dinner around 5. This is probably why the meat wasn't as moist as it could have been. The people I went with enjoyed their tacos and gordita. I got a chicken tamale, an empanada with barbacoa, and a taco with carnitas. The taco meat was tender but somewhat dry and not much flavor. The corn tortilla was soft and warm, and the cilantro fresh. The empanadas had a nice mild bbq flavor, and the meat tender. The chicken in the tamale was a bit too spicy for my taste. All together, with a bottled water, my total was under $10. Overall, the food was authentic and I would return.
(3)Bon V.
Love this place. Please go here. Price is right. Food is better. My full review at bonvagrant.com/#/new-pag…
(4)Emily R.
I love coming here for a quick meal and authentic Mexican food. I usually get the barbacoa torta. The bread is really nice and the portion size is perfect. If you haven't tried a torta yet, you are really missing out! Go get it now! Parking can be awkward during busy times. Also, they love to put ketchup on everything.
(4)Alex V.
loved this place, always go for the tacos! they never disappoint (: I had the pollo and carnitas taco and it was so yummy!!
(4)Eric F.
Absolutely no frills here. Be sure to bring your jacket if it's cold, sit in your car if you'd prefer, or hang out on the benches. This is one of the few authentic taquerias in the Triangle. If you are looking for a little place that feels a little like Mexico, you may enjoy this spot. I get a lot of flashbacks to various taquerias I visited during different trips to Mexico when I'm here.
(5)Kim A.
So good! I love their fajitas and the guacamole is delicious! The parking lot is small and kind of weird. It gets pretty busy around lunch time and on weekends. They are friendly and fast.
(5)Tina W.
One of the great Mexican food spot in RTP. Empanadas with barbibu pork is great and wonderful and absolutely in loved. They have legit pork taco choices. Although I have never been a fan of taco, this time I bent down for those tacos. The pork is well seasoned and tastes with great smoothy textures. In addition, their spicy sauce is not too spice and with some sweet in it making it the great combo with taco.
(4)Alexis B.
I was not impressed by the nachos supreme. For starters, what mexican restaurant doesn't have queso fondido? that's an expected menu item. The food stunk so badly, I could barely even get two bites.
(2)Sarah C.
This is one of the hidden gems of the Durham food scene. I think it's the best Mexican place in town, and very reasonably priced, too! All of the food is made fresh. Their corn tortillas are homemade, which can be hard to find. They have tons of vegetarian options, and are willing to customize anything on the menu to fit your diet and needs. I've sampled a few different things on the menu, and I think the veggie fajitas and veggie tacos are my favorites. They also have excellent hot sauce on every table that adds a nice kick. The only downside is that there is only outdoor seating. But in a way that adds to the casual charm this place has, especially on a nice day when sitting outside would be the preference. It's definitely not fancy, but this is definitely a place everyone should try!
(4)N D.
Stopped by for lunch for the first time. The menu has a lot of options for everyone to choose from. I had the burrito #30. It was really good, it had a very authentic home style taste. I plan on going back many times in the future to work my way through their menu. I just wish they had more seating for people.
(4)Adrienne S.
They would have gotten 5 stars if they had a spot for dining. As it is, they have only 2 picnic tables. The service is friendly, the food is fresh, and it will take about 15 minutes to receive your order. Well worth the wait. The food is flavorful and delicious. I regret that I have passed this place for nearly a decade without stopping. I plan to be a regular from now on. The carnitas tacos were just wonderful.
(4)Dustin D.
Had the beef cheek burrito again, but this time they accidentally gave me the salsa verde instead of the red sauce. It was good, but not as good as last time. Guess the red sauce really made it. Their salsa verde isn't my favorite. It's mild.
(5)Jane H.
Everything here is the bomb. The people who run the place are nice, and the prices are great. AND they have a giant cow on top of the building! *It's take away, but they have picnic tables.
(5)Dookie B.
Anytime I'm close I must stop by and order some tortas. Food comes out quickly and is very tasty. A must try!
(4)Gordon J.
By looking at this restaurant/taco stand, you would NEVER guess it is the best Mexican food in the entire triangle! That's my judgement after trying all of the highly rated mex restaurants in the area. 15 years of searching! Loved the cheese enchiladas, fish tacos, and tamales! Please try them and you will see.
(5)Ray D.
