Vaqueros Carne Asada: Authentic Mexican and Latin Flavors in Tempe, Arizona

Vaqueros Carne Asada Introduce

If you're an Arizona local searching for a truly satisfying and authentic Mexican and Latin American dining experience, look no further than Vaqueros Carne Asada in Tempe. This beloved local spot has carved out a reputation in the Valley for delivering huge portions of flavorful, traditional cuisine at great value. Whether you’re craving a hearty **breakfast burrito** to start your day, a massive plate of **Carne Asada** for dinner, or a quick late-night snack, Vaqueros Carne Asada is a top-tier destination for comfort food with authentic South-of-the-Border flavor.

From the moment you walk in, or roll through the drive-thru, you’ll sense the casual, welcoming atmosphere that makes this restaurant a go-to for families, groups, and solo diners across the Tempe and greater Phoenix area. The extensive menu, focused on both Mexican and Latin American influences, promises a dish for every palate, featuring everything from classic combination plates to unique seafood options and specialty tortas.

Our goal is to provide a fact-based, professional overview of why Vaqueros Carne Asada is a standout choice for local residents and visitors in Arizona looking for their next favorite Mexican restaurant.

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Location and Accessibility

Vaqueros Carne Asada is conveniently situated in Tempe, making it easily accessible for residents of Tempe and neighboring communities in the Valley. You’ll find the restaurant at:

2602 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

The location on West Southern Avenue places it on a major thoroughfare, which is ideal for quick visits or planned meals. For those driving, the location is designed with customer convenience in mind, offering both a **free parking lot** and **free street parking** options. This ensures that finding a spot is rarely an issue, no matter how busy the dining rush may be.

In terms of accessibility, Vaqueros Carne Asada is committed to being welcoming to all patrons. The establishment features comprehensive accessibility amenities, including a **wheelchair accessible entrance**, **wheelchair accessible parking lot**, a **wheelchair accessible restroom**, and **wheelchair accessible seating** within the dining area. This focus on inclusive design ensures that everyone can comfortably enjoy a meal at the restaurant.

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Services Offered

Vaqueros Carne Asada understands the fast-paced lifestyle of Arizona residents and offers a wide variety of services designed for ultimate convenience. Their dedication to making authentic Mexican food accessible is evident in their service model, which covers dining options from early morning to late at night.

Dine-in: Enjoy your meal in the casual, comfortable setting, perfect for groups or solo dining.
Drive-through: A key highlight for on-the-go customers, allowing for quick and easy ordering and pickup without leaving your car.
Takeout: Perfect for those who prefer to pick up their food and enjoy it at home or work.
Delivery: Offering food delivery services ensures that you can savor their dishes from the comfort of your own home or office.
All-Day Dining: Catering to all hunger schedules, the restaurant serves **Breakfast**, **Lunch**, and **Dinner**. They are also renowned for their **Late-night food** options.
Payment Options: The restaurant accepts modern payment methods for customer ease, including **Credit cards**, **Debit cards**, and **NFC mobile payments**.

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Features / Highlights

The restaurant stands out in the competitive Arizona food scene by focusing on key features that enhance the customer experience and the quality of the food.

Fast Service: Customers frequently praise the speed of service, making it an excellent choice for a quick lunch break or a fast, hot meal any time of day.
Authentic and Generous Portions: Vaqueros is well-known for providing large, satisfying servings of classic Latin American and Mexican dishes, offering excellent value for the price.
Extensive Menu Variety: The menu goes far beyond the basics, offering a wide array of options including specialty items like **Lengua (Beef Tongue)** and **Cabeza (Beef Cheek)** tacos and plates, along with numerous **Seafood** dishes like the Shrimp Cocktail and Tostada De Ceviche.
All-Day Comfort Food: A perfect spot for diverse cravings, the menu features classic comfort food items and is popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The breakfast options alone are worth exploring, with many **Breakfast Plates** (like Huevos Rancheros) and over a dozen types of **Breakfast Burritos** (including Machaca & Eggs and Steak & Eggs).
Family-Friendly Amenities: The atmosphere is casual and welcoming to families, featuring a dedicated **Kids’ Menu** (with items like Chicken Nuggets & Fries and Kids Carne Asada Burrito) and providing **High chairs** for younger guests.
Local Specialty Items: They serve local specialties and traditional favorites, like **Menudo** and seasonal items such as **Champurrado** and **Tamales**.
Specialty Fries and Nachos: A highlight for many customers is the **Carne Asada Fries** and **Super Nachos**, which are piled high with toppings and meat, making them perfect for sharing.

