El Vago Mexican Kitchen

Great place with a trendy atmosphere.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We visited from Augusta, Ga for the Columbia fair and this was highly recommended to us. We were so not disappointed!! My husband is very picky and was in love with the Americano burrito. The salsa is very good and fresh, as well as their chips. I loved their fajitas. We sat next to a large party and literally everything that came from the kitchen smelled amazing! The bill was around $30 for two drinks and two meals, which isn’t bad for the area and sit down service. I was a little disappointed that our waitress had a very large party (around 15 people) and she didn’t seem to get any help from other staff/management when she was clearly overwhelmed. She was amazing nonetheless and everything came out right on time.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was decent, but not great. If you’re there with 6 or more people, your tab will automatically include a 20 PERCENT TIP. I generally have no problem with tipping 20 percent when the service is good, but what happens when it’s not?! In our case, we had an order taker and not a server who gave a rip about customer service. In fact, I get better customer service at Chic Fil A. We ordered some queso and the menu description clearly states that it comes with fresh tortillas, when it came with none, we inquired as to where they were? The lousy server said it means it comes with tortilla chips. We also ordered fajitas, only came with 3 of them. We asked fot an additional tortilla because there was some fajitas meat left over, we were charged for them!!! We have gone to hundreds of Mexican restaurants, and never once have been charged for an extra tortilla in order to finish. Completely ridiculous.

Atmosphere: 3

Food: 3

Service: 1

I will have to go back to make a better review because the food was so good, I forgot to take a picture! The server was polite and was so good at her job, she didn’t have to write anything down. Our food arrived quickly, but if you come in hungry it’s perfectly ok, they start you off with chips and salsa. I had the chicken quesadilla with the house made guacamole and ordered a side of queso as I’m not a fan of salsa alone. I don’t drink, but every alcoholic beverage they brought out looked delicious. I went as soon as they opened, so it wasn’t very busy. Parking was the most difficult part. There are a few parking spots designated to the business in a parking structure, but if you’ve never visited the restaurant, you wouldn’t know where to find it. Luckily, I asked someone who knew where to find it.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

We celebrated my son’s birthday here, and it was such a great choice! The atmosphere is fun, welcoming, and refreshingly unique. It's a modern twist on a Mexican vibe. I loved the décor, and the live DJ really made the whole experience even better.

I did have a small misunderstanding with my menu choice, but our waitress Evelyn was incredibly kind and accommodating. When I asked to speak with the manager, Joe came over right away, listened respectfully, and quickly offered a solution that worked perfectly.

And the food? Honestly, some of the best I’ve had in a long time. Everything was flavorful and satisfying. We’ll definitely be back, and I highly recommend this spot as a must-visit in Columbia!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

First & Foremost our waitress name was Evelyn and she was AWESOME!! The food and atmosphere were great as well!! Evelyn made our experience awesome! Can’t wait to come back!!

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Holy tacos Batman!! I've been looking for delicious, street style tacos since I moved here 6 years ago. And all I've got to say is WHERE HAVE YOU GUYS BEEN?! I did the tacos n madres lunch delivered and all of the tacos were delicious (al pastor, carne, pollo). I'll definitely be ordering again or coming by to check you all out. These are the best tacos I've had since moving here

Food: 5

Delicious food and cocktails. Excellent selection and variety. Great quantity and reasonable prices. I would make this my new mexican option in Columbia.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

Food was excellent.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 4

Bad service, very slow

Service: 1

The drinks were on point and so was the food. The atmosphere was also very nice. I will be going back.

Great food, party atmosphere with loud mexican dance music playing from a live DJ setup - honestly not what I was looking for on this night, but would go back again with a group for a party or birthday or something if everyone was into the vibe

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

OMG we had the most delicious and filling birria rice/bean lunch bowls. Just need to know some of the toppings are extra and add $3 to the cost. Great atmosphere and music.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 5

Service: 5

I loved the watermelon margarita! The bartender was friendly; all the staff was hustling. The chile poblano was ok.

Atmosphere: 5

Food: 4

Service: 5

The music is too loud! But the service was great!

Atmosphere: 2

Food: 4

Service: 5