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Bar Camino

1470 N Broadway, Walnut Creek, CA 94596
$$$
Tacos, Mexican

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Master Critic Reviews (3 Lists)

Bar Camino 8.3
North Broadway Corridor
Tex-Mex–leaning spot with an everyday happy hour in the bar and front patio. Crowd-pleasing tacos, quesabirria, and cocktail craft make it a reliable after-work hang at Lincoln & Broadway.
Must-Try Dishes: Quesabirria tacos, Shrimp tacos, Sizzling fajita add-ons for taco build
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8.3 Food Quality: 8.5 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.6
What makes it special: Daily lounge/patio happy hour with taco and margarita focus.
Who should go: Cocktail fans who want taco shareables
When to visit: Daily 4–6 pm in bar/patio
What to order: Quesabirria; shrimp tacos; fajita fixings
Insider tip: Arrive a few minutes before 4 pm—bar seats open first.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Metered street parking along Broadway and Lincoln; the small shared lot behind the building fills quickly after 5 pm.
Dress code: Smart casual—most guests wear jeans or casual dresses, but it leans polished for happy hour and evening crowds.
Noise level: Moderate to lively; conversation is easy indoors before 6 pm but gets louder near the bar as the night builds.
Weekend wait: Expect 30–45 minutes for a table after 6:30 pm; bar seats turn faster.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service—happy hour starts at 4 pm with immediate seating before the rush.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—grilled veggie tacos, guacamole, and bean-based sides are available.
Vegan options: Limited—taco fillings can be customized but few dedicated vegan mains.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard and GF-friendly; avoid flour-based quesadillas.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for casual, upbeat first dates. The patio lighting and cocktail list make it feel social but not too loud.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—happy hour is first-come, first-served in the bar and patio; larger dinner parties should reserve ahead on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for young kids; more of an adult crowd during happy hour, though older teens are fine at dinner service.
Best For
Better for: Cocktail-forward happy hour with elevated Tex-Mex tacos and polished service—ideal when drinks matter as much as the food.
Skip if: You’re looking for ultra-casual street tacos or quiet family dining; nearby taquerías suit that better.
Bar Camino 8.0
North Broadway Corridor
Tex-Mex–leaning spot with a full bar and daily happy hour in the lounge and front patio. Crowd-pleasing tacos, shareables, and margaritas make it a reliable after-work hang near Lincoln & Broadway.
Must-Try Dishes: Quesabirria tacos, Camarones tacos, Skillet fajitas
Scores:
Value: 6.8 Service: 7.7 Consistency: 7.8 Food Quality: 7.9 Atmosphere: 8.8 Cultural Relevance: 6.6
What makes it special: Daily HH with patio seating and a cocktail-forward bar.
Who should go: After-work drinkers and taco sharers
When to visit: Daily 4–6 pm for HH in bar/patio
What to order: Quesabirria; shrimp tacos; sizzling fajitas
Insider tip: Bar seats open first—arrive a few minutes before 4 pm.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Limited street parking on Broadway and side streets; nearby public lot at Lincoln & Civic. No valet service.
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans and nice tops are fine, but most guests lean polished for evening cocktails.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—patio is conversational, bar area can get loud during happy hour.
Weekend wait: 35–50 minutes without a reservation after 6:30 pm.
Weekday lunch: Typically no wait; patio opens quickly if weather’s good.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie tacos, queso, and salads available.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 tacos can be customized; confirm with kitchen for dairy-free prep.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas and several entrées can be made GF; ask about fryer use.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—especially for casual cocktails or patio dining. The lively but not overwhelming atmosphere helps conversation flow.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually yes if you arrive before 5 pm or target the bar/patio; tables fill fast after 6 on weekends.
Is it kid-friendly? Somewhat—early evenings are fine for families, but it transitions to a bar crowd after 7 pm.
Best For
Better for: Cocktails and upbeat happy hour energy compared to quieter taquerias nearby.
Skip if: You’re seeking a low-noise dinner or strictly traditional Mexican fare.
Bar Camino 8.2
North Broadway / Downtown Core
Modern Mexican-Latin spot with a cocktail-forward bar and tacos that lean polished rather than purely traditional. Kitchen runs later on weekends, drawing downtown crowds for margaritas and shareable plates.
Must-Try Dishes: Carnitas Street Tacos, Skirt Steak Ranchera Tacos, Guacamole & Chips
Scores:
Value: 7.2 Service: 8.2 Consistency: 8 Food Quality: 8.4 Atmosphere: 8.9 Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Cocktail-driven setting serving polished taco plates downtown.
Who should go: Friends mixing tacos with margaritas
When to visit: Fri–Sat 8:30–9:30 pm for peak energy
What to order: Carnitas tacos, skirt ranchera tacos, guacamole
Insider tip: Slide into bar seats for quickest late-night service.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking along Broadway fills quickly after 7pm; nearby garages on Locust and Main offer paid options ($5–10).
Dress code: Smart casual—jeans are fine but most guests lean dressy for the bar crowd.
Noise level: Lively with music and conversation; moderate noise but manageable for group chats, less ideal for quiet dates.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours.
Weekday lunch: No lunch service; dinner seating begins around 5pm and walk-ins are usually fine early evening.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—several taco and share plate options, including mushroom and cauliflower variations.
Vegan options: Limited—1–2 dishes can be adapted, but most rely on cheese or crema.
Gluten-free options: Yes—many items use corn tortillas; staff can advise on cross-contamination.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—modern decor, dim lighting, and strong cocktails make it a lively but stylish setting for a casual first date.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Usually early or late seatings are open, but prime hours 7–9pm fill fast; bar seating is the best bet for walk-ins.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal for kids—mostly adult crowd after 8pm and a cocktail-focused menu; better suited for groups or date nights.
Best For
Better for: Polished tacos and cocktails in a high-energy downtown setting—more refined than nearby taquerias.
Skip if: You’re after traditional street-style tacos or a quiet dining experience.