El Vaquero Restaurant in Alma, Michigan

When you think of college-town grub, you typically think of pizza, burgers, and maybe the usual pub-fare. And Alma, Michigan, a sleepy college town about an hour north of Lansing, is little different. But, hidden away from the fast-food joints and multitude of pizza parlors is an unsuspecting little gem. It's a place called El Vaquero. Instead of another greasy pizza, a meal from a sack, or a plate of fries and a beer, El Vaquero offers a wide range of Mexican dishes, all freshly prepared, substantial, and delicious. El Vaquero (#2, though we have yet to find the original) is somewhat hidden, if you aren't familiar with Alma. It is located one block behind Superior St, the main street in town. At first glance, it doesn't look like much. In fact, it has been referred to as the "Mex-o-mat" due to it's location in a former laundromat.

But appearances are certainly deceiving. The large building is spacious, extremely well lit, and splashed with the colors typical of a Mexican restaurant. Sombreros dot the walls, along with a few, well placed, traditional items. When you walk in, you typically find only a few patrons at a time, though there is always someone or other enjoying a good meal. The staff is friendly and accommodating.

You open your menu and find a wide variety of choices, ranging from the usual tacos and burritos, to the more traditional dishes; chile verde served with fresh tortillas. There is a little something for every palate, and all very affordable. You begin with a basket of chips and homemade salsa. The salsa is rich and the chips are always hot and fresh. Your meals are always filling, and delicious. If you're more than a basic taco person, I would highly recommend the tamales, as they come in a rich, delicious sauce. El Vaquero also serves Mexican sodas. My personal favorite is the lime flavor, but they range from orange to tutti-fruitty, to pineapple.

However, the thing that makes El Vaquero so special, in my opinion, is the fact that it is something more than just the traditional college-town grub. It's a real, well-prepared meal, at an affordable price. So, if you happen to be attending my Alma Mater this fall, or perhaps if you're just passing through on the way to Mt. Pleasant (or all other points north) I suggest taking a few minutes to find El Vaquero. It's definitely worth the look.