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

Best authentic Mexican food. Service is amazing. The ambience is perfect. Overall, it's a 10/10. Will return soon.

El Tecolote is a local kitschy owl-themed Mexican restaurant near the Amtrak station in Camarillo. The coolest neon sign and friendly service. We have been a few times and typically order tacos or the chicken fajitas. Food: Everything has been good. The crispy tacos are nice and crunchy and loaded with meat. We have tried the beef, chicken and potato tacos and all have been good. The fajitas portion is generous and not just filled with tons of onions lol. Chips and salsa are extremely important to me, and I must their salsa is excellent but the chips a little thick and oily for my liking. I would rate the food 3.5-4. El Tecolote lives up to its name with tons of super cute owls adorning the walls and all around. A solid spot for a family dinner or a quick bite to eat. read more

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My wife has been eating at El Tecolote since childhood, before they added on the large dining r. Now that we live in St. Louis, we always eat there at least one on all of our twice-yearly visits to Ventura County. Great food and the restaurant has a great back story. You can read it on the menu! read more

El Tecolote - "The= Owl" painting at El Tecolote! - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

The food is delicious and to top it off the plates are huge!!! The service was great! The restaurant looks a little older (which it is), but it's bing and roomy inside. It was my first time going and won't definitely be the last! read more

The people are so friendly, great customer service. The food is authentic! I would highly recommend!

Our waitress was very nice however all of our food was lacking flavor, even my margarita was a disappointment. The prices are extremely high for the quality of food served. We really hoped this spot was a hit but I am honest in my reviews and this was a miss! read more

After a 2 hour train delay, I knew the first thing I'd needed to do when we got to Camarillo was to eat! I'm a big fan of local restaurants with great ambiance, and El Tecolote was the perfect spot. We enjoyed a lovely lunch. I had the ground beef, enchilada, bean tostada combo, and my wife had a combo of beef and chicken taquitos. We enjoyed everything that was served. The food made me very nostalgic for my grandmother's cooking. I'm happy to know I can find a place that reminds me of her. We'll be back! read more

El Tecolote - Combo plate: ground beef taco, enchilada, and bean tostada. Chicken and taquitos. And a Cadillac margarita to boot! - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

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Great margs and friendly staff. Love the place! We go after or during btwn sports games every weekend.

They've got good food, I love the tamales. The cihps and salsa was good, no ttoo spicy. The tacos were all great. The service was nice and I felt the place hd a good vibe to it. I would recommend coming here. read more

Had just finished jury duty. Was craving a margarita! So hit the little cute bar up, ordered my drink and food to go! Server/bartender was friendly and efficient! read more

Great local place. Chile verde is my go-to and always good. The chips and salsa are my favorite...definitely eat too many.

I was 10 years old when my family moved from Ventura CA to Camarillo CA. My father had just retired from the Navy after 30 years of service, including all of WW2 overseas in the Pacific, fighting the Japanese. His younger brother, also retired from the Navy after 25 years of service. After living in Ventura for 2 years, they decided one more move was in order and both families bought homes in Camarillo. My uncle bought a house in a new subdivision and my folks bought one in Camarillo heights, where we had a place on the property for our 2 horses and no longer had to board them somewhere. My mother was a native Californian, from La Jolla and we were exposed to Sonoran cuisine wherever there was a restaurant nearby that served it. Although it was difficult to make another school change after being told "no more moves", it didn't take long to make Camarillo our last and happiest stop. Of course, we needed to find the best Mexican Restaurant in the local area and El Tecolote (which we all just called "Mike's after it's owner) saved the day. My mother gave it her official approval and we ate there, pretty much every week. I've had a whole lot of birthdays come and go since those days in Camarillo and traveled around the country a bit, when my job transferred me. In all that time, I have honestly never found a restaurant that equaled the quality of food at El Tecolote, and I have tried a boat load of them over the years. When my wife and I have opportunities to get out to Calif., stopping at Mike's for lunch or dinner is a must. Not because of nostalgia, but because I am one picky SOB when it comes to Sonoran cuisine. Trust me, if you like Sonoran cuisine, don't miss any chance to eat at El Tecolote!!! It has stood the important "test of time". read more

