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.
Review Source: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! Â 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! Â 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? Â I want you to survive, but if you don't, by God, go down with some integrity! Â Or move. Highlands is starting to suck anyway.
Revisit to El Camino. Kasmo greeted us at the bar and happily took our drink orders and made out perfect margaritas! My friend and I ordered chips, nachos, queso...all good. I can't wait to go back for more.
Thank you to all the friendly waitstaff for making my return visit wonderful.
So I basically have an obsession with queso. If it's on any menu, I have to try it! El Camino's queso is freaking delicious! And yes, I've eaten a whole bowl with only one other person.. (no shame). I also love how they have pitchers of beer, I feel like there aren't many places that do this.
Great spot!
While we initially had a problem getting our reservation recognized the problem was remedied via free appetizers and really attentive service. Â The restaurant was loud and it seems like, given how popular it is, they should consider expanding their space if possible. Â I found my fish tacos to be rather average but found the enormous queso appetizer to be a real treat. Â I liked the drink selection too--it's rare that you see Funkwerks on tap and they made a quality margarita. Â I'm not sure I'll return to this place - certainly not on a weekend night - but overall the experience was alright.
Review Source:I don't venture to the Highlands often enough, and I love trying new spots that my friends suggest. Â We came here one Friday evening for a birthday party with a group of eight and had made reservations for 8:00 ahead of time. Â Parking in the area can be a b*tch, ya know? Â We made it there a few minutes late, but still had to wait around for the hostess to seat a few other people ahead of us. Â By the time she got to us, she said our reservation was given away after ten minutes and it was now 8:14. Â In order for this to be true, she must have given our table away while we were standing around waiting to be greeted. Â Kind of a bummer. Â We ended up waiting quite a while to be seated. Â She definitely made us feel better by offering some free queso and apologizing several times for the delay. Â
Our food was pretty good, and drinks were not bad. Â My boyfriend had the philly cheesesteak burrito and said it was out of this world (and he's from Philly!). Â I had a salad, trying to be healthy and stuff, and it was a little lackluster. Â That may be my own fault, though. Â I asked for no cheese or tortilla or beans. Â The dressing was spicier than I anticipated and I overdid it for sure. Â
If you're coming for dinner/drinks on a weekend, I highly recommend a reservation, otherwise you may be waiting a while or heading over to Chipotle for a meal.
The service was pretty good here, and then the pretty goods stop... They have a few home made sauces that had little to no flavor. We ordered  the special burrito, tacos and something from the kids menu and nothing really had a flavor, not even a unique one. I probably will not return to this establishment.
It was really packed tho so I don't want to discourage others from trying it
My hubby is a white queso freak. He had read the reviews on this place, and insisted we go. He really didn't have to twist my arm. We arrived on a friday around 12:30, and I was shocked we got a seat. The place is rather quaint, but that works for me. We ordered the queso right away and he looked like a kid on Christmas when it arrived. It was a VAT of cheese. It came with some cute little sides too, jalaps and meat and some pico. I shoveled the jalaps in my mouth then guzzled the cheese as a chaser (j/k but you could imagine if I did!) Delishcity. We followed up the cheese coma with a round of pork and pineapple tacos and fajitas. Yummmmm much?
I wanted some booze, but we were on a time crunch. I will be back for their extensive tequila menu and the ever so tasty looking cocktails.
Keep on rockin' el cam.
went back recently and noticed the staff changed, the food wasn't as good and just didn't seem the same. The chicken on the street tacos was very fatty and had this hot orange grease coming out of it, it was  extra greasy and just tasted very artificial to me. The ground beef was blah and so we basically just ate the pork tacos.
The waitress knocked my bottle of beer over when she was reaching for another person's empty glass on the table and it fell on the floor, and spilled 1/2 of it. She didnt say sorry or offer to refill it or anything. She just said oh, let me get someone for that. The busboy came over and helped me clean it up, also didn't offer a refill.
LAME. there's too many other choices in the area to let things like this slide.
The food and service are great at the location. Plenty of vegetarian options too, which is hard to find quality, Mexican food offering such variety to keep the vegetarians happy too.
One issue - delivery stinks. They phone number goes to someone's voicemail. The voicemail says nothing about it being the restaurant or a delivery driver. After calling the bar, you'll be told that the number is the driver and to leave a message - that does not seem like good quality "delivery" service. When the bar attempted to take my order, I was then told that the items I ordered (fajities, enchiladas, and rellanos) "don't hold up well and get soggy during delivery." What good is it to have a delivery service when the primary staples of your restaurant aren't really deliverable?!? Â This service needs some major attention.