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Contact Information

Getting in touch with Vaqueros Carne Asada or finding their location is simple:

Address: 2602 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA
Phone: (602) 454-6478 / +1 602-454-6478

The operating hours often stretch late into the night, making it one of the few places in the area to reliably satisfy late-night food cravings.

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What is Worth Choosing

Vaqueros Carne Asada stands out in the competitive Arizona food market for several compelling reasons that align with the priorities of local diners seeking high-quality, authentic Mexican food.

Firstly, the sheer **variety and authenticity** of the menu is a huge draw. It’s not just a taco shop; it’s a full Mexican and Latin American eatery. You can enjoy classic plates like the **Carne Asada Plate** or the **Chile Relleno & Enchilada Plate** alongside more distinct offerings like the **Lengua Tongue Plate** or specialty items from their extensive **Burritos** and **Tostadas** lists. This deep menu ensures you can always try something new or stick to your tried-and-true favorites.

Secondly, the focus on providing a complete dining experience, from early morning to late night, is a major convenience. Whether you are an early riser in search of one of their 10+ types of **Breakfast Burritos** or need a substantial meal after a late shift, Vaqueros is ready. Their service model, highlighted by the efficient **drive-through**, makes them a practical choice for any meal, any time.

Finally, the customer sentiment regarding **value and portion size** is overwhelmingly positive. As one customer noted, the food is “so delicious, so full of flavor,” and they specifically praised the **Carne Asada Plate** and the authentic Mexican rice. While one review mentioned inconsistency with a shredded chicken dish, the overall feedback points to a commitment to flavor, quality ingredients, and serving hearty, satisfying meals that genuinely reflect traditional Mexican cooking. For the Arizona local seeking generous, authentic, and fast Mexican food, Vaqueros Carne Asada represents a great choice.

Vaqueros Carne Asada Menu

Combination Plates
Beef Taco & Enchilada Plate $13.50
Lengua Tongue Plate $15.75
Served with lettuce, pico, guac, rice and beans. Choice of four or corn tortillla.
Tostada & Enchilada Plate $13.50
Two Chiles Rellenos Plate $14.25
chile relleno, topped with our homemade enchilada sauce, lettuce and cheese. served with rice and beans.
Adobada Plate $14.50
Served with lettuce, pico, guac, rice and beans. Choice of four or corn tortillla.
Two Carne Asada Tacos Plate $15.25
with guacamole and pico. Served with rice and beans.
Carne Asada Plate $15.99
Served with lettuce, pico, guac, rice and beans. Choice of four or corn tortillla.
Pollo Asada Plate $14.50
Served with lettuce, pico, guac, rice and beans. Choice of four or corn tortillla.
Two Beef Burrito Plate $14.99
Served with rice and beans.
Tostada & Beef Taco Plate $13.50
crunchy beef taco and bean tostada with lettuce and cheese. Rice & beans on the side
Two Chicken Tacos Plate $13.50
crunchy chicken taco with chees & lettuce. Served with rice and beans.
Two Beef Tacos Plate $13.50
2 crunchy beef tacos. with cheese & lettuce. Served with rice and beans.
Two Cheese Enchiladas Plate $13.50
Served with rice and beans.
Two Fish Tacos Plate $13.50
beer battered with pico and lettuce. Served with rice and beans.
Chile Relleno & Enchilada Plate $14.25
cheese enchilada, chile relleno, topped with our homemade enchilada sauce, lettuce and cheese. served with rice and beans.
Burro & Enchilada Plate $13.50
Cheese enchilada, beef burrrito. Served with rice & beans
Cabeza Beef Plate $15.25
(beef cheek) Served with lettuce, pico, guac, rice and beans. Choice of four or corn tortillla.
Carnitas Pork Plate $14.50
Served with lettuce, pico, guac, rice and beans. Choice of four or corn tortillla.
Shrimp Plate $15.99
Served with rice and beans.