Food was not good. Sad because it used to be back in the day. And cost was way too high. Staff was cool though. Place hasn't changed from when pops would take us there in the early 70's. read more

The parking lot is EXTREMELY SMALL. I walked in and was greeted fast. I ordered the combination #2 it came with cheese enchilada, ground beef taco, and chilie rolenio. With a side of rice and beans. The enchilada sauce is almost only flour with no flavor whats so ever. The ground beef taco was dry AF and more of a take I would make if I was on a budget at home. The menu wasn't anywhere near Mexican. Mostly everything was GROUND BEEF.... Like what? Really? The best thing I had was the ice tea. The salsa that came with the chips was alright tho. My plate cost $20 wasn't worth it at all. The ambiance was good tho, had a vintage Mexican American feel. Conclusion... I will not be returning to be served over priced cheap ground beef and undercooked flour for sauce. read more

El Tecolote - Combination plate #2 - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

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What a bad experience. Very attractive restaurant. Horrible food and service. The chips were not cooked, the meat was so well done it was like shoe leather, the food was not hot, and the service was terrible I would stay away from this place. I won't be back. read more

Cool spot with some good food. The service was great and with a smile. I tried the chili verde and would recommend it!!! Lots of history on the walls, plenty to catch the eye!!! read more

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El Tecolote has been here over 70 years! Biggest change from our first visit 25 years ago, wow they paved the parking area, makes it nice! Menu choices are all classics, good quality all the time. Service and staff are super friendly and happy to serve everyone. Always clean and safe lately. My best recommendation is relax order an ice cold beer and any item on the menu will get you started. We do really enjoy everything on the menu. Go for it. You will enjoy it! Oh did I mention the chips are so fresh and warm that they disappear like great chips do automatically. Salsa is perfect, fresh and very flavorful, fresh is best! Getting started is easy! read more

El Tecolote - #1 Combo! Perfect! - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

I've been going to this place for years but it's been a while. The food is as good as it was 20 years ago and tastes good. The prices have really gone up with the service is good and they have a very good salsa. read more

El Tecolote - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

Today I stopped by El Tecolote to get a burrito to go. I guess there was a mix up in the kitchen, and when I received my burrito, I also received an extra dinner. It was labeled, "Enjoy our mistake". What a blessing! Thank you! I love the smiles that greet your customers! read more

Cool old Mexican Restaurant. Great food and Great service! The shredded beef tacos are outstanding along with the cheese enchiladas. Had the margarita which was also lovely. Cheers!! read more

I like El Tec! It's nothing spectacular but it definitely fills my cravings of tacos & enchiladas. If you can get over the weird set up & old decor, it's a nice little joint. You seat yourselves & they are pretty quick to get you in & out. They serve complimentary chips & salsa. I personally think it's a poor location with weird parking on the side of a busy road, but it's not a huge inconvenience. I have never had a plate I didn't like. read more

El Tecolote - Bean Tostada, Chicken Taco & Cheese Enchilada - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

Service was great the michies are spicy a bit !! Chips and salsa are super tasty chips a little over cooked !

This has been home for 61 years. The food is the best authentic Mexican American food around. The best margarita you will ever have. Not to mention the amazing family like staff. We come once to twice a week every week. A special shout out to the love of my life George who makes the very best of the best margaritas. All of them are beyond fabulous and Oscar and his amazing staff run an excellent kitchen. Come hungry especially if Oscar is in the kitchen. read more

Amazing food. Cool old style Camarillo spot. One of my favorite restaurants. The giant burrito is GIANT. Get it wet.

