I came into the city to drop off something to a friend, and he ended up letting me tag along to a birthday outing he was going to. The destination was this Mexican spot, which I had never heard of. But to be fair, I never hang out on Rhode Island Ave. My friend and I went in and found the party we were looking for -- the place is relatively small. Some were outside, and others were sitting at the bar, which is where we ended up. They were a bunch of people scattered throughout the restaurant, but the staff did a good job taking care of everybody. I ended up trying their frozen guava passionfruit margarita and got a handful of tacos. The marg impressed me -- very fruit forward, yet also very tequila forward... a delicious combination. And then I got two veggie tacos -- they had a variety, and they all tend to be the cheapest options. I got cactus and some sort of gourd taco. Both were scrumptious. Oh, I enjoyed the complimentary chips and salsa that everyone gets -- the salsa was a little runny, but flavor was great. My experience left a great first impression, and I'd be down to try other things on the menu. Oh -- my friend got a lamb barbacoa and carne asada taco -- I just tried a little of the meat and I was jealous I didn't get it myself. They have daily specials and weekend brunch, so there's much to explore! read more

El Camino is one of my favorite restaurants/bars in D.C. The staff are friendly, and relaxed and the food is delicious. Some of my favorite tacos are the salmon, shrimp and lamb barbacoa. My absolute favorite drink is the frozen margarita which will have you hooked and happy. The restaurant has a divebar vibe that will have you returning. Highly recommend checking out their Taco Tuesday. read more

El Camino - Shrimp, Salmon and Lamb - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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This is our local go-to Mexican restaurant. Their food is delicious. It's well made and they handle special requests pretty well. The servers have been there forever and take pretty good care of you. The place is well decorated. It is usually pretty busy so the chatter is energetic, but not loud. Dogs are welcome on the patio. They routinely have specials, taco Tuesdays and delicious drinks. Oh, if you are really hungry, they have a special, Plato Grande - it is loaded with all kinds of delicious food. Try it! You know I'll be back. read more

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This place has improved so much in the last few years. Friendly, good food. I really hope it's not closed!! El Camino, where are you!!

I thought this was very good! Got a pitcher of margs, guac (it's a very small serving), corn dip and beef enchiladas and enjoyed it all. read more

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In my opinion, this establishment has gone downhill. I really dont want to bash small businesses but i have to tell the truth. I used to love Camino. This visit was absolutely dissappointing. I had to ask for chips which they usually bring out. The chips were stale as hell. The salsa was very chuncky, lacked flavor and just a epic fail. I went to the bathroom and walked by the kitchen and i decided I didnt want the food i ordered. I saw the cooks heating up food that looked like it was from yesterday. They were slicing a cold chicken breast to reheat and serve on the sizzling fajita pan, as if it was freshly cooked. I saw them doing the same thing to the chorizo. After that i decided we would just decline the food and depart. This is not what i expected and probably wont return. read more

Do not get the queso fundido. It's greasy and has more ingredients than your traditional queso fundido. It also is marked as gluten free, but they gave me flour tortillas. read more

We stayed at an Airbnb nearby and had this place for takeout on the last day there. I must say the food was pretty good. We got the ceviche for $16, and I must say the container was packed to the rim and you get your money's worth. Generous portion of fish and great acidity. I also got the chicken taco and barbacoa which were also very delicious. My only complaint was that they didn't have any fish tacos on the menu on grubhub. Will definitely try this place out again when I am in D.C for work next month. read more

I've gone here multiple times because it's a few blocks away. They have good tacos, nachos are $9 and any of the meat toppings are the same price. So $5 for steak, chicken, chorizo. The service is good, whenever they see your water is low they full it up and the service is super quick. It's good for an after work drink at the bar. So if you are by yourself it's good for that. It also has an outdoor space which is good for the spring and summer time. read more

