El Tecolote is super nostalgic to me and I've been coming here for almost two decades. It's a family friendly restaurant that's good for a casual lunch or large parties as they have the space. The decor is a blast from the past and looks like it did inside when I first stated coming here, so they haven't done much to the place but to me that gives this spot that old school charm. I personally love the old time decor and owls all around the restaurant. I find their booths to be cozy and comfortable. The menu is also pretty large with all of the classic dishes. The staff have always been nice when I've come in. They are attentive, friendly and the food is whipped up quickly. Happy hour menu seems to bring in the crowds but I do think there are other places with a happy hour menu that gives you more bang for your buck than here. The food is average in many ways but very comforting. Probably I'd rate all of the different dishes I've tried between 3.5-4 stars depending what you get. I really love their albondigas soup and that's one of my favs. Never steers me wrong. Also their crunchy shell tacos aren't bad. I came for a beef taco with rice and beans and was pleasantly surprised. This isn't Michelin star food people - just classic no frills Mexican food that seems to have kept them operating all this time, impressive if you ask me. My last pro tip is the margaritas are stellar. Huge fan of their mango marg and I'd come back for this alone. Just at $15 that's a little hefty for a hole in the wall spot like this. Same with the food. Two margs and two simple smaller main plates ran us $70 after tax and tip. Seems like it's hard to get a good deal nowadays but for keeping these local gems open, I'll always do my best to support. read more

See all

Food is excellent service is great, a must visit! Everyone is nice, TV had the games on!

I don't write too many reviews. I think this restaurant needs to improve customer service and food. The tacos were horrible, pricey and tasteless. Will never go back there. read more

Had our early dinner today, 04/18/26, and it hit the spot. The food was good, and the service was excellent. The combination plates were large servings that we had to box half of the entree to bring home. The place was recommended by a friend, and she was right on. read more

The food was tasty and the service wait staff was very friendly. Truly a place where the locals hangout.

Historically good. Flavorful food and clean inside!! We had good service and the booths were super cute

I've lived in Camarillo for just about 18 years and have never tried this place. Long story short, shame on me!! The food was amazing and the hosts and hostesses were awesome! I highly recommend this place if you have not tried it!! read more

Pricing is reasonable, food was good, home made chips and salsa. Location is dated. Would return

The service was amazing. The food was also amazing. The Chile Riano was delicious. The place has a welcoming atmosphere. Victoria was my server and checked on me many times as did a very tall young man. Truly enjoyed my dinner here. read more

Went for lunch hadn't been there in a long time. Food was great and so was the service. Had the shredded beef taco and cheese Enchilada-and it was perfect. Friend had chili real no and taco. Hers was perfect too. Prices were reasonable too. Will go back again soon. read more

There is a secret menu. The Santa Fe salad is remarkable Over the years it has gotten more expensive but remains worth it. read more

Very friendly staff, tasty food, staff attentive but no over the top. Restaurant clean. And organized. Prices were decent.

I went for the first time on Cinco de Mayo. The parking lot and streets around, were full but we got a place right away because someone was leaving. The vibe is casual and friendly. I'll go back because the people are really nice. My husband ordered the original chili. He said it was ok not great. He wouldn't order it again. I ordered the carne asada tacos. The meat was dry and not tasty. But the refried beans and rice were excellent. So I went back with a friend a few days later. I figured if the beans can taste that good, they must have something else going besides margaritas. So my friend ordered the Monterey chicken enchiladas. She was singing their praises and said she would definitely come back when she's driving to SB from Beverly Hills. I had the fish tacos. I would order them again without the bell peppers and onion. I would order them with chopped fresh onions rather than the grilled experience. I wish they had noted on the menu that the order came with loads of bell pepper (which I'm allergic to). I pulled out every last one but still had a tummy ache later. I have never had fish tacos with grilled onions and peppers so I didn't think to ask. Next time, I'll make sure my meal isn't compromised with bell peppers and I will try the Monterey chicken enchiladas. read more

