0 Followers
El Camion Cantina
Master Critic Reviews (8 Lists)
El Camion Cantina
8.1
A full-service cantina that works best as a long, social meal: chips and salsas, a round of drinks, then a mix of tacos and plates that eat well in a group. It’s not a minimalist taqueria—it’s a lively dinner-and-margaritas place that keeps people coming back.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Chicken enchiladas, Margaritas with chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.2
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8
What makes it special: A high-traffic cantina built for drinks, sharing, and a loud room.
Who should go: Groups who want margaritas and Mexican comfort
When to visit: Happy hour or early dinner for easier seating
What to order: Al pastor tacos, enchiladas, margaritas
Insider tip: Start with a drink round and order tacos in waves, not all at once.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and difficult after 6pm. Rideshare or walking is recommended.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual—jeans and going-out tops fit right in.
Noise level: Loud and energetic—expect raised voices during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—multiple veggie tacos, enchiladas, and sides available.
Vegan options: Limited but workable—bean, veggie taco builds and salsa-forward plates with minor modifications.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard; most tacos and plates can be ordered gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or second date—the lively noise and margarita energy make it more social than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, but expect a wait during peak dinner hours; earlier evenings and weeknights are much easier.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier dinners work fine for kids, but late-night hours skew adult, loud, and bar-forward.
Best For
Better for: Group hangouts, margaritas, and a full-service cantina experience that lasts a few rounds.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, a quick taco stop, or a focused, food-only taqueria experience.
El Camion Cantina
8.4
A focused carnitas specialist that treats tacos like a single-subject obsession—pork in multiple cuts, chopped to order, and meant to be eaten hot. It’s strongest when you go “nose-to-tail”: pick two different cuts for contrast, then let the salsas do the final shaping.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos (mixed cuts), Costilla taco, Chicharrón add-on
Scores:
Value: 7.8
Service: 7.6
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.9
Atmosphere: 6.1
Cultural Relevance: 7.9
What makes it special: A carnitas-only taco counter that delivers depth through cut variety.
Who should go: Pork lovers and taco purists
When to visit: Off-peak for the shortest line
What to order: Two carnitas cuts, one rib cut, salsa to finish
Insider tip: Choose two different cuts—one lean, one rich—for the best contrast.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited and difficult after 6pm—rideshare or walking is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Very casual; jeans, sneakers, and streetwear all fit the room.
Noise level: Low to moderate—counter service with background music, easy to hear yourself think.
Weekend wait: 10–20 minutes at peak, usually line-based rather than seated waits.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait outside of a brief order queue.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: No—menu is carnitas-focused with pork as the core offering.
Vegan options: No vegan options available.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard; fillings are meat-based but naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a low-pressure, casual first meet than a sit-down date—great food focus, minimal formality.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—this is primarily counter service with limited seating; ordering and eating is first-come, first-served.
Is it kid-friendly? Best for older kids who like tacos; no kids menu or high chairs, and the focus is quick eating rather than lingering.
Best For
Better for: Carnitas depth and pork texture—multiple cuts, chopped fresh, with a purist approach that rewards focused ordering.
Skip if: You need variety beyond pork, vegetarian options, or a full-service dining experience.
El Camion Cantina
8.3
A long-running Ave A cantina that’s most useful late when you want a full plate of Mexican staples and a room that can handle groups without turning into a production. Order decisively—one anchor entrée or taco set per person plus one shareable—so the table eats fast and keeps the night moving.
Must-Try Dishes:
Huevos diablos, Tacos al pastor, Chilaquiles
Scores:
Value: 7.7
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8
Food Quality: 8.6
Atmosphere: 8.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.2
What makes it special: A real late-night cantina with a full, no-nonsense Mexican menu.
Who should go: Groups that want food and drinks late
When to visit: Late night Thu–Sat for midnight close
What to order: Huevos diablos, al pastor tacos, chilaquiles
Insider tip: Keep it tight: one shared starter, then mains—faster pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tough late-night, rideshare recommended.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed — jeans, sneakers, and night-out fits all feel normal.
Noise level: Moderate to lively — conversation is easy early, louder late with groups and music.
Weekend wait: 20–40 minutes late night without a reservation; faster if you arrive after 10pm.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically or short 5–10 minute wait.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — multiple vegetarian-friendly tacos, chilaquiles, and egg-based dishes.
Vegan options: Limited — a few veggie tacos or sides work with modifications.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free options available, but no dedicated gluten-free kitchen.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual, social first date than an intimate one — the energy is fun and forgiving, but not quiet or romantic.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes — walk-ins are common, especially late. Groups should expect a short wait on busy nights.