I love the food and atmosphere at La Vaquita. It's absolutely wonderful. I've brought my parents, and for a pair who loves to eat their own cooking as much as butter loves bread, they were surprisingly impressed. The atmosphere is just the right amount of rustic chic and the food with just the right amount of flavor and absolutely fresh. So why only 2 stars? I recently brought a couple friends there, and I paid for the meal for all three of us. The price came out to $41.48, which for 2 tacos at $2.19 each, a plate of fish tacos at $8.59, and a 3 taco meal at $8.29, it just didn't add up right. I didn't think about it at the time, since we were all kind of giddy, and I just trusted the waitress. After I came back and looked at the charges on my credit card, it looked really fishy (no pun intended). Even after you add in the drinks (2 waters at $1.25 each [that we didn't order] and a Horchata at $1.50), and a generous 10% tax, it only came out to $27.79, if you round up. I have no idea what kind of math the waitress was using, and it was my fault for trusting her, without giving credence to my math abilities, but it clearly wasn't right. I can't dispute the charges now, since I've already signed for it, so I'll just have to pat myself on the back for giving her a 49.3% tip (unless she decides to give herself a little bit more, since I prefer to see what establishments do if I like to leave the tip part of the check empty when there's no service involved, and then decide if I will trust them. But that's a whole another theory that I could expound later if anyone cares). This is just a heads up to everyone who goes there in the future: be sure to double and triple check the charges. It's still a great place to eat and hang out with friends, but probably not the most trustworthy of places.
(2)Art E.
Having lived in the Los Angeles area most of my life--where Mexican restaurants and taquerias are as numerous as the billboards--I can tell you that this taqueria has some of the most authentic and delicious Mexican food you'll find in the area. (For you native Tarheels who don't know what a billboard is, it's kind of like the trees here...there's one every 5-feet). The food prep is usually slow; it would be a huge plus if they had indoor seating, instead of having to sit outside on old, uncomfortable picnic tables. Finding a vacant "seat" is difficult during the lunch rush. The food actually taste like it was just made; so fresh and muy delicioso!
(5)Ravi C.
You can't miss the big cow on the roof even if you tried. Ha The carne azada burrito is delicious. The azada alone has so much flavor and then you put it in a huge burrito? Yup, they sure did. The chorizo taco is equally delicious. You can't have one without the other. It's cheap. It's good portions. And it tastes great. What more could you ask for?
(4)Richie K.
As a vegetarian, taquerias are sort of difficult to review. With their lack of interesting meat-free options and their abundance of lard, there isn't too much variety. Still, I love La Vaquita. The food is awesome, everything is fresh, and I never leave hungry. I do have one gripe, though. Put those plantains with the awesome crema on the menu full-time. Ho-ly crap.
(5)J G.
Perfect place for a quick meal. Easy to order, I have tried the chicken quesadillas, total asada, chicken and beef tacos, all which have been just great each time. Very reasonably priced, you will not be disappointed. Just fyi, there is no inside seating.
(5)Jerica L.
I love this place. I'm from Texas and this is authentic Mexican-not Tex-Mex (which I love too), but real Mexican food. I almost always get the Barbacoa tacos. Their tamales do lack on the meat but they have good flavor. Delicious hot sauces.
(5)Bruce W.
Excellent chorizo con Juevo.. Great way to start the day. I arrived 15 minutes before their opening time on a Saturday morning. No worries, they opened up and I was served a delicious breakfast.
(5)Nina B.
This was the fist Durham taqueria I visited, and it definitely set the bar plenty high. The prices are right, the food is fantastic, and I love the picnic table seating, though it's not great for those chilly days (not to be confused with those chile con carne days). There's plenty of parking on either side of the...hut? Taco dispensary? And the bathroom in the tienda next door is convenient (the door's on the outside!) and clean. I've been fortunate enough to try a few different tacos, a burrito, and the special alambre tacos, which have gooey cheese and salty bacon, plus rice and beans on the side (best when mixed together), and I'll definitely be back to try more!
(5)Marco R.
According to yelp the location is open till 9:30 pm I called 10 minutes before 9 but they wouldn't answer I'm not sure if yelp has the wrong times or what's going on... I love the food by the way I'm just trying to make sure yelp has the accurate hours so people won't get discourage if they can't purchase any food due to the same inconvenience I had..
(3)Sowmya R.
The tamales were excellent! The place only had outdoor seating, so go prepared if its a cold evening! We had tacos as well and they were good too.
(5)Laura G.
Just ok. I am from Maryland and our local Mexican restaurant is ten times better. Food here is just ok. Not very flavorful. I was let down based on other reviews. Specifically the shrimp were awful.
(2)Kristina A.
I get the same thing every time (veggie tacos with avocado). It's one of the few veggie friendly items on the menu, but it's good enough to get again and again. I don't think Chubby's is even in the same league as Taqueria La Vaquita, but maybe that's my west coast showing. I imagine it's even better for the adventurous omnivores out there. They only have outdoor seating, but there are fans, which help depending on the weather.
