El Camino

I work in the neighborhood, and decided to try El Camino based on the generally positive online reviews. Due to a lunch break crunch, a coworker picked up our carryout order, so I can't speak to the decor or sit-down service. The tacos were flavorful and the tortillas were perfectly cooked - not soggy, not so crisped that they cracked open when picked up.
BUT... We ordered from the online menu (logically) and the woman who took our order failed to let us know that the accompaniments have changed from "beans, rice, and a side of guacamole" to a small cup of jicama slaw. Fancy looking, but not much flavor, and definitely not the meal we were expecting.
I called to ask about it, and was told pretty perfunctorily that the menu had changed "in the last week" and they "probably hadn't updated the web menu."
They certainly might be cutting cost corners, but that's not nearly as egregious in my  mind as not getting what's on the menu. If the menu change just happened, it's also not tough for staff to check and see if customers are aware of the changes.
Definitely disappointed in the overall experience, wouldn't go out of my way to come back since the staff I spoke with didn't seem too concerned if we were happy or not.

Wednesday at 8 pm and we found  the last open table.  Bottle of tequila was dropped off and the water was pored.  This place was hoppin.  Everyone was dressed to impress and we were in our workout slop but all is good, and we are having fun.   Food was served fast and the drinks took a bit long but they were busy.   Tasty chips!  Guacamole is amazing and the taco are delicious.   They have taco Tuesday specials and happy hour ends at 6:30 the waitress informed.  Love it.

El Camino...what do I say. I've been coming here regularly for going on three years now. I love this place for the atmosphere and the margaritas, which are in my opinion the best in Denver. That is, if you're not a weirdo who wants sugar lime slushies or has a thing for sweet and sour. If you do, go to Crapplebees or something. They'll be happy to see you!

Used to be the service was inattentive with an attitude, but the food was solid. They've made changes lately though, to the degree that it almost feels like a complete reorganization. Menu changed, some servers/bartenders disappeared with some new ones moving in behind them, they got rid of those awful motorcycle bar stools or whatever they were, etc. Prices went up sure, but that happens over time. Their costs go up too, so you have to expect it here and there. The service is much improved!  They appear to have new policies like introducing themselves to each guest, and seeking feedback where they used to just not care, etc.

But the food has been TERRIBLE the past few months!  It was never amazing, true, Mexican food, but it was always good enough after a margarita or two. But now, it's really, really bad. Bland, no spices, and they are very clearly trying to cut corners in both portion size and preparation. Their 'rice' for example has just recently changed from big helpings of actual...rice, to about a quarter cup serving of some sort of cous cous resembling rice product. My guess is that they probably run it through a food processor to decrease the grain size prior to cooking, but who knows. It's awful.

I worked in restaurants for ten years, I can tell when you're trying to save money by serving less, skimping and even worse, trying to act like you're not doing it. Bigger garnishes, tons of lettuce and very little pico de gallo, drizzles of sour cream instead of ramekins of it, cheaper veggies used in veggie mixes, pulverized rice, and so on. This makes me mad, because you're doing that AND charging me more.

I get it, that area is going to corporate SoCal shit in a hand basket, and you're trying to survive ridiculously inflated rent, and competition from folks like Chipotle, and Pinche Tacos and so on. So why not tell your customers what you're doing and why instead of just trying to screw them over?  I want you to survive, but if you don't, by God, go down with some integrity!  Or move. Highlands is starting to suck anyway.