Is it kid-friendly? Earlier in the evening it works for older kids, but late night skews adult with louder energy and drinks.
Best For
Better for: Late-night sit-down Mexican with full plates, drinks, and space for groups — stronger for meals than quick taco counters.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic regional Mexican, a quiet date-night vibe, or a super-fast grab-and-go taco experience.
El Camion Cantina
8.3
A late-night Ave A cantina built for tacos that show up fast and satisfy when the neighborhood is winding down. It’s best used as a decisive order-and-eat stop—one taco set per person plus one shareable—so the table stays synced and the kitchen stays efficient.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Chilaquiles, Guacamole and chips
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.6
Food Quality: 8.7
Atmosphere: 7.1
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A true late-night cantina where tacos stay reliable under volume.
Who should go: Groups who want tacos with drinks
When to visit: After 11pm for peak late-night flow
What to order: Al pastor tacos, chilaquiles, guacamole and chips
Insider tip: Order the shareable first, then tacos—keeps timing tight.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and difficult late at night—rideshare or walking is recommended.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and night-out attire all fit in.
Noise level: Moderate to loud late—conversation is possible but expect bar-level energy after 10pm.
Weekend wait: 15–30 minutes after 11pm; faster if you arrive with a clear order.
Weekday lunch: No wait typically, though this spot shines more at night.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, beans, rice, and chips with guacamole.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable tacos without dairy; confirm ingredients before ordering.
Gluten-free options: Some options—corn tortillas are standard, but cross-contamination is possible.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or already-comfortable date—fun and lively, but not intimate or quiet.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes—walk-ins are the norm, especially late. Smaller groups move fastest.
Is it kid-friendly? Not ideal late—bar energy dominates after 9pm; better suited for adults.
Best For
Better for: Fast, reliable late-night tacos with drinks when most kitchens are closing.
Skip if: You want a quiet sit-down meal, elevated taco craftsmanship, or a daytime-focused experience.
El Camion Cantina
7.9
A compact Avenue A cantina that works best as a margarita-and-tacos stop with a straightforward menu and steady kitchen throughput. Skip the complicated ordering and lean into the tacos and one shared starter for a clean, low-friction meal.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Carnitas tacos, Queso fundido with chips
Scores:
Value: 7.6
Service: 7.7
Consistency: 7.9
Food Quality: 8
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 7.2
What makes it special: Avenue A cantina energy with dependable tacos and drinks.
Who should go: Friends who want tacos with cocktails
When to visit: Weeknight happy-hour window
What to order: Fish tacos, carnitas tacos, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order your shared starter immediately—kitchen timing stays smoother.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited availability and tough after 6pm. Rideshare or walking is the easiest option.
Dress code: Casual to smart-casual—jeans and a nice top work fine, especially for happy hour or date night.
Noise level: Moderate to lively—easy enough to talk, but expect some bar energy during peak hours.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes without a reservation during peak hours
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetable tacos, beans, rice, and cheese-forward dishes like queso fundido.
Vegan options: Limited—can assemble tacos with beans, veggies, and salsa, but requires ordering off-menu.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas are standard for tacos; most fillings are naturally gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes—casual but lively, with cocktails and shareable tacos that keep things relaxed without feeling rushed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes, especially on weeknights or early evenings. Arrive before peak dinner hours to minimize waiting.
Is it kid-friendly? Better for teens than young kids—menu is flexible, but the bar-forward vibe makes it more adult-oriented.
Best For
Better for: Margaritas, group-friendly taco ordering, and an upbeat cantina atmosphere on Avenue A.
Skip if: You want ultra-authentic regional Mexican or a quiet, food-first dining experience.
El Camion Cantina
8.2
A compact Avenue A cantina that works best as a margarita-and-tacos stop with steady kitchen throughput. Keep it straightforward—two tacos per person plus one shared starter—and it stays low-friction even when the room is busy.
Must-Try Dishes:
Fish tacos, Carnitas tacos, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 7.4
Service: 8
Consistency: 8.3
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 7.6
Cultural Relevance: 7.8
What makes it special: Avenue A cantina energy with dependable tacos and drinks.
Who should go: Friends who want tacos with cocktails
When to visit: Weeknight happy-hour window
What to order: Fish tacos, carnitas tacos, queso fundido
Insider tip: Order your shared starter immediately to smooth pacing.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only and limited; expect difficulty after 6pm. Most guests walk, bike, or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual-smart. Jeans and sneakers are fine, but people tend to look put-together for drinks.
Noise level: Moderate to loud when busy—conversation is easy early, more animated later at night.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—vegetarian tacos and starters are available and easy to order.