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My husband and I rarely go to the same restaurant twice (my little rule)-- but we've already been here three times in the course of less than a year. We always leave happy and full, WITH a box of leftovers enough for another meal! It's not fancy but hits the spot every time. Extremely authentic-- you can trust us because from LA and my husband is from Denver (and grew up in a heavily Mexican neighborhood.) Their drinks are great (per my husband, since I don't drink alcohol), the vibe is lowkey & upbeat, and the staff are friendly (though English is not their strongest suit but that shouldn't deter anybody! and perhaps this is why some people leave subpar reviews regarding their service). If you're looking for a solid mid-range Mexican option then this is a great spot! Highly recommended. read more

Food quality was not there. The portion size for the appetizer was very little. Also tried the horchata and it tasted like egg nog. The steak burrito was not the best. Overall I don't recommend this dish if you were looking for authentic Mex food. read more

We love this neighborhood gem!! Service is always friendly, food is always tasty, and the price point is excellent.

Wow - I have been coming to this spot for years and it's a true hidden gem. The food is authentic and delicious, and the deals on taco tuesdays are crazy good. Everything else is insanely good too- the carne asada, the fajitas. I am obsessed. Not to mention the generous margaritas and large tequila shots. I love this spot!!! read more

This has always been my favorite neighborhood spot. The quality in food & drink never waivers below phenomenal. I'm not sure who's back there seasoning/cooking their steak, but Food Network needs to get involved and spread that recipe far and wide. I sometimes find myself dreaming of my standing "steak quesadilla+ Mojito sub tequila" order. If it arrives in a short glass, I know I'm in for a fun evening Stop in for happy hour (beer+margarita specials) and Taco Tuesday ($1 off tacos) and join the El Camino Stan club! read more

El Camino - Mojito sub tequila 10/10 - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Finally stopped in here I pass this place all the time on Rhode Island and it is typically a busy spot. They have great margaritas there are many different flavors and you can get them frozen or traditional. We also tried the fried plantains and the ceviche. All really good and serving traditional Latin American food. Service was great and several TV's inside and out where you can catch the game. They also have a killer happy hour and I would definitely go back to this place. read more

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El Camino has tons of outdoor seating, as well as bar/table seating inside. The food here is so flavorful! They have tons of options on the menu and the pricing is very decent for the area. My favorite taco so far is the salmon taco, it's cooked so well, the sauce is also very creamy and flavorful! They have a great drink menu, with lots of mezcal options, which I really enjoyed. Sitting at the bar, Pedro has always been helpful and welcoming, he makes each drink with precision. read more

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We pass this El Camino all the time while on Rhode Island Ave, and finally decided to try it. It did not disappoint! The wait staff was great and answered any and all questions we had. I have been twice (so far), and sat outside on both evenings. The first time I tried the El Camino steak, and the second was the Pollo en Mole. Both were great. There are so many options! My wife saw something in what I believed was a Grubhub menu that wasn't on their printed menu, and they accommodated her. I also had the nachos (not pictured). They were great as well. I shall return! read more

El Camino - El Camino Steak - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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I may be bias but El Camino has some of the best service and Mexican food in DC. Now listen it can be hard to find authentic Mexican food but they do a great job at it. Their drinks are 10x better and the crew managing this establishment always welcomes you in like family. If you haven't done so already... try their brunch. THATS a 5 star alone! I come here all the time and they have never disappointed. read more

El Camino - Birria Tacos, Yellow Rice, Black beans, Mango Margarita - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I went to El Camino for the All Day Monday Happy Hour. The pre-made batches of margarita and sangria are well worth the price and are both flavors without being overly sweet; they're well balanced. The guacamole was freshly made and we were able to choose a spice level, which was new to me. The bartender was personable even as the restaurant became more busy towards dinner time. The music, staff and environment were authentic very much so resembling my experiences in Mexico. read more

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Neighborhood gem!!! El Camino has had different owners, but the feeling of family remains the same. Admittedly, I used to go there for first dates (one of a few places I knew the staff would always keep an eye out)...and I've always made it home safe. Now, beyond that I have only one complaint... they removed the papas from the menu!! Friendly staff Good food consistently! Inside feels like abuelita's cocina Parking can be a pain I wish had a 4.5 to give, but alas these whole numbers!!! read more