Update 8/23/13: business contacted me directly apologizing for the issues and outlining improvements. I've never seen a restaurant respond so positively - thank you to them...looking forward to trying them out again very soon!
Last time I went to El Camino I left a lousy review, but I swung by last night around 10pm for the late-night happy hour and it was great! Â The windows were open, I got a good seat, the happy hour menu was good ($1.50 high life!), they had the rap music on. Â It was a nice and relaxing night. Â So it's actually a really good place.
Review Source:Why this place gets such high marks is beyond me. Â I'm a Highlands local, and I love all that is 32nd street, but El Camino was a disappointing one and done. Â It's always packed, so we thought it must be awesome, but really I think that's just due to the location and open windows. Â They must have a killer happy hour deal to make it worth it, or maybe it's just a scene. Â Whatever it is, it is NOT the margaritas (so sugary I could barely have 2 sips of mine. Â My husband couldn't stomach his sugar monster either, and he got the fancy high end marg!). Â The tacos were embarrassingly underseasoned and the meat was dry. Â Only reason this place gets any stars here is for the cute pink bandana napkins and the awesome location. Â If you must go, order a beer and munch on chips while you take in the scene. Â Grab a burrito at Chipotle beforehand so you don't have to subject yourself to sub-par tacos.
Review Source:Sum it up: Fun. Energetic. Upbeat.
Food was okay, nothing notable. Pinche makes a better taco.
But the drinks here are awesome and the crowd is all about a good time! This is the kind of place that is a textbook highlands experience. A little cozy (small), niche (not diverse), and boisterous (loud).
Sign me up for happy hour with a few friends, just not a big group!
2.5 - 3 STARTS
Southern Californian here. The food is great if you're not used to great Mexican food.
FOOD = The fish tacos had literally no flavor. I kept throwing lime and salsa on it so I could taste it. The alcoholic beverages we ordered were unmemorable and actually tasted pretty gross. Sangria is supposed to taste amazing!
SERVICE = The server was alright, though she was awkward. We kept having to repeat ourselves. Maybe she was new.
PRICE = perfect for what you get.
ATMOSPHERE = totally chill
OVERALL = I'd go back but it's NOT the best Mexican food in Denver.
Also, the shortage of blenders in Denver (for blended margs) is a bit ridiculous.
This place is so good. The enchiladas are fantastic, my Padre likes the green chile, and the house margarita is just fine by me. Not into margs? Great beer selection, Angry Orchard cider, and full bar. Added bonus - when the weather warms up they open their large windows to the street. All hail the pink building!
Review Source:A solid four stars for the service, atmosphere and drinks. Three and a half stars for the food, overall as I think although well presented, the food is a bit bland. I've had the chili con queso, the tamale plate and the fajitas and with the exception of the queso, all needed salt and more seasoning. Still, I enjoy this place and would recommend it for decent Tex-Mex and very friendly service. Don't be grumpy if you have to wait for a table as it's a very popular place. Just mozy up to the bar and order one of their signature margaritas.
Live music at lunch. Me likey :-))
I have had 2 experiences at El Camino. One great, one not so great. But, it all evens out in the end right?
The first time, we woke up, bought a Groupon for El Camino and went to brunch. We were both extremely satisfied. We shared the queso (OMG AMAZING) and I got the chilliques. I was very happy with what I ordered, the atmosphere and the service. I loved it.
The second time, we took some friends to brunch. We ordered, and got our queso within 5 minutes. 20 minutes later, we asked for more chips. It took us an hour and 15 minutes to get our food. Server was apologetic, when he wasnt dodging our table.
He eventually comped all of our food (except the queso) which in the end was all he could do. I was satisfied with the outcome, but it just left a pretty big bruise on my heart.
Ill be back, just need some space. :)
Bought a groupon for brunch, ordered the breakfast burrito with green chili... It was the worst green chili I've ever had. It tasted more like chicken broth than anything with green chili in it. The burrito it's self wasn't bad, but if half of their brunch items are smothered in this terrible green chili, I'd rather eat else where.
Review Source:20APR2013
A very good Saturday lunch at which I did NOT get carded.
The service was attentive and friendly.
The food was tasty.
