Neighborhood: Northern Liberties
Parking: Street parking only.
Handicap access: Wheelchair accessible.
Handicap access: Wheelchair accessible.
Related reviews:
A raucous bar and poor execution of many dishes undermine the ambitions of this Northern Liberties spot.
Craig LaBan: I doubt whether El Camino Real is striving for a kiddie crowd, especially with a kitchen that has ambitions to tackle two of the more serious themes straddling our Southern border: real barbecue and Tex-Mex cooking. But there is an unmistakably younger feeling here.
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Cuisine type: Barbecue; Tex-Mex
Meals Served:
Lunch
Dinner - Mon. thru Sun.
Style:
A young Northern Liberties crowd goes burritos for this "border bar" revamp of the former Deuce from the owner of neighboring Bar Ferdinand. But the best of ambitions to recast Tex-Mex's tired image with a bi-concept menu of barbecue and scratch Mexi-cooking from the chef's family recipes too often gets lost amidst the sloppy bar scene and inconsistent kitchen. There's a serious smoker that still needs fine-tuning, but the huge beef ribs and seitan "wings" are best bets.
Specialties:
Mexico: burritos (chicken; cactus and potato; lengua; colorado); chile rellenos. Texas: fried pickle chips; jalapeno poppers; Texas chili; "veggie" seitan wings; BBQ beef back ribs; bourbon pecan pie.
Alcohol:
The margaritas are just so-so, but there is a decent assortment of spice-friendly beers (when they're stocked), including Rogue chipotle ale, and refreshing Brooklyner Weisse on draft. There is also an extensive selection of fine American whiskies and tequilas.
Weekend noise:
Prepare to shout through the 98-decibel roar. (Ideal is 75 decibels or less.)
Hours: Lunch Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Dinner nightly, 5 p.m.-1 a.m. Weekend brunch, Saturday and Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Prices:
$$
The wagu briskett sandwich used to be great! Great portion, great sauce (sweet or spicy). The past 3x I've gone, all of the sandwiches portion sizes have decreased and they added condiments (lettuce, pickles, spread)... I wish they would go back to the "original". Also, we ordered a shrimp borito to go, and it was not done. some of the shrimp were still gray and not fully cooked. Still though a fun cool place to get drinks and the food is good when it's well prepared. Happy Hour 1/2 pitchers of Margaritas def a recommendation!