Really great food & service, I highly recommend their crunchy tacos or cheese enchiladas! Everything I've had there has been excellent.

Stopped off to try this place out as it looks cute from the outside. We went in and my husband and I both got chorizo and eggs breakfast. Service and staff were friendly and expedient no issues there. The food on the other hand was bland, overpriced and lackluster. The eggs and chorizo were burnt, but the entire plate had no flavor. Not the beans, rice or even guacamole. Overall, it was lackluster and disappointing, save yourself the trouble and money. Go elsewhere. She was not cute or appetizing, she ain't it for Mexican food! read more

Went to get Chile Relleno burrito it was worse and expensive. Charge me $15 , it was supposed be $8. Here picture of and it s terrible never go there again thank God I'm from LA. Just passing through Mexican burning Mexican. Next time check your bag, before you leave.everything was Bad. read more

El Tecolote - El tecolote - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

Second time here first time was good good service and good food that's why we came back today...... Big mistake this time I was seated in a different section away from the entrance Waitress took her time coming to ask for drinks brought mine and forgot about my wife's Pass by our table a dozen times never stop to get our orders finally we decided to leave without eating We stopped at the register to pay and on top of that gave us an attitude instead of apologizing No manager around do nothing very disappointed I don't know if the waitress just lack of skills or because of ...? read more

It used to be one of my favorite restaurants. Not only because it's an iconic Camarillo location but for the food. Today I experienced such bad service I will never be going back. I took my friend here because she was going through a lot of grief after her son was killed in a hit and run. As I'm trying to comfort her I accidentally spilled salsa on myself and the table. Our waitress was going by and I started to ask for napkins but she stuck her hand out like to me like saying to wait. She took about 10 orders before I finally asked again for napkins and she interrupted me to say "I'm really busy." I finally went up to the front and the hostess instead of apologizing said "We are very overwhelmed today." Our waitress continued to take orders for people, even ones that had arrived after we did. I was so completely shocked and disappointed and most of all sad at how badly this place has gone down hill. She also didn't even bring us cream and sugar for my friend's coffee! Service is everything when you go to a restaurant and this was shocking. Never step foot in here unless you want to be mistreated. read more

Tried this place a few times recently and it has really went downhill. The food was absolutely terrible. Dry, bland, and some of the worst Mexican food around. Save yourself the misery and pick anywhere else. read more

Decided to stop here since I passed it often. People seemed to keep coming in. It here's what I saw: Wait staff seemed all about their money vs. Service. Staff made their own drinks from the bar so this means their other tables had to wait longer for basic service/ to be greeted. But the one waitress didn't care, she rather not tip out a bartender and make her own drinks and make tables wait (she told me her self). The bar needs a serious overhaul, I've seen better in Tijuana Mexico! ‍ The menu needs to be looked at by someone who knows how to actually do a cost analysis, $4 seem pretty pricy for a fountain soft drink. Get the cost in line (and not just for the soft drinks) for better traffic flow/customer attraction. read more

A historic roadside eatery that's been around for decades, around 60 years I've heard. Not fancy, not pretentious at all, come as you are. This place is not gonna change for any generation. Take it or leave it, dusty shelves and all. The CHORIZO BEAN DIP is a must! This was the star of our meal and we kept going back to it even after our entrees. This was a huge portion that can serve at least 4 or 5 people. Can't decide on an entree? Get the MINI-SAMPLER which includes a little of everything: cheese enchilada + chicken chimichanga + taquito + taco + tostada. The CHAMORRO was quite impressive. A big bone-in pork thigh with tons of flavor and spices. Lots of tender meat. Leftovers were even better the next day. Drinks: HORCHATA was ok, but the HOUSE MARGARITA was very good. Our server JACKIE was awesome, fun, and so attentive. Her exuberant nature added to the overall experience. Location is along Lewis Road near the border between Camarillo and Somis. Look for the owl sign. read more

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If you like shrimp burritos and tacos, you will love El Tecolote's! I had to special order these as they don't have them on the menu (they should!). Paired with a margarita, you won't be disappointed... read more

