How is El Camino restaurant rated?

Name: El Camino
Address: 2400 India St., San Diego, CA, United States, 92101
Telephone: (619) 685-3881
Price range: $30 and under
Rating: 4.3

El Camino

4.3

158 Reviews

$30 and under

Mexican

Top tags:

El Camino is a restaurant and bar concept, created by Mauricio Couturier, to provide an exciting and memorable Mexican dining experience in a kitschy neighborhood atmosphere. Our menu reflects an authentic blend of recipes and food concepts of popular modern foods from Mexico. We strive to seasonally source as much as possible from local area farms and businesses in San Diego. El Camino introduces a funky restaurant hangout to the Little Italy community that strives to be affordable, accessible, and addicting.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

Additional information

Dining style
Casual Dining
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Latin American
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–12:00 am Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Phone number
(619) 685-3881
Website
http://www.elcaminosd.com/
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Private party facilities
Our outdoor patio is available for private and semi private events. We are able to cater to your needs!

Location
2400 India St., San Diego, CA 92101
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Cross Street
Kalmia Street
Parking Details
Street Parking
Entertainment
Tuesday"s- Karaoke Friday- Sunday - DJ's
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Guacamole De La CasaUS$8.00
Made at el camino everyday - fresh avocados, onions, cilantro and lime juice. Served with homemade tortilla chips
Nachos El Camino
Freshly made tortillas chips topped with a melted queso ranchero crumble, shredded mozzarella, salsa fresca, homemade black beans, guacamole and our cilantro mexican cream
- Starting atUS$9.00
"Mac & Cheese" NachosUS$12.00
Our house nachos topped with creamy kraft macaroni and cheese, baked with jalapenos and topped with bacon. Arriba!
Carne Asada FriesUS$11.00
Crispy steak fries toasted with cilantro, garlic and olive oil. Topped with shredded mozzarella, carne asada and a trio of green tomatillo salsa, spicy mama salsa and cilantro cream
Los Mole Fries
Crispy steak fries covered with our homemade mole sauce, topped with cilantro cream and queso fresco
- SmUS$6.00
- LgUS$9.00
Shrimp Cocktail VeracruzUS$14.00
A traditional shrimp cocktail served with our homemade cocktail sauce, avocado, onion, celery and cucumber. Served with saltine crackers and tostaditas
Shrimp Ceviche TostaditasUS$12.00
A glass bowl of fresh shrimp ceviche for a build it yourself tostadita! Served wth six corn tostadas and limes. Bueno for two people!
SopesUS$11.00
Sopes (yellow corn masa) topped with black beans, with your choice of shredded chicken or pulled pork. Topped with chopped lettuce, queso fresco and our cilantro sour cream. Bueno for sharing
Tijuana Caesar SaladUS$9.00
Created in tijuana in 1924 and perfected at el camino. Hearts of romaine lettuce with our homemade habanero caesar dressing. Topped with a parmesan and romano cheese blend
Superchido Taco SaladUS$10.00
Crispy flour tortilla shell, romaine lettuce, black beans, corn, avocado and our queso ranchero crumble. Served with your choice of homemade chipotle ranch or balsamic dressing on the side
Sopa De FideoUS$5.00
Homemade from grandmother's recipe, a light tomato and fideo soup made with garlic, onion and cilantro. Topped with cilantro and mexican cream

Quesadillas

A large flour tortilla grilled and filled with shredded mozzarella. Served with guacamole, sour cream and salsa fresca

El QuesoUS$8.00
- EsquiteUS$9.00
- ChickenUS$10.00
- Black BeansUS$9.00
- Carne AsadaUS$11.00
- ShrimpUS$12.00

Tacos

Our "street style" tacos are served 4 to a plate on corn tortillas and come with rice and our homemade black beans

Carne AsadaUS$12.00
Grilled choice top sirloin topped with cilantro and onion
Camaron AsadoUS$14.00
Pan seared garlic cilantro shrimp finished with lime juice
Al PastorUS$12.00
Our achiote marinated pork topped with cilantro, onion and pineapple
Mahi-MahiUS$13.00
Grilled mahi-mahi topped with mixed cabbage
Chicken AsadaUS$11.00
Grilled chicken asada topped with cilantro and onion
RajasUS$10.00
Grilled chile poblano, onion, bell peppers, mushroom and corn sauteed with mexican cream