(5)Andrew D.
It's not in the top-tier of Durham's taquerias but it is still quite good. One time I went here, the guy I was with had given up taco's for lent ... but he could still get burritos and tostadas and stuff? That seems not legit. **The Mexican hot dog is done right, with bacon and salsa and lots of mayo **Most of the meats were quite good, and came in tacos, burritos, and empanadas **One thing to avoid: Chicarron. Usually it's nice and crunchy, this was wet and gluey
(4)Kimberly C.
I ran into this place while on a bike ride. I had been thinking I'd ride to Q Shack for something to eat but the cow on the roof pulled me in. Good tacos, homemade tortillas, tasty horchata. All for very reasonable prices! Picnic table seating only, but it was perfect for a nice spring day.
(4)Margaret Z.
We've only been once, but will definitely be back! We stuck with the taco combo plates. The carnitas, pastor, and steak were great! Especially carnitas! Barbacoa was good, but not great. Their side of chips and salsa was not great, the chips were under salted and stale. The rice was pretty good and the beans were really good. Get the tacos with a side of their amazing Verde sauce and you will be very happy. Yum!!
(5)Kim B.
One of the ladies that works with me shared this jewel of fresh, authentic Mexican food with me and I just love this tanqueria. The seating could be difficult or throw some people off, but they have awesome Mexican food!!!
(5)Leo T.
I looked up at Marcia (my fiance), with a sly smile as I pulled the barbacoa taco away from my mouth and waited for her reaction as she bit into her carnita tostada. I was greeted with bright eyes and giant smile back. I then said to her "This is why I love living in Durham..." That pretty much sums up my experience at La Vaquita. I had the barbacoa, carnita, and pastor tacos and all were delicious. I'd say the carnita was my favorite. The corn tortilla tasted as if it were made there recently. They came with rice and beans which were amazing. The beans were honestly the most delicious refried beans I've aver had. They were creamy, and mixed with a bit of queso fresco. The rice was moist and flavorful. We ordered a tamale that was probably one of the larger ones I've ever been served. It tasted wonderful with the red sauce on top... :) That lovely little cow on the roof now moos at me to come back and try more. I will soon, I will my Vaquita...
(5)Lori B.
Best tacos I have ever had! Loved their horchata too. Picnic tables are awesome on a beautiful spring evening
(5)Jay G.
My go to place for quick Mexican lunch in Durham, weather permitting.
(4)Katie T.
I've only driven by this place 35,89,720,374 times (okay -- a tad hyperbolic!) and failed to stop because...? No excuses here. Now, I can say that I enjoyed two tacos from here last night: pollo and pastor. The radishes were a surprise (a good one!) I did like the pastor more than the pollo (a little more pop in flavor). And then..the tamale! Wrapped in a banana leaf; it was perfectly cooked and each bite was incredible. Two tacos and a tamale for under $8? What a deal! The freshness of each bite outweighs any of the wait time. Food SHOULD taste like this and should be prepared was you order it. I cannot wait to go back for more!
(5)Haylee N.
Best Mexican food in town, and that'd coming from a Texan married to a hispanic man whose father is a chef from Mexico. Plates go for about $10, or you could get tacos ($6 for 3) or other meals for cheaper. There's something like 50 options on the menu, so huge variety. The wait can take up to 15 minutes, but they accept call ahead orders, and there's a nice little store next door that you can walk around in.
(5)Amrita R.
I went to visit a good friend this weekend and we went to this place because it was on a list of things to do with 36 hours in Raleigh... I love sketchy hole-in-the-wall places, they always have the best food! It was so good! A little hard to find but the giant cow helps :) It was freezing outside and we had to wait a while for our food but it was worth it. We got the Mexican tortas with beef and it was delicious. I loved the avocado in it, and although I was weary of ketchup and mayo on my Mexican sandwich, it went well. Very reasonably priced and a decent size of food. My friend got a burrito and it was also really tasty. I loved that green sauce they had in the front of the place, even though I'm not sure it was supposed to go with the tortas... Definitely would go back here if I was in the area!
(4)George F.
Fantastic homestyle Mexican food! We shared the Chilaquiles, Tamales, Hurache with Chorizo and Fish Tacos. All were very good as were the beans. The service is great but beware... there's no indoor seating. But there are four picnic tables. I would definitely recommend this place.
(4)Charlene G.
We love this place for several reasons. 1) tacos are reliably great 2) specials like cochinita pibil are always delicious 3) it's a fun place to eat outside at the picnic tables 4) there is a cow on the roof 5) the tamales and empanadas are super delicious 6) did I mention there is a cow on the roof?