El Tecolote has been around for decades and it is by far my favorite local restuarant. It has a great small town vibe and is popular with locals. The service is always exceptional, friendly and attentive. I love their hard shell tacos with ground beef. They are simply the best!!! I can't wait to go back again!!!! read more

I used to live in the Camarillo area and have eaten here before, but this time something was different. I took my son for lunch and we ordered, the first problem came when we were finally allowed to order, the order was wrong. On top of that, she gave us the "oh fine" look and took the food back. We finally got the food returned and finished eating. No one came back to see how we were doing, and when they did attitude was evident. The feeling I got was that this younger group of help really didn't have the commitment to the history this place had. read more

The cheese enchiladas are amazing!! Wait staff is friendly and helpful! We drove from Long Beach to have these enchiladas!! The margaritas are great too! read more

El Tecolote - Fabulous margaritas! - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

Very good! My first time there. I'll go back! We ordered taquitos, rice, beans, fish taco, and a tostada. Chips and salsa were perfect. Service great! read more

This place has been is business for over 50 years. We used to go here as kids and played in the fountain. My mom and I went today, I had the yummy fish taco platter, she had the chicken burrito. The fish is grilled, and it is so buttery and fresh. I have had it at least 4 times in the last year! The salsa is so good we always eat three bowls. I never have had a bad meal here. The staff is so friendly and professional. If you are going to Camarillo for any reason go to El Tecolote! It is on Lewis Rd and Barry street. read more

You really get what you pay for when ordering from El Tecolote! The food is delicious and the prices are reasonable! They made ordering and picking up a breeze! It's our new favorite spot for family dinner! read more

So far this has been my favorite Mexican food in Cam. It's a no frills place but the ambiance is decent. The menu has all your traditional Mexican favorites. The ground beef crunchy tacos are great. The enchilada sauce is complex. The chips are thick and delicious. Service is usually pretty quick and we can be in and out, which is good when you have a toddler. read more

The service was good, the waitress/ servers were very friendly, drinks are strong and tasty... but the food just wasn't it for us. It wasn't too flavorful/ it's a weird rendition of Mexican food. Very Americanized but not in a way that works at all. Nothing here that makes us want to come back for another try. The owl pictures are cute though. read more

A local recommended this restaurant, from the time we walked in and seated, the staff always had a smile very courteous. Food was delicious!! From what we have been told this has been at this location for almost 80 years . Highly recommended for traditional Mexican food! read more

When you're craving good homemade Mexican fare!!! Chimichanga!!! Fave! Chile Relleno hits the craving spot, too!!! read more

El Tecolote - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

I was a little skeptical after reading some of the critical reviews, but pleasantly surprised. I ordered the taco, cheese enchilada and chile relleno combination with rice and beans. It was very plentiful and good. The chips were thick and authentic and the salsa was perfect. Service was good and I would certainly come back. I would definitely recommend El Tecolote to anyone who's looking for some good Mexican food. read more

Food was very good portion size is great and the waitresses were very nice. Me and my family used to go there all the time, I totally recommend it. read more

The big neon sign for this restaurant has caught my eye every time I've passed it and I finally got to try it! Delicious food, HUGE portions, and adorable decor. We got our food to go buy will definitely be staying for a margarita next time! read more

The food is good and the staff are wonderful. I love how the staff aren't territorial and all of them pitch in to make the best experience for the guests. read more

This restaurant is supposed to accept the 2019 Axxess card. They posted on the door that they do not accept the 2020 Axxess card so I asked before I was seated if they accepted the 2019 card. They told me they did. We sat down and I showed the card to the waitress and asked her if the card was accepted and she told me that it was. We ordered dinner and when she brought the bill she said she could not accept the card. I explained that was not what they told me when we walked in. I paid for the two meals, The owner was not around and the woman that I spoke to was rude. I have had similar things happen when using promos and the establishments have always been accommodating, not this one. The food is mediocre at best. $15 for four taquitos is overpriced. They were thin and dry. The beans served with the dinner had no cheese on the top and were just plain not great re-fried beans. The rice was dry and not very good. The seats were uncomfortable and looked as old as the restaurant. The floors seemed dirty like the building. I would recommend any other Mexican restaurant in Camarillo, I would even choose Taco Bell over this cruddy establishment. I don't understand how this place could be in business so long with such lousy employees and subpar food. They lost a customer, I will never return and I will make it a point to make sure none of my friends do either. read more