Burritos

At "el camino" our burritos are filled with homemade black bean spread, mixed cabbage, salsa fresca and wrapped in a grilled flour tortilla cut in half for sharing. Served with a side of our mexican street corn "esquite"

Carne AsadaUS$12.00
Grilled choice top sirloin
Camaron AsadoUS$14.00
Pan seared garlic cilantro shrimp
Al PastorUS$12.00
Our achiote marinated pork, pineapple, cilantro and onion
CaliforniaUS$14.00
Grilled choice top sirloin, crispy steak fries, guacamole, and shredded mozzarella
Chicken AsadaUS$11.00
Grilled chicken asada
Mahi-MahiUS$13.00
Grilled mahi-mahi
Vegetable LoteriaUS$10.00
Grilled poblano chile, onion, corn and seasonal vegetables
Surf & TurfUS$15.00
Grilled choice top sirloin and pan seared garlic cilantro shrimp

Platos Chidos

Enchiladas LocasUS$12.00
Three corn tortilla enchiladas in a mild red tomatillo sauce. Topped with cheese and cilantro and your choice of cheese, chicken or carne asada. Served with our homemade black beans and mexican rice
Enchiladas SuizasUS$13.00
Three corn tortillas in a green tomatillo sauce. Topped with cheese, sour cream and cilantro. Stuffed with pulled chicken. Served with our homemade black beans and mexican rice.
Los Crispy TacosUS$13.00
Three fried corn tortillas filled with your choice of shredded chicken, beef or mashed potato and soyrizo. Topped with lettuce, tomato and cilantro sour cream. Served with our homemade black beans and mexican rice
Sweet Potato FlautasUS$9.00
4 flautas filled with sweet potato, fried and topped with queso fresco, cilantro cream and green tomatillo salsa. Que rico!
Stone I. P. A. Baja Fish TacosUS$13.00
Two baja tacos, beer-battered with stone i.p.a And cooked to crispy perfection. Topped with fresh cabbage and cilantro cream. Served on a flour tortilla with a slice of lime. Served with our homemade black beans and mexican rice

Los Sides

Black BeansUS$3.00
Mexican Street Corn "Esquite"US$4.00
Mexican RiceUS$3.00
GuacemoleUS$3.00
CheeseUS$2.00
Mexican Sour CreamUS$2.00

Dulces

Dulces
At el camino we offer the best in homemade mexican postres, ask your server for tonight's dessert specials

