Taco Tuesday: Los Vaqueros

The interior of the restaurant is cozy, the décor is early cowboy and the plates are no-frills.

But boy are the tacos good.

Los Vaqueros, located on the corner of Drew Street and Hercules Avenue, is a quaint Mexican restaurant that serves all the traditional dishes such as enchiladas, burritos and quesadillas.

They also offer dinner plates featuring steak, chicken and seafood, with prices ranging from $7.99 to $11.99. And unlike many Mexican places, Los Vaqueros also has a substantial breakfast menu.

But the purpose of this piece is to talk about their tacos, and we’re happy to report, they pass the test.

Five varieties of tacos can be had in either hard or soft shells, all for just a $1.50 each.

Staples like pollo (chicken) and bistec (beef) are there, as well as lengua (tongue) and campechanas, which is a combination of steak and chorizo sausage.

The tacos come alone with just a smattering of cilantro on top, on shells that are somewhat smallish in size.

But what they lack in size they make up for in bulk; the tacos are loaded with enough finely chopped meat that it actually spills over the top of the shells.

The three tacos we sampled were tasty and filling. The steak and chicken were mild yet flavorful, while the Campechana was a bit spicy. But when chased with a tall, Mexican fruit-flavored soda called Boing!, the combination was perfect.

For those who like to try unique food items, the fifth taco on the menu could be just the one for you.

It’s called a Nopales, and is made with sliced cooked cactus and onions.

Maybe on our next visit.

Take A Bite:

Los Vaqueros, 1991 A Drew St, Clearwater

Call: (727) 449-2445

Hours: Daily, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.