Stoped by for lunch but this he winds were blowing and they were only seating out front. Changed our order to go,it was out on 10 minutes, hot and good! We ate at home read more

We heard that this was a great place to get some authentic Mexican food and they were right. First the homemade chips were delicious, the salsa was just spicy enough and terrific. Then the gigantic strawberry margarita showed up, it wasn't too strong and tasted great. Then we ordered carne asada tacos with beans and rice which tasted great. The atmosphere was laid back and the service was excellent. Totally worth the drive would definitely go back next time we're there. read more

Grew up in Camarillo and always love coming here. The best pat is that it always tastes exactly as you remember

Strangely dim inside with a very old feel, as if you've stepped backwards in time by a bit. Hokey waterfall feature inside that really works. Table chips were fantastic. Just the way I like them - big, solid and crunchy. I was also very happy that the staff/kitchen was able to honor my request for a very small amount of food. That can be pretty much impossible to order in most other Mexican restaurants. Tried a chicken chimichanga and it was wonderful. I can't wait to come back here and bring my friends! read more

Loved it! Haven't been here since I was a kid & I came across the great reviews & great pictures on Yelp so I decided to come with my family! From the moment we walked in we were greeted with a smile and felt welcome! As soon as we sat down a kind gentleman brought us fresh chips & salsa. Perfect start! We were then greeted by our sever Oscar who answers numerous questions about the menu. So many great choices it was hard to decide. The chicken tostada with sour cream was delicious! Lots of tender chicken, fresh lettuce & cheese topped with an olive. The crispy chicken taco, cheese quesadilla & rice was also delicious! Oscar was very attentive & he checked on us frequently to make our Sunday dinner perfect & because of that we plan to come back in the near future. See you soon! read more

Excellent chips and salsa that are complimentary when you order a meal! The food is delicious and reasonably priced.

Top notch! From the time we arrived everything was really good at this restaurant. Chips were hot, salsa fresh, portions big, great wait staff. Even when they brought us the to go box, they asked if we wanted some salsa to go. Who does that? I don't know what took us so long to try this place, but we will definitely be back. read more

really good food, big portions. service was great! guacamole was amazing definitely need to get 3 of them if you're with a party bigger than 10.. goes fast. read more

Lately it's been very consistent and very good. This is the best Mexican food that I know of anywhere within a 100 mile radius. read more

El Tecolote - View from the front. - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

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We love stopping here, it's on our way to the beach. The food and service are always good. This place has been here since 1944, so they must be doing something right. It's delicious Old School Mexican food except that I didn't like the taste of the beans. We're so glad they've reopened, they were really Covid sensitive, everyone wore masks, doors were open and diners were socially distanced. read more

El Tecolote - I had the 2 Taco Dinner and Kay Annette had the Taco & Enchilada, plenty of chips & salsa on request - Mexican Near Me - Camarillo, California

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I have to start by saying the food is really good. I normally go for lunch and every once in awhile for dinner. My go to for both lunch and dinner is the 2 or 3 item combo. I mix it up every time but my favorite is the shredded beef taco and cheese enchilada. The chilireeno is probably your least favorite but I still order it every once in awhile. The chips and salsa are always really good and plentiful. The service has always been fast and friendly for me. The staff seems to be very aware and attentive. My only issue is it's a little pricey for what it is. It's home style Mexican food. And I am still paying about $18 with drink and tip for lunch and $20+ for dinner. That just keeps me from going as often as I would like too. Good tasting food though! read more

Delicious food, great service! We stop by whenever traveling through. A long standing, nostalgic establishment with same great flavors that I enjoyed 20 years ago. Hard shell tacos with shredded beef are a favorite, and always tasty chips and fresh salsa complete the meal. Had the pleasure of dining this past Sunday and it didn't disappoint, can't wait to dine at this restaurant again :) read more