The place was hopping! At 1400, we had to wait 15+ minutes for a table. An El Brazo margarita helped with the wait.
30MAR2013
One star or four stars? Not sure what to do.
+ Free Wi-Fi. Better yet, no password.
+ Music. The guitar player was excellent. Both in technique and choice of songs. A fine addition to the ambiance on a Saturday afternoon.
+ Service. Multiple people do the honors, but our primary waiter did an awesome job on up-selling my sweetie from the regular margarita to the more expensive El Brazo. His "natural ingredients" pitched was well received by her. I had beer. Food was delivered in a timely fashion. Â I asked I could have chorizo in my street taco instead of beef and was told: "No problem".
+ Ambiance. Lots of people having fun at lunch. Lots of servers working hard.
+ Food. Street tacos and tamales in red sauce. Both very good. The red sauce was very rich. Almost like mole.
+ Cloth napkins.
- They charge for chips and salsa. $2.50. Not only is that annoying, but is way overpriced.
- I got carded. WTF! I am close to being eligible for MediCare and I HATE being carded.
- Noisy. The music was too loud.
- Cheap flatware. The very good food deserves higher quality utensils. I am not going to steal it people.
P.S.
"Colorado law does not require that licensed establishments selling 3.2% beer, or regular beer, wine, and spirits, check identification for proof of age.
Colorado law does not require persons to carry proof of age."
I'm not sure what it is, but a few years ago I thought I walked into this place and thought "meh!" Â
Though, the other night I was happy to find a more clean and crisp environment than I saw back then. Â Maybe there was a renovation or maybe I went on the wrong day. Â This place is not fancy, but not a dive either. Â The decor is of antique beer cans and rustic art, but not a country bar. Â I think there is something unique about this place, maybe the crowd....
I had some libation that did not disappoint, as well as some dollar tacos which were simple and tasty.
Go find out, and hang out.
Dave
I'm writing this review because it's important for people to know how far this restaurant has come since it's opening a few years ago. The first time my wife and I ate there we were extremely unimpressed by the lack of execution, decor and overall attitude toward the food. It felt like they opened up a cheap, Mexican food/bar in West Highlands with the expectation that anybody would go there because of the "cool factor". The food was served in wax and paper products like at a minor-league baseball game.
About 3 years ago we decided to give it another shot. The change was dramatic. They revamped the entire menu as well as the feel of the place. This has, without question, become our neighborhood spot. We're suckers for queso dip and El Camino doesn't disappoint. As other reviewers have said...it's a huge portion, so be careful! The street tacos are awesome-some of my favorites. The chile rellenos are worth a taste, too. Our only so-so experience has been in the salsa department-it could definitely have more substance and flavor.
In addition to quality of food and presentation restaurants are judged by their service. Every experience we've had has been top-notch. No matter how busy the restaurant is (it's often hoppin') the servers and hosts are attentive and making sure we're happy.
Want fun + great food? Eat here.
Okay - let me get my spoiled California bitching out of the way before I offer kudos.
The chips and salsa are made in house (bonus!) but the salsa had very little flavor and was watery not thick or chunky, it tasted like lime juice. Â The ceviche in my opinion was heavy on "tomato" not "seafood". Â I am Irish and know how to make good Ceviche (see: Zi South).
Now the good news. Â This is the hot hipster Highlands spot for Mexican food. Â The decor is awesome and the service was awesome, the two servers on duty worked in tandem and I needed for nothing. Â I ordered chips and salsa, but could have just waited for the ceviche because it came with a boatload of chips. Â The fajitas are some of the best I have had in the any of my reviews - Â the beef was perfectly seasoned and cooked and they used orange, red, green and yellow bell peppers (most use 2) with large chunks of chile peppers (not hot). Â Also, the house margarita (which I hate the fact that Denver pre-makes the margs) was kickass and if I was not on a schedule I would have had a couple more of those. Â I don't live in the neighborhood but I would definitely go back with friends even if just for cocktails. Â Dig it.
My go-to Mexican restaurant in Denver. Love the servers, the bar staff, the queso (just watch out, it's a HUGE portion), the guac (full of juicy and salty flavor), the margs (tons of options, tons of interesting tequilas to choose from!), the chile relleno (choose the cheese version and crispy is best), the street tacos (only $1 all day on Tuesdays), the atmosphere (local art on the walls, loud, soft lighting)...