We had a family reunion at El Tecolote. Everything went well and everyone enjoyed the food. We were a group of 20 people and everyone was served at a similar time. Congratulations to the staff and cooks who made this possible. Sandra helped us out and she was wonderful! She helped me with the panning of the family photo and made sure to help moving tables and chairs to make our photo happen. NOW the Food: It was Excellent. Look at my chicken and Shrimp Fajitas. The portion is large and comes with beans, rice and tortillas. The Shrimp were large and the chicken juicy and caramelized on the outside. All the food was delicious. They had set up Chorizo with cheese and beans for a dip with large thick chips. We all loved them. The Flan and chocolate cake were rich and full of flavor. There was a constant stream of local to Port Hueneme and Camarillo. You will love the food, the décor and most of all the crew who was great with a very large party. read more

See all

We LOVE everything about El Tecolote! The servers are amazing...friendly, attentive, and super efficient. Every dish we've had has been delicious. I especially favor the carnitas soft tacos...they are to die for!!! The pork chili verde is tender & packs a flavorful punch! And the beef taquitos are generously stuffed! The portions are huge and the price point is perfect! The ambiance has an "old school" vibe...one that reminds me of when I was a little girl! El Tecolote is a must for delicious, authentic Mexican food! read more

Food used to be good here. In the past years food have gotten worse as the prices have gone up and up. I feel like I get ripped off when I come in here which is not often. Never again ! read more

First time dining at El Tecolote. Liked the ambiance. It's an old, but charming place. Family friendly, but a place where adults can enjoy drinks too. Liked the Bean and Chorizo Dip, but would have preferred more refried beans and less Chorizo. I also found that I liked it better when I added some of their house salsa. Serving was big enough for a party of 8. For my main course, I was torn between the seafood enchiladas and the Chile Verde. Unfortunately, I chose wrong. The Seaford Enchiladas contained the worst imitation crab I've ever had. Meanwhile, the Chile Verde looked really good. I'll have to try that next time. read more

El Tecolote - Bean and Chorizo Dip - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

See all

Great authentic Mexican food. Very friendly staff. I've been going here over 60years. Owners have changed over the years but the recipes have been passed on. read more

The food was excellent. I had the combo plate with cheese enchilada taco and tostada it came with rice and beans. The chips and salsa were excellent and plenty of it offered. My mom remembers going there 60 years ago and it was known as some of the Mexican food in Camarillo. Service was excellent and the both was comfy. I will be back as a regular. read more

This review is for take-out only. Good, consistent food. I really enjoy their shredded beef enchiladas. Tender beef with a generous amount of sauce and the right amount of cheese. Prompt and friendly service . Chips and salsa always included without asking. read more

first time here - staff are so nice and it's cute inside in a kitschy/old type of way but it's VERY overpriced for what you get! drinks taste watered down and chorizo bean dip was 98% chorizo and 2% pinto beans :( salsa was okay but not spicy - complimentary chips are nice read more

Old school charm, old school flavor, Relaxed atmosphere, great service. Great margaritas. read more

We love coming here for a several reasons. 1. We have been dining here since our childhoods. So awesome! 2. The food is good and staff are so friendly. 3. Family friendly! read more

Always a great local spot to grab a delicious margarita ( especially the Cadillac's). Staff if great and they have tvs if you are a sports fan and want to go catch a game. The burrito bowls are amazing a huge! read more

El Tecolote - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

We didn't eat here, but got take out, so I can't speak to the service or the inside atmosphere regarding that. But the good we received was really great! Portions were gigantic and easily shareable. Across the group we got everything from salads to burritos to tacos and everyone was happy! The horchata was really good, true cinnamon flavors instead of artificial cinnamon. We'll be going here again! read more

Food is always good, drinks too. Service is comfortable. All in all, my favorite place - except it is in Camarillo & I am in Simi. Very comfortable seating, ambience is pleasing. The food tastes different, like it isn't reheated & slapped on a plate. Tastes genuine. read more

My wife and I organize a women's dining group going to different restaurants in Ventura County. She and I had lunch at El Tecolote to check the ambiance and especially the food, which was delicious. We also spoke with the manager to see if they could accommodate up to 50 diners at once and she agreed. So we set up a date and El Tecolote had 45 diners arrive. At first the servers seemed a bit overwhelmed but immediately got into the groove. Everyone enjoyed each other's company and especially enjoyed the food. read more