Tostadas
Beef Tostadas $5.75
Shredded beef marinated with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, topped with lettuce, jack & cheddar cheese.
Carne Asada Tostadas $6.99
Carne asada, topped with lettuce, jack & cheddar cheese.
Adobada Tostadas $6.99
Marinated pork, topped with lettuce, jack & cheddar cheese.
Beans Tostadas $4.99
House-made refried pinto beans topped with lettuce, jack & cheddar cheese.
Chicken Tostadas $5.75
Shredded chicken marinated with bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes, topped with lettuce, jack & cheddar cheese.

Menudo
Menudo $13.99
fresh home made menudo with hominy. side of oregano,lemon, and red pepper flakes to add to your liking. choice of tortillas or bread.

Side Orders
French Fries $3.99
Shoestring fries
Chile Torreados $1.75
3 piece deep fried jalapenos
Jalapeño & Carrots $1.25
Fresh spicy jalapeño and carrots
Extra Guacamole $3.25
4oz guacamole
Extra Sour Cream $1.75
4 Oz
1/2 Pt. Mix Rice & Beans $4.50
fresh home made rice & beans
1/2 Pt. Beans $4.50
Home made beans
1/2 Pt. Rice $4.50
Fresh home made rice.

Tortas
Chicken Tortas $10.99
Shredded chicken marinated with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes, topped with fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Machaca Tortas $10.99
Marinated with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes, cooked with eggs, topped with fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Carnitas Tortas $10.99
Seasoned pork, fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Carne Asada Tortas $10.99
Carne asada, avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
2 Gorditas $9.50
Adobada Tortas $10.99
Marinated pork, fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Pollo Asada Tortas $10.99
Grilled chicken avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Beef Tortas $10.99
Shredded beef, marinated with bell peppers, onions and tomatoes, topped with fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Chorizo Tortas $10.99
Special spiced pork sausage, with eggs, topped with fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Cabeza Tortas $10.99
Beef cheek, fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Ham Tortas $10.99
Fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
Fish Tortas $10.99
Beer battered tilapia, fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.
2 Sopes $10.99
Corn cake, topped with beans, choice of meat, lettuce, tomato, sour cream, cheese.
Lengua Tortas $10.99
Beef tongue, fresh avocado, tomato, onions, lettuce.

Seafood
Shrimp Cocktail $15.50
fresh shrimp with onions, cilantro and tomato. avocado slices.
Tostada De Camaron $8.50
fresh shrimp , with red sauce, pico, avocado slices.
Tostada De Ceviche $8.50
fresh home made ceviche (shrimp). avocado slices and lettuce
Camarones Empanizados $13.25
Battered shrimp,avocado slices with rice and beans on side.

Chimichangas
Chicken Chimichanga $12.25
topped with guacamole, sour cream and cheese
Carne Asada Chimichanga $12.99
Deep fried cane asada burrito with beans inside. topped with guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
Beef Chimichanga $12.25
topped with guacamole, sour cream, and cheese
Chimichanga Combo $13.75
topped with guacamole, sour cream, and cheese, side of rice and beans

Seasonal Items
Champurrado $4.50
our seasonal home made mexican hot chocolate.
2 Tamales Combo $12.99
Our home made tamales. Choose from our red chile pork, green chile chicken, or rajas de queso ( chile poblano and cheese) Limited time only.

Burritos
Beans Burrito $6.75
Mixed Burritos $10.99
Shredded beef with beans.
Shrimp Burrito $12.99
Shrimp, lettuce, mayonaise rice, pico de gallo.
Green Chile Burrito $11.75
with rice and beans
Lengua Burrito $12.25
beef tongue, with pico.
Rice & Cheese Burritos $7.75
Fish Burrito $11.50
Beer battered tilapia fish, lettuce, pico de gallo, mayo.
Vegetarian Burrito $10.50
Rice, beans, lettuce, pico de gallo.
Chicken Burritos $10.99
Chicken mixed with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes.
Super Burrito $12.99
Choice of meat. With guacamole, sour cream, pico, lettuce, rice, beans, and cheese.
California Burrito $12.99
Most popular. With pico cheese and potatoes (French fries optional).
Adobada Burrito $11.75
Guacamole and pico.
Pollo Asado Burrito $11.75
Grilled chicken with guacamole and pico.
Chile Relleno Burrito $11.99
Chile relleno, rice, beans, lettuce, enchilada sauce, and cheese.
Texas Burrito $11.75
Shredded chicken with sour cream, potatoes (French fries optional) and cheese.
Surf N Turf Burrito $12.99
with carne asada, shrimp, guacamole, and pico
Beans & Rice Burrito $7.75
House made refried beans, jack & cheddar cheese.
Cabeza Burrito $11.99
With pico.
Carnitas Burrito $11.75
With guacamole and pico.
Carne Asada Burrito $12.99
With guacamole and pico.
Tripas Burrito $12.50
With pico.
Red Chile Burritos $11.75
with rice and beans
Beef Burrito $11.25
Shredded beef, mixed with bell peppers, onions, tomatoes.

