Best Place in Austin

Reviewer: Matt

Review Date: 08/24/2010 11:38PM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

I grew up in West Texas, where the Mexican food is authentic. That's why I absolutely LOVE Camino Real. They have the best Mexican food in Austin, hands down. I've tried Chuy's, which is terrible, Pappasitos, which is even worse, and Matt's El Rancho, which isn't bad. But despite these "Austin staples," nothing compares to Camino Real. I eat there at least once a week, if not twice. Their margaritas will knock you over, as will anything on their menu and their chips and salsa.

In other words, if you really appreciate good Mexican food without the gimmicks, you'll like Camino Real. If you want a show, go somewhere else and pay too much.

Hope this helps!
-Matt

We drive 20 minutes - it's so good

Reviewer: Jane

Review Date: 08/12/2010 01:39PM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

We have eaten there at least once a week, sometimes more, for the last year. We've never had a bad meal and the hot sauce is nearly as good as the margaritas. I can't imagine eating Mexican food anywhere else now.

The Worst!

Reviewer: Chad

Review Date: 04/17/2010 09:54AM

Rating: -1/+3(Crap)

This was the worst excuse for Mexican or Tex Mex food I have ever had. I couldn't believe that the place was crowded. Must be for the convenience. Ordered a combination plate and the taco tasted like dog food and all the rest of the food, the tamale, the enchilada, tasted so bland it was horrible. There were crushed chips all over the floor and I am just shocked that in Austin, Texas you can still get Mexican food this bad. Even Taco Bell is better than this! The only good thing was the salsa and chips.

Our favorite!

Reviewer: Mark Stacey

www.milagrogroup.com

Review Date: 12/18/2009 10:35AM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

We have been going to Camino Real since it opened. I was raised in the Rio Grande Valley and have traveled the world. I'm very picky about my Mexican flavored food. Camino Real is consistenly one of the best places I eat anywhere. Their food is great, fresh and ample in portions and the cost makes it a great value for my entire family. Plus, the ladies who have worked there so long are such special people. We love them all!! My wife and kids have to have Camino Real at least once a week or they get cranky ...!

no seas cabron

Reviewer: el caballo

Review Date: 07/17/2009 11:58AM

Rating: +2/+3(Goooood)

I don't think Mr. Rebelde meant is as a racist comment. You have too see it our way, many "Mexican" restaurants start great, and then the word gets around and the place gets packed, the prices go up and the quality and service go down. Before you know it, the only people that can afford it are the wealthier types. So the low income people who come this type of restaurant are left looking for another "hole in the wall" before it becomes "trendy".

A hidden treasure ...

Reviewer: Angel

Review Date: 01/22/2009 06:15PM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

This is a wonderful neighborhood restaurant with great and affordable dishes. Everything I have tried on the menu is delicious, especially the margaritas. All the staff is friendly and you are able to seat yourself immediately!

Mexican food

Reviewer: Adam

Review Date: 11/04/2008 11:21AM

Rating: +2/+3(Goooood)

I'm from Corpus Christi, where the Mexicans live (big M). This is mexican food. This is not "tex-mex" or that high-end mess they call mexican at places like Miguel's. This is honest mexican food.

And it's good. It reminds me of home in a lot of ways, and the breakfast tacos are exactly what they should be. No better and no worse. Breakfast, in a tortilla. Muy bueno.

The only thing that could make this place perfect: if they hand-made the tortillas and had thinner (or fresher) chips. Though, to be fair, only a handful in Corpus do that, too.

Reviewer: Melissa Monreal

Review Date: 10/02/2008 06:49PM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

As a Mexican myself I can tell you this IS Tex-Mex. I think a lot of people don't actually know what real Mexican food tastes like. No, it's not like Chuy's, but it's still Tex-Mex. That said, I'm 24 and have been going to this place since I was 8 or so. It's amazing food, good prices, and friendly staff. I have never once had a bad experience at Camino Real.

Reviewer: anonymous

Review Date: 07/26/2008 11:57AM

Rating: -1/+3(Crap)

I like a greasy dive as much as the next person but this place is just nasty! The food made our whole group sick for two days. The service was terrible and they overcharged us! Screaming children and loud drunks are the only "ambiance"Do yourself a favor and run away!

Moderately OK Tex-Mex

Reviewer: Sparkadelic

Review Date: 05/19/2008 01:03AM

Rating: 0/+3(Ho hum)

This is the kind of strip-mall Tex-Mex joint that it's kind of nice to stumble on when you're out in a new part of town and hungry and have no idea where to go. It's not the kind of place I'd drive any distance to visit on purpose. Tried the cheese enchiladas for lunch - enchiladas, rice and beans that came on the plate could have come from pretty much any nondescript, run-of-the-mill Tex-Mex joint. Beans were bland refried, rice was pretty decent - not sticky, but not very flavorful either. Enchiladas were kind of tough, like they'd been sitting in a warming pan in the oven for a couple of hours. On the plus side, the iced tea was generous and frequently refilled, and the salsa was top notch. Recommendation: No need to visit this place on purpose, but if you find yourself in the parking lot with a hankerin' for enchiladas, give it a shot.

best hole in the wall

Reviewer: Clintante

Review Date: 03/22/2008 02:42PM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

First off this place is not "Tex-Mex" as our reviewer, Chris, mistakenly calls it. Its a real deal mexican joint. I've been to the majority of mexican restaurants in North Austin and this by far is the best. Great dishes and plenty of options, plus they don't cheap out on the ingredients. And by the way Juan Rebelde, who said: 'Don't let the gringos know about this place.' I've been going to Camino Real well over 10 years and its predominantly 'gringos' that keep that place alive. What I didn't know was they have racist and biast clients such as yourself sir.

Best migas tacos in Austin

Reviewer: Kyle

Review Date: 03/08/2006 12:55AM

Rating: +2/+3(Goooood)

I work just a little ways down from Camino Real, so I visit fairly regularly. The migas tacos are the best in Austin. The regular tacos are pretty good too. Make sure you get extra salsa.

Home Cooking

Reviewer: Juan Rebelde

Review Date: 02/08/2006 11:32PM

Rating: +3/+3(Great)

Don't let the gringos know about this place. I have been going here for over 10 years. This place has the best pico and breakfast tacos.
Excellent beer specials. I don't have to drive too far to get good home cooking and cheap beer. The hours are kind of weird on the weekends and frequently change. Yes the beef and chicken enchiladas can be dry at times - but you get used to it.