Vegan options: Limited—can assemble a couple of options, but not a dedicated vegan menu.
Gluten-free options: Mostly—corn tortillas are standard, but the kitchen isn’t fully gluten-free.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Yes, especially for a casual first date—lively energy, shareable plates, and margaritas help keep things relaxed.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Often yes on weeknights or early evenings; later at night you may need to wait or sit at the bar.
Is it kid-friendly? More adult-oriented—better for teens than younger kids, and the bar-forward vibe isn’t ideal for families.
Best For
Better for: Margaritas, group-friendly pacing, and a dependable tacos-and-drinks combo that works even when busy.
Skip if: You want a quiet, taco-purist experience or ultra-cheap street-style tacos—look elsewhere for that.
El Camion Cantina
8.3
A lively cantina that’s strongest at happy hour when you want crowd energy, margaritas, and dependable taco plates that show up fast. Treat it as a drinks-forward hang with a few well-chosen staples—one shareable starter, one taco round, and a finishing comfort plate if you stay.
Must-Try Dishes:
Carnitas tacos, Carne asada tacos, Queso fundido
Scores:
Value: 8
Service: 8.2
Consistency: 8.4
Food Quality: 8.3
Atmosphere: 8.6
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: A high-energy Avenue A cantina built for margaritas and tacos.
Who should go: Groups who want drinks plus real food
When to visit: Early evening before peak crowding
What to order: Carnitas tacos, queso fundido, one margarita round
Insider tip: Start with one shareable dip, then order tacos in two quick waves.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; very limited on Avenue A and difficult after 6pm. Rideshare or subway is strongly recommended.
Dress code: Casual to smart casual. Jeans and sneakers are common, but a slightly polished look fits the room at night.
Noise level: Loud during peak hours — conversation requires raised voices after 7pm, manageable earlier.
Weekend wait: 30–60 minutes without a reservation, especially after 7pm
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes — veggie tacos, sides, and customizable plates make it workable.
Vegan options: Limited — possible with modifications, but not a core strength.
Gluten-free options: Some naturally gluten-free taco and plate options, but no dedicated prep area.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or high-energy first date than an intimate one. Great if drinks and vibe matter more than quiet conversation.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially during happy hour or earlier in the evening. Late nights may mean a short wait, but turnover is steady.
Is it kid-friendly? Early evenings work for older kids, but it skews adult and bar-forward later at night.
Best For
Better for: Group hangs, margarita rounds, and fast-moving taco plates with lively cantina energy.
Skip if: You want a quiet meal, refined regional Mexican cooking, or a low-noise conversation-focused dinner.
El Camion Cantina
8.2
A practical Avenue A Mexican staple where the best move is using happy hour as a fast, reliable taco-and-margarita reset. The room is casual and quick-turn, so keep your order tight—two taco styles plus one side—then decide if you’re staying for a second round.
Must-Try Dishes:
Al pastor tacos, Carnitas tacos, Chips and salsa
Scores:
Value: 8.6
Service: 7.8
Consistency: 8.5
Food Quality: 8.4
Atmosphere: 7.3
Cultural Relevance: 8.1
What makes it special: Happy-hour margarita utility paired with dependable taco execution.
Who should go: After-work crews who want speed
When to visit: Weekdays early evening for smooth service
What to order: Al pastor tacos, carnitas tacos, chips and salsa
Insider tip: Order two taco styles first—repeat the winner immediately.
Logistics & Planning
Parking: Street parking only; limited and competitive after 6pm—plan to walk or use rideshare.
Dress code: Casual and relaxed—jeans, sneakers, and workday attire all fit right in.
Noise level: Moderate—energetic during happy hour but still workable for conversation.
Weekend wait: 30–45 minutes during peak hours without a reservation.
Weekday lunch: Little to no wait most days.
Dietary Options
Vegetarian options: Yes—bean, cheese, and veggie-forward tacos available.
Vegan options: Limited—vegetable tacos can be ordered without dairy.
Gluten-free options: Yes—corn tortillas standard; confirm fryer and prep details if sensitive.
Good to Know
Is this good for a first date? Better for a casual or after-work first date than a romantic one—the vibe is fast and practical rather than intimate.
Can I get a table without a reservation? Yes, especially on weekdays—tables turn quickly, and the bar is a reliable fallback.
Is it kid-friendly? Fine for older kids who eat tacos, but the happy-hour crowd and bar energy make it less ideal for families with young children.
Best For
Better for: Speed, value-driven happy hour tacos, and no-drama margaritas when timing matters.
Skip if: You’re looking for a long sit-down meal, a quiet date setting, or elevated chef-driven Mexican.