Food is always consistently good and I love their fresh chips and tasty salsa. My go to place when I'm craving a cheesy enchilada

I have driven by El Tecolote for years and recently made my first visit for dinner. WOW! The best carnitas I've ever had! Tender, juicy, perfectly seasoned. Margaritas are delicious too! Looking forward to my next visit soon! read more

You guys used to have the best enchilada sauce in the county it totally sucks now why did you change something that's been so good for so many years read more

The food is consistently delicious, the staff are friendly. Have been dining here for years and am never disappointed!

It's 1PM on Tuesday, hot fresh chips, good salsa (not spicy). I ordered hard shell taco's no beans or rice. The meat is filled to the brim, lettuce and cheese with an olive. I put the table salsa in the taco and it's amazing. Would recommend, will eat here again. read more

El Tecolote - Carnitas taco, they asked me if I wanted the carnitas crispy or soft, I got soft. As you can see this sucker is packed with meat. - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

love this place, big friendly home style food. service by good and the food is great. none of that effete tortilla cup for beans- just great

This is a weekly staple for us! The service is beyond amazing. The chips are warm and the salsa is really good. Some of my favorites are the albondigas soup, tostadas, ground beef taco combo, chefs chicken tacos, and fajitas. My husband loves the Monterey chicken enchiladas, and every taco they offer that he's had. This place is kid friendly and extra fun when the train goes by. The Pina Coladas are super good, and the margarita that requires two hands- yes please! read more

El Tec feels like a third place to us. I love the owl motif throughout the entire restaurant. The vibe is chill with a family atmosphere. Be patient and relax. Enjoy a Cadillac Margarita (you're welcome) and some fresh salsa and chips. My husband keeps coming back for the giant burrito. Not only is it delicious but the leftovers were perfect for another meal. My fish tacos were just what I wanted. Light and fresh with lots of lemon, cheese, cilantro, and pico. Guacamole was buttery and delicious on top of them. Plus, it was a delicious reheat the next day. We will continue to return again and again. read more

El Tecolote - Wet Burrito. It's huge! - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

See all

I think the first time that I ate here was 1974 when my dad worked at Pt Magu Navy Base... The place hasn't really changed. If you like (Americanized) Mexican food this is the place... Not the healthiest stuff in the world for you but damn tasty. read more

El Tecolote - Rather interesting history of the place. - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

See all

My sons treated me to dinner here last night. The service and food were great!!! The boys had fish tacos that they said they were very good. I had the beef BIG burrito which is gigantic and very good. We also ordered the Nachos appetizer and again a very generous amount of food that was sooo good. Yes, we walked out with leftovers, to experience the goodness again the next day!!! I will definitely go here again! read more

My tummy is very happy! First time coming here as I was always drawn to the outside of this restaurant. Everything I had was super delicious! Pork Tamale was super moist and flavorful, the winner was the fish taco, extremely tender fish and not fried. I was given a salad by accident instead of an Asada taco, so I can't comment on that but I'm sure it's awesome! The waitress was so nice and attentive and quickly fixed the error. I highly recommend this authentic Mexican restaurant!!! read more

See all

We stop here on our way to Central Coast from Southern California. Good food and drink! The Chili Colorado was amazing.

I've driven past this place hundreds of times. My grandpa would tell me how good this place was back in the day and I thought oh it must have looked better back then but don't let appearances fool you! Some of the best restaurants are divey and this one didn't disappoint. I came here with a friend from work on a Friday and I was back on Sunday with the family. The hard shell tacos (THREE of them, mind you) are top notch, the rice and beans are also very good - better than expected. We came back and tried something different the next time and we will continue to try new things off the menu. You really can't go wrong here, give it a try! As for service, the first time we went was amazing - the next couple times, hit and miss but you can't let that stop you. Inside, the booths are comfortable and it's a nice atmosphere. You have to read about the story of the owner, very nice all around small town feel to Camarillo. We are adding this place to our regular rotation! read more