My burrito was good but it was extremely messy, they did not wrap it at all or grill it on the side so it would stay closed, it was basically a burrito bowl with a tortilla on the side, other than that it was yummy and I was pleased with the amount of sour cream! I asked for extra and they did just that:) read more

The food was. Wry good and so was the service. We had: carnitas burrito plate, a Verne Adana protein bowl and a combo platter with one taco one enchilada and something else. The only complaint was the taco meat the way it's prepared rinds you of ground soy meat. The person in my party did not like it. It wasn't bad but just different. I dad the grande margarita which wasn't bad either. Not the best nor was it bad -- pretty sour/tart, I will come back. Haven't been here in many years. read more

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This is a classic place. Love the history behind it. Chips are awesome and the food is good. The only thing that bothers me is that every time we go, they bring out the dishes of food on a busing cart. It doesn't look good as busing cart are used for dirty dishes not serving food. They need to stop that. Otherwise it's our go to place. read more

Food Service Ambiance Price Been open for about 45 years...a great go to for good food. read more

This looks like a stop on the pony express, but it's genuine and authentic and great Mexican. The beef tacos and chicken enchiladas are very very good, and they even have Modelo on draft! The salsa and chips are great to start with, and if you order their guac, it's as good and authentic as south of the border. The service is quick and with good care. The parking is funky in the back, and if you miss it, there's usually parking on the street. Prices are good too. read more

The food is authentic. My favorite! Margaritas are exceptional! Atmosphere was almost the same as the night it opened!

Yesterday we were a table of sixteen celebrating a family birthday. To say we're loud is an understatement. Happy loud but again, we're loud. Plus we tend to change seats to catch up with each other. It can't be that easy to wait on us, right? Well, all I can do is praise the gracious service we had yesterday. Our servers were patient, kind, and so efficient. I'm not sure about everyone else, but my serving was so plentiful that there was enough left over for dinner. Plus they kept our salsa bowls filled throughout the meal. Generous portions, endless salsa and chips, and absolutely gracious service, what more could you want? Oh, and the fun owl decor. Can't forget the vintage El Tecolote decor. read more

We've been going to El Tecolote for over 20 years. Service is always great!! They do not miss a beat. When we went in a few months ago, we ordered the same thing we always do... enchilada plate. I get the chicken, my fiance gets the beef enchiladas. A few months ago, the sauce was not the same and we thought it was just fluke. So we went back and it's no fluke, the enchilada sauce IS different and it does not taste even close to what it once did. It tastes like the same stuff you get in a can at the grocery store. We haven't gone back since and we're truly saddened. El Tecolote is and has always been somewhere to get authentic, delicious food and service. Why the change? Why "fix" something that isn't broken. read more

Generous portion of delicious food . The price of the food was incredible generous in other words great value for that meal

We just phoned in an order to go. We ordered 2 tostados, 1 taquito, 1 taco and 1 cheese enchilada. She told me the total price was $60.01!!!!! I couldn't believe it!!! I called them back and cancelled!!! I won't be back that's for sure!!! We used to eat there with our kids for years!!!!! read more

Our local go-to for chicken flautas, tacos, enchiladas, nachos. Great friendly service. We get take out mostly but the restaurant is also great to dine-in. Lots of old Camarillo history in this spot, so you'll have a lot too look at and chat about while you're waiting on your meal or drinks. read more

Why 1 Star...... not for the food, not for the service. I must say this is my go to Place for a Coma meal! Good food, Huge portions & great service. However I recently purchased an Axxess card from my kids fundraiser and was delighted to see El Tecolote was a participant! I've been there many many times & couldn't wait to use it. Today I was ready to enjoy my lunch and use my New discount card but When we entered the restaurant we were greeted by a big hand written sign stating "Axxess 2020 cards NOT ACCEPTED " What a bummer!! Now I've always dined here and never had a coupon, no problem. That just bugs me that an establishment would participate in a discount program & then Not honor it. It's a great way to get new customers..... unfortunately not a good call for your regulars. We left on principal Big thumbs down guys read more

I've been coming here since a kid in the early 70's. Such delicious food! You should try it soon.

We move to Camarillo back in July of 2022. Drove past this restaurant many times, we finally came in for the best most authentic Mexican food. Great Cadillac Margaritas and awesome food. Rosaria was our server, she was so accommodating and very helpful, ask her about the other spicy salsa!!! The restaurant is old school with great vibes, we highly recommend this restaurant. Will be back soon! read more

With a lot of good Mexican options in the area, this one remains the best! ALWAYS GOOD!