Jerome, Arizona, is a famous ghost town that’s not as much a “ghost” town nowadays as it is a “funky artist” town. As a result, the once-booming and eventually left-for-dead copper mining town is roaring and alive once more with galleries, shops, and some of the best eateries in the state. One of these restaurants is so amazingly good that people have been known to drive from all over AZ just to have lunch or dinner here (it’s me. I’m people); it’s a local enigma known as Vaquero’s Grill & Cantina, and it’s one hidden gem restaurant in Arizona you won’t want to pass up a chance to visit.

From the outside, it doesn't look like much.
Regina Lo/Google Local
Set within an older building established long before Jerome died and came back to life, it's easy to miss if you're distracted by the various shops and galleries that surround it.
But once you walk in, you'll recognize you've found something special.
Dan Edwards/Google Local
The interior is absolutely gorgeous; shades of vibrant orange are complemented by blue, green and red accents complete with plenty of Día de los Muertos-inspired flair.
All the little details are hand-painted and absolutely lovely.
prv17/TripAdvisor
The setting is as deliciously colorful as the menu, which is filled top-to-bottom with flavorful, delicious meals so big you'll probably need to take some home with you.

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You can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
VNSmith/TripAdvisor
Personally, my favorite dishes are the red chili burro and just about any taco they've got.
The sauces are as vibrantly flavorful as the entire experience is, and nothing is too spicy or too bland.
Danny Tangtam/Google Local
Everything is right within that Goldilocks range: just right.
Once upon a time, this was a different restaurant... one of my favorites.
Brent L/TripAdvisor
Imagine my immense disappointment when one day it closed and locked its doors without warning, leaving employees without their last paychecks. The town of Jerome came together for them and raised money to make sure they were paid what they were owed, and eventually, in the old restaurant's place, Vaquero's was born.
They actually kept most of the decor and many menu items from the original place - all vastly improved upon and added to in the best of ways.
Robert H/TripAdvisor
Vaquero's Grill & Cantina is one of those places that, once you've been here, you'll find yourself craving time and time again. I don't blame you - I can often be found making the two-hour drive from Phoenix to Jerome just to have lunch.

For more information about Vaquero’s, including the most up-to-date hours, specials, and menu, be sure to check in with its official listing on TripAdvisor. Need somewhere to stay while in Jerome? Check out the amazingly unique offerings from our friends at VRBO! If you find you can’t get enough of the amazing dining options in Arizona and would like more ideas, check out eight of our favorite unique restaurants in Arizona.

Where are your favorite hidden gem restaurants? Let me know!

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Featured Addresses
Vaqueros Grill & Cantina, 363 Main St, Jerome, AZ 86331, USA