What 158 people are saying

Overall ratings and reviews

4.3

4.3 based on all time ratings

4.1Food
4.1Service
4.4Ambience
4.1Value

Noise • Moderate

158 Reviews

JM
JuliaM
San Diego
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on March 1, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
The food and service was great, the price was reasonable.
Is this helpful?
CF
CecileF
San Diego
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 25, 2020
overall5food4service5ambience5
My friends and I love gathering at ElCamino on Friday nights especially when the DJ starts up at 9:30pm. We dance the night away like we’re the only ones there. So far the best music and best service than some other bars we’ve checked out.
Is this helpful?
WH
WendyH
San Diego
34 reviews
vip
4.0
34 reviews
Dined on January 12, 2020
overall4food5service3ambience4
Food was awesome, as was overall vibe and wait staff. Fun place. Hostess was on a power trip, horrible communication skills and couldn’t crack a smile or make a visitor feel welcome if she was paid to do it (oh wait, she is, isn’t she?). If you can get past her you will have a great time.
1 person found this helpful
y
yolandah
San Diego
37 reviews
vip
5.0
37 reviews
Dined on January 6, 2020
overall5food5service5ambience5
Always a good experience loved the happy hour pricing !
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Hawaii
8 reviews
5.0
8 reviews
Dined on December 12, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We had a great experience! 100% we’ll be going back when we are back in town. Staff was great, food was amazing and pricing was perfect! The only negative about the location is Air plane noise which really didn’t bother us at all. Highly recommended!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Greece
6 reviews
3.0
6 reviews
Dined on December 8, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience5
Fun place to visit. Great ambience! Food was disappointing though... especially the tacos which literally had no substance or flavor. Drinks were OK but not amazing ... We asked for water several times from different servers and were told there were no more water glasses... (!) One nice waitress there finally did bring us water.... after dinner service the place turns into a club ....
Is this helpful?
A
Alexia
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall5food3service4ambience5
Overall it was an amazing time! We enjoyed the amibiance!
Is this helpful?
PD
hkrPDX
Portland
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on November 10, 2019
overall3food4service1ambience5
I will lead off with the decor is great and the food was fine, but rather expensive for what you got ($16 for three merely okay tacos? Really?). Restaurant called and asked if I wanted inside or outside. I said outside. On arrival, we had to wait, then were seated inside. Asked to be moved outside per our request. That must have been a mistake because the service was a zero from that moment on. Told we had to be done by 9 (it was 7). Pacing was way off. We felt very rushed by server to order drinks right away with no chance to really look things over. Same with food. Appetizer came out with meal, not before. Not asked it we'd like a second round of drinks, but only if we were ready to leave. So we said, yes, indeed, we really were ready to leave. After getting a "of course you are" look from the server, we left our half-finished first round of drinks--that's how fast the food came--on the table and walked out. You might blame this on them needing the table in another 90 minutes, but that did not stop them from seating another party (of three) at the other end of the six-top, so I don't think that was it. We felt like they wanted to get rid of us, so we obliged. We were there only about 35 minutes from start to finish. Hardly a nice evening out.
Is this helpful?
AB
AmberB
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on November 3, 2019
overall2food1service1ambience4
I used to go to El Camino all the time and was really excited to go back for my birthday but was incredibly disappointed in how small the portions are now. The food itself is still decent but the portions are now a quarter of the size they used to be but still the same price. The service was also disappointing as well it felt like he forgot about us throughout our meal. Sadly I don’t think I’ll be going back.
Is this helpful?
L
Laurie
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 27, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
My daughter choose El Camino for dinner before the Homecoming dance and the management and staff couldn't have been nicer! Good food, super fun atmosphere, and the kids felt like rockstars...Great experience!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 20, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Birthday dinners with family
Is this helpful?
CS
ChrisS
San Francisco
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on October 20, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great spot to start the night, on Saturday happy hour from 5 to 7pm is awesome!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Orange County
1 review
vip
5.0
1 review
Dined on October 19, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
I reserved a last minute table for 15 for a surprise party. When we got there we had the best seat in the house. The hostess helped us with the surprise making it seem super casual (without any prior notice). Our waitress made it so easy for everyone to pay their own tabs and split it up in groups of 2-3 which was SO HELPFUL when it came to paying the bills. We were extremely loud at the end of the night but so was the reat of the restaurant. It was perfect! 5 stars all around for service, ambience, apps and drinks!
Is this helpful?
H
Harika
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 25, 2019
overall5food3service5ambience5
Best service ever, went there for my 19 birthday and was blown away just by how nice the staff was. I had such an amazing time just enjoying being in there presents it’s a very comfortable place to be and to my surprise at the end of the night the DJ decided to pay for me and my boyfriends meal without us knowing. I will be going back without a doubt
Is this helpful?
CC
CrystalC
San Diego
3 reviews
3.0
3 reviews
Dined on September 14, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience4
The options are limited and very trendy. Lacked the feel of traditional mexican.
Is this helpful?
TS
TinaS
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on September 8, 2019
overall4food4service5ambience5
The Food was good but parking was AWFUL! If parking was better, they’d get all stars.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on September 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
The staff was very helpful & accommodate our party. Thank you for a wonderful night! Everyone had a lot of fun!
Is this helpful?
DE
DoloresE
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on August 2, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
