Undercover Diner Visits El Camino

I've driven past El Camino on Lakeside Drive countless times, always noticing the modest building, the steady stream of cars, and the very questionable parking situation. I had also heard the same refrain from friends and acquaintances over the years: It is some of the most authentic Mexican food in town. Still, for whatever reason, I had never stopped in—until now.

My first lesson came before I even walked through the door. Parking at El Camino is scarce. Very scarce. The lot is tiny, and during peak hours it’s nonexistent. If you plan to visit, know this going in and be prepared to circle, wait, or get a little creative. In our case, we lucked out and snagged a spot behind the building—right next to the dumpster. Not ideal, but it got the job done. And after the meal, I can confidently say the parking hassle is a small price to pay.

I went with a group of girlfriends, and from the moment we stepped inside, it felt like we had stumbled into a well-loved local spot. The restaurant itself is small and unpretentious, with a cozy, no-frills vibe that puts the focus squarely on the food. It was busy but not chaotic, and there was easy, welcoming energy that made it perfect for catching up over dinner.

Shortly after sitting down, the chips arrived and this is where El Camino really began to shine. These were not your standard, mass-produced tortilla chips you find at most Mexican restaurants. They were fresh, clearly homemade, warm, and dangerously addictive. The kind of chips you tell yourself you’ll “just have a few” of and then suddenly realize the basket is empty. I truly could not stop eating them.

The salsa was just as impressive. It was unmistakably homemade, packed with flavor, and had just the right balance of heat and freshness. Between the chips and salsa alone, El Camino was already off to a strong start and judging by everyone at the table kept reaching for more, I wasn’t the only one who thought so.

For my entrée, I ordered the al pastor burrito, and it may very well be the best one I have had. You can immediately tell that the food here is made fresh, authentic, and in-house, including the tortillas. The burrito was hearty, flavorful, and thoughtfully assembled, but what really surprised me was the addition of pineapple and corn. It wasn’t something I expected, but it worked. The sweetness from the pineapple paired perfectly with the savory, well-seasoned pork.

Around the table, everyone was equally impressed with their meals. One friend ordered the chicken stew with red sauce and absolutely loved it, praising its depth of flavor and richness.

Another got the chicken quesadilla and couldn’t stop talking about the portion size.

Another friend opted for the beef fajitas, which arrived sizzling and perfectly seasoned.

What stood out was consistency. Every dish looked appealing, tasted fresh, and felt intentional. Everyone echoed the same sentiments about the chips and salsa, and by the end of the meal, the consensus was clear: this is a place we all want to return to, soon.

There was only one minor quirk worth noting. El Camino doesn’t offer tap water; you must order bottled water instead. It was a bit peculiar, but a small inconvenience that didn’t detract from the overall experience.

El Camino feels like a well-kept secret, one of those places that doesn’t need flashy décor or heavy promotion because the food speaks for itself. Between the authentic flavors, generous portions, and warm, casual atmosphere, it is easy to see why those “good things” I had heard turned out to be true.

Yes, parking may test your patience. Yes, you might end up next to a dumpster. But once you are inside, chips in hand and salsa on the table, you will forget all about it. This is not a restaurant to sleep on, and I, for one, cannot wait to go back and try something else off the menu.