Carniceria El Vaquero

What an incredible «little» market! This place may not be the size of Fry’s (thank goodness) but it is just packed with delights… Homemade jerkys, chorizos, pollo asadas, and wings already marinating, a butcher on duty, quesos to thrill, spices to satisfy every creative whim, chiles and veggies so fresh… And did I mention …
Rows of hot sauces to boggle the mind, a pan dulce bakery section, a whole row of the best in dulceria (mazapan anyone?)
There is even a little farmacia area …
I haven’t had the chance to try all the posoles & menudos from the taqueria, but will get there.
Remember, buy local, support small businesses in Tucson– only closed on Tuesdays… Say hello to Mike & Jaimie!
Thanks for being here!

I would highly recommend this place to everyone. A couple of days ago we were in the market looking for a pig to roast. We live in Colorado and planned on spending New Years in AZ having a «Pig Out» spending time, eating & cooking with our family. We called everywhere and we were coming up pigless and finally we called El Vaquero and they went out of their way to special order us our 40lb pig. We drove from Safford AZ to Tucson to pick it and we were even more impressed once we arrived at El Vaquero Market. The place was IMMACULATELY clean!!! The gentleman was very appreciative of our business and went out of his way to give my husband tips on roasting the pig. He took the time and packaged up seasonings and spices for my husband and GAVE them to my husband. He took his time giving us instructions. All of the staff was very nice and helpful. You just don’t see businesses like this anymore and I want to wish El Vaquero lots of success & prosperity in the years to come. Thank you for being such a positive experience for our New Years Celebration!
On a side note. they have some very affordable meat packages and their meat looked very fresh! We will be taking a meat package with us back to Colorado!

This is a regular lunch spot for us. The food is great and the service is friendly and fast. The store is clean and well run. The menu has all of the regular Mexican foods you would expect, but the meats are freshly grilled and taste amazing. We’ve never been disappointed.

Amazing Carne Asada! I really love their homemade salsas and Guacamole– Plus they have fresh tortillas and their prices are fair. The staff is also very friendly whenever I go in.

This place is truly amazing! Just like all the other comments below I was amazed. Truly one of the cleanest grocery markets I have ever been in. I always get the carne asada and the pollo asado. It’s awesome every time! They have almost anything you need in their stock. Their home made beans are the bomb… it’s a MUST TRY!!! Like the people below… I went one time and haven’t stopped coming back since! Go check out this place for sure! It’s a must!

What an amazing little shop! Very friendly staff and very good prices. I bought prime rib for less than half the price per pound any where else in tucson.

I have shopped here several times, and each time I have the same experience. The employees are always great, and quick to help. The produce and meat selection are good, it’s not organic grass fed beef, but good. I mostly buy the «queso fresco,» it’s not my grandma’s cheese, but it’s the best I can get on my side of town. I’m not driving 45 mins to the south side of Tucson for cheese. This place gets 4 stars for their customer service.

If you are ever on the eastside & are looking for a meat place: check them out. They always have a wonderful selection on foods & goods. The prices are a plus & they are always willing to help you out. This place is highly recommended for the service. They have been open for a few years a wanna say now because the experience you have is always good. Spicy chicken & the Carne are amazing you must try. The ground beef has amazing flavor like it is real meat no fats. I feel its all around good quality food they have prepared food like tamales and on weekends they will cook your food you buy for free. Just check them out the next time your in the area. Promise you will be back.

If you’re not getting your meat and Mexican or Central/​South American grocery items from this place; well, you’re going to the wrong place. Everything is fresh, plentiful, tasty, and clean. It is literally the cleanest butcher shop and grocery store I have ever been in. The management and help are awesome. Once you go, you will return again and again.

Loved their meats especially their marinated ones. They offer to cook it for you for free on weekends. Fresh and very affordable, a must try!

I like this tiny Mexican grocery and butcher. It’s so tidy and clean. Staff are nice. It has the feel of an old time grocer. There’s a lot packed in the little space. Ground masa, roasted chiles, meat, and taco fillings.

Mexican Meat Market
Hubby and I stopped in the other day. Mom needed some lard because she was going to try to make tamales. Nice market. Clean, set up so it’s easy to find things. The butcher was very helpful and he and Hubby talked for quite a while about the different cuts of meats that were available. Hubby bought some and has cooked it. All were very good quality. Now, I just have to keep him away from here… it’s too close to our home! ;-) But they do have a wide variety of meats, veggies and Mexican snacks that aren’t available in Safeway or Fry’s.