One of my top 3 spots in San Diego. Been coming here for years, it never disappoints. Great drinks & jams with an awesome ambience!
Is this helpful?
AB
AnnaB
San Diego
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on July 19, 2019
overall5food4service4ambience5
Only complaint we had was the pitcher of margarita that we ordered was a little watered down. Definitely could taste the tequila though! Shrimp and carne asada quesadillas were delicious, as is their chipotle dipping sauce- so addicting! Even though the planes are loud going over the patio, I love the outdoor seating area and would only choose to sit out there!
Is this helpful?
t
toni
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on July 7, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
HAD A AWSOME TIME AND SERVICE WAS EXCELLENT OUR WAITER WAS GREAT NEVER HAD A EMPTY GLASS WAS ALWYAS THERE WHEN WE NEEDED SOMTHING WILL RECOMMEND TO FAMILY AND FIRENDS. THANK YOU
Is this helpful?
K
Kris
San Diego
4 reviews
3.0
4 reviews
Dined on July 6, 2019
overall3food1service5ambience5
Super mediocre food. Even the guacamole wasn't good. Fun ambiance though.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 30, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
It was great! Thank you so much, we will be back!!
Is this helpful?
a
andy
Detroit
67 reviews
vip
4.0
67 reviews
Dined on June 29, 2019
overall4food5service5ambience4
I’m great little restaurant serving good Mexican food in the flight path of San Diego’s international Airport.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
San Diego
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on June 19, 2019
overall5food3service5ambience5
Had so much fun celebrating my birthday here! Karaoke night and happy hour on Tuesdays made it even better!! The service was great but there was not much value in the full price food options. Small portions and kind of bland. Highly recommend though!!
Is this helpful?
JU
JULIEC
San Diego
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 14, 2019
overall4food3service4ambience5
It is a cool Mexican cantina with great drinks and decor.
Is this helpful?
LM
LoriM
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on April 6, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Overall amazing! Host recommended some of the best drinks to start off and I took her recommendations. Our server Tory was amazing always checking what else I needed.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
4.0
1 review
Dined on April 6, 2019
overall4food4service3ambience4
Birthday. Was very fun and staff was nice, just need more waitressing especially for a big party of 15. Also did not know after 10pm there is a long line and had friends wait an hour in line. Overall very fun, food was good. Recommend for smaller parties.
Is this helpful?
MD
MariD
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on March 31, 2019
overall5food3service5ambience5
I love this place! My friends had never been there and they really enjoyed the ambience. They and I will be back soon!
Is this helpful?
JC
JasonC
San Diego
2 reviews
3.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience5
Great place to hang. Food and service definitely a disappointment this time round
Is this helpful?
CH
CaitlinH
San Diego
2 reviews
5.0
2 reviews
Dined on March 17, 2019
overall5food4service5ambience5
Awesome location and vibe
Is this helpful?
MW
MikeW
Nashville
6 reviews
5.0
6 reviews
Dined on March 11, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Favorite restaurant in Little Italy !!!
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Baja California
3 reviews
5.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 23, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Loved the place, service and food 👍🏼
Is this helpful?
SH
SusanH
San Diego
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 23, 2019
overall3food4service1ambience3
The service wasn't so great. It wasn't very crowded and we had to wait too long after being seated for someone to come ask us if we wanted a drink. Then our drinks were empty for quite some time before we had to flag down the server and ask for another one
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on February 22, 2019
overall3food3service2ambience3
Service was just okay and the music was loud for being somewhat empty.
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
Houston
3 reviews
2.0
3 reviews
Dined on February 17, 2019
overall2food2service3ambience5
It was really eh. The food was fine but over priced. Loud. But super cool space. We won’t be going back for dinner. But I hear drinks and dancing are cool here
Is this helpful?
KK
KentK
1 review
2.0
1 review
Dined on February 17, 2019
overall2food3service2ambience3
The decor inside was nice. The music was way way to loud. Impossible to talk. They were playing disco music which didn’t really go with the Mexican Food experience. The drinks were not good either. My date ordered a Paloma which tasted like watered down sprite with some orange flavor. I ordered a sangria which also tasted like watered down wine. Food was good, service very slow.
Is this helpful?
J
Jennifer
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 26, 2019
overall3food3service3ambience4
Server felt very cold and bothered by request for salsa. Super cool environment, but it was cold in the patio. Not enough heaters. Squeezed a party of 9 onto one of their high tables. 4 of us had to sit on one side and it was very tight and uncomfortable. Wasn't impressed by food. Taco's were so so, not bad, just so so and guac didn't taste fresh. Not a horrible experience, but not fantastic either. Would return if invited, but wouldn't be my choice 2nd time around.
Is this helpful?
T
Tony91950
1 review
3.0
1 review
Dined on January 13, 2019
overall3food2service3ambience4
Service was ok table was dirty drinks where great food needs more flavor but over good atmosphere
Is this helpful?
OT
OpenTable Diner
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 9, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
We came here to celebrate my 25th birthday and it was incredible ! We sat in the outside area in our own private spot where it was a bit warmer. I love seeing the airplanes fly over! It was happy hour all night, and they had a taco Tuesday deal. The food was amazing ! I recommend the carne asada fries, and chicken tacos! For desert the fried ice cream was absolutely incredible. We got several pitchers of margaritas, and the sangria tasted so good (very cinnamony!) Our waitress checked in on us often and the guy who brought out the foot had about 6 plates he was able to carry and that was extremely impressive. All of the murals, and the Christmas lights really set the mood and it was an overall amazing experience. I’ll be returning again for sure!
Is this helpful?
JK
JulieK
1 review
5.0
1 review
Dined on January 4, 2019
overall5food5service5ambience5
Great ambiance, Mexican food and service, what more could you ask for!
Is this helpful?