(4)Jason T.
Considering we're not in California, this is pretty good Mexican food. The Al Pastor was flavorful but not as juicy as I had hoped. Big problem: They close early! It is a scientific fact that Mexican food tastes best between 11pm and 4am. GET ON THIS!
(3)Mohamed N.
This place is great- tasty and cheap- but patrons should also know about its sit-down "sister restaurant" I enjoy the food here at Taqueria La Vaquita quite a bit- made fresh, inexpensive, and very tasty. I LOVE the different kinds of tacos they have, particularly the barbacoa. It's traditional Mexican, not the fake stuff like at Chipotle's, On the Border, and similar. This place was featured in Gourmet magazine about 2 years ago as one of the best places to get Mexican food in the Triangle, too. However, patrons should know about La Vaquita II, which is owned by the same people and hosts the same menu. Why does this matter? As some of the other reviews have noted, there's no place to sit and enjoy your food at Taqueria La Vaquita aside from some picnic tables. Further, you're ordering outside, so if it's cold or hot or pouring rain, you're miserable while waiting for your food even if for take-out. This is the sole reason I don't go there very often. La Vaquita II (see review here in Yelp) solves all this- you can sit back with an appetizer of chips and salsa while you await your great meal in a climate-controlled environment. So, if the weather's good, go check out the big cow statue at this place and have the full outdoor experience. However, if you want to eat indoors, try the sister restaurant. Either way, you'll come away very satisfied with the food.
(4)Arika S.
Authentic taco stand is correct, but I wasn't that impressed. The carnita tacos were good but the barbacoa and chicken were pretty dry. I hope that I just caught this place on a bad day, but I prefer Chubby's tacos to this.
(3)Raj S.
This place is awesome; when you can't read parts of the menu, then you know it's bound to be authentic and good. I've driven by this place a few times but figured it was time to try it out. I had the 3 taco special where you can pick 3 different tacos and also get rice and beans for 8.50. I had the pastor pork tacos, which were all awesome, especially considering I'm usually not a fan of pork in general. Also, the sauces they have to go with their tacos are great, though honestly you probably wouldn't even need them since the meats really flavorful already. Based on the prices and look of the place, I was expecting to get average food, but this place is awesome! Definitely will go back on a regular basis.
(5)Sara R.
I can't say enough good things about this place... it's dangerous to live close by, and we end up going at least once a week. Friendly people, authentic, and a really good value. The tostadas with chorizo are the best!
(5)M P.
Super cheap yet very tasty taco stand. All seating is outdoors. Menu its super long, so its always fun too try something new each time you come back here. Food is simple but flavorful.
(4)Matty B.
A must when you are craving some good Mexican food! You wouldn't know it from driving by this modest stand on Chapel Hill Road, but you can seriously get an excellent meal here. Part of the charm is the fact that there is very little seating (just a few picnic tables) and you have to wait with your co-customers while your food is freshly prepared. I've had the tamales, burritos, quesadillas, and a variety of tacos, and they have all been mouth-watering.
(5)L C.
This is by far the best Mexican food I've had since I moved away from California. The Azada is the best! The chicken is very good as well. Loved the 3 taco meal and fried plaintains. Will definitely be going back.
(5)Mia C.
Overrated but convenient. It's on the radar for easy access to an authentic Mexican food experience in the area, and it does get points for that, but as far as taquerias go, I find the food sub-par and inconsistent. My tortas are never made the same way (and only about 1/3 of the time do they taste delectable), the salsas are not always of the same hotness (maybe 3/4 of the time are they sufficiently hot), and the one time I got the horchata, it was chalky and too heavy on the cinnamon. Skip the platanos fritos, as well, as they're nothing special on the flavor-o-meter. The one exception to the rampant inconsistency would be their chicken tamals, which have always been quite tasty. As previous reviewers mentioned, service is supremely slow, so expect a good wait for your food, even if you're the only customer, unless you are ordering tamals or their overpriced and skimpy portion of chips & salsa. If you have it in you to venture farther into Durham, you'll find foods the tastes of which your Mexican palate thought it could only dream.
(2)Jim N.
Took my son-in-law here for lunch after a morning of fishing, and I'll have to admit that we made better catches here than on the lake! Great barbacoa with tortillas and fish tacos, plus outstanding rice & beans. Every time I return, it's still great food, cooked to order, and everyone I take loves it. Not much to look at, but after all, where else can you eat a great Tex-Mex meal on a picnic table under a cow? And the prices are very good!
(4)Christina G.