We are a huge fan of this restaurant ever since they reopened. We have been going there quite often. It's super convenient that they are just few steps away from our house. First of all, their service is amazing. We always prefer to sit at the bar. Both their bar tenders are very friendly and offer great recommendations about their drinks and food. We order Margaritas to start off while munching on their free chips and delicious salsa verde. For entrees, they have multiple options ranging from tacos, fajitas, plato grande (meat platter) and steak. I have had it all and love everything. The entree I order mostly depends on my mood. When I get back from a nice workout, I tend to order plato grande which comes with beef, chicken, shrimp, plantains, beans, rice, and sausage. It's humongous and easily serves three people. Absolutely love the taste. I recently ordered steak and it was so good. It was medium rare and served with broccoli, carrots and shrimp. Wow! These two entrees are perfect for me especially after my workout. For tacos, lamb barbacoa taco is my favorite. Absolutely love the way lamb is cooked. Their hot kinda salsa is spicy but delicious. I am thankful that they reopened and that they are just seconds away from our house. Extremely convenient to order out during these tough times. Hope they continue to do well. #thankyouthursday read more

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Ordered takeout for lunch as we've been trying to try smaller spots. Overall the food was decent. The staff are incredibly friendly and it was pretty quiet inside. The shrimp burrito was very yummy. Great amount of shrimp & the guac was delicious. Very fresh. The steak and eggs w/ potatoes was very mediocre. The steak was extremely well done which we're used to but this was VERY well done. Not much flavor in the rice and beans or potatoes. I think we would try other menu items to give it another shot but definitely not getting steak again. Overall it's fine so maybe we just need to branch out with our choices! read more

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The food was good. Only giving 3 stars because the service was horrible. You have to order inside and then sit outside to be served. The order taker wasn't very nice and seemed slightly annoyed. The service outside wasn't great either. All of the tables and chairs were in a pile and when they have a guest they put a set together. So we were sitting next to a pile of tables and chairs. Everything is paper.... plates, cups, utensils e.t.c. I just think with COVID restaurants should try to do more and not less. The more is in the customer service. Again food was outstanding. Everything else was blah. read more

El Camino - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Okay so I recently moved to DC from Georgia and have been dying for some good affordable hole in the wall Mexican food. And this is now my favorite place. It's down the street from me, the staff is friendly, the drinks are poured heavy, the salmon tacos are *chefs kiss* and don't even get me started on how good the guacamole is. My partner and I are able to get out of here for like $35 with an appetizer one drink a piece and tacos. Which in DC is a steal. Highly recommend. Oh and taco Tuesday's are a dollar off their tacos!! read more

Highly recommend, great food & service & ambiance. El Camino is a kitschy-cool spot with red-velvet booths serving Southern California-Mexican fare and Latin cocktails. read more

Closest to the real thing in DC I like the prices too! It's pretty cool and nifty and whatnot read more

Very good reasonably priced local Mexican spot in Bloomingdale. They have a small patio outside and tables are first come first served. With COVID, you have to order and pay inside and you have the option to carry out or sit at the patio where they will bring you your food which is all in take-out containers. I ordered tacos: mushroom and spinach, corn and queso fresco, and barbacoa. The barbacoa taco was great and not very overpowering. The vegetarian tacos also we're bad. Taco don't come with sour cream, pico de gallo, or guac so if you like those fixing with your tacos be sure to request them when you order. Ordered a side order of chips and guacamole as well. The guac was creamy and fresh but could have used some more lemon. The chips were a bit stale. The drinks were great, especially the frozen mango jalapeno margarita, definitely has a kick! You can get drinks and pitchers to go too! read more

Shame on you Yelpers for allowing this spot to only have 3.5 star! This spot is 5 stars all day everyday, 24/7 365! And I should know, I live right across the street and come here regularly. Not once have I been disappointed. I'm not going to tell you about the delicious menu and awesome food, service and drinks, go and find out for your self. What I will do is start a campaign to get EL CAMINO THE 5 stars they deserve! Yelpers unite and join me on my mission!! read more