I'd say the only thing to avoid on the menu is the Mexican Pizza. It's basically just a handful of pita-type tortillas loaded with ingredients, but it's not as satisfying as other entree options and isn't what you would expect.
And if you get the shrimp tacos (which are DELICIOUS), just ask for the cheese on the side. Otherwise it can be a little greasy!
GO HERE. It's so good, so fun, and all-around cool. If only they had more locations and more seating! You might have to wait for a table, so beware.
Great spot but has become overrun (of course). Â Food is very solid BUT!!
Just tried to use their online "ordering" system and after 15 minutes of messing around with it...it then tells me that my order would be delivered in an HOUR. Â Started-out as 30 mins. Â Then, when I called to see what's up, the gal gave me a different number to call "the deliver girl"...and it went to a message that the mailbox was full. Â No person nothing.
Cancelled my $60 order and will never try again. Â So - if you want something there...go in. Â This was a BIG mark against them. Â HUGE hassle and we don't get the dinner we all wanted.
I've been to this place twice. The 1st time I had the molè enchiladas and they were good, but not great. Service was so-so and it was a fairly busy night.
Tonight I went and had the tacos al pastor. They were probably the best I've had so far. Â They were bigger than most I've had, and they served with a side of the juice it was marinated in with chunks of onion and pineapple. Although it would have been nice with a side of beans and rice. For 3 tacos and a drink it came to $15. So it is a little pricey.
Both times I have been I here I ordered a mocktail. Â A mixed drink without alcohol. Both times they are on the super sour side and I drink 1/2 the glass. They are pretty pricey too.
I would like to give props to my server tonight, I don't know her name, but I had special instructions with regards to eating alone, then ordering after another person joined me. She did a great job and was very accommodating to my weird instructions.
I've been coming to El Camino to imbibe for years, but nobody told me what a killer breakfast they have.
Christmas Eve morning found us hungry and with very limited options. Luckily, El Camino was bringing the breakfast goodness and providing Christmas cheer to all.
I would rank the El Camino Skillet amongst the best I've ever had. Runny eggs and chorizo, with potatoes, fresh poblanos and smothered in re-donk-u-lous green chili! This orgy of flavor was complimented nicely with a house margarita.
The queso, the tamales, and the margs still rock. Service is terribly slow.
I tried to ignore it all the other times but the last time we were in, dinner took way longer than I had wanted it to take that evening.
I'm sure I'll be back for happy hour but I will probably just skip this place when it's not happy hour. There is better service and food in the area for non-happy hour price.
Whoa. How have I not reviewed El Camino yet? Crazy. Anyway, I have been to El Camino for brunch. I have been for lunch. I have been for happy hour. I have been for dinner. And I have always, always enjoyed it.
Among my favorite things to eat are the guacamole and queso to start and street tacos or fajitas for my main course. Unless I'm at brunch then I probably get breakfast tacos or chorizo and eggs.
They have a Bloody Mary bar in the morning along with chelads and micheladas or fruity mimosas. You can get delicious sangria to drink or fantastic margaritas and other tequila based drinks. Don't want alcohol? Get a cucumber lemonade. Bam! That's how you do drinks my friends.
The place is pretty small and very casual, but lots of fun. I definitely recommend it!
So the hubby and I went back to give El Camino another shot. Â This time we got there after Happy Hour was over and tried a few entrees. Â It was quite busy for a rainy Monday night but we found a cozy bench to share at a table that's pushed up against one end of the bar. Â
Our waiter was awesome, as was every member of the waitstaff we had contact with. Â Everyone was very prompt, friendly, accomodating and made us feel really welcome. Â I loved that.
Now on to the food. Â In my original review, I'd complained that the Happy Hour street tacos were too small and not even a great value at $1 a pop. Â However, I'm happy to report that the entree-sized tacos are much more generous and every bit as delicious. Â We had the fish tacos, carnitas tacos and a chile relleno. Â The flavors were outstanding! Â I think the secret is in their amazing sauces. Â That chile relleno might have been the best I've ever had.
You want to talk about bang for the buck? Â We had 3 fish tacos (1 leftover to take home), 2 carnitas tacos, 1 chile relleno, 1 El Camino beer and a glass of wine which all added up to just $35! Â I can't remember the last time we got out of a restaurant feeling completely full and satisfied for less than $60.
El Camino, I'm sorry I doubted you. Â I'll be back to try more of your fresh fantastic entrees and a nice cold El Camino beer!
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