Tacos
Lengua (Beef Tongue) Taco $5.25
With pico.
Chicken Taco $4.35
Hard shell corn tortilla with cheese and lettuce.
Street Tacos $2.99
Most popular. Choice of meat, with cilantro and onions.
Carne Asada Taco $5.25
With guacamole and pico.
Pollo Asado Taco $5.25
With guacamole and pico.
Cabeza Taco $5.25
With pico.
3 Street Taco Combo $10.99
3 Mini tacos. Choice of meat. Topped with onions & cilanto. Side of rice & beans
Shrimp Taco $6.40
Pico de gallo, sauce, lettuce.
Tripas Taco $5.45
With pico.
Fish Taco $5.25
Beer battered tilapia, with pico and lettuce.
Beef Taco $4.60
Hard shell corn tortilla with cheese and lettuce.
Carnitas Taco $5.25
With guacamole and pico.
Adobada Taco $5.25
With guacamole and pico.

Rolled Tacos
12 Rolled Tacos $14.99
with guacamole and cheese
5 Rolled Tacos $9.25
with guacamole and cheese
3 Rolled Tacos Combo $9.25
Most popular. with guacamole, cheese. Rice and beans on the side
3 Guacamole & Cheese Rolled Tacos $6.25
3 Plain With Cheese Rolled Tacos $5.10

Desserts
Arroz Con Leche (Rice Pudding) $4.99
A creamy blend of rice and milk gently seasoned with cinnamon, topped with a sprinkle of nutmeg.
Choco Flan $5.99
A delicious mexican dessert that is made up of a layer of chocolate cake, flan and then caramel.
Pumpkin Spice Cake $5.99
Homemade pumpkin spice cake
Churros $2.99
10 inch churro with real sugar cane and cinnamon with options of fillings.

Drinks
Jarritos $3.25
Mexican flavored soda
Can Soda $2.75
refreshing can soda
CHAMPURRADO $3.99
our seasonal home made mexican hot chocolate.
Fountain Drink $2.85
Most popular. Pepsi products
Aguas Frescas $3.50
Our fresh home made drinks. always made fresh
Mexican Sodas $3.85
1/2 liter glass bottles.

Specials
Fajitas Chicken $12.99
Grilled chicken sautéed with veggies. Bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Side of rice and beans
Carne Asada Burrito Special $13.99
carne asada burrito with guacamole and pico. Rice and beans on the side
Flying Saucer Beef $11.25
Deep fried flour tortilla, topped with beef, bell peppers, onions, tomato, beans, sour cream, lettuce and cheese
Fajitas Steak $12.99
Steak sautéed with veggies. Bell peppers, onions and tomatoes. Side of rice and beans.
Flying Saucer Chicken $11.25
Deep fried flour tortilla, topped with beef, bell peppers, onions, tomato, beans, sour cream, lettuce and cheese

Quesadillas
Cheese Quesadilla $7.99
Jack and cheddar cheese.
Ham Quesadilla $9.50
Jr Carne Asada Quesadilla $9.25
Carne asada, jack and cheddar cheese.
Carne Asada Quesadilla $10.75
Carne asada, jack and cheddar cheese.
Jr Quesadilla $5.99
Supreme Quesadilla $9.99
Guacamole, sour cream, beans, cheese.

Fries & Nachos
Chips With Guacamole $6.75
chips with guacamole and cheese
Carne Asada Fries $14.99
Most popular. Choice of meat, guacamole, sour cream, and cheese.
Super Nachos $14.99
Most popular. Choice of meat, with guacamole, sour cream, pico, beans and cheese.