So glad this Camarillo landmark made it through the shutdown. This is my favorite old California style Mexican restaurant in Ventura County. Yep it's a throwback to the 1950s. It's not much to look at but the food, oh the food. So last night I ordered the 2 Chicken Monterey enchilada plate with rice and beans. For me the rice is a throw away, but the beans are perfect. Creamy and smooth the way they get when you use lard. The enchiladas were stuffed with shredded white chicken meat covered in their tomatillo sauce. Chips and salsa are real chips - hand cut then deep fried without overloading the fryer. Each chip is beautiful, crisp and tastes the way a fat fried chip should outta. The salsa is hand cut, deep dark red and not too spicy. My wife is a fan of Chili Relleno and ordered the plate with two of them and beans only. They were stuffed with cheese and the breading was perfect. Mild chilies covered in gravy and cheese. We snacked on the chips on the way home, then just cut off the lids and ate out of the serving containers. Silence ensued while we ate. Then the groaning began from having been served the best meal of the week. It was good to see them open for biz - they are only using every other booth and the place was packed for a Saturday night. The staff was happy to see the restaurant full too. Great service last night. In the mood for real Cal Mex? This be the place.... Oh and did I mention their $30 dinner for four - four tacos (real tacos) plus four enchilada$, plus rice, beans, chips and guac. A good deal. Muy bueno. read more

We have debated trying this place many times and finally decided to head in. It's been a staple in Camarillo for many many years. I will make it known now that we did not eat there...many reasons why. We walked in & were greeted by a hostess...restaurant Empty. Very old dilapidated building inside. Not welcoming at all. This was a Friday night at 7pm. Dead inside. We headed to the bar for a drink. Waited 10 minutes for a girl to show up. Her drink skills were lacking. We stuck to bottle beer. Had a couple. Watched food come out that looked absolutely small and disappointing. Was told that we couldn't request no onions in a dish we wanted to orde cause ALL THE FOOD IS PREMADE!!!! What????!!! PREMADE. Ummmmm no thank you. This is a restaurant in 2022. Food should be prepared fresh. It's a shame cause this place could be so awesome! Just needs some remodeling inside and an inviting staff & homemade real fresh food. Made to order food. Not frozen premade food. read more

They have a amazing Covid-19 Take-out Family meal . The food is absolutely the best and the price can't be beat . Thank you Mr. Owl

I am in utter shock that this place has earned any above average ratings. My boyfriend and I visited El Tecolote last night looking for a change from our normal Mexican digs... The place has been around forever, and we couldn't remember the last time we had dined here. Well, the nauseating scent of cleaning supplies mixed with general mustiness should have been a huge sign to turn around and flag our uber down immediately. Shortly after entering the establishment, we were acknowledged by the chatting wait staff who couldn't be bothered, shoved menus in our face, and told us to seat ourselves. The complimentary chips and salsa were served and, honestly, this was the best part of the meal. We ordered double Cadillac margaritas, which were also satisfyingly strong. If the restaurant didn't smell so putrid, I would probably return simply for the chips and drinks. We ordered an appetizer: the chorizo bean dip. Bad decision. Albondigas soup was thankfully edible. Combination plate with a ground beef taco, cheese enchilada, and chile relleno was ordered and served within a record speed of approximately 5 minutes-- maybe less. Definitely a sign of freshly made food, right? Wrong... The ground beef taco tasted strongly of burnt oil, and the rubbery chile relleno was flooded in sauce to disguise the staleness. I couldn't find the cheese enchilada until I realized it was under a humongous mountain of shredded lettuce. By that point, I was so disgusted with what I had tasted on the plate that I didn't have the appetite to try the hidden lump of mush that hardly resembled an enchilada. I apologetically returned the plate 20 minutes later, when our waitress decided to get up from the booth she was sitting at with other members of the staff to check on us. Another 10 minute went by before she returned, and we finally got our check. She generously refunded the cost of the entree and gave us an additional 20% off without prompting, which was great-- but we left hungry and missed our movie. :*( With so many delicious options for Mexican food in the area, we definitely will not return. read more