La Vaquita was my assigned stop in the recent UYE (unofficial Yelp event) Tour-de-Taco: yelp.com/biz/uye-tour-de… . Being the inept-at-Spanish chicken I am, I did not follow exact directions for the event and avoided calling my order in ahead of time, certain I'd botch it over the phone (since I've most certainly miscommunicated orders in person!). We arrived at 6 armed with our written order, navigated the strange, small parking and walked up to the open portal. The guy who was working was really nice and spoke English so it ended up being no problem at all. There's no indoor area here; but we joined some other folks at the picnic tables to wait for our food. There were overhead fans and it wouldn't be a bad place to stop for a cheap bite on a cooler day. Our order was up in about half an hour. Unfortunately -- for one of the guys who was waiting as well -- they accidentally fulfilled our hefty haul before they did his. Oops. But good turnaround time for us! Hard to give 'em better than three stars based on the results of our blind taco taste test though. I scored them dead last for chicken tacos; similarly, Phil rated them low in the beef taco category. Bummer. I did however enjoy the fish taco I sampled. And at two bucks a pop, a taco with lots of meat and fresh cilantro certainly isn't too shabby! Check out the next-door grocery for any tienda needs.
(3)Ross I.
Awesome food. Service is slow and it is basically a taco stand but totally worth it. The carnita tacos are just like Mexico. The mole is mouth watering. Have been here several times and crave it when I am in the area. A must!
(5)Tera B.
Delicious tacos and love the salsa! I would give it 5 stars but I don't like the fact that outdoor seating is the only option. Food is very fresh and delicious! Everything is also very reasonably priced, you can get two tacos, rice and beans for a little over $6.
(4)Emilia C.
Delicious tacos! This is not a tex-mex / Americanized version of Mexican food. Come here if you want the real deal. I've tried the chicken, beef, and barbacoa tacos. I can't wait to go back for more! (No inside seating, fyi..)
(5)Phil G.
I am a little knew to the Durham taqueria scene but I was reasonably pleased by this restaurant. The restaurant is very small with only outdoor seating. Unless you're fairly short, you'll have to lean over to speak to the person taking orders through a small window. The menu and staff are English-speaking friendly so don't worry if you haven't fully embraced the Spanish language. We ordered the following tacos: Barbacoa (stewed beef) Pollo (chicken) Pescado (fish) The chicken was a little on the dry side but the salsa helped. The beef taco was a little better but I found the beef tacos at Chubby more flavorful (sorry about comparing this to Chubby's but Chubby's surprisingly isn't that overbearingly American). The fish taco was good. It was topped with a mix of onions and peppers. Again, I liked the fish tacos at Chubby's better. Still need to go back and try some other things on the menu but had a good first impression (nothing too great but nothing appalling).
(3)Samantha B.
How can you not love this place? There is a cow on the roof. And, of course, the tacos and tortas are delicious with fresh ingredients and great flavors. The lack of indoor seating really only adds to the charm; the only thing that doesn't is the sometimes-substantial wait times for your food, but that's not enough to make me take away a star from the rating. Like many, La Vaquita was my first exposure to the Durham taqueria scene, and it's still one of my favorites.
(5)Antonia M.
I am really surprised at the amount of mediocre reviews of this fantastic little taqueria. It's a window-service-only taco stand with a distinguishing giant cow on top. This place serves some of the best, most authentic mexican there is in the area. I wish there was a bit more seating (i.e. more picnic benches in the outdoor-only seating area), and the service is a bit slow - but it sort of adds to the overall experience of eating here. You will have to wait for your food, and that's because they prepare everything fresh. The corn tortillas for the tacos are made here by hand - no crunchy, fried shells. The menu is pretty extensive. Get the tacos - any kind, they're all delicious. The refried beans are delicious. And if you're looking for something fried, the empanadas are really great. Next on my list to try is the mole chicken. Despite wanting some more seating for those busy weekend lunch times, and the fact that I'd love if I could also drink a beer with my meals here - I still have to give it 5 stars. Go here, now! You won't regret it...
(5)Vivian O.
I can't believe that no one mentioned the gorditas. OMG, they are delicious. First time we went over a year ago, 4 of us shared several different things on the menu, all good though I keep going back for a barbacoa gordita. I try gorditas at lots of Taqueria (they don't have these in TX or CA where I used to live) and hands down, these are the best. I heard that the cooks from Four Square come over here for lunch and snacks.
(5)Jane Y.
