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Bar Camino
Master Critic Reviews (4 Lists)
Bar Camino
8.0
Modern Latin restaurant puts fresh twists on Mexican-Latin favorites with California influences, from skirt steak ranchero to refined king salmon with plantains. The reverse happy hour Thursday through Saturday from 8pm until close extends the evening with discounted drinks and snacks.
Must-Try Dishes:
Queso Fundido, Quesabirria Tacos, Enchiladas Suiza
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8.1
Atmosphere: 8.2
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Reverse happy hour extends late-night dining with deals
Who should go: Groups, families, Mexican food lovers seeking elevated fare
When to visit: Thursday-Saturday 8pm-close for reverse happy hour
What to order: Queso fundido, quesabirria tacos, frozen margarita
Insider tip: Patio seating with blue umbrellas is the most vibrant spot
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Library garage next door on N Broadway offers convenient free parking, street metered parking also available on Broadway
Dress code: Casual to smart casual - the colorful patio vibe welcomes relaxed attire, jeans and sundresses fit perfectly
Noise level: Moderate - lively atmosphere especially on the patio, conversation flows easily, not overly loud
Weekend wait: 20-30 min without reservation during prime hours, OpenTable reservations recommended
Weekday lunch: Minimal wait, usually seated within 5-10 minutes
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes - Los Hongos mushroom tacos, cheese enchiladas, vegetable fajitas, and multiple appetizers work well
Vegan options: Limited - guacamole, some salads can be modified, but cheese features heavily in most dishes
Gluten-free options: Moderate - corn tortilla dishes work, rice and beans safe, staff can guide through options
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Solid casual date spot - the vibrant patio with blue umbrellas creates fun energy without being too loud, sharing queso and tacos breaks the ice naturally, and margaritas help conversation flow. Not romantic-fancy, but perfect for relaxed getting-to-know-you dates.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Weekday lunch and early dinner usually accommodate walk-ins easily. Weekend evenings see 20-30 minute waits during peak hours. Patio fills first on nice days. OpenTable reservations are easy to snag and recommended for groups or specific times.
Is it kid-friendly? Yes - casual atmosphere welcomes families, tacos and quesadillas appeal to kids, and the spacious patio lets children have some room. The approachable Mexican-inspired menu has options for picky eaters. High chairs available.
What's the reverse happy hour? Thursday through Saturday from 8pm until close - discounted drinks and snack specials mirror the regular happy hour pricing. Perfect for post-dinner drinks or late-night bites without paying full price. One of the few late-night deals in downtown.
How does this compare to traditional Mexican spots? Elevated and California-influenced rather than traditional - expect refined presentations, quality ingredients, and creative twists like the pambazo or king salmon with plantains. Not a cheap taqueria, but not trying to be. Think modern Latin bistro with Mexican roots.
Best For
Better for: Best outdoor patio scene for Mexican-Latin food in downtown - the blue umbrella setup and vibrant energy beat competitors. Reverse happy hour is unique for late-night value. Better for groups than intimate dates.
Skip if: You want traditional, no-frills Mexican at taqueria prices - this is elevated and priced accordingly. For authentic Cuban go to Havana, for Caribbean vibes try LITA, for cheaper late-night eats grab Slice House pizza instead.
Bar Camino
8.3
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
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
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.