Ordered three tacos to pickup. All of them were pretty good and I'll be glad to come back and try more. I just wish more of the toppings had been customized to the filling, and that the tortillas had been grilled or otherwise had a bit more texture. Came with a cilantro salsa that seemed delicious but was a little hot for my palette. Tinga: good sauce, tender chicken. Al pastor: enormous hunk of pork, and some pineapple chunks. My favorite of the three. Carnitas: tender, flavorful, thumbs up. read more

El Camino - Al pastor, carnitas, and pollo tinga tacos. All good! - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This place is casual, delicious, and authentic. I'm originally from San Diego and I would add this to my list of stops if you're looking for good Mexican food. Not to mention the Micheladas hit the spot. read more

El Camino - Pozole - Mexican Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My friends and I had the best time here! The staff was absolutely incredible and so attentive! We had the quac, nachos, and each of us had fajitas and we were so impressed with how tasty everything was. We had (a few) pitchers of margaritas and they were delicious and we even got free shots with our check! I can't wait to go back! read more

Excellent food and service!! Top notch mexican food for the DC area. I really enjoyed the Burrito and Fajitas! Julio, one of the bartenders is great. Really personable and very attentive!! Had a great experience and will absolutely be back! read more

Great food and service. Taco Tuesday deals. Definitely worth checking out. Didn't like that we didn't get an itemized bill - it seemed a but higher than expected. read more

El Camino is a favorite for Sunday brunch! Was here with my family after mass at St Martins and food was great! Ordered the breakfast steak fajita & it was more than enough food with eggs & potatoes. Everything was well prepared & very flavorful. And hot food was served hot!(The cantaloupe was the best I have eaten all season!) Our group also ordered the salmon with veggies, rice & beans, a salad bowl, and pancakes. Everyone from ages 4 -73 was satisfied. And I should mention that they make a good cup of coffee too! The servers were excellent and the atmosphere was relaxed with good energy. read more

I love this place. Have been coming here since moving to DC and had the best mojito hands down. The food isn't too expensive but super delicious. The place is reasonably dog friendly and the staff is super sweet and attentive. My fave dishes are the antojitos mixtos, saltados, carne asada, and the wide variety of tacos. Definitely swing by! Highly recommend! read more

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The staff is super nice. This place is consistent in terms of dishes and food is solid with good portions. Veggie nachos are a delight - and love the plantains as well. Tacos are filling and drinks of the day are always great. read more

Stopped in for a nightcap & quick snack & Bartender Mick was pretty darn cool. He had a great personality & really enjoyed doing his job. Tried a new red wine since he didn't have Malbec & the glass of Prosecco was very good. I wasn't feeling the chips & salsa, expected a better homemade garden style salsa due to the Catina vibe. A good comeback spot for late night drinks though :-) read more

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This is a great neighborhood spot to get a great meal. The service is always very good, friendly staff, generally kitchen is fast. The atmosphere is nice & you can't beat the prices here. For being in t heart of Bloomingdale neighborhood, you would pay twice to amount going to a place off 14th St. Overall, good food, amazing value & always hits the spot! read more

I'm torn between giving this place 2 and 3 stars. To sum it up, my service was good and nothing was 'wrong' with my food or experience, but the food itself was lacking and subtlety more expensive than you'd expect for a Mexican restaurant on the smaller side in this part of town. I started with the margarita. At $8, not a bad deal necessarily. However, the drink was really small, the salt was only on half of the rim, and overall it just tasted overly salty and watered down--essentially not what you want for a drink you just paid $8 for. The food was similarly disappointing. I got the chicken taco, al pastor, and fish taco, and nothing really stood out. The fish taco was served with a heavily breaded fish which wasn't what I expected, and I couldn't get the small tortillas to stay together when I picked them up, so I ended up eating the tacos with my fork. The salsa we ordered to the table was tasty, but it seemed like it should have just been included. Essentially, go to El Chucho in Columbia Heights for better food or El Techo up the street for a better view. If my meal had been $20 instead of $30, this place might've gotten an extra star. However, the food quality and ambience of this place is not quite up to bar with the price point. read more

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Best nachos u can get in this buisness and tacos customer service is great in here and very friendly servers