I Can't Believe I Haven't Written An Review About This Joint!! Despite of the fact that this place was featured on the NY times and brings in loads of revenue, it still remains to be the yellow hut with the plastic cow. There's no indoor sitting, just outdoor picnic tables with fans (which do not work). The price is CHEAP and the food is AUTHENTIC. Motto of the day: The grungier a place is, the more authentic it is. I had the fish tacos. DEElicious. I don't know whats the stigma that comes with fish tacos, but all my dude coworkers made fun of me (W for whatever). The salsa was fresh and the fish was fresh. It comes to beans and rice, which I enjoyed (even though I'm not a fan of beans and rice. ) I also had the mole chicken (I have a big appetite). It was good but a little bit too sweet for my taste. The chicken was tender and flavourful but I didn't enjoy the tasteless thick skin on the chicken. blech. For what it's supposed to be - a simple hut for authentic mexican food. It has served its purpose.
(4)Caroline Z.
Reminiscent of the pig at Crook's Corner (or the flying cow from Monty Python), Taqueria La Vaquita has a big cow on its roof - so it's really hard to miss this place. I just got takeout from there, consisting of one barbacoa taco, a carnitas taco, and a chicken tamale, and all three were delicious. There's a generous amount of meat on the tacos, though I can't say the same for the tamale, which was doughier than I'd like. Since this place operates out of a takeout window, there is no salsa bar to speak of. Tacos are served with cilantro, onions, and radish and you get a little cup of hot salsa to go, which I thought had just the right amount of kick. The meat was a bit greasy on both tacos, but very flavorful. The rest of the menu consists of a variety of tortas, huaraches, sopes, quesadillas, and a long list of main dishes. I also love that this place is located across the street from one of the fanciest restaurants in town; it's a testament to the diversity of cuisine you can find in Durham. La Vaquita is best for takeout, as they only have a couple of plastic tables set up outside. There's also a tienda behind the restaurant if you're in need of some groceries.
(4)ed f.
Pretty solid experience overall. The service, as noted previously, is a bit slow. Be prepared for that. I sat outside at the picnic tables, as there's no indoor seating. It was a nice fall day and i enjoyed it quite a bit. Food sampled: taco de pastor - delicious, lots of meat taco de azada - delicious, lots of meat taco de barbacoa - delicious, lots of meat (are you detecting a trend?) Each taco was ~$2. I'd say the barbacoa was the most flavorful and i'd probably double up on that next time. I'd definitely go back if in the area. Hard to drive past comales and chubbys to get there from my location though.
(4)Dave S.
This place was pretty decent. My tacos were good and I had a burrito as well that was fine. I was a little underwhelmed though. It was pretty expensive for 2 people (like 24 bucks) and it just wasn't all that much food. I had to eat some of my wife's fajitas to feel full (even after 2 tacos and a burrito). Maybe I just didn't get the right items, but I don't really know why I would go here when I live closer to La Salamanda, which is cheaper and better with larger portions.
(3)Amy M.
Best.tacos.ever. I can't say enough about this place. It's amazing, you can't go wrong, you should go there now.
(5)Ulrich S.
In a nutshell: good but not good enough to make me a fan. 3.5 stars. My wife and I went there and had chicken fajitas and carne asada. We were hoping the taste can compete with La Morenita in Palo Alto, which has supertasty food but can be annoyingly slow. Taqueria was not there. In fact, for the flavoring of the meat, we both prefer Chipotle on Erwin! The beans and rice were a little better than Chipotle, but the "lettuce" was a little worse -- the radish slices seemed off to me. Also more expensive than Chipotle and not as fast; of course, matching Chipotle's speed is tough.
(3)Jennifer C.
Carnitas burrito, you are so delicious! I come here every so often when I am craving Mexican food. I love sitting outside, which is a good thing because it's the only option for sitting at La Vaquita. Taking it home (aka letting it get soggy and cold in the car) is just not something I can bring myself to do. Honestly, I wouldn't go anywhere else.
(5)Amanda T.
I had passed this place a million times (how can you miss the large blue cow on top?) but so glad I decided to stop. Hands down, the best tacos in Durham. Love the atmosphere - you order at the small window and sit on a long picnic table with other patrons while you wait for them to call your number. All the salsas are delicious, amazing mole. I'm sad I discovered this within months before moving away. The only complaint is that parking can be tricky when crowded.
(4)Sean C.
Easily one of the best noshes I've had in Durham. Everyone is prepared with extra love. Enchiladas with mole. Perfect. Nothing more nothing less. Just window service. You order at the window and take back to your picnic table. In the weather this can be a bear, but truly, this is North Carolina, suck it up, the food is well worth it. Everything from top to bottom is excellent. Tacos: Check, nothing wrong here. I especially like the barbacoa. They have a gringo taco, which I am not sure what the point is, but if you are dining with the un-adventuresome ... you can wish upon them. Torta: Awesome. Exactly what you want after you've been working all morning. Platos: The pibil is a mass of citrus and pork that just is pure joy. Other standard items, they kick out with aplomb. Only thin I wish, a cool cerveza after a hard day; you might need to run down the street for that.; though there is an affiliated mercado right next door.
