Save $10 on Your First Online Order
Order El Vaquero online and get $10 off your first order. Enjoy authentic Mexican favorites from the comfort of home while unlocking exclusive savings. Scan the QR code or click the button below to claim your one-time offer. Plus, earn loyalty points on your first purchase and redeem them later for free food and rewards.
Visit El Vaquero Near OSU in Columbus
Located on Olentangy River Road in Columbus, El Vaquero is a go-to Mexican restaurant near The Ohio State University and the Lennox Town Center. Just minutes from campus and major shopping, this location is ideal for students, Buckeye fans, and families. Stop in for classic Mexican dishes, margaritas, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere for lunch, dinner, or group dining.
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.
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.
$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.
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.
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!
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!
Upcoming events near you
See more events
Olentangy Casamigos Sampling Event
Saturday, June 27, 2026 6:15-7:45 PM
El Vaquero Olentangy River Rd 614-261-0900
Riverside Casamigos Sampling Event
Saturday, June 27, 2026 6:15-7:45 PM
El Vaquero Upper Arlington 2195 Riverside Drive 614-486-4547
Perrysburg Casamigos Sampling Event
Saturday, June 27, 2026 6:15-7:45 PM
El Vaquero Perrysburg (419) 872-1230
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.
Jay I.
We absolutely LOVE El Vaquero. The staff is always welcoming and friendly, and the food is consistently fresh and served quickly. El Vaquero has been our go-to Mexican restaurant for over 10 years. If you haven’t stopped by yet, we highly recommend giving it a try!
Elizabeth P.
Outstanding food very clean great staff. Restroom clean and beautiful. Restaurant very pretty inside. Have a patio for outside dining.
Thad S.
Featuring
Catering
Gluten-Free Options
Easy Parking
Vegatarian Options
Frequently Asked Questions
What are you known for?
We are known for Beef Nachos, Queso Fundido, Quesadilla, Burritos, Chilaquiles, Refried Beans, Tortas, Quesabirria Tacos, Quesabirria, Tostadas De Tinga, Churros, Enchiladas, Barbacoa, Taco Salad, Carnitas, Guacamole, Quesadillas, Bean Dip, Chicken Fajitas, Birria, Tilapia, Carne Asada, Chicken Burrito, Huevos Rancheros, Chicken Nachos, Nachos, Street Tacos, Mole, Catering, Chimichanga, Tacos, Flautas, Shrimp Fajitas, Fajita Nachos, Tostadas, Bar Food, Vegetarian Food, and Seafood
What areas do you serve?
We serve the following areas: Upper Arlington, Columbus, Grandview Heights, Marble Cliff, Riverlea, San Margherita, Worthington, Linworth, Olentangy West, State of Ohio, Parks Mills, Fifth by Northwest, University District, Minerva Park, Harrison West, South Linden, Bexley, Victorian Village, Hilliard, Northwood Park.
Anything else?
We are also known for Family Friendly Restaurant
