Two signs that a restaurant is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser: A full parking lot in the middle of the afternoon and natives of the cuisine filling the seats. Ample evidence of both has allowed El Vaquero to spawn several other locations around Columbus. Range-style cooking, which uses flavorful spices and mesquite grilling, gives even the staple dishes a distinguishing flavor. That said, the already large menu recently expanded to reward the more adventurous. Vegetarian dishes like spinach chilaquiles, tortillas filled with green and topped with red sauce and cheese, are cant-miss comfort food. And the steak a la tampiquena, a T-bone cooked with poblano peppers and other vegetables, is a carnivore's delight. Even the shrimp cocktail comes Vaquero-style, with cilantro and avocado. The open, congenial and colorful layout offers intimate booths for couples and broad tables for parties. Its more fun than a barrelful of margaritas, which are also available, por supuesto. -- Sandra Gurvis

Categories: Restaurants-Mexican, Restaurants

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