(5)Emma S.
This place is awesome, order some tacos (or a torta, they're amazing) and go check out la tienda next door while you wait. The only seating is outdoor, but that's part of the experience. Does not disappoint.
(5)Nick L.
My favorite taqueria in Durham, alongside Los Comales. Their carnitas burrito with smoky salsa roja may be my favorite burrito ever. I recently got turned on to the platillos. I shied away from ordering them before because of how pricey they were (comparatively to everything else on the menu, of course), but now I've seen the light. Try the cochinita pibil. Unlike everyone else, I'm not a huge fan of the barbacoa here. It's not the smoky, moist cheek meat that I've grown to love in Texas. It's more like stewed beef. Serviceable, but just not what I was hoping for. For that matter, I've realized that "barbacoa" at every other taqueria in Durham means something vastly different than barbacoa in Texas.
(5)Jared I.
This is a place that I find myself coming back to due both to their good food and proximity to my house. They have a delicious sincronizada which is like a quesadilla but comes with lettuce, tomatoes, and sour cream on the side. The fajitas texanas with steak, chicken, and shrimp is also very good. So this is a good standby restaurant for an evening meal. This place deserves four stars for their consistency and the authentic quality of certain dishes which are quite good.
(4)H M.
Disclaimer: I'm from San Diego and I'm pretty picky when it comes to Mexican food. This may or may not be relevant to you. So I'll admit, I wasn't expecting anything mind-blowing going into this. When I drove up, the place looked legit. Picnic tables out front, gravel parking lot, run-down shed of a facility. All positive signs in the world of delicious Mexican cuisine. I ordered three tacos (carne asada, carnitas, and al pastor) with rice and beans--pretty standard. Now normally I'd expect tacos in double corn tortillas or crispy fried shells (and I'm not talking about the bright yellow Ortega shells you buy at the grocery store). These were more like some sort of pita/flatbread offshoot--not sure how to describe it. The meats (especially the carne asada) were uninspiring. Normally, even a bad tortilla can be offset by a well-seasoned, flavorful meat. Not the case here--I was disappointed. The beans were watery and the rice didn't really add much value other than making me less full. Bottom line: it handled my Mexican fix, but not in a good way. You should definitely try it and see what you think though--this could just be my high standards talking.
(2)Shannon B.
I get the 3 Carnitas tacos meal - very good. Definitely add a bit of the sauces from the counter, and squeeze some lime juice on. The meals are actually a little costly for this area considering the eat outdoors style though.
(4)Ben M.
I've only been here twice, but trust me when I say that I'll be back often. I love being greeted by the cow on the roof, who stares across the street to a fancy and expensive restaurant defiantly declaring that the cheap eats available here are vastly superior to whatever they have over there. The salsas/sauces are fantastic, the sopes are all kinds of worth it, the chorizo tacos are great, and the enchiladas en salsa verde may be the best thing I've eaten in years. I recommend placing your order to go and heading home. There are tables there, but they're wooden outdoor picnic-type tables. Those may actually be nice on a cool evening, but for most of the year it's just too hot for that kind of nonsense.
(5)Kun P.
Situated across from Four Square, this little establishment is hard to miss. The parking space is situated a little awkward, but pretty much self-explanatory. Ring bell, place your orders, and sit down. I really wish there was inside seating, but we'll make do with. One menudo, one carnitas zynchronizadas, por favor. They have aquas frescas as well. I've had plenty of menudo, and there's usually a pitfall to be had; either the broth isn't flavorful with a plethora of miscellaneous entrails (the latter of which isn't a bad thing), or you get uber-rich broth with nothing but tendons and fatback. So you must choose: for the soup or for the toppings? You get rich, exquisite soup here, but I was hoping for more organs. You can definitely taste the marrow and all the glory of the pig. But for $9 weekend fare, don't count on this dish itself to fill you up. On the other hand, I was initially thinking that the menudo would be huge and would feed us both. Since we got the menudo first, I was a bit worried about whether we had enough food to cure a hangover (the menudo was doing a kick ass job of doing it). Then comes out the zynchronizadas. It's basically a quesadilla; a 12 inch flour pancake filled with meat and cheese, then cut to pieces. Trimmings that follow include a very mild salad with tomatoes and queso powder. Very nice. The carnitas from here is probably the best I've had up to date. The sheer amount of smokiness paired with instant gratification. Ugh, it's so hard to resist pork this good. Perfect amount of pork and cheese. Although it does get a bit heavy towards the last few pieces, it is well worth it. And at $4, how can you say no to this level of value? I really enjoyed eating here, despite having to swat at 20 flies that wanted a piece of my hog. That's the only downfall of this place, really. If lived near here, I would have weight issues. Looking forward to sampling more from here soon!
