Vasquez Mexican Food has been a downtown Vacaville staple since 1976, and it’s one of the few spots where you can actually sit outside with your dog while eating legitimately good Mexican food. The restaurant makes their tortillas in-house, which you’ll notice immediately—they’re warm and substantial, not the sad pre-made kind you get most places. Their enchiladas and tacos come loaded with flavor and actual care in the preparation, and if you’re into margaritas, they do those well too.

The outdoor patio is the main draw for anyone coming with a dog. It’s casual enough that you won’t feel out of place with your dog at the table, and there’s decent shade depending on what time you go. The space has a family-friendly, unpretentious vibe that makes it feel like a neighborhood spot rather than a tourist destination—because it kind of is. Since it’s been around for almost fifty years, locals clearly know what they’re doing.

Downtown Vacaville itself is pretty walkable, so you can grab a spot at Vasquez after exploring the area with your dog. The portions are generous, so don’t show up starving if you’ve got limited time. Service moves at a reasonable pace even when it’s busy, which matters when you’re managing a dog in public.

The patio setup means you’re not cramped, and staff seem used to dogs being around, so there’s no awkwardness about having your dog there. Just bring water for your dog since it gets hot in Vacaville, especially in summer. If the patio’s full, you might be out of luck for dining with your dog, so it’s worth calling ahead during peak times to see if there’s space available.