2 Enchiladas
2 Chicken Enchiladas $8.50
2 chicken enchiladas, lettuce, cheese.
2 Mixed Enchiladas $8.50
Topped with cheese and lettuce
2 Carne Asada Enchiladas $9.99
topped with cheese & lettuce
2 Chile Relleno Enchiladas $8.50
Topped with cheese and lettuce
2 Beef Enchiladas $8.50
Topped with cheese and lettuce
2 Cheese Enchiladas $8.50
Topped with cheese and lettuce

Breakfast Plates
Scrambled Eggs With Ham Breakfast $12.75
Served with rice and beans.
Chilaquiles Breakfast $12.75
Served with rice and beans.
Chorizo & Eggs Plate $12.99
Chorizo with eggs. Side rice & beans. Choice of flour or corn tortilla.
Huevos California $12.75
2 over easy eggs, with bacon and ham. Side Rice & Beans
Steak Ranchero Breakfast $12.99
Served with rice and beans.
Machaca & Eggs Plate $12.99
shredded beef mixed with bell peppers, onions, tomato & eggs. Side rice & beans. Choice of flour or corn tortillas.
Huevos A La Mexicana $12.75
Scrambled eggs with onions, tomatoes, cilantro. Includes rice and beans.
Huevos Rancheros Breakfast $12.75
Served with rice and beans.

Kids Menu
Kids Bean & Cheese Burrito $5.99
Bean and cheese
Chicken Nuggets & Fries $6.50
8 piece nuggets & fries
Quesadilla & Fries $6.50
Cheese quesadilla with a side of French fries
Chicken Nuggets & Quesadilla $6.75
8 piece nuggets & cheese quesadilla
Kids Carne Asada Burrito $8.75
with guacamole & pico

Breakfast Burritos
Mexican Salsa, Eggs & Cheese $10.50
Served with 2 eggs.
Chorizo & Eggs $10.75
Served with 2 eggs.
Ham, Eggs & Cheese $10.75
Served with 2 eggs
Bacon, Potatoes, Eggs, Cheese $10.75
Bacon, potatoes, eggs and cheese
Machaca & Eggs $10.75
Served with 2 eggs.
Breakfast Burrito $10.75
Ham, Eggs, Pico, & Cheese
Potatoes Eggs & Cheese $10.75
Served with 2 eggs.
Steak & Eggs Burrito $10.75
steak and eggs

Vaqueros Carne Asada Details

Service options
Delivery
Drive-through
Takeout
Dine-in

Highlights
Fast service
Serves local specialty

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Comfort food
Late-night food
Organic dishes
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Groups

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments
Credit cards

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Parking
Free parking lot
Free street parking
Parking

Vaqueros Carne Asada Photos

Vaqueros Carne Asada Location

Vaqueros Carne Asada

Arizona Maricopa County Tempe West Southern Avenue

2602 W Southern Ave, Tempe, AZ 85282, USA

Vaqueros Carne Asada Reviews

An average rating of ★4.1 from 1395 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

Just by looking at the pics of their rice I knew their Mexican food would not disappoint, and they proved me right!! We ordered the super nachos with shredded beef and it was so delicious, so full of flavor! We also got the carne asada plate and that did not disappoint either, cooked to perfection, the rice was cooked perfectly and was real authentic Mexican rice. The price is pretty good for the amount of food we got! I recommend 10/10 🤌🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽🤏🏽
October 19 · Melissa Diaz Pena
I ordered super nachos with shredded chicken and the chicken was in huge pieces, not even marinated in sauce like I was expecting. It was flavorless and ruined the dish. First and last time trying this place.
October 12 · Kanga
This place is pricey, I really love the way they do their menudo but I think it's time to look for a new spot with. Only because of the the service. The window person seems so disinterested with helping the customers and always seems to be in a hurried state. They're always uptight and unfriendly faces, they don't have patience to help customers. So the food is great. However, as I stayed previously the only reason I would change my go to place is because of attitude and service 😞
October 11 · Adriana “Leticia” Ortiz
I ordered the green chilaquiles combo and for takeout. It is a big plate and good price but it lacks flavor. The tortilla were so soggy but I figured it was because I got it through Uber Eats, the sauces have flavor are so watery. It does not taste like authentic Mexican food and they should use totopos instead.
September 27 · Abril Fierro
Got 2 breakfast burritos. Crap is so dry. Like eggs and meat cooked to death. The tiny bit of watery salsa didn't help. Steak was dry and tough. Tortilla just now love to it. I won't eat here again.
October 03 · Jessie Lebel