FAQs

El Camino is rated 4.3 stars by 158 OpenTable diners.

Not available on OpenTable

Unfortunately, this restaurant is not on the OpenTable reservation network.

If you like, we'll notify you by email if this restaurant joins.

Is this your restaurant?

Claim this listing

2400 India St., San Diego, CA 92101

Additional information

Cross Street
Kalmia Street
Neighbourhood
Little Italy
Hours of Operation
Brunch Sun 11:00 am–3:00 pm Dinner Tue 5:00 pm–12:00 am Wed, Thu 5:00 pm–9:30 pm Fri, Sat 5:00 pm–2:00 am
Cuisines
Mexican, Contemporary Mexican, Latin American
Dining style
Casual Dining
Dress Code
Casual Dress
Parking Details
Street Parking
Payment Options
AMEX, Discover, Mastercard, Visa
Entertainment
Tuesday"s- Karaoke Friday- Sunday - DJ's
Additional
Bar/Lounge, Beer, Cocktails, Corkage Fee, Counter Seating, Dancing, Entertainment, Full Bar, Gluten-free Options, Happy Hour, Outdoor Smoking Area, Patio/Outdoor Dining, Patio/Outdoor Dining, View, Weekend Brunch, Wheelchair Access, Wine

Website
http://www.elcaminosd.com/
Phone number
(619) 685-3881
Private party facilities
Our outdoor patio is available for private and semi private events. We are able to cater to your needs!

El Camino

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information

Entradas

Guacamole De La CasaUS$8.00

Nachos El Camino

"Mac & Cheese" NachosUS$12.00

Carne Asada FriesUS$11.00

Los Mole Fries

Shrimp Cocktail VeracruzUS$14.00

Shrimp Ceviche TostaditasUS$12.00

SopesUS$11.00

Tijuana Caesar SaladUS$9.00

Superchido Taco SaladUS$10.00

Sopa De FideoUS$5.00

Quesadillas

El QuesoUS$8.00

Tacos

Carne AsadaUS$12.00

Camaron AsadoUS$14.00

Al PastorUS$12.00

Mahi-MahiUS$13.00

Chicken AsadaUS$11.00

RajasUS$10.00

Burritos

Carne AsadaUS$12.00

Camaron AsadoUS$14.00

Al PastorUS$12.00

CaliforniaUS$14.00

Chicken AsadaUS$11.00

Mahi-MahiUS$13.00

Vegetable LoteriaUS$10.00

Surf & TurfUS$15.00

Platos Chidos

Enchiladas LocasUS$12.00

Enchiladas SuizasUS$13.00

Los Crispy TacosUS$13.00

Sweet Potato FlautasUS$9.00

Stone I. P. A. Baja Fish TacosUS$13.00

Los Sides

Black BeansUS$3.00

Mexican Street Corn "Esquite"US$4.00

Mexican RiceUS$3.00

GuacemoleUS$3.00

CheeseUS$2.00

Mexican Sour CreamUS$2.00

Dulces

Dulces

Overall ratings and reviews

FAQs

How is El Camino restaurant rated?

Not available on OpenTable

Additional information