El Camino

• Cuisine(s): Mexican
  Hours: Sun 10am-12am, Mon-Thu 11am-12am, Fri 11am-1am, Sat 10am-1am
  Price: $$ $$
  Payment Types: All Major Credit Cards, cash, ATM/Debit
• Attire: Casual
  Features: Takeout, Wheelchair Accessible
  Serving: Brunch, Dinner, Late Night, Lunch
  Alcohol: Full bar
• Reservations: Not Accepted
  Parking: Street

Description

When owner Grant Gingerich decided to turn the former Swimclub32 into something that would better fit the rapidly changing Highlands neighborhood, he drew inspiration from the taquerias that had been sprinkled throughout the area for years -- but gave the concept a shot of sex appeal. He painted the building bright pink, opened the windows to the outside, and filled the bar with skulls, chandeliers made of beer cans and other flashy Mexican accoutrements. The atmosphere at El Camino is fun and welcoming, and so is the food. While the board is too heavy on things like molten cheese and too light on things like intestines to really sate a craving for authentic Mexican, it's also not hip like the menu at one of Rick Bayless's upscale Chicago joints. Instead, the food here is unpretentious, pulling from all regions of Mexico -- simple fare influenced by the desires of American palates that pairs well with El Camino's killer margaritas. They're the best in town, as are the nachos. And the dollar tacos on Tuesday are a terrific deal.