(4)Neil J.
We made our first trip to a Durham Taqueria at La Vaquita. Being vegetarian, we appreciated the separate vegetariano menu taped on the window. We tried the enchiladas verdes, platanos fritos, and veggie tacos. Was a tad pricey for a taco stand (~$20), but the food was fresh and delicious. The prep time was a bit long, but it was worth it for the freshly prepared meal. Interesting to see this place sharing a block of culinary excellence with neighboring Four Square.
(4)Meg T.
Love love love Taqueria la Vaquita. A meal of three tacos will only set you back about $7 (maybe less). The asada has a great grilled flavor, and the pastor is well seasoned and crispy. The carnitas are rich and again, crispy on the edges. Delicate and flavorful tortillas. All around a great taco, and I love them so much I haven't yet tried anything else on the menu! They only serve soft drinks and juices, but you can grab an adult beverage and the convenience mart next door.
(5)Nancy H.
I have a belief that "hole-in-the-wall" places are foolproof and Taqueria La Vaquita did not disappoint. I was a little skeptical upon seeing the place, but appearances can be deceiving. Now we call it the "Cow Place," you'll see why. Their food is flavorful and hits the spot every time. I'm getting a craving right now just writing this. I've tried the chicken mole, torta al pastor, steak tostadas, and tacos. My favorites were the chicken mole and tostadas, best mole I've had here so far, not overly salty like a lot of places. If your wallet's a little tight the torta is a great deal, yummy flaky bread stuffed with meat, mayo, and veggies. If you're feeling a little adventurous they have a tamarindo drink that isn't your typical soda, but definitely worth a try.
(4)J C.
Great tortas.
(3)Sam I.
I had an OK tongue burritto. Later I had the mole, which I did not like at all (and it was over priced).
(3)Albert Y.
When I first started going here, I was very disappointed compared to my personal favorite taqueria (Los Comales) but over time, I've found a few dishes and items here that are kicka**. The tamales are awesome and have so much flavor and at $2.50 a pop, I'll have a few right now. As much as I like a few items here, for the normal tacos and sopes, I still prefer Los Comales.
(3)D. A.
Definitely the best tacos I've had in Durham. I tried the platter with the carnitas, pork el pastor, and pollo, and all were excellent, with a healthy portion of fresh cilantro, chopped onions, radishes, and verde or rojo sauce on the side. Although not as inexpensive as one would expect from a taco stand (around $8.50 for the 3 taco platter with beans and rice), its definitely worth it, especially on a nice day when you can sit outside at the picnic tables.
(4)Rachel K.
If I had only one meal for the rest of my life to eat it would be a carnitas burrito from Taquiera La Vaquita. This little stand is the most amazing taqueria in the area. The carnitas burrito with the red smoky sauce is divine. I still don't quite know what a sopes is, but do try one. YUMMY!!!!
(5)john h.
I don't think you can miss at this place. It is amazing. Carnitas as mentioned are outstanding, but my favorite is the lengua. But I was especially surprised by the seafood they do. Camarones diablo are outstanding. Fish tacos lovely. Man I love this place, plus it's only a few blocks from my house.
(5)Rachel M.
This place basically sustained me through finals. Get the Mole Pablano, which has a nice smoky flavor, or the barbacoa torta. It's quick, flavorful, and beats On The Border any day.
(5)Kendall G.
A very good taqueria with a great atmosphere. The modesty of this place, including the picnic tables and the large cow sculpture on top make the tacos even more enjoyable. As others have mentioned, the barbacoa isn't the best here, but it certainly is good. For a treat, get a taco made with "Chiccaron con nopales" or pork cracklings with cactus. The tortillas here are handmade and very special. For non-taco fans, they are many more choices including tortas and platos combinatos.
(4)Katy T.
The only thing wrong with this place is I didn't discover it until I moved away! It's reminiscent of Mexico without the fear of contracting E.coli. I got the fish tacos which were exquisite. Homemade corn tortillas were delicate and not too dry. The tilapia was seasoned perfectly, with a hint of spiciness and tanginess. Salsa fresca was delicious. My boyfriend got Mexican shrimp which were also fantastic, rich and not overcooked. If you like Mexican food at all, you should not miss Taqueria la Vaquita.
(5)